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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-10 FCG Packet Fish Creek Greenway Ad-Hoc Commission Reference Packet July 10, 2009 1. Purpose of Fish Creek Greenway Ad-Hoc Commission 2. Greenways statement of purpose from Greenway committee 3. Summary of grants and legislation submitted 4. Maplewood Natural Resources Plan 5. Maplewood Natural Resources Map 6. Maplewood Park and Trail Map 7. Maplewood Land Use Maps 8. Ordinance Modifying R-1R Zoning District 9. Ramsey County Park Plan selected pages 10. Metro Greenways Conservation Corridor Purpose of Fish Creek Greenway Ad-Hoc Commission June 2009 1. Develop recommendations and priorities for protecting natural lands in the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway, including: a. Acquisition of private land; b. Conservation easements on private lands; c. Conservation design options for properties that want to develop; d. Funding options. 2. Identify issues and opportunities for passive recreation in Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway and develop recommendations for passive recreation that does not degrade the natural resources in the greenway. Natural Area Greenways Committee Committee Members Present: Carol Mason-Sherrill Judith Johannessen Ron Cockriel Carolyn Peterson Ginny Gaynor Shann Finwall Project Goal: Develop general protection strategies for the four Natural Area Greenways. Strategies and tools to investigate include: 1. Greenway zoning overlay 2. Ordinance 3. Conservation easements by private land owners 4. Purchase of development rights 5. Transfer of development rights 6. Conservation design development 7. Stewardship of public and private lands 8. Incentive program for protection and management 9. Educational information and programs 10. Acquisition ofland by government or non-profit 11. Other Maplewood Natural Area Greenways Vision and Guiding Principles Working Draft 6/16/09 Def"mition 1. Maplewood's Natural Area Greenways are large contiguous areas of habitat. 2. The greenways include both public and private lands. 3. Private lands in the greenways are not open to public use. 4. The greenways are urban natural areas. 5. The greenways were mapped in 2008, based on existing natural lands at that time. There are buildings, roads, and homes in the greenways, but some of the yards and open space areas are in a relatively natural state. Purpose, Use, and Value 1. The greenways are places for diverse plants and plant communities. 2. The greenways provide habitat for diverse species of birds and wildlife. 3. The greenways are part of the city's green infrastructure-the biological systems that support the city. They provide environmental services such as filtering air and water pollutants and they are a component of larger environmental cycles. 4. The greenways provide a visual break from the developed landscape. 5. The greenways add beauty to our community. 6. The greenways can have a positive economic impact on land values. 7. Private lands in the greenway are not open to public use, unless a homeowner chooses to open their land to the public. 8. The greenways are a tribute to our natural heritage and provide a legacy to future generations. 9. The public lands in the greenways are places for people to experience and learn about nature. 10. The public lands in the greenways are places for passive recreation such as hiking. Some public lands will have trails, but other public parcels will have no maintained trails. 11. The greenways have intrinsic value. Goals 1. Protect natural lands and waters in the greenways. 2. Connect parcels of natural land. 3. Improve habitat and the quality of natural resources and waters in the greenways. 4. Use the greenways as part of the city's green infrastructure, without degrading natural resources. 5. Seek funding and develop partnerships to protect, connect, and improve the greenways. 6. Prioritize protection, improvement, and management projects in the greenways. 7. Educate, encourage, and support private landowners in the greenway in protecting and improving the natural resources on their land. 8. Foster stewardship of natural resources on both public and private lands in the greenways. 9. Provide for passive recreation (such as hiking) on public lands in the greenways, in a manner that does not degrade the natural resources. 10. Encourage planting of green connections (naturalized vegetation) that extend from the greenways into neighborhoods. 11. Increase the amouut of habitat in the greenways. 12. Encourage the use of conservation easements on private lands in the greenways. 13. Seek opportunities to reduce the impacts of pinch points (areas where the greenways narrow or cross streets). *items in red added after Juue 2, 2009 ENR commission meeting Fish Creek Greenway Grants Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator Juue 2009 Here is a summary of the bills and the grants that have been or are being submitted for Fish Creek or the greenways. · House Bill #2054. This bill appropriates $2.4 million for land acquisition in the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway from the outdoor heritage fund. · House Bill #2055. This bill appropriates $2.4 million for land acquisition in the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway from the parks and trails fund. · LCCMR grant. On May 11, 2009, city couucil approved a resolution supporting a grant proposal to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The proposal requests $1.5 for land acquisition in the Fish Creek Greenway. The parcels identified in this grant are in the CoPar development site. Staff proposes matching this with $100,000 from open space acquisition fund. · Metro Greenways Protection Grant. In May, Maplewood submitted an Expression ofInterest Form to Minnesota DNR for a Metro Greenways Protection Grant. We were invited to submit a grant proposal. The grant proposal is due Juue 30 and requires a 50% match. Maplewood's proposal will request $200,000 for land acquisition in the Fish Creek greenway. Staff is currently researching options for $200,000 matching funds. · Metro Greenways Community Conservation Grant. The city currently has a commuuity conservation grant for 2008-Juue 2009 to help defray the costs of doing plant commuuity inventories (MN Land Cover Classification System). Staff submitted an Expression of Interest form for the neW round of Community Conservation grants, and we have been invited to submit a grant proposal These are small grants and require a 25% match of cash or in-kind services. Our proposal requests funding to host a workshop on conservation design development. We believe there is potential to preserve portions of some private natural lands if owners better uuderstand the concepts and financial implications of conservation design. The workshop would target landowners in Maplewood and adjacent commuuity that have developable land. Chapter 7: Natural Resources Protect, Connect, Restore, and Manage Ecosystems, Plant Communities and Species Why a Natural Resources Plan is Needed Maplewood's quality of life depends on how it manages its natural resources. Natural resources are the air, minerals, land, water, and biota that form the foundation to life in Mapiewood. For example, the oxygen we breathe comes from plants. Without plants, the atmosphere would be poisonous to people and animals. That is a free ecosystem service that benefits people in Maplewood. There are many others. The benefits of treating natural resources in a sustainable way include: . High quality forests, savannas, prairies, wetlands, lakes, and streams will support a variety of life-trees, shrubs, wildflowers, groundcover, fish, birds, and other wildlife. . Lakes, streams, and wetlands will be clean enough to support