HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Natural Resources & Conservation Committee - 09/01/2021
South Burlington Natural Resources & Conservation Committee
575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 846-4106
www.sburl.com
Natural Resources & Conservation Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 6:00 PM
City Hall, 180 Market Street, Room 301 or Online
Interactive Online Meeting (audio & video): https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/262219453
By telephone (audio only): 1-224-501-3412; Access Code: 262-219-453
In all cases, you will have the opportunity to both listen AND speak. Please note that the video option may not work as
the technology in the new building is not working consistently in all rooms.
AGENDA
1. Welcome & Review of Emergency Evacuation Protocol (6:00)
2. Additions, Deletions or Changes in order of Agenda Items (6:05)
3. Comments from the Public not related to the agenda (6:10)
4. Adoption of minutes (6:15)
5. Discuss Hybrid Meeting Options & Process in the new building (6:20)
6. Updates on “4 for Four” City Council Discussion and Champlain Valley Conservation
Partnership Meeting (6:25)
7. Discussion on LDRs draft: Civic Space Types and Natural Resources Standards &
Conservation PUDs – Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning (6:30)
8. Discuss the NRCC Annual Report & CIP requests (6:50)
9. New City-wide Policy Priorities & Strategies Process Planning (7:10)
• Discuss the NRCC Work Plan and How it Fits this new Process
10. Conservation Project Opportunities at the Goodrich Parcel (7:30)
• Discuss action items
11. Nominate one member to serve on the Council’s Climate Action Task Force (7:40)
12. Members & Staff Reports (7:45)
a. Chair- none
b. Staff Report
c. Work Group/Member Reports
13. Discuss Future Agenda Items (7:55)
14. Confirm Next Mtg Date: Currently Scheduled for 10/06/2021, 6 PM (1st Wed. of month)
15. Adjourn (8:00 pm)
NATURAL RESOURCES & CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes for Wednesday 08/04/2021 at 6:05 pm
Attending: Ashley Parker, Larry Kupferman (Acting Chr), Jean Sebastien-Chaulot (Acting Co-Chr), Lisa
Yankowski & David Crawford. New committee members : Bill Wargo, John Bossange & Katherine Voyk
Missing: Drew Shatzer
Public attendees: Alan Young & Rosanne Greco from the SB Land Trust
1) Welcome from Larry. The emergency protocol has not been established yet. This is our 1st meeting
in the new city hall. There is a front stair case and a back staircase.
2) No changes to the agenda.
3) Introductions of committee members, this is our 1st meeting with our new committee members.
Orientation consisted of reminding new members to review the Open Meeting Laws. We have a
site where the committee can store documents they may be working on. We also have a page on
the city website where we can post and share items with the public.
a. We are an advisory committee to the city council. We interact and work with the DRB
(Development Review Board), the SB Land Trust, and the Planning commission. New
members should review our charge from the city council. All of the mentioned
documents are on the city website.
4) Committee elections: Jean Sebastien-Chaulot nominated as the new chair, Larry Kupferman
nominated as the vice chair, Lisa nominated as the continuing clerk. 2nd by John. Passed
unanimously.
5) No comments from the public.
6) Approval of minutes from the 06/02 meeting passed since we did not have a quorum of the
meeting attendees.
7) Alan Young & Rosanne Greco for the South Burlington Land Trust - “4 For Four” presentation to the
city council 08/02/21. (Documents included in meeting information.)
a. The Land Trust is asking for a special election in October 2021, for a temporary - 4 year,
$.04 tax increase on the municipal tax rate. Funds for the exclusive use of boosting the
amount available towards purchase/protection of identified natural resource sensitive
parcels and climate change mitigation. The goal is to work on having some action plan in
process before Interim Zoning ends in November.
We are currently in a climate change crisis in the U.S. and around the globe. There are
25 sensitive parcels already identified some of which are being looked at for development.
Katherine inquired as to whether other funding options are being looked at. With increased
development comes the need for increased city services and increased property taxes to pay for
these increased costs. The Land Trust is aware there are other avenues to looks for funding.
Larry motioned for the NRCC to approve support for the special election of the SB Land
Trust 4 For Four. John 2nd. 6 Ayes for approval, 1 abstain.
8) SB City Council Climate Change Resolution
a. Reference the copy of the council’s resolution. The council will be deciding how they
will involve/utilize some of the other city committees. We are waiting to hear. The city
council will be meeting 08/17/21.
b. John motioned to support the Climate Change Resolution and to revise our work plan to
support the resolution. David 2nd. Approved unanimously.
9) Work plan and annual report. Larry & Jean will work on the new report for the city council. (A
copy of the previous annual report was included in the information packet for this meeting.)
Per Ashley- we are being asked to appoint members to be on/involved with other standing
committees and task forces.
a. Lisa will be involved with the “Common Areas for Dogs”. John will be the liasson for the
CVCP Task Force (Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership). Ashley is working on the
management plans for the various parks and Larry will be involved. Lisa already works
with the Recreation & Parks Dept and Red Rocks Park and some of the issues occurring
there. John will attend the city council meeting 08/17 for the 4 For Four.
10) Members & Staff reports.
a. Chair-none
b. Staff Reports- see the document included. Ashley is busy working on the management
plans for the parks. The new signs in Red Rocks look great. She will be asking us for our
support of the CIP (Open Space Project Fund) – probably in October.
Future agenda items
- Annual report.
- City council meeting for the 4 For Four- feed back.
- Work plan review.
