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Pilot Knob Hill Phase II
Natural Resource Management Plan
November, 2007
����Pilot Knob Hill Phase II
Natural Resource Management Plan
Compiled by:
Wiley Buck
Todd Rexine
Tara Krebs
Tony Randazzo
Daniel Tix
Great River Greening
November 2007
��Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Great River Greening, a nonprofit organization, helps
communities coordinate cost-effective and sustained efforts to
manage ecosystems of the Mississippi, Minnesota and St.
Croix River valleys in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We
are primarily an implementing organization, providing on-theground ecological restoration and management of both public
and private land. We engage thousands of volunteers in the
planting of native vegetation, removal of exotic weeds, native
seed collection and stewardship—work which results in an
informed and involved citizenry. GRG also acts as a catalyst,
creating effective partnerships among agencies, municipalities,
and private landowners responsible for managing river valleys
and their natural resources. Restoration ecologists and other
scientists provide technical expertise. For more information,
see our website at www.greatrivergreening.org.
Wiley Buck, Restoration Ecologist (M.S., Wildlife
Conservation, University of Minnesota)
Wiley is responsible for project development and management,
particularly for multi-year restoration projects such as Metro
Conservation Corridors, a cooperative effort for protection and
acquisition in priority areas of the metro, and Bucks and
Buckthorn, a youth hunter and ecological education project. He
served as Greening’s conservation director in 2004 and 2005.
Wiley gained his restoration expertise through his experience
with McHenry County Conservation District, The Nature
Conservancy, Chicago Wilderness, and the Minnesota DNR’s
Scientific and Natural Areas Program (SNA). As Resource
Management Supervisor with SNA, he developed and
implemented SNA management policy, supervised crew and
staff, and helped build budgets and funding priorities.
wbuck@greatrivergreening.org
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Todd Rexine, Ecological Designer (M.L.A, University of
Minnesota)
Todd provides landscape ecological and design services on a
variety of Greening projects. He has significant installation,
computer and budget experience from his years in the private
design-build field. He also has a B.F.A. in Studio Art and has
worked as an assistant for American Bronze Castings, in
addition to continuing in his own sculpture.
trexine@greatrivergreening.org
Tara Krebs, Project Assistant (B.A. Rangeland Ecology,
conc. Restoration, Colorado State University)
Tara assists the Conservation Director at Great River Greening
with project development and tracking, as well as follow-up
maintenance and field support. She started as a field crew
member at Great River Greening. Her previous work
experience includes: studying nutrient loading on a watershed
level with The Institute of Ecosystem Studies, teaching ecology
lessons to high school students at the Irvine Nature Center, and
work as the Rangeland Management specialist SCEP student,
writing annual operating plans, implementing riparian
monitoring systems, and doing GPS/GIS work for the USDA
Forest Service in Colville, WA.
tkrebs@greatrivergreening.org
Tony Randazzo, Landscape Ecologist (M.L.A, University of
Minnesota)
Tony provides landscape, ecological and design services on a
variety of Greening projects, conducts ecological inventories
and analysis, and writes ecological restoration and management
plans. Previously at Kestrel Design Group and Peterson
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Environmental Consulting, Tony specializes in inventory,
design and restoration of wetlands, shorelines and streambanks.
trandazzo@greatrivergreening.org
Daniel Tix, Conservation Director (Ph.D., Conservation
Biology, University of Minnesota)
Dan leads and coordinates the growing
conservation operations of Greening, including volunteer
restoration work, crew work, ecological planning, design and
consulting. Previously, as Conservation Ecologist, he was
involved in all types of restoration work, particularly the
restoration of native savanna and forest communities and the
development of design and management plans. Dan received
his Ph.D. in plant biology from the University of Minnesota,
where he researched management of restored prairies along
roadsides and in urban areas. He has prior experience
performing plant inventories for ecological management
projects in California, the Dakotas, and Minnesota. Prior to his
work at Great River Greening, Dan worked as a wetland
consultant, delineating wetlands and advising developers on
appropriate wetland management strategies.
dtix@greatrivergreening.org
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Executive Summary
The potential acquisition and restoration of a 15 acre addition
to the 8 acres of existing public natural area on Pilot Knob Hill
represents a historic opportunity to protect a significant piece
of Minnesota’s history and restore some of the native prairie
and savanna that has all but disappeared from the landscape.
Known as Oheyawahi (“a hill much visited”), this prominent
hill is a burial ground and sacred space to the Dakota people. It
was a landmark for river navigation recognized by early
European-American settlers. In 1851, a major treaty signed
between the Dakota and whites ceded to the U.S. 35 million
acres of land in Minnesota (Woolworth and White 2004).
Today, the site is adjacent to Fort Snelling State Park, within a
major bird migration route; it is both surrounded by dense
urban development, while also an integral part of the wildlife
rich Minnesota River corridor.
The main purpose of this report is to identify the most
appropriate targets for restoring and managing the Pilot Knob
Hill Phase II site and then determine an effective strategy for
achieving those targets. These targets and recommendations,
and much of the background information, is based on
information gathered for the Phase I management plan (Great
River Greening, 2005). In addition, we identify several
additional options to enhance the project, such as including
volunteers and increasing the diversity of wildflowers. The
overall goal is to make this site an inviting place where people
can enjoy its views, experience the natural setting, and learn
about and honor its storied past. The site could also become a
gateway to Mendota Heights for thousands of daily motorists.
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Restoration Targets:
Pilot Knob Hill should be restored to native prairie and
savanna, habitats that were present in the mid-1800s before the
land was settled by Europeans, and of utmost ecological value
(MN DNR.2006) and cultural value today When restored, the
site will give visitors a sense of the diverse and beautiful
prairie landscape that is rare today.
Restoration Process:
The restoration of native habitats in the 15 acre Pilot Knob Hill
Phase II project area will be a long term process. Little native
vegetation is left due to fairly typical disturbance of agriculture
use and homesite development. These disturbances have
allowed a number of threatening invasive species to get a
foothold, though they are still at manageable levels.
Unlike Phase I, this site can be restored in distinct steps and
distinct areas. Fortunately, the area with the greatest ecological
connectivity to Phase I will also be the easiest area to restore.
With the suite of invasive species on the site, however, the
restoration needs to proceed systematically and with care.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Nearly every part of this restoration project can involve
volunteers, either through large, well-publicized events or as
small, self-sufficient groups requiring minimal supervision.
The large events allow local people to come together for
meaningful work, become personally involved, and learn more
about the restoration and the site. Potential volunteer activities
run the gamut from invasive species removal to planting and
seeding.
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Trails and Overlook:
A simple, low-maintenance trail system with overlooks that
connects to the Phase I trails will give visitors the opportunity
to contemplate the site’s expansive views of natural and
human-built landscapes.
Costs:
Estimated cash requirements for native prairie and savanna
restoration are:
• Whole Site Treatments (exotics etc.) $ 32,000
• Area 1 Prairie
$ 35,000
• Area 2 Prairie and Savanna
$ 54,000
• Areas 3 Savanna and Prairie
$ 30,400
(10yrs of 30yr plan)
• Wildlife Hibernaculum/Nest Boxes $ 6,300
• Trail/Overlook/Parking constr
$ 38,800
• Interpretive displays
$ 30,000
Acquisition Requirements:
This management plan is designed to fulfill the requirements of
the acquisition partner organizations and grant programs. Use
of the site will be determined in the final grant agreements, but
sound management and appropriate public access are principles
that are fully anticipated. The acquisition partners include Trust
for Public Land, Dakota County Farmland and Natural Areas
Program, DNR Metro Greenways, DNR Remediation Fund,
and the DNR Natural and Scenic Area Grants Program.
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Funding:
The Pilot Knob Hill Phase II natural resource restoration
project has many components that are compelling for funders:
• it is highly visible,
• it has a nationally significant role in the history of the
Dakota people and European settlement of the region,
• it connects to existing natural areas and is in a key
township in the state’s Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Strategy,
• prairie and savanna communities are high priority
habitats for restoration due to their rarity,
• the work provides meaningful opportunities for
volunteers.
While there are no guarantees for fundraising, the City of
Mendota Heights can anticipate that substantial funding for the
restoration project can be generated through grants. If selected
to coordinate the restoration work, Great River Greening can
work with the City to secure grant funds for the project.
A Vision:
An artistic vision of a restored Pilot Knob Hill gives a sense of
how this natural area could look. The waving prairie grasses,
flushes of colorful wildflowers throughout the season, and
scattered, twisting-limbed bur oaks in a restored Pilot Knob
Hill would be a striking sight to thousands of drivers crossing
the bridge into Mendota Heights. It would be a great setting
for bringing together community members to commemorate
such a significant place.
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
illustration by Dan Shaw
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Acknowledgements
This plan was written under the guidance of Guy Kullander,
James Danielson, and Sue McDermott and of the City of
Mendota Heights; Alan Singer of the Dakota County Farmland
and Natural Areas Program; and Robert McGillivray of The
Trust for Public Land. Ryan Ruzek assisted with shape files;
Mary Hagerman at Dakota County GIS Services supplied high
resolution aerial photos and assistance with re-projecting.
Cathy Undem at Dakota Co. Farmland and Natural Areas
Program supplied historic aerial photos.
Many volunteers from several organizations have contributed
on drafts of this report include Gail Lewellan, Sister Jan
Dalsin, and Jeanne Hollingsworth of the Pilot Knob
Preservation Association; Larry Grainger of PKPA and the
JRB Minnesota River History Center; Jim Anderson, Cultural
Liaison of the Mendota Mdwakenton Dakota Community;
Rudy, long-time resident at the north homesite; and Dale
Bachmeier, Acacia Park Cemetery for allowing access during
the acquisition period.
vi
Peter Wielke, USDA-NRCS, and Liz Harper, Non-game
Specialist at MN DNR, provided expert review and data on
select portions of the plan. Chet Meyers, Chairperson of the
Red-Headed Woodpecker Recovery, Audubon - Minneapolis
provided valuable resources on the habitat needs of red-headed
woodpeckers.
Cordelia Pierson of The Trust for Public Land compiled the
Phase I version of the funding sources listed in Appendix C.
Susan Overson of the Mississippi National River and
Recreation Area assisted with estimates of the costs of creating
and installing interpretive signs.
This plan was presented to the Mendota Heights Parks and
Recreation Commission on November 13, 2007, and the City
Council on November 20, 2007.
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Table of Contents
Page
Review and Approval
Executive Summary
iii
Acknowledgements
vi
Pilot Knob Hill Project Area Location
1
Geology and Soils
3
Vegetation of Pilot Knob Before European Settlement
6
Vegetation of Pilot Knob Project Area in the 1900s
8
Current Vegetation at Pilot Knob Hill
12
Native Plant Communities Recommended for Restoration at Pilot Knob Hill 19
An Implementation Plan for Restoring Native Plant Communities
24
Wildlife Habitat Management at Pilot Knob Hill
36
Implementation Schedules
40
Recommendations for Trails, Overlook, and Interpretive Information
51
Recommendations for Parking and Pilot Knob Road
65
Recommendations for Involving Volunteers
70
References
74
vii
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Appendices:
Appendix A: Plant Species for Restoration at Pilot Knob Hill
Appendix B: Resources for Restoration
Appendix C1: Potential Funding Sources for Pilot Knob Restoration
as of October 22, 2005
Appendix C2: Current Funding Sources as of November 2007
Appendix D: Reasonable Replacement Costs for Tree/Shrub Removal on
Mn/DOT Right of Way
Appendix E: Plan Amendments
Appendix F: Bird Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) Found at
Fort Snelling State Park
Appendix G: Rare Animal Features within 1.5 Miles of Pilot Knob Hill
List of Figures:
Figure 1: Pilot Knob Hill Project Location
Figure 2: Soils of Pilot Knob Hill Project Area
Figure 3: Vegetation at the Time of European Settlement
Figure 4: 1945 Aerial Photo of Pilot Knob Hill Phase II
Figure 5: 1970 Aerial Photo of Pilot Knob Hill Phase II
Figure 6: 1985 Aerial Photo of Pilot Knob Hill Phase II
Figure 7: Current Land Cover
Figure 8: Invasive Species Locations
Figure 9: Target Plant Communities at Pilot Knob Hill
Figure 10: Herbaceous Seed Mixes for Sowing
Figure 11:Phase I and Phase II Trails and Overlooks
Figure 12: Proposed Temporary Trails and Overlook Locations
Figure 13: Proposed Trails and Overlook Locations at Pilot Knob Hill II
viii
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
List of Tables:
Table 1: Whole Site Considerations
Table 2: Area 1 Prairie Reconstruction
Table 3: Area 2 Prairie and Savanna Reconstruction
Table 4: Area 3 Savanna and Prairie Reconstruction
Table 5: Wildlife Habitat Improvements
Table 6: Estimated Construction Costs
Table 7: Estimated Construction Costs, Parking Lot Area
Table 8: Summary of Estimated Costs by Year
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Pilot Knob Hill Project Area Location
Pilot Knob Hill Phase I and II project areas are in the southern
corners of section 27 and 28, range 23, township 28 in
Mendota Heights, Dakota Co. Pilot Knob Hill is located in the
2000 block of Pilot Knob Road at its northern terminus.
The Pilot Knob Hill Phase II project area consists of over 16
acres of potential habitat, consisting of three parcels currently
owned by the City, and the bulk of the acreage from a Trust for
Public Land acquisition from Acacia Park Cemetery. Phase I
and Phase II straddle both sides of the Pilot Knob Road, which
reaches a dead-end at the site, and will no longer be necessary.
This adds a small amount of acreage to the project location; its
removal is important for connectivity.
This land is adjacent to the eight acres in Phase I combining for
a total of approximately 24 acres. The project site is bordered
1
by highways to the east and paved road on the south, Acacia
Park cemetery to the west. The two sites together then are
bordered on the north by Highways 55 and 110 just east of the
Mendota Bridge, and to the west by the Big Rivers Regional
Bike Trail (maintained by Dakota County) and Sibley
Memorial Highway (Figure 1). Fort Snelling State Park sits
within the Minnesota River Valley just west of the project area.
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge adjoins the
state park just upstream from the project area. The south edge
of Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is just north
of the project area.
The views from the hill span native forests and wetlands in the
Minnesota Valley, as well as a broad panorama of the urban
landscape including the Minneapolis skyline, Fort Snelling
State Park and History Center, and the MSP International
Airport.
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
St. Paul
Lilydale
Phase II
Phase I
Sections
Municipalities
Fort Snelling
Mendota
28 27
Mendota Heights
N
Figure 1: Pilot Knob Hill Project Location
0
(2003 FSA Color Aerial) Photo)
1
2
2 Miles
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Geology and Soils
During the Paleozoic Era 450-523 million years ago, the Pilot
Knob Hill region was covered by warm, tropical seas.
Sediments deposited in these seas later formed a series of
limestone, sandstone, dolomite and shale layers throughout
southeastern Minnesota. The uppermost strata of this
sedimentary rock series occurs near the surface on the sides of
Pilot Knob Hill. Rocks exposed within the Phase I project area
include the Decorah shale, a gray-green shale, and Platteville
limestone. These layers are known for having highly abundant
fossils, including brachiopods, cephalopods, gastropods,
crinoids, and trilobites (Ojakangas and Matsch 1982).
Much later in time, the Paleozoic bedrocks were covered by
glacial deposits. Approximately 13,000 years ago, Pilot Knob
Hill was covered by the eastern edge of the Des Moines lobe of
the Wisconsinan glaciation, which was the latest glaciation in
Minnesota. When the glacial lobe melted from its edge and
retreated, approximately 12,000 years ago, outwash streams
flowed over the Pilot Knob area northward into the Mississippi
River. These meltwater streams left beds of sandy and gravelly
outwash (Hobbs et al. 1990). The braided meltwater stream bed
was later followed by Glacial River Warren, a huge glacial
river that originated from the southern tip of Glacial Lake
Agassiz in western Minnesota and formed the broad and wide
valley now occupied by the Minnesota River (Wright 1972).
The glacial outwash deposits sit underneath the upper slopes of
Pilot Knob, including most of the project area. Lower slopes
3
of Pilot Knob were carved by Glacial River Warren, which
removed layers of outwash and underlying glacial till, and cut
into the underlying sedimentary bedrock layers.
According to the Dakota County Soil Survey (NRCS 1983),
three soil types occur in the Pilot Knob Hill phase II project
area (Figure 2). Brief descriptions of these soil types given
below are excerpted from this soil survey. Interpretations of
conditions for soil formation are from Brady (1974) and
Weikle (pers. comm.). Additional recommendations on
suitable plant communities for the different soil types are
interpretations of the authors of this report.
Soil survey polygon attributes and boundaries were created
before 1983, which predates the latest road construction
improvements for highway 55. The steep slopes along
highway 55 at the northeast corner of the project area occur
further south today than they did when the soil survey was
created.
The three soil types in the Pilot Knob Hill phase II project area
are all mesic loams or silt loams most suitable for mesic plant
communities such as mesic prairie or savanna.
The Waukegan soil is by far the most prevalent soil, with only
minor corners of the project areas Lester and Kanaranzi (likely
disrupted from Hwy 55 construction) Waukegan soils in the
site are classified as mollisols, meaning that they contain dark,
upper horizons formed under prairie.
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
WAUKEGAN
LESTER
KANARANZI
# ~0"
Ph. II Boundary
# >12"
#
#
3"
#
>12"
#
~0"
#
>15"
#
#
~0"
>12"
N
Figure 2: Soils of Pilot Knob Hill Project Area(Source: USDA, 1983)
0
400
4
800 Feet
A Horizon
Depths 10_22_07
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Soil borings were taken as part of this planning process (see
Figure 2). Topsoil depths were found to vary greatly, being
very deep in many spots but essentially absent in others. This
lack of topsoil in some spots is likely due to erosion from
agriculture, and scraping for road building or other purposes.
These soil borings also revealed the presence of invasive exotic
earthworms, specifically nightcrawlers (Lumbricus terrestris).
This infestation is common but the deleterious effect of
earthworms on forest and woodland understory plants is well
documented.
Waukegan Silt Loam – This is a gently sloping, well-drained
soil formed in a deep, silty mantle over sandy and gravelly
outwash deposits. In a typical profile, silt loam extends to a
5
depth of 32 inches, underlain by gravelly coarse sand of glacial
outwash deposits.
Lester Loam – This soil is a deep, well-drained loam formed
in glacial till deposits. A typical pedon consists of loam to 11
inches over clay loam. The underlying clay loam is likely to
have formed in shale and limestone colluvial deposits. In
phase II this soil was likely disrupted during Hwy 55
construction.
Kanaranzi Silt Loam – This is a gently sloping, well-drained
soil of fine silt loam. In a typical profile, silt loam extends to a
depth of 0-7 inches. Native vegetation is classified as tall grass
prairie.
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Vegetation of Pilot Knob Before European
Settlement
The upper slopes of Pilot Knob were dominated by native prairie
vegetation in the early 1800s, as clearly illustrated by Seth
Eastman’s drawing from 1847. Between open prairies were bands
of woody vegetation concentrated along drainages. Given the
mesic (moist) soils on these upper slopes, the prairie vegetation
would have been predominantly mesic tallgrass prairie.
Eastman’s drawing of Pilot Knob
Minnesota Historical Society
Frederick J. Marschner’s map of “The Original Vegetation of
Minnesota” shows the Pilot Knob region as “Oak Openings and
Barrens” (Figure 3; Marschner 1974). This map was based on the
notes of surveyors of the Public Land Survey, who marked off the
grid of section lines across the state and surveyed most of Dakota
County from 1847 to 1855. Oak Openings and Barrens were
principally “scattered trees and groves of Oaks (mostly bur oaks)
of scrubby form with some brush and thickets, in a matrix of tallgrass prairie, and occasionally with Pines” (Heinselman 1974).
6
These Oak Openings and Barrens would be described today as
Southern Dry Savanna or Southern Mesic Savanna (MNDNR
2005, in preparation). Mesic prairies and oak savannas are firemaintained plant communities that burned every 5-10 years, which
prevented them from being overtaken by brush and trees. Before
European settlement, wildfires set by lightning or Native
Americans frequently swept across the landscape (Grimm 1984).
