Primary election / Page 7 Natural resources

Community Natural resources

from page 1

pollution, commercial development, erosion and invasive species.

“I think most natural areas or open spaces in the Twin Cities have a long history of disturbance from farming, or from when industrial and commercial settlements moved in,” said Spreiter. “In order to restore sites to the pre-settlement vegetation you must first remove invasive species and reseed. It’s a big portion of the work, depending on the history of the site and what it’s been through.”

She cited the restoration underway at the Oheyawhi/ Pilot Knob site as a prime example of what the city can accomplish working with many partners. The city has been working with a variety of governmental agencies and environmental nonprofits since 2017 to restore the property, a burial ground and sacred site for the Dakota community that has been harmed by development.

“First it was a farm then it was leveled when a cemetery bought portions of it, then it had a hotel and gas station, and a road through it,” Spreiter said. “There was a lot of disturbance and compaction of soils that make it difficult to restore.”

Other current projects include the removal of curly leaf pond weed from Rogers Lake, buckthorn removal, enhancing a pollinator corridor, and a 2-year study of Interstate Valley Creek, located near I-35E, that will lead to a plan to reduce erosion and improve water quality.

“It’s a small city but we have lots of green space and areas to manage, so figuring out what to tackle can be a challenge,” said Spreiter. “Sometimes it’s a matter of knowing we can get a grant for a certain project…. Working with the residents is my favorite part [of the job]. Getting to meet new residents and working together on natural resources projects is always fun. There are a lot of passionate residents that really care about natural resources in Mendota Heights.”

Getting back on track: Metro Transit launches new safety plan

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

While many people rely on Metro Transit to get around the Twin Cities, some have been discouraged from using public transportation in recent years because of safety concerns. To address this issue, the Metro Transit Police Work Group recently completed a Safety and Security Action Plan that identifies nearly 40 ways to make transit safer and more welcoming. The plan was created in June using feedback from customers and employees collected over the past two years by the Metro Transit Police Department, Citizens League and Twin Cities Innovation Alliance.

The plan focuses on three key areas: improving conditions on the system, training and supporting employees, and engaging riders. Steps beginning this summer and fall include: • Hiring additional police officers, private security, and community service officers (CSO). Metro Transit began its CSO pilot program in July 2021. • Using more real-time cameras on busses, trains and at transit stops • Redesigning high-traffic facilities and adding lighting and public art to shelters • Reducing the standard 3-car train to 2-car trains on the Blue and Green Lines under a new pilot program running through Aug. 19 • Expanding employee training on topics such as mental health, de-escalation and personal safety • Assessing how late night transit schedules affect security • Investing in the Metro Transit Police Department Homeless Action Team and other programs such as the Anti-harassment and Respect the Ride campaigns • Working with social service agencies and health care organizations to provide resources for the homeless and others in need

Each of these steps has its own budget and timeline for completion, which can be found at metrotransit.org/ public-safety. Community feedback will be gathered quarterly to ensure the plan is meeting its goals.

Ridership is higher this year than last year but is still about half of pre-COVID levels. Metro Transit understands that people feel less safe when fewer people are on busses and trains. Surveys revealed that many riders and employees think there are too few security officers on the system to promptly address problematic behavior. They also showed that some youth and people of color feel targeted by transit police.

Metro Transit is now recruiting more police, security, CSOs, and bus and train operators, but it has been a major hurdle because of the workforce shortage. Metro Transit currently has about 100 police and 17 CSOs. It is looking to hire about 70 more of each. It is also currently reviewing proposals from private security firms to be stationed at the Lake and Franklin stations, and expects to award a contract this year. Additionally, Metro Transit has about 1,100 bus operators and 95 train operators, about 30 fewer than it had three years ago. A smaller staff has forced a reduction in number of trains, trips and routes.

Metro Transit is also reviewing its fare policies. For more information or to provide feedback on the plan, visit metrotransit.org/ public-safety.

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Student notes

Bemidji State University

graduate: Trinity Hellerman, associate of arts in liberal education

Northwest Technical

College graduate: James Sechter, associate of science in business

Georgia Institute of

Technology graduate: Nathan Hartwell, master of science in computer science

St. Cloud State Univer-

sity dean’s list: Daniel Murphy, Lisa Moua

Wheaton College dean’s

list: Joe Gross

University of Wisconsin-

La Crosse dean’s list: Ellie Quehl, Anahi Ibarra

Hamline University

dean’s list: Ruben Augustin Quevedo, Ari Newfield, Charlie Rundquist, Madyn Dupaul, Tree Reisdorf Wong, Jacob Vetsch, Kiana Kotasek, Nick Tonn, Olivia Insisiengmay, Artemis Moshgbar Jaclyn Mulcahey, Jasmine Morales, Michael Clausen, Natalie Salvador, Jennifer Argenal, Katie Morris, Leah Mcalees-Callanan, Sarah Ziskin, Hannah Ahmadi

Central Lakes College

graduate: Daryel Bell, associate of arts

University of WisconsinRiver Falls graduates: Nicholas Kronschnabel, bachelor of science in history; Sydney Latterell, master of science in education, counseling; Kailey Sell, bachelor of science in health and human performance, magna cum laude