aquatic life and provide recreational opportunities. . Undeveloped land will provide essential ecosystem services. . Vegetation will help prevent sediment, phosphorus, nitrogen, and contaminants from reaching lakes, streams, and wetlands. . Rainwater infiltrates, which reduces flooding and feeds groundwater. . Groundwater is recharged and can be used for drinking, irrigation, and to feed cold, clean water to lakes, streams, and wetlands. . Water levels are more stable, which prevents erosion of shorelines and stream channels. . Beautiful piaces exist for people to see and visit. There is an economic value to treating natural resources in a sustainable way. Property values are higher near natural areas and open space '. New developments that protect natural resources using conservation design and low-impact development techniques can save an average of 24-27% in construction costs per development'. Damage to storm sewer outfalls, shorelines, and buildings due to flooding are reduced in such developments. In addition to the economic and recreational benefits of natural resources, for many people nature and natural resources merit protection and care due to their intrinsic value. This natural resources plan is a guide for how Maplewood can manage natural resources in a sustainable way. It will help protect and enhance Maplewood's quality of life for current and future generations. It suggests strategies to protect, connect, restore and manage ecosystems, plant communities, and species. This plan can guide zoning and ordinances. It gives city staff and officials information to use when making annual and long-range budgets. This plan will also provide citizens with an understanding of how they can playa role in achieving these goals through wise land use and management of their property. 1 Embrace Open Space study is at: htto://www.embraceoneusoace.Ofl!/EOSRenort/EconomicValueofDoenSnace.ndf. 2 EP A Low Impact Development study is at: httn:/lwww.eoa.llov/owow/unsfIidlcosts07/documents/reducine:stormwatercosts.Ddf; AES study is at: httu://www.aooliedeco.com/Proiects/ConDevArticleLavout.ndf. Natural Resources 7-1 Wise use and management of natural resources is not all that Maplewood needs to be a great place to live in the 21" century: the city also needs good schools, a vital economy, and efficient public services. But healthy natural resources will help ensure that Maplewood has a high quality of life that can be sustained far into the future. Vision and Goals for Natural Resources in Maplewood The City of Maplewood has led the way in urban natural resource conservation in Minnesota. From a bonding referendum in 1993 to protect forests and wetlands, to a rain garden program for recharging groundwater and purifying runoff to its lakes and streams, Maplewood's citizens and elected leaders quickly adopt new ideas from scientists, businesses, and regulatory agencies. Maplewood has learned that supporting environmental laws and best practices has benefits for city residents. The city also believes that property values and the city's overall marketability will increase over time by improving natural resources and the environment. Maplewood's desire to become sustainable depends on stewardship of its ecosystems, plant communities, and species. Good stewardship protects the functions of ecosystems and the free ecosystems services necessary for a high quality of life. Following its tradition, the City of Maplewood holds the following vision for natural resources: The City of Maplewood, in order to preserve a beautiful, functional, and varied environment for current and future residents, will protect, connect, restore and manage its ecosystems, plant communities, and species. The city will do this by using the best science and striving for the highest ecological standard To realize this vision, the City of Maplewood has these goals for naturai resources: Natural Resources Goal!. Protect and buffer ecosystems-forests, savannas, prairies, lakes, streams, wetlands-and other natural resources. Natural Resources Goal2. Connect and enlarge natural areas and wildlife habitat Natural Resources Goal3. Restore and manage natural areas, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources for high ecological quality and for diversity of plant and animal species. Natural Resources Goal 4. Restore the natural ecological functions involving water by better managing stormwater runoff. This means vegetation filtering, infiltration, groundwater recharge, and maintaining stable water levels. Natural Resources GoalS. Fund natural resource programs to achieve the vision and goals. Natural Resources Goal 6. Integrate the city's natural areas, open space, and active parks and trails. Natural Resources Goal 7. Incorporate the vision and goals for natural resources in the city's comprehensive plan, ordinances, policies, development standards, and zoning. Natural Resources GoalB. Enhance public understanding of nature, natural systems, and environmental issues by providing programs, information, and interpretive facilities. Natural Resources 7-2 Natural Resources Goal 9. Promote a culture of stewardship on public and private land through access to natural areas and education and volunteer opportunities in natural areas restoration and management Natural Resources Goal 70. Seek cost savings by using natural systems to provide services such as heating, cooling, stormwater management and water conservation. The Natural Environment of Maplewood Prior to settlement in 1851, most of Maplewood was covered by oak savanna, a plant community with scattered oak trees or oak groves and a groundcover of grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. Hazelnut, chokecherry, juneberry, nannyberry, and wild plum grew in the savanna and at wetland edges. Low, wet areas contained wet prairies, sedge meadows, and marshes. Forests grew on the Mississippi River bluffs in south Maplewood and in valleys where fires were not severe. Some forests were mainly oak and in others sugar maple and basswood mingled with oaks. Lakes were smaller at the time, and were later enlarged by excavating wetland vegetation from the shorelines. Nearly every year the Mdewakanton Dakota Indians ignited fires in the region; the fires had burned the savannas and wetlands for thousands of years. As a result, most of the plants and animals living in the natural areas of Maplewood were residents of savannas, marshes, wet prairies, and sedge meadows. Plants and animals of forest settings lived in the small forest areas of the Mississippi bluffs and in ravines with flowing streams. After settlement, many changes took place in Maplewood: . Natural lands were developed with farms, houses, and businesses. . Large savannas and forests were broken into small separated parcels. . Remaining savannas became overgrown with trees and shrubs. . Many wetlands were drained, excavated, and filled. . Plant life was altered by grazing and the introduction of non-native plants;' . Trees from river floodplains seeded into uplands and wetlands. . Erosion occurred in streams, at shorelines, and on steep slopes. . More sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen reached lakes, streams, and wetlands than historically. . Some wildlife was eliminated by hunting. . Some wildlife left or died out because there was not enough habitat to successfully breed. . More water flowed directly into lakes, streams, and wetlands after rainstorms. . Water levels in groundwater fell, and water levels in lakes, streams, and wetlands rose and fell more often and more quickly than historically. One example of what these changes mean is many wildlife species are disappearing or are in decline. Generalist species, such as raccoon and deer, are species that can adapt to different types of habitat, including