04/07/2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 23, 2004 : Page 2 Officer, Non -Game Wildlife, Fisheries,: and Aquatic Plant Management), Anoka County (Parks and Recreation Department and Sheriff's Department), University of Minnesota, Peltier Lake Citizen, Anoka County Citizen at large, Rice Creek Watershed District, and the St. Paul Water Utility. Some of the priority topics that have been examined over the past two years are as follows: History and significance of the. Peltier Island Heron Rookery and surrounding natural communities Rookery abandonment observations and theories discussion Identification and discussion Of strategies and solutions to address the rookery abandonment and long term protection of the high quality habitat at the north end of Peltier • Lake • Roles and responsibilities to implement strategies • On-going monitoring: and research projects Based on the rookery abandonment observations and theories discussion and the ecological significance of the surrounding area, the Task Force unanimously supports the strategy of working with the Cities of Lino Lakes and Centerville, in cooperation with the State of Minnesota, to adopt a permanent "Slow / No Wake" ordinance on the north half of Peltier Lake: In addition;: Anoka County has recently received 1 a research grant from the MN DNR, to further conduct monitoring research on the Peltier Island Heron . Colony in 2004 and 2005. The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Committee, which is comprised of three appointed Anoka County Commissioners, have also had an opportunity to review and examine the justification for the proposed surface water, zoning restriction on Peltier Lake As a result, the Parks and Recreation Committee has expressed full support of a permanent "Slow/NoWake Zone" restriction on the north half of Peltier Lake Through a series of recent comprehensive planning efforts to include the "2020 Vision" Anoka County Parks and Recreation System Plan (1998) and the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve Master Plan (1999), the Peltier Island Heron Rookery has been identified as a unique resource to protect and preserve into the future. Several management goals and strategies have been documented during these planning efforts which specifically includes controlling boat traffic around Peltier Island to prevent disruption to the herons. Therefore, special consideration in the way of supporting a permanent "Slow/No Wake Zone" on the north end of Peltier Lake is clearly consistent with :, various • comprehensive plans recently adopted by Anoka County. Thank you for your leadership and spirit, of cooperation in considering an amendment to Make the no zone- permanent on the north half of Peltier Lake :if Anoka County. can provide any further information or assistance, please contact; my office.at (763) 323 -5700 incerely, :.. onda Sivarajah Anoka County Commissioner