Part 1 - Restoration Basics
What is ecological restoration?
Ecological restoration is the initiation of the recovery of ecosystems by restoring functionality, improving biodiversity, habitat, and resilience. Healthy ecosystems create healthy habitat and communities, and improve the quality of life for humans and wildlife.
Restoration work may include (in no particular order):
1) removing invasive plants and undesirable vegetation,
2) careful use of herbicide to manage undesirable plants,
3) seeding or replanting with appropriate native plant species,
4) reintroducing fire through controlled or prescribed burns,
5) controlled grazing by animals such as goats, and
6) long-term monitoring and management to ensure success, also termed adaptive management.
Restoration work may include (in no particular order):
1) removing invasive plants and undesirable vegetation,
2) careful use of herbicide to manage undesirable plants,
3) seeding or replanting with appropriate native plant species,
4) reintroducing fire through controlled or prescribed burns,
5) controlled grazing by animals such as goats, and
6) long-term monitoring and management to ensure success, also termed adaptive management.
How does restoration benefit residents and park visitors?
Ecosystem Services
Restored ecosystems filter pollutants from the air we breathe. Also, a diversity of native plants that thrive in restored ecosystems support diverse wildlife populations such as pollinators, help prevent erosion, provide cooling, and capture and infiltrate water back into the ground. Restored ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and assist in buffering our built community from the effects of extreme rainfall or heat.
Cost Savings
Restored ecosystems also require less maintenance. Once in recovery from initial restoration actions, ongoing removal of invasive species, revegetation, and intensive management decreases over time.
Healthy Environment, Healthy People
In addition to improving the quality of the natural environment and immersing people in awe-inspiring landscapes, ecological restoration provides economic and social improvements that benefit residents and park visitors. Being immersed in a healthy ecosystem is good for your mental and physical well being. People inherently enjoy being in healthy, biodiverse environments and this can encourage more time outdoors, support recreation, and foster a thriving community.
Restored ecosystems filter pollutants from the air we breathe. Also, a diversity of native plants that thrive in restored ecosystems support diverse wildlife populations such as pollinators, help prevent erosion, provide cooling, and capture and infiltrate water back into the ground. Restored ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and assist in buffering our built community from the effects of extreme rainfall or heat.
Cost Savings
Restored ecosystems also require less maintenance. Once in recovery from initial restoration actions, ongoing removal of invasive species, revegetation, and intensive management decreases over time.
Healthy Environment, Healthy People
In addition to improving the quality of the natural environment and immersing people in awe-inspiring landscapes, ecological restoration provides economic and social improvements that benefit residents and park visitors. Being immersed in a healthy ecosystem is good for your mental and physical well being. People inherently enjoy being in healthy, biodiverse environments and this can encourage more time outdoors, support recreation, and foster a thriving community.
Being immersed in a healthy ecosystem is good for your mental and physical well being.
Who is in charge of this restoration and who will be completing the work?
The city of Minnetonka owns the property and is in charge of the restoration. Partners to these efforts include FoMP restoration volunteer stewards and ecological contractors whose efforts consist of both planning and executing the restoration work.
Does this restoration have a plan?
Yes, the city of Minnetonka approved the Natural Resources Master Plan (NRMP), a guiding document for ecosystem restoration, in December of 2021. Independent consultants identified a need for a comprehensive approach due to the declining conditions of our parks. Detailed restoration plans are currently being developed for each Minnetonka park and will guide management goals and actions for the city staff, contractors, and volunteers. Learn more about the NRMP: https://www.minnetonkamatters.com/natural-resources-master-plan
Why are you doing this now?
Environmental consultants, city officials and staff, and key volunteer groups such as Friends of Minnetonka Parks (FoMP) have agreed that this is the time we need to move ahead as some areas are in significant decline, as identified in the NRMP. Waiting longer would result in more ecological decline, and more resources and time to restore the parks.