urban habitats. Many generalist species thrive in Maplewood. But specialist species, such as the ovenbird and Blanding's turtle, are more particular about habitat and often need large, connected habitat to persist. These species have declined, or are in danger of declining locally. Many of the species in Table 7.1 are specialists. Natural Resources 7-3 Table 7.1. Status of Selected Historical and Current Species in Maplewood. These species are on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' list of species in greatest conservation need and are found in the east Twin Cities region. The list is for illustration only and was not checked by field surveys. Once Present, Now Gone American Woodcock Black-crowned Night-heron Eastern Meadowlark Red-headed Woodpecker Red-shouldered Hawk Sedge Wren Trumpeter Swan Upland Sandpiper Wood Thrush Persius Duskywing Regal Fritillary American Badger Franklin's Ground Squirrel . Prairie Vole Blanding's Turtle Gopher Snake Western Hognose Snake Possibly Present, In Decline? Common Mudpuppy Brown Thrasher Common Nighthawk Eastern Wood-pewee Field Sparrow Least Flycatcher Northern Rough-winged Swallow Ovenbird Rose-breasted Grosbeak Swamp Sparrow Virginia Rail Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Brook Lamprey Least Weasel Common Snapping Turtle Smooth Green Snake Eastern Fox Snake Eastern Hoqnose Snake Species Restored Bald Eagle Peregrine Falcon Today, Maplewood is a patchwork of developed land and undeveloped natural areas (Figure 7.1). Maplewood has several lakes and ponds in the north, fringed by small amounts of wetland vegetation. The urban watershed that feeds the lakes provides poor water quality. There are many wetlands, but aggressive cattails and reed canary-grass cover most. South Maplewood has large forests. The once large expanses of savanna and prairie no longer exist-remaining grasslands are small and support only a few species. Three streams~Battle Creek, Fish Creek, and Snake Creek- flow from Woodbury through Maplewood and then to the Mississippi. In places their banks are eroding and water quality is poor because the headwaters are in developed areas. Despite the problems they support a variety of aquatic insect and fish life. There are few natural areas of high quality in Maplewood. Most have lost plant and animal species because they are small and suffer serious edge effects-invasion by non-native species, for example. However, in several places in the city there are large, continuous habitats well suited to preserving a wide variety of wildlife and plants if restored and managed. In many local habitats native plants and animals persist despite the small size of the habitat. Maplewood faces the following challenges in managing its natural resources: 1. How to integrate a developed city and dense population with natural resource conservation. 2. How to protect and restore ecosystems in the city so that ecosystem services will continue. 3. How to retain and attract animal species that need high quality or large habitats (e.g., specialist species). 4. How to protect and restore the quality of upland and lowland plant communities, wildlife habitats, lakes, and streams. 5. How to generate funding for natural resources and associated infrastructure. 6. How to prioritize projects. Natural Resources 7-4 7. How to involve city residents and businesses with city staff and officials in carrying out the vision and goals for natural resources. Natural Resources in Maplewood The City of Maplewood intends to achieve its vision and goals for natural resources using a comprehensive approach. Maplewood's framework for protecting and managing natural resources focuses on four levels. . Natural Area Greenways. Natural Area Greenways are large contiguous areas of habitat that cross ownership boundaries. They protect and expand ecosystem services and habitat. Because they are large they have the potentiai to provide habitat for both generalist and specialist species. Maplewood has identified four greenways. . Local Habitats. Local Habitats are individual natural areas and backyard habitat connections. They serve the needs of people wanting to enjoy and learn about wild habitat near their homes and also provide ecosystem services and wildlife habitat locally. Because they are relatively small, they are typically not able to provide habitat for specialist species. Locai habitats may be public or private lands. . Active Parks and Trails. Active Parks and Trails connect Natural Area Greenways and Local Habitats and give people places to play sports, picnic, and bike. . Natural Resource Issues. Some natural resource issues are addressed city-wide through individual programs, such as stormwater management. Natural Area Greenways Maplewood defines Natural Area Greenways as large contiguous areas of habitat that cross ownership boundaries. The purpose of Natural Area Greenways is to protect, connect, and restore large scale ecosystems and ecosystem services and provide habitat for species that need large natural areas. Greenways contain large natural areas, high quality plant communities and wildlife habitat, and provide a wide, continuous corridor for animal movement. In general, a corridor in a greenway should not be narrower than the habitat size for a species that needs the corridor. Scientific studies vary tremendously in their recommendations for corridor width. For Maplewood a reasonable minimum corridor width in a greenway is 660 feet (200 meters). This width tries to balance the limitations on natural resources in cities with the needs of animals that use corridors to survive. It is unlikely Maplewood will be able to achieve this minimum width throughout a whole greenway due to existing roads and development, however it is a goal to reach for where feasible. Four Natural Area Greenways exist in Mapiewood (Figure 7.2). They were selected by mapping and connecting large, better quality natural areas and avoiding major roads and watershed divides that are barriers to many species (Appendix 7.1). The two northern greenways are mostly lowland ecosystems (lakes and wetlands) north of 1-94. The two southern greenways consist mostly of upland ecosystems (forests, grasslands) with small wetlands and streams south of 1-94. Greenways provide stopovers for the hundreds of bird species that migrate through Maplewood each spring and fall. But birds also use Local Habitats and backyards if food and sheiter are present. Bird and insect migrants (e.g., monarch butterfly) move through Maplewood along a broad front. They may concentrate in some places due to local Natural Resources 7-5 geography and vegetation. The Mississippi Flyway, for example, is wider than the Mississippi River. Waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds generally orient to it and use its open water in the spring while waiting for ice to melt on lakes and wetlands in the surrounding area. Once in Maplewood, these birds choose migratory stopover habitat based on size, quality, and isolation, not geographic location. Migrating songbirds from the tropics and subtropics also move on a broad front, but descend from flight elevations and move through vegetation eating insects as they journey north. As they move through Maplewood, these birds concentrate in woodlots, dense tree patches in developments, grasslands and brushland, and in the vegetated edges of wetlands and lakes. The more patches of permanent vegetation there are, the more opportunities these birds have to feed as they migrate. 