Town briefs: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency seeks comments on Eagan lakes

Burnsville residents are being urged to organize a buckthorn removal event in their neighborhoods and can apply until June 1 to have free pickup of the nuisance shrub.

Buckthorn, an invasive shrub, overtakes public and private forested areas, killing other plants, shrubs and trees.

The "Nominate Your Neighborhood" buckthorn removal program requires at least three homeowners per neighborhood to participate. A neighborhood representative must submit an application for free pickup at www.burnsville.org/nominate. City staff will review all applications and select the applicants for pickup.

The application deadline is June 1; chosen neighborhoods will be notified July 1. The last day to schedule a pickup date is Aug. 1; the removal will be between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31.

For more information, call 952-895-4343.

The Arbors at Ridges senior living community will hold a Cinco de Mayo celebration lunch Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to benefit the Burnsville Fire Department.

The lunch includes tacos, chips and salsa, churros, music, nonalcoholic margaritas and a raffle.

The bidding ends Tuesday for the city of Apple Valley's online auction of unclaimed property and surplus city property and maintenance equipment.

Items available range from vehicles to videos cameras and wedding rings. Purchased property must be picked up Thursday and Friday.

Go to www.k-bid.com/auction/6133 for a full list and description of auction items.

Volunteer attorneys and law students will help with divorce paperwork using Minnesota I-Can at a workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Dakota County Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Av.

The event is sponsored by the Dakota County Law Library, Legal Assistance of Dakota County and the Minnesota Justice Foundation.

The golf course is at 4851 McAndrews Road. The cost is $20.95 for adults; $14.95 for seniors age 65 and older, and $9.95 for children ages 4 to 12.

For reservations, call 952-953-2334.

Researchers from the North Central Bird Observatory will capture local and migrant wild birds in a mist net, collect data and band the birds, then release them at an event today from 9 a.m. to noon at Ritter Farm Park, 19300 Ritter Trail in Lakeville.

Families are invited to attend. The cost is $2 per person; children under 10 are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

The intersection of County Road 50 and County Road 60 (185th Street) will close to through-traffic Monday and remain closed until late August for road construction.

For information, go to www.ci.lakeville.mn.us and click on the Lakeville newsletters link.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is asking citizens for feedback on a draft water-quality improvement report for 12 lakes within Eagan.

Of the 12 lakes in the study, four are considered impaired because they contain excess phosphorus. Excess phosphorus causes frequent algae blooms, which interferes with swimming, fishing and other activities. According to the report, phosphorus levels in these lakes must be reduced by up to 54 percent, depending on the lake, to meet state standards.

The other lakes, which include two wetlands, are not considered impaired, but actions are proposed to improve water quality.

To see the report, go to http://tinyurl.com/khbmrpk.

The Eagan Garden Club will hold a plant sale from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Holz Farm, 4665 Manor Dr.

Plant selections, including perennials, annuals, hanging baskets and vegetable packs, will be available while supplies last.

No experience is necessary to attend the Community Tennis Block Party from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Rosemount High School tennis court, 3335 142nd St. W.

Representatives from various tennis groups will be available to answer questions about their programs and opportunities to play tennis in Rosemount. Players will be available for drills and activities for kids.

The event is free. For information, call 651-322-6000.