Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a grant agreement with, and provide indemnification for the MN DNR to initiate ecological restoration at the Highwood Nature Preserve.
Body
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Lessard-Sams Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) grant program, and;
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is eligible to apply for grant funds through the CPL program, and;
WHEREAS, it is the intention of Parks and Recreation to submit a $24,000 proposal to enhance approximately 12 acres of oak woodland and oak savanna at the Highwood Nature Preserve through non-native woody species removal and reforestation, and;
WHEREAS, project work will occur within unique forest restoration opportunities identified within a site-specific management plan, and;
WHEREAS, removal of non-native invasive species will increase connectedness of high-quality forests, reduce sedimentation of impaired waterbodies, and improve habitat for wildlife, and;
WHEREAS, if funded, the grant agreement will require that the grantee indemnify the State, its agents and employees from any claims or causes of action arising from performance of the grant agreement, and;
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council finds that accepting the grant funds will fulfill ecological principles of habitat restoration, and;
WHEREAS, the expenditure of public funds, which includes the promise of indemnification, for such a purpose will facilitate and enable it to take place, now, therefore, be it;
RESOLVED, that the appropriate city officials are hereby authorized to seek CPL funding and, if successful, enter into an agreement with the State to accept the funds on behalf of the City in 2011.