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EXCERPT DRAFT City of Lake Elmo PARKS COMMISSION MEETING Minutes of May 15, 2006 May 15, 2006 Subject: Recommendation from the Lake Elmo Parks Commission to put Sunfish Lake Park into the Minnesota Land Trust Dear Lake Elmo Council Member, Sunfish Lake Park is the crown jewel of the Lake Elmo Park System, a symbol of the rural character Lake Elmo follows as a community concept. This is the City's birthplace, where the first family settled, where the assembly net that created the township we now know as the City of Lake Elmo. This park's rolling, glacial landscape is the same today as it was for the first settlers; a pristine oak forest with gentle ridges, separating ponds that showcase both landscape and a lush wildlife habitat. In the spirit of the City of Lake Elmo, having more environmentally -sensitive developments than any other community in Minnesota, it is only appropriate that Sunfish Lake Park be utilized to emphasize and preserve its impressive, natural features. Sunfish Lake Park is a strong draw for this community. The Minnesota Land Trust is the only avenue for retaining ownership that affords permanent protection of the land. An easement like the Land Trust works best where you can restrict uses and/or access routes that would be most destructive. Language like this is needed for Sunfish Lake Park. The Minnesota Land Trust is well-known, valuable, and trusted in our City, and our City Planner is well versed in the agency, with more and more developers being encouraged to forever preserve open space from their cluster community concepts in the Minnesota Land Trust. Called to be advocates and stewards for the betterment of our community, we can be proud that our crown jewel, Sunfish Lake Park, will be enjoyed as a forever gift. We strongly support and recommend to the Lake Elmo City Council that Sunfish Lake Park be placed into the Minnesota Land Trust. Respectfully submitted, The Lake Elmo Parks Commission Vote: 5:1, Nay: Watters-For reasons previously stated.