03/06/2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 6, 2002 have a buffer around it to be sustained. There is some disagreement about the amount of the buffer. If the City wants to keep the herons in this area it must be buffered. He referred to a map and pointed out the rookeries that have been vacated. He commented on what he has observed relating to the habits of the birds. He read a quote form the St. Paul Pioneer Press regarding the DNR purchase of the Lamprey Pass rookery. It was quite expensive and the City of Lino Lakes has one without having to purchase it. He stated the City should not lose this valuable asset. Councilmember Carlson asked why the birds left Lamprey Pass. Ms. Galli stated there was a storm in 1987 and that caused the nesting season to fail. The birds did come back but there were continual disturbances with ATV vehicles and humans so they left. She noted mosquito control has been to • ® t to fly their helicopters over nesting areas. Fire fighters have also been told not to trai - area. The DNR will also be speaking to sea plane owners. The DNR is trying ad • all the disturbances to the birds. She commented on the feeding e herons noting they will go as far as 16 miles to feed but most often feed -2 miles of the nesting area. Mr. Rod Kukonen, Chair of the Environmental Bo e forward and stated that Lino Lakes had recently participated in some resear was one regarding the birds. The research indicated activity has to be limited i - ng area and the Environmental Board is recommending a 1,000 foot buffe Councilmember Reinert clarified the g _ a 'o ' the ski course in relation to the island and where the course may be move Ms. Connie Grundhofer, 235 L citizen. She distributed pic the island does have ee specie other birds. e forward and stated she is a concerned d egrets as well as other birds. She noted erons and the island is also used as a resource for Councilmember Carlson ked for the County's recommendation regarding the no -wake zone. Mr. Perry referred to a map and pointed out the County's proposal for the no -wake zone. The line will be 175-200 feet south of the island and angle north. That line will not effect the homeowners. The County also feels that boats at no -wake speeds will not adversely affect the area. It is not the County's intent to keep people out of the area but to limit the disturbances. This type of management practice has worked in the past. Councilmember Reinert stated he would also like to protect the birds. He asked what the outcome will be with a no -wake zone relating to the bird population. He also asked for clarification regarding what it means when the birds leave. 5