10.5. PRSR 02 12 2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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"We want to know other / JANUARY 26, 2003 N 6B people would like to do with (the park),"said county plan- ner Kurt Chatfield. Although the county hasn't decided whether to form a citi- DAKOTA COUNTY zen task force or simply meet with user groups and area landowners, county officials Master plan say the plan will include extensive citizen participation. The Lebanon Hills master Inworks planning process sparked Tp Spring some tense meetings as park for Spring neighbors and users environ- mental to incorporate envimn- mental protection and devel- op of the park. Lake Park "They got t very heated," said Bob Gold,an Eagan resi- dent who attended most of BY AMY SHERMAN the meetings. "It happens. Pioneer Press That's just the process. It's much better than allowing As Dakota County one park administrator to embarks on a master plan to decide the future of the park. decide the future of Spring The Spring Lake plan may Lake Park Reserve, citizens not be as controversial who participated in a similar because there are far fewer process for a different park residents who live near that have some advice for stake- park and it isn't used as holders: Get involved—and heavily as Lebanon Hills in be prepared to stay involved Eagan and Apple Valley. for the long haul. About 111,000 people used Jim Jenkins, a citizen Spring Lake Park last year. active in a group that created Known for its beautiful views the Lebanon Hills master plan of the Mississippi River and in 2001, says those who care hilly terrain,the park is a pop about the park should be pre- War spot for summer picnics pared to commit their time to and hikes.The park has eclec- the process and learn how tic uses,including an archery other people use the park range and model airplane fly- "We found that we can ing field. Since the park is a each represent our own inter- reserve, 80 percent must ests — that's pretty easy, to remain in its natural state represent hiking, canoeing, The park boundaries biking," said Jenkins, an include about 1,200 acres,but Apple Valley resident "What about 25 percent is privately is difficult is out of the uni- owned, so some areas of the verse of things that go on park are inaccessible. there, to try to define with a Commissioner Joe Harris, group what they want their who represents the district park to be." that includes the park, said The master plan, which the master plan should could take several months to explore whether the county complete, will guide the should future management of the pursue purchasing park located in rural Dakota private heope un within the County between Rosemount park The county becomes and Hastings. The county buys such land Harris it he will research•park conditions available; Harats and condemn- and visitors' needs and doesn't anticipate condemn- devise a plan to protect and ing land. The county has$2 million restore the park's resources set aside for improvements and outline improvements. to Schaar's Bluff,a picnic and Dakota County will :pay a hiking spot in the park The consultant up to $62,000. to money comes from a court- assist with the master plan. approved settlement with County officials say they Koch Petroleum Group (now don't have preconceived ideas called Flint Hills Resources) about the outcome of the for pollution that occurred at plan, although they will pose the refinery in the 1990s. several questions: Should access to the Mississippi Amy Sherman can be reached River be improved? How at(651)228-2174 or should the history of the park asherman @pionee ressam.+_ be pulled together? 'p .c