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

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River Beach Community The river beach community makes up approximately four percent of the park along the banks of the Mississippi River (Figure 5). This community is located along the park's riverbank and is dominated by annual and perennial plants that grow on the exposed river beaches. Silver maple comprises most of the volume of woody species, swamp milkweed and blue vervain comprise the forb species found here. The part of river beach community located northwest of the red cedar forest contains more of the natural vegetation that makes up this community type. The area southeast of the red cedar forest is mostly American elm. Agricultural Area The agricultural fields on the park comprise approximately thirteen percent of the area and are found in the area north of the Husby home (Figure 5), Fanning is still practiced in many areas of Mississippi West Regional Park. In the areas east of Traprock Street, corn fields are maintained to provide a food source for white-tailed deer, migrating waterfowl and other wilcllii'e. The ft61ds of eom, sorghum, and soybeans west of Traprock Sweet are grown for profit by Alan Pearson, who rents the land from the Husbys. Water erosion was observed occurring on the soils of A. Pearson's fields west of Traprock Street. Fauna Mississippi West Regional Park offers a suitable habitat for birds such as meadow larks, pheasants, sparrows and waterfowl (Table 4). Osprey, owls, eagles, and hawks are provided predation grounds at this site. A large number of mammals inhabit the area such as white-tailed deer, white-footed mouse, common raccoon, fox squirrel, and coyote. Reptiles and ampkibians also make their home at Mississippi West Regional Park including the pIain's garter snake, American toad, wood frog, painted turtle, and the prairie skmk. The abundance of trees, prairie, and island habitats supply nesting and refuge areas for a variety of wildlife (Wovcha et al, 1995). Cultural The cultural inventory covers all parts of the park and surrounding land that contain structures, facilities and other development. Included are human structures, roads, trails, and utilities coming into the park. 16