DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With Edge Ecosystems LLC For Natural Resource Restoration In Seidl’s Lake Park
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of a contract with Edge Ecosystems LLC for natural resource improvements of Seidl’s Lake Park in Inver Grove Heights.
SUMMARY
The County Land Conservation Plan, which was adopted by Resolution No. 20-568 (November 17, 2020) called for the creation of the City-County Conservation Collaborative (4C) to “more effectively protect critical undeveloped areas, increase natural resource restoration and management, and share information and financial and staff resources within all incorporated areas.”
At the behest of the County towards the advancement of the 4C, proposals for restoration projects were received by the cities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, and Mendota Heights.
After selecting two projects for support that were proposed by the City of Inver Grove Heights for restoration at Seidl’s Lake Park and Harmon Park Reserve / Salem Hills, by Resolution No. 25-610 (December 16, 2025), the County executed a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the City to enact natural resource restoration work in these parks. This JPA included County support by way of project management assistance, project costs paid by the state Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) grant and County match funds, while the City committed to contributing matching funds amounting to a minimum of 15 percent of the project total.
A request for proposals was prepared and released on April 10, 2026 for Natural Resource Restoration in Seidl’s Lake Park (Attachment: Project Map). Five proposals were received, with base and chosen alternate proposals as follows:
Bidder Total Base Amount Total Base + Alternate Proposal Score
Edge Ecosystems LLC $ 37,131 $ 56,903 209
Minnesota Native Landscapes $116,200 $166,555 193
Native Resource Preservation $121,625 $169,965 205
Prairie Restoration, Inc. $145,645 $233,591 143
Landbridge Ecological $146,390 $286,328 173
Using the best-value contracting procedure, the evaluation team scored the proposals according to the following metrics: proposal cost (30%), vendor past work experience on similar projects (20%), project narrative (15%), quality control measures (15%), project team qualifications (10%) and completeness of the proposal (10%). The highest scoring proposal was determined to be from Edge Ecosystems LLC for base plus alternate cost of $56,903. The City of Inver Grove Heights has approved the selected proposal as a necessary condition determined by the JPA.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorizing execution of a contract with Edge Ecosystems LLC for Seidl’s Lake Park Restoration for a contract amount of $56,903.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The 2026 Adopted Parks Budget contains sufficient funding for Seidl’s Lake Park Restoration using funding allocated to Project 1001476.
Project 1001476 IGH Seidl’s Restoration
|
Funding Source |
Total Approved Budget |
Available Budget |
|
Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF ML22) |
$275,816 |
$145,653 |
|
Total |
$275,816 |
$145,653 |
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 20-568 (November 11, 2020), the County Board of Commissioners adopted a Land Conservation Plan for Dakota County, which included as a goal the establishment of a City - County Conservation Collaborative for natural resources planning, protection, and management; and
WHEREAS, the City of Inver Grove Heights submitted proposals to the City-County Conservation Collaborative for restoration projects in both Seidl’s Lake Park and Harmon Park Preserve / Salem Hills Park; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 25-610 (December 16, 2025), the City of Inver Grove Heights and Dakota County executed a joint powers agreement to utilize state grant funds and City matching funds to enact natural resource restoration projects in the proposed parks; and
WHEREAS, on April 10, 2026, the County issued a request for proposals for the Seidl’s Lake Park Restoration project; and
WHEREAS, best-value contracting was used to evaluate and award this RFP; and
WHEREAS, the proposal evaluation team scored each proposal and selected Edge Ecosystems LLC; and
WHEREAS, the selected proposal has been approved by the City of Inver Grove Heights as a condition of the joint powers agreement; and
WHEREAS, adequate funds for the contract are available within the 2026 Adopted Parks Budget; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends executing the contract with Edge Ecosystems LLC.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Parks Director to execute a contract with Edge Ecosystems LLC for the Seidl’s Lake Park Restoration project to conduct natural resource restoration in a total amount not to exceed $56,903, subject to approval by the County Attorney's Office as to form.
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
20-568; 11/17/20
25-610; 12/16/25
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Project 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: Christian Klatt