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01/19/95 Agenda & Packet
MOUNDS VIEW PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION • AGENDA Thurs. 'January 19, 1995 6:30 p.m. City Hall Conf Rm B �I. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES v L4'. 1995 GOALS - REVIEW -• 1994 ANNUAL REPORT REVIEW 16. WOODCREST PARK IMPROVEMENT5 - PROCESS - DISCUSSION GRANT PROJECTS FOR 1995 DUE BY MARCH l, 1995 14r.: OTHER BUSINESS 9 . ADJOURNMENT • I MOUNDS VIEW PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 1994 6: 30 P.M. CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER: Commission Chair Burmeister called the meeting to order at 6: 30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioners present included Burmeister, Silvis, Stevenson, Trettel, Starr, Dentz . City Councilmember Trude was present as well as Director Saarion and Janet Bona. RECREATION VIDEO: The Marketing Task Force was invited to share in the viewing of a video tape of benefits of Parks and Recreation. MINUTES: The minutes of October 27, 1994 were approved unanimously. • GROVELAND APPRAISAL: Staff reviewed the appraisal information received for land abutting Groveland Park. Director Saarion asked for direction regarding their recommendation for land purchase to the City Council. Commission Silvis made a motion seconded by Commissioner Dentz to recommend that the City Council go forward with land purchase negotiations of the land next to Groveland Park. Motion passed unanimously. 1995 GOALS: The Commission reviewed 1994 goals and action steps and discussed goals for 1995 . (See goals attached to these minutes. ) ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 8 : 15 p.m. I 3535 VADNAIS CENTER DRIVE.200 SEH CENTER,ST PAUL,MN 55110 612 490-2000 800 325-2055 ARCHITECTURE • ENGINEERING • ENVIRONMENTAL • TRANSPORTATION October 6, 1994 RE: Mounds View, Minnesota Miscellaneous Water Resources Services Review Impacts on Wetland for Proposed Trail Crossing of a Local Ditch SEH No. A-MOUND9402.00 Ms. Mary Sarrion Parks and Recreation Director City of Mounds View 2401 Highway 10 Mounds View, MN 55112 Dear-Mary: A site visit was performed at Silver View Park as approved per the letter agreement of June 22, 1994. The site visit was performed to determine the feasibility of 1) installing a culvert 'at the ditch to complete a trail from Silver View Park to Silver Lake Road, and 2) providing some runoff detention and water quality improvement behind the proposed crossing was also determined. This letter report will first describe the results of the site visit and other background information. The enclosed figure shows the approximate extent of wetland between the park driveway and Silver Lake Road. The wetland basin is semi-circular in shape and approximately 1.5 acres in size. The basin contains emergent vegetation such as cattail and reed canary grass and willow trees and shrubs. The basin is characterized as a Type 3 wetland, or a palustrine emergent wetland with seasonal flooding. The wetland is drained by a ditch which drains south and east to Silver Lake. According to historic aerial photographs, this wetland was once a circular basin that drained to Silver Lake via a ditch. The basin was bisected by the construction of Silver Lake Road and the ditch was reconstructed. The construction of the roadway not only changed the shape of the wetland into two semi-circles, but also changed the character of the basin. The historical photos show an basin of open water surrounded by a narrow fringe of emergent vegetation. Today the western half of the basin is essentiallya monoculture of cattails. The eastern half of thebasin sin is a mixture of cattails and other emergents plants and willow trees and shrubs. The existing vegetation of the two halves of the basin is indicative of a drier environment than that prior to the roadway construction. The wetland habitat at the location of the proposed trail crossing is essentially limited to the bottom of the ditch itself. There should be no significant difficulties in obtaining approval for *he construction of the trail crossing and culvert placement. There will be several agencies to contact with regard to potential wetland impacts, but no permits or mitigation should be required. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has SHORT ELLIOTT HENDRICKSON INC. MINNEAPOLIS.MN ST CLOUD,MN CHIPPEWA FALLS. WI MADISON. WI F '. Ms. Mary Sarrion • October 6, 1994fi Page 2 jurisdiction over Silver Lake to the Ordinary High Water elevation. The proposed culvert crossing is likely above the elevation of regulatory jurisdiction, but a letter of the intent to do the proposed project should be provided to the MDNR Division of Waters. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Rice Creek Watershed District have regulatory jurisdiction over the wetland habitat of the ditch. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Nationwide Permit Number 26 allows filling of up to 0.5 acre of wetland. There is technically no need for a permit request, but a letter requesting approval under the Nationwide Permit program should be sent to the Regulatory Branch of the St. Paul District Corps of Engineers. The Rice Creek Watershed District is implementing the Wetland Conservation Act of 1991 (WCA). The WCA includes an exemption from wetland replacement for projects filling less than 400 square feet of wetland habitat. A letter describing the proposed project and a request for Exemption Number 25. There appears to be sufficient capacity in the existing ditch to allow an increase in the elevation of the outlet at the proposed trail crossing. There is also upland available to be excavated to provide additional storage volume if desired. Raising the outlet at the trail crossing will likely , �_ so back water up into the existing wetland basin. It is recommended that the Rice Creek Watershed District be approached with regard to the restoration of the existing Type 3 wetland basin back to the Type 4 basin it was prior to the construction of Silver Lake Road. A wetland restoration project would allow the construction of the trail crossing and an increase in the elevation of the ditch outlet while providing the City with wetland banking credits that could be used as mitigation credit on other City projects having wetland impacts. Improvement of the wetland basin will also be an aesthetic addition to Silver View Park. Additional study will be required to determine the amount of wetland that currently exists, the amount of water that could be expected to back up into the wetland basin, and the type and area of wetland that would likely result from the change in hydrology. If you have any questions with regard to this review or would like to discuss additional work on this project, please contact me at 490-2026. Sincerely, Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. Kelly A. Bettendorf Scientist 411,tlo " Enclosures - 3535 VADNAIS CENTER DRIVE,200 SEH CENTER,ST PAUL,MN 55110 612 490-2000 800 325-2055 ARCHITECTURE • ENGINEERING • ENVIRONMENTAL • TRANSPORTATION December 29, 1994 RE: Mounds View, Minnesota Miscellaneous Water Resources Services Review Impacts on Wetland fa. - Trail Crossing of a Local Ditch SEH No. A-MOUND9402.00 Ms. Mary Sarrion Parks and Recreation Director City of Mounds View 2401 Highway 10 Mounds View,MN 55112 Dear Mary: We will be discussing with Mike the possibility of doing your culvert project as part of the sidewalk on Silver View Road. A proposal will be submitted to Council in January that will authorize us to do a detailed feasibility study on your project,as well as the sidewalk and sediment pond upstream of the culvert cross. I