Public Land Management

Encroachment Policy

The City of Cottage Grove requires permits for vehicle access to city parks. A request for encroachment must be made prior to the date of access. Download the Encroachment Permit (PDF) and email the completed permit to Zac Dockter.

Public Space Management

The purpose of the Public Space Management Program is to detail design intent and maintenance procedures for all municipally-owned land in order to provide consistency in operations and communication. The City believes it is important that public property has balance between manicured and natural areas in order to provide a variety of landscapes within the community that offer places of beauty and refuge to residents as well as animals, birds, fish, insects and plants.

The Public Space Management program was adopted by City Council on April 3, 2013.

Classifications

The program classifies all public land into one of five categories: Class A, B, C, D or E. The classification system provide a general description of the property design elements as well as recommended maintenance procedures. This classification system is to be used as a guideline.

Each site should be considered unique and may require minor variances. As an example, a site may be a combination design and maintenance guidelines resulting in the site to be titled an "A/B Classification". Further, a single property may have multiple classification zones. One such instance may be a park site that has both manicured Class A areas as well as Class C or D open space areas with more natural elements.

All ponds require periodic Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) inspections to assure proper flow of the storm water system. Inspections may result in structure maintenance/reconstruction (inlets, outlets, skimmers), sediment removal, pond shaping and storm pipe cleaning. All disturbed areas will be restored within the design intents of this program.

  1. Class A
  2. Class B
  3. Class C
  4. Class D
  5. Class E

Class A areas are designed to be regularly manicured and accessible to the public. Turf grass is the common ground cover and irrigation is recommended to assure quality growth. Trees are regularly trimmed and monitored for health. Debris is regularly removed and the land is always maintained as presentable for public use. These areas are highly active and visible.

  • Fertilization: Twice per year
  • Forest Management: Regularly
  • Forest Undergrowth: Turf - mowed regularly
  • Irrigation: Yes
  • Mowing: Regularly
  • Pond Management: Maintain 15-foot natural buffer to normal water level
  • Prescribed Burns: No
  • Seed Type: Turf
  • Weed Control: Twice per year