1. Phalen-Casey Chain.of.lakes Greenway composition and regional barriers This large, lowland greenway consists of a chain of lakes in formerly extensive wetlands. Stretching from Phalen Lake to Casey Lake, it includes Round, Keller, Gervais, Kohlman Lakes and Kohlman Creek. Most of the greenway is open water with a narrow wetland fringe. More wetlands are east of Kohlman Lake. This greenway extends into North St. Paul, Little Canada, and St. Paul. Regional barriers to the movement of fish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and some other aquatic life are the urban development south and west of the greenway, and the major watershed divides to the north and east. Water leaves this greenway from Phalen Lake and travels in a large storm sewer until it discharges to the Mississippi River at Mounds Park, St. Paul. Eleven constrictions (pinch points) with greenway width of <660 feet (Figure 7.2) restrict wildlife movement in the greenway. Pinch points are mainly at road crossings (Frost Avenue at Round Lake, Highway 61 at Keller Lake, Highway 36 at Keller Lake, Highway 61 east of Kohlman Lake, west side of Hazelwood Park, and White Bear Avenue). Other pinch points are the outlet of Lake Gervais, the outlet of Kohlman Lake, a narrow wetland west of Hazelwood Park, and a drop structure at the outlet of Casey Lake. Greenway challenges . Reduced infiltration due to high percentage of impervious surface in the watershed causes a lower water table and reduces groundwater inflow to lakes and wetlands. . Poor water quality in lakes and wetlands due to large amount of surface runoff from impervious surfaces and turf grass brings sediment, nutrients, and pollutants to waters. . Narrow lake and wetland buffers reduce the filtering and cleansing effect of vegetation at the water-upland edge. . The small size of upland habitats next to lakes and wetlands prevents some wetland animals from completing a life cycle that includes using uplands (e.g., Blanding's Turtle). . Over-abundance of reed-canary grass and cattail degrades wetland habitat. . Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designated several lakes in this greenway as impaired: Kohlman, Gervais, Spoon, Keller, Round, and Phalen. 2. Holloway-Beaver lake Wetlands Greenway composition and regional barriers This large, lowland greenway is more or less continuous wetland habitat from the marsh lands north of Holloway Avenue, southwest to wetlands and uplands at Priory Neighborhood Preserve, and continuing southwest along wetlands and Beaver Creek to Beaver Lake. This greenway extends into North St. Paul, Oakdale, and St. Paul. Natural Resources 7-6 Beaver Lake has a narrow wetland fringe. This is a historical wetland area, containing wet prairie, wet meadow, and marsh. The lowiand forests with ash, elm, cottonwood, and silver maple that exist in this greenway were not here historically. Regional barriers include a major watershed at the east edge, dense urban development in St. Paul, and minor watershed divides to the north and south. The greenway drains out of Beaver Lake and the water flows in a large storm sewer west to Phalen Creek. The movement of fish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and some other aquatic species are restricted by these barriers. Seven pinch points with greenway width of <660 feet (Figure 7.2) restrict wildlife movement in the greenway. Pinch points are where roads (Century Avenue, Maryland Avenue, and Lakewood Drive) and a railroad cross the greenway. The narrow wetland between Maryland Avenue and Lakewood Drive is also a pinch point. Greenway challenges The challenges are the same as for Phalen-Casey Chain of Lakes above. 3. Battle Creek Forests Greenway composition and regional barriers This large, mostly forested greenway includes Battle Creek Regional Park and connects to the Mississippi River bluffs in St. Paul. This greenway includes the Ponds at Battle Creek Golf Course, the forested portion of Highwood neighborhood, and Applewood Neighborhood Preserve. The largest, best quality forests are in Battle Creek Regional Park. Battle Creek is part of this corridor and begins in Tanner's Lake in Landfall, then flows to Battle Creek Lake in Woodbury, and then through a narrow stream valley to Battle Creek Park. This is a historical forest area of oak forest, oak-maple-basswood forest, and aspen-oak woodland. Regional barriers around this upland greenway are the major divided highways: US61, 1-494, and 1-94. These highways prevent the movement of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and ground-dwelling insects that are an important part of the forest's food chain. They also pose a significant risk to other mammals, birds, and flying insects (e.g., butterflies, dragonflies) attempting to cross them. Two pinch points in the continuous forest are on Battle Creek and Lower Alton Road west of McKnight Road. A pinch point in the greenway exists at Lower Alton Road between Battle Creek Regional Park and the golf course. Battle Creek is pinched where it crosses under 1-94 between Tanner's and Battle Creek Lake, at the outlet of Battle Creek Lake, and at Century Avenue. Only two pinch points are within the City. Greenway challenges . The large forests are far from each other and connected by poor quality corridors. Development at the edges of the large forests affects habitat quality inside the forests. Edge effects shrink the actual size of interior forest habitat, reducing breeding area for forest songbirds (e.g., warblers, vireos) and other forest animals. Low quality forest habitat is due to over-abundance of European buckthorn and invasion by other non-native plants (e.g., garlic mustard). Groundcover plants, trees, and shrubs were affected by cattle grazing in the past, and are today affected by abundant white-tailed deer. Grazing and browsing affects some plant species but not others, reducing forest plant diversity. The forests were protected from severe fires historically, but not from all fire. Feral and free-roaming cats affect small mammal populations and shrub nesting birds. . . . . . Natural Resources 7-7 . Two- and four-lane roads inside the greenway prevent movement of some species. . The challenges described for the lowland greenways affect Battle Creek, a mostly developed 11.4 square mile watershed, Battle Creek is a typical urban stream, with very low flows at times and with very high flows after rainstorms', but water quality and aquatic life are fair to good. 4. Fish Creek Forests Greenway composition and regional barriers This large, mostly forested greenway includes four units of Ramsey County's Fish Creek Open Space. It is at the north end of a large, mostly forested greenway that includes forests in Newport, St. Paul, and Cottage Grove. Fish Creek is part of this corridor and begins at Carver Lake in Woodbury, then flows through the Fish Creek Open Space and beneath 1-494 and US61 to the Mississippi River. A smaller creek, Snake Creek, begins in the Bailey Nursery grounds and also flows to the Mississippi. This is a historical forest area of oak forest, oak-maple-basswood forest, and aspen-oak woodland. A portion of this greenway is in the Mississippi River Critical Area and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, The Critical Area was designated and established by two governors and the Metropolitan Council between 1976 and 1979. Executive Order 79-19 requires that municipalities and agencies coordinate planning and management in the Critical Area using common guidelines', In 1991 the legislature made the National River and Recreation Area (part of the National Park Service) a critical area under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 116G. The legislation also made the boundaries of the Critical Area and the National River and Recreation Area the same. Regional barriers to this upland greenway are the major divided highway 1-494 and development to the east in Woodbury. These barriers prevent the movement of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and ground-dwelling insects that are an important part of the