Land and Water Legacy Program Conservation Priorities

Transcription

1 Land and Water Legacy Program Conservation Priorities Top 10 Priority Conservation Areas January

2 Washington County Mission To provide quality public services in a cost-effective manner through innovation, leadership, and the cooperation of dedicated people. Washington County Values Fiscal Responsibility - to provide good stewardship of public funds Ethics and Integrity - to maintain the public trust Openness of the Process - to promote citizen participation Our Heritage and Natural Resources - to conserve and preserve them The Individual - to promote dignity and respect Land and Water Legacy 2006 Ballot Question: Preservation of Water Quality, Woodlands and Other Natural Areas In favor of authorizing Washington County to issue general obligation bonds in one or more issues in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000 to acquire and improve land and interests in land, for the purpose of: Improving water quality of rivers, lakes and streams; Protecting drinking water sources; Purchasing parkland; Preserving wetlands and woodlands; and Protecting land along water bodies from development, with spending reviewed by a citizen s advisory committee and subject to an annual audit. 2

3 Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program Conservation Priorities Report Implementation Plan Top 10 Priority Conservation Areas Recognitions This report was made possible through the contributions, commitment and efforts of the following people and organizations. Funding was provided by Washington County Office of Administration. Washington Conservation District staff provided technical and mapping assistance: Amy Carolan, Natural Resource Specialist; Jessica Thiel, Senior Water Resource and GIS Technician; and Jay Riggs, District Manager. Washington County Office of Administration staff provided project management and report preparation: Jane Harper, Land and Water Legacy Program Manager and Barb Boucher, Office Support Staff. A 25-member workgroup of land conservation organizations provided valuable information and technical review of the document. Washington County Water Management Organizations reviewed the proposed Top 10 Priority Conservation Areas and offered advice on the boundaries and the area names. Washington County Parks and Open Space Commission reviewed and commented on the final draft report. Alternative Format The document, individual maps and summary fact sheets for each area are available on the Washington County website: For more information please contact Jane Harper at Jane.Harper@co.washington.mn.us or

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction... 6 Partnership Opportunities... 8 Priority Conservation Areas County Parkland German Lake Big Marine Lake North Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamps Keystone Woods Carnelian Creek Corridor Silver-Twin Lakes Corridor Brown s Creek Central Valley Creek Corridor Mississippi Bend St. Croix Blufflands Other Conservation Areas Franconia St. Croix Corridor Mill Stream Headwaters Tanglewood Twin Lakes Woods Schuneman Marsh Kismet Basin Sunfish Woods Metcalf Marsh Kelle s Coulee Central Draw

5 FIGURES Figure 1: Top 10 Priority Conservation Areas Summary of Key Characteristics by Area... 6 Figure 2: Top 10 Priority Conservation Area Map... 7 Figure 3: German Lake Priority Conservation Area Figure 4: Big Marine Lake North Priority Conservation Area Figure 5: Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamps Priority Conservation Area Figure 6: Keystone Woods Priority Conservation Area Figure 7: Carnelian Creek Corridor Priority Conservation Area Figure 8: Silver-Twin Lakes Corridor Priority Conservation Area Figure 9: Brown s Creek Central Priority Conservation Area Figure 10: Valley Creek Corridor Priority Conservation Area Figure 11: Mississippi Bend Priority Conservation Area Figure 12: St. Croix Blufflands Priority Conservation Area

6 INTRODUCTION Washington County, through its Land and Water Legacy Program (LWLP), works with landowners and organizations to purchase land and interests in land to keep them in their natural condition. The program is funded by a $20 million bond referendum passed by voters in November The referendum funds are used to: Improve water quality of rivers, lakes and streams; Protect drinking water sources; Purchase parkland including trail corridors; Preserve wetlands and woodlands; and Protect land along water bodies from development. The Land and Water Legacy Program Conservation Priorities Report - August 2010 guides the program implementation. The report contains a set of maps that identify lands to target for conservation purposes. Each map illustrates the greatest opportunities for land conservation that address each of the 2006 bond referendum objectives: Ecological, Surface Water and Drinking (Ground) Water. A composite map illustrates the land conservation opportunities that best meet all the objectives. Over 45,000 acres, nearly 17% of the county s total land area, ranked high and very high for conservation purposes. This report describes in detail the ten highest ranking conservation areas (see Figure 2). For each area, the report contains an area overview, detailed map, description of the area s natural resource attributes, potential threats, conservation objectives and current conservation efforts. Approximately 10,000 acres, about 3.7 percent of the county s total land area, are within these ten areas. This report also describes the federal, state, and local agencies and the nonprofit organizations that work on land conservation within Washington County and the potential partnership opportunities for each priority conservation area. Figure 1 Top 10 Priority Conservation Areas Summary of Key Characteristics by Area Total # of Land Cover Type* Forest, woodland, Priority Conservation Area Acres Parcels shrubland Grassland Wetland German Lake Big Marine Lake North Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamps 2, , ,770 Keystone Woods Carnelian Creek Corridor 2, , Silver-Twin Lakes Corridor Brown s Creek Central Valley Creek Corridor 1, Mississippi Bend 1, St. Croix Blufflands TOTAL 10,079 1,247 6,002 2,289 4,716 * The sum of the individual acreages doesn t equal the total number of acres because some acres are included in multiple cover types. 6

7 Figure 2: Top 10 Priority Conservation Areas 7

8 PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The county has many opportunities to work with other agencies toward land conservation including the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, local watershed management organizations, Washington Conservation District, local units of government, and non-profit conservation organizations. Each agency has its own programs and priorities that target different resource types and goals and may provide opportunities to match local dollars with outside funding to accomplish mutual conservation goals. Many of these conservation plans identify portions of Washington County as being critical natural areas and having significant native land cover worthy of protection. Below is a description of each agency s land conservation plans and the partnership opportunities they offer. Federal Initiatives/Potential Partners The federal government has recognized the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers as being worthy of protection and enjoyment. The St. Croix River is part of the St. Croix Wild and Scenic Riverway, a unit of the National Park Service. In 1968, Congress recognized the outstanding characteristics of the St. Croix River when it designated the river as one of the first eight rivers to be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations under the federal Wild and Scenic River Act. The Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, south of Stillwater, was designated by the State of Minnesota in The riverway is managed jointly by the National Park Service, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Washington County in accordance with the Lower St. Croix Cooperative Management Plan. The St. Croix Bluffland Priority Conservation Area is included within this plan. In 1988, the United States Congress designated the length of the Mississippi River in Twin Cities Metropolitan Area from Dayton to just south of Hastings as the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA). The National Park Service prepared a management plan to help local communities manage the river corridor in order to preserve and enhance the environmental values; enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation; conserve and protect the scenic, historical, cultural, natural, and scientific values; and provide for commercial use consistent with the purpose of the MNRRA designation. The Mississippi Bend Priority Conservation Area is included within this plan. The federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Equity Act of 1991 created a Scenic Byways Program to designate and protect roads that provide an enjoyable travel experience. The St. Croix Scenic Byway parallels the St. Croix River along the eastern border of Washington County. The Great River Road runs along trunk highways 61 and 10 generally paralleling the Mississippi River in the southwestern portion of the county. The St. Croix Bluffland and the Valley Creek Corridor priority conservation areas straddle the St. Croix Scenic Byway. State Initiatives/Potential Partners Many state land protection plans recognize the statewide significance of the county s natural resources. The Mississippi Critical Area Act of 1973 and Executive order No promote the preservation and enhancement of the Mississippi River and require that lands along the river be managed to conserve and protect the existing and potential recreational, scenic, natural, and historic resources and uses. Each community along the river must adopt a Mississippi Critical Area Plan. The Mississippi Bend Priority Conservation Area is included in these plans. The Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan, funded by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, recommends strategies and actions for improving and protecting the state s natural resources. The plan specifically recognizes the St. Croix River valley as having high conservation priority. The plan discusses the importance of economic incentives such as 8

