Laserfiche WebLink
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2003 <br />2 APPROVED MINUTES <br />Donlin nominated Grundhofer for Vice-Chair. O’Connell seconded the motion. <br />Donlin made a motion to close the nomination for Vice Chair. O’Connell <br />seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. <br /> <br />Grundhofer was elected Vice-Chair unanimously. <br />5.OPEN MIKE <br />No citizen comments were made. <br />6.ACTION ITEMS <br />A.Anoka County Parks/Presentation/County Open Space Acquisition <br />Asleson reviewed the background and analysis. He introduced Jon Von Delinde <br />and Ronda Sivarajah, County Commissioner. She stated that she was glad to <br />meet the Board concerning this opportunity. <br />Mr. Von Delinde asked the Board to consider the resolution. He referred to a <br />seven county map with the color green depicting the pristine areas. He indicated <br />that the County Biological Survey showed that Anoka County had considerable <br />green areas or forested areas. Anoka County had 9,000 acres of parks. The <br />corridor for acquisition included the areas from the Lamprey Pass, Howard Lake, <br />and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes. The County’s document, called the 2020 Vision, <br />helped define the land for acquisition. The greenway would link the area from the <br />Mississippi River in Fridley through to Lino Lakes. The other area was around <br />land owned by the Army. The Army was planning to release 60 acres to the <br />County to link the entire greenway, to total 4,300 acres, and would be the largest <br />park in Anoka County. The land for acquisition was 600 acres currently owned <br />by Saint Paul Utilities. The transaction would have to go to the Metropolitan <br />Council. He then introduced Jeff Perry, a Natural Resource Specialist for Anoka <br />County Natural Resource Department. <br />Mr. Perry displayed the aerial photograph of the area slated for acquisition. He <br />stated that the Biological Survey showed the area contained upland maple and <br />bass forests along with oak forests with diverse water communities. The <br />communities were important for the region and state. Some species located in the <br />region were the herons, three eagle pairs, trumpeter swans, ruffed grouse and <br />others. There were also islands of forested areas that had been protected from <br />fires. Recreationally speaking, a canoe route could be expanded from Howard <br />Lake to an expanded culvert system enabling a critter crossing under Interstate <br />35W. He noted that 90-95% of the land for acquisition was considered wetland. <br />Mr. Perry referred to Mr. Von Delinde to continue the presentation.