Watertown City Council April 11, 2017

Transcription

1 City of Watertown Agenda Item: McDonald Sculpture Project Watertown City Council April 11, 2017 Request for Action: Adopt Resolution # , Authorizing Phase I of DaVinci s Wing Installation Department: Shane Fineran, City Administrator Request for Action Background: In coordination with the McDonald family, contractors have been identified who are willing to perform the necessary site grading and concrete work for the project per the plans specified. Those contractors are Burns Excavating and McBrady Construction. This work will be phase one of the implementation of installation of the sculpture. The contractors have agreed to donate their labor toward the completion of the project. Material costs are being identified for the review of the City. Phase one would be the excavation and grading of the site, excavation of sculpture footings, installation of sculpture footings, installation of concrete walk and retaining wall. Staff have prepared the attached contractor donation agreements which identify the amount of donated labor, insurance, and lien waiver statements. These agreements are based upon the site plan set. Upon approval by the City staff will work with the contractors to clarify donation values and execution by the contractor. In addition the attached donation agreement between the City and Terri McKinzie, wife of Pat McDonald and owner of DaVinci s Wing will memorialize the donation of the sculpture piece to the City and ensure the waiver of liens in favor of the City. The value of the donation is $23,000. As part of the landscaping plan staff identified an opportunity to partner with the Carver County WMO to provide funding for landscaping of the site post construction. The WMO is able to make up to $5,000 available for the installation of native plantings on the site and low maintenance prairie grass within the lawn area. A proposed plan is attached for Council consideration. The site will need to be watered in during the first year and a 3 year maintenance plan is attached that will need to be followed by the City to ensure that the native plantings take hold. The WMO recommends that a native plantings company be hired to perform the establishment maintenance to ensure proper rooting and eradication of non-native specifies. A 10 year commitment to maintaining as native plantings would be required. Staff is seeking discussion and direction on the proposed landscaping plan for the site. Staff is recommending approval of the donation agreements and is seeking authorization to work with contractors on executing construction agreements per the approved site plan and within the identified budget to. Financial: Park Fund Attachments: Resolution # Site Construction Plan McKinzie Donation Agreement McBrady Donation Agreement Burns Donation Agreement Landscape Plan Maintenance Plan

2 CITY OF WATERTOWN RESOLUTION NO RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PHASE I OF DAVINCIS WING INSTALLATION WHEREAS, the City of Watertown (the City ) has worked with the family of Patrick McDonald to install DaVinci s Wing sculpture piece on City owned property; and WHEREAS, the City has committed $15,000 to the costs of site preparation and site improvements consistent with the approved concept for the sculpture site; and WHEREAS, the City approves the WHEREAS, to accommodate the installation of the sculpture piece following removal from its current location in Lincoln Park, Illinois the City agrees to a phased implementation; and WHEREAS, the City directs staff to work with interested contractors to facilitate the site preparation and installation activities of excavation, grading, footing installation, and concrete work consistent with the approved site plan and identified budget for such work; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Watertown, Minnesota, hereby approves the attached site plan, donation agreements, and authorizes the City Administrator to coordinate work and construction agreements per the approved plan and budget. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Watertown this 11 th day of April, Steve Washburn, Mayor ATTEST: Shane Fineran, City Administrator

3 1.5% 1.5% 2-4" PVC SLEEVES (TYP). INSTALLED UNDER WALLS/ FOOTING 1.5% WALK CONNECTION LAWN BENCH (TYP.) BY OTHERS SCULPTURE TO LUCE LINE LOW ORNAMENTAL PLANTING INTEGRAL COLOR CONCRETE WALK (TYP.) CRUSHED GRANITE SEAT/RETAINING WALL CONCRETE WALK (WITH COLOR) LANDSCAPE UPLIGHTS (TBD) EXISTING SIDEWALK LUCE LINE TRAIL EXISTING EVERGREEN TREE (TYP.) Revisions: Scale: SEE PLANS Job No: Sheet No: L-1 TRIANGLE PARK WATERTOWN, MINNESOTA SCULPTURE GARDEN SITE PLAN Mark L. Kaltsas Landscape Architecture Urban Design Land Planning Minneapolis - Chicago. p(612)

