Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 09/19/2022

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Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated the purpose of the case is to highlight a program known as Lawns to Legumes and to seek support to promote this in an upcoming issue of the Ramsey Resident newsletter. This program is offered through a partnership between the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), Metro Blooms, and Blue Thumb — Planting for Clean Water and is focused on creating pollinator friendly plantings in residential lawns. Board Member Hiatt asked if there would be potential for the City to be an applicant for the program. He commented that if residents saw a good demonstration plot, that could encourage residents. Senior Planner Anderson provided details on a native planting that the City did, working with Prairie Restoration, near Alpine Park noting that the utility company was also a partner. He stated that the City did a similar project along the Lake Itasca Trail, establishing pollinator friendly plantings in a public corridor. He stated that perhaps there would be opportunity through the funding for a demonstration project and noted that he could follow up on that potential. Board Member Hiatt stated that perhaps having a tangible project to promote to residents would help gain interest and participation. He stated that although the article mentions the guide for assistance, it might help some people to actually see what it would look like. Senior Planner Anderson stated that the City previously partnered with Andover to host a tour of native landscaping on private properties to promote and encourage others to complete similar projects. He confirmed that native landscaping does still require work and ongoing maintenance. Chairperson Moore commented that she believed that the Park and Recreation Commission had discussed a native planting area near the future splashpad with some placards. She commented that there is also renovation at one of the parks which will have some native plantings. She confirmed that there is support for this type of program. Senior Planner Anderson noted that placards are a magnet for vandalism and therefore perhaps alternate forms of educational signage could be explored. 5.02: Emerald Ash Borer Update Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the purpose of the case is to provide the EPB an update regarding Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The first confirmed EAB infested trees in Ramsey were found in December of 2019. Over the next two years (2020-2021), staff did respond to multiple inquiries/concerns about ash trees but only identified a couple of suspected EAW infested trees. In 2022, there is now widespread evidence of EAB infested trees throughout the community. Board Member Hiatt asked how expensive it would be to treat a tree. Senior Planner Anderson replied that would be based on the size of the tree and estimated $10 to $15 per inch diameter. He stated that cost would be every other year for the life of the tree, which does add up. He stated that he is unsure that he would encourage treatment of a tree unless it is very visible or providing desired shade. He stated that treatment can occur if symptoms are noticed Environmental Policy Board / September 19, 2022 Page 2 of 3