Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/11/2012

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adjacent to the individual species identifying them by both common and scientific names and larger, interpretive signs will be placed throughout the park with information on the majesty of trees in addressing storm water management, carbon sequestration, diversifying the landscape and wildlife habitat. 7. Personnel: The following staff will be active participants in this project: • Chris Anderson, Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator, ISA Certified Arborist (PN- 1767A)— responsible for development of landscape plan as well as training/instructing team of volunteers that will conduct the plantings (emphasis will be placed on correct planting depth and corrective/structural pruning over the first three [3] years after planting). • Mark Riverblood, Parks Supervisor, MN Certified Tree Inspector —responsible for the new park's development, overseeing site preparation by Parks Staff, and coordination of volunteers. • Mike Berge, Parks Lead, MN Certified Tree Inspector —will be responsible for material delivery, site preparation, assisting with plantings and on -going maintenance. • Volunteers —will assist with installation of 106 trees. Prior to planting, proper planting techniques will be demonstrated by ISA Certified Arborist to emphasis hole prep and depth, locating 1st set of primary roots for proper planting depth, and mulching. The training will also review necessary maintenance, such as pruning, watering, and winter protection for the first three (3) years of a newly installed tree. • PACT Charter School —Dan DeBruyn, Principal, work with his faculty to incorporate into their Science lesson plans the benefits trees provide. Students will then be involved in developing the text and content for the interpretive signs at the site. 8. Maintenance and Management Plan A. One time activities at time of planting: application of slow -release fertilizer (Parks Staff), pruning of dead/broken limbs only (Parks Staff/Volunteers). On -going maintenance activities (all by Parks Staff) over the first three (3) growing seasons: watering, as needed, May - October, pruning (corrective and structural) November -March, liquid fence application April, September/October, installing and removing tree wrap/guards November and April/May respectively. Monitoring/assessing trees occurs each time the site is visited, regardless of the maintenance activity, and any symptoms/signs that are evident are investigated and addressed as necessary. B. The City has developed a draft Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan in an effort to prepare for the inevitable appearance of this insect. The City does employ an ISA Certified Arborist that routinely monitors the community forest (both public and private lands) for oak wilt and Dutch elm disease to limit the impacts of these destructive pathogens. When detected, contact is made with the property owner to discuss appropriate management strategies and actions. The City will also continue its comprehensive public outreach including the newsletter, website and cable TV spots to keep residents and businesses aware and informed of current tree related issues (e.g. drought, hail damage, pine bark beetles, European pine sawfly oak wilt and EAB).