did,however,complete the information you requested. Enclosed is a letter from Kelly Bettendorf discussing the wetland impacts of your project. The cost to install the culvert is estimated to be $3,000 to$4,000, plus $5,000 to $10,000 for engineering, plans and specifications,bidding services and permits. You, thus, should budget $7,500 to $15,000 to install to culvert. I can prepare a detailed estimate if you wish to pursue installation. Once the details are worked out, I feel that the total project cost will be closer oser to the 7 500 range. $ , g I recommend that if the Council does not authorize a detailed feasibility study as part of the sidewalk project,we get together and finalize the crossing width, size, etc. so I can get you a more detailed cost estimate. Sorry for the delay in getting you this information. If you have any questions,pleased call me at 490-2026. (I will be out the first week ofy anuar . J ) Sincerely, Rocky J. Keehn • tlo Enclosure SHORT ELLIOTT HENDRICKSON INC. MINNEAPOLIS,MN ST CLOUD.MN CHIPPEWA FALLS. WI MADISON, WI • AI • 1995 WORK PLAN , Mounds View Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department RECREATION These projects are over and beyond the basic daily tasks which must be performed by the Administration Division including customer service, registrations, marketing and publicity, programming, park facility scheduling, newsletter preparations, meetings with various entities, cooperative planning, part-time staff recruitment, training and evaluation. Goal No. 1 Market the benefits of Parks and Recreation ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE _ Revise evaluation forms to indicate the level of benefits received by Mary/Marv/Sharie Year long endeavors participants. Program activities keeping in mind the benefits to be derived by Mary/Marv/Sharie Year long endeavors participants. Market programs by the benefits to be received. Mary/Marv/Sharie Year long endeavors Prepare a recreation video showing the benefits of recreation Mary/Marv/Sharie Year long endeavors participation. , Evaluate program continuation based on benefits to the participants ... Mary/Marv/Sharie Year long endeavors time spent equation for most beneficial programs resulting in maximum benefit to participants per staff time. Prepare a recreation statistical brochure informing the public of Mary/Marv/Sharie Year long endeavors opportunities participation, comparative costs of similar programs and services. • 6 • Goal No. 2 As per Focus 2000 recommendations, program a Winter Festival of family activities which are low-fee or free. ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Offer activities at the parks using winter park facilities. Mary/Mary/Sharie Winter Offer activities free of cost (subsized) or low cost... subsidized. Mary/Mary/Sharie Winter Offer programs which include all ages and family participation. Mary/Mary/Sharie Winter Goal No. 3 Expand the Mounds View "Festival in the Park" Annual City Celebration ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Work with the Festival Committee to develop a two day 1995 Festival in Sharie July 9, 1995 the Park Community Celebration. Market the Festival Committee to Mounds View Businesses to increase Sharie On-going participation by local business people in the Festival Market the Festival in the Park to the metro area through press releases, Sharie & Committee On-going Minnesota Explorer, and any other means necessary to get the message out. - Pursue alternative financing of the Festival in order to make it more Sharie & Committee On-going independent of City and Lions financing, i.e. Beer Garden, pull tabs, etc. Complete Certified Festival Managers Course Sharie December, 1995 Goal No. 4 Expand Participation of Volunteers and Recruitment/Training of Recreation Employees ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Recruit and train local non-profit groups and other interested individuals Mary & Sharie On-going in special events and classes in order to keep costs down and increase (All Seasons) community awareness of Parks and Recreation Programs Establish a volunteer recognition program incorporating a method of Sharie/Mary/Mary On-going tracking the number of hours served by each volunteer. Recruit volunteers for Adopt a Park Program and Eagle Scout projects Mary Year long Recommend projects, tasks, duties for volunteer participation and Mary/Steve Year long facilitate activities Arrange necessary equipment, construction specifications, park facility Steve/Jeff Year long access, supervision and inspection of completed projects and tasks. Develop an "hours of service form which qualifies for various levels of Mary/Sharie Year long awards and acknowledgment Recruit volunteers for Park Patrol. Mary Year long Arrange for training of volunteers with assistance of Police Department Mary Year long Provide familiarity with parks ordinances, rules and regulations Mary Year long Acquaint Park Patrols with customer service information. Mary Year long Provide communication equipment, transportation means and Mary Year long authorizing attire to park patrol volunteers. Provide a means of recognition to park patrol volunteers. Mary Year long Supervise the program, evaluate and revise as needed. Mary Year long • • • Expand the activities and membership of the Garden Club Sharie Goal No. 5 Offer Ten New Recreation Programs in 1995. ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Evaluate current programs. Mary/Sharie/Mary At end of each session Inventory programs offered to ensure that activities are offered for all Mary/Sharie Year end report ages, skill levels, interests, etc. to ensure diversity. Look into "trends"to be current in interests. Mary/Sharie/Mary On-going Plan one-day classes and special events for working families to Mary/Sharie Quarterly participate in on weekends or evenings as requested on participant input surveys Expand the elementary after-school programs to achieve an after-school Mary/Sharie/Mary Seasonally care benefit for working parents and children who would be home along after school. Forecast facility needs for long range park planning to ensure adequate Mary/Sharie/Mary Seasonally facilities to serve the community. Goal No. 6 Assist community groups in the coordination of athletic leagues, tournaments and sporting activities. ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Assist with facility arrangements and facility maintenance for Mary Seasonally tournaments. Accept various organization registrations at Park & Rec. office Mary Seasonally Provide advertising services for organizations through flyers and Mary Seasonally newsletter information Provide facility needs such as field improvements, field lining, special Marv/Steve/Jeff Seasonally distance pegs, etc. Schedule facility use for the Associations and organizations. Mary Seasonally Provide facility improvements as requested by user groups and as Marv/Mary/Steve/Jeff Seasonally funding is available Be a resource provider of information/communications hub for persons Mary Seasonally of the community in regards to Associations. Goal No. 7 Empower the MVCT Towards Becoming a self-sufficent decreasing the amount of staff time necessary to devote to the MVCT ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Provide MVCT volunteers with the needed information to produce the Sharie Summer program for their "Anything Goes" production. Facilitate the Publicity Chairman by providing media contacts so that Sharie Summer she can continue to market the production without assistance. • • • Strive to achieve a separate non-profit MVCT funding account. Sharie Summer Administer the MVCT 1995 Budget and provide