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I. Description of the Environment and the Environmental Impact of the Proposed Project <br /> A. Present Land Use: The Houlton Tract is a residence for the landowner and the majority of <br /> the property is currently farmed. The flat topography, relatively high elevation above the <br /> river and exceptionally scenic location make this site a prime candidate for development. <br /> The current owner has the property listed with a real estate broker and has a various <br /> designs for a golf course and residential development on site. This acquisition has been a <br /> goal for the city for decades and if we are unable to act now, it is highly likely the site <br /> will be developed and this opportunity lost forever. <br /> B. Environmental Intrusions: The site has a modest farmhouse and outbuildings, one <br /> of which may have historical value as a Civil War era horse b Af funding is available, <br /> Elk River will use the appropriate existing facilities for env' ntal education and <br /> historic interpretation. Overhead power lines supplying ou outbuildings will <br /> be buried once the final disposition of the buildings h s n deter <br /> C. Fish and Wildlife: The site contains an active Ba ag nest. Any co tion activities <br /> will be done in accordance with DNR guideli conce 'ng construction around <br /> Bald Eagle nests. The park is adjacent to th sippi nds State Nat Area and <br /> this stretch of the Mississippi is nationally accla a e the best smallmouth bass <br /> fisheries in the country. All proposed activities of t oject will only enhance natural <br /> resource value. <br /> D. Vegetation: The natural areas (app 130 acres) o are mature Southern <br /> Floodplain Forest (FFs68) and Sout orest(FF 9). The county record <br /> cottonwood tree is present on site an ill b ough this purchase. There are <br /> no records of any protected plant speci in the sect area. Restoration activities <br /> within the forested 1 concentrat n remova of extensive buckthorn and other <br /> invasive species stor on the appr imately 180 acres of farmland will be to <br /> native prairie ak sava a on the elev areas. <br /> E. Water Resources: e nce of any wetlands on site and all hard <br /> surfaces arking ill emp st management practices to ensure runoff is <br /> pro he re tion of the farmed areas will have a substantial benefit to <br /> er quality inati entation inputs and eliminating the use of fertilizers <br /> d pesticides. <br /> F. is and Physi aphic Features: The bluffs perched above the Mississippi River are <br /> som e highest the area and will be a primary feature for visitors. Trails and <br /> overlo as wil ffer incredible views and interpretive signs will explain the geologic <br /> and hydro ces that shape a river valley. <br /> G. Air Quality ise: Nice from the boat ramp will be shielded from the few neighboring <br /> residents by extensive forested areas and distance. <br /> H. Transportation: A parking facility will be easily accessible to visitors just off Main Street <br /> NW at its intersection with the Elk River. More than six miles of trails will be <br /> constructed on site over very flat terrain to allow a wide array of visitors to experience <br /> the site. <br /> Rev. July 2013 <br />