Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 12/01/2014

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Iron enhanced sand filters may also be recommended to capture dissolved phosphorus discharging for new or existing stormwater treatment ponds. ACD will typically call upon the expertise of a consulting engineer if this practice is being considered. Campus retrofits are larger scale projects such as school grounds, churches, municipal building and business complexes that may include several different practices noted above. Habitat Improvement— Just as many water quality improvement practices are a benefit to wildlife, many habitat improvement practices also improve water quality, water conservation, flood control and other resource concerns. Including the following services under habitat improvement does not imply that is the only benefit. Ecosystem restoration varies in scale and type, from 2 acres to 200 acres or more and can involve the restoration of a single ecosystem such as a prairie, savanna, woodland or wetland, or a complex of interconnected ecosystems. Larger scale projects are typical of publicly held lands. Most projects on private property are less than 20 acres in size. Working with landowners to enhance the wildlife value of their property will continue to be a service of the ACD. Ecosystem restoration and enhancement will be done by providing both technical and financial assistance utilizing funding sources such as Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Partners Grants, Lessard -Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, and Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources. Backyard habitat refers to projects less than an acre in size. Backyard habitat enhancement projects focus on attracting wildlife by providing food, water, and shelter but not in a way that could be considered an ecological restoration. Plans vary based upon the wildlife the landowner wishes to attract but can include butterfly gardens, bird houses and feeders, plantings of both native and non-native species (although native species are encouraged) to provide food and shelter, rock and brush piles, and water features. Invasive species control is often a first step toward ecosystem restoration. The control of invasive species such as Common and Glossy Buckthorn, Tartarian Honeysuckle, Garlic Mustard, Purple Loosestrife, Reed Canary Grass, Spotted Knapweed and several thistle species must be achieved in order to begin the process of reintroducing desirable native species. In some cases it is the only activity needed to preserve an otherwise high quality ecosystem. ACD has undertaken a "buckthorn clean sweep" project, where sparse buckthorn infestations in our highest quality natural areas are being eradicated. Past efforts treated over 1,000 acres in this way and a project to complete an additional 450 acres is planned for 2014-2016. ACD will pursue funding to continue this effort and dedicate some staff and financial resources in October and November of each year regardless of outside funding to ensure continuity in this program. page 32 Anoka Conservation District Comprehensive Plan October 2014