contracts and necessary Sharie Summer personnel forms for artistic staff. Goal No. 8 Assist the Parks and Recreation Commission in successful achievement of 1995 goals ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE I Meet at least once per month with the Parks and Recreation Mary Monthly Commission to discuss issues and provide goal action recommendations to the City Council. Meet regularly with neighboring communities and organizations to keep Mary Monthly in communication regarding joint efforts and projects, and new opportunities for service to the community. Evaluate the use of parks and facilities for long and short term Mary On-going recommendations. Keep the Commission informed on issues, new information in Parks and Mary On-going Recreation, trends, facility use adn demands, etc. Goal No. 9 Coordinate agencies and funding for an znnual program of Safe and Summer Camp Programs. tY Camp ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Advertise and promote the program through flyers, newsletters, Mary/Sharie/Mary Summer newspapers, Cable TV, etc. Solicit funding from groups for t-shirts, food and beverages and other Mary/Sharie/Mary Summer needs. • 0 • Coordinate the participation of outside agencies. Mary/Sharie Summer Evaluate the program for refinement and improvements. Mary/Sharie/Mary Summer Increase the number of activity options for August since fewer people Mary On-going seem to be taking out of town vacations and more families are looking for the "camp" type of concentrated activities. Goal No. 10 Expand the market of adult athletics (revenue source) while serving the growing needs of participating parents who have children attending games.. ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Advertise and promote 'off field" times for adult leagues to increase Mary Spring Recreation Activity revenue without stressing field use. Promote a "family orientated" softball league which incorporates Mary Spring supervised youth activities while parents play softball Prepare an adult athletic brochure which provides information on all Mary Spring adult athletic opportunities and department philosophy regarding adult sports. 1995 WORK PLAN Mounds View Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Goal No. I Improvement of Ardan Park ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Explore the possibilities and opportunities with Ramsey County to co- Staff/Commission/Council Spring/Summer exist with the compost facility and park plans. Work together cooperatively with Ramsey County for the purchase of Staff/Commission/Council Spring/Summer two properties located south of Ardan Park providing a single use entry to the compost facility allowing the entrance to the facility to be fenced and also providing more space so that a better development plan can be arranged for cooperative park usage and compost facility usage. Meet with Zak Hansen of Ramsey County to further explore cooperative Staff/Commission/Council Spring/Summer measures to landscape the compost facility. With resident input, begin to re-plan Ardan Park improvements for a Staff/Commission/Council Spring/Summer nature/passive park co-existing with Ramsey County compost facility. Goal No. 2 Improvement of Woodcrest Park ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Solicit input from area residents to plan a better use of Woodcrest Park Staff/Commission/Council Spring/Summer taking into consideration the restricutions due to a high water table. Request soil borings, surveying and engineering suggestions for improving this park so that the grasslands can be used for youth athletic activities. • • • r Goal No. 3 Preliminary requirements and plans for the construction of a Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 10 ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Assist in the planning of the Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 10 for 1995 1996 construction - incorporating a park-like aesthetic atmosphere on both entry sides which attracts shoppers, library users, park users, trail users, student users, etc. and encourages use and enjoyment of the pedestrian bridge. Goal No. 4 Development of Open Space located north of the golf course. ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Name the open space for user reference Summer Cut a nature trail in the Open Space located north of the golf course, to Summer be used for nature hiking, bird watching and for a woodsy experience. This hiking system should be cooperatively developed with a hook-up to Sysco parking lot so that employees of Sysco can have access to the hiking trail. Goal No. 5 Silver View Park - Culvert Installation Project Continue to pursue avenues to install a passage over the storm water 1995 ditch at Silver View Park working cooperatively with the storm water management program. • • • Goal No. 6 Sidewalk along Silver Lake Road. ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Work cooperatively with Public Works to pursue the possibilities of 1995 connecting the sidewalk which stops at the New Brighton/Mounds View border, County Road H, to continue to the county Road I sidewalk system, leading to the proposed Highway 10 pedestrian bridge crossing. Goal No. 7 Expansion of trail systems and sidewalks. ANTICIPATED WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME DATE Continue to advocate for expansion of off street and on-street pathways On-going as well as sidewalks with all street improvements. Goal No. 8 "NO NET LOSS" Policy Advocate for a "No Net Loss" policy prohibiting parkland and open spaces to be sold or developed unless equal amount and worth of land is provided. Recommend such policy to the City Council, referring to the new policy adopted by Ramsey County in the November, 1994 election. Goal No. 9 Pursue the need for community use spaces and facilities for recreation and community uses. Recommend questions pertaining to this topic on any surveys that the As opportunity arises City Council may be doing in the future Request that staff look into opportunities that may become available for On-going feasible use of spaces already in the community for community programs. • • • Goal No. 10 Continue to pursue knowledge and information regarding revenue producing recreation facilities for the generation of funds. Visit other cities' facilities that generate revenue. Summer/Spring/Fall Research revenue realities and projects from recreation revenue facilities 1995 Pursue program revenue activities including tournaments, Festival beer On-going gardens, concessions, extended chartered trips and cost sharing activities Goal No. 11 Pursue opportunities to acquire additional parkland and greenspaces. Continue to prepare and submit grants for parkland and/or greenspaces acquisition. Pursue the acquisition of Piedel property located north of Groveland Park -- extending Groveland Park grasslands and also offering a buffer between the park's active area and neighboring homes. • • 4110 • N MOUNDS �?� ”FRIENDS . � _I. Co.Rd.l ll B� FRIENDS OF. MO •:= TCAAP„ . 