9 conservation easements to protect critical stream and lake shorelines, priority land habitats, and large blocks of forestland. The Habitat Team recommended the key land conservation actions to protect the critical habitats of the state including protecting priority land habitats; protecting critical shore lands of streams and lakes; improving connectivity and access to outdoor recreation; restoring and protecting shallow lakes; restoring land, wetlands, and wetland-associated watersheds; and protecting and restoring critical In-water habitat of lakes and streams. The priority conservation areas along the St. Croix River, the Silver Twin Lakes Corridor, Brown s Creek Central, Valley Creek Corridor, and the St. Croix Bluffland, are identified in this plan as having high conservation priority. Large portions of Washington County are included in the Department of Natural Resources Regionally Significant Ecological Areas, areas of high quality natural resources that are of sufficient size and shape to provide habitat for a spectrum of wildlife; that connect to other natural areas; and with the most intact native plant communities as identified by the Minnesota County Biological Survey. All of the Top 10 Priority Conservation Areas are included within the Regionally Significant Ecological Area. The Department of Natural Resources County Biological Survey, completed in 1990, identifies about 5.6 percent or 15,214 acres of the county s land area as having native vegetative cover. Important native vegetation exists in small remnants of native prairie and in a variety of wetland areas such as fens, marshes, swamps, and bogs. These areas are small and widely scattered throughout the county. All of the Top 10 Priority Conservation Areas contain areas identified in the County Biological Survey as areas having native vegetative cover, biological significance, special habitats or natural resource value. Washington County is located in the St. Paul Baldwin Plains and Moraines subsection in the Department of Natural Resources Tomorrow s Habitat for the Wild and the Rare: An Action Plan for Minnesota s Wildlife, Minnesota s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, The Species in Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are animals whose populations are rare, declining, or vulnerable to decline and are below levels desirable to ensure their long-term health and stability. 149 SGCN are known or predicted to occur within this subsection, the second greatest concentration of all subsections. Seventy four of these species are listed as federal or state endangered, threatened, or of special concern. This subsection is highlighted as a significant migratory corridor for birds as well as for the great diversity of mussels and small stream fishes that depend on clear, unpolluted waters of the St. Croix River. The Action Plan recognizes the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers as having a profoundly vital role for wildlife. It identifies habitat loss and degradation as the primary problem facing these species and calls for conserving key habitats in order to conserve the majority of Minnesota s wildlife. All of the Top 10 Priority Conservation Areas contain occurrences of Species in Greatest Conservation Need. The Department of Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Management Areas (AMA) are established to protect and restore shoreline habitat and adjacent wetlands and lands that are critical for the general health of aquatic systems and to sustain fish and wildlife habitats and populations and to provide public access to these resources. The AMA Acquisition Plan contains funding recommendations for acquiring cold-water stream and warm-water lake and stream habitats. The plan recommends statewide goals of acquiring 1,500 miles to protect 72% of the state s 5,508 miles of coldwater stream habitat and acquiring 1,100 miles to protect 39% of the state s 64,077 miles of lake and warm-water stream and river shorelands through public ownership or easement by Washington County is included in the Superior Uplands and Deciduous Transition zones. The German Lake, Big Marine Lake, Brown s Creek Central, Valley Creek Corridor and St. Croix Blufflands priority conservation areas, having significant shoreland on coldwater streams or warm water lakes, may be eligible for protection as an AMA. The Department of Natural Resources Report Status of DNR Metro Region Trout Resources: A Metro Region Trout Committee Report, October 1996 prioritized trout streams based on size and biological considerations. Three of the six highest priority trout streams are located in Washington County: Old Mill Stream, Valley Creek and Brown s Creek. The report recommends corridor 9

10 acquisition in order to provide public use, enjoyment and riparian protection for the unique cold water ecosystems. The Valley Creek Corridor and the Brown s Creek Central priority conservation areas straddle two of the six highest priority trout streams identified in this report. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is part of a multi-agency partnership that is working on land conservation along the Hardwood Creek and around Rice Lake in Hugo and southeastern Forest Lake. The corridor contains both the Paul Hugo Farms and Hardwood Creek wildlife management areas (WMA). Multiple organizations including the Department of Natural Resources, the cities and the Rice Creek Watershed District are working together to create a buffer between the urbanizing environment and the two WMAs. A management plan for the area, prepared by the DNR, contains two land protection goals: 1. To protect wetlands and adjoining uplands; and 2. To adequately buffer the WMA from future development. The plan identifies lands that should be acquired by various entities. The Paul Hugo Farms WMA is 357 acres consisting of 80% wetland and 20% high quality maple-basswood forest remnants, including a 20-acre planted prairie. The Hardwood Creek WMA is two non-contiguous parcels totaling 583 acres consisting of about 10% small planted prairies and 90% wooded wetlands with wooded upland islands, including a 60-acre tamarack bog. Hardwood Creek WMA is part of the largest complex of native habitat remaining in the county. The Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamp Priority Conservation Area encompasses the Hardwood Creek Corridor and Rice Lake area. The Department of Natural Resources and other conservation organizations are working to permanently protect the St. Croix Greenway in May Township. The Greenway is an ecologicallysignificant corridor that extends four miles from the St. Croix River on the east to Warner Nature Center on the west and encompasses 1,965 acres, including all of Spring Creek watershed. Many of the properties in the corridor are large parcels that are owned by non-profit organizations; these parcels are currently undeveloped but are not permanently protected. The Carnelian Creek Corridor Priority Conservation Area includes some of the St. Croix Greenway area. Non-Government Conservation Partners/Partnerships Many non-government conservation organizations work on land conservation in Washington County; many times in partnership with public agencies and many times partnering with each other. The Metropolitan Conservation Corridors Partnership, a collaboration of public and private conservation entities, works to protect lands within the Metro Conservation Corridors (MCC), a network of remaining habitat and natural areas that are critical for the movement of native plants and wildlife across the landscape and lands that contain high quality natural resources. The MCC is patterned after the Department of Natural Resources Regionally Significant Ecological Areas. The partners work in core habitat areas to establish habitat corridors, create buffers for existing protected land and increase public access to nature-related recreation. The main partners and their focus of work are summarized below. All ten of the Top 10 Priority Conservation Areas are contained within the Metro Conservation Corridors. The Valley Creek Protection Partnership works to achieve broad land conservation goals within the Valley Creek watershed. The partnership includes Washington County, the Minnesota Land Trust, Belwin, the Valley Branch Watershed District, and Trout Unlimited. These organizations currently hold fee title and conservation easements on properties at the headwaters, at the mouth and along the main branch and stems of the creek that form the bookends for future land conservation efforts. The Valley Creek watershed covers approximately 14 square miles of land originally characterized by savanna, tallgrass prairie and maple-basswood forest. The Minnesota State Wildlife Action Plan identifies Valley Creek as a Key River Reach due to its exceptional habitat value and lists Valley Creek as one of only a few trout streams in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area that has a naturally reproducing population of brook trout, the only trout species native to Minnesota. Currently, approximately 1,400 acres of land adjacent to and within the Valley Creek watershed are protected. Many of those acres have been restored to native communities. The Valley Creek Priority Conservation Area is contained within the scope of this partnership s work. 10