- Katherine asked about grant money for projects for clean water projects, pro-active
projects.
NEXT MEETING IS 09/01/21 6pm
Larry motioned to adjourn, John 2nd – adjourned 8:05 pm
GENERAL FUND
Open Space Projects
Puplic Hearing FY 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Program - South Burlington, VT Page 61 of 144
GENERAL FUND
OPEN SPACE PROJECTS OVERVIEW BY EXPENDITURE
OPEN SPACE CIP PROJECTS OVERVIEW:Total Estimated Revenues:
Total Estimated Savings:
Department Contact:Ashley Parker
Changes from FY 2019-2028 CIP:
SUMMARY CIP EXPENDITURES (in $1,000)FY 22 FY23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 FY 28 FY 29 FY 30 FY 31 Total:
Open Space Debt Payment 125 125 125 125 125 125 - - - - 751
Underwood Property 236 150 17 - - - - - - - 403
Red Rocks Improvements 240 90 40 - - - - - - - 370
Wheeler Homestead & Nature Park Upgrades 100 50 20 - - - - - - - 170
TOTAL ESTIMATED CIP EXPENDITURES:701 415 202 125 125 125 - - - - 1,694
0
The Recreation & Parks Department is responsible for planning for future active and passive recreational needs for the community,
including the purchase and development of additional land for parks, as well as maintaining, expanding and improving facilities and
equipment.
0
Puplic Hearing FY 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Program - South Burlington, VT Page 62 of 144
GENERAL FUND - OPEN SPACE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM EXPENDITURE
PROJECT:Open Space Debt Payment
0
DEPARTMENT/STAFF CONTACT:
FINANCIALS (in $1,000)FY 22 FY23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 FY 28 FY 29 FY 30 FY 31 Total:
Estimated Costs:
Studies, Design, Engineering, Inspection, GC, Legal -
Land/ROW/Easement Acquisition -
Construction -
Furniture & Equipment -
Anticipated Debt Repayment 125 125 125 125 125 125 751
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS:125 125 125 125 125 125 - - - - 751
Funding Sources:
General Fund -
Grant/Donation/Developer Contribution -
Current Bond-(Open Space)-
Anticipated Debt (Penny for Path)- - - -
Road Improvement Impact Fee -
Recreation Impact Fee -
Trade-In Generated Revenues -
Other: Open Space Fund 125 125 125 125 125 125 - - - - 751
TOTAL FUNDING SOURCES:125 125 125 125 125 125 - - - - 751
STATUS: Land has been purchased.
DESCRIPTION: Debt service to be repaid with 1/2 cent for open space.
OPERATING BUDGET IMPACT: None
JUSTIFICATION:
AVG ESTIMATED SAVINGS PER YEAR:
FINANCIALS COMMENT:AVG ESTIMATED REVENUES PER YEAR:
Open Space Projects | Ashley Parker
Puplic Hearing FY 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Program - South Burlington, VT Page 63 of 144
GENERAL FUND - OPEN SPACE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM EXPENDITURE
PROJECT:Underwood Property
0
0
DEPARTMENT/STAFF CONTACT:
Open Space Projects | Ashley Parker
FINANCIALS (in $1,000)FY 22 FY23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 FY 28 FY 29 FY 30 FY 31 Total:
Estimated Costs:
Studies, Design, Engineering, Inspection, GC, Legal 61 61
Land/ROW/Easement Acquisition -
Construction 175 150 17 342
Furniture & Equipment -
Anticipated Debt Repayment -
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS:236 150 17 - - - - - - - 403
Funding Sources:
General Fund -
Grant/Donation/Developer Contribution 5 5
Current Bond-(Open Space)141 50 17 208
Anticipated Debt -
Current Bond- (Penny for Path)40 50 90
Recreation Impact Fee 50 50 100
Trade-In Generated Revenues -
Other: Open Space Fund -
TOTAL FUNDING SOURCES:236 150 17 - - - - - - - 403
STATUS: Invasive plant management is ongoing. Initiated design of
shared use path connection through site with goal of construction by
summer 2021. Working on trail assessment in fall 2020. Expect to
select consultant for design of viewing area at the end of 2020.
DESCRIPTION: Begin to design and construct passive recreational spaces at this park. Incorporate
wetland delineation and mapping into park element planning analysis. Initiate design of Phase 1 park
elements to include: trail formalization, shared use path, parking area, viewing area, and wayfinding.
OPERATING BUDGET IMPACT: None
JUSTIFICATION: Newly aquired park that will be for passive recreational opportunities for community.
AVG ESTIMATED SAVINGS PER YEAR:
FINANCIALS COMMENT: 1/2 cent Open Space funds, Impact Fees, fundraising and user fees. The
shared use path design and construction will be funded by donations, Penny for Path funds, and Rec
Impact Fees.