Today, mesic prairies and savannas are among the rarest native
plant communities in Minnesota. Most prairies and savannas in
the region were cleared for agriculture or urban development.
Nearly all that remained transformed into woodlands and forests
due to the suppression of wildfires.
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
7
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Vegetation of the Pilot Knob Project Area in
the 1900s
Figures 4, 5 and 6 are historic aerial photos of the area in 1945,
1970 and 1985 respectively. The project area was primarily a
farm and other houses in the early 1900s. Large fields were
cultivated on the south end and north end. The east-central
portion appears to have been an intense livestock area; in 1970,
trees and shrubs appear to have volunteered in this former eastcentral livestock areas, presumably due to the removal of the
livestock. The old field on the south end currently supports a
large number of young green ash and other trees.
8
By 1985, Pilot Knob Road’s connection to Hwy 55 was rerouted and has been a dead end cul-de-sac ever since. Several
homesites existed on the site, with a cluster of small lots in the
southeast. MN DOT constructed a detention basin in the
southeast corner, but it does not appear to collect much runoff
at this point. Most recently, Acacia Park Cemetery has changed
the use of the grounds around the central homesite. The back
lot is now used extensively for equipment and vehicle storage.
Up until the 1990s, the large turf area between the two
remaining homesites was cut for sod by Acacia Park Cemetery
(Bachmeir, pers. comm.)
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Figure 4: 1945 Aerial Photo of Pilot Knob Hill
(Photo and layout courtesy of Dakota Co. Farmland and Natural Areas Program)
9
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Figure 5: 1970 Aerial Photo of Pilot Knob Hill
(Photo and layout courtesy of Dakota Co. Farmland and Natural Areas Program)
10
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Figure 6: 1985 Aerial Photo of Pilot Knob Hill
(Photo and layout courtesy of Dakota Co. Farmland and Natural Areas Program)
11
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Current Vegetation at Pilot Knob Hill
The existing land cover in the Pilot Knob Hill Phase II project
area was field surveyed from September to Novermber 2007,
and in Phase I in September 2005 (Great River Greening,
2005) and mapped in Figure 8. The units on the map are
described below.
Old Field
In Phase I, the vegetation of this area is highly disturbed and
dominated mostly by a dense cover of a wide diversity of
exotic or invasive native plant species. Major dominant
species on the site include Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis),
quackgrass (Agropyron repens), burdock (Arctium minus),
common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), giant goldenrod
(Solidago gigantea), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis),
white sweet clover (Melilotus alba), and yellow sweet clover
(Melilotus officinalis).
Some native plant species that would occur in prairies and
savannas are also present. These include stiff goldenrod
(Solidago rigida), wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), dogbane
(Apocynum androsaemifolium), white snakeroot (Eupatorium
rugosum), wolfberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis),
nannyberry (Viburnum lentago), jerusalem artichoke
(Helianthus tuberosus), gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa),
yarrow (Achillea millefolium), short sedge (Carex brevior), and
woodland sedge (Carex blanda).
Turf
In Phase II, the old field is fairly typical in that the herbaceous
layer is dominated by non-native smooth brome, poa, and
overabundant native Canada and stiff goldenrod. It is has a
high stem density of invasive Siberian elm, black walnut, and
green ash. Red cedar, gray dogwood, box elder, aspen and
other species are present in lower numbers.
12
Several acres in phase II are in turf, including the yards around
the two remaining homesites and an expanse between the two
homes. This area has been mowed regularly. It has common
weeds in it including quack grass, but is relatively free of
spotted knapweed and other invasive species in the area.
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Vegetable Garden
Detention Pond
A large vegetable garden was in production until 2007. This
area is adjacent to the turf and is now being colonized by
weedy species. Raspberry and assorted fencing are also in this
classification.
There is a stormwater detention pond in the southeast corner of
the site, collecting run off from Valencour Circle. However,
even in heavy rainfall periods, standing water does not collect.
Due to the steep slopes and highly disrupted nature of this area,
it presents no unique planting opportunities.
13
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Wi
As
Ct
Br
Am
Co
Bi
Di
Si
Br
Mo
Fr
Be
Bu
Ds
Re
Of
Bx
Land Cover
Bg
Ur
Tr
Re
Br
Old field
Planted conifers
Buildings and groun
Vegetable garden
DOT slope
Turf grass
Detention Pond
Cottonwood box
elder and ash
Vg
Br
Tf
Br
Pr
Ur
Tr
Ur
Cw
Bg
Of
Cw
Po
Co
N
Figure 7: Current Land Cover
(2006 Color Aerial courtesy of Dakota Co.)
0
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400
800 Feet
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Box Elders and Planted Conifers (Phase I only)
This is a large area of woods on the Acacia Cemetery property
composed mostly of box elders that invaded the area since the
early 1960s (Figures 4, 5 and 6). Stands of invasive trees like
this are not recognized as native plant communities, as they
originate primarily on human-disturbed sites. Several patches
of planted conifers planted before 1970 also occur within this
woods and contain white spruce (Picea alba), red pine (Pinus
resinosa), and arbor vitae (Thuja sp.). Other trees in these
woods include cottonwood, green ash, black walnut, Siberian
elm, and American elm. Underneath the trees in these woods
is a dense thicket of common buckthorn, a highly invasive
exotic species that crowds out native trees and wildflowers.
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an exotic plant that has
invaded the ground in these woods. Other common native
herbs include wood nettle (Laportea canadensis), moonseed
(Menispermum canadense), lady fern (Athyrium angustum),
enchanter’s nightshade (Circaea lutetiana), sweet-scented
bedstraw (Galium triflorum), and white snakeroot (Eupatorium
rugosum). Stacks of marble tiles, slate roof shingles, and
limestone blocks are stored in a small portion of this area.
15
Bur Oaks
This is a small stand of large bur oak trees on the Acacia
Cemetery property that were present in 1945 (Figure 4) and
likely originated from trees that occupied the area before the
time of European settlement. These trees grew up in an open
setting and not in woods, as they have broad crowns with
spreading, horizontal limbs. A large American elm, (Ulmus
americana), is also present within the woods. The herbs on the
ground are species typical of shaded woods on heavy, moist
soils, including wood nettles, and other species seen in the Box
Elder and Planted Conifers woods.
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
DOT Slope
This is an engineered, north-facing slope along the south side
of highway 55. In Phase I, the slope consists predominantly of
grassy vegetation with a narrow band of planted trees and
shrubs that were mapped separately. Below the band of trees
and shrubs, the slope is dominated by exotic species: smooth
brome (Bromus inermis), Kentucky bluegrass, and bird’s foot
trefoil. The upper half of the slope, above the planted trees, the
vegetation is much the same as the area mapped as Old Field.
Several species of native prairie grasses and forbs were also
planted by MNDOT into this area but these did not establish
very well due to poor seed, insufficient site preparation, and /or
lack of maintenance. These prairie species include big
bluestem, Indian grass, little bluestem, and black-eyed Susan
(Rudbeckia hirta). Controlled burns on the upper part of the
slope would help re-establish the planted prairie grasses.
In Phase II, the slope for the roadcut, owned in part by DOT
and part contained in the Phase II boundary, several trees
including Lombardy poplar, conifers, and desirable oaks are
growing. Within the project boundary, the understory
vegetation includes invasive reed canary grass, but also native
river bulrush and extensive wild bergamot. Box elder trees are
beginning to take over. On the DOT slope in Phase II, there are
no highly invasive trees or shrubs whose removal is necessary
like Phase I.
Planted Conifers
In Phase I, this is an area of pines (Ponderosa pine or red pine)
and white spruce planted by MNDOT.
In Phase II, conifers have been planted along a roadside
easement along Acacia Blvd at the south end of the site where
many mature evergreens and some hardwoods were planted
decades ago. Shrubs are also ornamental. Conifers include
Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), red pine (Pinus resinosa) and
white spruce (Picea alba). Box elder and aspen have
volunteered; on the shady north side of this planting, many
other trees are volunteering.
Cottonwood, box elder and green ash
The large east-central forested area of Phase II is comprised
largely of cottonwood, box elder and green ash in the canopy.
The shrub layer is predominately invasive buckthorn, but the
desired elderberry bush is found along some of the perimeter.
The understory in this area is in very poor condition.
Road cut slope, NE end Phase II
16
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Buildings and Grounds
Invasive Species
This classification includes the cultural areas of homes and
outbuildings, driveways, utilities, roads, turf and trees-in-turf.
These areas will be highly modified by the house and
outbuilding removal process.
Invasive species span the spectrum of existing land covers.
Figure 8 identifies species that are on the verge of expanding.
Other species such as poa and smooth brome are ubiquitious
and therefore not mapped.
17
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Knapweed
Sw. clover
S. elm/B. elder
med/low density
Buckth./Honeys.
medium density
Carrageena
Spoil pile
Can. thistle
Leafy spurge
N
Figure 8: Invasive Species Locations (2006 Color Aerial courtesy of Dakota Co.)
0
400
18
800 Feet
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Native Plant Communities Recommended
for Restoration at Pilot Knob Hill
Mesic (moist soil) prairie, wet prairie, dry prairie and mesic
oak savanna are native plant communities that once existed on
Pilot Knob and would be excellent target communities for
restoration. These communities have a continuous display of
wildflowers throughout the growing season. In the fall the
prairie grasses turn a combination of rich orange-red and blue
colors. Figure 10 shows a proposed layout of these
communities in the project area. Descriptions of the native
plant community types recommended for restoration at Pilot
Knob are given below. A step-by step timeline for restoring
these native plant communities is given in the next section.
brome, and slender wheatgrass. Little bluestem, sideoats grama
grass, and porcupine grass are more common in dry-mesic
phases of this type. Switch grass, prairie cordgrass, and
slender wheatgrass are more common in the wet-mesic phase.
Some of the more common forbs include heart-leaved
alexanders, Canada goldenrod, wild bergamot, Maximilian
sunflower, gray-headed coneflower, purple prairie clover, and
prairie phlox. Shrubs, varying from well scattered to clumped,
typically include leadplant and prairie rose.
Mesic Prairie:
Within the project area on the north side of Pilot Knob, the
open prairies were mostly mesic prairie as the site is dominated
mostly by moist, loamy soils. Mesic prairie is a diverse,
tallgrass prairie community on moderately-drained to welldrained sites on uplands. This community type ranges from
dry-mesic to wet-mesic in nature. Dominant grasses are big
bluestem, Indian grass, porcupine grass, prairie dropseed, and
little bluestem. Other important grasses and sedges include
Leiberg’s panic grass, switchgrass, Mead’s sedge, Kalm’s
19
Mesic Prairie in June, Redwood County
© Minnesota DNR
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Area 1
4.6 ac
Target Plant
Communities
Area 3
5.3 ac
Oak savanna
Mesic prairie
Dry prairie
Det. pond
Cattail marsh
Wet prairie
Area 2
7.6 ac
N
Figure 9: Target Plant Communities at Pilot Knob Hill
(2006 Color Aerial courtesy of Dakota Co.)
0
300
20
600 Feet
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
mesic sites, the dominant vegetation between trees is mesic
prairie; on dry sites the dominant vegetation is dry prairie. In
areas of dense trees, the vegetation contains many species that
are tolerant of partial to full shade that occur in oak woodlands.
Oak Savanna:
At Pilot Knob, we recommend restoration of open oak savanna
to recreate one of the prevalent native plant communities that
used to occur in the region, and provide transition zone and
screenings around the south and east perimeters.
Oak Savanna in the Fall, Scott County
© Minnesota DNR
Dry to mesic savanna and woodlands were common
communities in Minnesota in the transition zone between open
prairies and dense hardwood forests. On Pilot Knob, these
communities occupied drainages where the fire frequency was
not as great as in open, treeless prairies. These areas had
scattered to clumped trees composed mostly of bur oak, a
relatively fire-resistant tree when mature. Northern pin oak,
which is somewhat less fire resistant, was also frequent in the
landscape. In natural savannas, the stature and spacing of trees
is somewhat variable: areas with a high frequency of fire tend
to have fewer, more widely-spaced trees within a matrix of
prairie vegetation; and areas with low fire frequency tend to
have more dense woody vegetation. In open savannas on
21
A good source of local ecotype acorns is the stand of bur oaks
growing on the adjacent Acacia Cemetery. Other native oak
stands within 30 miles would also be a good source; manicured
sites are especially well suited for acorn collection. Bur oaks
generally produce acorns around August 20 and produce acorns
every year.
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
At Pilot Knob, we recommend planting dry prairie on the
driest, most well-drained areas, such as on the upper parts of
steep west-facing slopes. Dry prairie vegetation is shorter in
stature and facilitates better views from topographic high
points in the site. Including dry prairie in the restoration will
also increase the diversity of different grasses and wildflowers
in the site.
Dry Prairie:
Wet Prairie:
Dry Prairie in June, Hennepin County
© Minnesota DNR
Dry hill prairie likely covered the driest tops of hills and ridges
at Pilot Knob. The dominant grasses in the most excessivelydrained areas are mid-height to short grasses, including
porcupine grass, little bluestem, side-oats grama, and
junegrass. On lower, more mesic slopes, such as at mid-slope
on steep hillsides, big bluestem usually co-dominates with the
short to mid-height grasses. Common forbs in this type include
pasque flower, stiff sunflower, silky aster, stiff goldenrod,
rough blazing star, purple prairie clover. Two very common
native shrub species are leadplant and prairie rose. This
community is very similar in composition to dry oak savanna
but lacks the scattered to clumped oaks and species adapted to
low to moderate shade.
22
Wet Prairie, Dakota County
© Minnesota DNR
This is a wetland prairie community that occurs on poorlydrained mineral soils that may be slightly flooded during wet
seasons in the spring. The dominant grasses and sedges are
prairie cord-grass, big bluestem, bluejoint, woolly sedge, and
switchgrass. Often other sedges are common, including
Sartwell’s sedge, dark green bulrush, and Buxbaum’s sedge.
Common forbs include Virginia mountain mint, giant
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
goldenrod, golden alexanders, spotted water-hemlock, New
England aster, and giant sunflower. Shrubs are sometimes
common in these communities, including red-osier dogwood,
slender willow, pussy willow, and Bebb’s willow.
In Phase I, we are planting wet prairie in three areas of wet,
mineral soils that are wet for much of the growing season.
These areas are in low, level areas in drainages. Reed canary
grass, an invasive exotic species of wetlands, currently
dominates most of these areas in the site. In Phase II, the DOT
slope in the northeast is moister due to the seepage from the top
of the hill and its north aspect. It is this one spot where wet
prairie reconstruction is recommended.
Plant Species Lists:
Lists of plant species for the native plant communities
recommended for restoration in the site are given in Appendix
A. These lists include a complete list of species that occur in
the community type in the region. These species lists were
23
determined from an analysis of numerous vegetation plots
collected in remnant native plant communities in east-central
Minnesota by ecologists of the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources (MN DNR) (Dunevitz and Lane 2004).
Additional refinements of the lists were done by examining
plant species lists taken by MN DNR ecologists from several
nearby reference sites identified in the MN DNR’s Rare
Features Database. These reference sites include mesic oak
savanna at Fort Snelling State Park (MCBS 1995); dry oak
savanna at the Lawrence Wayside (Scott County; MCBS
2002); mesic prairie and oak woodland at the Katherine
Ordway Natural History Study Area (Macalester College,
Dakota County); mesic prairie at the Black Dog Prairie
Preserve Scientific and Natural Area (Dakota County); and
mesic prairie at Thomas Lake Prairie (City of Eagan, Dakota
County; MCBS 1997). For Phase II, the species lists were
refined to include those believed to be important in the
reconstruction process (Packard 1999) and those recommended
for exposed clay soil (Prairie Moon Nursery 2007).
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
methods and approach, the objectives should be kept in mind to
guide the decisions.
An Implementation Plan for Restoring
Native Plant Communities at Pilot Knob
Pilot Knob Phase II is a more typical site for prairie and
savanna restoration than Phase I, as a large part of it is
currently old field and turf. Nonetheless, it will be challenging
as several invasive species are threatening. Once restored the
combined acreage with Phase I will bring about a large waving
prairie and savanna with diverse wildflowers supporting bird
and other animal life, and provide an enjoyable site for visitors
and motorists.
The key recommendations to accomplish a successful
restoration at Pilot Knob are:
• Adopt an “adaptive management” approach,
• Invest properly in invasive species control and site
preparation.
• After the seed is sown, make a three-year investment to
help ensure the native plants get established.
• Annual maintenance, including a three-year burn cycle.
As with all natural area restorations, we encourage Mendota
Heights to adopt an “adaptive management” approach to the
restoration of this important site. Because of variables due to
such things as weather, seed bank, advancements in the
restoration field, and new exotic species, the knowledge of the
site will increase as the work progresses. This knowledge
should be used to revise and adapt the management approach
as the work progresses. When adapting the management
24
Unlike Phase I, the Phase II site lends itself well to a phased in
approach, with three areas identified as restoration blocks. This
phasing allows for the areas of greatest ecological value to be
restored first. Fortunately, the priority areas are also the least
expensive to restore.
For Phase II, the recommendations are categorized as either
whole site considerations, or by Area. Specific
recommendations follow.
WHOLE SITE CONSIDERATIONS
Mark the property lines
The property lines, especially on the east, are unclear in the
field. Getting a professional survey and then marking the
property lines is essential for communicating with on-theground restoration personnel.
Invasive Species Control
Spotted Knapweed Control
Spotted knapweed poses several problems. In the areas that it
has already infested, it will become dominant in part via
chemicals it emits into the soil to prevent germination of other
species; these chemicals can linger in the soil for several years.
Through prolific airborne seed production it can be
exponentially invasive, especially where the soil is worked and
exposed; seeds can remain viable in the soil for seven years
(MN DNR 2002).
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
prairie vegetation becomes established and greatly reduce
(though probably not eliminate) the number of knapweed and
leafy spurge plants that grow there.
The knapweed at Phase II is found in four distinct populations.
In Area 1, there is an established roadside population under the
utility poles (along with leafy spurge) that is being controlled
with mowing by Public Works, and along a small area near the
cul-de-sac. In Area 2, there are two pioneering populations, one
along the mowed area and lane of the current Gathering Area
(see Figure x), and a second at the MN DOT retention pond.
Also in the southwest corner of Area 2 is the large core
population that has infested several acres of the southwest
corner. This is by far the most problematic area, with a high
level of infestation and signs of expansion. Along with
knapweed, exotic mustard is prevalent, and there is a patch of
sweet clover, another invasive species with similar behavior
and control.
Infested areas to be mulched
As with any invasive species, the approach will be, in order of
priority, to: 1) stop further spreading; 2) attack the periphery
and restrict the range; and 3) attack the core populations and
infestations. Knapweed is also spread by contaminated topsoil
from which it can hitch a ride on boots and equipment
including cars, mowers and tracked vehicles.
To help protect Area 1 from airborne seeds coming from Area
2, the row of tall trees and shrubs on the north side of the south
house will largely remain intact for two years, with the
exception of girdling the box elder and spruce, until the prairie
vegetation becomes established and control of the south
population of knapweed is achieved.
Stop further spreading
In Area 1, the infested areas are relatively small. The biggest
threat they pose is in spreading from infested soil getting on
equipment tires, especially since the soil will be worked in the
area and heavy equipment will be used to remove the poles and
road. We recommend covering these two areas with 4” or more
of shredded hardwood mulch made from the trees and shrubs in
the area. This covering should take place before other activities
in the area. This will smother the invasive knapweed (and leafy
spurge and Canada thistel) plants for several years until the
Throughout the site, with the main focus being on the southern
half, the knapweed plants should not be allowed to go to seed.
This can be done through a variety of methods, including
spraying, pulling, and mowing/cutting throughout the growing
season. Knapweed has an extended blooming period, from
early July through October, with the main blooming period in
July, so diligence is required. Mowers used in any infested
areas should be thoroughly cleaned at the infestation site to
prevent further spread. Mowers were the main source of spread
25
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
for the existing gathering area and are often a vector for the
seed. Mendota Heights will implement an equipment cleaning
protocol for future mowing equipment using existing highpressure sprayers (Kullander, pers. comm..)
