Dakota Lake: Forest, Woodland Enhancement Phase II

We are proposing to enhance approximately 60 acres of land located in the north-central part of Lebanon Hills Regional Park (LHRP). LHRP contains 1,961 acres of natural area that consist of a matrix of glacial moraine hills, plains, and kettle-hole lakes and ponds. Soils are generally dry and sandy (sandy loams and loamy sands), but hydric soils occur also. The dominant landcover types pre-settlement would have been primarily a mosaic of oak forest (MHs37), oak woodland (FDs37), shallow lakes and wetlands, and prairie/savanna (primarily mesic, but some dry). Topography is gently rolling to moderately flat, with steeper slopes typically near the larger lakes. Landuse prior to park purchase was dominated by agriculture. The park was established in 1967 and expanded since then.
The project site in question is an approximately 60-acre area that is located near the west and south sides of Dakota Lake, one of the most prominent surface water features in the project area. There are many smaller wetlands, some of which are ephemeral, within the project site. Most of the project area consists of upland, however, and currently is a mix of dry oak forest, dry oak woodland, and dry grassland. The site is adjacent to four currently active CPL grant areas: 1) Buck Pond--FY15, 175 acres, to the south and west, 2) Tamarack Swamp--FY16, 24 acres, to the north, 3) Jensen Lake--FY17, 110 acres, to the south and west, and 4) Dakota Lake Phase I--FY17, 65 acres, to the north and east. Just outside of the project area to the southeast, lies an 85-acre parcel of private property called ?Camp Butwin?, a summer camp for children, which is a private inholding within the public park. Beyond Camp Butwin is located another enhancement project that we are conducting in partnership with Great River Greening (75 acres).
The Dakota Lake II project is important, since it will connect multiple areas currently being restored, resulting in 323 contiguous acres of restored habitat within Lebanon Hills Regional Park.