1, ii a '�4?4 `'c- ,4 Co.Rd.G VED/GATED TO PRESE7V/NG OPEN SPA CESAT THE TWIN C/TIES 1/4 ARMY AMMUN/T/ONPLANT' I WINTER 1995 I- - `'« SHORE- --ij� . VIEW WELCOME BACK!! phone calls and letter at home (it's part of the job). Following are committee representatives and the consti- tuency they represent: Dorothy McClung - Arden Hills citizens, Frank Blasiak - Moundsview citi- WELCOME TO THE WINTER 1995 ISSUE OF zens, George Gregori- New Brighton citizens, "FRIENDS"!! Jan Haeberlin - Shoreview citizens, Terry Nagle This newsletter is produced with your donations to keep -business, LeEtta Flicker - economic readjust- you and your neighbors informed about happenings at ment, Nancy Nagler-homeless providers, James • the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP). Holte-labor, Craig Andresen -environment, Paul Because of the invaluable assets the TCAAP presents Donley - school district 621, Thomas Ryan -MN to our community, and because the Army is proposing National Guard, John Hustad -State of MN, Dick to "excess" the property In the near future, your Wedell (Chair) - Ramsey county, Dennis Probst - involvement is essential to ensure citizen/resident inter- City of Arden Hills, Diane Wuori - City of ests are addressed. We hope this newsletter will keep Moundsview, Marsha Soucheray - City of Shore- up your interest, knowledge and involvement!! view, Matt Fulton- City of New Brighton, Molly Grove -Rep. Vento's office, Sara Stoesz -Sen. Wellstone's office, and Jim Dommel - Sen. Durenberger's office. Questions about this commit- REP. VENTO CONVENES tee or a schedule for its meeting dates can be obtained REUTILIZATION COMMI by calling Ms. Molly Grove at Rep. Vento's office 1`1'EE (phone = 224-4503): As noted in the previous newsletter, Congressman Bruce Vento has established a TCAAP Reutilization Committee to make recommendations for re-use of the NEW MEMBERS OF TCAAP site. The committee meets once a month at the TCAAP, and meetings are generally open to the public "FRIENDS" (next meeting is Sat, Jan. 21, 10 am. to noon in Building 105). To date, the committee has mostly dealt The people listed below, your friends and neighbors, with organizational issues and a general introduction to have become the newest members of "Friends of the the TCAAP facility and the de-commissioning process. TCAAP". Members of "Friends" recieve this newsletter Over the next 9 months they should develop and refine and other pertinent alerts relative to happenings at the a plan for re-use. Proposals Rep. Vento has received to TCAAP (e.g., walks, meetings, etc.). If you have not date for use of the property (besides open space) already done so, please consider joining them by include: housing for homeless people, baseball fields, sending a donation of $5 (or more!) to help us pay for • • county/city maintenance facility, Arden Hills city hall, ski printing and mailing costs for a year. Please send your jump, businesses, expansion of driver's training facility, donation (payable to POSE) to: Tom Landwehr, 5610 road improvements, shooting ranges and schools. Albert St., Shoreview, MN 55126. Thanks to all current and future"Friends"! Committee members need to hear from you so that your concerns are addressed; they expect Bert&Mary Larson, Bob & Phyllis Schutta, David FRIENDS OF THE TCAAP NEWSLETTER, WINTER 1995 PAGE 1 Wandrei, Dean & Jane Holmes, Earl Okerstrom, birds. Twenty-four species were found to use the Grace W. Gray, Janice & Michael Weum, Jim TCAAP over winter. • Kotila, John Henrickson, Joy & Harland Sievert, Finally, twenty-two species of mammals were observed 9 Margaret Prodhomme, Mike Kluthe, Phil Bur- at the TCAAP, including: masked shrew, arctic shrew, feind, Richard & Kay Trapp, Ross Sutton, Sharon short-tailed shrew, eastern cottontail, white-tailed jack- r_ w Moenkhaus Tom Dunnald Tom & Sue McCarthy, and William Gilbertson, rabbit, thirteen- lined ground squirrel, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, -plains pocket gopher, beaver, white-footed Thanks to all for your support!!! mouse, southern red- backed vole, meadow vole, �; ,. - �" �r:, muskrat, meadow jumping mouse, red fox, raccoon, NATURAL RESOURCES OF mink, badger, striped skunk and white-tailed deer. Another 32 species were known to occur locally, and THE TCAAP ,y.�..� were suspected of being resident on the TCAAP. Unless you are one of the few lucky individuals to have While the study was not an exhaustive inventory, and "' extensively toured the TCAAP site, you may not be hence likely missed the more rare species, several aware of the tremendously rich diversity and abun- findings were noteworthy. The presence of native mow= dance of natural resources found within the complex. In prairie in Ramsey county is extraordinary; most natural the early 1980's, the Army contracted with the prairies have been destroyed by development. The few University of Minnesota to produce a comprehensive remaining tracts deserve high protection. Blanding's wildlife management plan for the TCAAP. The resultant turtle is a state-listed species of special concern, but plan provided a fairly thorough inventory of vegetative are found regularly on the TCAAP. Several other communities and wildlife species found on the site, and species of amphibian and reptile found on the TCAAP made recommendations to preserve these resources. are rare elsewhere in the metro area. Similarly, several Of the 2400 acres total within the TCAAP, the plan bird species are unusual, including: common loon found that some 1660 acres were in natural cover: (found nesting in 1994), American bittern, trumpeter swan (reintroduced in 1993), red-tailed hawk (first roughly 300 acres of forestlands, 200 acres of parkland/ nesting record for Ramsey county), black tern (stat savannah, 100 acres of brushlands, 400 acres of listed species of special concern), bobolinks c.� wetlands, and 600 acres of grasslands/fields. Another meadowlarks (both rare in Ramsey county). Finally, of �.. 660 acres were identified as "developed" (buildings, the mammals, white-tailed jackrabbits are not likely etc.) and 80 acres was occupied by the gravel pit The found anywhere else in Ramsey county (or perhaps the plan noted that forests often contained mature trees metro area); the white-tailed deer herd is an enjoyment such as oak and elm, and that the grasslands to many local residents. ,, contained good remnant prairie tracts. Both of these plant communities are increasing rare in the metro area. This winter, a northern shrike has been observed several times, and a bald eagle has been spotted The plan identified a rich assemblage of animal species near the gravel pit, apparently taking advantage of the on the TCAAP. Six amphibian species were caught on open water. the TCAAP; including: wood frog, striped chorus frog, northern leopard frog, green frog, American toad, and Each of these resources is in itself worthy of note and tiger salamander. Five reptile species were caught, preservation. Taken as a whole, and because they are including: garter snake, red- bellied snake, northern found on the last tract of undeveloped land in the metro prairie skink, painted turtle and Blanding's turtle. area, these constitute a remarkable last chance to Thirteen other species of amphibian and reptile have preserve some biological diversity for the region We ranges overlapping the TCAAP, and were suspected of need to carefully consider these resources when occurring there (2 have subsequently been observed, developing a re-use plan, and preserve as much of snapping turtle and hognose snake). them as possible for future generations. Over fifty species of birds were found to breed on the TCAAP, the most common Included: red-winged black- bird, common yellowthroat, starling, American robin. ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS gray catbird, meadowlark, American goldfinch, clay- colored sparrow, song sparrow, blue jay, eastern DEVELOP RE-USE PLAN kingbird, tree swallow, yellow warbler, Brewer's black- A coalition of environmental groups has developed bird, Canada goose, mallard, blue- winged teal, wood proposal for re-use of the TCAAP for submission to R� duck, black tern, sora rail, green heron and American Vento's TCAAP Reutilization Committee. The coalition. bittern. Some additional 30 species are known to occur comprised of Audubon, Sierra Club, lzaak Walton in the vicinity, and were considered potential breeding FRIENDS OF THE TCAAP NEWSLETTER. WINTER 1995 PAGE 2 • REUTILIZATION PLAN FOR THE TWIN CITIES ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT DEVELOPED JOINTLY BY: AUDUBON SOCIETY, MINNESOTA AUDUBON COUNCIL IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE, AGASSIZ CHAPTER PRESERVE OPEN SPACE ENVIRONMENT SIERRA CLUB, NORTH STAR CHAPTER INTRODUCTION Because of the location and size of the site, as well as its The Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP), located tremendous natural resources, many parties have in northwestern Ramsey county, is almost 4 square miles expressed an interest in acquiring all or part of the area of land (2,340 acres) owned by the federal government. It Public meetings to discuss reutilization of the TCAAP have demonstrated a strong citizen preference to main- was purchased by the Army from private landowners in fain all or most of the TCAAP as open space parkland. the early 1940's for use as a munitions production facility. Prior to then, the land was used primarily for low-intensity To facilitate this effort and to begin discussions on farming -mostly pasture and some cropping. During peak appropriate land use on a decommissioned TCAAP, •munitions production, the Army developed over 300 representatives from four conservation groups jointly buildings, miles of intersecting roadways, an elaborate developed this plan for reutilization of the TCAAP. The heating system, several firing ranges, railroad spurs, and four groups were: Minnesota Audubon Council, Sierra extensive fencing. Even with this development, however, Club North Star Chapter, lzaak Walton League Agassiz substantial acreage remained virtually untouched in Chapter and Preserve Open Space Environment. Many natural vegetation. thanks are due to the representatives who used their Early surveyor's notes indicate that the presettlement extensive knowledge of the TCAAP and gave their time to vegetation of the TCAAP was oak savannah (DNR Files) - develop this plan. a distinctive plant community of the Anoka Sand Plain. HOW THIS PLAN WAS DEVELOPED The presence of one large and several small marshes Representatives of the above four organizations toured was also noted. Ramsey county's highest point - the top the TCAAP, studied available maps and plans, and met of Reservoir Hill in the center of TCAAP - is an ice age on several occasions to discuss land use options for the relict known geologically as a kame. The hill was formed TCAAP. A guiding principle of the group was that a by meltwater rushing through a fissure in the retreating significant proportion of the TCAAP should be devoted to glacier. The meltwater carried vast amounts of geologic till open space or outdoor recreation uses. Substantial (sand and gravel) that accumulated to form the unique justification for this principle is provided in the next hills of the TCAAP. section. The discovery in the early 1980's of extensive groundwa- To facilitate planning discussions and provide justification ter pollution resulting from inadequate disposal of toxic for resultant recommendations, the TCAAP was divided materials has led to a massive pollution cleanup effort on into 11 tracts (Figure 1). The tracts were selected the TCAAP. While most pollution is in the groundwater, because they demonstrated similar environmental charac- numerous surface sites have been identified for cleanup, teristics or levels of disturbance. and are underway. Similarly, efforts are also underway to remove lead and unexploded ordnance from the entire Based on the natural resources in each tract and the •area. Experts believe it could be 20 years or more before impact disturbance has had on these resources, each all cleanup is finished. tract was assigned one of three land use categories: Recently, the Army has initiated discussions to dispose of A. Low intensity recreation/habitat preservation: the TCAAP site - that is, give or sell it to another owner. acceptable recreational developments include: unpaved TCAAP REUTIUZATION PLAN PAGE 1 trails designed for low density uses such as hiking, were interested in walking in nature areas (Met. Co. cross-country skiing, bird-watching; restoration and main- 1987). Further, 40% of residents desired more open tenance of natural plant and animal communities; primi- space parks while 9% wanted more facilities-based parks tive canoe facilites; and research opportunities. Most (e.g., ballfields, playgrounds, skating rinks). Most existing roads and buildings should be removed. recently, in November 1994, 85% of Ramsey county B. Moderate intensity recreation/habitat recto- voters approved a charter amendment calling for 'no net ration: acceptable recreational developments include: loss' of open space in the county - a mandate by any paved trails for high density uses, such as running, measure. skating, biking; and outdoor educational facilities includ- 3. In his winter 1994 "Keeping In Touch" newsletter, ing nature centers. Excess roads and buildings should Congressman Bruce Vento noted the value of parks in be removed. reducing juvenile crime: C. High intensity recreation/light development: "One key element to prevent crime is to expand urban acceptable recreational developments include: athletic park and recreation opportunities. Our hearing will fields (e.g., softball, soccer, tennis), picnic shelters, demonstrate that cities with adequate park facilities and parking lots/trail heads, and group camps. active recreation programs have decreased rates of crime This resultant plan has been approved by the four listed and delinquency...". organizations by resolution of the respective boards. A large park will enhance considerably the regional Additional organizations have expressed support. quality of life, not only by providing a high-quality amenity, but also by helping keep crime rates low. 4. Met Council's open space plan notes that qualities JUSTIFICATION FOR DESIGNATION AS OPEN which make land desirable for preservation as open SPACE/RECREATION AREA space, "include such characteristics as good quality The supporters of this plan believe that a significant lakes, rivers and streams, undulating topography, gorges, proportion of the TCAAP should be retained as open rock outcrops, cliff areas, heavy stands of tie, space and recreational land for two primary purposes: to interesting clusters of wild plants and flowers, and AliPrn increase the amount of open space in the northcentral habitats of native birds and animals." With the exception metro area and to preserve the significant natural of gorges, rock outcrops and cliffs, the TCAAP has all resources found on the TCAAP. The following points these features. An agreement between the Army and support our position. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was signed in January 1993 giving DNR authority to help 1. Ramsey county has the highest population density of manage TCAAP lands and noted the area's "outstanding any Minnesota county, but has the lowest per capita natural resources and associated open spaces". amount of open space recreational land. As noted in the Metropolitan Council's Recreation Open Space Develop- 5. A TCAAP wildlife management plan developed for the ment Guide/Policy Plan (Met. Council 1991), "Past [out- Army (Landwehr 1986) documented the high value of door recreation area] acquisition ... has produced a natural resources on the property and made the following regional system that contains a certain amount of recommendation: geographic imbalance that favors the west and southwest "Pursue the possibility of designating the undeveloped portions of the Metropolitan Area...". According to that area of the TCAAP as a permanent wildlife refuge or document, Ramsey county had less than 5,700 acres of natural area The undeveloped areas of the TCAAP are an recreation open space for some 450,000 residents (550 invaluable and irreplaceable resource. Loss of this asset square feet per resident, or a square 23 feet on a side). due to pressures from local governments, developers, or Just one park in Hennepin county, Elm Creek, has over the federal government would be extremely short-sighted 4,800 acres. Clearly, more open space is needed in the and detrimental to the quality of life throughout the area northcentral metro area, but very little available land Designation should be sought at the federal, state, or exists. The TCAAP presents the last best opportunity to county level to preserve this area as a wildlife sanctuary, meet this need; Ramsey county open space would be whatever the fate of the munitions production facility." increased by over 30%. 6. Designating a large portion of the TCAAP as open 2. Citizens are demanding more open space facilities, as space (i.e., more than 1,000 acres) fits the Met Co AI's was demonstrated at TCAAP reutilization meetings and is recommendation for a regional park reserve (Met. Clircii evidenced by bond referendums in adjacent suburbs 1991). The TCAAP is in their landscape designation callec such as Maplewood. A 1983 survey by Met Council on „terminal moraine", one of eight landscapes in which the leisure interests of metro residents found 78% of residents recommend selecting park reserve areas. The document TCAAP REUTILIZATION PLAN PAGE 2 •Iso recommends, "To establish and maintain an uncom- contains irreplaceable remnant prairie potholes (small promised sense of nature, at least 80 percent of each wetlands) that have been largely undisturbed. The pot- park reserve should be managed as wild lands that holes are known habitats for the Blanding's turtle, a display native landscape. This would permit up to 20 state-listed special concern species, and numerous other percent of a park reserve to be developed for compatible amphibians. recreational activities." We strongly advocate this policy 4. Marsden Lake Complex: low intensity use. The for the TCAAP - that 80% be retained as natural open almost 500-acre Marsden Lake dominates this _1.,12, and space. is one of the largest wetlands in Ramsey county. It 7. The presence of subsurface pollution makes develop- provides essential habitat for the Blanding's turtle, intro- ment dangerous or undesirable. Open space uses pose duced trumpeter swans, and numerous other wetland little or no threat to the public, with measures that have wildlife. Sunfish Lake, a tributary waterbody, has high already been taken. aesthetic values, has been documented to harbor black 8. Preserving wildlife habitat along the Rice Creek corridor terns (a species of special concern) as well as numerous is essential for wildlife migrations and maintenance of ducks and geese, is a DNR rearing pond, and provides a local biological diversity. Similarly, preserving habitats valuable component to the wetland complex. The tract has been used for years as an Army Reserve training outside the corridor will preserve biological diversity and maintain a 'snapshot' of the northcentral metro's preset- area, and does not appear to have been severely tlement natural history. A block of land this size makes it impacted by this use. feasible to preserve a functioning ecosystem. 5. Gravel Pit Hill: low intensity use. Although this tract 9. The site offers unprecedented opportunities for an has been dramatically altered by gravel extraction, there environmental education center, especially considering its are numerous valuable resources. Several good-quality natural resourcesand itsproximity to the urban remnant prairie tracts remain on the northwest and east vast e ox m P �Y metro area. slopes of the hill, harboring key prairie indicator plants. Mature oak woods are found on several sites, and provide • valuable wintering habitat for the large deer herd present LAND USE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE TCAAP on the TCAAP. The unreclaimed pit may present oppor- tunities for disposal of clean fill or specific recreational (e.g., mountain biking). As discussed previously, 11 tracts comprising the TCAAP activities P 9 9) were evaluated for their resources and compatible open 6. Magazine Road: moderate intensity use. As does space/recreational uses. The 11 tracts, and recommen- tract 2, this area provides a valuable connection to the ded land use classifications are discussed below (num- Rice Rice Creek corridor and provides a needed buffer bers correspond to those in Figure 1). between natural areas and the highly developed areas in 1. Rice Creek Corridor: moderate intensity use. tract 11. The area contains high-quality mature oak Rice Creek, adjacent riparian wetlands, and associated woods, existing and restorable wetlands, and provides uplands are included in this tract. It is a crucial tract for water quality improvements for Rice Creek. completing the proposed Rice Creek - Chain of Lakes trail 7. Meadowlark Breeding Grounds: high intensity (already partially completed) and could provide excellent use. A relatively small field in this tract provides habitat canoeing opportunities. It provides exceptional wildlife for the largest breeding population of meadowlarks habitat and is a vital component of a wildlife corridor that known in Ramsey county (J. Galli, DNR, pers. commun.); extends from the TCAAP to the DNR's Carlos Avery substantial numbers of bobolinks also nest here. Any use Wildlife Management Area in Anoka county. Some high should protect these colonies. The tract also contains a intensityuses maybe acceptable on more disturbed sites PTCAAP open could ulimatelyconnect on the west side of this tract (e.g., ball fields). railroad spur that spaceswith Long Lake Regional Park (along with tract 2. Indoor Range Area: moderate intensity use. This 10). Finally, it provides a buffer area between natural tract is essential as a connecting tract between the Rice areas and highly developed lands. Creek corridor and other natural areas to the east. It is a 8. Reservoir Hill: low intensity use. At 1100 feet mean good site for permanent recreational facilities (e.g., park sea level, this is reported to be the highest point in headquarters, trailhead, parking, etc.) and is agood north q P g Ramsey county, and offers an outstanding vista. It is an entryarea. There is apossible drained wetland in this contains example of a glacial kame, and tract that could probably be restored. Because of high outstanding disturbance in this area, some high intensity uses could large stands of mature oak woods. These provide be considered (as noted above). wintering habitat for deer, as well as breeding habitat for numerous other species. 3. Prairie Potholes: low intensity use. This tract TCAAP REUT1UZATION PLAN PAGE 3 has iced support for DNR ownership). Recognizing that 9. Hamline Avenue Access: moderate intensity use. fundinvog for development and operation is a maior This tract offers an excellent trailhead to the natural areas obstacle, special appropriations should be sought f to the north because of the existing roadway and parking the Legislature (especially through the Legislative C lots. The area has both restorable prairie and wetland, mission on Minnesota Resources). A master plan must and provides a valuable buffer between natural areas and ultimately be developed that should incorporate the developed lands. recommendations set forth in this plan. 10. Trail Link: moderate intensity use. This tract includes the railroad spur which could, with acquisition of rail lands to the southwest, provide a trail connection BIBLIOGRAPHY between Long Lake Regional Park and the TCAAP. Landwehr, T. J. 1986. A comprehensive wildlife manage- 11. Highly Developed Area: high intensity use. The ment plan for the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. M.S. bulk of development on TCAAP has occurred in this tract. Thesis, Univ. Minn. 140 pp. Very little to no natural habitat remains. Existing buildings Metropolitan Council. 