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MEMORANDUM <br />To:City of Saint Anthony Village Parks & Environmental Commission <br />From:Richard Sonterre, City Code Official <br />Date:June 3, 2024 Parks & Environmental Commission Meeting <br />Request:Review Ecological Improvement Plan <br />BACKGROUND <br />On November 6, 2023, staff attended an information meeting provided by Hennepin County Land <br />Conservationist / County Agricultural Inspector Matt Stasica. One topic at the meeting was the availability of <br />funds from a grant the County had acquired for land conservation and habitat restoration. Although the <br />program primarily seeks out large scale acreage opportunities, the County expressed interest in options for <br />smaller projects within already developed city settings. To this end, City staff invited County staff to tour the <br />City and evaluated locations for potential habitat restoration and community education. <br />After review, locations in Central Park and Silver Point Park were determined to be of the greatest value to meet <br />the needs and wants of both parties. <br />GRANT INFORMATION <br />Hennepin County works with residents and partner organizations to protect and restore habitat through <br />conservation easements and habitat restoration projects. Hennepin County, in partnership with the Minnesota <br />Land Trust, has received more than $4.5 million from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund to acquire <br />conservation easements on the best remaining natural areas in Hennepin County. Funding is also available for <br />habitat restoration projects on protected properties. <br />PRIMARY FEATURES OF AGREEMENT <br />• Partnership Pledge - Outlines Hennepin County’s commitment to the project and establishes some baseline <br />expectations regarding collaboration with the City as we work together to meet the conservation goals outlined <br />in the Habitat Management Plan (HMP) and/or the Ecological Improvement Plan (EIP). <br />• Ecological Improvement Plan (EIP) – Identifies Locations, Goals and aspects of the five year plan <br />• Right of Entry Agreement – Provides Hennepin County and its employees, agents or contractors to enter upon <br />the Premises for the purposes set forth in the EIP.