If you see this plant outside of the fenced area, please report it
to xxx-xxxx or leave a note in the box. Thank you.
Managers: Be sure to thoroughly clean equipment and boots
before leaving this area. As feasible, work in this area at the
end of the day so you don’t track seed to other parts of the site
after working in here.
The southwest corner and the current temporary Gathering
Area need to be closed to public for two or three years, until
the knapweed is under control and the threat of spreading on
boots and equipment is minimized. In the southwest corner, we
recommend fencing off the infested area (after tree removal,
see below) to prevent the spread of seed via foot, vehicle and
equipment traffic. This ‘psychological’ fencing will be semipermanent (~ 3 years); a typical structure is t-posts with a
single strand of smooth wire, appropriate markings and safety
flags, and interpretation. In addition, a temporary parking area
further north, at the southernmost driveway, with a trail spur,
will be used until the knapweed is under control. This will
require a temporary gate to be installed north of the temporary
lot, and some vegetation barriers along the east side of the road
and the east side of the lot, achieved easily by felling nearby
trees. The existing gravel surface can be used or can be
removed and seeded to turf while it is a temporary lot.
At the temporary Gathering Area, posted signs without fence
are recommended. Visitor use is anticipated to be much lighter
in this area than in the SW corner.
Knapweed fencing and sign posts, general location
Reduce perimeter
Beyond the prevention of seed production, the smaller
pioneering populations and the edge of the main infestation
should be reduced with more intensive control including spot
spraying and pulling. The knapweed at the MN/DOT retention
pond and at the gathering space should be intensively
controlled for several years, as should the perimeter of the
main population.
Interpretation
An interpretive sign might read:
This area is infested with spotted knapweed, a highly invasive
exotic species. Please do not access this area as seeds are
known to hitch a ride on shoes, boots, and clothes.
26
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Two small populations of sweet clover have been documented
at the site, one at the future parking pull off and one in the
southeast portion of the site. Sweet clover has the ability to
infest prairies and although currently small, its control should
also be a priority. Its control will follow the same path as the
spotted knapweed. It is noteworthy that sweet clover benefits
from prescribed burns so it can be problematic for prairies even
when they are in the maintenance phase. It oftentimes
fluctuates on a multi-year cycle in established prairies, where
every fifth year or so it is a dominant plant.
Attack the core population
In addition to preventing any of the core population from going
to seed, elimination of the core population should be achieved
as quickly as possible. Before the fencing is installed, the trees
should be removed as their removal will bring a flush of
knapweed due to the soil disturbance and increased sunlight.
Tree removal should be followed by a shallow spring
harrowing, to also flush the seed bank, followed by a spring
boom spray followed by spot treatments throughout the
growing season. Inexpensive cover crops will be sown to test
the potency of knapweed’s allelopathic chemicals on
germination. This process should be repeated in year 2 and
perhaps year 3. Control of the knapweed needs to be gained
before the Area 2 prairie restoration can begin.
The existing patch by the pull-off will be mulched. The
pioneering plants will be pulled and/or sprayed.
Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard has also been found on the site. It is invasive to
woodlands and forests, overtaking the understory. While it may
become invasive in the existing woodland, it will not persist in
prairie or savanna and it can be largely ignored at this time.
Maintenance: Early detection, rapid response.
As part of the annual maintenance, the entire site should be
surveyed for knapweed. Detecting new populations early and
eradicating them before they can become established is a key to
efficient and effective control.
Canada thistle
Canada thistle is a difficult and tenacious invasive species. A
small population of it has been documented at the site; its
control should be a priority before it gets worse. This is best
achieved with a variety of methods, primarily spraying.
Leafy Spurge
A population of leafy spurge has been identified on both sides
of Pilot Knob Road near the northeast corner of the Acacia
property. The east population will be controlled with the mulch
used for spotted knapweed. The west population is in the road
right of way; control will be coordinated with Public Works
which has already been mowing it closely. Preventing the
spread is the most important.
Bird’s-foot trefoil and crown vetch
Bird’s-foot trefoil is well established in the MN-DOT retention
pond, very likely purposefully planted there as part of the
process. Trefoil can be invasive even to established prairies.
Crown vetch is widespread in the DOT slope. It too has the
potential to invade prairie reconstructions.
Sweet Clover
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Russian olive and Lombardy poplar.
Both of these species are exotic species present in small
numbers at the north homesite. Russian olive is invasive in
many natural areas including prairie restorations (MN DNR
2002). Lombardy poplar can be invasive with root suckers in
some situations.
We recommend control of both of these pecies, primarily
through spraying.
Buckthorn and Honeysuckle
These two woody shrubs can become highly invasive in
savannas. The current level of infestation is low but should be
treated to prevent the problem from getting worse. We
recommend controlling these shrubs with a combination of
cutting and stump treating, and basal bark chemical
application. Fall is the best time to treat as they are easy to spot
in the first half of November. Two years of control are
recommended.
Cottonwood
Cottonwood is an overabundant native tree species at this site,
found in the wooded area. It is a prolific seed producer capable
of colonizing an area especially when the soil is exposed.
However, sprouts can be fairly easily controlled by mowing
and burning so a simple reduction in cottonwood will be the
goal. Girdling the cottonwood trees along the north edge of the
wooded area and leaving them standing will reduce the seed
amount and provide woodpecker habitat.
Siberian elm and box elder
Siberian elm is an invasive tree species that is a prolific seed
producer. It can overwhelm areas when they are being planted.
It is currently found throughout the southern half of the site in
patches. Its control is needed before the soil is worked. This is
best achieved through cutting and stump treatment, and
chainsaw girdling with chemical application. The girdling
method is much more cost-effective and leaves standing dead
material, prime habitat for woodpeckers and other wildlife; it
should be the primary method of control except where trees
need to be removed for other reasons.
Box elder is an overabundant native tree, one that can also
dominate and overwhelm prairie plantings. Box elder has both
female seed-bearing trees, and male trees. Control of the
female trees, to disrupt the seed production, is required as part
of the prairie restoration. Girdling and cut-stump treatment are
the recommended methods.
28
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Siberian peashrub
A stand of large non-native invasive pea shrub exists in the
southeast corner of the site at one of the former home sites.
This may become invasive once restoration begins. It is best
controlled with a cut-stump treatment, and stacking the cut
material on site rather than risk the spread of seed by hauling it
elsewhere.
Smooth brome, reed canary grass, bluegrass (poa), and
overabundant Canada goldenrod
All of these species are addressed as part of the restoration and
do not need to be addressed separately.
Spoil area
An area south of the masonry house is currently being used as a
spoil pile and/or borrow pit. It is severely infested with a
number of exotic species, including one which we have not yet
identified. This area is best treated by leveling and covering
under deep mulch, followed by spot treatment throughout the
growing season. It is also a logical area for a fire ring.
Snags are wildlife trees
Early Detection, Rapid Response
The past several years have seen the rise of several invasive
species, and the establishment of several new ones in the area.
These include Russian thistle, cheat grass, wild parsnip, and
Queen Anne’s lace. These are often spread along roadsides via
mowing equipment and vehicles. A trained ecologist should
perform an invasive species survey of the area on an annual
basis to prevent these newcomers from becoming established.
Scotch Pine and Spruce
Scotch pine is a mildly invasive exotic species. It is found
along the southern edge, seeded in by the mature trees of the
Acacia Grand Entrance easement. It should be removed as part
of the general clearing of the area.
Spruce is also not native to the area, but not considered
invasive. Some spruce trees on site are quite large. These can
be girdled and left standing, to create wildlife habitat, and to
get the public accustomed to their removal.
Unified Strategy with Neighbors
The City and its restoration partner should pursue working
relationships with the surrounding landowners, for a unified
29
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
weed control strategy. This includes Acacia Cemetery and their
Grand Entrance, homeowners to the east, and DOT rights-ofway. The invasive species control does not necessarily have to
be as complete in these ‘buffer’ lands; eliminating seed
production and dispersal is the primary goal.
PHASED AREA CONSIDERATIONS
Area 1 Prairie Reconstruction
Site Prep
It is reported that the house and outbuildings will be removed
shortly before restoration. Any additional site prep such as
fence removal, driveway removal, and cleanup, also needs to
be completed prior to restoration. The utility poles and lines
should also be removed; it is reported that underground
utilities, including DOT fiber optics and underground power to
the DOT fiber optics, will likely still be present and active
(Kullander, pers. comm..). Active removal of the roadbed is
strongly encouraged, as it can then be restored to prairie,
providing a continuous cover of vegetation, important for some
of the smaller terrestrial wildlife. Removal of the poles and
roadbed will greatly improve the opportunities for visitors’ to
get a sense of Minnesota’s natural heritage.
Off-Road Vehicle Barriers
Off-road vehicles can wreak havoc on a natural area,
destroying habitat and vectoring invasive species. Without
prevention, trespass may increase in the absence of
homeowners. In addition to the design measures of parking lot
boulders and gates, standing vegetation can be used as barriers.
The south side is protected via the vegetation. The southeast
corner is protected both by existing vegetation and the
detention pond. No vegetation will be removed around the
perimeter of the southeast corner; invasive species there will be
girdled and left standing.
This area is largely mowed turf, former vegetable garden, and
former homesite. Small and intermediate trees will be removed
and used to mulch the knapweed infestation site (see above for
more detail). Four large trees, two silver maple and two green
ash can remain. While these trees are not native to oak
savannas, they have an open-grown structure that will provide
the right amount of shade to allow the installation of savanna
understory plants, while providing a sense of savanna to
visitors for the next 30 years while the oak trees elsewhere on
the site mature. Several limbs on these trees will be girdled to
allow for more sunlight, and provide wildlife habitat.
Boulders for the permanent lot can be collected on-site if
artificial boulder piles are discovered around the former
homesites. However, scattered boulders in the landscape
provide important micro-habitat and should be left in place.
Neighbors are typically the source of ATV and snowmobile
trespass. With the limited number of neighbors, and no trespass
problems of this type to date, any future problems with this
trespass might quickly be solved with education and
enforcement. Barriers for these vehicles are not deemed
necessary at this time.
Soil prep will include a single season of two sprayings and 23” harrowing and sod-busting, followed by seeding. Because of
30
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
A minimally intrusive method of prairie establishment, being
used at William O’Brien State Park, was investigated as part of
this management plan. The native plant diversity of the final
restorations using is unacceptably low so this method is not
recommended.
the sod structure, we recommend using a seed drill (rather than
broadcasting the seed), followed by an overseeding to add
diversity and reduce the ‘row look’. Overseeding is an
excellent volunteer event opportunity which could take place in
fall of 2008. This area can then be put on the same
maintenance schedule as Phase I, to include mowing, spot
treatment of exotics, and eventually burning.
Seeding will be followed by prairie establishment phase for
three years. This establishment typically requires establishment
mowing three times a year for two years, spot treatment of
exotics, limited over-seeding, and a mixture of mowing and
burning in year three. After that, the maintenance phase is
typically spot treatment of exotics and a controlled burn or
burn alternative every three years.
Note: It is clear that the Pilot Knob hill is a Dakota burial
ground (White and Woolworth, 2004). For the restoration in
Phase I, repeated harrowing to a depth of 2” was deemed
acceptable to stakeholders. For Phase II, this technique is
acceptable and in most areas preferred over working the soil to
4".
Note: For all prairie seeding areas, we strongly recommend a
seed mix that is diverse and heavy on the forb seed, at least 3#
and preferably 5#/acre. While this adds to the cost
significantly, it also leads to greater diversity, which is
important for beauty, function, and bird life. Species must be
appropriate for the region and be of local eco-type. We also
recommend the full seeding rate for grasses (≥ 10 pounds/acre),
since they will complete well with invasive species and
incoming weeds. If the forb rate is reduced, however, grass rate
must also be reduced.
Prairie Reconstruction and Savanna Understory Installation
Mesic prairie mix is recommended for most of Area 1, except
dry prairie is recommended where a thin layer of soil exists
over former roadbed, homesite, etc. (see Figure xx). At the
periphery, these mixes will be blended to prevent a hard edge.
Wet prairie species will be restored to a moister area on the
slope of the road cut, currently infested with reed canary grass.
A small seep also exists nearby, currently populated largely by
native river bulrush (Scirpus fluviatilis); this area is too small
for supplemental seeding or planting.
Tree Row Removal
The tree row at the border between Area 1 and 2 will be phased
out over three or four years. Year 1, invasive species and large
spruce will be girdled and left standing, to create woodpecker
habitat and allow the public to become accustomed to their
removal. Once the invasive species are under control in Area 2
and Area 1 is vegetated, then the shrub under-story can be
Under the drip-line of the large trees and extending north to the
property edge, a savanna understory mix will be sowed. Once
established, this area can then be a source of savanna
understory seed for sowing in other areas on-site.
31
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
former roadbed, homesite, etc. (see Figure xx). At the
periphery, these mixes should be blended to prevent a hard
edge.
removed and larger trees limbed up. Finally, the tree row will
be removed in preparation for seeding Area 2.
Area 2 Prairie and Savanna Reconstruction
In the areas partially shaded by the easement trees, a savanna
understory mix will be sown. Seeding will be followed by
prairie establishment phase for three years. This establishment
typically requires establishment mowing three times a year for
two years, spot treatment of exotics, limited over-seeding, and
a mixture of mowing and burning in year three. After that, the
maintenance phase is typically spot treatment of exotics and a
controlled burn or burn alternative every three years.
Tree removal
Once the knapweed, sweet clover, and other invasive species
are under control, this area should be cleared of the trees and
shrubs, with the exception of a few red cedar and the gray
dogwood. They will be removed, hauled to the roadside, and
hauled away for use as bio fuel. Many of the trees are green ash
and black walnut. There is a general statewide call to reduce
ash inventory in the state to reduce the impacts of emerald ash
borer, an exotic insect that is devastating ash trees in nearby
states (MDA 2007); removing the green ash can be considered
part of that effort. Tree removal will be phased over ten years
in the savanna installation areas, as red cedar and aspen can act
as a nurse crop for oaks.
Savanna Oaks Installation
After the establishment Rx burn, we recommend planting oak
trees. Bur oaks are the specific species we recommend, and as
in Phase I, local acorns from sites such as Acacia cemetery is
the ideal source of acorns.
Several acceptable options exist. We recommend collecting
~1000 acorns from local sources, and planting them into the
ground. When seedlings arise, they will need to be protected
from herbivory by rabbits, voles, and overabundant deer. We
recommend a rigid mesh protector during the growing season,
and a tree cone with mesh top in the winter for added
protection from girdling by voles. Once the bark gets hardy
enough, the rigid mesh will work year round. Winter and
spring protection will have to be provided until the terminal
bud is 8’ or higher, beyond the reach of browsing deer. This is
an excellent volunteer activity.
Prairie Reconstruction and Savanna Understory Installation
Site prep here can run a wide spectrum, with several acceptable
options. We recommend spraying, followed by raking off the
dead thatch (as an alternative to burning), and a second
spraying. Due to global warming concerns and the smoke
management needs at Pilot Knob Hill, we feel that a burn
alternative is preferable and less expensive for the site prep
stages. This soil prep can happen over the course of a single
growing season, followed by a fall seeding with cover crop.
We strongly recommend a seed mix that is diverse and heavy
on the forb seed (at least 3# and preferably 5#/acre). Mesic
prairie mix is recommended for most of the site, except dry
prairie is recommended where a thin layer of soil exists over
32
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Screening with existing trees and shrubs between the site and
neighbors to the east has been requested by at least one
stakeholder. This is easily accommodated.
Site prep
In addition to the invasive species control described earlier, we
recommend clearcutting select areas to create gap openings.
Recommended priority areas are the ravine area east of the
south homesite, and surrounding the open grown tree in the
southeast portion. Cut tree material can be bucked up and
stacked on the forest floor around the gaps to save removal
costs and help nurse the young oaks. Excess can be removed
for firewood, bio fuel, or other purposes.
Tree cones with browse mesh installed by volunteers
Area 3
We recommend a gradual reduction of the wooded area,
converting to prairie, and within the remaining wooded area, a
gradual replacement of existing trees with oaks, to begin the
savanna reconstruction. Basic savanna understory
reconstruction will be included with the oak planting.
There is the potential for a biofuels program to develop that
could be used to aggressively clear cut areas for restoration and
use the wood for biofuel power generation. If such a biofuels
program minimizes the cost of site prep, then we recommend
pursuing it. Interpretation will be required to gain public
acceptance of the clearcutting. Snags and other wildlife trees
should be spared from removal in such a scenario. In the
meantime, we recommend beginning a gradual reconstruction
of oak savanna.
Area 3 savanna restoration priorities
Oak savanna reconstruction
Once the site is prepped, acorns can be planted. A basic
understory mix should also be sown by hand in the area, a mix
33
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
that includes hardy and common natives suitable for the shade
component that will colonize well, such as Pennsylvania sedge,
wild bergamot, golden glow, and wild rye.
direction by an ecologist. We do not recommend them for
spraying or controlled burns unless they are specifically trained
and certified to do so by the state. Dakota County STS reports
that the crew supervisor has chainsaw and power brush cutting
capabilities, and that in the summer months they typically do
paid work for municipalities, while in the winter months they
are more available for assistance for free.
We recommend collecting local acorns and planting them in
these areas. In the following fall, seedlings will need to be
located and then protected from deer, rabbits, voles, etc. The
most cost-effective way is to install a tree cone/browse mesh
system that requires little maintenance. Winter protection will
have to be provided until the terminal bud is 8’ or higher,
beyond the reach of browsing deer.
Also available is a Dakota County work crew of inmates.
These inmates have incentives for working hard. Our limited
experience working with inmate crews is that they are hard
working; using them is appropriate at sites where the public
will not be alarmed. We feel they are appropriate to help with
the restoration activities at Pilot Knob Hill.
Ideally, but not required, the protective cones will be removed
for the summer and reinstalled before winter. Once the bark
gets hardy and tough, the rigid mesh will work year round.
Winter protection will have to be provided until the terminal
bud is 8’ or higher, beyond the reach of browsing deer.
Working with volunteers is of utmost importance as they are
the stakeholders in the restoration. Volunteering builds
constituency, and engages and educates citizens. Restoration is
an excellent way for volunteers to connect with their local
natural area, a connection that is on a steep decline for the
nation’s urban, suburban, and rural children (Louv 2005).
Large groups of volunteers build a strong sense of community,
and are generally immediately cost-effective when doing large
manual projects. Trained volunteers who return to the site can
be very valuable in cost savings but also as stewards with long
term ownership of the restoration, reporting back on new
invasive species populations for example, or pulling the lone
stray knapweed.
Another very good option is to collect acorns for custom
growing at a local nursery for two years for later planting as
seedlings. The same protection regime will need to be
followed.
Labor Forces
Dakota County Corrections has two labor forces that are
appropriate for the restoration activities.
Sentence to Serve (STS) is comprised of offenders who are
putting in community service time. STS consists of a paid crew
supervisor, typically trained in enforcement, and “day of”
crews who meet and work for the day. Our wide experience
with county STS crews are that they work well for large,
straightforward projects, with a significant amount of on-site
Global Warming and Bio Fuels
A great deal of new information is coming out on the role of
natural communities in terrestrial carbon management, as part
of a larger concern over global warming. While more detailed
34
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
analysis is needed on the effects of wooded areas vs.
grasslands, it is clear that natural communities with deeprooted natives are much better at carbon management than turf
grasses, especially those that require mowing. Converting
hardscapes and other impervious surfaces are also beneficial,
as is water retention.
As an offshoot of global warming concerns, bio fuels appear to
have a role. Bio fuels still release carbon, but unlike fossil
fuels, that carbon release is partially offset by the increased
carbon sequestration of the vegetation that remains behind.
Great River Greening believes it is important to incorporate
this data into our restoration recommendations and activities.
