<Natural Resources>

The Community Development and Natural Resources Department focuses largely on the planning and use of land throughout the City. The department evaluates and regulates development within the City as guided by the City Zoning Ordinance and the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Our services include administration of the Zoning Ordinance, implementation of

the Comprehensive Plan, development agreements and the evaluation of development plans. The department also serves as staff to the Planning Commission.

For 2011, the Prior Lake compost site has moved from the shared SMSC site to the Maintenance Center, 17073 Adelmann St. SE in Prior Lake and will open beginning Saturday, April 9. As in the past, the compost site will be open the second and fourth Saturdays of each month until October from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can drop off leaves, grass clippings, brush and branches less than 8 inches in width. Waste containers or bags cannot be left on site. Signage will begin at County Rd. 21 and Fish Point Rd. southeast of downtown and proceed east on Cottonwood Ln. to the facility. For more information, contact Al Friedges at (952) 447-9892. See Map.

There are many ways to improve the energy efficiency, durability and comfort of your home. Home energy audits are a great place to start if you are looking to improve your homes energy efficiency. A home energy audit assists in determining the improvements you can make to your home to increase its efficiency and offset today’s rising energy costs. For more information on conducting an energy audit of your home click on your energy provider’s link below.

Our Energy Saving Tips also provide you with more ways you can decrease your energy usage and associated costs. Visit the U.S. Department of Energyfor more information on energy conservation.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Keeping the City's lakes, parks, roads and other areas clean is key to preserving our quality of life. To learn more about the Annual Clean-Up Day and other ways to dispose of household goods or waste, click here.

The City of Prior Lake wants your old rechargeable batteries, cell phones, and used crayons. These items can be dropped off at the City Hall in the Community Development and Natural Resources Department.

The DNR recently discovered zebra mussels in Prior Lake in 2009. Zebra mussels pose serious ecological and economic threats to Minnesota Lakes. Heavy infestations can kill native mussels, may impact fish populations, can interfere with recreation, and can increase costs for industry, including power and water supply facilities. Click here to see the extra precautions boaters and anglers should take to prevent further infestation. For more information, visit the DNR's website on zebra mussels.

If you find Zebra Mussels on your dock, lift and boat, note their density, take pictures, and email DNR microbioligist Gary Montz.

	Buckthorn		Emerald Ash Borer
	Eurasian Watermilfoil		Field Bindweed
	Garlic Mustard		Gypsy Moth
	Leafy Spurge		Poison Ivy
	Purple Loosestrife		Reed Canary Grass
	Thistle		Wild Parsnip

Buckthorn is one of the most invasive species in Minnesota. Buckthorn is a tall shrub that was brought to Minnesota from Europe in the 1800’s and was mainly used as hedging material. Buckthorn in an invasive species that out -competes native plants for nutrients, light, and moisture. It degrades wildlife habitat and threatens the future of forests, wetlands, prairies, and other natural habitats. Buckthorn contributes to erosion by shading out other plants that grow on the forest floor. It serves as host to other pests, such as crown rust fungus and soybean aphid. The plant forms an impenetrable layer of vegetation and lacks "natural controls" like insects or disease that would curb its growth.

The City of Prior Lake is working with its residents to reduce the existence of buckthorn within the City. Watch our helpful Buckthorn Removal video read our Guide to Identifying Buckthorn for removal tips, a weed wrench rental form, and list of useful chemicals.

The City offers a FREE curbside pickup of buckthorn during the summer months. Contact our Parks Supervisor Al Friedges at (952) 447-9892 to schedule your free pickup.