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BARRY & JULIA KNIGHT <br /> 24 October 2003 RECEIVED <br /> City of Orono OCT 2 4 2003 <br /> 2750 Kelley Parkway <br /> Orono, MN 55356 CITY OF ORONO <br /> Dear Melanie, <br /> We have lived in our home for nearly 10 years and,until recently have never had a view <br /> to the lake. We decided to see if we could achieve one and hired a tree service we had <br /> used before, Stumpf, to cut some trees in our ravine to open the views. <br /> We did not intend to circumvent the city or any other regulatory body; we simply relied <br /> on our contractors' representations (we asked Stumpf if we needed any permits and they <br /> advised us that we did not). <br /> Based upon our conversations with you shortly after the cutting occurred, we learned <br /> otherwise. We apologize for this error and seek to remedy the situation. <br /> Attached is our plan. It is based on a proposal from Prairie Restorations and <br /> consultations with other landscape designers. <br /> The plan is predicated on achieving these objectives: <br /> • Maintain and enhance our view to the lake <br /> • Mitigate the possibility of soil erosion <br /> • Maintain the natural beauty of the landscape <br /> • Clear the offensive buckthorn <br /> To achieve this, we are proposing that of the thirteen trees cut down, we replace trees <br /> numbered 7-12 (since they fall within the 75 foot line)with a few shrubs that will not <br /> grow too high,jeopardizing the view we set out to achieve. Depending on availability, <br /> we will likely plant a combination of Ironwood,Juneberry and/or Chokecherry. These <br /> plants will grow good root systems yet not grow to heights that will block our views. <br /> They will also provide a good property border and add wonderful fall colors. <br /> Trees 1-6 will not be replaced as there is still significant tree and canopy in the same area. <br /> We will however, work with Prairie Restoration to selectively plant native grasses and/or <br /> wild flowers that should spread over time. <br /> The western and southwestern most area of shoreline is populated with two dead trees, <br /> lots of buckthorn and several small trees. We would like to cut all of this down and plant <br /> native grasses and wildflowers both there and on the pitched hill that begins at the bottom <br /> of the ravine near the lake. The site will be prepared using a controlled burn and then <br /> harrowed or raked to create a firm seedbed. We will broadcast a mix of native grasses <br /> 425 TONKAWA ROAD ORONO, MINNESOTA 952-475-3314 <br />