9.2.A. PRSR 12 08 2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2004 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 6 D. Willing and Appropriate Future Owner/Manager ,~ uture ownership ofjee title or conservation easement must contribute to effective, long-term protection of the site and management of its natural resources. A private or public entity that will accept management responsibilities for the site, including stewardship, monitoring, and/or security activities, should be identified. What entity(ies) is proposed to own/manage the site? Are there any issues that would prevent the State of Minnesota from acquiring the underlying fee or a conservation easement on the property? The City of Elk River proposes to own and manage the site as an open space/passive recreation conservation park. There are no known issues that would prevent the State of Minnesota from acquiring the underlying fee or conservation easement on the property. III. Other Program Goals (Secondary Criteria) A. Community Suppon` and Collaboration Nearby residents, local community elected officials and other interested groups should be involved and favor the project. Identification of the site for land protection in community documents such as natural area/greenway plans and natural resource inventories is desirable. Financial involvement and/or resource dedication by multiple partners is also a strong indicator ofsupport. In general, projects that include a higher percentage of non-state funding sources will berated higher. Describe any organized community and/or local government support for protecting the site. Have any other public or private funds or "in-kind" services been identified to support protection or restoration of the site? The site is an important component of the Greenways Corridor identified in the recent (fall, 2004) Natural Resource nventory conducted by the City, and provides a critical connection between existed protected green space. Local support for the project is broad, and includes City staff, Parks Commission citizens, Sherburne County, as well local sports/athletic clubs who are interested in maintaining the existing recreation opportunities at the site. In addition, the staff at the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge recognizes the value of this parcel in providing important ecological connectivity along the trail corridor that runs north towards the Refuge. Some possible additional funds to aid in the protection of the site have been identified, and include a mix of public and private partners, including the Trust for Public Land. Other supporters include the US Olympic committee, in support of the biathlon range, and funds from the DNR's Scenic and Natural Areas Program. B. Compatible Public Use Although the primary focus of the program is to protect and improve natural areas, people may have opportunities to use and enjoy these areas. Sites where educational, stewardship, and recreational activities can be accommodated without compromising the site's ecological value will receive greater consideration than comparable sites which da not provide for compatible uses. Describe the types and level of compatible public use that are proposed for the site. The site is intended for use as a passive recreation/conservation park, as well as to continue its existing trail use as a biathlon training area. This area currently has 2.5 acres of mowed cross country ski trails which are popular with county residents during the winter months. In addition, they are used regularly by the local Nordic Ski Club and the Biathlon Club. During the summer, the mowed paths are frequented by hikers and birdwatchers that can access the site easily om the adjacent trail corridor and from trails in the nearby parks. If purchased by the City, these uses will continue. The city does not plan to expand the trail system nor are there plans for buildings or other improvements to the site. City ollAk Rlver Top utlhe World Addllinn Greaiway,r Gmmi ttoseslron and dxrncime.r, Nnren~Ger 2Y, 200l.