1987. The future of the regional should be investigated for continued uses (e.g., indoor park system in the Twin Cities area. Publication no. shooting ranges, hockey rink, environmental education 580-87-096. 9 pp. center, park facilities, or county/city public works facili- ties). Any proposed commercial/industrial/residential Metropolitan Council. 1991. Recreation open space: development should be contained to this area development guide/policy plan. Publication no. 580- 91-051. 73 pp. CONCLUSION It is recommended that the TCAAP property be owned and managed by the DNR as a recreation area or as a Regional Park Reserve (DNR Commissioner Rod Sando • In addition to the 4 organizations that were actively involved in developing this plan, the following organizations have endorsed the plan by resolution of their governing board as of 20 December 1994: Minnesota Zoological Society St. Paul Chapter, Sierra Club Minnesota Herpetological Society If your organization would like more information about the TCAAP or this plan, or would like to add your organization's name to this list of supporters, please contact: Tom Landwehr 5610 Albert St. Shoreview, MN 55126 • PAGE 4 TCAAP REUTIUZAT1ON PLAN • • _ ^ : � �_ �- Imo- -I .•�I ) I .. ..- -..-----=- ! ;'-H SAE _.. ,.._•agallONWOR 1111111MENIMIN • .- ' (4., iipm..._.....—. is ilii I 411111111111111 1111111111111111101 1 i -_=`• ii4 i,, = 41 9 I {1 1 ! ' i'') , ,v=r1 1.1.I.TM' "'AM ' / ,A A IdracoatIllA s- . 93' �� 5Atipik. .4 /fes, . 42Viar JI I - . V ,,,,,r.---- /if; : AM voltam&illibLk - gli • • • imai 1 /d 7i�`_s!���lr;11rr t' �" •'. I,,, ,__ ,,,: ,, `fir.` _ 'c (._��� _-�"..���_ NL r ii k' lb 1 (ki's .. / ,..', -19NNEvi zma...-.iiii"ipdadmium. , �,. e �df•,p.r...::._-.._ ` � , 1l 111 ' ? � • \ _I • - a► s_ • 1 0 � 1 - _ 1 – �J 21 --_ .. y .-� ,i . 95'IIf 4 LANE 93/ _ / :w P."--.7-1 • .y %4. P. 1 Set `• •V lig I .e .1- . • 1 1,,. . , 2'I Ja \ O 9 • Figure 1. Tract numbers and recommended land uses for TCAAP open space/recreational land use plan (horizontal hatching = low intensity, vertical hatching = moderate intensity, nu hatching high hi h intensity); see text for complete description. TCAAP REUTILIZATION PLAN PAGE 5 • _ - ... .4 :. {T ,..'.:' '. K.> hf "d ..,�� h:Y'!..: j :. e,' �'t.,'•4$` Y .,6,. .,� ._ ^�`f$,.:'M1:`... ..:ci'!!W.q' ...,-.• —.7 . League and Preserve Open Space Environments MORE WOES FOR TCAAP'S • (POSE), recommended much of the TCAAP be preser- ved as open space/parkland. The plan divided the BLANDING'S TURTLES? TCAAP into 11 areas of similar character, and assigned a land-use classification to each, ranging from low to County Road I west of Highway 49 has a reputation of high intensity use. Copies of the plan are available from being one of the worst roads in Ramsey County, and is Tom Landwehr, 5610 Albert St, Shoreview, MN 55126. sorely in need of repair. The Ramsey County Highway "Friends" are encouraged to support this plan to their Department has recently gotten the green light to repair Reutilization Committee representative (see earlier arti- the segment from Highway 49 to Lexington, beginning cle). next summer. During early planning phases, the department considered 3 alternatives to reroute the Several members of the coalition have proposed that segment between Lexington and Hamline, in an effort to the park be named 'Veteran's Memorial Park'. In remove one or more of the 90 degree turns (roads with converting the machines of war to a perpetual monu- turns give highway engineers the willies). The City of ment of peace, it seems fitting to recognize those Shoreview recently decided to review an earlier appro- millions of men and women who laid their lives on the val to reroute the segment along a straight alignment. line for their country. Let's preserve a piece of it for This alignment would fill almost 2.5 acres of wetlands, their descendents!! and would pose great hazards to Blanding's turtles• resident on the TCAAP. POSSIBLE CROSS COUNTRY The north end of Marsden Marsh has numerous records SKI WEEK AT TCAAP of Blanding's turtle observations by DNR and other biologists. It is one of the best areas in the north metro A representative from POSE has spoken with the for these state-listed threatened species. Straightening TCAAP staff about opening part of the complex for County Road I would seriously jeopardize their con- ` cross country skiing. TCAAP staff have approved the tinued existence in Marsden Marsh by filling valuable idea, if we can get enough volunteer support to groom habitat, and by increasing the likelihood of turtles • trails and monitor users. Tentatively, we would like to getting squashed by cars on County Road I. A have open skiing somewhere around 10-20 February straightened road will mean more cars and higher (possibly several days and evenings; coincides with the speeds - no match for the slow turtle, which moves up full moon). At present, we need all kinds of volunteers to a mile in summer to nest. - for planning and implementing the event. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Tom Landwehr at In 1994, the Shoreview City Council voted to reject the 784-9215. If the event can be pulled off, a mailer will be rerouting proposal and opt for a resurfacing only an sent to all "Friends" and local media will be notified. alternative that would save hundreds of thousands of dollars, and keep road speeds down. The county, however, is continuing to negotiate for a richt of way SECOND NATURE WALK A from the army along the straight alignment. They are HUGE SUCCESS! ! ! hoping that a major repair of County I between Lexington and 1-35 will include a straightening of the You may remember the second-ever family nature walk road. Your county commissioner and city council need was held on 8 & 9 October, 1994. Attendance was to hear from you that this is not in the best interest of outstanding, with over 1,600 people walking through residents, taxpayers or turtles!! the nates (versus 1;250 last year). The weather cooperated nicely, and we again had lots of positive feedback. A Great amount of thanks for the walk is due to Joe Lampe, POSE volunteer, who spent many personal —� hours and dollars to make the event work. Because of his Newsletter is published quarterly by Friends ori the difficulty in finding volunteers to oversee the walk, he TCAAP, an unorganized group of citizens dedica-i he spent an indordinate amount of time doing it himself. ed to preserving open space on the Twin Cities Army We had many other volunteers helping, as well, but •mmunition Plant. Annual subscription rate is $5. To! • were still short of the ideal number. We may try to hold -ubscribe, send $5.00 payable to POSE to Tom another walk this spring, but unless we have enough Landwehr, 5610 Albert St., Shoreview, MN 55126 volunteers to staff the event, we may have to pass. Relevant and compatible articles are appreciated. We'll keep our fingers crossed and put out the call when the time comes! .end to Tom Landwehr, Editor, at the above address. i I FRIENDS OF THE TCAAP NEWSLETTER. WINTER 1995 PAGE 3 * • ... 1 i PM `tr r Tom Landwehr .1. sem, a v.,. 