forest's food chain. The highway poses a significant risk to other mammals, birds, and flying insects (e,g., butterflies, dragonflies) attempting to cross it. The main pinch points in the continuous forest are near Sterling Street at 1-494 and on the Bailey property. Greenway challenges . The challenges are the same as the challenges for Battle Creek Forests above, Loss of private land to development will decrease the amount of natural land in this greenway. Unwise development may degrade habitat. Developers and landowners are often not knowledgeable about or are not receptive to conservation design strategies. Fish Creek and Snake Creek are reported to have eroding banks and beds. . . . . Local Habitats Local Habitats are individual natural areas and backyard habitat connections (Figure 7 -3). The purpose of Local Habitats is to protect, buffer, and manage small, isolated wild habitats and protect local ecosystem services outside the Greenways. Local Habitats will be difficult to enlarge and connect and will usually benefit generalist species but 3 See Met Council monitoring reports for200! and 2003 at: httn://www.metrocouncil.orfllenvironment/Riverslakes/StreamslReoortslBattle.pdt http://www.metrocouncil.orglenvironment!RiversLakes/Streams/Reports/2003 _ Reportl03Battle.pdf 'For guidetines see: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_sectionlcritical_area/execord.pdf. Natural Resources 7-8 not specialist species. These lands may be private or public. Private lands are included to show the natural resources that exist in the city. These private lands are not open for public use and these sites may be developed someday. Many of the public sites provide access and opportunities for people to enjoy and learn about wild habitats. Local Habitats include: . Some Maplewood Neighborhood Preserves; . Natural areas within active parks; . Neighborhoods that have contiguous backyard habitat; . Natural areas that are used for stormwater management; . County and city open space sites that have natural vegetation; . Private sites that have natural vegetation, Two Local Habitats are significant because of their size and arrangement. 3M Lake Wetlands This is the largest concentration of Local Habitat in Maplewood. It contains 3M Lake and wetlands identified by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as regionally significant. It is at the top of a watershed and runoff comes from nearby. This improves chances to manage runoff and protect or restore water quality in the lake and wetlands. Highwood-Vista Hills Wetlands The Highwood and Vista Hills neighborhoods are unique in Maplewood due to the dozens of small, kettlehole wetlands formed by the glaciers melting in place here (Le" an ice-stagnation moraine). It is at the top of a watershed and runoff comes from nearby lawns, driveways, and streets, This improves the chances to manage runoff and protect or restore water quality in the wetlands. The Highwood-Vista Hills Wetlands overlap with the Battle Creek Forest Greenway. Small forested wetlands provide excellent habitat for frogs and "other aquatic life. Local Habitat Challenges . Small habitats are affected more than large habitats by edge effects. Edge effects include invasion by non- native plants (e.g., European buckthorn, garlic mustard) and animals (e.g., European Starling, House Sparrow) and predation on wildlife by feral and free-roaming cats. Many native species do not survive in small habitats for very long because they have small populations, and small populations can easily go extinct. Small habitats can be over-used by people because the impacts are concentrated in a small area. In small habitats vegetation is easily trampled and lost, erosion is quick to start, and dumping of trash, lawn clippings, leaves, and debris often happens. Small lakes and wetlands are easily polluted because the runoff from impervious surfaces and turf grass is large and overwhelms the ecosystem's ability to absorb and treat it. When they are at the top of a watershed, small lakes and wetlands tend to have better water quality because less runoff reaches them, . . . Active Parks and Trails The purpose of active parks and trails is to provide easy access for people's recreational enjoyment. These places provide fewer ecosystem services than greenways and Local Habitats because they usually have turf grass, compacted soils, and impervious surfaces, and are poor wildlife habitat. However, some parts of active parks, trails, and golf courses could be used to expand habitat and reduce edge effects in greenways and Local Habitats. In Natural Resources 7-9 addition, areas within active parks that are not needed for active recreation may be restored to native plant communities, The Parks Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan covers parks in detail. Challenges in Active Parks and Trails . It is necessary to understand which parts of active parks and trails have an effect on greenways and Local Habitats, positive and negative, . Some specialist wildlife is disturbed by human activity. This is more important in greenways than in Local Habitats. . Wheels, shoes, dogs, and wildlife spread seeds of non-native plants to natural areas (e.g., garlic mustard). . Maintenance activities in parks and along trails can affect greenways and Local Habitats, Herbicide drift is one example, Special Natural Resource Issues Some natural resources issues are widespread in the city and are addressed by topic through city-wide programs, Existing programs include: . Stormwater Management Program; . Maplewood Tree Program; . Buckthorn Management Program. Additional programs should be established to address natural resources issues such as: . Invasive plants and animals (otherthan buckthorn); . Wetland buffer improvements; . Sustainable landscaping and yard care; . Toxic waste sites; . Impaired waters. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designated the following Maplewood Lakes as impaired: Kohlman, Gervais, Spoon, Keller, Round, Phalen, Wakefield, and Beaver; . Stream restoration. This natural resources plan provides a new framework for protecting natural resources in Maplewood. It addresses regional, city-wide, neighborhood, and site levels, It encompasses both public and private lands. This comprehensive approach will enable Maplewood to protect and manage natural resources. Implementation strategies are discussed in the following section. Natural Resources 7-10 Implementation Strategies for Natural Resources The city's present and future residents will benefit by using Maplewood's natural resources in a sustainable way. The city's reputation and its quality of life will be enhanced, residents and visitors will see beauty and variety in the environment, and healthy ecosystems will provide services and benefits that keep the city's lakes and streams clean and its wildlife populations diverse. This is a large vision with many ambitious goals for protecting, restoring and managing natural resources in the city. It will take many years of discussion, planning, budgeting, and other work to make it a reality. The implementation plan for natural resources has the following strategies. The city will need to review and update the plan as priorities and resources change, as new strategies and opportunities arise, and as staff and officials learn about new approaches to sustainability. Education . Educate residents about nature, natural resources, and protection and management of resources. . Adopt both city-wide and neighborhood-based educational programming. . Give annual progress report to city council and the community, . Organize public tours of the greenways and Local Habitats. . Develop educational materials and create a natural resources page on the city's website. Post natural resources plan, maps of