T.S Roberts Bird Sanctuary Improvements Project

Transcription

1 T.S Roberts Bird Sanctuary Improvements Project Dr. David Zumeta Ornithology and Forest Habitat Expert Jason Aune Landscape Architect, AFLA Tyler Pederson Project Manager Michael Schroeder Assistant Superintendent of Planning

2 Introduction to the Project The project looks at the how the site can best support avian habitat, while providing education and low impact access to park goers. It will result in a preferred concept that will be approved by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The preferred concept will outline key improvements that will be constructed in 2016.

3 Past Projects Within The Sanctuary MCES Sewer Rehabilitation Relining 100 year old 60 sewer pipe and manholes in the Sanctuary. Installation of over 700 native trees and shrubs along the MCES sewer line (Bossen Lane) Management Plan

4 Community Engagement Public meetings for the MCES Sewer Rehabilitation Project ( ) On site public meeting to discuss native plant installation along Bossen Lane (9/11/2014) Today: Kicking off the Improvements Project

5 Bird Habitat Assessment Report and Recommendations for the T. S. Roberts Bird Sanctuary David Zumeta, PhD Ornithology and Forest Habitat Consultant to Aune and Fernandez, Landscape Architects, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

6 Project Goals Assess avian habitat on the T. S. Roberts Bird Sanctuary Identify implementation tasks to improve avian habitat Outline an ongoing habitat preservation strategy

7 2014 Roberts Sanctuary Management Plan Includes historical and baseline natural resource inventory information Includes management goals, list of needs, and vision statement developed collaboratively with Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis and the public Current report includes a 2014 plan summary

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9 Report Contents Roberts Sanctuary history History of birding in the Sanctuary Sanctuary bird habitat Sanctuary designations as bird habitat Bird list (220 species + 3 extinct/extirpated) State of Minnesota listed bird species Habitat restoration recommendations

10 Hooded Warbler

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12 Roberts Sanctuary Bird Habitats Semi permanently flooded wetland (15 acres) Saturated wetland (2 acres) Upland forest (6 acres) Lowland forest (8 acres)

13 Sanctuary Bird Habitat Designations 2009 National Audubon Society Important Bird Area 2011 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board signs U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Urban Migratory Bird Treaty

14 Birds of the Sanctuary 220 species observed in or flying over 3 hypothetical species, 2 hybrids 90% have occurred in spring (197 species) 71% in fall (157 species) 28% in summer (62 species) 19% in winter (42 species)

15 Birds of the Sanctuary 66% forest or forest edge (145 species) 25% only or mostly in flight (55 species) 21% marsh (47 species) 52 species have nested or probably nested 38 species currently nest or probably nest Some species less common than previously A few species more common

16 Pileated Woodpecker

17 Red-headed Woodpecker

18 Cooper s Hawk

19 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

20 State Listed Bird Species No Federal Threatened or Endangered Species 1 State Endangered Species on Lake Harriet, but probably not in Sanctuary (Horned Grebe) 1 State Threatened Species (Common Tern) 12 State Special Concern Species 37 State Species of Greatest Conservation Need

21 Former Nesting Species that Potentially Could Breed in Roberts Sanctuary Red headed Woodpecker Yellow billed Cuckoo Black billed Cuckoo Wood Thrush

22 Species that Could Potentially Breed in Roberts Sanctuary Several species that are likely to expand their breeding ranges because of climate change could nest in the Sanctuary in future decades: Tufted Titmouse (may have bred in past) Carolina Wren Blue gray Gnatcatcher (may breed already) Hooded Warbler

23 General Questions for the Team?

24 The Bird List

25 Engagement Session Please look at each of the boards, ask questions, and fill out a comment card. Leave the comment cards with Tyler. You may leave a note on a post it and place it directly on the boards.