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ANOKA CONSERVATION DISTRICT 16015 Central Ave. NE, Suite 103 Ham Lake, MN 55304 Phone: (612) 434 -2030 Fax: (612) 434 -2094 August 31, 1999 City of Lino Lakes Honorable Mayor Kimberly Sullivan and City Council Members 600 Village Center Parkway Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014 Re: Easement Vacation at 2150 Otter Lake Road Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members, This letter is in regards to the City of Lino Lakes consideration of vacating an easement at the above address. The Anoka Conservation District would like to comment on the natural resource issues with this particular case. If you are not familiar with us, the Anoka Conservation District is a primarily a natural resource technical advisor for Anoka County's cities, townships and watershed districts. First, regardless if compensatory water storage is needed at this time from the developer, future uses will dictate the need for additional area for water storage. Currently, an existing drainage and utility easement is located on the property that can provide this future function. It would be extremely expensive and difficult to find or create water storage at a later date. Secondly, the current easement provides a "greenway" for local wildlife that travels from City property (Government Lot 6) to Otter Lake and north to Clearwater Creek. Considering that this area was a significant natural area (DNR Natural Communities Map, 1994) prior to development and still provides wildlife habitat justifies the need for a greenway for the remaining wildlife. Also, several surveys for the Twin Cities area show an overwhelming large proportion of landowners desire the establishment of greenways and for their municipal government to take an active role in planning and implementing greenways for future generations. My last point is not natural resource related but is important nonetheless. The hockey rink is not dependant on existence because of its current location. Also, the easement existed prior to the hockey rink being built and was placed there for a reason. Landowners should take these easements seriously otherwise they become a municipal nightmare. The City of Lino Lakes should carefully consider this issue because it will set a precedent for all of the residents of Lino Lakes in the future. I appreciate your time and consideration of this letter. Respectfully, Becky L. Wozney District Technician Cc: John Powell, City Engineer