Wetlands were once considered wasted a hindrance to urban development and crop production. In Minnesota, an estimated 11 million acres of wetlands have been or filled over the last hundred years, leaving about 10 million acres. Wetlands are vital to the health of our environment. While this represents a 50 percent loss statewide, some areas of Minnesota have lost more than 90 percent of their original wetlands. Wetlands reduce flooding by slowing excess water runoff during times of heavy rainfall. Wetlands improve quality by filtering sediments, nutrients and toxic substances out of water before it washes into rivers and lakes. Wetlands provide habitat for many fish, wildlife and plants, some of which can only survive in wetlands. Wetlands provide opportunities for recreation such as canoeing, hunting, hiking, fishing, and birding. Wetlands commercial uses like growing wild rice or cranberries and trapping animals. Wetlands are important outdoor science and art classrooms and laboratories. A growing awareness of benefits has led to many laws regulating wetland draining and filling, as well as the discharge of pollutants into wetlands. Type Objectives: Utilize this unique feature to promote the importance of wetlands and their importance towards water quality and wildlife habitat. Recommended Activities to Achieve Cover Type Objective: Remove and chemically the stumps buckthorn and other invasive species Plant tamarack trees in clusters throughout area. Wildlife viewing could be improved by installing nesting boxes in the appropriate areas Create trail to access site from school Additional Instruction and Information Woodland Stewardship Book References: Chapter Page Ch. 6 Managing Important Forest Types-Tamarack 85 Ch. 13 Recreational Trail Design 147 PROPERTY-WIDE/MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS Walking Trails Project Objective: 1. Maintain existing walking trails to provide educational and recreational access to the property. 2. Expand trail network, as appropriate, to reach other cover type areas, meet student population numbers and accessibility requirements. Recommended Activities to Achieve Cover Type Objective: Reinforce and improve walking trails where erosion is occurring on steep slopes.
Wetlands were once considered wasted a hindrance to urban development and crop production. In Minnesota, an estimated 11 million acres of wetlands have been or filled over the last hundred years, leaving about 10 million acres. Wetlands are vital to the health of our environment. While this represents a 50 percent loss statewide, some areas of Minnesota have lost more than 90 percent of their original wetlands. Wetlands reduce flooding by slowing excess water runoff during times of heavy rainfall. Wetlands improve quality by filtering sediments, nutrients and toxic substances out of water before it washes into rivers and lakes. Wetlands provide habitat for many fish, wildlife and plants, some of which can only survive in wetlands. Wetlands provide opportunities for recreation such as canoeing, hunting, hiking, fishing, and birding. Wetlands commercial uses like growing wild rice or cranberries and trapping animals. Wetlands are important outdoor science and art classrooms and laboratories. A growing awareness of benefits has led to many laws regulating wetland draining and filling, as well as the discharge of pollutants into wetlands. Type Objectives: Utilize this unique feature to promote the importance of wetlands and their importance towards water quality and wildlife habitat. Recommended Activities to Achieve Cover Type Objective: Remove and chemically the stumps buckthorn and other invasive species Plant tamarack trees in clusters throughout area. Wildlife viewing could be improved by installing nesting boxes in the appropriate areas Create trail to access site from school Additional Instruction and Information Woodland Stewardship Book References: Chapter Page Ch. 6 Managing Important Forest Types-Tamarack 85 Ch. 13 Recreational Trail Design 147 PROPERTY-WIDE/MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS Walking Trails Project Objective: 1. Maintain existing walking trails to provide educational and recreational access to the property. 2. Expand trail network, as appropriate, to reach other cover type areas, meet student population numbers and accessibility requirements. Recommended Activities to Achieve Cover Type Objective: Reinforce and improve walking trails where erosion is occurring on steep slopes.
school-forest-stewardship-plan-template.docx