11 The Trust for Public Land s (TPL) mission is to conserve land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. TPL lends its legal, real estate and finance expertise to public agencies in order to secure priority natural, scenic, or recreational lands for eventual transfer into public ownership for long-term stewardship and protection. TPL partners with the Department of Natural Resources to acquire land within state parks and trails, scientific and natural areas, and wildlife management areas; and local units of government to acquire key parcels for recreation and open space purposes. TPL could partner with Washington County to acquire parkland and other interests in land. TPL has been actively working on land conservation within the Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamps, Keystone Woods, and Carnelian Creek Corridor priority conservation areas. The Minnesota Land Trust (MLT) works to preserve the natural and scenic heritage of our state by permanently protecting lands and water that define our community and enrich our quality of life. The MLT accomplishes much of this mission by acquiring conservation easements to limit the use and development of natural and scenic land. The MLT is very active in Washington County, holding conservation easements in conservation developments as well as from individual landowners. MLT is a member of the Valley Creek Protection Partnership working on land conservation and restoration in the Valley Creek watershed. The MLT has recently completed projects in the Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamp and Valley Creek Corridor priority conservation areas. Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) works to protect and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities area through land conservation, watershed protection, and river corridor stewardship activities. Specifically, FMR is working with landowners to restore and manage natural communities; and to permanently protect their property. FMR focuses its work on land in southern Washington County that is ecologically linked to the Mississippi River and its important tributaries. FMR is available to assist in land conservation activities within the St. Croix Blufflands and Mississippi Bend priority conservation areas. Great River Greening (GRG) works with private and public landowners to restore the forests of the St. Croix River valley and to implement best management practices to solve erosion and sedimentation problems that conserve the healthy waters of the St. Croix River. GRG and its partners are currently focusing in three areas: 1. Corridor from Interstate to William O Brien state parks; 2. Brown s Creek corridor north of Stillwater; and 3. Afton State Park. GRG is currently working within the Brown s Creek Central and the St. Croix Bluffland priority conservation areas. Trout Unlimited s (TU) mission is to conserve, protect and restore the nation's coldwater fisheries and the watersheds which support them. The Twin Cities chapter is committed to conserving, restoring and protecting cold water fisheries throughout the Driftless Region of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, with concentrated efforts in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Western Wisconsin. TU is a member of the Valley Creek Protection Partnership working on land conservation and restoration in the Valley Creek watershed. TU is available to assist in land conservation activities in the Brown s Creek Central and the Valley Creek Corridor priority conservation areas. Audubon works to protect and restore important bird habitat along the St. Croix River. Habitat along the St. Croix River provides a natural north-south migratory corridor containing stretches of upland deciduous forests for many species of interest and concern to Minnesota. The annual breeding bird survey and other observations report that many of these bird species have declined over 60-80% nationally in the past 40 years. Providing larger tracts of unfragmented, high-quality upland forest habitats along riparian corridors is critical to their long-term survival. Audubon has designated the St. Croix River from Stillwater to Taylor s Falls as an Important Birding Area; the area south of Stillwater is being studied as a candidate for the designation. Audubon has documented 141 species in the Important Birding Area, an indication of high avian diversity. Audubon is available to assist with land conservation activities within the St. Croix Bluffland Priority Conservation Area. 11

12 Local Initiatives/Potential Partners Many local units of government in Washington County are actively conserving land for open space and recreational purposes. Figure 13 shows the land protection plans of townships, cities, and watershed districts in Washington County. This map is a compilation of the geographically-specific land protection objectives contained in the most current 2030 Comprehensive Plans and water management plans. Not all plans contain geographically-specific objectives to protect certain geographic areas. 12

13 PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREAS (The following area descriptions are organized from north to south by their location in the county.) COUNTY PARKLAND Washington County is preserving some of the county s highest quality natural habitats and scenic vistas through a system of well-planned parks and trails. The county is actively acquiring land within the mapped boundaries of its eight parks and nine trails; approximately 3,000 acres remain to be acquired. The Washington County Parks Acquisition Plan assigns an A-D priority to each parcel remaining to be acquired. The highest priority parcels meet the following criteria: Immediately adjacent to public water. Immediately adjacent to or within close proximity to already acquired county parkland. Contains natural features such as woodlands or wetlands or unique natural features. Approximately 1,300 (44%) of the park and trail acres remaining to be acquired are ranked highest priority for acquisition. The table below shows the distribution of those acres by park unit. The Land and Water Legacy Program funds are used to acquire the highest quality natural areas within the county park system; those lands classified as A or B priority. Lands classified as C or D priority may be acquired if they receive a high score when applying the Land and Water Legacy project evaluation criteria. Park Unit Acres to Acquire # of Highest # of Acres Priority Acres Big Marine Park Reserve 1, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park Grey Cloud Island Regional Park 1, Lake Elmo Regional Park Reserve Pine Point Regional Park 0 0 Point Douglas County Park 0 0 St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park Square Lake Special Recreation Feature 0 0 Trails TOTAL 3,014 1,341 The Park System Acquisition Plan can be viewed on the county s website: 13

14 GERMAN LAKE PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREA Area Overview The German Lake Priority Conservation Area is in northern Washington County in the City of Scandia east of Manning Avenue and north of Highway 97; it is within the Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District (CMSCWD). The area encircles German Lake and is comprised of 249 forest, woodland, shrub land acres; 123 grassland acres; and 170 wetland acres (the sum of individual acreages doesn t equal the total land area because some acres are included in multiple land types). The area is 376 acres in size and contains portions of 38 tax parcels. A majority of the land is owned by private individuals and contains little development. Tiller Corporation owns 90 acres within the area and operates an active sand and gravel operation on land immediately adjacent to the area. No portion of the German Lake area is known to be permanently protected. Natural Resource Attributes German Lake is a shallow landlocked lake with good water quality. It is a high quality groundwaterdependent resource that is sensitive to hydrologic alterations that raise or lower water levels or increase the duration of storm water bounce. The CMSCWD Watershed Management Plan describes the in-lake phosphorus concentrations as being better than average compared to other lakes within the North Central Hardwood Forest Ecoregion and significantly better than the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency shallow lake standard. Small amounts of curly leaf pondweed, an invasive species, have been documented in German Lake. The 2007 Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) identifies the German Lake area as an area of biological significance containing oak forest (mesic subtype), oak woodland-brush land, alder swamp, mixed emergent marsh, and other natural communities. The MLCCS assigned many of these communities an A/B ranking meaning that they are high or good quality with minimal disturbance and have intact natural processes. The area shows very low levels of exotic species. Some occurrences of oak wilt have been documented in the area. The CMSCWD also has assigned this area a high ranking for ecological, wildlife habitat, and rare features potential. The plan lists the following noteworthy features in this area: Minnesota County Biological Survey mapped wetlands, a tamarack/shrub swamp along the power line corridor, and a pristine floating tamarack bog within extensive high quality mesic oak forest. Although no known rare plant or animal species are known to exist in this area, Blanding s Turtles have been observed just outside the area boundary and habitat within the area is consistent with habitats where the turtle is likely to be found. This area is noted as a special habitat in the Minnesota County Biological Survey. The MNDNR s Minnesota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy s list of Species in Greatest Conservation Need includes the following species that are known to exist in the German Lake area: Buteo lineatus (Red-shouldered Hawk) Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle) Chelydra serpentine (Common Snapping Turtle) Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding s Turtle) 14

