Habitats & Natural Resources
Ramsey County is home to a diverse landscape and animal population, with more than 1,250 species found in or adjacent to the county. County staff manage the land, plants and animals throughout the park system to ensure their health and sustainability.
The Natural Resource Management plan is included within the Ramsey County Parks & Recreation system plan.
Habitats
Ramsey County has a range of habitats including prairies, savannas, oak woods, forests and wetlands. Each habitat has a unique mix of plants and animals that call it home. Several park locations provide ample opportunities for bird watching and species identification.
Prairie management and prescribed burns
There are currently approximately 350 acres of managed prairie throughout the Ramsey County park system. More than 300 acres of prairie have been restored or planted through a process that involves site preparation, seeding, mowing, herbicide applications and prescribed burns
Prescribed burns are conducted each spring as the primary tool for prairie management; locations vary by year. The burns are controlled fires used to improve the growth of native vegetation, including shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. The fires also help control weeds and other undesirable plants. Fire is a natural process that helped form Minnesota’s prairies and woodlands, and the controlled burns conducted by county staff and contractors mimic this process under safe conditions.
Deer management and controlled hunts
Ramsey County manages the deer population in parks and open spaces as part of a cooperative plan with the cities of Maplewood, Roseville, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township. Deer population goals are set on an annual basis based on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommendations for a healthy deer herd. The county conducts aerial surveys each winter to measure population levels. When the surveys show that an area has population levels in excess of its goal, controlled hunts are used to reduce the population.
Ramsey County conducts special permit archery hunts each fall in partnership with the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base. The annual hunts have been conducted since 2000. All participating hunters attend a pre-hunt orientation, agree to special hunt rules and pass an archery safety class and shooting proficiency test. Archers may keep their deer or donate the venison to local food shelves.
During the hunts, entire parks or portions of a park may be closed. Efforts are made to keep most major paved hiking and biking trails open.
To learn more about keeping deer out of your yard or garden, review these tips on dealing with problem deer from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
2024 controlled deer hunts:
- Battle Creek Regional Park (Saint Paul/Maplewood)
Oct. 21 – 23, Nov. 4 – 6 - Poplar Lake County Park (Shoreview/White Bear Township)
Oct. 25 – 27, Nov. 15 – 17 - Carver Preserve & Fish Creek Open Space (Maplewood/Saint Paul)
Oct. 25 – 27, Nov. 15 – 17 - Pig’s Eye Regional Park (Saint Paul)
Oct. 25 – 27, Nov. 15 – 17 - Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park (Vadnais Heights)
Oct. 28 – 30, Nov. 11 – 13 - Rice Creek North Regional Trail (Shoreview)
Oct. 28 – 30, Nov. 11 – 13 - Turtle Creek Open Space & McCullough Park (Shoreview)
Dec. 6 – 8, Dec. 13 –15
Deer population surveys
These files are available in PDF format.
Invasive species
Invasive species are plants, animals and other organisms that are not native to the region and cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species can be aggressive growers that take over and change a habitat, making them challenging and expensive to control.
The main invasive species found in Ramsey County parks are European buckthorn, glossy buckthorn, garlic mustard, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, leafy spurge, spotted knapweed, smooth brome and earthworms.
Parks and Recreation staff work closely with state agencies, partner organizations and volunteers to manage invasive species throughout the parks system. Control techniques vary.
Learn more about invasive species from the National Invasive Species Information Center and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Protect our swans: lead-free lakes and responsible fishing
Lead sinkers used in fishing have caused the deaths of dozens of swans in the channel on the north side of Sucker Lake in Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park. Park staff have attempted various methods to address the issue, but stronger measures are necessary. Feedback from surveys and a community meeting have been critical in understanding how the area is used and what potential solutions might look like.
An online survey with 107 participants and a virtual meeting with 12 participants provided valuable insights.