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

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Vegetative Communities Eight vegetative community types were identified within Mississippi West Regional Park (Figure 5 and Table 3). Most of the vegetation present has been altered or influenced by human activities on and around the park (Husby, I995), The Husbys have had the greatest impact on the current vegetation types since they have planted so many non-native tree and gra~s species (Larson, 1990). Some of the areas have retained or are reverting to the natural community types that were present to the Anoka sand plain before human settlement. The book, Guide to Native Habitats (Wovcha et al, 1995), was used as a guide in naming the native vegetative communities of the Anoka sand plain. Ail communities that were non-native to the park were categorized according to the primary vegetation types in an area. Oak Woodland-Brushland The oak woodland-brushland community makes up approximately three percent of Mississippi West Regional Park and is found growing on the abandoned gravel pit located west of Traprock Sweet (Figure 5). This vegetation grows on the fiat'lowlands, as well as.the steep slopes contained in this area. k is a relatively open community of northern pin oak, burr oak, red oak, quaking aspen, American elm, and red cedar. The shrub layer is dominated by oak sprouts and red cedar sprouts. The ground layer is composed of herbs and woody plants that include red raspberry, Vir~nia creeper, blue vervain, wormwood, and wild grape. The forest canopy is dominated mainly by mature quaking aspen, American elm, and some red cedar. There is some mid-layer growth of red cedar and oak trees. Most of the oaks in this area are very small sprouts, as oaks need the shade of an established forest to germinate. Floodplain Forest The floodplain forest occurs predominantly on Foster's and Cloquet Islands, which account for approximately thirty four percent of the park (Figure 5). The vegetation on these islands includes silver maple, black willow, cottonwood, slippery and American elm, and blue and green ash. The dense ground layer cover is characterized by wild grape, Virginia creeper, and wood nettle. These islands are frequently flooded and this natural vegetation is adapted to the wet soil conditions. Many of the tree roots, especially those trees around the edges of the islands, are submerged in water for a good portion of the year. 12