Restoration of islands in Lake of the Isles set to begin

Weather and ice conditions permitting, forestry crews will cut and burn non-native, invasive shrub species on Minneapolis' Lake of the Isles next week.

Last update: February 8, 2008 - 11:08 PM

Weather and ice conditions permitting, forestry crews will begin restoration work on the islands in Minneapolis' Lake of the Isles next week.

Non-native, invasive shrub species such as buckthorn and mulberry, as well as half-fallen trees that create safety hazards, will be cut down and burned to prepare for restoration of the islands' native habitat.

Crews will start on Mike's Island and move onto Raspberry Island as time and conditions permit. Four crews will work in various sections of the island, creating multiple burn sites. They also will treat buckthorn stumps with herbicide.

Large dead trees that are standing will be left, as they provide wildlife habitat.

The majority of downed trees along the island shorelines also will be left because of their habitat value for fish and shore birds.

Both Mike's Island and Raspberry Island are designated as wildlife refuges and will not be open for public use or programming.

An announcement Friday from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board said some of the remaining state funds for Lake of the Isles renovation will be used for the work.

For additional information go to www.startribune.com/a3993.

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