15 Threats Changes in land use in the area may degrade the water quality of German Lake. Increased presence of the curly leaf pondweed and oak wilt will affect the high habitat and water quality of the area. Changes to the natural hydrology of the area may affect the high quality, groundwater-dependent wetlands. Changes in land use or hydrology could cause the water levels in the landlocked basin to increase during storm events thereby impacting the sensitive wetlands surrounding the lake. Expansion of the gravel mining operation into the German Lake area would greatly diminish the natural habitat and could have serious negative impacts on surface and groundwater quality. Conservation Objectives Maintain high water quality in German Lake. Manage upland and wetland resources to ensure clean recharge into the groundwater aquifers. Manage invasive exotic species such as curly leaf pondweed within the lake and common buckthorn in the upland areas. Seek permanent protection for some of the land. Current Conservation Efforts The CMSCWD completed a detailed management plan for the lake and contributing watershed in The CMSCWD works with area landowners on and near German Lake to increase the use of best management practices. The CMSCWD plans to implement an invasive/exotic species management plan on the lake in the future. 15

16 Figure 3: German Lake Priority Conservation Area 16

17 BIG MARINE LAKE NORTH PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREA Area Overview The Big Marine Lake North Priority Conservation Area is in northern Washington County in the City of Scandia; it encompasses the north end of Big Marine Lake. The area is within the Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District (CMSCWD). The area is comprised of 831 forest, woodland, shrub land acres; 132 grassland acres; and 332 wetland acres (the sum of individual acreages doesn t equal the total land area because some acres are included in multiple land types). The Public Land Survey describes the original vegetation in the area as aspen-oak land, Big Woods, and open water. The Big Marine Lake North area is 918 acres and contains portions of 159 tax parcels. Much of the area is in large landholdings held by a few private landowners. A large portion (182.5 acres) of the Girl Scout Camp Lakamaga is within the area. The area surrounds a conservation housing development that contains 96 acres of permanently protected open space. The Big Marine Regional Park Reserve is located on the southern shore of Big Marine Lake directly across from the Big Marine Lake North area. Natural Resource Attributes The 2007 Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) and the Minnesota County Biological Survey identify Big Marine Lake North as an area of biological significance. The MLCCS classifies the area as tamarack swamp, oak forest mesic subtype, northern hardwood forest, aspen-birch forest, lowland hardwood forest, mixed hardwood swamp, black ash swamp, oak woodland/brush land, alder swamp, wet meadow shrub subtype, wet meadow, rich fen, cattail marsh, and mixed emergent marsh. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) Natural Heritage Database documents the presence of the rare species the Red Shouldered Hawk and Blanding s Turtle, and a Bald Eagle nesting area in the Big Marine Lake North area. The MNDNR s Minnesota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy s list of Species in Greatest Conservation Need includes the following species that are known to exist in the Big Marine Lake North area: Buteo lineatus (Red-shouldered Hawk) Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle) Pheucticus ludovicianus (Rose-breasted Grosbeak) Scolopax minor (American Woodcock) Chelydra serpentine (Common Snapping Turtle) Elaphe vulpine (Eastern Fox Snake) Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding s Turtle) Lampropeltis trangulum (Milk Snake) Big Marine Lake has excellent water quality. 17

18 Threats Land disturbance and increased development could change the natural hydrology that sustains the area s unique features such as rich fens and tamarack swamps. The increased presence of invasive species such as buckthorn, hybrid cattail, reed canary grass, Eurasian water milfoil and diseases such as oak wilt and emerald ash borer could degrade the habitat that is needed to support the state s Species in Greatest Conservation Need. Camp Lakamaga lands are not permanently protected and could be sold into private ownership. Conservation Objectives Work with large landholders to ensure permanent protection of the large tracts of natural habitat. Work with groups such as the Big Marine Lake Association and the CMSCWD to maintain the water quality of Big Marine Lake. Current Conservation Efforts None are known. 18

19 Figure 4: Big Marine Lake North Priority Conservation Area 19

20 RICE LAKE WETLANDS/HARDWOOD SWAMPS PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREA Area Overview The Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamps Priority Conservation Area is in northwest Washington County in the cities of Hugo and Forest Lake; it is located east of Highway 61 near Oneka Lake and generally parallels the Hardwood Creek from its headwaters in Egg and Rice Lakes in the south along the Rice Lake Wetlands area and north to the Hardwood Swamps area. The area is within the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD). Anoka-Washington Judicial Ditch #2 (AWJD2) begins in a wetland complex south of Rice Lake and is joined within the lake by two other ditch branches before exiting into Hardwood Creek (also AWJD2) at the north end of the lake. The Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamps area is comprised of 1,201 forest, woodland or shrubland acres; 752 grassland acres; and 1,770 wetland acres (the sum of individual acreages doesn t equal the total land area because some acres are included in multiple land types). The area is 2,110 acres in size and contains portions of 242 tax parcels. The majority of the property is owned by individual private landowners. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) owns approximately 90 acres within the area and has large landholdings immediately adjacent to the area surrounding Rice Lake and within the Hardwood Creek and Paul Hugo Farms wildlife management areas (WMA). The Paul Hugo Farms WMA is 357 acres consisting of 80% wetlands and 20% high quality maple-basswood forest remnants. The Hardwood Creek WMA is two non-contiguous parcels totaling 583 acres consisting of 10% small planted prairies and 90% wooded wetlands with wooded upland islands and a tamarack bog. Two parcels, totaling 158 acres, connecting the two non-contiguous parcels are permanently protected by a conservation easement held by the Minnesota Land Trust (MLT). Together, the WMAs and the Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamps area form the largest complex of native habitat remaining in the county. The area is part of the MNDNR s regionally-significant ecological area (a significant terrestrial, wetland ecological area in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area). Natural Resource Attributes The 2007 Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) and the Minnesota County Biological Survey identify the Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamps area as having high natural resource value. The area is influenced by nearby Rice Lake and the Hardwood Creek drainage, a large, contiguous wetland and upland complex that contains a concentration of rare species and habitats. The MLCCS classifies the dominant plant communities in the area as maple-basswood forest, oak forest, alder swamp, rich fen, tamarack swamp, and black ash swamp. The MNDNR s Natural Heritage Database documents sitings of the unique plant species Fernleaf False Foxglove, Kitten-tails, Creeping Juniper, American Ginseng, Forked Chickweed, and Halberd-leaved Tearthumb; and the unique animal species Redshouldered Hawk, Blanding's Turtle, Eastern Hognose Snake, American Brook Lamprey, Milk Snake, and Louisiana Waterthrush. The MNDNR s Minnesota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy s list of Species in Greatest Conservation Need includes the following species that are known to exist in the Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamp Conservation Priority Area: Buteo lineatus (Red-shouldered Hawk) 20