greenways and Local Habitats, brochures, technical information for stewardship work by residents, etc. . Present workshops to explain the natural resources plan. Answer questions: What ar~ greenways and Local Habitats, why are they needed, where are they, and how do they affect residents? . Develop programs and events to involve citizens in monitoring and conducting species inventories, Maplewood currently has citizen-monitoring programs for bluebirds, frogs, and for the Neighborhood Preserves. Develop additional citizen-based inventory and monitoring programs to gather information throughout the year. In addition, consider hosting events such as "BioBlitz Day" to involve citizens in inventorying species on a single day... . Provide training on natural resources management for staff. . Collaborate with area schools to educate students on the local natural resources. City Planning and Zoning . Integrate natural resources (e.g., greenways and Local Habitats) into the city's comprehensive plan, zoning, ordinances, development review, daily operations, capital budgeting, and bonding initiatives. . Investigate options to encourage preservation and management of Natural Area Greenways such as educational programs, zoning overlays, or incentive programs for private landowners to adopt certain approaches to construction and land treatment that improve natural resources in the greenway. . Modify the city's operating procedures and annual budgets to implement feasible strategies identified above. . Hold brain-storming sessions with city leadership to identify strategies for implementing the natural resources plan. Discussion should focus on three things: 1) integrating all public lands, across all uses and owners; 2) integrating the public and private use of land and waters, where feasible; and 3) integrating the existing stormwater infrastructure and management approach with the vision for natural resources. Ideas for stormwater may include: Natural Resources 7-11 . Wetland and Floodplain Buffers. Set water quality buffer width using best available science and incorporate in city ordinances and standards. . Stormwater Utility. Incorporate in the city's stormwater utility the locations for stormwater management that benefit greenways and Local Habitats, Implementation is ongoing, but focus should include regional view and the integration of greenways and Local Habitats. . Update the city's zoning and ordinances to implement win-win strategies such as: o Conservation Design Ordinance. Create an ordinance or zoning overlays that encourage low impact development and conservation design practices. Examples include City of Uno Lakes, rural residential cluster development ordinance of Chisago City and Marine on SI. Croix, and SI. Croix County, WI. Examples of conservation development designs and approaches are widely available. 5 This type of ordinance preserves large natural areas, manages stormwater ecologically, minimizes land clearing and grading, reduces infrastructure costs (sewers, curb and gutter, irrigated turf grass, pavement extent, utility run lengths), and promotes stewardship of natural resources. Incentives to landowners might include accelerated permitting, exemptions, and increased housing density. . Alternative Stormwater Standards. This tool is part of a conservation design ordinance or can stand alone. Its focus is to promote low impact development practices for stormwater management, and integrate those practices with existing stormwater management infrastructure operations and maintenance. Many examples of low impact practices exist, such as rain gardens, bioswales, porous pavement, and narrow streets.6 Protection and Restoration Inventory and Evaluate Natural Resources . Conduct land cover inventory for city using Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS). At a minimum, MLCCS should be done for the greenways and for all city-owned Local Habitats. . IdentifY parcels with high ecological quality that need protection. . IdentifY areas in active parks that could be restored to natural habitat. . IdentifY locations in active parks, golf courses, and recreational trails that are part of greenways and Local Habitats and their buffers. . IdentifY locations in active parks, golf courses, and recreational trails useable for alternative, ecological stormwater management. These areas can manage runoff from the parks, golf courses, and trails, or can intercept and manage runoff from other land. . Identify other locations on public land (e.g., school property, county land, City Hall) that benefit greenways and Local Habitats. . Assess natural resources city-wide, identifY opportunities, and prioritize conservation and management initiatives. Protect Natural Areas . Develop and adopt a land protection plan for Fish Creek Forests Greenway using strategies outlined in this section and the section below on Protect Natural Areas on Private Land. 5 Applied Ecological Services: httn:/Iwww.aooliedeco.com/ConservationDev.cfm; Urban Land Institute: htto://minnesota.uli.orrllContent/N avil!ationMenulS/ConservationDesil!!llConservationDeveloomentFramework.odf 6 Low Impact Development Center, Inc.: htto:/Iwww.lowimoactdevelooment.ore:; National Stormwater Center: htto://www.stormwatercenter.ofl!; USEPA NPDES Stormwater Program: htto:/Icfoub.ena.llov/uodesfstormwatermonth.cfm; Minnesota Erosion Control Association: httn://www.mnerosion.ore; Applied Ecological Services: httn:/Iwww.aDoliedeco.comlStormWaterM!rt.cfm. Natural Resources 7-12 . Pursue protection options initiated in 2007-2008 for city-owned parks and natural areas, including: ordinances, no-net loss policy, zoning, conservation easements, and Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan should define special land use conditions for the Maplewood Neighborhood Preserves, active parks, and other city open spaces. The Comprehensive Plan should also define conditions and policies such as no-net loss in Neighborhood Preserve acreage. . Convene a budgeting session with city leadership to identify the strategies to fund protection and restoration of greenways, Local Habitats, and their buffers. Budget for the 5-year and longer term planning horizons. Strategies include: . Park Dedication. Transfer dedications from other parts of city to greenways and Local Habitats. Increase amount of park dedication required. . Grants. Seek grants for greenways. (E.g., Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's (MNDNR) Regional Park or Natural and Scenic Areas grant with 40% match for Regional Park or 50% for Natural and Scenic Areas'. MNDNR Environmental & Conservation Partnerships Grant program for up to $20,000, with 50% municipal in-kind/cash match,) . Private Easements. Encourage private landowners to enter into conservation easements with a group such as Minnesota Land Trust. . Donation of Land or Easement Seek donation of land or donation of conservation easement. Trust for Public Land can be intermediary, Donations can reduce federal and state taxes. Identify key messages and incentives to landowners on tax benefits of donation. . Acquisition. Consider a bonding initiative for greenway and Local Habitat acquisition'. . Collaboration. Collaborate with adjacent communities, county, and agencies in deveiopment and implementation of plans for Natural Area Greenways. Protect Natural Areas on Private Land Protecting natural areas on private land is complicated and requires a willing landowner. Each property needs a different approach, Implementing the natural resources plan will lay the groundwork for approaching landowners with ideas for protecting natural areas in greenways and Local Habitats, There are several tools for approaching landowners: , . Educate iandowners about the resources on their particular site and In their neighborhood, . Provide stewardship training to residents. . Encourage landowners to enter into conservation easements with a group such as Minnesota Land Trust. . Develop incentives for landowners to donate conservation land to city. . Adopt zoning and development ordinances with incentives to protect open space. Natural Resources Management Plans . Develop and implement management plans for Natural Area Greenways and city-owned Local Habitats. Develop and implement site-specific management plans for each Maplewood Neighborhood Preserve. Develop and implement management plans addressing city-wide management issues such as invasive species. Develop and implement a Maplewood Tree Plan to cover boulevard trees, park trees, woodlots and forests. Modify park and trail operations to adopt environmentally friendly maintenance practices and to minimize edge effects to nearby greenways and Local Habitats. . . . . 