4 CONCRETE PAVING PLAN DETAIL 01 CONCRETE SIDEWALK/SEAT WALL (TYP.) PARK CROSS SECTION A' - A' LANDSCAPE PLAN DETAIL Revisions: Scale: SEE PLANS Job No: Sheet No: L-2 TRIANGLE PARK WATERTOWN, MINNESOTA SCULPTURE GARDEN ELEVATION AND DETAILS Mark L. Kaltsas Landscape Architecture Urban Design Land Planning Minneapolis - Chicago. p(612)

5 DONATION AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT, is made and entered into this day of, 2017, by and between the CITY OF WATERTOWN (hereinafter City ), and TERRI MCKINZIE (hereinafter McKinzie ). WHEREAS, the late sculptor Patrick McDonald (hereinafter McDonald ), is a former resident of the City, born and raised in Watertown and a graduate of Watertown-Mayer High School; and WHEREAS, McDonald built a sculpture titled, DaVinci s Wing, (hereinafter Sculpture ) formerly residing on display in Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois; and WHEREAS, McKinzie, McDonald s wife, and Vincent McDonald, McDonald s son, desire to bring the sculpture home to Watertown for display in the City for the enjoyment of the citizens of Watertown; and WHEREAS, McKinzie is the owner of the Sculpture, free and clear of all liens; and WHEREAS, McKinzie desires to donate the Sculpture for display at property in downtown Watertown adjacent to the Luce Line Trail and Lewis Avenue South, PID: ; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Minn. Stat , Watertown desires to accept the generous gift of the Sculpture for the enjoyment of the citizens of Watertown; and NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed by and between the parties as follows: 1. SCULPTURE DONATION. McKinzie, is the owner of the Sculpture, as shown and/or described in the attached Exhibit 1 and represents that the Sculpture is free and clear of all liens. McKinzie estimates the Sculpture to be valued at $23,000. McKinzie hereby agrees to donate the Sculpture and the City agrees to accept the Sculpture, and the Sculpture shall be the property of the City free and clear of any liens. 2. MODIFICATION. Any alteration, modification, or variation of this Agreement shall be reduced to writing as an amendment by the parties. 3. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. It is understood and agreed that the entire Agreement of the parties is contained herein and that this Agreement supersedes all oral Agreements and negotiations between the parties relating to the subject matter. All items referred to in this Agreement are incorporated or attached and deemed part of this Agreement.

6 4. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable and the invalidity of any paragraph, subparagraph, or subdivision thereof, shall not make void any other paragraph, subparagraph, subdivision, or any part thereof. 5. CONTROLLING LAW. This Agreement has been made under the laws of the State of Minnesota and such laws will control its interpretation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year last written. CITY OF WATERTOWN By: Name: Its: Mayor By: Name: Its: City Administrator TERRI MCKINZIE: By:

7 EXHIBIT 1 [SCULPTURE DESCRIPTION/PHOTOGRAPH]

8 DONATION AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT, is made and entered into this day of, 2017, by and between the CITY OF WATERTOWN (hereinafter City ), a Minnesota Municipal Corporation, and MCBRADY CONSTRUCTION, LLC, a Minnesota Limited Liability Company, having its principal offices at 2453 County Road 8 NW, Maple Lake, MN (hereinafter McBrady ). WHEREAS, the late sculptor Patrick McDonald (hereinafter McDonald ), is a former resident of the City, born and raised in Watertown and a graduate of Watertown-Mayer High School; and WHEREAS, McDonald built a sculpture titled, DaVinci s Wing, (hereinafter the Sculpture ) formerly residing on display in Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois; and WHEREAS, Terri McKinzie, McDonald s wife (hereinafter McKinzie ), is the owner of the Sculpture, free and clear of all liens; and WHEREAS, McKinzie desires to donate the Sculpture for display at property in downtown Watertown adjacent to the Luce Line Trail and Lewis Avenue South, PID: (hereinafter the Property ); and WHEREAS, several local contractors desire to separately donate labor for the installation of the Sculpture at the Property and related construction and said donated labor includes, but is not limited to the following construction elements: site grading, concrete pouring and finishing, and painting (hereinafter (Installation ); and WHEREAS, McBrady specifically desires to donate certain labor (i.e. pouring and finishing concrete) necessary for the Installation of the Sculpture at the Property (hereinafter McBrady Work ); and WHEREAS, the estimated cost of McBrady Work is [ESTIMATE]; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Minn. Stat , Watertown desires to accept the generous gift of the McBrady Work for the enjoyment of the citizens of Watertown; and NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed by and between the parties as follows: 1. CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION. McBrady agrees to donate and the City agrees to accept the McBrady Work as a component of the Installation of the Sculpture, which specifications, design, and location shall be in the manner as set forth in the attached Exhibit 1 (hereinafter Plans ). Said McBrady Work shall comply with the Plans and commence on or after April 11, 2017 and shall be completed by May 31, The City agrees to purchase and provide materials necessary to the McBrady Work and the Installation in accordance with the Plans.

