07/26/2000 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE PROJECT "Integrating Natural Resource Guidance to Enhance Smart Growth in Wildland -Urban Interface Communities" February 2000- September 2001 Contact: Peggy Sand /DNR Forestry / 1200 Warner Road / St. Paul MN 55106 (651)772 -7562 / e -mail: peggy.sand@dnr.state.mn.us Briefing Paper on Local Unit of Government - Development Collaboration updated May 2000 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) (with support from the USDA Forest Service) is kicking off a new project called the "Wildland Urban Interface" project. This project has two primary parts - one working with local units of government and the other to develop a guidebook for landowners to better manage their natural resources. This paper is on the first of these - a collaborative project with two cities. Background: Need & Response All communities are facing significant challenges in accommodating new development while conserving critical resources. This situation is complicated by the existence of many types of environmental review which are not always well integrated nor as timely as they could be. Now, on top of that we're hearing about "smart growth" and wondering how all that relates. In response, the DNR has just kicked off a new effort aimed at providing more useful and better integrated assistance to local governments dealing with development on the urban fringe (also called the "wildland -urban interface). As DNR develops and refines its ways of providing guidance and assistance, DNR Metro Region staff will collaborate with selected local units to determine the best ways to work together. This project is possible at this time because the DNR received a modest grant from the USDA Forest Service to cover some expenses for a project on "Integrating Natural Resource Guidance to Enhance Smart Growth in Wildland -Urban Interface Communities ". Thus, the DNR is providing hands -on assistance and resources to 2 local units (referred -to here as local units of government - LUG's) who are interested in . working with the DNR over the next 18 months to address habitat/woodland preservation, wildfire, forest health, greenways, natural resources management, water quality, smart growth, and related issues. Project Purpose & Scope The DNR (in cooperation with the Minnesota Land Trust) has begun to work collaboratively with the adjoining cities of Hugo (Washington County) and Lino Lakes (Ramsey County) in creating land development and management tools which better incorporate natural resource conservation goals. Natural resource assessment and policy /plans will be addressed at the "landscape" scale - covering the whole jurisdiction for each city. Another component of the project on subdivision design is proposed to • be done for 1 specific site in Hugo and possibly an additional site in Lino Lakes. An interdisciplinary team of DNR Metro Region staff and representatives of the Minnesota Land Trust, Rice Creek Watershed District, and the cities of Hugo and Lino Lakes is staffmg and coordinating the project.