Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Acquisition of Property Surrounding Lake Tamarack
The Arboretum, consistent with the priorities of the LSOHC, successfully purchased 78.13 acres in Victoria, Minnesota adjacent to Arboretum property. The purchase will ensure the protection of the deepest lake in Carver County and valuable habitat for future generations.
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum purchased the property at 400 Arboretum Boulevard, Victoria, (previously known as the Kerber Farm or Lano Burau Property), effective Friday, November 1, 2013. The property consists of 78.13 acres in Carver County. This is the final property purchase identified in the Arboretum's 1995 Boundaries Plan. Over 300 acres have been added to the Arboretum during the last 18 years. The property is north of State Highway 5 and directly adjacent to the Horticultural Research Center. The property contains native forest, wetlands, tillable land and 1,300 feet of lakeshore on Lake Tamarack. Current structures on the property will be evaluated for condition and safety and some will likely be retained for unheated storage while others may be demolished.
This property will be used in the future for research; protection of wildlife, wetlands and water quality; protection of Big Woods, Oak Savanna and Upland meadow; and educational and public recreational purposes. Research uses have not been determined and roads, fencing and irrigation would need to be installed in the 10 acre area designated for research. Some of the current soybean fields could also be used for alternative crop, forage crop or restoration research projects and we could have partners from across the University of Minnesota or other conservation and natural resources groups.
Because we received LCCMR and LSOHC funding to purchase the property, the Arboretum will provide FREE public access. The Arboretum will work over the next several months to develop public access policies and install signage.
Finally, the Arboretum will also be working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to plan access for fishing and bow hunting, which is required for property purchased with LSOHC funding. This will not begin until Fall of 2014.
$1,000,000 in the first year is to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to acquire land in fee surrounding Lake Tamarack in Carver County to be added to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. A land description must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
Protect in Fee 18 acres.
Environment Natural Resource Trust Fund and U of M Landscape Foundation.