9.2.B. PRSR 03-08-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 8 In addition to providing connectivity along the east-west greenway corridor, the Malmstrom site creates an excellent opportunity to improve public access to the Woodland Trails Park. Current access is somewhat cumbersome, via an entrance off of CSAH 1. The Malmstrom property provides easy access to the park via Co Road 77, and allows residents from across the region to easily use the trails and other existing amenities of Woodland Trails Park. Due to the site's accessibility, the city envisions using portions of the Malmstrom site as the "Grand Entrance" to Woodland Trails Park at some point in the future. Possible future amenities for the site include avisitor/interpretive center, as well as outdoor recreation facilities such as a playground and water feature. These features are not anticipated to impact the forested areas of the site, but would instead be constructed primarily in the old field areas. The Malmstrom site is ideal for this use, since built/developed areas can easily be sited in areas where the ecological impact is minimal, such as the old field/non-native grassland areas. This reduces park development pressures on the forested areas of the park, and places them in an area that is both readily accessible and ecologically appropriate. C. Imminence of Threat Many natural areas and potential corridors are threatened by development pressure, fragmentation and other factors. In some situations, only a shortperiod oftime may be avatdable to protect an area from being permanently lost or significantly degraded. Higher priority will be given to those sites with an immediate or high level of threat. Describe the type and level of threat, if any, to the site. The level of threat to the site is high. There are significant gravel resources below the Malmstrom property, and this property is adjacent to one of the most "high value' neighborhoods in the city. Without protection, the site will be converted to housing, or sold for gravel mining. Once the mineral resource is exhausted, the site will be reclaimed for housing. The golf course site faces similar threats. Urban and suburban golf courses throughout the region are being redeveloped, due to the high demand for land and high land values. The Elk River Country Club and Golf Course has discussed redevelopment. Without protection, the Golf Course Site will likely convert to housing or other development within the next 5 years. To emphasize the very high potential for loss, it is worth noting that over 150 acres of high quality, MCBS mapped oak forest immediately adjacent to these areas has been lost within the past 15 months. The largest portion was clear cut and burned to clear the ground for gravel mining. The other tract was cut and converted to a residential housing development. D. Other Factors Certain sites, by virtue ojtheir size, characteristics, location, and history can further natural resource protection by increasing awareness of the Metro Greenways program and its goals. Sites and projects that bring these important benefits to the program will receive extra consideration. Would the project not be able to be done, but for Metro Greenways support? Also, an attempt will also be made to distribute protected sites throughout the region and within urban, suburban and rural areas. City ofEtk River Woodland ]}ails Park Addition Grernways Grant Bonrseroo and Associavu, Februan~ 4006