RE: Buffer restoration - 2010-2013

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Alternative, both garlic mustard and leafy spurge can be monitored and action taken if they begin to form large, monotypic stands. There are also several aggressive native shrubs that could be actively managed/cut to foster the native ground layer, including sumac, and to a lesser extent the native black currant along the slope. Cutting and treating the sumac and other shrubs will help maintain a relatively open character under the current and future trees. Tree re�lacement Because there were a number of trees exceeding 6 inches in diameter that were cut, some mitigation tree enhancement is necessary. Planting of 6 nursery trees of 2"diameter, as well as selecting 15 volunteer hardwood seedlings to foster for in-place development will provide substantial replacement for cut trees. The overall, goal for this effort will be to achieve an approximate average spacing of between 20 and 30 feet between trees with a strong preference for planting/grooming quality native hardwood trees, such as bur oak, swamp white oak, hackberry, and sugar maple. Over time, as these trees develop, they can be limbed up to 10— 15 feet. This will enable adequate light to reach the ground, which will help sustain the native grasses and wildflowers. It would also help maintain an open understory and vista beneath the trees. Concluding thoughts: Overall, the native herbaceous cover at the shoreline buffer site is good. Likewise, the site has benefitted from the cutting of nonnative, invasive shrubs buckthorn and honeysuckle. However, broad-scale cutting of native hardwood trees has impacted the shoreland buffer area along Lake Minnetonka at the property. Replacing trees cut from the buffer should begin in 2011 and the overall health of the replacement trees, whether from nursery stock or hand-selected volunteer tree seedlings on site, actively managed over time. In a broader context, many of the large native trees on the estate grounds are mature, or even more advanced. The owners have made a concerted and commendable effort to plant more trees in recent decades. As currently mature trees decline and die in the coming decades, supplemental planting will become an increasingly important aspect of maintaining the stately quality of the grounds. E�ending this effort to the area between the lane and the shoreline will help ensure continuity over time of mature trees on the grounds, which is an important part of the feel and overall legacy of the site. This can also be accomplished in a manner that maintains a quality shoreland buffer, as well as pleasing vistas to and from the lake. Once again, thank you for the opportunity to meet with you and Mike this morning. As you consider my remarks, please contact me with any questions you may have. Best regards, Paul C:\Users\mcurtis\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.0utlook\ZOZACOSC\3400 Bracketts Point Rd tree-buffer mitigation mem0_PJB_Melanie Curtis_5-23-11.doa [TNS 06- 2010] Page 2 of 2