2017.01.17 CC Packet - Goal Setting Session

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SUPPORT LESSARD SAMS OUTDOOR HERITAGE COUNCIL FUNDING FOR THE CARNELIAN CREEK CONSERVATION CORRIDOR PROPOSAL Position: Washington County supports $2.458 million in Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) funding to protect 735 acres of high quality wildlife habitat in in the Carnelian Creek Conservation Corridor in May Township. Issue: The LSOHC has the responsibility of providing annual funding recommendations to the legislature from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The Outdoor Heritage Fund is one of four funds created by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment and is funded from a 1/8% sales tax. The LSOHC recommended the project for funding on September 29, 2016. Final approval of state funds is provided by the 2017 legislature. The Carnelian Creek Conservation Corridor proposal would protect through conservation easement over 10 miles of shoreline on Terrapin, Mays and Clear Lakes and 735 acres of forests, wetlands and grasslands that provide critical habitat, and promote biodiversity and expand wildlife connections for more than 70 species in the greatest conservation need. The state funding will match a county contribution from its Land and Water Legacy program and a significant land owner donation of value. Support and Opposition: The Washington Conservation District and May Township have both provided letters of support for the project. Support is also likely from a number of other organizations that have participated in stakeholder meetings on the project over the past year, including the Trust for Public Land, the Minnesota Food Association, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Conservation Corp, and others. No local opposition is expected. Previous Consideration: The County Board has held five workshops related to this project, with the first workshop occurring on August 4, 2015 and the most recent in June of 2016. Board approval was given to develop the project, to fund an appraisal and submit the state funding application. No Action: If the state funds are not provided for this project to match the county and landowner contributions, the project will either not proceed, or will be scaled back significantly. If the project does not go forward, there is a potential for this property in May Township to be developed and not protected. Financial Implications: The county would utilize its Land and Water Legacy Program funding to provide a match for the state funds. If this project is approved, the state funding and landowner donation could equal roughly 60-65% of the project total cost. Contact Person: Kevin Corbid, Deputy Administrator Office of Administration 651-430-6003 Kevin.Corbid@co.washington.mn.us 19