February 7, 2006 CCP - Laserfiche WebLink

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February, 1, 2006 Draft Washington County Board Washington County Government Center 14949 62°d Street . P.O. Box 6 Stillwater, MN 55082-0006 Dear Chairman Pulkrabek: The Lake Elmo City Council extends their appreciation to the Washington County Board for incorporating the representatives from Lake Elmo on the Lake Elmo Regional Park Reserve Technical Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee was to guide the development of a revised plan for the Lake Elmo Regional Park Reserve. The Committee's work has matured into a "draft plan" for the Board's review, modification and adoption, which is subject to Metropolitan Council review and approval. As you are aware, professional consultants from St. Paul were retained by Washington Comity to assist and guide the Committee in preparing the draft plan. The professionals retained provided specific expertise assuring the Committee and the County that the plan would be prepared in accordance with reviewing agencies' rules and regulations, as well as, provide the necessary background to develop an appropriate plan for a Park Reserve. Ia late December, management staff from the Regional Park Reserve presented the draft plan to the Lake Elmo City Council. At that time they informed the Council of the next steps that would be taken to mature a final plan. The City Council received the draft plan for consideration and review. On January 31, the City Council met in workshop with the appointed Committee representatives to discuss the draft plan and develop the following comments for the Washington County Board's consideration. The Lake Elmo City Council is generally pleased with the hard work of the committee and staff that has resulted in the draft plan developed. The City firmly endorses the plan to have the park remain as a "Reserve", and guided by the following words in Section 1.1; `As a Reserve the focus of the park is to provide the public with nature oriented recreational opportunities such as viewing and studying wildlife and wildlife habitat, learning about conservation, swimming, picnicking, hiking, orienteering, boating, camping and trail uses ". The Metropolitan Council 2030 Regional Park System Plan clearly defines the distinction between a Regional Park and a Regional Park Reserve. The Regional System Plan specifies that a Regional Park Reserve shall "...establish and maintain an uncompromised sense of nature and protect high quality natural resources...", and "...at least 80 percent of each park reserve should be managed as wild lands that protect the ecological functions of the native landscape." The System Plan continues with, "This would permit up to 20 percent of the park reserve to be developed for compatible recreational activities.