DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc. For McMenomy And Wolfson Woods Restoration Project
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the execution of a contract with Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc. for natural resource restoration and enhancement of the McMenomy and Wolfson permanent natural area conservation easement (Easement) from February 2026 to December 2028.
SUMMARY
Background:
By Resolution No. 26-027 (January 6, 2026), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized the execution of a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the City of Rosemount for the Natural Resource Restoration on McMenomy and Wolfson Permanent Natural Area Conservation Easement.
Contract Information:
A request for proposals was prepared and released on January 6th, 2026, for ecological restoration at McMenomy and Wolfson Woods (Attachment: Site Map) from February 2026 through December 31st. 2028.
The Contract is split into two phases to account for pending funding from the City of Rosemount. Phase 1 and a portion of Phase 2 will utilize grant funds the County received from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, Minnesota Laws 2019 grant (OHF ML19). OHF ML19 funds can only be expensed on the McMenomy Permanent Conservation Easement parcels (Units 1-6 in Attachment: Site Map).
Implementation of Phase 2 was stated in the solicitation as optional, contingent upon the City of Rosemount agreeing to contribute funds for work in non-grant eligible parcels and work occurring after the grant expiration date of May 12th, 2028. The Request for Proposal states “Phase 2 work is an optional task and will be contingent on the County obtaining funding for the Phase 2 tasks in 2026. The County will notify [Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc.] in writing by May 2026 whether the County will proceed with the Phase 2 tasks. If funding for Phase 2 is secured, the County will provide [Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc.] with a notice to proceed and the Phase 2 units will follow the same sequence of tasks as Phase 1, with all Phase 2 work beginning 01/01/2027 and completed by 12/31/2028. If funding is not secured for Phase 2, the County will provide notice to [Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc.] and the Phase 2 tasks will not be performed under the Contract.”
Bids came in lower than anticipated, thus OHF ML19 funds can be used to implement grant eligible portions of Phase 2.
The JPA with the City of Rosemount by Resolution No. 26-027 (January 6, 2026), will be amended to include additional funds and full implementation of Phase 2 work if and when the City of Rosemount agrees to contribute funds to the project.
The JPA states that the County will maintain restored areas along the greenway corridor easement (a standard practice) and the City will maintain restored areas within the non-greenway easement area. County maintenance activities will be funded with the Environmental Legacy Fund (ELF).
The two proposals received on January 20th, 2026, are as follows:
Bidder Total Base Quote Plus Alternate Amount
Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc. $548,099.99
Natural Resource Preservation, LLC $858,425.11
Bidder Phase 1 Base Quote Plus Alternate Amount
Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc. $382,199.84
Natural Resource Preservation, LLC $474,777.74
Bidder Phase 2 Base Quote Plus Alternate Amount
Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc. $165,900.15
Natural Resource Preservation, LLC $383,647.37
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorizing the execution of a contract with Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc. for the McMenomy and Wolfson Woods Restoration Project including the Base Quote plus all alternates.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The Parks and Greenways Capital Improvement Program includes $490,000 for 1001472 - LC30046 McMenomy Restoration. There is sufficient project budget available to fund all work on grant eligible units (1-6). Additional funding from City of Rosemount is pending for work on the remaining units. If additional funding is not secured, only work on grant eligible units will commence.
1001472 LC30046 McMenomy Restoration
|
Funding Source |
Total Approved Budget |
Available Budget |
|
Award 101358 OHF ML 19 |
$490,000 |
$490,000 |
|
PENDING - City of Rosemount |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Total |
$490,000 |
$490,000 |
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 22-280 (June 21, 2022), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners approved the acquisition of natural area conservation and greenway easements on the former McMenomy property; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rosemount (City) immediately purchased the fee title of the former McMenomy property after the County acquired the easements; and
WHEREAS, a Natural Resource Management Plan was completed for the McMenomy permanent natural area conservation easement (Easement) that includes restoration management strategies, work plans, and cost estimates; and
WHEREAS, the County and the City agree to work in partnership to conduct restoration activities on the combined properties; and
WHEREAS, the initial total estimated project cost will not exceed $490,000 over the next three years; and
WHEREAS, the County will contribute up to a total of $490,000 toward restoration costs, using available Outdoor Heritage Fund grant money from the Minnesota Law 2019 grant awarded by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, with a funding deadline of May 12, 2028, for only the McMenomy Easement area; and
WHEREAS, the City will provide a temporary access easement through a parcel it owns to the west of the Easement property, over which the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources holds a separate conservation easement, provided the required approval for the temporary access is granted; and
WHEREAS, a joint powers agreement between the County and the City describing roles, responsibilities, and associated costs is required; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 26-027 (January 6, 2026), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized the execution of a joint powers agreement with the City of Rosemount for the Natural Resource Restoration on McMenomy Permanent Natural Area Conservation Easement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Division Director to execute a contract with Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc. for the McMenomy and Wolfson Woods Restoration Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That following expenditure of Outdoor Heritage Fund grant money from the Minnesota Laws 2019 grant awarded by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, as appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature, County staff will request reimbursement from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (grant administrator) and return the reimbursed funds to the Parks Capital Improvement Program.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
22-280; 6/21/22
26-027; 1/06/26
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Solicitation Summary RBA
Attachment: Site Map
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Niki Geisler
Author: Max Samuelson