At its May 7, 2024 meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution R2024-067, approving the Minnesota DNR's Conservation Partners Legacy Program Grant Award Agreement.  The Minnesota DNR provides grants through the CPL program to fund the restoration, protection, and enhancement of prairies, wetlands, forests, and habitats for fish, game, and wildlife in Minnesota. The city was awarded a $50,000 grant to restore turfed areas in public spaces to native prairies throughout the City. These locations include a portion of Prairie Bend Park, Scenic Heights Park, and an area adjacent to the Community Center around its stormwater management basins.

Quotes for the improvements were solicited and opened on August 27, 2024. Four quotes were received and MNL is the low bidder in the amount of $32,933.40 (see attached quote tabulation). The estimate for the improvements was 45,000. MNL has the capacity and experience for the project and is deemed a responsible bidder.

The turfed areas will be sprayed to kill the existing vegetation this fall. Native seed will be planted in the spring of 2025. The City anticipates at least three years of maintenance (mowing, weed spraying, over-seeding) prior to achieving a successful conversion of the turfed areas to prairie.