As seen in this natural resource management plan, we
encourage any cut wood going to a bio fuel plant or other
utilitarian purpose such as firewood for MMDC or other
stakeholders. We typically no longer recommend brush pile
burning on-site, and recommend alternatives to controlled
burning for some applications.
35
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
birds will start to decline from today’s levels, which are
already much lower than they were several decades ago
(National Audubon Society .
Wildlife Habitat Management at Pilot Knob
Hill
The cornerstone of wildlife habitat management is vegetation
management. Pilot Knob Hill will eventually be prairie and
savanna, the rarest communities in the region and some of the
most important for wildlife species (MN DNR 2006).
Bird Surveys and Habitat
We anticipate that Pilot Knob Hill’s habitat value for bird life
is best found in the variety of communities found there and its
location in the river corridor and proximity to Fort Snelling
State Park. The acreage is relatively small for area-sensitive
grassland birds such as Henslow’s sparrow, eastern
meadowlark and bobolink. One possible exception is that with
the unbroken vista to the west, it may effectively appear to
birds to be a larger grassland.
Pilot Knob Hill is in the St. Paul Baldwin Plains and Moraines
ecological subsection. This subsection is in the top tier of the
state’s subsections for species richness of wildlife ‘species of
greatest conservation need’ (SGCN), and the township which
includes Pilot Knob Hill is one of the three highest ranking in
the subsection for SGCN records. Furthermore, prairie and oak
savanna are the top two habitats used by SGCN in the
subsection (MN DNR 2006c). This is compelling information
for underscoring the importance for managing for wildlife in
the area.
Bird Surveys
Bird surveys will help to document the effects of restoration on
bird life. The data collected should be incorporated into future
management decisions.
The Phase II site offers some specific opportunities beyond
general vegetation management for wildlife habitat given the
varied existing conditions, and the enlarged size of the natural
area. A few species will find all their habitat needs can be met
at Pilot Knob Hill. Many other species will use the site in
combination with adjacent areas, particularly the rest of the
Minnesota River corridor, and adjacent Fort Snelling State
Park.
Surveys by volunteers are an excellent way to gather bird
information, especially since Pilot Knob Hill is already known
as an excellent birding spot. Greening has had success
partnering with the St. Paul Audubon Society for getting
annual volunteer bird surveys; Audubon Minnesota is
developing a standardized and rigorous protocol for volunteer
monitoring of birds which will likely include training.
Audubon Minneapolis is interested in evaluating the site as
potential red-headed woodpecker habitat (Meyers, pers.
comm.)
Grassland wildlife species are expected to be of more concern
in the next few years. Many agricultural lands are being taken
out of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a set-aside
program that puts marginal ag lands into permanent grassland
habitat for a period of 10 years. Predictions are that grassland
Woodpeckers
36
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
tailed hawk, bald eagle, and migrating broad-winged hawks
will very likely be observed from Pilot Knob Hill. Rare species
including northern harrier, Peregrine falcon (known to nest on
the Mendota bridge in recent years), and loggerhead shrike,
documented at Fort Snelling State Park, may also use the site.
Some birds of prey will soar above the open habitat, while
others will perch on nearby trees. Loggerhead shrikes are
known to frequent utility wires and thorny bushes (National
Audubon Society, 2007e).
As mentioned in the vegetation management section, standing
dead trees are excellent habitat for woodpeckers (and squirrels,
bats, foxes etc.), both common and rare. The rare red-headed
woodpecker has been documented at Fort Snelling State Park,
and Pilot Knob Hill can be seen as an enlargement of the
habitat for this species. Red-headed woodpecker’s ideal habitat
is mature oak savanna with short understory (
Bluebirds
Bluebirds have suffered a decline over the past several decades
as well, largely due to a loss in their nesting sites. Bluebirds are
a species that thrives at the transition between wooded areas
and grassland openings. Installation of two pairs of bluebird
nest boxes on the north edge of Area 3N is recommended.
Typically, tree swallows will occupy half of the nest boxes.
These boxes require annual maintenance, a popular volunteer
activity.
Snake Hibernaculum
A snake hibernaculum is an underground chamber that snakes
use for winter hibernation. Manmade structures such as old
wells, rock and log piles, retaining walls and building
foundations, and natural features such as ant mounds and
rodent or crayfish burrows are examples of snake hibernation
sites ((Toronto Zoo, no date). Creating snake hibernacula is a
key to their conservation, as many are destroyed with urban
expansion. At Pilot Knob Hills, harmless species including
common garter snake and red-bellied snakes are most likely to
inhabit the hibernaculum. Fox snake, an SGCN species, is
known to be in the area (Harper, MN DNR, pers. comm.) and
may also inhabit the hibernaculum. Other animals may use the
chamber as well.
Field sparrow
Field Sparrow, while relatively common recently, is a
Minnesota species of greatest conservation need (MN DNR
2006a; MN DNR 2006b) and a common bird in decline
(National Audubon Society, 2007d.). Field sparrow should also
thrive at the transition between wooded areas and grassland
openings. No specific enhancements are recommended at this
time, however if the bird survey documents field sparrows at
the site, future vegetation management should keep that in
mind.
Aerial predators
Birds of prey are very likely to use the Pilot Knob site, with its
very rare plant communities it offers habitat that is not readily
found elsewhere. Many common birds of prey such as red
37
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
create a hibernaculum. The top will be mounded above grade
to allow for some settling, and covered with soil. Logs, rocks,
and a small hole will be above ground. In April or May, snakes
emerge and proceed to mate in an intriguing wildlife display.
This hibernaculum will be off of the trail, with interpretation,
so only focused willing visitors observe the hibernaculum. It
may take several years for the snakes to begin using the
hibernaculum.
Hibernaculum construction. Photo courtesy Toronto Zoo.
We recommend excavating a corner of the foundation of the
former north house and re-filling in a detailed manner with
concrete and masonry construction materials and rubble to
38
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Area 1
4.6 ac
Area 3
5.3 ac
Seed Mixes
Oak savanna
Dry prairie
Mesic prairie
No plantings
Area 2
7.6 ac
N
Figure 10: Herbaceous Seed Mixes for Sowing
(2006 Color Aerial courtesy of Dakota Co.)
0
400
39
800 Feet
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Implementation Schedules
Table 1: Whole Site Treatments
Year –
I.D.
2008-1
Timeline
Jan - Mar
SW: Remove trees
2008-2
Jan - Mar
2008-3
Apr - May
Invasive tree control – sib. Elm, box elder,
cottonwood, spruce, tree row
Knapweed control: SW- Install Fencing;
Gathering - Install and post signs
2008-4
Apr - May
2008-5
Apr - Oct
2008-6
2008-7
2008-8
2008-9
May - June
June
Sept - Oct
November
2009-1
Apr - May
2009-2
Apr - Oct
Activity
Technique
Knapweed control: SW - Harrow, and first
boom spray, sow cover crop; Gathering –
Rake, spot spray and sow
Knapweed control: Spot treatment, SW
and Gathering.
No plants going to seed, attack perimeter
populations, survey site
Survey and mark boundary
Canada thistle control
Bird’s-foot trefoil, crown vetch control
Buckthorn and honeysuckle control
Cut/stump treat, haul. Girdle
and leave at edge until fence
is installed.
Chainsaw girdle with
chemical; leave standing
SW - t-post with smooth wire
and interpretation; Gathering
– no wire
Boom spray with Transline;
oat cover crop
Cut, pull, spray. Multiple
visits
Estimated
Cost/Unit
$1500/ac
Estimated
Cost
$3,800
$2,350
$3,300
$1,400
$3,000
Professional surveyors
Transline spot spray
Spray
Basal bark, limited cut/stump
treat
Boom spray with Transline;
oat cover crop
40
$1,400
Cut, pull, spray. Multiple
visits
Knapweed control: SW - Harrow, and
second boom spray, sow cover crop;
Gathering – Rake, spot spray and sow
Knapweed control: Spot treatment, SW
and Gathering.
No plants going to seed, attack perimeter
populations, survey site
City in-kind
$100
$500
$1,000
$3,000
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
2009-3
2009-4
2009-5
June
Sept - Oct
November
Canada thistle control
Bird’s-foot trefoil control
Buckthorn and honeysuckle control
2010-1
Apr - Oct
2010-2
Sept - Oct
$100
$300
$1,000
Knapweed control: Spot treatment, SW
and Gathering.
Transline spot spray
Spray
Foliar spray, basal bark, cut
stump.
Cut, pull, spray. Multiple
visits
No plants going to seed, attack perimeter
populations, survey site
Bird’s-foot trefoil control
Spray
$300
$24,550
$3,000
Sub-Total for Whole
Site
201117
Invasive Species Control, Gen’l
Varied
Total for Whole Site
41
$1,000/yr*7=
$7,000
$31,550
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Table 2: Area 1 Prairie Reconstruction
Year –
I.D.
2008-1
Timeline
Activity
Technique
Jan-April
2008-2
Jan-April
Cut/ stump treat/stack.
Remove for use, or chip
later
Fell nearby trees along
roadside
2008-3
April
2008-4
Apr - May
2008-5
MayAugust
Sm. and
intermediate tree
removal
Roadside
vegetation
barriers
Mulch roadside
knapweed areas,
spoil area
Site prep: first
spray
Remove roadbed
and replace with
engineered soil
surface.
Remove utility
poles.
Site prep: second
spray, harrow to
bust sod.
Seed prairie and
savanna mixes
2008-6
September
2008-7
Sept - Oct
2008-8
Sept - Oct
Fall volunteer
event “kick off”
2009-1
Apr - Oct
Establishment
mowing 3x, spot
treatment
Estimated
Cost/Unit
Estimated
Cost
$3,000
$150
4” deep minimum
$4,500
Boom spray with Roundup
$55/acre plus
oversight
City InKind
In conjunction with other
city road work.
Shallow harrowing
$200/acre,
plus
oversight
$1,500/acre
plus
oversight
Seed drill
Overseeding, slope
seeding, invasives removal,
etc. 30-100 people
mow when 8-10” high to 46”
42
$375
$1,150
$8,250
$5,000 $15,000
$300/acre,
plus
oversight
$1,650
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
2010-1
Apr - Oct
2011-1
Apr - Oct
Establishment
mowing 3x, spot
treatment
Establishment
mowing 1x; Rx
burn
mow when 8-10” high to 46”
$300/acre,
plus
oversight
mow when 8-10” high to 46”. Spring or fall burn
$5,000
Subtotal
for Area 1
2012
2013
2014
Apr - Oct
Apr - Oct
Apr - Nov
Maintenance
Maintenance
Maintenance
2015
2016
2017
Apr - Oct
Apr - Oct
Apr - Nov
Maintenance
Maintenance
Maintenance
$1,650
$30,725$40,725
Spot treatment, overseeding
Spot treatment, overseeding
Spot treatment,
overseeding,
$500/yr
$500/yr
$500/yr
Rx burn
Spot treatment, overseeding
Spot treatment, overseeding
Spot treatment,
overseeding,
$3000
$500/yr
$500/yr
$500/yr
Rx burn
$3000
Est. Total
for Area 1
43
$39,725$49,725
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Table 3: Area 2 Prairie and Savanna Reconstruction
Year –
I.D.
Timeline
Activity
Technique
2010-1
Jan -March
Tree removal
2010-2
Apr - Oct
Site Prep.
Chainsaw and haul. Treat cut stumps.
Dep’t of Corrections assistance.
Spray, Rake, Spray
2010-3
Sept - Nov
Seeding
No-till drill with high diversity mix
2011-1
Apr - Oct
Establishment
2012-1
Apr - Oct
Establishment
2013-1
Mar - Nov
Establishment
2013-2
August
2014-1
2014-2
Apr – Nov
August
2014-3
Sept - Oct
2015-1
2015-2
Apr- Nov
Sept - Oct
Plant 1000 or more local acorns, in
bare spots.
Maintenance
Plant 1000 or more local acorns, in
bare spots.
Find and protect oak seedlings
from winter herbivory, 2013
planting
Maintenance
Find and protect oak seedlings
from winter herbivory, 2014
planting
Mowing 3x, spot treatment, possible
overseeding
Mowing 3x, spot treatment, possible
overseeding
Rx burn, mowing 1x, spot treatment,
possible overseeding
Hand collect; “step” or trowel in.
2016
Apr - Nov
Annual Maintenance
2017
Apr - Nov
Annual Maintenance
Estimated
Cost/Unit
$2,000/acre
Estimated
Cost
$200/acre plus
oversight
$1,500/acre plus
oversight
$300/acre plus
oversight
$300/acre plus
oversight
$1,760
$16,000
$13,200
$2,550
$2,550
$6,000
$1,000
Spot Treatment, possible overseeding.
Hand collect; “step” or trowel in.
$1,000
$1,000
Tree cone w/ browse mesh
$6/tree
$150
Spot treatment, possible overseeding
Tree cone w/ browse mesh
$6/tree
$1,000
$150
Sub-Total
Spot Treatment, possible overseeding.
Rx burn
Spot Treatment, possible overseeding.
Total
44
$46,360
$1,000 to
$5,000
$1,000
$53,360
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Table 4: Area 3 Savanna and Prairie Reconstruction
Year –
I.D.
2008-1
2009-1
Ar
ea
3S
3N
Timeline
Activity
Technique
Estimated
Cost/Unit
August
Jan -March
Cut/stump treat/stack local
Clearcut
$5000/ac
2009-2
3S
Jan - March
Clearcut
$5000/ac
$2,500
2009-3
2009-4
2009-5
2009-6
2010-1
3N
3S
3N
3S
3N
March - May
March-May
August
August
Jan-March
Hand broadcast and rake in
Hand broadcast and rake in
Hand collect, “step” or trowel in.
Hand collect, “step” or trowel in.
Clearcut
$300/ac
$300/ac
$5000/ac
$300
$150
$500
$250
$5,000
2010-2
3S
Jan-March
Clearcut
$5000/ac
$2,500
2010-3
2010-4
2010-5
2010-6
3N
3S
3N
3S
March-May
March-May
August
August
Hand broadcast and rake in
Hand broadcast and rake in
Hand collect, “step” or trowel in.
Hand collect, “step” or trowel in.
$300/ac
$300/ac
$300
$150
$500
$250
2010-7
3N
Tree cone w/ browse mesh
$6/tree
$150
2010-8
3S
SeptemberOctober
SeptemberOctober
Tree cone w/ browse mesh
$6/tree
$150
2010 -9
3N
NovemberDecember
Control Peashrub
Site Prep west edge of ravine, acre
1 of 2
Site prep, centered around opengrown tree, .5 acre of 1
Sow understory seed acre 1 of 2
Sow understory seed acre .5 of 1
Plant 1000 local acorns acre 1 of 2
Plant 1000 local acorns acre .5 of 1
Site Prep west edge of ravine, acre
2 of 2
Site Prep centered around opengrown tree, 2nd .5 acre of 1
Sow understory seed, acre 2 of 2
Sow understory seed, acre .5 of 1
Plant 1000 local acorns, acre 2 of 2
Plant 1000 local acorns, 2nd .5 acre
of 1
Find and protect oak seedlings
from winter herbivory acre 1 of 2
Find and protect oak seedlings
from winter herbivory 2nd .5 acre
of 1
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
Estimated
Cost
$500
$5,000
2011-1
3N
2011-2
3S
2011 -3
3N
SeptemberOctober
SeptemberOctober
AugustDecember
Find and protect oak seedlings
from winter herbivory, acre 2 of 2
Find and protect oak seedlings
from winter herbivory, acre 1 of 1
Phased removal of woody
encroachment.
$400
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
Tree cone w/ browse mesh
$6/tree
$150 est.
Tree cone w/ browse mesh
$6/tree
$150 est.
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
45
$400
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
2011-4
3S
AugustDecember
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
2012 -1
3N
AugustDecember
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
2012-2
3S
AugustDecember
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
2012-3
3N
2012-4
3S
2013 -1
3N
May,
SeptemberOctober
May,
SeptemberOctober
AugustDecember
Reduce competition. Change to
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 2 acres.
Reduce competition. Change to
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 1 acres.
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
2013-2
3S
AugustDecember
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
2013-3
3N
2013-4
3S
2014 -1
3N
May,
SeptemberOctober
May,
SeptemberOctober
AugustDecember
Reduce competition. Change to
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 2 acres.
Reduce competition. Change to
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 1 acres.
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
mix.
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
protected until 8’ tall.
$400
$400
$400
$300
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
protected until 8’ tall.
$150
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
protected until 8’ tall.
$400
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
protected until 8’ tall.
$150
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
$400
46
$400
$300
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Increase understory diversity
2014-2
3S
AugustDecember
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
Increase understory diversity
2014-3
3N
2014-4
3S
2015 -1
3N
May,
SeptemberOctober
May,
SeptemberOctober
AugustDecember
Reduce competition. Change to
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 2 acres.
Reduce competition. Change to
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 1 acres.
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
Increase understory diversity
2015-2
3S
AugustDecember
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
Increase understory diversity
2015-3
3N
2015-4
3S
May,
SeptemberOctober
May,
SeptemberOctober
Reduce competition. Change to
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 2 acres.
Reduce competition. Change to
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 1 acres.
Collect savanna seed from Area 1;
overseed in understory. Purchase seed if
nec.
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
$500
Collect savanna seed from Area 1;
overseed in understory. Purchase seed if
nec.
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
protected until 8’ tall.
$300
$400
$300
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
protected until 8’ tall.
$150
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
$400
Collect savanna seed from Area 1;
overseed in understory. Purchase seed if
nec.
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
$500
Collect savanna seed from Area 1;
overseed in understory. Purchase seed if
nec.
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
protected until 8’ tall.
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
protected until 8’ tall.
47
$400
$300
$300
$150
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
2016-2
3N
3S
AugustDecember
AugustDecember
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
$400
Increase understory diversity
2016 -1
Collect savanna seed from Area 1;
overseed in understory. Purchase seed if
nec.
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
$500
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
Increase understory diversity
2016-3
3N
2016-4
3S
2017 -1
3N
May,
SeptemberOctober
May,
SeptemberOctober
AugustDecember
Reduce competition. Change to
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 2 acres.
Reduce competition. Change to
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 1 acres.
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
Increase understory diversity
2017-2
3S
AugustDecember
Phased removal of woody
encroachment
Increase understory diversity
2017-3
3N
May,
Reduce competition. Change to
Collect savanna seed from Area 1;
overseed in understory. Purchase seed if
nec.
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
protected until 8’ tall.
$400
$300
$300
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
protected until 8’ tall.
$150
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
$400
Collect savanna seed from Area 1;
overseed in understory. Purchase seed if
nec.
Girdle and leave standing trees and
shrubs, 5-10’ in from existing perimeter.
Sow aggressive savanna and prairie seed
mix.
$500
Collect savanna seed from Area 1;
overseed in understory. Purchase seed if
nec.
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
48
$400
$300
$300
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
2017-4
3S
SeptemberOctober
May,
SeptemberOctober
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 2 acres.
Reduce competition. Change to
mesh in summer, cone/mesh in
winter (optional). 1 acres.
protected until 8’ tall.
Bark protected until hardy. Terminal bud
protected until 8’ tall.
$150
Sub-Total
49
$30,400
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Table 5: Wildlife Habitat Improvements
Year –
I.D.
2008-1
2008-2
20092017
20092017
20092017
Timeline
Activity
Technique
May-June
Excavate and install snake
hibernaculum
Install bluebird houses
Excavate, fill, cover. Rubble only, no
wood
Estimated
Cost
$1,500
City in-kind
$300
Maintain bluebird houses
Clean and leave open by volunteers
$0
Annual Bird and Snake Surveys
Volunteer coordination
$500x9=$4500
Create Snags for Woodpeckers,
etc.
Girdle trees and limbs as part of other
management
n/c
SeptemberOctober
SeptemberOctober
Year Round
Any
Estimated
Cost/Unit
Sub-Total
50
$6,300
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Recommendations for Trails, Overlook, and
Interpretive Information
Trails
It is recommended that trail construction follow the same
construction procedure as in Phase I.