21 Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle) Chelydra serpentine (Common Snapping Turtle) Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding s Turtle) Polygonum arifolium (Halberd-leaved Tearthumb) Egg Lake is a shallow lake of less than five feet with continuous cover of submergent native vegetation that provides excellent wildlife habitat. Hardwood Creek is on the Minnesota 303(d) List of Impaired Waters for biological impairment resulting from a low fish index of biological integrity (IBI) score and due to low dissolved oxygen. A total maximum daily load (TMDL) study identified the primary causes of the low IBI as sedimentation and low dissolved oxygen. The TMDL study recommends using a variety of mechanisms such as stream bank stabilization, enhancement of riparian buffers, livestock management, and stormwater management to achieve needed loading reductions. Riparian buffer zones play an important role in stream ecosystems and provide numerous benefits. Much of the lower reach of Hardwood Creek still has beneficial canopy cover. Threats Changes to the natural hydrology of numerous groundwater-dependent natural resources. Use of high quality wetlands for the means of flood control could lead to wetland degradation. Projected land use for the area shows continuing urban growth in the watershed that could degrade the resources in the area. Conservation Objectives Maintain a large corridor of natural habitat that connects the Hardwood Creek and the Paul Hugo Farms wildlife management areas and Rice Lake. Maintain and improve the ecological health of the area through management, acquisition or other means. Protect the upland depressional areas and recharge wetlands to ensure clean groundwater recharge. Implement the TMDL Implementation Plan to restore the lower portion of Hardwood Creek, including maintaining or reestablishing buffers to filter sediment and pollutants, reduce the impacts of floods, stabilize stream banks, decrease water temperatures, and improve instream habitat. Current Conservation Efforts The RCWD s 2010 Watershed Management Plan lists the following priorities for this area: flood control and protection; restoration of the lower portion of Hardwood Creek and overall restoration of Hardwood Creek s ecological integrity; implementation of the Hardwood Creek TMDL; and management of groundwater-dependent natural resources. The RCWD promotes the protection of its natural resources through education programs as well as a cost-share program which funds the installation of best management practices. The City of Hugo s Eastern Hugo Natural Resource Management and Land Use Study is used to guide development and management decisions in the area. The stakeholders involved in the study listed as one of their highest priorities the protection of high quality woodlands, groundwater recharge areas, and wetlands. The DNR s management plan for the area contains two land protection goals: 1. Protect wetlands and adjoining uplands; and 2. adequately buffer the WMA from future development. The plan 21

22 identifies lands that should be acquired by various entities. Organizations including the DNR, the RCWD, and the cities of Hugo and Forest Lake are working together to create a buffer between the urbanizing environment and the two WMAs. Several land owners adjacent to the Hardwood Creek WMA have been working the MLT and the MNDNR to protect their land. 22

23 Figure 5: Rice Lake Wetlands/Hardwood Swamps Priority Conservation Area 23

24 KEYSTONE WOODS PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREA Area Overview Natural Resource Attributes Keystone Woods Priority Conservation Area is in northern Washington County in eastern Hugo; it is located west of Manning Trail and south of County Road 4 and straddles the boundary between the Rice Creek Watershed District and the Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District. The area encompasses the west half of Barker Lake and is comprised of 272 forest, woodland or shrubland acres; 99 grassland acres; and 113 wetland acres (the sum of individual acreages doesn t equal the total land area because some acres are included in multiple land types). The area is 387 acres in size and contains portions of 21 tax parcels. Kelley Land and Cattle Company owns most of the land within the area. The Public Land Survey described the original vegetation as a combination of aspen/oak, Big Woods, and open water. The 2007 Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) and the Minnesota County Biological Survey identify Keystone Woods as an area with high natural resource value. The area is a mosaic of high quality mesic oak forest, dry oak forest, mixed emergent swamp, minerotrophic tamarack swamp, scrub tamarack poor fen, rich fen (floating mat subtype), cattail marsh, open water (Barker Lake), and wetland with floating vascular vegetation. The MLCCS describes the poor fen as an open bog occurring in two small depressions ringed in bog birch and sedge meadow, which gives way to an open sphagnum bog. The dry oak forest is found on the sand/gravel ridges that surround some of the wetlands and contains mainly native oak and other hardwood tree species with intact native prairie in the understory. The Minnesota County Biological Survey identified the emergent marsh plant community as an area of ecological significance. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Database documented one threatened species the Fernleaf False Foxglove (Aureolaria pedicularia), one tracked species the Bog Copper (Epidemia epixanthe var. michiganeneis), and three rare plant communities. The MNDNR s Minnesota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy s list of Species in Greatest Conservation Need includes the following species that are known to exist in the area: Buteo lineatus (Red-shouldered Hawk) Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle) Chelydra serpentine (Common Snapping Turtle) Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding s Turtle) Aureolaria-pedicularia (Fernleaf False Foxglove) Lycaena epixanthe (Bog Copper) Threats Forest fragmentation: the character of the area could be forever altered and the natural resource values diminished if the Kelley Land and Cattle Company were to sell the land for development. Increased presence of invasive species such as buckthorn threatens the forest understory. Oak wilt disease threatens the older growth oak communities. 24

25 Conservation Objectives Maintain the forest core to provide habitat for woodland wildlife and birds that depend on large blocks of woodland. Protect the upland areas surrounding the unique wetland communities to protect surface waters. Protect the upland depressional areas and recharge wetlands to ensure clean groundwater recharge. Maintain and improve the ecological health of Keystone Woods through management, acquisition or other means. Current Conservation Efforts The private landowners are actively managing and protecting the area. 25

26 Figure 6: Keystone Woods Priority Conservation Area 26

27 CARNELIAN CREEK CORRIDOR PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREA Area Overview The Carnelian Creek Corridor Priority Conservation Area is in northern Washington County in May Township; it is located south of County Road 4 and east of Manning Trail. The corridor is within the Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District (CMSCWD). The corridor is a mosaic of lake, wetland and upland community types that connects Big Marine, Mud, Turtle, Long, Staples, Northern Terrapin, Southern Terrapin, Mays, East Boot, West Boot, Bass, and Big Carnelian lakes. The corridor is comprised of 1,368 forest, woodland, shrub land acres; 538 grassland acres; and 937 wetland acres (the sum of individual acreages doesn t add to the total acres because some acres are counted in multiple land types). The Public Land Survey describes the original vegetation of the area as aspen-oak land, oak openings and barrens, Big Woods (oak, maple, basswood, hickory), wet prairie, conifer bogs and swamps, and open water lakes. The area is 2,690 acres in size and contains portions of 206 tax parcels. The Wilder Foundation (465 acres), the Manitou Fund -Warner Nature Center (342 acres), the Kelley Land and Cattle Company (556 acres), and Washington County (259 acres) own large landholdings within the corridor. Washington County owns additional land directly north and west of the corridor as part of the Big Marine Park Reserve. Land area directly east of the Carnelian Creek Corridor is part of a protected corridor referred to by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) as the St. Croix Greenway Corridor. This corridor contains 1,965-acres of high-quality natural areas and open space that extends four miles from the St. Croix River on the east to the Warner Nature Center on the west. Many of the properties in the St. Croix Greenway Corridor are large parcels that are owned by non-profit organizations including Camp Kiwanis, Boy Scouts of America, Dunrovin Christian Brothers Retreat Center (Christian Brothers Midwest), Lee and Rose Warner Nature Center, MNDNR, St. Croix Watershed Research Station (Science Museum of Minnesota), and Wilder Forest (A.H. Wilder Foundation). Together, the St. Croix Greenway and the Carnelian Creek corridors form a nearly continuous six-mile corridor of natural lands that extends from the St. Croix River through the Big Marine Park Reserve. These lands are currently undeveloped but most are not permanently protected. Natural Resource Attributes The 2007 Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) and the Minnesota County Biological Survey identify portions of the Carnelian Creek Corridor as having high biological significance. The MLCCS classifies the corridor as high quality tamarack swamp, oak forest (red maple and mesic subtypes), northern hardwood forest, aspen-birch forest, maple-basswood forest, lowland hardwood forest, mixed hardwood swamp, poor fen, rich fen, alder swamp, willow swamp, wet meadow, graminoid bog, cattail marsh, dry prairie (sand gravel subtype), medium tall grassland, grassland with sparse trees, open water and a slow moving linear stream. This wide variety of community types makes the area prime habitat for numerous species some of which the MNDNR considers to be rare. The MNDNR s Natural Heritage Database and Minnesota s County Biological Survey information contain fourteen records of rare or significant plant communities, plant species, and animal species in the corridor. The corridor is a known hotspot for the Blanding s Turtle, a Minnesota threatened species. Other reptiles such as the Milk Snake and amphibians such as frog and salamander species, use the 27

