8.1. SR 11-05-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mississippi River. The Protected Property also lies within a five-mile radius of three Wildlife Management Areas, Sand Dunes State Forest,Uncas Dunes SNA, and four private parcels permanently protected with conservation easements held by the Minnesota Land Trust. It also lies across the Mississippi River from Otsego County Regional Park, a Wright County regional park. The scenic attributes of the Protected Property include the floodplain forest and undeveloped shoreline, which are visible to the public from the Mississippi River, the Elk River, and nearby public areas such as Otsego County Regional Park. Protection of these attributes ensures compatibility and consistency with the Wild and Scenic designation of the Mississippi River. The Protected Property is also important for its unique cultural and historic values. Because of its location at the confluence of two rivers, the Protected Property likely is a site of some of the earliest European discovery and exploration as well as the habitation of the native population in the area. Preservation of the Protected Property provides a unique opportunity to protect a parcel of land at the confluence of two rivers that has ecological and cultural significance. D. PUBLIC PARK. It is the intent of the Owner and the Land Trust and the City of Elk River, that immediately following the execution of this Easement by the parties, the Owner shall convey fee title to the Protected Property to the City of Elk River subject to the terms and restrictions of this Easement and for use as a public park. E. CONSERVATION VALUES. Collectively and individually, the following natural, scenic and open space qualities of the Protected Property that are outlined above comprise its "Conservation Values:" • The undeveloped and relatively natural character of the Protected Property provides significant habitat for a variety of fish, wildlife and plants, including the bald eagle, trumpeter swan, Blanding's turtle, American badger, and bobolink. • The undeveloped shoreline along the Mississippi and Elk rivers helps maintain the water quality of the rivers and provides near-shore habitat for a variety of aquatic plants, animals and natural communities. • The open and natural character of the Protected Property will provide scenic views enjoyed by the general public from the Otsego County Regional Park, the Elk River, and the Mississippi River, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designated Wild and Scenic River and State Water Trail. • Access to the Protected Property will provide the general public with opportunities for outdoor recreation and/or education. 3