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trails designed for low density uses such as hiking, were interested in walking in nature areas (Met. Co.
<br /> cross-country skiing, bird-watching; restoration and main- 1987). Further, 40% of residents desired more open
<br /> tenance of natural plant and animal communities; primi- space parks while 9% wanted more facilities-based parks
<br /> tive canoe facilites; and research opportunities. Most (e.g., ballfields, playgrounds, skating rinks). Most
<br /> existing roads and buildings should be removed. recently, in November 1994, 85% of Ramsey county
<br /> B. Moderate intensity recreation/habitat recto-
<br /> voters approved a charter amendment calling for 'no net
<br /> ration: acceptable recreational developments include: loss' of open space in the county - a mandate by any
<br /> paved trails for high density uses, such as running,
<br /> measure.
<br /> skating, biking; and outdoor educational facilities includ- 3. In his winter 1994 "Keeping In Touch" newsletter,
<br /> ing nature centers. Excess roads and buildings should Congressman Bruce Vento noted the value of parks in
<br /> be removed. reducing juvenile crime:
<br /> C. High intensity recreation/light development: "One key element to prevent crime is to expand urban
<br /> acceptable recreational developments include: athletic park and recreation opportunities. Our hearing will
<br /> fields (e.g., softball, soccer, tennis), picnic shelters, demonstrate that cities with adequate park facilities and
<br /> parking lots/trail heads, and group camps. active recreation programs have decreased rates of crime
<br /> This resultant plan has been approved by the four listed and delinquency...".
<br /> organizations by resolution of the respective boards. A large park will enhance considerably the regional
<br /> Additional organizations have expressed support. quality of life, not only by providing a high-quality amenity,
<br /> but also by helping keep crime rates low.
<br /> 4. Met Council's open space plan notes that qualities
<br /> JUSTIFICATION FOR DESIGNATION AS OPEN which make land desirable for preservation as open
<br /> SPACE/RECREATION AREA space, "include such characteristics as good quality
<br /> The supporters of this plan believe that a significant lakes, rivers and streams, undulating topography, gorges,
<br /> proportion of the TCAAP should be retained as open rock outcrops, cliff areas, heavy stands of tie,
<br /> space and recreational land for two primary purposes: to interesting clusters of wild plants and flowers, and AliPrn
<br /> increase the amount of open space in the northcentral habitats of native birds and animals." With the exception
<br /> metro area and to preserve the significant natural of gorges, rock outcrops and cliffs, the TCAAP has all
<br /> resources found on the TCAAP. The following points these features. An agreement between the Army and
<br /> support our position. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was
<br /> signed in January 1993 giving DNR authority to help
<br /> 1. Ramsey county has the highest population density of manage TCAAP lands and noted the area's "outstanding
<br /> any Minnesota county, but has the lowest per capita natural resources and associated open spaces".
<br /> amount of open space recreational land. As noted in the
<br /> Metropolitan Council's Recreation Open Space Develop- 5. A TCAAP wildlife management plan developed for the
<br /> ment Guide/Policy Plan (Met. Council 1991), "Past [out- Army (Landwehr 1986) documented the high value of
<br /> door recreation area] acquisition ... has produced a natural resources on the property and made the following
<br /> regional system that contains a certain amount of recommendation:
<br /> geographic imbalance that favors the west and southwest "Pursue the possibility of designating the undeveloped
<br /> portions of the Metropolitan Area...". According to that area of the TCAAP as a permanent wildlife refuge or
<br /> document, Ramsey county had less than 5,700 acres of natural area The undeveloped areas of the TCAAP are an
<br /> recreation open space for some 450,000 residents (550 invaluable and irreplaceable resource. Loss of this asset
<br /> square feet per resident, or a square 23 feet on a side). due to pressures from local governments, developers, or
<br /> Just one park in Hennepin county, Elm Creek, has over the federal government would be extremely short-sighted
<br /> 4,800 acres. Clearly, more open space is needed in the and detrimental to the quality of life throughout the area
<br /> northcentral metro area, but very little available land Designation should be sought at the federal, state, or
<br /> exists. The TCAAP presents the last best opportunity to county level to preserve this area as a wildlife sanctuary,
<br /> meet this need; Ramsey county open space would be whatever the fate of the munitions production facility."
<br /> increased by over 30%.
<br /> 6. Designating a large portion of the TCAAP as open
<br /> 2. Citizens are demanding more open space facilities, as space (i.e., more than 1,000 acres) fits the Met Co AI's
<br /> was demonstrated at TCAAP reutilization meetings and is recommendation for a regional park reserve (Met. Clircii
<br /> evidenced by bond referendums in adjacent suburbs
<br /> 1991). The TCAAP is in their landscape designation callec
<br /> such as Maplewood. A 1983 survey by Met Council on „terminal moraine", one of eight landscapes in which the
<br /> leisure interests of metro residents found 78% of residents recommend selecting park reserve areas. The document
<br /> TCAAP REUTILIZATION PLAN PAGE 2
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