28 corridor for mating, nesting, and hibernation. The Natural Heritage Database documents numerous sitings of the Red-shouldered Hawk and tracks two rare plant species, the Halbered-leaved Tearthumb and the Humped Bladderwort in the area. The MNDNR s Minnesota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy s list of Species in Greatest Conservation Need includes the following species that are known to exist in the Carnelian Creek Corridor: Buteo lineatus (Red-shouldered Hawk) Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle) Pheucticus ludovicianus (Rose-breasted Grosbeak) Scolopax minor (American Woodcock) Chelydra serpentine (Common Snapping Turtle) Elaphe vulpine (Eastern Fox Snake) Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding s Turtle) Lampropeltis trangulum (Milk Snake) East Boot and Mud lakes are listed as impaired for excess nutrients. A multi-lakes total maximum daily load (TMDL) study is underway to address the water quality impairment issues. Threats Poor land management decisions could cause further degradation of already impaired water bodies or cause degradation of non-impaired water bodies. Forest fragmentation: the character of the area could be forever altered and the natural resource values diminished if Wilder Forest were to sell the land for development. The increased presence of invasive species such as buckthorn, hybrid cattail, reed canary grass and diseases such as oak wilt could degrade the habitat required to support rare species and species in greatest conservation need. Land disturbance could change the natural hydrology that sustains unique features such as poor and rich fens. Conservation Objectives Protect land through easement or fee acquisition. Eradicate invasive species to preserve or enhance the high quality natural communities. Maintain habitat for state s Species of Greatest Conservation Need and other individual plant or animal species inhabiting the corridor. Maintain good to high water quality of non-impaired lakes. Work with large landholders including Kelly Land and Cattle Company, Wilder Foundation to ensure permanent protection of the large tracts of natural habitat. Implement the recommendations of the TMDL for impaired water bodies within the corridor. Partner with Washington County to assist in restoring lands within Big Marine Park Reserve. Current Conservation Efforts The Washington Conservation District, using MNDNR Conservation Partners Legacy grant funds, is implementing species protection activities for the Blanding s Turtle. Washington County is actively acquiring land within the Big Marine Park Reserve. Many of the approximately 1260 acres remaining to be acquired are within the Carnelian Creek Corridor. 28

29 The CMSCWD s Watershed Management Plan states that it is the district s intention to manage the corridor for the multi-purposes of flood prevention, water quality protection, and natural corridor preservation. The district monitors water quality on several water bodies within the corridor and promotes protection through educational activities. 29

30 Figure 7: Carnelian Creek Corridor Priority Conservation Area 30

31 SILVER-TWIN LAKES CORRIDOR PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREA Area Overview Silver-Twin Lakes Corridor Priority Conservation Area is in central Washington County in Stillwater Township; it is located east of Manning Avenue and north of Highway 96 and extends from the headwaters to the Fairy Falls area just before entering the St. Croix River. The area is within the Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District (CMSCWD). The area encompasses Silver and Carol lakes and the northern edge of North Twin Lake, the headwaters of Silver Creek, and is comprised of 175 forest, woodland, shrubland acres; 93 grassland acres; and 233 wetland acres (the sum of individual acreages doesn t add to the total acres because some acres are counted in multiple land types). The Corridor is 470 acres in size and contains portions of 75 tax parcels, all of which are owned by private individuals. Washington County and the CMSCWD co-hold a conservation easement over 10 acres along Norell Avenue adjacent to Silver Creek. The Fairy Falls waterfall area of Silver Creek is permanently protected by a conservation easement. No other areas within or adjacent to the corridor are known to be permanently protected. Natural Resource Attributes The 2007 Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) identifies the Silver-Twin Lakes Corridor as an area of biological significance that contains oak forest (dry subtype), oak woodlandbrushland, aspen-birch forest, alder swamp, mixed emergent marsh, and other natural communities. The MLCCS assigned the alder swamp an A/B ranking meaning that the area is of the highest quality with little to no disturbance, has natural processes intact and has no to very low levels of exotic species. The CMSCWD plan describes the headwaters area as a unique and high quality shallow lake complex. The middle reaches of the corridor contain a number of unique groundwater-dependent plant communities including rich fen and mixed hardwood seepage swamp. The lower reaches of the corridor are ecologically rich with high quality plant communities. Although no known rare plant or animal species are known to exist within the corridor a Blandings Turtle was observed nearby and are likely to be found within the area. The MNDNR s Minnesota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy s list of Species in Greatest Conservation Need includes the following species that are known to exist in the Silver-Twin Lakes Corridor: Buteo lineatus (Red-shouldered Hawk) Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle) Chelydra serpentine (Common Snapping Turtle) Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding s Turtle) Pityrogramma calomelanos aureoflava (Golden Fern) Besseya bullii (Kitten-tails) Threats Alterations in land use could disrupt the natural hydrology and ecology of Silver Creek. Increased presence of invasive species and the introduction of diseases such as oak wilt will degrade the habitat. 31

32 Conservation Objectives Maintain and improve the high quality natural communities known to occur in the corridor including floodplain forest, river beach, and black ash seepage swamp. Maintain and improve the ecological health of the corridor through management, acquisition or other means. Restore the natural geomorphology flow and water quality of Silver Creek and its surroundings. Establish a small population of heritage brook trout in the lower reaches of Silver Creek. Current Conservation Efforts The CMSCWD s Spring Creek Stewardship Plan recognizes Silver Creek and its corridor as an important resource and a priority for management efforts. The plan recommends treatment of runoff from nearby private roads and driveways, use of methods of thermal protection and control of invasive species to protect the surface water quality of Silver Creek. Private landowners are actively engaged in land conservation practices. 32

33 Figure 8: Silver-Twin Lakes Corridor Priority Conservation Area 33

34 BROWN S CREEK CENTRAL PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREA Area Overview The Brown s Creek Central Priority Conservation Area is in central Washington County in the City of Grant; it is located west of Manning Avenue and north of Highway 96. The area is within the Brown s Creek Watershed District (BCWD). The area is comprised of 189 acres of forest, woodland and shrub land; 123 acres of grassland; and 235 acres of wetland all draining to Brown s Creek. (the sum of individual acreages doesn t add to the total acres because some acres are counted in multiple land types). The Brown s Creek Central area is 307 acres in size and contains portions of 39 tax parcels, a majority of which are individually owned by private individuals. There are no large land holdings in the area. Brown s Creek is a state protected trout stream that contains naturally reproducing populations of Brown Trout. The Brown s Creek Central area is included in the Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) Regionally Significant Ecological Area map, a map of areas within the region deserving of protection. Natural Resource Attributes The 2007 Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) identifies the Brown s Creek Central as an area of biological significance containing wet meadow shrub subtype, cattail marsh, lowland hardwood forest, and a variety of other upland and wetland cover types. The MLCCS assigned many of these communities an A/B ranking meaning that they are of the highest or good quality with minimal disturbance and intact natural processes. The high quality areas show very low levels of exotic species. The Minnesota County Biological Survey noted the tamarack swamp, mixed hardwood swamp, shrub swamp, and emergent marsh as special habitats. The BCWD s Watershed Management Plan describes the wetlands in the Brown s Creek Headwaters Area as having slightly higher function and value than wetlands found within the rest of the watershed. The BCWD s Watershed Management Plan describes the stream network within this area as the most complex within the watershed and as providing habitat for an important wildlife corridor. The Middle Creek consists of six distinct reaches that are defined by changes in morphology or disruption by roads or driveways. The Middle Creek starts out at a moderate gradient at 110th Street and flows for about one quarter mile through a narrow floodplain of shrub swamp and mixed hardwood swamp. Where it crosses the Gateway Trail, the Middle Creek enters a large emergent marsh wetland complex. Downstream from the Gateway Trail, Brown's Creek reenters a mixed hardwood-tamarack swamp with two driveway crossings. It then flows for approximately one-mile before crossing Manning Avenue. Although no known rare plant or animal species are known to exist in this area, Blanding s Turtles have been observed just outside the area; habitat within the area is consistent with habitats where the turtle is likely to be found. The MNDNR s Minnesota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy s list of Species in Greatest Conservation Need includes the following species that are known to exist in the Browns Creek Corridor: Buteo lineatus (Red-shouldered Hawk) Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle) Chelydra serpentine (Common Snapping Turtle) Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding s Turtle) Salmo trutta (Brown Trout) 34

