Consider Oak Wilt Management Plan for Brookfield 8th Addition

Capstone Homes/Brookfield Land LLC, the "Applicant", has applied for Final Plat approval of Brookfield 8th Addition, a twenty-five (25) lot, single family residential development.  In September of 2016, the Board reviewed multiple aspects of this project, including the Tree Preservation and Landscaping Plans for Brookfield 8th Addition (along with a variance request to the lot depth standard and a variance to cul-de-sac length).  The Applicant revised plans based on recommendations from the EPB and actions by the Planning Commission and the Final Plat was considered by the City Council one February 28, 2017.  The project is still awaiting action by the Metropolitan Council regarding a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to re-guide a portion of the project area to Low Density Residential so that the two lots at the end of the cul-de-sac can be serviced with municipal sewer and water.  Due to this contingency, along with discussion about a cost-share agreement to extend the watermain south to 166th Ave, the City Council tabled action until these two items were resolved.  As a result, construction timelines have been revised and now will coincide with the high-risk time period for Oak Wilt.

Based on the current timeline for anticipated action on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Final Plat, it appears that construction activity will likely commence around May 1st.  Due to the concerns with oak wilt, the Applicant has submitted an Oak Wilt Management Plan that outlines the precautions they will take to address the potential introduction of and/or spread of oak wilt to other adjacent properties. 

The Applicant is proposing to install a double trenched line around the perimeter of the tree-save areas.  This serves to mechanically disrupt/severe any grafted root systems to prevent the transmission of the fungus through connected roots.  All removed trees will be chipped or mulched onsite and removed in enclosed containers.  At all times that tree clearing work is occurring, a second individual will be available to address any unintended wounds with wound sealant.  This will aid in minimizing the potential for above ground transmission of the fungus by insects to trees that are intended to be preserved.  A mechanical tree feller will be used to remove the trees.  This will minimize potential damage/wounding of other trees in the area.

The proposed management strategy is reasonable.  There is an active oak wilt pocket onsite and this proactive approach should benefit both the existing trees slated to be preserved as well as help protect trees within the Conservation Easement and on adjacent, neighboring properties.  Additionally, City Staff will also be on site observing this work to verify that the contractor is operating in accordance with the Oak Wilt Management Plan.

Staff finds the proposed management plan to be reasonable and should be effective at controlling the already present pocket of oak wilt.  While it is always ideal to avoid working within oak stands during the high risk period for oak wilt transmission, because there is an active oak wilt pocket on site, this work will provide a much greater level of protection than simply waiting until the risk level is downgraded to low (typically sometime in July) and therefore, Staff supports this approach and recommends approval of the Oak Wilt Management Plan.

All costs associated with this request are the responsibility of the Applicant.

Motion to recommend approval of the Oak Wilt Management Plan for Brookfield 8th Addition.