AVG ESTIMATED REVENUES PER YEAR:
Puplic Hearing FY 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Program - South Burlington, VT Page 64 of 144
GENERAL FUND - OPEN SPACE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM EXPENDITURE
PROJECT:Red Rocks Improvements
N/A
0
DEPARTMENT/STAFF CONTACT:
FINANCIALS (in $1,000)FY 22 FY23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 FY 28 FY 29 FY 30 FY 31 Total:
Estimated Costs:
Studies, Design, Engineering, Inspection, GC, Legal 50 50
Land/ROW/Easement Acquisition -
Construction 190 90 40 320
Furniture & Equipment -
Anticipated Debt Repayment -
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS:240 90 40 - - - - - - - 370
Funding Sources:
General Fund -
Grant/Donation/Developer Contribution - -
Current Bond-(Open Space)240 90 40 - - - - - - 370
Anticipated Debt -
Current Bond- (Penny for Path)-
Recreation Impact Fee -
Trade-In Generated Revenues -
Other: Open Space Fund -
TOTAL FUNDING SOURCES:240 90 40 - - - - - - - 370
STATUS: Invasive plant management is ongoing. Initial
concepts for erosion issues and parking concept received
in FY19. Design and permitting work was slowed in FY20
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the start of FY21,
permitting work has been initiated throught the Act 250
& local processes for the stormwater and trail
improvements proposed. Work is being lined up to
hopefully begin in 2021/2022 pending permitting.
Wayfinding should be completed in FY21.
DESCRIPTION: Make improvements to the Park in accordance with Management Plan
recommendations.
OPERATING BUDGET IMPACT: none
JUSTIFICATION: Long ignored, Red Rocks now needs major upgrades to its trail systems, corrections to
erosion issues both on trails and on the beach, renovations to parking areas, access offerings, and
maintenance of invasive species management.AVG ESTIMATED SAVINGS PER YEAR:
FINANCIALS COMMENT: AVE ESTIMATED REVENUES PER YEAR:
Open Space Projects | Ashley Parker
Puplic Hearing FY 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Program - South Burlington, VT Page 65 of 144
GENERAL FUND - OPEN SPACE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM EXPENDITURE
PROJECT:Wheeler Nature Park Upgrades
N/A
0
DEPARTMENT/STAFF CONTACT:
Ashley Parker
FINANCIALS (in $1,000)FY 22 FY23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 FY 28 FY 29 FY 30 FY 31 Total:
Estimated Costs:
Studies, Design, Engineering, Inspection, GC, Legal -
Land/ROW/Easement Acquisition -
Construction 100 50 20 170
Furniture & Equipment -
Anticipated Debt Repayment -
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS:100 50 20 - - - - - - - 170
Funding Sources:
General Fund - -
Grant/Donation/Developer Contribution -
Current Bond-(Open Space)100 50 20 - - - - - - 170
Anticipated Debt -
Current Bond- (Penny for Path)-
Recreation Impact Fee -
Trade-In Generated Revenues -
Other: Open Space Fund -
TOTAL FUNDING SOURCES:100 50 20 - - - - - - - 170
STATUS: Invasive plant removal is ongoing. A wetland delineation on
the entire Wheeler parcel was contracted out in FY19, with the
Homestead's delineation completed in FY20. A trail assessment was
completed in FY20, and two trail projects were completed in
FY20/early FY21. Habitat management work was discussed with
Audubon and Fish & Wildlife, but may not begin in FY21 due to COVID.
This work will not come out of this budget. Wayfinding is expected to
be fabricated and installed in FY21. The conservation easement has
not been finalized yet.
DESCRIPTION: Make improvements to the Wheeler Nature Park in accordance with its
Master Plan Management recommendations. Continue invasive plant removal work,
conduct trail improvements, complete any remaining wayfinding work, and revise
management plan in accordance with potential conservation easement.
OPERATING BUDGET IMPACT:
JUSTIFICATION: Age related upgrades needed for the park.AVG ESTIMATED SAVINGS PER YEAR:
FINANCIALS COMMENT: Open Space funds will not be used for upgrades to the Wheeler
house. Other sources of funding (i.e. Rec Impact Fees, Donations, etc.) will be used if it is
determined house upgrades are needed.
AVE ESTIMATED REVENUES PER YEAR:
Open Space Projects
Puplic Hearing FY 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Program - South Burlington, VT Page 66 of 144
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
To: South Burlington City Council
From: Jessie Baker, City Manager
Leadership Team
Date: August 10, 2021
Re: Policy Priorities and Strategies Process Planning
In a council-manager form of government, staff must implement the City Council’s policies and priorities. I
recommend that annually staff and Council spend time together ensuring that we are all making clear and
intentional decisions about the policy priorities of the City and the implementation strategies we will use to
achieve this vision. This should include engagement of the City’s professional staff (“Leadership Team”), the
City’s policy boards and commissions, and the Council. My understanding is that the commissions are familiar
with annual workplans and in previous years the Council has done its own workplan. The goal is to build upon
these past models in order to produce a city-wide workplan for the Council, staff, and commissions.
In this document, I will review some concepts, review the resources already in place, and outline a process we
could use to come to a shared workplan over the next few months. Over time, I recommend we undertake
this process annually (in June) to ensure that the Council, staff, and commissions’ work is best aligned to meet
community goals.
Roles and Responsibilities
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
Current Policy Direction
The Council has already approved a series of policy documents for the City. Primarily, those include the
annual budget and the City’s Comprehensive Plan as well as ongoing resolutions and active votes. This
process is not meant to rehash past policy positions but organize and prioritize them with other positions and
articulate concrete steps towards implementation.
As an organizing principle, I recommend we start with ensuring we maintain our core government services and
look to the principles outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. The City's 2016 Comprehensive Plan lays out four
guiding principles (or policy statements) for the community. It states:
Here and into the Future, South Burlington is...
• Affordable and Community Strong - Creating a robust sense of place and opportunity for our
residents and visitors.
• Walkable - Bicycle and pedestrian friendly with safe transportation infrastructure.
