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WOODLAND TRAILS PARK <br />PRESERVES A REGIONALLY - <br />SIGNIFICANT AND DIVERSE <br />NATURAL OR HISTORIC <br />LANDSCAPE <br />Woodland Trails Park is a dynamic piece of <br />property from a biological and topographic <br />prospective. The plant diversity is relatively high <br />due to the fact that most of Woodland Trails has <br />never been tilled. However, portions of the park <br />have been pastured and logged. <br />According to the map of the original vegetation <br />of Minnesota better known as Marchner's Map, <br />completed by Francis J Marchner, the property <br />was historically Oak Openings and Barrens and <br />Aspen -Oak Land. In the Minnesota Biological <br />Survey of 1993, much of Woodland Trails was <br />identified as a naturally significant Oak Forest Dry <br />Subtype and a small portion as a Mixed Hardwood <br />Swamp. The portion of the park called Big Tooth <br />has a similar landscape with Big Tooth Aspen on <br />both ends of the park. Since 1993, this forest has <br />changed dramatically due to Oak Wilt, European <br />Buckthorn, human activity and the deer herd. <br />Some of the original flora and fauna still exist <br />today for the benefit of visitors who come to the <br />park. From a topography perspective, the property <br />is one of the most dynamic pieces in central <br />Minnesota. Woodland Trails is part of an end <br />moraine with some eskers and kettle wetlands. <br />The lower elevations of this natural landscape are <br />approximately 950 feet and the highest elevations <br />approximately 1100 feet. Hikers and cross country <br />skiers alike love to reach the highest elevation <br />point in the park called Top of the World that can <br />provide a magnificent view of the area. <br />The adjacent region north of the park has over <br />2,500 acres with similar topography that are <br />currently being mined for aggregate. Therefore <br />Woodland trails will, in the very near future (20 <br />years) be one of the only sites in this region <br />preserving the original glacial geology. <br />WOODLAND TRAILS PARK <br />FILLS A GAP IN RECREATIONAL <br />OPPORTUNITY WITHIN THE <br />REGION <br />Trail -hiking, running, snowshoeing, cross country <br />skiing, and biking are currently the most popular <br />recreational offerings at Woodland Trails Park. <br />While many of these activities are allowed and <br />encouraged at parks throughout the Elk River <br />park system and nearby county parks, Woodland <br />Trails is able to offer a unique experience because <br />of its dynamic forested topography and superb <br />trail system. The highly groomed ski trails are <br />maintained by the Elk River Nordic Ski Club <br />volunteers. The trails have a regional reputation <br />as a premium activity during the winter months. <br />These trails have become a hot -spot for fantastic <br />skiing in the North Metro region. Trails are largely <br />wooded over rolling terrain, but some sections <br />have good climbs and descents. Trails consist <br />Unfinished Building at Biathlon Range <br />Biathlon Shooting Range" <br />DRAFT JULY 7, 2016 EXISTING CONDITIONS 9 <br />