title
Consideration of request for authorization to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Ducks Unlimited for wetland restoration at Firefly Grove Park
body
Submitted by:
Alex Krutsch - Parks and Forestry Superintendent
Department:
Public Works
A. Issue
Staff is seeking authorization to enter a memorandum of understanding with Ducks Unlimited for wetland restoration at Firefly Grove Park. A copy of the memorandum has been included in the agenda packet.
B. Background/Options
City staff, along with Ducks Unlimited and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District have agreed in principal to a project that will restore and conserve 1.75 acres of wetland along the eastern edge of Firefly Grove Park.
This existing wetland complex was originally created to drain the Public Works site but today receives stormwater runoff from both the Firefly Grove and Public Works property. The water moves through the wetlands from the North to the South eventually making its way to Underwood Creek and ultimately Lake Michigan. Over the years the wetlands have become heavily degraded with sedimentation and invasive species. While they still serve their intended purpose of carrying storm water away from the DPW they offer little in terms of wildlife habitat.
Planned restoration work will include removal of sedimentation, removal of invasive species (plants/brush/trees), and grading to create a gentler slope down to the water’s edge. These improvements will enhance wildlife habitat through improved pool depth, better forage with the establishment of native plant species, and access to the water via gentler slopes. Park patrons will also benefit by having increased access to an improved wetland complex and the associated opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Through the proposed partnership and associated agreement, the restored wetlands will continue to serve their original purpose with the added benefits of enhanced wildlife habitat and improved water quality for our local waterways.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Quality of Life
D. Fiscal Impact
At this time there are no anticipated fiscal impacts to the City as the entirety of the projects $342,333 budget is being funded through grants or in-kind donations. A breakdown of the funding is as follows:
|
Funding Source |
Planned, or In-kind |
Revenue |
|
Fund for Lake Michigan |
Secured |
20,985 |
|
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) |
Secured |
100,000 |
|
Ducks Unlimited - Sustain our Great Lakes funding |
Secured |
150,000 |
|
MMSD - US Forest Service grant |
Secured |
38,000 |
|
Ducks Unlimited in-kind survey, design, and project delivery costs |
Secured, in-kind |
33,348 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Project Revenue |
|
342,333 |
However, the Council should be aware that given the sites history as a former landfill there is the possibility that contaminated soils could be encountered during excavation and grading. Should this occur work on the site would be halted until the soils in question could be evaluated and staff would return to the Council with options and recommendations for how to proceed.
E. Recommendation
Staff is recommending that authorization be granted to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Ducks Unlimited for the restoration and conservation of an approximately 1.75-acre wetland complex at Firefly Grove Park.