The main trail connecting to Phase I would be 4 feet wide and
constructed of compacted crushed Class V limestone gravel.
This would be the trail on the western edge of the Phase II site.
The remainder of the trails would be low maintenance mowed
trails. The trail location has been kept primarily along the
western edge of the Phase II site (see Figure 11). This
alignment is intended to preserve the restoration area for
wildlife habitat consideration. The trail on the south half
would be a loop trail allowing visitors the option of having a
smaller journey through the site or continuing on to the
northern part of the site. On the northern portion of the trail
visitors can continue exploring the site and either take the trail
west to the Phase I restoration area or take a trail north towards
Highway 55. This northern leg of the trail would bring visitors
near the proposed snake hibernacula area and also gain access
to a view of St. Peter’s Cemetery on the other side of Highway
55, framed by remaining large trees.
Figure 13).
It is also recommended to connect up the bike path on the north
side of Acacia Blvd. to the entrance and parking lot area.
There would be an area set a side in the parking area for
visitors to lock their bikes up and visit the site on foot
(see
Illustration by Dan Shaw
51
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
S
#
Phase II
Boundary
Phase I
Boundary
S
# Overlook
Temp Gathering
Areas
Hibernacula
Gravel Trail
Mowed Trail
Temp Trail
Parking Lot
Emerg Vehicle
Access
N
Figure 11: Phase I & Phase II Trails and Overlooks
(2006 Color Aerial courtesy of Dakota Co.)
0
400
52
800 Feet
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Phase II
Boundary
S
# Overlook
Temp Gathering
Areas
Hibernacula
Gravel Trail
Mowed Trail
Parking Lot
Emerg Vehicle
Access
Knapweed
Infestation
Picture>
N
Figure 12: Proposed Temporary Trails and Overlook Locations at Pilot Knob Phase II
(2006 Color Aerial courtesy of Dakota Co.)
0
400
53
800 Feet
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Phase II
Boundary
S
# Overlook
Temp Gathering
Areas
Hibernacula
Gravel Trail
Mowed Trail
Temp Trail
Parking Lot
Emerg Vehicle
Access
Picture>
N
Figure 13: Proposed Trails and Overlook Locations at Pilot Knob Phase II
(2006 Color Aerial courtesy of Dakota Co.)
0
400
54
800 Feet
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Overlooks
provide a growing medium for plants and to prevent erosion of
the crushed stone.
The primary views are still located at the overlook area in the
Phase I restoration. In Phase II there would be two overlooks
where visitors would be able to pull off the path and stop. The
first overlook would be at about the midway point of the site.
Here there is a view towards Saint Paul of the old Highland
Park Water Tower. The second overlook would be at the
northern end of Phase II at the edge of where Pilot Knob Road
ends. There is a glimpse into St. Peter’s Cemetery from this
point and also allows the visitor to look back at the journey
they have made.
Recommended Overlook Design and Materials:
The 3 overlooks will be based on a circular design. This said
there are two options for the design of the overlooks to
consider: Option 1 would be keeping in tune with the
recommendations in the Phase I proposal but having each
overlook a little different. Option 2 would be to consult with a
public artist to design the overlooks.
Option 1:
The proposed overlooks would be constructed with
approximately 3-4 inches of crushed limestone or stone placed
and compacted over the existing ground surface. The main
overlook located in Phase I would be a 14 foot diameter circle
with the other two being 10 foot diameter circles. The main
overlook would still have sitting stones placed around the
circle allowing visitors to have a rest and lookout over the river
valley. Seven sitting stones, each representing one of the seven
branches of Dakota, would be placed around the perimeter of
the ring. Each stone should be approximately 3 feet in length.
These stones would be anchored approximately 2-3 inches into
the crushed limestone and would extend approximately 16-18
inches above the ground to provide a sitting area. It may be
beneficial to place some soil on the edges of the overlook to
Main Overlook, Illustration by Dan Shaw
55
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
The northern most overlook would stay rather simple.
Different colored stone would be used for the circle denoting
the four cardinal directions: North – Red limestone, East –
Yellow Limestone, South – White Limestone, West – Dresser
Trap. Steel edging would be used around the perimeter of the
circle as well as to separate the colored stone.
The overlook at the midway point of Phase II would be a
garden overlook again based on the cardinal points of the
compass. The circular pad would still be 10 feet across and be
constructed of compacted crushed limestone. The garden area
would encompass a 4 foot area surrounding the gravel circle.
Possible species to include could be: North – Red (Little
Bluestem, Prairie Phlox, Prairie Smoke), East – Yellow (Lance
Leaf Coreopsis, False Sunflower, Prairie Dropseed), South –
White (Alum Root, Whorled Milkweed, Heath Aster, Prairie
Dropseed, Quaking Aspen), West – Black (Black Eyed Susan,
Prairie Dropseed, Black Chokeberry). Steel edging would be
used to separate the garden planting from the prairie and
around the compacted gravel pad.
North
North
Northern Overlook, Illustration by Todd Rexine
56
Garden Overlook, Illustration by Todd Rexine
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Option 2:
The second option for the overlooks is to work with a public
artist to come up with a design for the spaces possibly a blend
of some of the ideas from option 1 along with the artist’s own
notions. There has already been a conceptual design created by
Seitu Jones for the overlook in Phase I. If the city pursues this
avenue it would be a matter of closely working the artist to
make sure the final design is what the city is after.
Images by Seitu Jones
57
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Group Gathering Spaces
There has been much discussion on having designated areas for
larger group gatherings. These areas would remain in a prairie
state during the majority of the year, but at the request of an
applicant through a city permit, select areas could be mowed to
accommodate groups. The two spaces are of different sizes to
accommodate varying size groups. The larger of the spaces is
located on the southern portion of the site and would allow for
a 100 foot diameter area. This location was chosen because the
topography lends a gentler slope for a larger space. The
location also appears to be used already for gatherings as it is
currently mowed. To demark this location, seven oaks could
be planted on the outer edge of the circle, to represent the
seven branches of the Dakota. The second location is located
to the east of the current brick house. It is a smaller space with
a diameter of about 40 feet. This location could also be
demarked by oak trees. With the smaller space the oaks would
be located at the four cardinal points of the compass.
Illustration by Todd Rexine
58
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Interpretive Signs
A notice board or weather-proof box located near the main
interpretive display should be included to post announcements
of upcoming events at the site, such as volunteer events, and
progress reports on the restoration work. A weather-proof
announcement/update box could also be posted at the bike trail
entrance at the west end of the site.
Interpretive information is a crucial experiential component for
a locality with such a storied past. Interpretive information
could highlight natural and cultural history while interweaving
art and storytelling traditions. Simple and clean markers at the
main entry points of Pilot Knob are recommended. The main
entrance to Pilot Knob presents an opportunity for a monument
featuring the history of the site. Features to highlight in
interpretation could include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
At the entrance there is also an opportunity to have visitors
notify the city of potential invasive species on the site. Small
maps could be made available for visitors to write on and
leave. All that would be needed is a small sign and
weatherproof drop box. This would be in conjunction with the
notice board.
Native Prairies and Savannas
Dakota History
Post European Settlement History
Glacial River Warren and The Minnesota River Valley
Decorah Shale and Fossils
Migratory Birds
The Restoration of Native Plant Communities at Pilot
Knob
Interpretive information should be developed by individuals
with special knowledge of certain topics. The Pilot Knob
Preservation Association has volunteered the expertise and
resources of its members to prepare interpretive historical
materials.
Illustration by Todd Rexine
59
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Monument Entry Sign
Images used in entry sign examples from the Minnesota Historical Society. Text from www.dakotahistory.org/county/pilotknob.asp.
Left Panel
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Middle Panel
61
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Right Panel
62
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Large Interpretive Panel (32”x22”) to be located at overlooks.
Top three-quarters devoted to description of the topic with the bottom section reserved for interesting facts or other educational
opportunities
Background image from Minnesota Historical Society all other images provided by Great River Greening
63
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Small interpretive panel (16”x20”)
This size panel would be used along the trails at
areas of interest to describe special features,
habitats, species or views occurring at Pilot Knob.
Care should be taken on both the large and small
interpretive panels so the wording engages both
children and adults.
64
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Recommendations for Parking and Pilot
Knob Road
Parking
There is currently ample space at the southwest corner to create
a parking lot. The parking lot would incorporate part of Pilot
Knob Road north of Acacia Blvd. This would allow use of the
existing asphalt road bed to create a portion of the parking lot
with the rest of the space being comprised from the gravel area
on the east side of Pilot Knob Rd. The parking lot would offer
a good location to create some recessed planting areas to accept
stormwater from the road bed and infiltrate it. Along with
stone outcroppings, the recessed infiltration areas could help to
define the parking lot and prohibit vehicles from the restoration
area.
Bus parking can be accomplished with on street parking on
Acacia Blvd. Visitors would be able to exit the bus onto the
bike path and follow the bike path to the entrance area of Phase
II, at the corner of Pilot Knob Road and Acacia Blvd.
Currently the north side of Acacia Blvd (between Pilot Knob
Road and Valencour Circle) can accommodate parking for 14
school buses or 32 automobiles. With current city zoning
codes there is available on street parking on both sides of
Acacia Blvd and Pilot Knob Road south of Acacia Blvd.
Illustration by Todd Rexine
65
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Emergency Vehicle Access
Pilot Knob (north of Acacia Blvd.)
The access will need to be planted as dry prairie and burned off
as part of a prescribed burn. It would require the excavation of
all the compactable gravel and having engineered soils
installed. This would be a mix of angular rock and native or
imported soil. If mowed it is recommended that it not all be
mowed at the same time allowing for the prairie to cross over
and break up the linear nature of the road. This will also allow
cover for wildlife that will be crossing over the old road bed.
With the land on the west side of Pilot Knob being restored to
prairie/savanna there it is not necessary for Pilot Knob Road to
continue to the gravel cul-de-sac, on the northern end of the
site between Phase I and Phase II. However, Acacia cemetery
still needs to have access from Pilot Knob Road to the northern
edge of the cemetery. There also needs to be an emergency
vehicle access to the northern edge of the restoration. This
being the case, there could be a metal swing gate installed on
the northern end of the parking lot to allow access by Acacia
cemetery and emergency vehicles. The asphalt road would
remain to the northern property line between Acacia and Phase
I restoration. At this point there are several options to
consider for the section of Pilot Knob Road north of Acacia
Cemetery.
Marked posts would need to be installed to delineate the edge
of the access area.
Upon conversations with Alcoa GeoSystems, Geoblock is a
plantable structural system that would work for emergency
vehicle access.
An option for the asphalt is to have it hauled out and milled for
reuse on other roads. The gravel sub-base for the road would
be able to be excavated and reused to construct some of the
trails.
Option 1: Leave Pilot Knob Road intact.
This would allow emergency vehicles access as needed to the
end of Pilot Knob Road. It would create a physical barrier
between Phase I and Phase II for wildlife. It would also
continue to create a visual barrier between both Phases.
College of Architecture – University of Minnesota
A publication of students work for interpretive buildings for
Pilot Knob was reviewed. The designs were comprehensive
and insightful using various forms of construction. At this time
buildings on the land does not fit the low impact restoration
that the city is looking at. Also with the current funding and
grants being used to procure the site a structure is not able to be
located on Pilot Knob.
Option 2: Remove the asphalt from Pilot Knob Road and
install a vegetated emergency vehicle access.
The remaining road bed north of the property line would be
excavated and in its place a vegetate emergency access route
would be installed. There are a number of products available
that can be utilized to help stabilize the soil and give it the
structural strength to support emergency vehicles. This would
help unite both phases together and would visually break up the
straight line that Pilot Knob Road currently creates.
66
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Table 6: Estimated Construction Costs
Garden Overlook
Year 1 Installation Estimate
3 CY crushed Class V limestone at 4" thick
w/ placement
Metal Edging Installed
Regrading before limestone placement
$1,200
62 CY (16800 CF) crushed Class V limestone at
3” thick with placement
$6,500
Rock check-dams in ditches
$200
Plants Installed
$800
Construction Subtotal
$600
Construction Subtotal
$9,150
$350
$1,600
Oversight
$650
Oversight
$500
Mulch
Crushed Limestone Trail
(Phase 1 & north half Phase 2)
$3,250
Interpretive Signs at Overlooks
Main Overlook (Phase 1)
Editing submitted written work
$1,000
3 CY crushed Class V limestone at 4" thick w/
placement
7 Boulders w/ placement (assume donated stone
– cost is moving from Acacia property)
Materials and construction
$6,000
Installation (labor, footings, etc.)
$3,000
7 Boulders purchased and placed
Oversight
$350
$1,400
Interpretive Sign Subtotal
$2,800
Fire Ring (10ft diameter)
$500
Construction Subtotal
$10,000
1.5 ton of 12-18" boulders installed
$2,250-$3,650
Construction Subtotal
$400
$400
Northern Overlook
3 CY 3/4" crushed stone 4" thick w/ placement
$500
Metal Edging Installed
$400
Oversight
$200
Construction Subtotal
TOTAL
$1,200
67
$26,250 – $27,650
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Table 7: Estimated Construction Costs, Parking Lot Area
South End Installation Estimate
( to be completed once Knapweed is under control)
Connection to Bike Trail on Acacia Blvd
12 CY (324 CF) crushed Class V limestone a 4" thick
to path
$2,750
Parking Area
Rough grading
$2,000
50 CY (1350 CF) crushed Class V limestone at 12"
thick w/ placement
Placement soil and seeding on edges of Class V to
prevent erosion
$6,000
20 Boulders w/ placement (donated – cost is moving
from Acacia property)
20 Boulders purchased and placed
450 SF Infiltration Basin installed
Oversight
$3,000
Construction Subtotal
$1,000
$6,000
$1,800
$1,600
$15,400-$18,400
Entrance Interpretive Monument
Editing submitted written work
Graphics design for large 3-panel kiosk
Materials and construction
Installation (labor, footings, etc.)
Simple interpretive sign (alternative to kiosk)
Interpretive Sign Subtotal
TOTAL
$1,000
$6,000
$10,000
$3,000
$6,000
$6000 - $20,000
$24,150 – $41,150
Removal of Pilot Knob and installation of Emergency Vehicle
access and gates to be overseen by the city of Mendota Heights
68
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Table 8: Summary of Estimated Costs by Year
YEAR
Basic
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
TOTAL
RESTORATION
Optional
Enhancements/Volunteer
Events
$33,375
$16,650
$45,810
$10,150
$5,800
$10,250
$9,200
$5,200
$10,050
$8,050
$154,535
CONSTRUCTION
Trail/Overlook/ Parking Lot
(Phase I and Phase II Area 1, north trails, Overlooks, and signage) $27,650
$16,800
Area 2 (Parking lot, remaining trails, signs) $41,150
$16,800
$68,800
69
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
prairie seed collection and seeding. To date, Great River
Greening has engaged more than 15,000 community volunteers
in these types of activities at many sites in the Twin Cities
metropolitan river valleys. Our successful approach relies on
our trained volunteer supervisors who educate and train
volunteers to conduct restoration activities properly in welldefined work units.
Recommendations for Involving
Community Volunteers
Volunteers can be a way to contain costs, depending on how
much advance organizing, event day assistance, and supplies
(box lunches, rented Bifs) are needed. Informal groups of hardworking, committed volunteers that need minimal oversight
and do not require additional supplies or organizing (volunteer
recruiting, rented toilets, and box lunches) are the most
beneficial in terms of containing cost. Many local community
members are already enthused about the potential acquisition
and restoration of the site and should be a great source of
assistance to the project.
Recruiting and Engaging Volunteers
Recruiting volunteers from neighborhoods and businesses or
other institutions close to the location of a restoration project is
always a priority for Great River Greening. We recruit
individuals and families for our events, as well as larger
groups. Groups of community members already united for their
own reasons often appreciate opportunities to participate in
enjoyable hands-on activities that serve the wider community.
Ecological restoration projects are a great match for many
individuals and groups searching for volunteer opportunities.
A large volunteer event of 100 or more volunteers generally
requires funding for training, advertising, recruitment, event
supplies, and advance site prep. When funding is obtained,
these events are an excellent way to raise awareness and
publicity, foster deeper connections to the site, and recruit new
volunteers, all while performing meaningful work. Activities
that can be performed at least in part by volunteers are noted in
the implementation schedules and below.
Groups to contact for recruiting volunteers include:
• Community organizations (like the Pilot Knob Preservation
Association)
• Neighborhood block clubs
• Schools and colleges (many have service learning programs)
• Churches
• Scout troops
• Garden clubs
• Local businesses
• Civic organizations
• Volunteer recruitment organizations, (eg. Twin Cities
Volunteer Resource Center)
• Community volunteer programs for employees of local
corporations (for example, in the Twin Cities, 3M, H.B. Fuller,
Potential activities that can be handled by volunteers:
• tree planting
• hauling and stacking previously cut brush
• planting native forb (wildflower) seedlings
• weed pulling (maintenance)
• monitoring the natural area
Great River Greening has extensive experience in successfully
organizing large groups of volunteers in restoration activities,
including tree and shrub plantings, exotic species removal and
70
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Comcast, Cargill and other corporations encourage their
employees to volunteer)
Planning the volunteer event
• Define the location and field activities of the event,
considering event logistics like parking location, registration
area and wrap-up/lunch area.
• Estimate the number of volunteers required for the field work
and other volunteer event needs. The kinds of volunteers we
typically recruit include:
• Not all activities will be appropriate for volunteers of all ages
and recruitment will need to reflect this. (For example, brush
hauling is unsafe for young children)
• Trained volunteer supervisors (to lead and instruct restoration
volunteers).
• Parking volunteers (to direct traffic--especially important for
large events).
• Registration volunteers
• Food table volunteers
• Event cleanup volunteers
• Recruit and register volunteers in advance (especially for
large events).
• Confirm registration with volunteers, and provide site maps,
directions and event information (by mail or email).
Event publicity can be done by word-of-mouth, and with fliers,
press releases to community newspapers, newsletters, websites
and email listservs.
Organizing Volunteer Events
Volunteers enjoy well-organized events. When volunteers’
basic needs are met and their time is used well at an event, they
enjoy themselves, experience a sense of satisfaction, and are
more likely to volunteer again. Educating volunteers about the
purposes and benefits of the restoration activities, and training
them to properly conduct the activities are essential to holding
a well-organized, satisfying volunteer event.
Greening has conducted dozens of volunteer events with
people of all ages. We have held events for only a handful of
volunteers and events with as many as 1,100 volunteers. Our
events are typically 3 hours long, and are usually held on
Saturday mornings. Following are the steps we take to conduct
our events.
Organizing the field work
• Before the event, organize the restoration work area into
“work units.” A work unit is the defined area for work to be
completed by 20 volunteers and 2 volunteer supervisors during
the event time period.
• All work units are well-marked, and all necessary materials
(plants, woodchip, water for plantings, for example) and tools
are provided at the event site. Occasionally (particularly for
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Groups that finish the work in their units early are asked to
shift to assist in another work unit so all the work in the project
area can be completed by the end of the event.
• Water is provided at the work units.
very large events), we ask volunteers to bring their own hand
tools to supplement the ones we provide.
• Trained volunteer supervisors arrive at the event shortly
before the restoration volunteers and orient themselves to their
work units and the event activities.
Thanking the volunteers
• When the field work period of the event is completed,
volunteers gather at a central location for snacks or lunch and a
short presentation.
• Event hosts thank the volunteers for their work and provide
additional information about the project. Greening typically
invites partner organizations and local public officials to make
presentations during
the event wrap-up. This is a good time and location for partners
or local groups to display booths.
• After the event, we mail postcards to volunteers thanking
them for their participation.
Volunteer organization at the event
• Posted signs direct volunteers to parking and registration
areas.
• Restroom facilities are located in convenient locations. (We
usually rent “biffs.)
• All volunteers go to the registration area to sign in, and are
assigned to work units.
• Coffee and snacks are provided. (These are often donated by
local businesses.)