St. Mary’s University

dean’s list: Justine Cobbett, Cecilia Flores

University of Wisconsin-

Stout graduates: Coner Patterson, bachelor of science in hotel, restaurant and tourism management; Coltan Prigge, bachelor of science in mechanical engineering

Linfield University grad-

uate: Zoe Braun, bachelor of arts in studio art

Gustavus Adolphus

dean’s list: Brooke Foley, Sophia Redding, Abigail Ludwig, Asa Wold, Greta Wold

Wartburg College gradu-

ate: Jordon Schletty, bachelor of arts in business administration, cum laude

Minnesota State Manka-

to dean’s list: Charles Groebner, Christopher Montgomery, Faith Adebayo, Brian Moua, Sophia Schmid

Drake University dean’s

list: Reagan Rapp, Joe Barnard, Jack Libbesmeier

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee dean’s list:

Sarah Abrahamson

Miami University gradu-

ates: Julia Johnson, bachelor of science in kinesiology and health; Sarafina Schimek, bachelor of science in business accountancy, finance, cum laude

Alexandria Technical & Community College

graduate: Abimael Delgado Hernandez, certificate in law enforcement skills

Drake Bank names new executive VP

Drake Bank has promoted Laura Gevik to executive vice president, chief operations officer. Gevik joined the Bank in May 2020 as senior vice president, chief operations officer. She will continue to oversee the bank’s audit, compliance, deposit operations, finance, human resources, marketing and project management functions.

Union Depot seeks holiday tree nominations

Do you have a 50- to 70-foot-tall evergreen tree that must be removed from your property? If so, nominate it to become the next holiday tree at Union Depot. The winning tree will be removed and the stump ground down free of charge. The tree must be located within Ramsey County and in good condition on all sides. It will serve as the cen-

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terpiece for holiday events at Union Depot. To nominate your tree, email your address and a photo of the tree to info@uniondepot.org, or call 651-202-2700. Submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 23.

Folks on Spokes

The cities of West St. Paul and Mendota Heights are hosting the final Folks on Spokes ride of the season at 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 19. These casual rides are 7-15 miles in length and stop every 3-4 miles. All start and end in the same location. Most are on trails. To register, contact Mendota Heights Parks and Rec at 651-255-1353 or West St. Paul Parks and Rec at 651552-4100.

TPAC events

Thompson Park Activity Center, 1200 Stassen Ln., West St. Paul, is hosting the following events. To register, call 651-403-8300. Registration required unless noted.

Rooting for the Arts, 1-3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 25. Share your art, view other artists’ work, and enjoy a root beer float while listening to a live band. Free. Artists wishing to show their work must register by Aug. 17.

Nature Sense with Eloise Dietz, 10-11:15 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2. Learn about butterflies, bees, ants, dragonflies and more. $12.

Everything You Need to

Know About Using Zoom, 9-11 a.m., Aug. 3 and 10. $80.

Funerals: What I Need to

Know, 11 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Aug. 16. $3

Smartphone Workshop, 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 17 and 24. Learn technical skills and security tips. $80.

The History of Henry Sibley & Sibley Historic

Site, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 18. $3.

Mahjong, a game of skill, strategy and luck, 1-3:45 p.m., Thursdays. $15.

Free fitness program at the farmers’ market

ZE MOVES is offering free outdoor Pilates classes at the St. Paul Farmers’ Market 10:15-11 a.m. each Saturday through August. Participants should bring water, sun protection and a mat. The group meets on the side near the entrance to CHS Field. For more information, visit zemoves.com.

Fix It clinic

Dakota County is hosting a Fix It clinic noon-3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20 at Wentworth Library in West St. Paul. Repair-savvy volunteers will guide participants through repairing household items, such as radios, vacuums and clothing. All clothing must be clean. Bring up to three items and any tools or parts that you think might be helpful. For future clinic dates, more information or to volunteer, visit www. dakotacounty.us and search fix-it clinics.

Dog Days and Art

Dog Days and Art is taking place 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6 at F.O.K. Studios (Warehouse 2), 106 W. Water St., St. Paul. This free event offers pet owners the chance to have a portrait drawn or professional photo taken of their pet, purchase products from pet vendors, and enjoy treats (people and pets alike). Food trucks and pet adoptions will also be on site. In addition, F.O.K. Studios on the fourth and fifth floors will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with artists selling their work. The outdoor portion is pet-friendly but all animals must be leashed.

Townhomes approved in WSP

On July 11, the West St. Paul City Council unanimously approved plans for M/I Homes to build 58 townhomes on the former Thompson Oaks Golf Course. To support the project, the city is rezoning the property from town center mixed-use to planned residential development. M/I Homes will begin site review and project planning in the coming months.

Fitness in the Park

The City of West St. Paul is offering free Fitness in the Park classes in partnership with the West St. Paul YMCA. Yoga Flow is offered 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 28 and Aug. 4, at Harmon Park, 230 Bernard St. W. Youth ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult. Limited mats will be available for use. For more information, visit www.wspmn. gov/rec or call 651-5524100.

Tour de Rec

The cities of West St. Paul and Mendota Heights will have free games, activities and arts and crafts for youth ages 6-12 at parks this summer. No registration required. The traveling program will be at Harmon Park 1:30-2:30 p.m., August 2; Southview Park 12:301:30 p.m., August 16; and Mendakota Park 1:30-2:30 p.m., August 9.

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