08/24/95 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for management of over 5,800 acres of park and open space land. Turf areas within the system are • maintained to support their intended use and function. Accordingly, turf areas are mowed under the following circumstances. The frequency of mowing varies depending on the intensity of use (e.g. golf greens may be mowed daily,picnic areas weekly and road shoulders bi-weekly). 1) Designated active use areas will be mowed on a regular schedule. At smaller county parks, mowing patterns may encompass the entire park, where in large county and regional parks, specific active recreational use areas are designated by master plan. Selective portions of active recreation areas within regional parks may be left unmowed to enhance the natural qualities. 2) Mowing of turf areas adjacent to certain trails and along roadways may be appropriate for safety reasons in order to maintain adequate sight distances. 3) Periodic mowing may be necessary as a natural resource management technique to eliminate undesirable intrusion by woody plants and noxious weeds or to promote a healthier stand of grasses. Mr. Singer moved, seconded by Ms. Ford, that the Commission recommend that the Parks and Recreation Department continue the mowing practice defined above and communicate this practice to adjacent property owners that may be affected by its implementation. Further, the Commission recommended that specific criteria be established to guide mowing decisions within active use areas of the parks. Motion carried. ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM (CORPORATE AND CIVIC GROUP ACTIVITY) This item will be included on the agenda for the August 8 meeting. DEER POPULATION CONTROL WITHIN RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Chairman Nolan reported that Mr. Mack and Ms. Ford discussed this issue. The county has agreed to cooperate with the Department of Natural Resources and White Bear Township in conducting a deer count in order to assess the magnitude of the deer population problem. Upon completion of the counts (winter 1995-96), a plan can be formulated to achieve desired goals. FUTURE DISPOSITION OF RAMSEY COUNTY WORK FARM, BOYS' TOTEM TOWN AND LAKE OWASSO RESIDENCE PROPERTIES Chairman Nolan said that he understands that different uses are being explored for portions of the county's work farm (adult correctional facility) property. Ms. Baker said the work farm is located between Upper and Lower Afton roads, east of Battle Creek Regional Park, on approximately 160 acres. The county owns an additional 100 acres south of Lower Afton Road. A law enforcement di training facility is located at Linwood and Century avenues; however, the size of this facility is inadequate. A proposal exists for a joint law enforcement training facility with the city of St. Paul, Washington County and Ramsey County. 3