• Field staff is trained in first aid. Cell phones and first aid
equipment are available. An emergency plan is in place in case
of an accident. Staff informs volunteer supervisors of the plan
during their orientation. For very large events, a trained nurse
or other medical staff is present at the event site.
• Water is provided at work units and the event wrap-up area.
Evaluating the event
• We request comments about our events from participants,
both while they are at the event and after the event. For most
events, we typically survey our volunteer supervisors and a
subset of the volunteer participants to help identify where we
need to improve.
• Staff holds a debriefing after each event to further improve
our efforts.
Field activities at the event
• Volunteer supervisors direct their volunteers to their work
units and provide a 10-minute training about the purpose of the
project and activities, demonstrate proper methods, identify
any safety concerns and answer questions.
• Volunteer supervisors oversee the activities of the volunteers,
ensuring proper methods are used.
• Staff oversees volunteer supervisors to ensure work is
happening appropriately and on schedule.
Training volunteer supervisors
• Great River Greening already has a network of volunteer
supervisors who lead work groups at Greening events
72
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
• Volunteers willing to serve as supervisors participate in our
basic training, where they learn about their role at Greening
events. A supervisor’s role is to educate volunteers about the
purpose of the project and event activities, to help motivate the
volunteers and help them enjoy the activities, and to help
ensure they use proper techniques.
• In addition to the basic training, we also offer advanced
training to volunteer supervisors to expand their knowledge of
ecological restoration activities. Topics have included exotic
species control, prairie plant identification and an introduction
to the natural communities of the Twin Cities area.
Volunteer Site Monitors
Volunteers can also assist the monitoring and management of
the site by periodically walking through the site and reporting
on management problems (trash, vandalism, new exotic weed
problems) to the City’s parks department. They can also
record observations of interesting birds or other creatures they
encounter. The City of Maplewood (see “Nature Center
Volunteers” in www.maplewoodmn.com) has a good program
that could serve as a model. In this program, trained volunteers
visit their designated natural areas once a month, fill out a
monitoring form that they submit to city staff.
Potential Volunteer Events
Greening has experience engaging volunteers in the following
management activities:
• Planting native trees and shrubs
• Planting wildflower and grass seedlings
• Collecting and broadcasting prairie seed
• Removing exotic species seedlings using weed wrenches
• Hauling exotic species brush that has been cut by professional
crews
73
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
References
Lane, C., S. Raab. 2002. Great River Greening: a case study in
urban woodland restoration. Ecological Restoration 20:04, 243251.
Dunevitz, H., C. Lane. 2004. Species Lists for Terrestrial and
Palustrine Native Plant Communities in East-Central
Minnesota, A joint project of the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources, Ecological Strategies LLC, and Great River
Greening. These lists, with accompanying text, are available
from the website for Great River Greening:
www.greatrivergreening.org.
Louv, R. 2005. Last child in the woods: Saving our children
from nature deficit disorder. Algonquin Books.
Marschner, F.J. 1974. The original vegetation of Minnesota.
Map compiled from U.S. General Land Office survey notes.
U.S. Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station,
St. Paul.
Great River Greening. 2005. Pilot Knob Natural Resource
Management Plan [Phase I]. St. Paul, MN.
.
Grimm, E. 1984. Fire and other factors controlling the big
woods vegetation of Minnesota in the mid-nineteenth century.
Ecological Monographs, 54(3), pp.291-311.
MCBS. 1995. Inventory of Biological Features in Fort Snelling
State Park and Inventory of Natural Communities and Rare
Plants in Minnehaha Regional Park. Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources, Biological Report No. 54, St. Paul,
Minnesota.
Heinselman, M.L. 1974. Interpretation of Francis J.
Marschner’s map of the original vegetation of Minnesota. Text
printed on the back side of Marschner’s map. U.S. Forest
Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station, St. Paul.
MCBS. 1997. Natural Communities and Rare Species of
Dakota County, Minnesota [map]. Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources, St. Paul, MN
Hobbs, H.C., S. Aronow, C.J. Patterson.1990. Surficial
Geology Map of Dakota County, County Atlas Series, Atlas C6, Plate 3 of 9, Minnesota Geological Survey, Minneapolis.
MCBS. 2002. Survey of Biological Features in the Minnesota
Valley State Recreation Area. Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources, Biological Report No. 72, St. Paul,
Minnesota.
Kilde, R. 2000. Going Native: A Prairie Restoration Handbook
for Minnesota Landowners. Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, Scientific and Natural Areas Program, St. Paul,
MN.
MN Department of Agriculture. 2007. Emerald Ash Borer
Prevention, Early Detection & Rapid Response.
74
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab.htm.
(Accessed 11/7/07)
MN DNR. 2006c St. Paul Baldwin Plains and Moraines. Pp.
106-111 in Tomorrow’s Habitat for the Wild and Rare: An
Action Plan for Minnesota Wildlife, Comprehensive Wildlife
Conservation Strategy (CWCS). St. Paul, MN. Also available
on-line at
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/nrplanning/bigpicture/cw
cs/profiles/st_paul_baldwin_plains.pdf. (Accessed 10/22/07).
MN DNR. 2002. Minnesota invasive non-native terrestrial
plant; an identification guide for resource managers. St. Paul,
MN. Also available on-line at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/index.ht
ml
National Audubon Society, 2007a. Top 20 Common Birds in
Decline.
http://www.audubon.org/bird/stateofthebirds/cbid/browseSpeci
es.php (Accessed 10/18/07).
MN DNR. 2003. Direct Seeding of Native Hardwood Trees:
An Innovative Approach to Hardwood Regeneration. A 4 page
brochure from the MN Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forestry.
National Audubon Society. 2007b. #6 Common Bird in
Decline Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna).
http://www.audubon.org/bird/stateofthebirds/cbid/profile.php?i
d=6 (accessed 10/18/07).
MNDNR. 2005. [manuscript in preparation] Field Guide to the
Native Plant Communities of Minnesota: the Eastern Broadleaf
Forest Province. Ecological Land Classification Program,
Minnesota County Biological Survey, and Natural Heritage and
Nongame Research Program. MNDNR St. Paul, MN.
National Audubon Society. 2007c. #8 Common Bird in Decline
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus).
http://www.audubon.org/bird/stateofthebirds/cbid/profile.php?i
d=8 (accessed 10/18/07).
MN DNR. 2006a. Tomorrow’s Habitat for the Wild and Rare:
An Action Plan for Minnesota Wildlife, Comprehensive
Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS). St. Paul, MN.
National Audubon Society. 2007d. #9 Common Bird in
Decline Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla).
http://www.audubon.org/bird/stateofthebirds/cbid/profile.php?i
d=9 (accessed 10/18/07).
MN DNR. 2006b. Tomorrow’s Habitat for the Wild and Rare:
An Action Plan for Minnesota Wildlife, Comprehensive
Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS). Available on-line at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/cwcs/index.html (accessed
10/22/07).
National Audubon Society, 2007e. #17 Common Bird in
Decline Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus).
75
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
University, Purdue University, and Ohio State University.
2007. Emerald Ash Borer. http://www.emeraldashborer.info
(Accessed 11/7/07)
http://www.audubon.org/bird/stateofthebirds/cbid/profile.php?i
d=17 (accessed 10/18/07).
Ownbey, G., T. Morley. 1991. Vascular Plants of Minnesota: A
Checklist and Atlas. University of Minnesota Press,
Minneapolis, MN.
van der Valk, A. G., and R. L. Pederson. 1989. Seed banks and
the management and restoration of natural vegetation. pp. 329346 in M. A. Leck, V. T. Parker, and R. L. Simpson (eds.)
Ecology of Soil Seed Banks. Academic Press, New York,
USA.
Ojakangas, R.W., C.L. Matsch.1982. Minnesota’s Geology.
University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis.
Weikle, P., personal communication, NRCS Soil Scientist for
the Twin Cities metropolitan region, Brooklyn Center,
Minnesota.
Packard, S., C. Mutel (Ed.s.). 1997. The Tallgrass Restoration
Handbook. Island Press, Washington D.C.
Shirley, S. 1994. Restoring the Tallgrass Prairie: An Illustrated
Manual for Iowa and the Upper Midwest. Iowa City:
University of Iowa Press.
White, B., A. Woolworth. 2004. Oheyawahi/Pilot Knob: A Hill
of State and National Significance in Dakota County. Over the
Years, Vol. 45, No. 2. A publication of the Dakota County
Historical Society and Museum.
Stuckey, R.L., D.P. Salamon. 1987. Typha angustifolia in
North America: a foreigner masquerading as a native.
(Abstract). Page 4 in Proceedings of the Ohio Academy of
Science, Columbus, OH.
Wovcha, D.S., B.C. Delaney, G.E. Nordquist. 1995,
Minnesota’s St. Croix River Valley and Anoka Sandplain: A
Guide to Native Habitats, University of Minnesota Press,
Minneapolis.
USDA - NRCS. 1983. Soil Survey of Dakota County. U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.
Wright, H.E. 1972. Physiography of Minnesota. In: Sims, P.K.,
G.B. Morey (ed.s), Geology of Minnesota: A Centennial
Volume. Minnesota Geological Survey, St. Paul, pp 561-578.
USDA Forest Service, Michigan Department of Agriculture,
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, USDA Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), Michigan State
76
�Genus
S OUTHERN MES IC PRAIRIE
List of Potential Plant S pecies 1
Quaking aspen
Bur oak
Northern pin oak
Red cedar
Common Name
tremuloides
macrocarpa
ellipsoidalis
virginiana
Lead-plant
Fragrant false indigo
Prairie sagewort
Gray dogwood
Red-osier dogwood
American hazelnut
Wild plum
Chokecherry
Smooth sumac
Staghorn sumac
Prairie rose
Smooth wild rose
Black raspberry
Red raspberry
Prairie willow
M eadowsweet
Snowberry
S pecies
canescens
nana
frigida
racemosa
sericea
americana
americana
virginiana
glabra
typhina
arkansana
blanda
occidentalis
idaeus
humilis
alba
cmx.
Yarrow
Fragrant giant hyssop
Prairie wild onion
Wild garlic
Long-headed thimbleweed
Virginia thimbleweed
Canada anemone
Pussytoes
Spreading dogbane
Clasping dogbane
Western mugwort
Tall wormwood
Butterfly-weed
Oval-leaved milkweed
Sky-blue aster
Heath aster
Panicled aster
New England aster
Smooth aster
Field milk-vetch
Canada milk-vetch
Harebell
Prairie golden aster
Understory Trees
Populus
Quercus
Quercus
Juniperus
millefolium
foeniculum
stellatum
canadense
cylindrica
virginiana
canadensis
spp.
androsaemifolium
sibiricum
ludoviciana
campestris
tuberosa
ovalifolia
oolentangiensis
ericoides
lanceolatus
novae-angliae
laevis
agrestis
canadensis
rotundifolia
villosa
2
3
S pecies in PRI
S tandard Grass &
Wildflower S eed
Mixes (% of mix)
4% b.w.
2% b.w.
3% b.w.
4% b.w.
X
clay
X
X
Other S pecies
Recommended
for Planting
clay
X
X
X
X
X
clay
X
clay
77
Shrubs
Amorpha
Amorpha
Artemisia
Cornus
Cornus
Corylus
Prunus
Prunus
Rhus
Rhus
Rosa
Rosa
Rubus
Rubus
Salix
Spiraea
Symphoricarpos
Forbs
Achillea
Agastache
Allium
Allium
Anemone
Anemone
Anemone
Antennaria
Apocynum
Apocynum
Artemisia
Artemisia
Asclepias
Asclepias
Aster
Aster
Aster
Aster
Aster
Astragalus
Astragalus
Campanula
Chrysopsis
II
Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Appendix A: Plant Species for Restoration at Pilot Knob
Mesic Prairie – page 1
�Cirsium
Cirsium
Comandra
Coreopsis
Dalea
Dalea
Desmodium
Erigeron
Euphorbia
Euthamia
Fragaria
Galium
Galium
Gentiana
Geum
Glycyrrhiza
Hedeoma
Helenium
Helianthus
Helianthus
Helianthus
Heliopsis
Heuchera
Hypoxis
Krigia
Kuhnia
Lactuca
Lathyrus
Lathyrus
Lespedeza
Liatris
Liatris
Liatris
Lilium
Lithospermum
Lobelia
Lupinus
Mirabilis
Monarda
Oenothera
Oxalis
Pedicularis
Pediomelum
Phlox
Physalis
Physalis
Polygala
Polygala
Potentilla
Potentilla
Prenanthes
Pycnanthemum
muticum
flodmani
umbellata
palmata
purpurea
candida
canadense
strigosus
corollata
graminifolia
virginiana
boreale
triflorum
andrewsii
triflorum
lepidota
hispida
autumnale
maximiliani
giganteus
pauciflorus
helianthoides
richardsonii
hirsuta
biflora
eupatorioides
spp.
palustris
venosus
capitata
aspera
ligulistylis
pycnostachya
philadelphicum
canescens
spicata
perennis
hirsuta
fistulosa
biennis
cmx.
canadensis
argophyllum
pilosa
heterophylla
virginiana
sanguinea
polygama
simplex
arguta
racemosa
virginianum
Swamp thistle
Prairie thistle
Bastard toad-flax
Stiff tickseed
Purple prairie-clover
White prairie-clover
Canadian tick-trefoil
Daisy fleabane
Flowering spurge
Grass-leaved goldenrod
Common strawberry
Northern bedstraw
Three-flowered bedstraw
Closed gentian
Prairie smoke
Wild licorice
M ock pennyroyal
Autumn sneezeweed
M aximilian's sunflower
Giant sunflower
Stiff sunflower
Ox-eye
Alum-root
Yellow star-grass
Two-flowered Cynthia
False boneset
Wild lettuce
M arsh vetchling
Veiny pea
Round-headed bush-clover
Rough blazing star
Northern plains (meadow) blazing star
Gayfeather (tall blazing star)
Wood lily
Hoary puccoon
Rough-spiked Lobelia
Wild lupine
Hairy four-o'clock
Wild bergamot
Common evening-primrose
Wood-sorrel
Wood-betony
Silvery scurf-pea
Prairie phlox
Clammy ground-cherry
Ground-cherry
Purple milkwort
Racemed milkwort
Old-field cinquefoil
Tall cinquefoil
Smooth rattlesnake-root
Virginia mountain-mint
4% b.w.
14% b.w.
4% b.w.
1% b.w.
b.w.
b.w.
b.w.
b.w.
2% b.w.
5% b.w.
1%
1%
2%
2%
3% b.w.
4% b.w.
clay
clay
X
X
X
clay
clay
X
X
clay
X
X
X
X
X
X
78
II
Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Mesic Prairie – page 2
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Mesic Prairie – page 3
Ratibida
Rudbeckia
Scutellaria
Silphium
Sisyrinchium
Smilacina
Solidago
Solidago
Solidago
Solidago
Solidago
Solidago
Stachys
Thalictrum
Tradescantia
Verbena
Vernonia
Veronicastrum
Vicia
Viola
Viola
Zizia
Zizia
pinnata
hirta
leonardi
perfoliatum
campestre
stellata
rigida
canadensis
gigantea
nemoralis
ptarmicoides
speciosa
palustris
dasycarpum
bracteata
stricta
fasciculata
virginicum
americana
pedatifida
pedata
aptera
aurea
gerardii
curtipendula
kalmii
bicknellii
meadii
tenera
scoparia
siccata
canadensis
trachycaulus
spectabilis
pyramidata
mexicana
glomerata
frondosa
racemosa
oligosanthes
leibergii
virgatum
perlongum
commonsianum
capillare
scoparium
nutans
pectinata
heterolepis
spartea
Grasses, Rushes and Sedges
Andropogon
Bouteloua
Bromus
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Elymus
Elymus
Eragrostis
Koeleria
Muhlenbergia
Muhlenbergia
Muhlenbergia
Muhlenbergia
Panicum
Panicum
Panicum
Panicum
Panicum
Panicum
Schizachyrium
Sorghastrum
Spartina
Sporobolus
Stipa
Ferns and Fern Allies
Gray-headed coneflower
Black-eyed Susan
Leonard's skullcap
Cup-plant
Field blue-eyed grass
Starry false Solomon's-seal
Stiff goldenrod
Canada goldenrod
Giant goldenrod
Gray goldenrod
Upland white aster/goldenrod
Showy goldenrod
Woundwort
Tall meadow-rue
Bracted spiderwort
Hoary verbena
Bunched ironweed
Culver's root
American vetch
Prairie bird-foot violet
Bird-foot violet
Heart-leaved alexanders
Golden alexanders
Big bluestem
Side-oats grama
Kalm's brome
Bicknell's sedge
M ead's sedge
M arsh-straw sedge
Pointed-broom sedge
Hay sedge
Canada wild rye
Slender wheatgrass
Purple lovegrass
June-grass
M exican satin-grass
Clustered muhly grass
Swamp satin-grass
M arsh muhly grass
Few-flowered panic grass
Leiberg's panic grass
Switchgrass
Long-leaved panic grass
White-haired panic grass
Witch grass
Little bluestem
Indian grass
Prairie cord-grass
Prairie dropseed
Porcupine-grass
16% b.w.
6% b.w.
1% b.w.
2% b.w.
15% b.w.
3% b.w.
35% pls
8% pls
4% pls
2.5% pls
25% pls
25% pls
0.5% b.w.
clay
X
clay
clay
X
X
X
X
X
clay
X
clay
X
clay
clay
clay
79
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Mesic Prairie – page 4
laevigatum
hyemale
arvense
Ferns and Fern Allies
Equisetum
Equisetum
Equisetum
Smooth scouring-rush
Tall scouring-rush
Field horsetail
From Prairie Restorations, Inc. (www.prairieresto.com/seed_mixes.htm)
% refers to % of grass mix or % of wildflower mix. pls = pure live seed; b.w. = bulk weight
1
M odified from a compilation of M NDNR vegetation plot data from East-Central M innesota: see "Species Lists for Terrestr
and Palustrine Native Plant Communities in East-central M innesota" by C. Lane & H. Texler (at www.greatrivergreening.org)
2
3
Clay species modified from Prairie Moon Nursery Mesic Clay Mix
((http://www.prairiemoon.com/store/template/product_detail.php?IID=747&SID=4bd9277f2a1ff1c813d8f20fc9ecd9
03)
80
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Dry Prairie – page 1
Trees
Genus
Juniperus
Prunus
Quercus
Quercus
Quercus
Shrubs
Amorpha
Artemisia
Ceanothus
Corylus
Prunus
Rhus
Rosa
Rosa
Rubus
Symphoricarpos
Toxicodendron
Zanthoxylum
Forbs
Achillea
Allium
Ambrosia
Ambrosia
Anemone
Anemone
Antennaria
Arabis
Artemisia
Artemisia
Artemisia
Asclepias
Asclepias
Asclepias
Asclepias
Asclepias
Aster
Aster
Aster
Aster
Aster
Aster
Astragalus
Calylophus
Campanula
DRY PRAIRIE
List of Potential Plant S pecies1
Common Name
Red cedar
Black cherry
Bur oak
Northern pin oak
Northern red oak
S pecies
virginiana
serotina
macrocarpa
ellipsoidalis
rubra
Lead-plant
Prairie sagewort
American New Jersey tea
American hazelnut
Wild plum
Smooth sumac
Prairie rose
Smooth wild rose
Black raspberry
Snowberry
Poison ivy
Prickly ash
Yarrow
Prairie wild onion
Common ragweed
Western ragweed
Long-headed thimbleweed
Pasque-flower
Pussytoes
Spreading rock-cress
Tall wormwood
Western mugwort
Estragon
Whorled milkweed
Green milkweed
Common milkweed
Oval-leaved milkweed
Butterfly-weed
Heath aster
Silky aster
Aromatic aster
Sky-blue (azure) aster
Crooked-stemmed aster
Smooth aster
Buffalo-bean
Toothed evening primrose
Harebell
canescens
frigida
americanus
americana
americana
glabra
arkansana
cmx
occidentalis
cmx
rydbergii
americanum
millefolium
stellatum
artemisiifolia
psilostachya
cylindrica
patens
spp.
divaricarpa
campestris
ludoviciana
dracunculus
verticillata
viridiflora
syriaca
ovalifolia
tuberosa
ericoides
sericeus
oblongifolius
oolentangiensis
prenanthoides
laevis
crassicarpus
serrulata
rotundifolia
2
S pecies in PRI
S tandard Grass &
Wildflower S eed
3
Mixes (% of forb or
grass mix)
5% d.w.