1 :.' ---� r` ;u • v.� '17 JAN 5610 Albert St /995 Shoreview, MN 55126 � n IrorL. a•de on . t4ô vvtcts V1 f4'S &pf- 2_'10 ( litivj 14 PO" et5 Vt e4,0 ( /Vl Al olds Labe V r�--• a \.1.. I ff Le �0r1 I Rs. . d Tisil r /-_, 36 i�.. 31 * ` 3. 31 7 crinfl'L'New, \//' I` I ' .. R/ce tisek , X. , -S el.f l {= Netute Ce el ' /:_ 2 - 1 0..” Speee —41 j :�1 ; '� �un Ditch 8 1e„ .. 6 Fi ' F� Shoreview open •. a [— ■ ..)11... /." ■ . j': `. Spring Lakee Park '; \O O .% .OAIIII i i i � i , 1►�,'-!...\- li •�, o �� _ — = © 1. , �' ©.. ! `N . `` North OE �, , 1 © Moun.' .VieNw \ . i w 1 I Q 0 Army y *Turtle Park and ! CI / Q e Lake C° �pent C\ Pleasant _ __ if I. - Tuttle Lake Loki •. L1I II 11 I'" • ,.,i �, ieni` Hills:<. .. .,,, _ ;' , I i li • I1/t o/ trace i .,-1.3 ',' i Q County ,i f-• tl. on roe �r IJ Oosn S• cti , 1- - ( * Ill AS' sOt'Br7k'Lill _ 1 _:_____r v� reiii 1 1 �J �� Ufa: IA' r i' ( i t• �, N I,f s ( t IS$w Brighton fi1111 —V d FiltA CO l' a< • / TCAAP IS KEY TRACT IN REGIONAL TRAIL SYS 1 EM Preserving and developing the TCAAP as a park and trail would create an extraordinary corridor for wildlife and recreationists. With the addition of the pending Ramsey county is one of the most poor in open space per capita, according to the Metropolitan Council. The trail, a biker or hiker could wander from the Mississippi TCAAP presents an unprecedented opportunity to River almost to Centerville - a beautiful and wonderful remedy this situation, and is.a reason many groups trip. Additionally, you could canoe that same distance support preserving the TCAAF.as open space (see the along Rice Creek- a relatively undisturbed and natural draft land use plan). A key feature of the TCAAP is its lithe river. This would be a major asset for the region, location relative to other open space parks and trails. and would doubtless be one of the crown jewels in As you can see on the map below, the TCAAP sits ¢ c110 metro recreational/open space system. Let's directly between the Long Lake park and the Rice g •this land preserved!!! Creek Chain of Lakes park. ' FRIENDS OF THE TCAAP NEWSLETTER, WINTER 1995 PAGE 4 i Meeting announcement* Review plans for developingVadnais/Sucker Lake Wednesday,January 25, 6:30 to 9:00 PM and Thursday, February 9, 6:30.to 9:00 PM Conference Room,Burnet Realty Building I-35£ &Highway96 Call 698-4543 for details *NIMBY*will likely attend so the presence of Friends is very important! *Not in my black yard. . ..,._ —t /- Agreement to create park ;,� ' Expanded recreational use of the 640 acre Water Utility _ . I .• ro around Sucker and Vadnais Lakes is the likely � .:•` • property i• i outcome of a Memorandum of Understanding recently .3 \ 1_ v.,, __ , signed by Ramsey County and the St Paul Water Utility. �: w \,• 3�,.,.,A- H \; ..• .• The Memorandum is the first step in a lengthy process o 1 bb.i ;v, s• y � �t:r including public review,planning and implementation. MOW .�.. •- ''""'` ai` • k ,.- Sucker and Vadnais lakes are reservoirs for the St.Paul E j\'\%- -----/Ii.V. �' water system The land surrounding the lakes is managed to • ; .1'.. E '•••.`' , /)' 1 ; . .l protect the water reservoir and any additional use must ••. . I • '/t continue the highest level of protection for the water supply. Alartlit Historically,the St.Paul Water Utility has allowed some ;,,„;, 1 public use including picnicking,hiking and fishing on the �, r.` east shore of Sucker Lake and the area between the :..H....:�. '7two Vadnais lakes. The Metropolitan Regional Recreation Open Space :: .,,�; System was established by the 1974 Legislature to \ I' preserve significant natural and recreational ' `k,.` r. resources within the metropolitan area. The • ,, Sucker/Vadnais lakes area,recognized for the high ` .m. MS 7.44411.. quality forest and lake resources,was included as a SNAII-V10NA1S [EC+K7NAl PARK ""' future regional park with Ramsey County desig- l-E.6v40 Hated the implementing agency. P►wcw1Y �ti �"" 11V0444/CROSS Cd1NtR1 SW1NG ZR#il. The concept plan outlined in the Memorandum P ry•R••WN4 u rr identifies hiking,cross-country skiing and bicycling trails(including access to the east shore of Sucker and Vadnais lakes)improved fishing access,expanded and improved picnic facilities and parking for year-round access. All expanded public use will be managed to assure there is no degradation of the water resources. Public information meetings on the concept plan will be Wednesday,January25 and Thursday,February bruary 9 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the conference room,Burnet Realty Building,I-35E and Highway 96.The Friends need to make their voices heard,given the significance of this regional resource. With most land in Ramsey county being igh highly developed,creation of a"new"park of this magnitude is likely a once-in-a-life-time opportunity. You can gir support the wise development of this resource by attending these informational meetings,staying informed about the process and expressing your support through letters to the editor and to public officials. • • The Friends of Parks and Trails NortPrdK U.S. in St. Paul and Ramsey County PaulIAN 1621 Beechwood Avenue PAID St. Paul, MN 55116 St. ' Permit Na 3413 City of Mounds View Park & Recreation Commissior re?arks a/472401 • Hwy. 10 Mounds, View, MN 55112 • mill St Paul and Ramsey rN` Metropolitan Council Advocating regional economic, societal and environmental issues and solutions 1 TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD December 30, 1994 The Honorable Jerry Linke Mayor City of Mounds View 2461 Highway 10 Mounds View, MN 55112 Dear Mayor Linke: We have been notified that the Region's 1995-97 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) was approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation on December 15, 1994. Federal funds can now be obligated for projects that are included in the TIP. In our letter last July we indicated that the following projects your agency submitted in the regional solicitation process for federal fiscal years 1995, 96, and 97 for the Surface Transportation Program (STP), Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Program (CMAQ), and the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) had been approved by the Transportation Advisory Board. These projects are included in the TIP and are • listed below: Category Project Description Year Enhancement Ped Bridge across Highway 10 1996 In order to receive these federal funds, you will be required to obligate the entire amount by the sunset date. The sunset date for all projects is December 31, 1998. Project administration and necessary documentation, as required by law,needs to be completed in conjunction with the State-Aid Office of Mn/DOT. Proposers should contact Robert Brown, Director, Metro Division Office of State-Aid at 582-1351. In this regard, an informational meeting for all categories of projects will be held on Friday,January 20, 1995 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon in the Metropolitan Council Chambers. Staff from the Office of State-Aid and others will be there to provide general direction and answer questions you might have on meeting federal and state project development requirements. If you have questions, please contact Emil Brandt, Transportation Advisory Board or Carl Ohm, Metropolitan Council, at 229-2721 and 229-2719, respectively. Sincerely, Robert D. Owens Chair, Transportation Advisory Board Attachment cc: Mary Saarion, Director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry • Mears Park Centre 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul. Minnesota 55101-1634 612 291-6359 Fax 291-6550 TDD 291-0904 ®Recycled Paper An Equal Opportunity Employer