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Natural Resources
Our Commitment to Natural Resources
The City of Burnsville is committed to caring for our natural environment through:
- Habitat management and ecological restoration in natural areas
- Surface water management and monitoring programs
- Wildlife management programs
- Urban forest management
- Natural resources public education programs
- Participation in local Watershed Management Organizations
- Review of Development Plans for environmental impacts
New and Ongoing Projects
Creating New Habitat – Converting underutilized turf grass to native habitat
You may have noticed a few changes around our parks. We're working to bring back natural habitat in spaces that aren't being used for their full potential. These efforts can increase habitat for wildlife, help slow the impacts of climate change, increase water infiltration and reduce stormwater runoff.
Explore our new natural spaces:
- 2 acres at Lake Park (2020)
- 4.6 acres at North River Hills Park (2021)
- 0.1 at Crystal West Park (2021)
- 0.8 acres at North River Hills Park (2022)
- 1.5 acres at Highland View Park (2022)
Alimagnet Park Restoration Plan
Our draft for our Alimagnet Park Restoration Plan, focusing on the management of the upland natural areas is complete and we’re looking for your feedback.
We’re hosting a meeting to share the overall plan and future strategies with an emphasis on work that will be done in the next five years, including the 25-acre restoration of the west area of the park. Please note that this plan does not include non-natural amenities like ballfields and trails.
Creation of this plan is the first step for the City to be eligible for the City-County Conservation Collaborative program that provides potential partnership and cost sharing opportunities. This draft was funded by Dakota County and we’re working alongside the County and a consulting firm as we progress to improve natural spaces here in Burnsville.
View the Alimagnet Restoration Plan Draft
Provide feedback on the plan at our in-person meeting or email our Natural Resources team by Feb. 3.
Alimagnet Park Restoration Plan Public Meeting:
When: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Burnsville City Hall (100 Civic Center Parkway) - Dakota Room
Natural Resources Master Plan
In 2022, our Natural Resources Master Plan was updated. The plan lays out the vision and goals for the stewardship of local natural resources including the management of natural areas in City parks, programs that support private property land management and public engagement priorities.
Terrace Oaks Park Savanna/Woodland Restoration
In 2014, we began a large-scale, 19-acre restoration of Terrace Oaks Park in partnership with Great River Greening and Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) grant. In 2018, the project expanded by 26 acres with an additional CPL grant.
In late 2021, we received a CPL grant which will be used to restore additional 22-acre area at the park. In the winter of 2021-2022, removal of invasive species, like buckthorn, and thinning of weedy tree species began. Since then, crews have continued to work on the area including mowing, invasive species control, seeding and controlled burns. This work will continue for years to come until the area is fully established with savanna grasses and wildflowers.