1% d.w.
2% d.w.
2% d.w.
2% d.w.
Other S pecies
Recommended for
Planting
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
81
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Dry Prairie – page 2
Chenopodium
Chrysopsis
Cirsium
Comandra
Coreopsis
Cycloloma
Dalea
Dalea
Dalea
Delphinium
Erigeron
Erysimum
Euphorbia
Euphorbia
Hedeoma
Helianthemum
Helianthus
Isanthus
Kuhnia
Lactuca
Lathyrus
Lepidium
Lespedeza
Liatris
Liatris
Linum
Lupinus
Lithospermum
Lithospermum
Lithospermum
Mirabilis
Monarda
Oenothera
Oenothera
Onosmodium
Oxalis
Pediomelum
Pediomelum
Penstemon
Penstemon
Physalis
Physalis
Polygonum
Potentilla
Ratibida
Rudbeckia
Scutellaria
Senecio
Silene
Solidago
Solidago
Solidago
desiccatum
villosa
flodmani
umbellata
palmata
atriplicifolium
purpurea
villosa
candida
virescens
strigosus
inconspicuum
corollata
glyptosperma
hispida
bicknellii
pauciflorus
brachiatus
eupatorioides
spp.
venosus
densiflorum
capitata
punctata
aspera
sulcatum
perennis
canescens
caroliniense
incisum
hirsuta
fistulosa
biennis
clelandii
molle
cmx.
argophyllum
esculentum
grandiflorus
gracilis
virginiana
heterophylla
tenue
arguta
pinnata
hirta
leonardi
plattensis
antirrhina
nemoralis
missouriensis
rigida
Narrow-leaved lamb's quarters
Prairie golden aster
Prairie thistle
Bastard toad-flax
Stiff tickseed
Winged pigweed
Purple prairie-clover
Silky prairie-clover
White prairie-clover
Prairie larkspur
Daisy fleabane
Small-flowered wallflower
Flowering spurge
Ridge-seeded spurge
M ock pennyroyal
Hoary frostweed
Stiff sunflower
False pennyroyal
False boneset
Wild lettuce
Veiny pea
Green-flowered pepper-grass
Round-headed bush-clover
Dotted blazing star
Rough blazing star
Grooved yellow flax
Wild lupine
Hoary puccoon
Hairy puccoon
Narrow-leaved puccoon
Hairy four-o'clock
Wild bergamot
Common evening-primrose
Cleland's evening-primrose
False gromwell
Wood-sorrel
Silvery scurf-pea
Prairie-turnip
Large-flowered beard-tongue
Slender beard-tongue
Ground-cherry
Clammy ground-cherry
Slender knotweed
Tall cinquefoil
Gray-headed coneflower
Black-eyed Susan
Leonard's skullcap
Prairie ragwort
Sleepy catchfly
Gray goldenrod
M issouri goldenrod
Stiff goldenrod
6% d.w.
16% d.w.
4% d.w.
2% d.w.
3% d.w.
6% d.w.
2% d.w.
18% d.w.
4% d.w.
2% d.w.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
82
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Dry Prairie – page 3
Solidago
Solidago
Solidago
Thalictrum
Tradescantia
Verbena
Veronicastrum
Viola
Zizia
Zizia
ptarmicoides
canadensis
speciosa
dasycarpum
bracteata
stricta
virginicum
pedatifida
aurea
aptera
gerardii
basiramea
curtipendula
gracilis
hirsuta
kalmii
longifolia
tenera
muhlenbergii
siccata
longispinus
schweinitzii
lupulinus
spp.
canadensis
trachycaulus
spectabilis
pyramidata
cuspidata
perlongum
oligosanthes
wilcoxianum
leibergii
scoparium
nutans
cryptandrus
heterolepis
spartea
comata
octoflora
Grasses, Rushes and Sedges
Andropogon
Aristida
Bouteloua
Bouteloua
Bouteloua
Bromus
Calamovilfa
Carex
Carex
Carex
Cenchrus
Cyperus
Cyperus
Cyperus
Elymus
Elymus
Eragrostis
Koeleria
Muhlenbergia
Panicum
Panicum
Panicum
Panicum
Schizachyrium
Sorghastrum
Sporobolus
Sporobolus
Stipa
Stipa
Vulpia
laevigatum
rupestris
Ferns and Fern Allies
Equisetum
Selaginella
Upland white aster (goldenrod)
Canada goldenrod
Showy goldenrod
Tall meadow-rue
Bracted spiderwort
Hoary vervain
Culver's root
Prairie bird-foot violet
Golden alexanders
Heart-leaved alexanders
Big bluestem
Base-branched three-awn
Side-oats grama
Blue grama
Hairy grama
Kalm's brome
Sand reed-grass
M arsh-straw sedge
M uhlenberg's sedge
Hay sedge
Sandbur
Schweinitz' cyperus
Hop-like cyperus
Canada wild rye
Slender wheatgrass
Purple lovegrass
June-grass
Plains muhly
Long-leaved panic grass
Few-flowered panic grass
Wilcox's panic grass
Leiberg's panic grass
Little bluestem
Indian grass
Sand dropseed
Prairie dropseed
Porcupine-grass
Needle-and-thread grass
Eight-week fescue
Smooth scouring-rush
Rock spikemoss
2
pls = pure live seed; b.w. = bulk weight
From Prairie Restorations, Inc. (www.prairieresto.com/seed_mixes.htm)
3% d.w.
1% d.w.
18% d.w.
3% d.w.
35% pls wt.
10% pls wt.
1% d.w.
53% pls wt.
0.5% d.w.
0.5% d.w.
X
X
X
X
X
X
1
M odified from a compilation of M NDNR vegetation plot data from East-Central M innesota: see "Species Lists for Terrestrial
and Palustrine Native Plant Communities in East-central M innesota" by C. Lane & H. Texler (at www.greatrivergreening.org).
3
83
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Wet Prairie – page 1
Genus
Shrubs
Cornus
Cornus
Salix
Salix
Salix
Spiraea
Forbs
Agastache
Alisma
Anemone
Apios
Apocynum
Asclepias
Aster
Aster
Aster
Aster
Calystegia
Campanula
Castilleja
Chelone
Chenopodium
Cicuta
Cirsium
Desmodium
Epilobium
Eupatorium
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
Euthamia
Fragaria
Gentiana
Geum
Helenium
Helianthus
Helianthus
Heliopsis
Hypericum
Hypoxis
Iris
Iris
Krigia
Lathyrus
Lathyrus
WET PRAIRIE
List of Potential Plant S pecies1
Gray dogwood
Red-osier dogwood
Bebb's willow
Pussy willow
Slender willow
M eadowsweet
Common Name
racemosa
sericea
bebbiana
discolor
petiolaris
alba
Blue giant-hyssop
Water plantain
Canada anemone
Groundnut
Clasping dogbane
Swamp milkweed
Panicled aster
New England aster
Flat-topped aster
Red-stemmed aster
Hedge bindweed
M arsh bellflower
Indian paintbrush
White turtlehead
Narrow-leaved lamb's quarters
Spotted water-hemlock
Swamp thistle
Canadian tick-trefoil
Willow-herb
Spotted Joe-pye weed
Common boneset
Flowering spurge
Grass-leaved goldenrod
Common strawberry
Closed gentian
Yellow avens
Autumn sneezeweed
Giant sunflower
Sawtooth sunflower
Ox eye
Great St. John's wort
Yellow star-grass
Northern blue Flag
Southern blue flag
Two-flowered Cynthia
M arsh vetchling
Veiny pea
S pecies
foeniculum
subcordatum
canadensis
americana
sibiricum
incarnata
lanceolatus
novae-angliae
pubentior
puniceus
sepium
aparinoides
coccinea
glabra
desiccatum
maculata
muticum
canadense
cm2
maculatum
perfoliatum
corollata
graminifolia
virginiana
andrewsii
aleppicum
autumnale
giganteus
grosseserratus
helianthoides
pyramidatum
hirsuta
versicolor
virginica
biflora
palustris
venosus
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S pecies in PRI
Other S pecies
S tandard Grass & Recommended for
Wildflower S eed Planting
2
Mixes (% of forb
or grass mix)
2% b.w.
1% b.w.
3% b.w.
5% b.w.
2% b.w.
3% b.w.
16% b.w.
4% b.w.
1% b.w.
2% b.w.
3% b.w.
3% b.w.
8% b.w.
X
84
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Wet Prairie – page2
Liatris
Liatris
Lilium
Liparis
Lobelia
Lobelia
Lycopus
Lycopus
Lysimachia
Lysimachia
Lythrum
Mentha
Mimulus
Monarda
Oenothera
Oxalis
Oxypolis
Pedicularis
Pedicularis
Polygala
Polygala
Polygonum
Polygonum
Potentilla
Prenanthes
Pycnanthemum
Ratibida
Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia
Sagittaria
Scutellaria
Senecio
Silphium
Smilacina
Solidago
Solidago
Solidago
Solidago
Stachys
Teucrium
Thalictrum
Verbena
Vernonia
Veronicastrum
Vicia
Viola
Zizia
ligulistylis
pycnostachya
michiganense
loeselii
siphilitica
spicata
americanus
uniflorus
ciliata
quadriflora
alatum
arvensis
ringens
fistulosa
perennis
cmx.
rigidior
canadensis
lanceolata
sanguinea
senega
amphibium
punctatum
simplex
racemosa
virginianum
pinnata
hirta
laciniata
latifolia
galaericulata
pseudaureus/aureus
perfoliatum
stellata
canadensis
gigantea
riddellii
rigida
palustris
canadense
dasycarpum
hastata
fasciculata
virginicum
americana
cm1
aurea
hyemalis
gerardii
ciliatus
canadensis
Grasses, Rushes and Sedges
Agrostis
Andropogon
Bromus
Calamagrostis
Northern plains blazing star
Gayfeather (tall blazing star)
M ichigan lily
Loesel's twayblade
Great lobelia
Rough-spiked lobelia
Cut-leaved bugleweed
Northern bugleweed
Fringed loosestrife
Prairie loosestrife
Wing-angled loosestrife
Common mint
Purple monkey-flower
Wild bergamot
Perennial evening-primrose
Wood-sorrel
Cowbane
Wood-betony
Swamp lousewort
Purple milkwort
Seneca snakeroot
Water smartweed
Dotted smartweed
Old-field cinquefoil
Smooth rattlesnake-root
Virginia mountain-mint
Gray-headed coneflower
Black-eyed Susan
Goldenglow
Giant arrowhead
M arsh skullcap
Golden ragwort
Cup-plant
Starry false Solomon's-seal
Canada goldenrod
Giant goldenrod
Riddell's goldenrod
Stiff goldenrod
Woundwort
Germander
Tall meadow-rue
Blue vervain
Bunched ironweed
Culver's root
American vetch
Violet
Golden alexanders
15% b.w.
3% b.w.
38% pls wt.
1% b.w.
16% b.w.
1% b.w.
1% b.w.
2% b.w.
2% b.w.
6% b.w.
2% b.w.
4% b.w.
8% b.w.
Rough bent-grass
Big bluestem
Fringed brome
Bluejoint
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
85
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Wet Prairie – page 3
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Eleocharis
Elymus
Elymus
Eriophorum
Glyceria
Hierochloe
Juncus
Juncus
Juncus
Juncus
Leersia
Muhlenbergia
Muhlenbergia
Panicum
Poa
Scirpus
Scirpus
Sorghastrum
Sparganium
Spartina
Sphenopholis
bebbii
buxbaumii
granularis
haydenii
interior
lacustris
sartwellii
scoparia
stipata
stricta
tenera
tetanica
pellita
compressa
canadensis
trachycaulus
angustifolium
striata
odorata
nodosus
tenuis
vaseyi
dudleyi
oryzoides
frondosa
glomerata
virgatum
palustris
atrovirens
cyperinus
nutans
eurycarpum
pectinata
obtusata
arvense
pratense
sensibilis
Ferns and Fern Allies
Equisetum
Equisetum
Onoclea
Bebb's sedge
Buxbaum's sedge
Granular sedge
Hayden's sedge
Inland sedge
Lake-sedge
Sartwell's sedge
Pointed-broom sedge
Awl-fruited sedge
Tusssock-sedge
M arsh-straw sedge
Wood-sedge
Woolly sedge
Flattened spike-rush
Canada wild rye
Slender wheatgrass
Narrow-leaved cotton-grass
Fowl manna-grass
Sweet grass
Knotty rush
Path rush
Vasey's rush
Dudley's rush
Rice cut grass
Swamp satin-grass
Clustered muhly grass
Switchgrass
Fowl meadow-grass
Dark green bulrush
Wool-grass
Indian grass
Giant bur-reed
Prairie cord-grass
Prairie wedge-grass
Field horsetail
M eadow horsetail
Sensitive fern
2
pls = pure live seed; b.w. = bulk weight
From Prairie Restorations, Inc. (www.prairieresto.com/seed_mixes.htm)
10% pls wt.
10% pls wt.
1% b.w.
2% b.w.
6% pls wt.
1% b.w.
15% b.w.
X
X
X
X
1
M odified from a compilation of M NDNR vegetation plot data from East-Central M innesota: see "Species Lists for Terrestria
and Palustrine Native Plant Communities in East-central M innesota" by C. Lane & H. Texler (at www.greatrivergreening.org).
3
86
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Oak Woodland – Page 1
Genus
Canopy Trees (>10m)
Acer
Acer
Betula
Carya
Celtis
Fraxinus
Ostrya
Prunus
Quercus
Quercus
Quercus
Quercus
Tilia
Ulmus
Understory Trees
Acer
Acer
Acer
Betula
Carya
Celtis
Fraxinus
Ostrya
Prunus
Quercus
Quercus
Tilia
Ulmus
Ulmus
Shrubs
Cornus
Cornus
Corylus
Corylus
Prunus
Ribes
Ribes
Rosa
Rubus
Rubus
Sambucus
Symphoricarpos
Toxicodendron
Viburnum
DRY-MESIC OAK WOODLAND
List of Potential Plant S pecies1
negundo
rubrum
papyrifera
cordiformis
occidentalis
pennsylvanica
virginiana
serotina
alba
ellipsoidalis
macrocarpa
rubra
americana
americana
Box elder
Red maple
Sugar maple
Paper-birch
Bitternut hickory
Hackberry
Green ash
Ironwood
Black cherry
White oak
Northern red oak
Basswood
American elm
Slippery elm
Box elder
Red maple
Paper-birch
Bitternut hickory
Hackberry
Green ash
Ironwood
Black cherry
White oak
Northern pin oak
Bur oak
Northern red oak
Basswood
American elm
Common Name
negundo
rubrum
saccharum
papyrifera
cordiformis
occidentalis
pennsylvanica
virginiana
serotina
alba
rubra
americana
americana
rubra
Pagoda dogwood
Gray dogwood
American hazelnut
Beaked hazelnut
Chokecherry
Prickly gooseberry
M issouri gooseberry
Smooth wild rose
Blackberry
Red raspberry
Red-berried elder
Snowberry
Poison ivy
Nannyberry
S pecies
alternifolia
racemosa
americana
cornuta
virginiana
cynosbati
missouriense
blanda
cm1
idaeus
racemosa
cmx
rydbergii
lentago
S pecies
Recommended for
Planting on
Woodland Edges at
Pilot Knob
X
X
X
X
2
Recommended
Species Available
as Seed from
Prairie Moon
Nursery
87
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Oak Woodland – Page 2
Viburnum
Zanthoxylum
Vines
Parthenocissus
Vitis
Smilax
Forbs
Actaea
Amphicarpaea
Anemone
Apocynum
Aquilegia
Aralia
Aralia
Arisaema
Aster
Campanula
Caulophyllum
Circaea
Cryptotaenia
Desmodium
Erigeron
Eupatorium
Fragaria
Galium
Galium
Galium
Galium
Geranium
Geum
Hackelia
Helianthus
Heliopsis
Hydrophyllum
Impatiens
Laportea
Lathyrus
Maianthemum
Mitella
Monotropa
Osmorhiza
Osmorhiza
Phryma
Pilea
Polygonatum
Polygonatum
Ranunculus
Ranunculus
Sanguinaria
Sanicula
Sanicula
Smilacina
rubra
bracteata
acutiloba
androsaemifolium
canadensis
nudicaulis
racemosa
triphyllum
cordifolius
americana
thalictroides
lutetiana
canadensis
glutinosum
philadelphicus
rugosum
virginiana
aparine
boreale
concinnum
triflorum
maculatum
canadense
spp.
strigosus
helianthoides
virginianum
spp.
canadensis
ochroleucus
canadense
diphylla
uniflora
claytonii
longistylis
leptostachya
spp.
pubescens
biflorum
abortivus
recurvatus
canadensis
gregaria
marilandica
racemosa
spp.
riparia
hispida
rafinesquianum
americanum
Red baneberry
Hog-peanut
Sharp-lobed hepatica
Spreading dogbane
Columbine
Wild sarsaparilla
American spikenard
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Heart-leaved aster
American bell flower
Blue cohosh
Canada enchanter's nightshade
Honewort
Pointed-leaved tick-trefoil
Philadelphia fleabane
Common snakeroot
Common strawberry
Cleavers
Northern bedstraw
Elegant bedstraw
Three-flowered bedstraw
Wild geranium
White avens
Stickseed
Woodland sunflower
Ox-eye
Virginia waterleaf
Touch-me-not
Wood-nettle
Pale vetchling
Canada mayflower
Two-leaved miterwort
Indian pipe
Clayton's sweet cicely
Anise-root
Lopseed
Clearweed
Hairy Solomon's-seal
Giant Solomon's-seal
Kidney-leaf buttercup
Hooked crowfoot
Bloodroot
Gregarious black snakeroot
M ariland black snakeroot
Racemose false Solomon's-seal
Virginia creeper
Wild grape
Green-briar
Downy arrow-wood
Prickly ash
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
88
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Oak Woodland – Page 3
Carrion-flower
Long-leaved chickweed
Early meadow-rue
Stinging nettle
Yellow bellwort
Culver's root
Violet
cmx.
longifolia
dioicum
dioica
grandiflora
virginicum
cm4
Woodland brome
Hairy wood chess
Woodland sedge
Graceful sedge
Pennsylvania sedge
Sprengel's sedge
Stellate sedge
Bottlebrush grass
Nodding fescue
M ountain rice grass
Black-fruited rice grass
Smilax
Stellaria
Thalictrum
Urtica
Uvularia
Veronicastrum
Viola
latiglumis
pubescens (purgans)
blanda
gracillima
pensylvanica
sprengelii
radiata
hystrix
subverticillata
asperifolia
racemosa
Lady-fern
Rattlesnakefern
Interrupted fern
Bracken
Big bluestem
filix-femina
virginianum
claytoniana
aquilinum
Grasses, Rushes and Sedges
Andropogon
gerardii
Bromus
Bromus
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Carex
Elymus (Hystrix)
Festuca
Oryzopsis
Oryzopsis
Ferns and Fern Allies
Athyrium
Botrychium
Osmunda
Pteridium
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
1
M odified from a compilation of M NDNR vegetation plot data from East-Central M innesota: see "Species Lists for Terrestrial
and Palustrine Native Plant Communities in East-central M innesota" by C. Lane & H. Texler (at www.greatrivergreening.org).
2
Prairie M oon Nursery, Winona, M N (www.prairiemoon.com). Note: Prairie M oon's standard woodland and savanna edge seed
mixes are not recommended because they contain species that do not occur in this region.
