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STAFF ORIGINATOR: COUNCIL MEETING DATE: TOPIC: VOTE REQUIRED: BACKGROUND: AGENDA ITEM 4A Linda Waite Smith March 10, 2003 Resolution No. 03 -38 Supporting Amendment to the Boundaries of the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Simple Majority Anoka County is interested in amending the boundaries of Rice Creek Chain of lakes Park Reserve to add 652 acres of property located in Columbus township and Lino Lakes. The property is situated along Rice Creek and is contained in three parcels owned by St. Paul Regional Water Services. It extends from the Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area in northern Columbus Township to the I -35W interstate in northeast Lino Lakes. The County is in the process of applying for funding to assist in the acquisition of the property. Currently, it looks favorable for the county to receive funding from three sources: Minnesota DNR Greenways Program, Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Program, and the Rice Creek Watershed District. These sources would provide the financial resources (about $200,000) to purchase the property. ANALYSIS The property in question is among the most pristine, natural open, spaces remaining in the seven county metropolitan area. It has been identified as a major greenway corridor by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is on the county biological survey. Acquisition of the property would complete a protected corridor 25 miles in length extending all the way to the Mississippi River. Approximately 192 acres of the proposed acquisition lie within the City of Lino Lakes. The subject properties lie within a conceptual greenway corridor identified in the City's Comprehensive Plan. Acquisition of the property would therefore help to implement one component of the City's Plan. Tax impacts to the City are negligible given that the property is currently owned by the City of St. Paul. The City's Environmental Board' reviewed the request at it's February 26, 2003 meeting and recommended that the Council pass a resolution in support of the project.