• Green & Clean - Emphasizing sustainability for long-term viability of a clean and green South
Burlington
• Opportunity Oriented - Being a supportive and engaged member of the larger regional and
statewide community.
As the Leadership Team puts together a set of recommendations for the Council to consider, we will also take
into consideration:
• Policy directions provided through past Council Resolutions
• The objectives and strategies outlined in the Comprehensive Plan
• Regulatory requirements we know are on the horizon for specific service areas
• The Annual Workplans developed by the committees and commissions. As we get up to speed this
year, this will be reviewed during committee meetings in August and September.
Prioritization Process and Timeline
There are almost unlimited ways municipal government (elected official and professional staff) can positively
impact community. Therefore, with these policy priorities in place, it’s imperative that we think strategically
about how best to implement these and how we allocate our finite resources to those ends. I recommend we
work together to build out a shared workplan that follows this model:
Role of Council
"This is the vision for our community"
Policy Area Description Related Policy Statement Source
Role of City Manager and Leadership Team
"This is how we are accomplishing this vision."
Implementation Strategy Description Responsible Teams Timeline
Role of City Committee
"This is how our resident committees can help."
Committee Action
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
The full workplan will be organized horizontally. See the attached pdf for a full spreadsheet in an easier to
view format.
Once built-out and approved by the Council, staff would provide monthly updates to the Council and use this
as a foundation for the annual budget process. Each year, Commission’s workplans would be aligned to these
priorities and, annually, the Council and Leadership Team would come back together to check-in and update
these shared expectations. To start this process, I recommend the following timeline:
Date Task Responsible Party
August 4, 2021 Leadership Team reviews process Jessie & Leadership Team
August 17, 2021 Council reviews process and provides
feedback to the City Manager
Council & Jessie
August 18 –
September, 2021
Leadership Team builds out FY22 Policy
Priorities & Strategies Recommendations
Jessie & Leadership Team
September 7, 2021 Council approves process and requests
Commissions provide feedback
Council & Jessie
August, September
and early October
2021
Commissions discuss past and future work
and provide summaries to the Council – This
will also serve as Annual Report submittals
and CIP requests.
Staff Liaisons &
Commissions
Mid October 2021 Proposed Policy Priorities and Strategies
Recommendations finalized
Jessie & Leadership Team
End of October 2021
(10/23? 10/30?)
Council & Leadership Team Retreat to review
and prioritize policy priorities and strategies
for FY22.
Agenda for the day to include:
• Welcome and overview – Jessie
• Representation of the community we serve
– Jessie
• Area review by policy – Leadership Team
• Brainstorming exercise – All
• Prioritization exercise – Council
• Wrap up and Gratitude – Jessie
Council & Leadership Team
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
Date Task Responsible Party
November 15, 2021 FY22 Policy Priorities and Strategies approved
by Council
Jessie & Council
Starting in January Monthly updates on Priorities to Council Jessie & Leadership Team
April 2022 Process starts again
June 2022 FY23 Policy Priorities and Strategies are
approved by Council
Policy Implementation Strategy
Area Description Related Policy Statement Source Description Responsible Teams Timeline FY22 Reporting Committee Action
Affordable and Community Strong Creating a robust sense of place and opportunity
for our residents and visitors.
Comp Plan
Walkable Bicycle and pedestrian friendly with safe
transportation infrastructure.
Comp Plan
Green & Clean Emphasizing sustainability for long-term viability of
a clean and green South Burlington
Comp Plan
Climate Change Resolution Resolution
Opportunity Oriented Being a supportive and engaged member of the
larger regional and statewide community.
Comp Plan
Role of City Committee
"This is how our resident committees can inform policy
and help implement policy."
City of South Burlington
FY22 Policy Priorities & Strategies
IN PROGRESS *** DRAFT ** DRAFT ** DRAFT*** IN PROGRESS
Role of Council Role of City Manager and Leadership Team
"This is the vision for our community""This is how we are accomplishing this vision."
Policy Implementation Strategy
Area Description Related Policy Statement Source Description Responsible Teams Timeline FY22 Reporting Committee Action
Role of City Committee
"This is how our resident committees can inform policy
and help implement policy."
City of South Burlington
FY22 Policy Priorities & Strategies
IN PROGRESS *** DRAFT ** DRAFT ** DRAFT*** IN PROGRESS
Role of Council Role of City Manager and Leadership Team
"This is the vision for our community""This is how we are accomplishing this vision."
Core Municipal Services FY22 Budget
FY22 Budget
Administration
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
TO: Jean-Sebastien Chaulot, Chair of the South Burlington Natural Resources & Conservation
Committee
FROM: Ashley Parker, City Project Manager
SUBJECT: Review of Open Space Project Opportunities at the Goodrich Parcel & Committee
Support of the use of Open Space Project Funds
DATE: September 1, 2021
The purpose of this memo is to summarize the history of the Goodrich Parcel, and discuss open space
project opportunities there. Staff is requesting that the Committee consider supporting projects at the
parcel that could be funded by Open Space Project funds.
History –
The Goodrich Parcel contains 22 acres that are found adjacent to the Winooski Valley Park District’s
(WVPD) Muddy Brook Wetland Reserve off of Van Sicklen Road. It is a privately owned parcel, but funds
from the City’s open Space Conservation Acquisition Fund (~$62,500) were used to place a permanent
public easement on the property in 2010. The property does have some trails that are informally
accessed via the WVPD’s property. The trails are currently maintained by a private entity.