7 See http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/land/natural scenic.html 8 See http://conservationcampaign.org Natural Resources 7-13 City-wide Natural Resources Issues Stormwater Management . Alternative Stormwater Standards. Discussed above. . Identify Target Locations. Complete a study to identify and prioritize areas with existing conditions that create problems for downstream lakes, streams, and wetlands in the city. . Blue Stormwater Program for Existing Developments. Create a program to deliver technical advice and assistance about low impact retrofit practices to improve ecosystem services involving stormwater (vegetation filtration, infiltration, recharge, and water level stability). These include rain gardens, bioswales, infiltration plantings (e.g., butterfly and botanical gardens, prairies), tree boxes, created wetlands, cisterns, and many more practices. . Inspection of structures. Continue city's inspection program, which inspects all stormwater pollution control devices annually, Street and Boulevard Design and Maintenance . Investigate alternative road de-icing options. Options range from new formulations of calcium chloride to a solution containing sugar beet juice. . Sweep streets on annual schedule. Currently the city sweeps most streets two times per year; streets in sensitive areas are swept more often, . Identify erosion-prone street shoulders at lakeshores, streams, and wetland edges and take corrective action. This is being implemented, and will include a focus on Natural Area Greenways and Local Habitats. . Develop guidelines for environmentally friendly street design such as plantings in cul-de-sac center islands, tree boxes in boulevards, and innovations such as Portland:s Green Street program'. . Develop pedestrian and bicycle-friendly street designs. . Urban Tree Management . Develop and implement an Urban Tree Management Plan for the city that addresses boulevard trees, park trees, and woodlands. . Monitor tree disease and pest outbreaks and implement control program (DutCh elm, oak wilt, emerald ash borer, etc.), Expand to include other diseases and pests as they occur. . Consider adapting the Minnesota Forest Stewardship whole-site planning model for the citylO. Non-native Invasive Species Management . Educate city staff and residents on threat of invasive species and management options. . Develop a volunteer program to help monitor city-owned land for new invasions. . Partner with adjacent cities and agencies in controlling invasive species regionally. . Monitor developments in control methods for buckthorn, garlic mustard, reed canary-grass, Siberian elm, and other target species and revise outreach materials as needed. 9 See http://www.portlandonline.comIBES/index.cfm?c~44407& 10 http://na.fs.fed.ns/stewardship/index.shtm Natural Resources 7-14 Urban Wildlife Management . Educate residents about the value and stewardship of urban wildlife. . Participate in Ramsey County's deer management program. . Explore options to reduce populations of bird and mammal species that compete with or prey on native songbird populations (feral and free-roaming cats, raccoons, starlings, house sparrows, crows and grackles, etc.). Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area . Update city's planning, development review, zoning and ordinances to be consistent with guidelines for these areas, . Identify parcels of land in these areas that have high ecological quality and need protection. . Educate landowners in these areas about the designations and what they mean, Natural Resources 7-15 Implementation Schedule for Natural Resources Plan The Natural Resources Plan proposes a new approach to managing Maplewood's natural resources. One of the first steps in achieving the goals is to gain a better understanding of Maplewood's resources. To do this, the implementation plan recommends that Maplewood conducts a land cover classification survey of the whole city. This work will lay the foundation for planning and management. It should be completed before the city attempts to prioritize protection and restoration projects. Therefore, the implementation schedule focuses on planning, not on specific restoration and management projects. Category Date Ke Activities Cost Estimate Planning 2009 1, Develop policies, zoning, and ordinances to Staff implement natural resources plan 2. Develop land protection strategies for south Staff Maplewood 3. Determine staffing needs for implementation of Staff natural resources plan 4. Determine role of Environmental and Natural Staff, ENR Resources Commission (ENR) in implementation of Naturai Resources Plan 5. Conduct MLCCS inventory for entire city ($10,000 $25,000 grant received) 6. Assess and prioritize protection and management Staff projects 7. Develop funding strategies Staff 8. Develop Maplewood Tree Plan Staff 2010 1. Develop management plan for each greenway $40,000 2. Deveiop general management plan for Local $10,000 Habitats 2010+ 1. Develop individual management plans for individual $30,000 total Neighborhood Preserves when funding is available to begin restoration at site . 2. Develop programs that address natural resources staff city-wide (ex: wetland buffers, sustainable landsca in Education, 2008- 1. Develop natural resources workshop focusing on $5,000 grant Outreach, 2009 protection and stewardship of neighborhood Community resources Engagement 2. Present natural resources workshop in four Staff neighborhoods (two in 2008, two in 2009) 3. Enhance natural resources section of website Staff 4, Present community-wide programs on sustainable Staff landscaping and natural resources 5. Conduct "BioBlitz" for one site Staff 6. Develop strategies for citizen-based inventory and Staff monitorin ro rams 2010 1. Present natural resources workshop for four Staff neighborhoods 2. Present communi -wide ro rams on sustainable Staff Natural Resources 7-16 Natural Resources 7-17 5. Figures Figure 7.1. Natural and Semi-Natural Land in Maplewood Figure 7.2. Natural Area Greenways Figure 7.3. Local Habitats Figure 7.4. Maplewood's Natural Resources, Parks, Trails, and Open Space 6. Tables Table 7,1. Status of Selected Historical and Current Species in Maplewood Natural Resources 7-18 DCity of Maplewood Boundary ~) Forested Upland Habitat II Non-Forested Upland Habitat II Forested Lowland Habitat II Non-Forested Lowland or Aquatic Habitat - Stream or Water Flow Path Figure 1 Natural and Semi-Natural Land Cover City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan This map shows areas of MaplewQod that have natural/semi-natural habitat circa 2008. These areas include both public and private land. Date: 06-06-08 Source: MNDNR Twin Cities Metro Hybrid Land Cover (2000) modified using 2006 and 2003 digital orthophotography: StreetMap USA Drawn by: DMM Reviewed by: KAC AES Job No.: 08-0036 File Name: maplewQod_greenway_plan_1 0_flgure1 prioritizatlon_02.mxd