9 The City shall have the right to review and approve the McBrady Work to assure compliance with Exhibit 1 and applicable local, state, and federal laws, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any correction to the McBrady Work required by the City shall be completed within a reasonable time period by McBrady. As a condition of acceptance by the City, McBrady shall provide the City with a final lien waiver for all work completed. This Agreement is not an approval of any permits required for the McBrady Work and the Installation; McBrady shall have the responsibility to obtain all required permits for the McBrady Work and shall comply with all applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations regarding the installation. 2. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR; INDEMNIFICATION. Any and all employees or agents of McBrady, providing paid or volunteer labor, while engaged in the performance of any service required by McBrady under this Agreement (hereinafter Installation Contractors ), including but not limited to the McBrady Work and the Installation, shall not be considered employees of the City and nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or should be construed as creating the relationship of partners. No tenure or any rights or benefits of City employment, including, but not limited to, Worker s Compensation, Unemployment insurance, medical care, sick leave, vacation leave, severance pay, PERA, or other benefits available to City employees, shall accrue to the Installation Contractors. Nothing in this section shall preclude McBrady from recruiting or hiring Installation Contractors and paying lawful benefits to them. Further, McBrady agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City and their respected elected and appointed officials, employees, contractors and agents from any and all claims that may arise from McBrady Work and the Installation. 3. EQUAL RIGHTS NON-DISCRIMINATION. McBrady, in providing services hereunder, shall comply with the provisions of Minn. Stat as the same may be amended from time to time. Minn. Stat is incorporated in this Agreement as set froth in its entirety and McBrady shall not discriminate against any person or firm in any of its activities hereunder on the basis of race, color, or creed. 4. INSURANCE McBrady shall maintain liability insurance during the McBrady Worka and the Installation providing comprehensive, general liability, and property damage coverage in minimum amounts of $1,500, and the City shall be named additional insureds. The City shall be presented with a copy of said insurance prior to the commencement of the McBrady Work and the Installation. 5. MODIFICATION. Any alteration, modification, or variation of this Agreement shall be reduced to writing as an amendment by the parties.

10 6. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. It is understood and agreed that the entire Agreement of the parties is contained herein and that this Agreement supersedes all oral Agreements and negotiations between the parties relating to the subject matter. All items referred to in this Agreement are incorporated or attached and deemed part of this Agreement. 7. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable and the invalidity of any paragraph, subparagraph, or subdivision thereof, shall not make void any other paragraph, subparagraph, subdivision, or any part thereof. 8. CONTROLLING LAW. This Agreement has been made under the laws of the State of Minnesota and such laws will control its interpretation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year last written. CITY OF WATERTOWN By: Name: Its: Mayor By: Name: Its: City Administrator McBrady Construction By:

11 EXHIBIT 1 [PLANS]

12 DONATION AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT, is made and entered into this day of, 2017, by and between the CITY OF WATERTOWN (hereinafter City ), a Minnesota Municipal Corporation, and BURNS EXCAVATING, INC., a Minnesota Corporation, having its principal offices at 2615 County Road 21, Watertown, MN (hereinafter Burns ). WHEREAS, the late sculptor Patrick McDonald (hereinafter McDonald ), is a former resident of the City, born and raised in Watertown and a graduate of Watertown-Mayer High School; and WHEREAS, McDonald built a sculpture titled, DaVinci s Wing, (hereinafter Sculpture ) formerly residing on display in Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois; and WHEREAS, Terri McKinzie, McDonald s wife (hereinafter McKinzie ), is the owner of the Sculpture, free and clear of all liens; and WHEREAS, McKinzie desires to donate the Sculpture for display at property in downtown Watertown adjacent to the Luce Line Trail and Lewis Avenue South, PID: (hereinafter the Property ); and WHEREAS, several local contractors desire to separately donate labor for the installation of the Sculpture at the Property and related construction and said donated labor includes, but is not limited to the following construction elements: site grading, concrete pouring and finishing, painting (hereinafter (Installation ); and WHEREAS, Burns specifically desires to donate certain labor (i.e. site grading) necessary for the Installation of the Sculpture at the Property (hereinafter Burns Work ); and WHEREAS, the estimated cost of Burns Work is [ESTIMATE]; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Minn. Stat , Watertown desires to accept the generous gift of the Burns Work for the enjoyment of the citizens of Watertown; and NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed by and between the parties as follows: 1. CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION. Burns agrees to donate and the City agrees to accept the Burns Work as a component of the Installation of the Sculpture, which specifications, design, and location shall be in the manner as set forth in the attached Exhibit 1 (hereinafter Plans ). Said Burns Work shall comply with the Plans and commence on or after April 11, 2017 and shall be completed by May 31, The City agrees to purchase and provide materials necessary to the Burns Work and the Installation in accordance with the Plans. The City shall have the right to review and approve the Burns Work to assure compliance with Exhibit 1 and applicable local, state, and federal laws, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any correction to the Burns Work

13 required by the City shall be completed within a reasonable time period by Burns. As a condition of acceptance by the City, Burns shall provide the City with a final lien waiver for all work completed. This Agreement is not an approval of any permits required for the Burns Work and the Installation; Burns shall have the responsibility to obtain all required permits for the Burns Work and shall comply with all applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations regarding the installation. 2. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR; INDEMNIFICATION. Any and all employees or agents of Burns, providing paid or volunteer labor, while engaged in the performance of any service required by Burns under this Agreement (hereinafter Installation Contractors ), including but not limited to the Burns Work and the Installation, shall not be considered employees of the City and nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or should be construed as creating the relationship of partners. No tenure or any rights or benefits of City employment, including, but not limited to, Worker s Compensation, Unemployment insurance, medical care, sick leave, vacation leave, severance pay, PERA, or other benefits available to City employees, shall accrue to the Installation Contractors. Nothing in this section shall preclude Burns from recruiting or hiring Installation Contractors and paying lawful benefits to them. Further, Burns agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City and their respected elected and appointed officials, employees, contractors and agents from any and all claims that may arise from Burns Work and the Installation. 3. EQUAL RIGHTS NON-DISCRIMINATION. Burns, in providing services hereunder, shall comply with the provisions of Minn. Stat as the same may be amended from time to time. Minn. Stat is incorporated in this Agreement as set froth in its entirety and Burns shall not discriminate against any person or firm in any of its activities hereunder on the basis of race, color, or creed. 4. INSURANCE Burns shall maintain liability insurance during the Burns Work and the Installation providing comprehensive, general liability, and property damage coverage in minimum amounts of $1,500, and the City shall be named additional insureds. The City shall be presented with a copy of said insurance prior to the commencement of the Burns Work and the Installation. 5. MODIFICATION. Any alteration, modification, or variation of this Agreement shall be reduced to writing as an amendment by the parties. 6. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. It is understood and agreed that the entire Agreement of the parties is contained herein and that this Agreement supersedes all oral Agreements and negotiations between the parties relating to the subject matter. All items referred to in this Agreement are incorporated or attached and deemed part of this Agreement.

14 7. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable and the invalidity of any paragraph, subparagraph, or subdivision thereof, shall not make void any other paragraph, subparagraph, subdivision, or any part thereof. 8. CONTROLLING LAW. This Agreement has been made under the laws of the State of Minnesota and such laws will control its interpretation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year last written. CITY OF WATERTOWN By: Name: Its: Mayor By: Name: Its: City Administrator Burns Construction By:

15 EXHIBIT 1 [PLANS]

16 3' TURF BUFFER PLUG PLANTING AREA PROPERTY LINE APPROX. (952) CO.CARVER.MN.US/SWCD Carver Soil & Water Conservation District HWY. 212, #6 COLOGNE, MN PROJECT: SCULPTURE PARK PROPOSED STATUE LOCATION: WATERTOWN 7200 SF SEEDING AREA NATIVE LOW GROWING SEED MIX AGENCY: PLUG PLANTING AREA 3' TURF BUFFER DESIGNER: Seth Ristow DATE: 3/17/17 REVISION: REVISION: REVISION: CHECKED BY: NOTES: RECOMMEND EDGING AROUND PLANTING SIDEWALK 1600 SF SEEDING AREA NATIVE LOW GROWING SEED MIX TURF SIDEWALK SEED THEN HYDROMULCH SEED THEN HYDROMULCH *CALL GOPHER 1 PRIOR TO EXCAVATION *SITE VERIFY ELEVATIONS *CALL CARVER SWCD WITH QUESTIONS SCALE: 1"=20' Site Plan NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION L1.0