In 2009, the City received a report reviewing the parcel’s potential for use as a wetland mitigation site. It
also provided a very helpful analysis of the natural resources found there. After receiving this report, the
City no longer needed the site for mitigation purposes, so no projects were planned there. Stormwater
staff did conduct some invasive plant management work on the parcel with a VYCC crew for a year or so.
There is currently no City-led management activity taking place on this parcel.
In January 2016, Council approved an Open Space and Natural Area Enhancement Plan that listed
projects at Red Rocks, Wheeler, and Underwood that could be completed using funding from the voter
approved Open Space Project Fund. This fund is the ½ cent from the 1 cent that is dedicated solely for
maintenance of City natural areas. This plan did not include any other City-owned open space/natural
areas, even those parcels purchased or protected with Open Space Acquisition Funds, and there is
currently not a dedicated source of funding for maintenance/management projects that need to take
place on these other properties. The Goodrich Parcel is obviously not one of the properties covered by
the approved enhancement plan, and therefore there is no dedicated source of funding to complete
management-related projects there.
Opportunities –
Conservation project opportunities at the Goodrich Parcel first came up in discussion with members of
the Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership (CVCP). Tom DiPietro, South Burlington’s Deputy Director
of Public Works/Stormwater Superintendent, proposed this parcel for priority project consideration since
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
it has wetland restoration potential. Nick Warner, Executive Director of the WVPD, is also supportive of
projects at this site as there are opportunities to better connect trails to their adjacent trail system and
restoration on the Goodrich parcel would positively impact their site. Mark LaBarr, the Conservation
Program Manager for Audubon Vermont, oversees habitat management projects for rare bird species
and is excited about the potential to spend grant money at this property to improve habitat for various
birds, including Golden Winged Warblers and Woodcocks.
In August, City staff met with both the WVPD and Audubon to walk the site and discuss these potential
projects. There are trails existing on-site that are maintained by a private entity. These trails do connect
with the WVPD trail system on the Muddy Brook Wetland Reserve, but there are not trail signs, the trails
are not mapped, and there is no formal maintenance plan to continue trail upkeep into the future. There
may also be opportunities for additional trails on-site, but this has not been truly scoped out or
considered for future management.
Invasive plants were also identified in various locations. Audubon thought it would be a perfect spot to
initiate some larger scale invasive plant removal that would be covered under a grant they received and
provided an award of $2,250.00 to the CVCP. This would be work that could start as early as the end of
this year, and the City would not be responsible for providing a match. Removing invasive plants at this
site would improve habitat available for birds, and also increase native plant biodiversity. It is also
possible that the WVPD has access to funding that could be used for follow-up planting events.
Staff will be meeting with Katie Kain, from the US Fish & Wildlife, to walk the site with Mark in order to
discuss additional funds that might be available to do additional habitat restoration work (via invasive
plant removal). This would be work and funds in addition to those that Audubon currently has access to.
Staff will provide an update on this meeting, which will include possible next steps.
In addition to the opportunities for trail connectivity and invasive plant removal, discussion continued
around the potential for wetland restoration that would be focused on the areas noted as “Stream
Enhancement” on the Proposed Wetland Mitigation Map provided to the City in June 2010. City staff
would like to re-assess the parcel to determine if the strategies recommended in the wetland mitigation
report are still accurate and would benefit the parcel’s natural communities and functions.
It is worth noting that the permanent public easement that was placed on the parcel in 2010 granted a
perpetual conservation and open space easement or restriction to the City, and the Grantor conveyed
the following:
• The right of public access to the property on foot and by bicycle.
• The City can construct recreation trails on the property for use by the public.
• The City can perform on-site wetland restoration, enhancement and maintenance, including
regrading, stream bank restoration, planting, and removal of invasive plants.
• The City can construct and maintain interpretive or informational signs, kiosks or bulletin boards
to enhance the visitor experience.
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
• The City can prohibit land development on the property (except as provided).
To move forward with the wetland restoration projects on this parcel, funding will need to be allocated
to cover the costs of an assessment/report and any future restoration work. It is possible that grant
funding could be acquired to support this effort, but most grant funding will require some sort of dollar
match by the City. Since projects that occur on properties other than Red Rocks, Wheeler, and
Underwood, have not been approved by the City Council for funding through the Open Space Project
fund, staff is recommending that consideration be given to expand the authorization for use of funds on
parcels that are open space/natural areas that are either owned by the City or have had Open Space
Acquisition dollars spent on their protection. This would allow for staff time and consultant time to be
spent on the sustainable management of all open space/natural areas owned or protected by the City.
Staff Recommendation –
At this time, staff expects that invasive plant work that is funded by other entities, and does not require a
match, can proceed without further action by the Committee. This includes the Audubon Vermont
invasive plant removal proposal, future habitat management proposals from the US Fish & Wildlife
Service, and future opportunities via the WVPD to implement new plantings after the invasive plant
removal work happens. Staff can brief the Committee on what final invasive removal plans look like once
those are in place and ready for consideration. It is worth noting, that the CVCP discussed this project at
its August 25th meeting and is endorsing it as a viable project to utilize the funds allocated to the
organization from Audubon.
Staff recommends that the Natural Resource & Conservation Committee support the request that City
Open Space Project funds be directed to assist in restoration and habitat management work at the
Goodrich Parcel, with future considerations for funding to be allocated to other City owned and
protected open spaces/natural areas.
