Bees Are Safe-Invasive Species, Not So Much

UPDATE:  Public Works Director gave a comprehensive update on the draft plan at the Apr. 14 council work session.  View the report and discussion here.

In a progressive leap forward, the city of Shorewood is in the midst of developing a vegetation management plan. The extensive document will focus on invasive species, “including management of buckthorn, field and park turf, emerald ash borer (EAB), park and ROW trees, invasive species, and more.” The ambitious plan has been in the making since 2022 and includes input from residents and experts and a partnership with Hennepin County.

The movement began in 2014 when the city passed a resolution supporting “Bee-Safe” policies and procedures. In 2017 city staff and Davey Resource Group developed an urban forestry plan that was shelved without implementation. Resident pressure brought the 2014 resolution up for review and revision in 2022. Members of the public encouraged the city to increase the scope to include invasive species such as buckthorn, thistle, dead ash trees and infested city-owned right-of-ways, wetlands and natural areas.

The proposed vegetation management plan has analyzed the previously fragmented and inconsistent pieces into one solid, all-encompassing document to create a comprehensive approach. See the .pdf draft here (start at p. 2). The Council will continue its discussion at a work session on April 14 at 5:30 pm. The session is open to public attendance. Work sessions are an opportunity to see council leaders in action. Public participation is crucial for the robust development and implementation of this important plan

More reading:

Bee Safe Resolution (start at p. 5) (2014)
Urban Forest Management Plan (2017)
Invasive Weeds on City Property (2023)
Freeman Park Natural Areas: Severely Neglected (2024)
Freeman Park’s First Year of Change (2024)
Is Shorewood Managing its Urban Forests? (2024)
Where is Shorewood’s IPM? (2024)
Government vs. Process (2024)