17 5-Blue False Indigo 7-Prairie Dropseed 5-Nodding Pink Onion (952) CO.CARVER.MN.US/SWCD Carver Soil & Water Conservation District HWY. 212, #6 COLOGNE, MN PROJECT: SCULPTURE PARK 11-Little Bluestem LOCATION: WATERTOWN 3-Rattlesnake Master 7-Ohio Goldenrod AGENCY: 3-Rattlesnake Master 3-Black-Eyed Susan 7-Prairie Dropseed 3-Black-Eyed Susan 7-Nodding Pink Onion 13-Little Bluestem 5-Blue False Indigo 7-Ohio Goldenrod 3-Rattlesnake Master 7-Black-Eyed Susan 7-Prairie Dropseed 11-Nodding Pink Onion 9-Nodding Pink Onion 7-Prairie Dropseed 9-Nodding Pink Onion 7-Little Bluestem 7-Little Bluestem 5-Blue False Indigo 10-Ohio Goldenrod 3-Rattlesnake Master 7-Black-Eyed Susan 3-Rattlesnake Master 5-Black-Eyed Susan 7-Nodding Pink Onion 11-Little Bluestem 11-Little Bluestem 10-Little Bluestem 5-Blue False Indigo 5-Ohio Goldenrod 11-Nodding Pink Onion 7-Black-Eyed Susan 7-Ohio Goldenrod DESIGNER: Seth Ristow DATE: 3/17/17 REVISION: REVISION: REVISION: CHECKED BY: NOTES: *CALL GOPHER 1 PRIOR TO EXCAVATION *SITE VERIFY ELEVATIONS *CALL CARVER SWCD WITH QUESTIONS SCALE: 1"=20' Quantity Latin Name Common Name Sporobolus heterolepis Prairie Dropseed 20 Baptisia australis Blue False Indigo 59 Allium cernuum Nodding Pink Onion 15 Eryngium yuccifolium Rattlesnake Master 32 Rudbeckia hirta Black-Eyed Susan 70 Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestem 36 Solidago ohioensis Ohio Goldenrod Site Plan L1.1 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION

18 Prairie Dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis Blue False Indigo Baptisia australis Nodding Pink Onion Allium cernuum Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium Orange Coneflower Rudbeckia fulgida Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium Watertown Sculpture Garden Proposed Plants Ohio Goldenrod Solidago ohioensis 3/24/2017

19 Year One Weed control during the first growing season is essential. The perennial prairie seedlings grow slowly, and are easily out-competed by the faster growing weeds that will inevitably germinate. Mow your prairie about once a month during the first growing season. The actual mowing frequency will depend on rainfall in any given year, actual weed density and height. Mow the entire planting when weeds reach the height of 12 inches. As a general rule of thumb, anything that grows taller than 12 inches in the first year is most likely a weed. Taller weeds shade out prairie seedlings. Mowing the vegetation at six inches will cut back taller weeds, while leaving the shorter prairie seedlings unharmed. To mow, use a string trimmer or weed eater on small areas on larger areas, a flail mower is the best choice. Flail mowers chop the weeds as they are cut, instead of laying the cut weeds on top of the prairie seedlings. If a flail mower is unavailable, a rotary mower or sickle bar mower may be used. In the first season prairie seedlings rarely grow taller than four to six inches, with the possible exception of the Black Eyed Susan. As difficult as it is, we recommend cutting all vegetation, including the tops of the Black Eyed Susans. Cutting will not kill the Black Eyed Susans. Be sure to mow weeds before weeds set seed, to prevent further infestation. Although tempting, we do not recommend pulling weeds, as this will disturb or destroy the developing prairie seedlings. At the end of the first growing season, leave the dead vegetation and or stubble standing, this helps to catch winter snows which helps insulate the soil seedlings and reduce winter frost heaving. Year Two During the spring of the second year, mow the standing residual vegetation as close to the ground as possible in mid spring, and rake off any cuttings. Mowing in mid spring helps to set back non-native cool season weeds and grasses such as Quackgrass, Bluegrass, and Bromegrass etc. Timing is very important when mowing your prairie. The optimal date for mowing can vary as much as a month in any given year, due to the differences in weather. However, we can use plants as our calendar to ensure optimal timing. The best