It is recommended that the Committee consider providing a memo to the City Council that supports this
restoration initiative at the Goodrich Parcel, including the use of City Open Space Project funds to make it
happen.
Enclosures: Goodrich Parcel Maps, South Burlington Open Space Conservation Fund Acquisitions,
Goodrich Easement, City Council Approved Open Space and Natural Area Enhancement Plan
South Burlington Open Space Conservation Fund Acquisitions 2001-Present
Property Scott Leduc Goodrich Underwood Auclair
Parcel #0085-00250_MUN 0360-00800 & 0360-00300 0860-R1159_L 1640-01600_L 0860-01731F & 0860-01751
911 Address 250 Autumn Hill Road 300 & 800 Cheesefactory Rd 860 Meadowland Dr.1600 Spear Street 1731 & 1751 Hinesburg Road
Acreage 40 81 (SB only)22 58 375
Zoning District(s)SEQ-NRP SEQ-NRP SEQ-NRP SEQ-NR & SEQ-NRP SEQ-NR & SEQ-NRP
Current Owner City of South Burlington Bread & Butter Farm Green Acres City of South Burlington Dirt Capital / Vermont Land
Trust
Type of Purchase Fee simple Conservation Permanent Public easement Fee Simple Conservation
City Contributions $970,000 $500,000 $62,500 $1,660,000 $606,000
Year funds expended 2005 / 2007 2009 2011 2012 2018
Direct Acres 40 81 22 58 40
Indirect Acres 0 60 (Shelburne)0 0 335
Taxes Presently paid n/a $604 $18,226*n/a $8,424
# of homes on property 0 0 0 0 0
# of parking spaces 0 0 0 0 0
Trail amounts n/a Access easement from
Cheesefactory Rd to Scott
Property
Trail along Muddy Brook n/a Access easements along
Muddy Brook, between Brook
and Rt 116, and across parcel
to Scott Property
Amenities to public To be determined; currently
passive recreation
Nearby Parking area Currently Passive Recreation Planned Parking area & intent
for community programming
Management Plans None yet developed Farm Property Draft Wetlands enhancement
plan
Underwood Master Plan Farm Property
Stipulations for use Per Conservation Fund Permanent Agricultural
Easement held by VT Land
Trust
Public access, wetland
enhancement
Per Conservation Fund Option for conservation of ~40
acres; intent for full
conservation & farm use save
15 dwelling units across 3
properties
* Total parcel is 147 acres and includes a quarry & structures
575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com
Open Space and Natural Area Enhancement Plan
Approved By City Council January 19, 2016
The following programs, projects, and tasks, compiled from the four plans listed below, together comprise the
elements of the Open Space and Natural Area Enhancement Plan.
1. Red Rocks Park 2014 Management Plan
2. Wheeler Nature Park Management Plan (2015)
3. Underwood Property Vision Statement (2015)
4. South Burlington Parks Access Improvements Study (2014) [actions specific to Wheeler, Red Rocks, and
Underwood properties)
1. Red Rocks Park 2014 Management Plan
The Red Rocks 2014 Management Plan divides its management directives into four categories:
Seasonal maintenance: regular and ongoing maintenance needs
Best management practices: general guidelines for addressing the management concern
Short-term management actions: priority actions or projects for the next year
Long-term management actions: priority actions or projects requiring a longer time frame
This Open Space and Natural Area Enhancement Plan includes each of the items listed as “short term
management actions” and “long term management actions”.
INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT
Management Plan for Widespread Woody Species (Type A)
• Begin targeted removal of all woody invasives from small focus areas (requires trained staff, chainsaw
use)
o Main south-facing lookout designated as a first priority focus area
o Other areas along the interior of the loop trails (designated “natural areas”) can be targeted
next
• Close off focus areas to public, indicating “restoration area” and explaining why
• Replant these areas with native shade-tolerant shrubs and understory species
• Maintain designated “natural areas” as invasive-free
• Target removal of buckthorn and honeysuckle:
o Release the seedlings of mast trees (oak, hickory, beech) that are important for wildlife
o Remove larger seed-bearing female buckthorn trees
• All cut woody stumps must be wrapped in a few layers of burlap or thick plastic to prevent re-growth
by stump sprouting
2
• Continue monitoring for new occurrences and move quickly to prevent establishment and spread
Management Plan for Isolated Occurrences and Early Detections (Type B)
• Hold work days to remove isolated populations the less widespread herbaceous invasive species
o Volunteer and/or Park staff involvement during the early summer
o Organize training sessions/workshops for regular users and park neighbors
• Mount an “early detection rapid response” to these plants, aiming to remove the populations in their
entirety before they can spread aggressively throughout the park
o Oriental bittersweet sits on this threshold now and could be targeted by repeated hand
cuttings throughout the spring and summer:
Hand-pull entire plants, including all roots and runners
For larger plants, cut climbing or trailing vines close to root collar and repeat every 2
weeks.
TRAILS
Short-Term Management Actions – 1 year
• Repair major areas of erosion (Map 3).
• Make modifications to official trail network as outlined in Table 2; reassess yearly
• Prioritize restoration and ad hoc trail closure in the limestone bluff cedar-pine natural community (the
cliff-jumping area)
o Consider designating one or two official access points to these highly-trafficked areas
o Post signage and install barriers to discourage use of all other side trails
o Rather than making this the first restoration area closed off to the public, use this designation
in another nearby area first, to make park users accustomed to the idea of trail closures and
restoration areas
• Designate other restoration areas where natural resource conservation and wildlife use is a priority; in
other areas, off-trail exploration for environmental education use would be permitted.
