2017.12.20 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

124PARKS , TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE DRAFT Dec14-17 for review only DRAFT Dec14-17 for review only Greenway Corridor Greenways are corridors of land and water (and networks of such corridors) designed and managed for multiple purposes such as nature conservation, recreation, stormwater management, community enhancement, social equity, and scenery protection, with an overall aim of sustaining the integrity of the landscape, including the natural and social components� (Cawood Hellmun, 2006)� What is it? Natural Resource Priority. To achieve the preservation and recreational goals of the community, the City identified a greenway corridor in 2008 as the foundation of the parks system. The Greenway corridor is based on the natural resource communities identified by the Minnesota DNR and high-value natural communities prioritized by the community� The Greenway was revised in the 2017 in response to current natural resources data� Ownership. A mix of privately and publicly held open space, parkland, and trail corridors make up the greenway� These corridors are created over time in partnership with homeowners’ associations, school districts, other public agencies, and more� Land in the greenway corridor receives priority for park and trail acquisition from willing partners� Where is it? Location. The greenway corridor is generally linear in shape and follow waterways including ditches, creeks, and wetland complexes� Areas that are not buildable can be utilized, such as along ditches and flood plain, not only for their ecological functions but to enhance recreational experiences. Parks and trails located near these areas to take advantage of their aesthetic and expansive view sheds� Urban and Rural. The greenway traverses both rural areas and urban areas� Greenway areas within the Metropolitan Service Area (MUSA) may have more fragmented habitat and natural areas, while Greenway areas outside of the MUSA preserve larger areas of natural habitat� How it is used? Linear Park. Providing an inviting system of trails surrounded by natural environments, greenways offer nature based recreation year-round� They provide a connection to Hugo’s unique and scenic resources� Water. One of the primary purposes of the greenway is to protect Hugo’s ground water priority areas, wetlands, DNR public waters and watercourses. Greenways filter and store stormwater, improve water quality and provide other functions relating to water� Wildlife Habitat. The vegetated corridors protect habitats, facilitate the movement of animals, provide areas where natural communities can thrive, and buffer shorelines� Large intact blocks of natural resources and open space shall be preserved� Multi-purpose. Land in the greenway may be left as open space or incorporate active or passive park features or trails� It is ideal for greenways to be multi-purpose, such as providing both stormwater management and recreation