Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/10/1997

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Hubbard Coarse Sand This soft ranges in areas with nearly level to sloping areas (0-2%, 2-6%, and 6-12% slopes) and is excessively drained. The series dominates the northern areas of the park and is s~ttered throughout other areas as well. Permeability is rapid on this soft and the natural fertility is generally Iow, except for phosphorus which is medium. The Hubbard series formed in outwash sands and has a coarser texture than other softs at the site (excluding the cut and fill area). The available water capacity is low, which is its major limitation, along with the hazard of soil blowing and droughtiness. This series is poorly suited for corn and ~o½beans, moderately suited for alfalfa, pasture, and woodland, and well suited for urban development uses. For recreation, it is moderately suited to camp sites, picnic areas, and playgrounds where the slope is less than 6%. Where the slope is 6-12%, playgrounds become a severe limitation due to the sandy nature of the soft. Limitations for paths and trails are severe on all areas of the Hubbard series due to its sandy texture. Hydrology No wetlands were observed on the mainland of Mississippi West Regional Park during the inventory period. Cloquet and Fost&s Islands appeared to have some wetland characteristics, which would be consistent with their high water tables since they are in the Mississippi River, but neither island is classified as a DNR wetland (Hovey, 1995). The seasonal high water tables for the rest of the park are very far below the soil surface. For instance, the Beeker very fine sand's water table is below 5 feet, while all the other soils at the park have a water table below 6 feet (USDA, 1977). Mississippi West Regional Park is located within the LRRWMO (Bart Engineering Co., 1991) and also is located within the jurisdiction of MNRRA. Any activities that could pose a thr~t to the water quality of the Mississippi River come under the scrutiny of the rules set by these organizations. The park is located on the Mississippi River and contains two islands within the river, and poses some management concerns due to boat usage (Hovey, 1995). This stretch of river is already used by boaters. For example, a boat dock is located at the Rivenwick subdivision, just to the west of the park. Motorboats and jet skis enter and exit the river at this dock. Ofam times they get up enough speed to produce large wakes, which accelerate shoreline erosion in the park. 11