• Establish photographic reference points where seasonal photographs can be taken to document any
changes in trail condition, good or bad.
Long-Term Management Actions – 3+ years
• Monitor trail closures to measure success of different techniques
• Complete major trail repairs, installation of new waterbars
o Possibility of VYCC partnership
• Find solutions to concentrate public access to cliff-jumping areas and minimize creation of further side
trails along the cliff ledges
SIGNAGE, WAYFINDING & PARK INFORMATION
Short-Term Management Actions – 1 year
• Install trail markers on the “main” trail that leads from the park entrance to the turnabout overlook at
the far western point of the park, following the lakeside trail. “In” and “out” directions on this trail will
provide simple wayfinding to the main overlook points in the park and identify the quickest exit from
the park.
• Install posts with simple directional signs at key park intersections (see Map 6, above).
3
• Provide access to a digital park map via QR code at the park entrance.
• Install or establish a park bulletin board at the main entrance.
Long-Term Management Actions – 3+ years
• Install additional park interpretive panels and include an inset directional map in each
FOREST HEALTH & WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
Short-Term Management Actions- 1 year
• Establish a monitoring program for signs of non-native insect pests including Emerald Ash Borer, Asian
Longhorned Beetle, and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.
• Conduct breeding bird surveys in early spring and mammal surveys in winter to determine wildlife
occurrences and designate protected areas as needed
RECREATION & EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Short-Term Management Actions
• Enhance the aesthetics of the park entry
• Restore scenic views from main overlooks across Lake Champlain and through the picnic grove, with
the following considerations:
o The old-growth cedars of the limestone bluff community should be left as-is.
o Trees should be pruned rather than removed to open views; exposed soil would be an easy
target for colonization by invasive species (which could impact native vegetation and very
quickly impede the views again).
o South Burlington’s Development Review Board regulates all land within 150 feet of the
lakeshore. Land is to be left in an “undisturbed, naturally vegetated condition” unless
otherwise approved.
o Park users should be notified before any such work takes place, especially in such a public
location.
Long-Term Management Actions
1) Create infrastructure that could facilitate use of the park as an outdoor classroom.
2) Improve opportunities for park users to access the water through boat rentals and use.
3) Investigate the possibility of public moorings.
4) Create more shaded sitting areas on/near the beach.
5) Extend the open season of the beach house for visitors looking to access the beach with bathrooms
and change rooms.
6) Consider improvements to beach infrastructure such as a boat launch or pier and a beach pavilion.
BEACH MANAGEMENT
Long-term Management Actions
• Consider extending the open season of the beach and access to the beach house
• Improve shaded seating areas and aesthetics at the beach with plantings
PARKING & TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Short-Term Management Actions
4
• Encourage biking, walking, and public transit to Red Rocks
o Consider connections to bike and walking paths
o Increase bicycle parking
Long-Term Management Actions
1) Assess alternatives, then re-design the parking system with the goal of minimizing the park area
devoted to vehicle parking as well as minimizing visual, neighborhood, and ecological impacts
2) Restore and/or repurpose retired parking areas
2. Wheeler Nature Park Management Plan (2015)
The Wheeler Nature Plan Management Plan includes a section that details actions to be undertaken:
Appendix A - Park Management Schedule. This Schedule includes the following sections:
o Seasonal Maintenance
o Short-term Management Actions – 1 year
o Long Term Management Actions – 3+ years
o Outreach
o The Homestead
This Open Space and Natural Area Enhancement Plan includes each of the items listed as “short term
management actions” and “long term management actions” within Appendix A.
APPENDIX A – PARK MANAGEMENT SCHEDULE
Short-term Management Actions – 1 year
Trails
• Remove obstructions on trails
• Install or repair puncheons and bridges to remediate trail widening and encroachment
• Deter the use of unauthorized trails by discontinuing weed whacking
• Provide effective use of trails by blazing trees, adding signage, and updating maps, guides and other
informational materials
Natural Resources and Habitats
• Monitor wildlife
• Brush hog grasslands and shrublands to maintain wildlife habitat
• Remove and control Non-Native Invasive Species, especially along trails
• Prune shrubby vegetation and tree branches and release mast trees to reduce encroachment
• Test stream hydrology
Long Term Management Actions – 3+ years
• Identify and monitor Non-Native Invasive Species
• Investigate possible uses of Wheeler Nature Park as a “working landscape”
• Add to trail network
• Maintain watershed area
5
3. Underwood Property Vision Framework (2015)
The Underwood Property Vision Framework includes three sections under “Next Steps”
Short Term Strategies
Medium Term Strategies
Long Term Strategies
This Open Space and Natural Area Enhancement Plan includes each of the items listed as “short term
strategies,” “medium term strategies”, and “long term strategies.”
Short Term Strategies
• Ensure short term uses do not compromise future opportunities on the site
• Conduct natural resource inventories to better understand habitat considerations and where
restoration would be most beneficial
• Delineate restoration areas and restrict access to these areas
• Complete mapping of the site (drainage, wetland delineation, etc.)