35 The Brown s Creek Central area is both a groundwater discharge area as well as an area with high groundwater infiltration potential. The groundwater function within the watershed supports a viable coldwater trout fishery by discharging cool water to the surface stream environment. Groundwater seepage to the surface provides highly specialized hydrologic conditions that support numerous plant species and natural communities. In the upper reaches of the area groundwater seepage creates favorable conditions for hardwood seepage swamps, fens, and wet meadows. Threats Alterations to land use may disrupt the natural hydrology and the ecology of Brown s Creek. Changes in the natural habitat in the area can raise the water temperature of the creek enough to affect populations of Brown Trout found in the creek. Known occurrences of oak wilt threaten the dominant oak forest communities in the area. Increased presence of invasive species such as buckthorn is creating bare soils sloping towards Brown s Creek resulting in increased sedimentation in the creek. Conservation Objectives Maintain a base groundwater flow to Brown s Creek is vital to maintaining an intact cold-water fishery as well as maintaining the health of individual rare plants, animals and natural communities that are dependent on the groundwater seepage. Maintain and improve the ecological health of Brown s Creek through management, acquisition or other means. Maintain an intact wildlife corridor that supports the state s Species in Greatest Conservation Need. Current Conservation Efforts A Brown s Creek Biota Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study is currently underway. Protection of the Brown s Creek Central Priority Conservation Area is important to reaching the goals of the TMDL. In 2001, the BCWD completed a Trout Habitat Preservation Project that focused on protection and enhancement of the creek s headwaters while addressing upstream flooding issues. 35

36 Figure 9: Brown s Creek Central Priority Conservation Area 36

37 VALLEY CREEK CORRIDOR PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREA Area Overview The Valley Creek Corridor Priority Conservation Area is in eastern Washington County in the City of Afton; it parallels Valley Creek and Stagecoach trails from Neal Avenue east to the St. Croix River. Valley Creek is a major tributary to the St. Croix River that drains approximately 14-square miles including portions of the fast-growing communities of Woodbury, West Lakeland Township, and Afton. The main stem of the creek extends upstream approximately 1.8 miles from the St. Croix River. At that point the creek splits into the North Fork that flows north 1.6 miles to Lake Edith and the South Fork that flows west 2.5 miles. The Valley Creek Corridor encompasses the main stem and most of the South Fork. The corridor originally was characterized by oak savanna, tallgrass prairie and maple-basswood forest. Today it is comprised of 613 forest, woodland, and shrub land acres; 144 grassland acres; and 214 wetland acres (the sum of individual acreages doesn t equal the total land area because some acres are included in multiple land types). The Valley Creek Corridor is 1,024 acres in size and includes portions of 104 parcels. A large area of permanently protected natural lands surrounds the corridor. The Belwin Conservancy owns much of the land within and surrounding the corridor, most of which is permanently protected under conservation easements held by the Minnesota Land Trust. These organizations currently hold fee title and conservation easements on properties at the headwaters, at the mouth and along the main branch and stems of the creek. Due to past conservation efforts, approximately 1,400 acres of land adjacent to and within Valley Creek Corridor have been permanently protected. Natural Resource Attributes The exceptional habitat value of Valley Creek has been identified in Minnesota s State Wildlife Action Plan, which identifies Valley Creek as a Key River Reach. Valley Creek is one of 13 trout streams within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and is one of only a few that has a naturally reproducing population of brook trout, the only trout species native to Minnesota. In addition to brook trout, Valley Creek sustains large populations of brown and rainbow trout. While many of the trout streams in Minnesota depend on stocking to maintain their trout populations, Valley Creek s trout populations maintain themselves through natural reproduction. Valley Creek flows into the Wild and Scenic St. Croix River, which provides one of the premier mussel habitats in the world; approximately 38 mussel species live in the St. Croix watershed. The watershed is home to many midwestern species such as the wolf, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and Karner Blue Butterfly, all of which are on the federal list of threatened and endangered species. The Valley Creek watershed is home to more than 20 endangered, threatened, and special concern species, including the American Brook Lamprey, the Hooded Warbler, and Blanding s Turtle. The creek also appears to be home to a species of cranefly (genus Phantolabis) previously undescribed by science; scientists from the University of Minnesota are still reviewing the data. The MNDNR s Minnesota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy s list of Species in Greatest Conservation Need includes the following species that are known to exist in the area: 37

38 Buteo lineatus (Red-shouldered Hawk) Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle) Chelydra serpentine (Common Snapping Turtle) Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding s Turtle) Parkesia motacilla (Louisiana Waterthrush) Heterodon platirhinos (Eastern Hognose Snake) Lampetra appendix (American Brook Lamprey) Lake St. Croix has been designated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as an impaired water body due to high phosphorus concentrations. Continuous monitoring conducted by the Valley Branch Watershed District since 1998 has determined that an average of 0.9 tons of phosphorus annually enter Lake St. Croix from Valley Creek. Threats The scenic beauty of the area is a draw for rural residential development. Development and siltation are major concerns to the health and quality of the creek and its watershed; development can destroy the upland habitat, while siltation destroys trout spawning habitat. The integrity of Valley Creek is dependent upon an ample supply of high-quality groundwater. Municipal wells needed to supply the City of Woodbury s growing population could impact the groundwater aquifer that sustains the viability of Valley Creek. Relatively high nitrate levels, likely from farming practices over the past century, still exist in Valley Creek waters; less farming exists today in the watershed. Conservation Objectives Maintain viability of the creek as a premier trout stream. Reduce sediment and phosphorous loading of Lake St. Croix. Permanently protect a continuous corridor of natural habitat along Valley Creek. Current Conservation Efforts In early 2008, the Belwin Conservancy, the Minnesota Land Trust, Valley Branch Watershed District, Trout Unlimited and Washington County formed the Valley Creek Protection Partnership to work collaboratively in achieving broad conservation goals in the watershed. Since 2008, these groups have raised more than $3.2 million and restored or protected more than 177 acres of important habitat. Today, nearly 17% of the watershed is either owned by Belwin Conservancy or protected by conservation easements held by the Minnesota Land Trust. The Belwin Conservancy owns over 1400 acres much of which is permanently protected with conservation easements held by the Minnesota Land Trust. It is actively restoring the lands it owns. The Valley Branch Watershed District monitors and protects the creek. Since 2007, the district has done restoration work within the watershed including stabilizing 2,500 feet of the South Fork of Valley Creek to reduce runoff flowing down an actively eroding ravine and stabilizing 2,200 feet of the main stem of Valley Creek. The Minnesota Land Trust holds 10 easements protecting 968 acres within the watershed. 38

