09-29-2009 Council Work Session Packet

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. i � :� Cynthia Krieg Watershed Stewardship Fund � �: Pre-Proposal Application `��...�� Applicant: City Of Orono 2750 Kelley Parkway Orono, MN 55356 Contact: Mike Gaffron, Assistant City Administrator 952-249-46Z2 MGaffron@ci.orono.mn.us Grant Type: Innovation Name: Orono Golf Course Naturalization Project Summary: The goal is to naturalize various areas of the course that do not adversely affect playability, reducing the amount of closely mown areas of turf. This will result in a reduction of fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation and fossil fuels used to maintain turf grass and promote native species of plant material for habitat enhancement and aesthetic purposes. This project will have two components: the creation of no-mow areas and a highly visible area of new native plantings. This is designed to demonstrate to the public that golf courses can benefit from this innovative management in many ways and not lose its playability, a departure from the past view that closely mown turf in all areas is proper. The project would start in the spring of 2010 with the site prep and planting of the native vegetation on the 5th hole along the pond and wetland for a total area of 8758 sq. feet. Approximately 2500 native plants and 4 Ibs. of native seed would be used to convert turf areas into native vegetation. Also in the spring, the golf course superintendent would begin creating the no-mow areas as identified.. Special attention will be paid to how these areas naturally grow out and what sort of benefits/drawbacks occur for the grounds crews and golfers in implementing this approach. On-going maintenance would be needed to control weeds in both areas. Special attention will be made to preserve existing naturally occurring native plants in both components of the project. Temporary signage would indicate to the players and public the purpose of the project. After three growing seasons, the end of 2012, the native plants and no-mow areas should be established and sufficient time for feedback from the project would have resulted. A final sign by the pond on the path leading to the next hole would be installed detailing the native plant installation for public information. On-going notes and observations on the project will be submitted to MCWD in order to document the progress and discoveries of this endeavor. Location: Attached. Parcel ID: 0211723220005 Partners: Natural Shore Technologies <www.naturalshore.com> will be doing the site preparation, planting and three years of maintenance of the restoration areas around the golf course pond. Funding: $Z7,788 Signature: Date (you do not need to provide a signature on the e%ct�onic submittal)