• Maintain property and prevent natural succession where needed
• Create mowed paths around primary circulation routes and enhance Recreation Path connection when
possible
• Clean up trails in the woods
• Allow short term agricultural uses towards Spear Street
• Define access points into the property and introduce designated parking areas early
• Build informational kiosk about the future of the parcel to get users interested and keep momentum
going
• Introduce buffering vegetation so as things evolve they can do their job
Medium Term Strategies
• Complete Master Plan
• Complete restoration projects
• Build first multi-purpose fields to introduce active use of the parcel
• Build strider park and pump track once the bike path connection is implemented
• Build restroom facility
• Build one brook crossing
• Build wildplay/natural playground
• Formalize Nordic skiing connection
• Build Phase 1 Parking and vehicle circulation
Long Term Strategies
• Build barn/event space
• Expand initial parking areas
• Build second brook crossing
• Build second multi-purpose field
• Build treehouse
• Extend formalized pathways as elements come online
6
4. South Burlington Parks Access Improvements Study (2014)
The South Burlington Parks Access Improvements Study provides recommendations for action at seven (7)
City parks and natural areas.
This Open Space and Natural Area Enhancement Plan includes only the items listed as proposed
improvements at Red Rocks Park and Wheeler Nature Park:
Red Rocks Park
• Parking Signs including posts
• 30' Accessible Path
• Accessible Toilets & Grab Bars
• Possible fence reconfiguration to allow for accessible parking near boathouse
The Homestead at Wheeler Nature Park
• 20' Accessible path
• Accessible Picnic Tables
• Complete Pedestrian trail from Cheesefactory Rd. to Scott Property and associated amenities.
Natural Resources & Conservation Committee Staff Update – 9/1/2021
Open Space Fund Projects –
- Red Rocks Park:
• Staff is working to clarify issues related to permitting of the projects for the park. This is
taking more time than expected.
• Staff is still hoping the Project team can meet with City stormwater representatives to
discuss adjustments to proposed treatment facilities based on delineated wetlands.
Once we determine whether our plans meet the local stormwater requirements, staff
will be working with the state and submitting the plans for Act 250 review. Once that
starts, the permitting review process will likely take several months.
- Wheeler Nature Park:
• The phased trail maintenance projects are still underway. Work will continue through
the summer and hopefully be fully complete in September.
• Some of the trail work includes trail reroutes to avoid additional impacts to the park’s
wetlands. Please stay on the trail when at the park, and please remind others that it is
good practice to stay on any trail in any park.
• Staff are coordinating with Audubon & the US Fish & Wildlife Service to determine when
invasive plant management/habitat restoration work might commence this fall/winter.
This will be determined over the next month or so.
• The Dog Park at Wheeler is still under review by the DRB. The DRB has asked for
additional details to be submitted mid-September.
- Hubbard Recreation & Natural Area:
• The project team reviewed conceptual plans for the viewing area, on-site parking, and
pedestrian connections to these features. We are in the process of trying to finalize
these initial concepts to prep for initial stages of permitting, including bringing an
archaeologist on board.
• You should have received an invite/Save the Date for a Public Forum regarding these
projects to be held on September 23rd, at 5:30 PM. It will be in-person and here in the
Senior Center. This will be a meeting of multiple committees, but also will include
members of the general public. It would be helpful to have one of the Committee chairs
lead the meeting.
Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership (CVCP):
• The partnership met on August 25th.
• The partnership supported South Burlington and associated partners in pursuing
conservation projects at the Goodrich Parcel. This means that grant money from
Audubon can be used to facilitate invasive plant removal at the parcel at the end of the
year.
• The partners discussed creating an information document that highlights the group’s
focus area, while also sharing the partnership’s story and examples of conservation
projects and initiatives we support. We are hoping to have a draft for review in
September, with a release in October.
• There is an upcoming Landowner Engagement Workshop at Nordic Farms in Charlotte
on September 18th. The partnership is supporting this effort in the hopes of
encouraging new landowners to consider various methods of conservation. Stay tuned
for more information.
Management Plan Task Force Update:
• Staff has picked this project back up and is hoping to have a draft ready for the Task
Force to review in the fall. This is likely to be delayed.
Other:
• Open Space Project Fund CIP: If the Committee has any recommendations for the Open
Space Project fund CIP this year, please let staff know in the next month. Staff will be
working on the CIP and hoping to bring a draft to the Committee for review in October.
The Rec Department has also reached out to see if there are any needs that need to be
included on the Rec & Parks CIP. Any Committee requests need to be gathered before
the CIP is sent to Council, which is currently looking to be December 3rd.
• Climate Action Task Force: The Committee has been asked by Council to nominate
someone to serve on the Climate Action Task Force.
• Community Hike Series:
- The Community Hike on August 7th, at Red Rocks Park was a success. The event was
full with a waitlist.
- Upcoming: September 25th, at Hubbard Recreation & Natural Area, 9 AM. This event
will be led by Annise Dobson, a researcher with Yale. She has been doing the climate
change and insect study at the site. More to come on this opportunity. Registration will
be required, and space will be limited.
• Weed Warrior Program:
- Mike Bald led a successful event on August 21st at Wheeler.
- Staff is working to coordinate a fall Weed Warrior opportunity where participants can
learn more about managing invasive plants during the “off season”. Stay tuned for
more information, as well as a date and time.
• Open Space Parcels: Staff met with the professor in charge of the UVM NR206 class to
discuss an open space project for this semester. It would entail students gathering
information associated with parcels that are owned by the City, including property
deeds, ballot language, whether there is any natural resource information available, etc.
The goal would be to have all relevant information for parcels owned by the City in a file
to be accessed by staff. This is currently not something that exists, and would be
incredibly helpful. If a group of students were to choose this project, it would begin this
fall.