05/24/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Harriet Island/Lilydale Remains Illusive To blame or not to blame, that is the question Ramsey County DNR survey underway 2 Friends and other park lovers who thought they would have a chance to enjoy the new improved Harriet Island/Lilydale Regional Park have undoubtedly turned blue if they have been holding their breath waiting for the opening of the park. "At the moment the hang-up is getting final approval of the Master Plan," said Peggy Lynch, Friends Executive Director. One year ago the Master Plan was submitted to the St. Paul City Council by the Riverfront Commission. Although the Council approved the general plan and approved remodeling of the old pavilion, significant parts of the Master Plan remain undecided. Yet to be determined are marina size and financing, floating water break vs. solid jetty type water break, whether to dredge a channel to return Harriet Island to island state, design of Lilydale campground, inclusion of Navy Island as part of the regional park, and design of the levee. Decisions must be made by the St. Paul City Council on all projects before the master plan can submitted to the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, the next step in the lengthy process. Some have alleged that the Council is attempting to nail down too many fine details, thus slowing down major improvements to the area. The Council has approved financing plans for redevelopment of the park and $10,000,000 is earmarked for the redevelopment. The city will be eligible for reimbursement by the Open Space Commission from State funds earmarked for the regional park system. However, to become eligible for the reimbursement, the Council and the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission must both approve the Master plan. "This project just seems to keep dragging on and on. One can only hope it will be completed sometime in our lifetime. Everyone is blaming everyone else for the delays. Some blame the Council, others blame the parks division, others say no one wants to take on the "live -a -boards" and the St. Paul Yacht Club, others blame the Riverfront Commission. Although there may be enough blame to go around, the bottom line is this park could become the jewel of the parks system. We can only hope that development begins soon on our diamond in the rough," added Lynch. Ramsey County is next on the list of counties to have it's natural resources counted, listed and inventoried by the Minnesota County Biological Survey. The Survey systematically gathers ecological data, county -by -county, on sensitive natural habitats and rare plant and animal species in the state. It is part of the ongoing effort to inventory, protect and manage the rare and endangered elements of Minnesota's natural resources. The Survey, conducted by the Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage and Nongame Wildlife programs, conducted its pilot phase in seven counties from 1987 to 1989. Initial aerial photographs are used to identify sites that merit ground survey. Biologists and ecologists then do intensive field surveys of the highest -priority natural areas. Not only the type and number of rare plant and animal species are recorded, but also their condition. All Survey information will be entered into the Minnesota Natural Heritage Database, the only statewide repository of information on Minnesota's rare species and natural communities. The database will prove invaluable during planning for highways, utility corridors and other development projects. It will provide early notification of potential natural resource conflicts and should help avoid inappropriate development. Park Notes is published quarterly by the Friends of St. Paul and Ramsey County Parks. Editors are Peggy Lynch and Jeanne Weigum. For additional information call (612) 698-4543.