11-09-1994 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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P H A L E N C H A I N OF LAKES WATERSHED PROJECT 1200 Warner Road • St. Paul MN 55106 • ph: 612/772 -7980 A Partnership for Local Protection and Management of Natural Resources PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT This document serves as a partnership agreement between various units of government, private organizations, and citizens interested in the future of the Phalen Chain of Lakes Watershed. The parties committed to this partnership are united by a mutual concern for the protection of the quality of the Phalen Chain of Lakes Watershed and its natural resources, and their use by current and future generations. Background The Phalen Chain of Lakes Watershed covers about 23 square miles, and includes all or part of the cities of Little Canada, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Oakdale, St. Paul, Vadnais Heights, and White Bear Lake. About 57,000 people live in the watershed, and many others work in the area. The natural resources of the area provide services and experiences that benefit local residents. The Chain of Lakes and surrounding park lands are unique and heavily -used recreational resources for local residents and the East Metro Area. Lake Phalen and Gervais include public swimming beaches. The Chain of Lakes and adjacent parks provide high quality urban fishing, walking and biking paths, skiing, and other recreational opportunities. Wetlands in the watershed provide important stormwater cleaning and management functions. The Chain of Lakes is a part of a major flyway for migratory waterfowl and songbirds, and provides significant habitat for other birds and wildlife in an urban setting. Urban forest resources in the watershed provide important habitat, aesthetic, and energy conservation benefits to local communities. The watershed is the whole land area that drains through wetlands, creeks, storm sewers and ponds to the chain of lakes. Therefore, the use and management of every yard, park and property in the watershed affects the quality of water and other natural resources in the area. Past and continuing urbanization in the watershed are affecting local natural resources in the following ways: Water quality in the watershed's lakes, streams and wetlands is declining due Page 17