University of Minnesota Acquisition Expands Arboretum Border

The University of Minnesota has purchased 78 acres including native forests and wetlands in Carver County, expanding the borders of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to restore and protect the watershed.

Located on the north side of State Highway 5 and adjacent to the existing University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center, the Lake Tamarack property contains native forest, wetlands, tillable land and 1,300 feet of shoreline.  

"Future use of the Lake Tamarack property will be multi-purpose including horticultural science and environmental research and education, natural resource protection and public recreation,” said Peter Moe, director of operations and research at the Arboretum.

The native forest includes Big Woods, Oak Savanna and upland meadow. Ten acres are to be dedicated to horticulture and environmental research with research priorities to be determined. Roadway and parking improvements are needed before public fishing and hunting access can be open to the public. A land use and restoration plan is expected to be approved sometime in 2014.

Funding for this purchase, totaling $4,321,500, was supported by the Minnesota Legislature and Governor through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (recommended by the LCCMR- Legislative Citizens Commission for Minnesota Resources), the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation.