Agenda - Council - 07/14/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE OAK WILT PROGRAM PROPOSAL By: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Coordinator and Bruce Bacon, Environmental Specialist Background:, Oak wilt contin~ues to take its toll on Ramsey's predominant species, mature red oaks. Most every resident in l~a~nse~ has experienced the disheartening effects of oak wilt or is familiar with someone who~has.! These oaks contribute more than beauty, wildlife habitat and increased property value~ TI~ trees provide distinction and, in many cases, actually produce energy savings by virtue of shade ~d wind protection. Annual estimates of red oak mortality range from 2.5% per year to 5% ~uri .~g the drought. The 1988 DNR aerial survey found 214 acres, of more than 20 trees each, dyifig in !Ramsey. Anoka Countg is faost heavily impacted. For 1992, the University of Minnesota Extension Division, S°ili C0~servation Service and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are implementing ~ $2J0,000 Federally funded Cooperative Oak Wilt Suppression Program targeted for Anoka Coanty~ The nature of this program is to focus available dollars on the work of reducing root ~ra~'!s of existing infection centers and controlling the overland spread. This program encot~ag~s participation by essentially funding the City's share of a 50/50 match with homeowner anti developer control work. All oak wilt suppression activity occurring in Ramsey would be eligible f~r cost share funding. The purpose of this case is to receive authorization from City Council to "throw the hat in the ring". This aPPlication for funding does not commit the City to any expenditure or program. It is Staff's desir6 to sabmit this application by July 15, 1992 to ensure eligibility for oak wilt suppression do!lars ishould the City choose to implement an oak wilt control program in 1992. Earlier this yeitr, tl~e City procured a $5,000 "Comprehensive Community Forestry Planning Grant" to contrftct fCr an updated survey, mapping and control plan. This plan is also necessary to access the oak ~ilt l~uppression dollars. Kunde Company is currently on schedule with providing the City with ~e sgrvey, mapping and control plan. This report will indicate smaller sites not found on the a~'ria! ~ap and new infection centers. These details and a recommendation for an oak wilt control Pla~ is *xpected in August. It is Staff's intent t~ prepare a detailed oak wilt analysis and control recommendation for City Council consideration in early September when all information is available. Submission of this application ali~ws:: · EligibiUty for community use of Anoka County's vibratory plow for implementation of a control .Plan. Encumber ~ederal funds for 1993 if suppression work begins in 1992. Increases chances of program fund availability for suppression dollars expected to be allocatod through 1996.