20 time to mow most prairies is when the buds of the Sugar Maple tree (Acer saccharum) begin to break open in spring. This usually will occur sometime between April 1 and May 15, depending on your location and the weather in any given year. This is usually about the time we are mowing our lawns for the first time. Removing the vegetation and raking the vegetation encourages soil warming, which triggers the warm season prairie plants to break dormancy. If Biennial weeds such as Sweet Clover, Burdock, and Wild Parsnip etc., appear or are a problem, mow again at approximately 12 inches when weeds are in full flower. Make sure to mow the weeds before they make seed! Expect this second mowing for controlling biennial weeds to occur in June, depending on your location. Do not mow after new plant growth has reached one foot or taller, as this could damage your prairie plants. Year Three and Beyond (BURNING / MOWING) Beginning in the spring of the third year, your prairie can be burned for the first time to maintain its diversity and vigor. Burning in mid-spring helps to set back non-native cool season weeds and grasses such as Quackgrass, Bluegrass, Bromegrass etc. By waiting until the undesirable plants have initiated spring growth before burning, the fire will destroy their new growth and set them back, favoring the warm season prairie plants, most of which are dormant under the soil. Burning removes plant litter from the previous year s growth and exposes the soil surface to the warming rays of the sun. This encourages new plant growth and increases flowering and seed production of native flowers and grasses. Timing is very important when burning your prairie. As with mowing, the optimal date for burning can vary as much as a month in any given year, due to the differences in weather. However, we can use plants as our calendar to ensure optimal timing. The best time to burn prairies is when the buds of the Sugar Maple tree (Acer saccharum) begin to break open in spring. This usually will occur sometime between April 1 and May 15, depending on your location and the weather in any given year. This is usually about the time we are mowing our lawns for the first time. If you cannot or do not wish to burn, we recommend mowing all vegetation to the ground at the same timing as described above. Mowing is about 60% effective at controlling weeds compared to conducting a burn. Dry prairies (sandy soil) should be burned in the late fall after most of the native plants have gone dormant, but the non-native grasses are still active. Burning in very early spring also can be done successfully on dry prairies.

21 It is recommended that you divide your prairie into management units. Burn or mow one half every other year, alternating from year to year so that each half is burned once every two years. This helps prevent invasion by woody plants, as well as cool season weeds. Burning or mowing less frequently than every other year can result in trees gaining a foothold in your prairie. Burning every year is generally not recommended, as it tends to increase the dominance of warm season prairie grasses and certain prairie flowers. Leaving unburned sections of your prairie preserves over-wintering butterfly, moth and other invertebrate pupae and eggs so they can re-populate the ecosystem that year. These species would otherwise be destroyed by burning. Do not burn or mow after new plant growth has reached one foot or taller, as this could damage your prairie plants! Many ground nesting birds also build their nests in late spring and burning or mowing at this time could destroy some nests. Mid-spring timing of the burning or mowing maintenance leaves sufficient time for birds to re-nest and successfully raise their young. Burning or mowing every other year helps to create varying conditions from year to year, maintaining maximum plant and animal diversity. WHAT TOEXPECT FIRST THREE YEARS Prairie Seeds will often germinate over a period of two to three years. Some will appear the first year, while others will come up in the second and even third year after the initial planting. Most perennial prairie flowers and grasses will not begin to flower until their third or fourth full growing season. Patience is a virtue when establishing a prairie follow these directions carefully, and give your prairie time to develop. Although your prairie seeding may appear to be a bit of a weed patch the first year or two, by the third year numerous flowers and grasses should begin blooming and can crowd out some weeds. Be vigilant in monitoring your prairie for weeds and follow the recommendations for weed control. Perennial prairie plants devote most of their efforts in the first few years to developing their famous root systems. They will not be readily apparent in the first few years, with little visible above ground growth. However, these busily growing plants are steadily building the incredible root systems that will sustain them in future years. The deep roots of the prairie flowers and grasses give them long-term staying power that allows them to squeeze out annual and biennial weeds, and to return year after year, for decades. (Source) Prairie Nursery