89
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Appendix B: Resources for Restoration
And Management
Equipment:
Tree planting and seeding equipment:
Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
205 West Rankin St.
Jackson, MS 39201
(800) 647-5368
www.forestry-suppliers.com
Prairie restoration:
Seed:
Minnesota Native Landscapes
14088 Hwy. 95 NE
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-4222
www.mnnativelandscapes.com
Prairie Moon Nursery
31837 Bur Oak Lane
Winona, MN 55987-9515
507-452-1362
www.prairiemoon.com
Ben Meadows Company
3589 Broad St.
Atlanta, GA 30341
(800) 241-6401
www.benmeadows.com
Prairie Restorations, Inc.
P.O. Box 327
Princeton, MN 55371
(763) 633-4342
www.prairieresto.com
Shooting Star Native Seeds
P.O. Box 648
Spring Grove, MN 55974-0648
(507) 498-3944
www.shootingstarnativeseed.com
Spring Lake Restoration Nurseries
21938 Mushtown Rd.
Prior Lake, MN 55372
952-447-1919
http://www.appliedeco.com/slrn/
90
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Potted plants:
Dragonfly Gardens
PO Box 192, Amery, WI 54001.
(715) 268-6155; www.dragonflygardens.net
Hild & Associates
326 Glover Rd. S.
River Falls, WI 54022
800-790-9495; ghild@hildnatives.com
Landscape Alternatives
25316 St. Croix Trail
Shafer, MN 55074
(651) 257-4460; landscapealt@earthlink.net
Prairie Moon Nursery
31837 Bur Oak Lane
Winona, MN 55987-9515
507-452-1362; www.prairiemoon.com
Prairie Restorations, Inc.
P.O. Box 327
Princeton, MN 55371
(763) 633-4342; www.prairieresto.com
Ramsey County Corrections Nursery
297 S. Century Ave
St. Paul, MN 55119
651-266-1510; sean.uslabar@co.ramsey.mn.us
Spring Lake Restoration Nurseries
21938 Mushtown Rd.
Prior Lake, MN 55372
952-447-1919, http://www.appliedeco.com/slrn/
91
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Local Ecotype Trees:
(bare root seedlings)
MN DNR State Forest Nursery
General Andrews Nursery
PO Box 95 Willow River, MN 55795
tel. (218) 372-3183
www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/nurseries/ordering
Restoration contractors:
Bidwell Maintenance
(heavy equip. for site prep)
75 Bidwell St.
St. Paul, MN 55107
Great River Greening
35 W. Water St., Suite 201
St. Paul, MN 55107-2016
651-665-9500
www.greatrivergreening.org
(potted, b&b trees and shrubs)
Out Back Nursery
15280 110th St. S.
Hastings, MN 55033
651-438-2771
www.outbacknursery.com
Minnesota Native Landscapes
14088 Hwy. 95 NE
Foley, MN 56329
(320) 968-4222
www.mnNativeLandscapes.com
(bareroot, potted, b&b - specify local stock)
Bailey Nurseries
1325 Bailey Rd.
St. Paul, MN 55119-6313
651-768-3378
www.baileynurseries.com
Prairie Restorations, Inc.
P.O. Box 327
Princeton, MN 55371
(763) 633-4342
www.prairieresto.com
Contacts:
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Patricia Martinkovic, Refuge Manager
3815 E. 80th St.
Bloomington, MN 55425-1600
(952) 854-5900
Patricia_Martinkovic@fws.gov
92
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Division of Wildlife:
Bryan Lueth, Urban Wildlife Manager
5463 – C W Broadway
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-296-3779
bryan.lueth@dnr.state.mn.us
art.widerstrom@dnr.state.mn.us
Division of Ecological Services
Hannah Texler, Regional Ecologist
1200 Warner Rd., St. Paul, MN 55106
651-772-7570
hannah.texler@dnr.state.mn.us
Division of Forestry:
Art Widerstrom, Area Forester
800 Oak Savanna Lane
Cambridge, MN 55008
763-689-7101
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Paul Voight
651-284-3791 (w)
651-470-5956 (cell)
93
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Several federal, state, and local government grant programs, as
well as private corporations and foundations, have funded
restoration projects like Pilot Knob. Most grants require some
amount of match: either as cash match only, or as cash and/or
in-kind match.
Appendix C1: Potential Funding Sources for
the Pilot Knob Restoration and
Management Project as of October 22, 2005
The Pilot Knob natural resource restoration project has many
components that are compelling for funders:
• it is highly visible,
• it has a nationally significant role in the history of the
Dakota people and European settlement of the region,
• it connects to existing natural areas in the Minnesota
River Valley,
• prairie and savanna communities are high priority
habitats for restoration due to their rarity,
• the work provides meaningful opportunities for
volunteers.
There are many different potential sources for funding natural
resource restoration work and associated volunteer events.
Potential Source
Potential
Amount
While there are no guarantees for fundraising, the City of
Mendota Heights can anticipate that substantial funding for the
restoration project can be generated through grants. If selected
to coordinate the restoration work, Great River Greening can
work with the City to secure grant funds for the project.
Status as of October 22, 2005
Mississippi River Fund (National
Park Service Foundation)
$37,000
city letter submitted Sept. 2005 for March 2006 decision; requires 50% match, which
can include in-kind
Pilot Knob Preservation Association
$1,000
plus inkind
$10,000
PKPA also offers in-kind assistance to develop interpretive information and provide
volunteers to assist with restoration work.
Dakota County
Great River Greening (GRG)
$8,000
approved by the Dakota County Board on October 18, 2005
contingent on using GRG’s assistance; requires 50% cash match; restoration funds
from Metro Conservation Corridors
94
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Dakota County Soil and Water
Conservation District
$5,000
verbal interest in funding and helping secure other funding
Friends of the Minnesota Valley
Sierra Club
Friends of the Mississippi River
$2,500
$500
verbal commitment
verbal commitment
Verbal commitment. Grant funds available through the Metro Conservation Corridors
program. FMR also has members in the region and can bring many volunteers.
Minnesota Historical Society - State
Grants-in-Aid
grant program helps fund installation of structures for and development of interpretive
information; priority is given to projects involving properties that are listed or eligible
for listing on the National Register of Historic places. Maximum grant of $6,000.
Requires 1:1 match. Pre-application deadline likely in July 2006.
See: www.mnhs.org/about/grants/stgrantscontents.html
HRK Foundation
foundation with interest in restoration through “Community Building...to encourage
responsible land use and promote conservation and preservation of community
resources.” See www.hrkfoundation.org.
restoration grants available historically; status of future funding unknown; restoration
of native plant communities; reforestation; protection of wetlands; and abatement of
soil erosion. Plantings must consist only of native species; requires 1;1 match though
match may be in-kind
Conservation Partners – DNR
Metro Greenways restoration
Lower Minnesota River Watershed
District
National Fish & Wildlife
Foundation (NFWF) Challenge
Grants
National Fish & Wildlife
Foundation (NFWF) General
Matching Grant
restoration grants through Metro Conservation Corridors; application round likely in
early 2006; no maximum award, but has awarded up to $50,000 in past . For info, see
www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/land/metrogreen.html. Contact: Kate Drewry
kate.drewry@dnr.state.mn.us
Some watershed districts have funded restoration work, particularly as related to
improving water quality in the watershed See http://www.watersheddistrict.org/.
Contact Terry Schwalbe [terrys@lowermn.com] about a potential partnership.
letter deadline Sept 15; http://www.nfwf.org/guidelines.cfm;
in our region, the most likely projects to be funded are demonstration projects that
show new approaches to restoration; could show how restoration could be done on a
Native American burial ground.
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Roadsides for Wildlife - DNR
$500
Revegetation of roadsides with native grass and forb seed, demonstration plots on
biological weed control, and native seed planting and harvesting equipment. $350/acre
max cost-share; $500 rough estimate
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/habitat/roadsides.html
Minnesota ReLeaf - DNR
Purchasing and planting of predominantly native trees to conserve energy, benefit
wildlife, and establish community windbreaks; actions to preserve and maintain
healthy community forests; educational programs in conjunction with these activities;
and conducting tree inventories for land use and comprehensive planning
Legislative Commission on
Minnesota Resources (LCMR)
This commission, staffed by state legislators, solicits, evaluates and recommends
natural resources projects for legislative funding from the Minnesota Environment and
Natural Resources Trust Fund. Application deadlines are biennial.
www.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/lcmr/lcmr.htm.
MN Office of Environmental
Assistance
www.moea.state.mn.us/
MN Pollution Control Agency
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/netscape4.html
USDA – Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS)
The Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program of USDA-NRCS may be a possible source
of funding.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
Native American Tribes
Additional Foundations
Individuals
Corporations
Potential Total as of 10/03/05
$64,500
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Appendix C2: Current Funding Sources as of November, 2007
Funding source
NEA (Artist fee)
notes
http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/GAP08/Challenge.html
due June 1
Prairie Island
Bess Spiva Timmons Foundation
Artist Fee - 3/12/2007, no word back yet
Target Store Grant
Artist Fee -5/31/2007
Archie D and Bertha H Walker Foundation
MPCA
Artist Fee - 6/7/2007
for interpretive facilities: signs, trails, overlook, and
design of those facilities: to be done by 6/08
Acacia Cem.
used for buckthorn removal at acacia in 2006
PKPA
Paid directly to the city; site prep in 2006
Starbucks
site prep in 2006
Matt Entenza
site prep in 2006
Dak SWCD
Cons. Partners grant
see list to use for in contract, site prep in 2006
use in 2007, reimbursement to city, used for restoration
in 2007 - seeding!
GRG MeCC Phase II
used for site prep, especially in 2006, some in 07
Friends of MN Valley MeCC Phase II
Dak. County Cap. Improve.
used for oak tree in MnDOT ROW
Prefer used for capital improvements - trees, plants, etc.;
Is ok if used for trail, etc. if it attracts match funds
Mn Hist Soc
Lower Mn River Watersh. Dist
Total received for restoration and facilities
Pay for signs only! See acceptance form for details.
used for various restoration in 2007 - reimbursement to
city
$82,659
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
are based on the “reasonable replacement cost” method of
valuating trees and shrubs. These are only a general guideline,
and these figures could change based on several factors
including but not limited to species, condition, location,
historical significance, etc. I would say based on our field visit
of the Pilot Knob site on October 11th, 2005 that the following
figures should be a good for the potential removal of Mn/DOT
trees and shrubs. The per plant cost figures are based on the
average of the average bid prices for contracted Mn/DOT
landscape projects between 01/01/02 and 12/31/04 (3 contract
years). This bid price would include the preparation of the site,
planting of the tree according to Mn/DOT specification 2571,
and maintaining the tree for a period of 2 years
Appendix D: Reasonable Replacement Costs
for Tree/Shrub Removal on Mn/DOT Right
of Way
from: Paul G. Voigt
Natural Resource SpecialistHorticulturist Senior Office of Environmental Services
Phone: (651) 284-3791
E-mail: paul.voigt@dot.state.mn.us
The following table can be used as a general guideline as to
how Mn/DOT may determine the value of replacing or paying
for removed vegetation on its Right of Way. These numbers
.
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
PLANT TYPE
Coniferous tree
SIZE RANGE OF REQUESTED
REMOVAL
Up to 8’ height
REPLACEMENT QUANTITY
Coniferous tree
Over 8’ height up to 14’ height
2 for 1 w/ a 5’ height coniferous
B&B tree
Coniferous tree
Over 14’ height up to 20’ height
3 for 1 w/ a 5’ height coniferous
B&B tree
Deciduous tree
*1”dbh – 8”dbh
1 for 1 w/ a 2” caliper deciduous
B&B tree
Deciduous tree
Over 8”dbh - 14” dbh
2 for 1 w/ a 2” caliper deciduous
B&B tree
Deciduous tree
Over 14 dbh -20” dbh
3 for 1 w/ a 2” caliper deciduous
B&B tree
Deciduous shrub
4’ height – 10’ height
1 for 1 w/ a 4’ height containerized
deciduous shrub
1 for 1 w/ a 5’ height coniferous
B&B tree
*dbh refers to the diameter of the tree at breast height (4.5’ above the ground).
99
REPLACEMENT COSTS PER
PLANT
$277.00
(1 x $277.00 = $277.00 per tree
removed)
$277.00
(2 x $277.00 = $554.00 per tree
removed)
$277.00
(3 x $277.00 = $831.00 per tree
removed)
$348.00
(1 x $348.00 = $348.00 per tree
removed)
$348.00
(2 x $348.00 = $696.00 per tree
removed)
$348.00
(3 x $348.00 = $1044.00 per tree
removed)
$60.00
(1 x $60.00 = $60.00 per shrub
removed)
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Appendix E: Plan Amendments
•
The writers of this plan have worked hard to provide
reasonable and accurate estimates of the work and costs
involved in the proposed restoration and management project at
Pilot Knob. However, no natural resource management plan
can predict all of the potential situations or changes that might
arise in the future that require significant deviations from the
approved plan. Unforeseen situations that might require
amendments to the plan might include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A severe drought that kills plant seedlings before they
can root themselves deeply into the soil
Nursery stock shortages
Unforeseen plant diseases
Responding to and working with adjacent landowners
such as Acacia Park Cemetery and MNDOT
Other situations that might also merit a deviation from the
approved plan could include potential new designs, materials
and costs for alternatives to the constructed areas (trails,
overlook, parking lot, interpretive structures) or native plant
communities that were not considered by the time the final
draft of the plan was written and approved.
Catastrophic weather events that knock over trees into
the project site, requiring additional tree removal
An excessive rainfall event immediately following soil
raking that will require unforeseen additional measures
to control erosion
Poor quality plant seed that fails to germinate properly,
requiring an additional seeding
Inflation of prices for materials and labor, especially 510 years from now
Prior to any significant plan and implementation revisions
consisting of major departures that are not consistent with the
overall goal and intent of the plan, Dakota County and DNR
Metro Greenways, and their appropriate representatives, will
be contacted by the City and must jointly agree to any
significant plan revisions prior to implementation.
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
American Black Duck
Anas rubripes
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
American Woodcock
Scolopax minor
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Bay-breasted Warbler
Dendroica castanea
Bell's Vireo
Vireo bellii
Black Tern
Chlidonias niger
Black-billed Cuckoo
Coccyzus erythropthalmus
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Dendroica caerulescens
Blue-winged Warbler
Vermivora pinus
Bobolink
Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Brown Thrasher
Toxostoma rufum
Canada Warbler
Wilsonia canadensis
Cape May Warbler
Dendroica tigrina
Common Loon
Gavia immer
Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Connecticut Warbler
Oporornis agilis
Dickcissel
Spiza americana
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Eared Grebe
Podiceps nigricollis
Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella magna
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Contopus virens
Field Sparrow
Spizella pusilla
Forster's Tern
Sterna forsteri
Franklin's Gull
Larus pipixcan
Golden-winged Warbler
Vermivora chrysoptera
Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus savannarum
Greater Yellowlegs
Tringa melanoleuca
Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritus
King Rail
Rallus elegans
Least Bittern
Ixobrychus exilis
Least Flycatcher
Empidonax minimus
Lesser Scaup
Aythya affinis
Loggerhead Shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
Louisiana Waterthrush
Seiurus motacilla
Marsh Wren
Cistothorus palustris
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis
Northern Harrier
Circus cyaneus
Northern Pintail
Anas acuta
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Spr
O
O
O
O
U
U
R
U
U
U
O
R
O
U
U
U
O
R
U
O
R
O
O
O
O
C
O
U
U
U
O
O
U
O
Sum
Fall
R
U
R
U
U
U
R
O
U
R
U
U
U
O
U
U
U
O
C
U
O
O
O
O
C
O
U
U
U
O
O
U
O
O
O
U
U
U
R
U
U
U
O
R
O
U
U
U
O
R
U
O
R
O
O
C
O
U
O
R
O
U
O
C
U
O
R
U
U
R
U
U
U
Win
O
O
O
THR
MN Status
SPC
SPC
SPC
THR
SPC
SPC
THR
END
THR
SPC
Fed
101
SPC = Special Concern
THR = Threatened
END = Endangered
(Source: Harper, MN DNR, pers. comm.)
C = Common -present, relatively easy to find
U = Uncommon - observed, may be difficult to find
O = Occasional -may or may not be present in any year
R = Rare -has occurred at least once, may or may not be expected to recur
Appendix F: Bird Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) Found at Fort Snelling State Park
�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Appendix F: cont’d
Common Name
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Ovenbird
Peregrine Falcon
Piping Plover
Prothonotary Warbler
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-necked Grebe
Red-shouldered Hawk
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Ruddy Turnstone
Rusty Blackbird
Sedge Wren
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Short-billed Dowitcher
Short-eared Owl
Swamp Sparrow
Trumpeter Swan
Veery
Virginia Rail
Western Grebe
Whimbrel
Whip-poor-will
White-rumped Sandpiper
White-throated Sparrow
Willow Flycatcher
Wilson's Phalarope
Winter Wren
Wood Thrush
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Scientific Name
Contopus cooperi
Seiurus aurocapillus
Falco peregrinus
Charadrius melodus
Protonotaria citrea
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Podiceps grisegena
Buteo lineatus
Pheucticus ludovicianus
Arenaria interpres
Euphagus carolinus
Cistothorus platensis
Calidris pusilla
Limnodromus griseus
Asio flammeus
Melospiza georgiana
Cygnus buccinator
Catharus fuscescens
Rallus limicola
Aechmophorus occidentalis
Numenius phaeopus
Caprimulgus vociferus
Calidris fuscicollis
Zonotrichia albicollis
Empidonax traillii
Phalaropus tricolor
Troglodytes troglodytes
Hylocichla mustelina
Sphyrapicus varius
Spr
U
C
U
R
R
O
U
O
C
R
U
U
O
O
O
C
R
U
U
O
R
R
O
C
U
O
U
U
U
Sum
U
O
U
O
O
C
U
O
C
R
U
U
U
U
Fall
U
C
U
R
R
O
U
C
R
U
U
O
O
O
C
O
O
U
R
R
C
U
O
U
U
U
Win
R
END
MN Status Fed Status
THR
END
SPC
SPC
THR
THR
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�Pilot Knob Hill Natural Resource Management Plan
Appendix G: Rare Animal Features within 1.5 Miles of Pilot Knob Hill
(source: Harper, MN DNR, pers. comm.)
Birds
Bald Eagle
Bell's Vireo
Louisiana Waterthrush
Peregrine Falcon
Reptiles
Blanding's Turtle
Eastern Fox Snake
Milk Snake
Insects
Karner Blue Butterfly
Mussel
Fish
Black Sandshell
Ebonyshell
Elktoe
Fawnsfoot
Hickorynut
Higgins Eye
Monkeyface
Mucket
Purple Wartyback
Rock Pocketbook
Round Pigtoe
Scaleshell
Sheepnose
Wartyback
Pallid Shiner
Pugnose Shiner
Shovelnose Sturgeon
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Vireo bellii
Seiurus motacilla
Falco peregrinus
Emydoidea blandingii
Elaphe vulpina gloydi
Lampropeltis triangulum
Lycaeides melissa samuelis
Ligumia recta
Fusconaia ebena
Alasmidonta marginata
Truncilla donaciformis
Obovaria olivaria
Lampsilis higginsii
Quadrula sparsa
Actinonaias ligamentina
Cyclonaias tuberculata
Arcidens confragosus
Pleurobema sintoxia
Leptodea leptodon
Plethobasus cyphyus
Quadrula nodulata
Hybopsis amnis
Notropis anogenus
Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
103
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Pilot Knob
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Laura Levitt
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
GreatRiverGreeningPKNaturalResourceManagementPlan.pdf
Title
A name given to the resource
Great River Greening's Pilot Knob Natural Resource Management Plan
Description
An account of the resource
The Resource Manargement Plan describes the desired goals and process for restoring and managing Pilot Knob once it had been saved from development
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Wiley Buck, Todd Rexine, Tara Krebs, Tony Randazzo, Daniel Tix
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Great River Greening
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Great River Greening
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
11/1/2007
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
Copyright Great River Greening
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Document
Language
A language of the resource
English
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
.pdf
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Pilot Knob, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Great River Greening
Mendota Heights
NARF
Natural Resource Management
pilot knob