39 Figure 10: Valley Creek Corridor Priority Conservation Area 39

40 MISSISSIPPI BEND PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREA Area Overview The Mississippi Bend Priority Conservation Area is in southwestern Washington County in the communities of Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park and Grey Cloud Island Township. It is within the South Washington Watershed District and is identified by the watershed district board of managers as a priority area for protection. The area extends along the Mississippi River, the west shore of Baldwin Lake, and the Grey Cloud Channel. It is comprised of 715 forest, woodland, shrubland acres; 53 grassland acres; and 712 wetland acres (the sum of individual acreages doesn t equal the total land area because some acres are included in multiple land types). The Public Land Survey describes the original vegetation of the area as river bottom forest. Mississippi Bend is 1,078 acres in size and contains portions of 177 tax parcels. Much of the land is owned by Aggregate Industries North Central Region, First Trust Company of St. Paul, and one private individual. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns land along Baldwin Lake. The area is adjacent to the mapped boundary of the Grey Cloud Island Regional Park and is near the Links on the Mississippi Golf Course and the Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area. Natural Resource Attributes The 2007 Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) and the Minnesota County Biological Survey identify portions of the Mississippi Bend as an area of biological significance. The MLCCS identifies the area as a diverse complex of oak forest, maple-basswood forests, floodplain forest, wetlands, mud flats and other riverine natural communities. The floodplain forest is important for wildlife habitat, water quality and flood control. The Minnesota County Biological Survey identifies some of the floodplain forest as being unique due to the presence of a relatively undisturbed floodplain forest system with all levels of vegetation remaining intact. The Mississippi Bend area also contains some hillside dry prairies and a bald eagle nesting site. The MNDNR s Natural Heritage Database documents sitings of the Wartyback and Black Sandshell Mussel in the Mississippi River adjacent to this area. The MNDNR s Minnesota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy s list of Species in Greatest Conservation Need includes the following species that are known to exist in the Mississippi Bend area: Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle) Chelydra serpentine (Common Snapping Turtle) Groundwater contamination exists in the area. The area is a critical groundwater recharge area. Threats Future residential development and further development by Aggregate Industries would degrade the flood plain forests. A large development was proposed in the mid 2000 s for the northern reaches of this area; plans were suspended due to the recent decline in the housing market. Diseases and the increased presence of invasive species threaten the intact plant communities found in the area. 40

41 Conservation Objectives Maintain and improve the ecological health and functions of the floodplain forests and blufflands through management, acquisition or other means. Restore and revegetate the floodplain to help alleviate flood-related issues in the area. Connect the hillside dry prairies to the Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Areas through restoration projects. Maintain a continuous corridor of floodplain and upland communities along the Mississippi River and its channels. Current Conservation Efforts Friends of the Mississippi River works with communities and landowners to identify opportunities to permanently protect the natural communities in the area. Great River Greening works on restoration projects in the area. 41

42 Figure 11: Mississippi Bend Priority Conservation Area 42

43 ST. CROIX BLUFFLANDS PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREA Area Overview The St. Croix Blufflands Priority Conservation Area is in southeastern Washington County in Denmark Township. It runs along the river from Point Douglas County Park in the south to Afton State Park in the north and connects large areas of natural habitat along the St. Croix River including the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, the St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, and the Lost Prairie Scientific and Natural Area. The area is within the South Washington Watershed District. The long stretches of upland deciduous forests of the St. Croix Blufflands, much of which is protected by public ownership or conservation easements held in trust by the National Park Service, is a critical north-south migratory corridor for many species of interest and concern to Minnesota. The area is comprised of 389 forest, woodland, shrubland acres; and 166 grassland acres (the sum of individual acreages doesn t equal the total land area because some acres are included in multiple land types). The area is 719 acres in size and contains portions of 186 tax parcels. Most of the few remaining large parcels of land and sensitive natural areas along the Lower St. Croix River are in the Priority Conservation Area. The St. Croix River is considered one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the Upper Mississippi River basin. In 1968, Congress recognized the outstanding characteristics of the St. Croix River and designated it as one of the first eight rivers to be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations under the federal Wild and Scenic River Act. The Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway was designated by the State of Minnesota in Stagecoach Trail has also been designated a National Scenic Byway. Natural Resource Attributes The sloughs and backwaters of the St. Croix River as well as the relatively intact vegetation along its banks are home to a rich variety of native and endangered species and habitat. The Minnesota County Biological Survey identifies several regionally significant native habitats within the area, including oak forest (mesic subtype), oak woodland-brushland, maple-basswood forest, dry prairie, and floodplain forest. The waters of the St. Croix River support 95 fish species and approximately 38 mussel species, many of which are on the state- and federally-endangered species lists; the river is one of the premier mussel habitats in the world. The forested blufflands along the river are nesting habitat for Bald Eagles and home to several threatened and endangered species. The MNDNR s Minnesota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy s list of Species in Greatest Conservation Need includes the following species that are known to exist in the St. Croix Blufflands: A diverse number of birds that depend upon the St. Croix River and its adjacent riparian and upland habitats; High numbers of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) forage, roost and nest the river; Red-shouldered Hawks (Buteo lineatus); Louisiana Water Thrushes (Parkesia motacill) are common as they reach their northern limit a bit farther upstream; Prothonotary Warblers (Protonotaria citrea) frequently breed here in the northern limit of their range; and 43

44 Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) found in significant numbers, makes Minnesota home to 40% of its entire population. Other species of conservation concern found in this area include Whip-poor-will, Tufted Titmouse, Bluewinged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Common Snapping Turtle, and Wild Ginseng. Although the St. Croix River Basin is one of the most pristine large river ecosystems in the Upper Midwest it is impacted by nutrient and sediment pollution. In 2008, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency designated Lake St. Croix, the lower 25 miles of the St. Croix River, as an impaired water due to high levels of phosphorus. This classification mandates the creation of a comprehensive plan to ensure the reduction of all key pollutants and mandates that the federal, state and local governments create policies and take actions to ensure its recovery. Limiting shore land and upland development will offer protection to the St. Croix River and Lake St. Croix by avoiding additional negative impacts. Threats Future residential development will result in fragmentation of the intact riverine plant communities and habitat. Increased presence of invasive species and the introduction of diseases such as oak wilt. Fragmented forest management. Increasing urbanization in the watershed will make it increasingly more difficult to protect the St. Croix River from additional nutrient and sediment loading that will come with growth. In 2009, American Rivers identified the Lower St. Croix River as one of America s most endangered rivers due to increased growth pressures and poorly controlled development. Conservation Objectives Preserve a continuous ecological corridor along the Lower St. Croix River providing riparian and upland habitat for many wildlife and bird species of greatest conservation need. Preserve remnants of mesic oak forest and savannah prairie, plant communities that are considered imperiled in the state due to their rarity. Improve the water quality of the St. Croix River and its tributaries, working toward a goal of 20% phosphorus reduction. Avoid additional nutrient loading and other negative impacts to Lake St. Croix, a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency-designated impaired water body. Protect soil stability and improve the quality of the overland flow of water into the St. Croix River. Maintain aquifer recharge and protect aquifers from contamination in an area that has a very high sensitivity to groundwater contamination. Provide a natural buffer to and maintain scenic vistas from the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the St. Croix Scenic Byway, the St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and the future St. Croix Valley Regional Trail. Current Conservation Efforts The St. Croix River south of Stillwater is a candidate for the Audubon Society s designation as an Important Bird Area. Great River Greening and the Washington Conservation District, through the St. Croix Healthy Waters Initiative are working to improve water quality in the St. Croix River by restoring upland plant communities and establishing best management practices. 44

45 Washington County is actively working to acquire conservation easements over several of the remaining large landholdings. The National Park Service and the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin share responsibility for managing the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in accordance with the Lower St. Croix Cooperative Management Plan. 45

46 Figure 12: St. Croix Blufflands Priority Conservation Area 46