DCity of Maplewood Boundary iI Natural Area Greenway . Upland System Constriction . LowlandfAquatic System Constriction EZ]Lake - Stream or I!Ikiter Flow Path Figure 2 Natural Area Greenways City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan Natural Area Greenways Include both public and private land. Dale: 06-06-08 Source: 2006 and 2003 digital orthophotography; City of Maplewood base data; StreetMap USA Drawn by: DMM Reviewed by: KAC AES Job No.: 08-0036 File Name: maplewood_greenway_plan_1 0_figure2natlareagreenways_02.mxd [JCIty of Maplewood Boundary II Local Habitat Local Habitat Concentration Neighborhood Preserve ETILake - Stream or VVater Flow Path Figure 3 Local Habitats City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan Local Habitats Include both public and private land. Date: 06-09-08 Source: 2006 and 2003 digital orthophotography; City of Maplewood base data; StreetMap USA Drawn by: DMM Reviewed by: KAC AES Job No.: 08-0036 File Name: maplewood_9reenway _plan_1 0 _figure3localhabitats _ 02.mxd []City of Maplewood Boundary II Natural Area Greenway . Local Habitat Local Habitat Concentration Neighborhood Preserve BCityPark - Existing Regional Trail -Existing Road Trail =''''Existing Walking Path ... Mississippi River Critical Area II Mississippi National River and Recreation Area L.Jlake - Stream or Water Flow Path Figure 4 Natural Resources Plan Map City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan Natural Area Greenways and local Habitats include both public and private land. Date; 04-28-08 Source: MNDNR Twin Cities Metro Hybrid land Cover (2000); 2006 and 2003 digital orthophotography; City of Maplewood base data; StreetMap USA Drawn by: DMM Reviewed by: KAC AES Job No.: 08-0036 File Name: maplewood_greenway_plan_1 0_figure4nallresourcesplan_02.mxd DCity of Maplewood Boundary iI Natural Area Greenway . Upland System Constriction . LowlandfAquatic System Constriction EZ]Lake - Stream or I!Ikiter Flow Path Figure 2 Natural Area Greenways City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan Natural Area Greenways Include both public and private land. Dale: 06-06-08 Source: 2006 and 2003 digital orthophotography; City of Maplewood base data; StreetMap USA Drawn by: DMM Reviewed by: KAC AES Job No.: 08-0036 File Name: maplewood_greenway_plan_1 0_figure2natlareagreenways_02.mxd ORDINANCE MODIFYING THE R-1R (RURAL CONSERVATION DWELLING) ZONING DISTRICT This ordinance shall take effect after the city publishes it in the official newspaper. Section 1. This section changes Section 44-9 as follows: Section 44-9. Zoning Districts. The city is herby divided into the following zoning districts: F, Farm Residence District. R-1, Residence District (Single Dwelling). R-1 R, Rural Conservation Dwelling District R-1S, Small-Low Single-Dwelling District. R-2, Residence District (Double Dwelling). R-3, Residence District (Multiple Dwelling). R-E, Residence Estate District. NC, Neighborhood Commercial District. CO, Commercial Office District. BC, Business and Commercial District. LBC, Limited Business Commercial District. BC(M) Business Commercial Modified District. SC, Shopping Center District. M-1, Light Manufacturing District. M-2, Heavy manufacturing District. Section 2. This section deletes, modifies and adds to Sections 44-117 through Section 44-150 as follows: DIVISION 3.5 R-1(R) RURAL CONSERVATION DWELLING DISTRICT Sec. 44.117. Purpose and Intent. The City of Maplewood finds that there is a direct link between the natural systems and character that exists throughout certain areas of the community. The requirements of this Rural Conservation Dwelling District are meant to preserve and enhance the ecologicallaesthetic character by providing incentives that: 1) reinforce and establish ecological connections throughout the city; 2) protect and enhance of drainageways and water quality; 3) protect and enhance ecological communities; 4) preserve and improve of vistas; and 5) preserve or reinterpret local historical landmarks. To allow for and to protect a semi-rural, residential life style, the city creates the R-1 R zoning district that is intended to encourage conservation based development. This zoning district is for the areas of Maplewood that are not suitable for suburban or tract development because of topography, vegetation or other factors that make the area unique. The city finds the most suitable use of these areas is single dwellings on large lots, but is interested in protecting the natural resources and will encourage developments to follow the conservation principles and initiatives identified in subsequent sections of this ordinance. To further support the rural quality of the area, the density calculations in the R-1R district shall be calculated on a net acre basis which is further described Section 44-130 (b) of this ordinance. Low-density residential development and conservation development will lessen grading and soil erosion and will help protect ground water, vegetation and wooded areas. Sec. 44-118. Uses. The City shall only allow the following uses: (a) Permitted Uses: 1) Any permitted use in the R-1 District, subject to its regulations. (b) Conditional Uses. The City may permit the following by conditional use permit: 1) Any use allowed by conditional use permit in the R-1 (single dwelling) District. 2) Commercial faming or gardening, including the use or storage or associated equipment, when on a property with a single dwelling. 3) Stands for the sale of agricultural products grown or produced on the properly. 4) Metal storage buildings, commonly known as pole barns or agri-buildings, subject to the applicable size and height requirements. (c) Prohibited uses. The city prohibits the following uses in the R-1(R) zoning district: 1) Accessory buildings without an associated single dwelling on the same property. 2) Reserved. Sec. 44.119. Height of buildings. The maximum height of a single-family dwelling shall be thirly-five (35) feet. Sec. 44.120. Lot dimensions, lot area, width requirements, and side yards. (a) No person shall build a single dwelling on a site less than eighty seven thousand one hundred twenty (87,120) square feet (2 acres) in area; unless the conservation design principles are applied as described in Section 3. (b) Each lot or parcel shall have enough area or usable space for a house, driveway,' well and individual sewage treatment system (ISTS) with a primary and secondary site or an acceptable design and plan for a community septic system or regional sewer. (c) Each dwelling and any accessory structure(s) shall have side yard setbacks as defined in table 44-120.1 and shall be measured from the properly line to the structure. The following exceptions to this standard shall apply: 1) The side yard on the street side of a corner lot shall have a width of at least thirty (30) feet. 2) When a property owner uses two (2) or more adjoining lots as a single-building site, the side yard requirements shall apply only to the outside lot lines. (d) The following table identifies the minimum lot area and lot width based on the conservation tiers: Table 44-120.1 Conservation Tier Density Minimum Area Minimum Side Yard Front Yard Ranoe F rontaoe Setback Setback Tier I (0-2 0.5-1.5U/A 15,000 SF 100' 30' 50' Principles) Tier II (3-5 1.6- 3.5 UIA 10,000 SF 80' 15' 30' Principles) Tier III (6-7 3.6 - 4.3 UIA 7,500 SF 50' 10' 20' Principies) (e) Each interior lot shall have at least fifty (50) feet of frontage on an improved public street. (fj Each corner lot or parcel shall have at least eighty (80) feet of frontage on each of the public streets. Sec. 44.121. Front Yards. (a) Each dwelling and any accessory structure(s) shall have a front yard setback as defined in table 44-120.1. Except that: 1) . If each of the lots next to an interior lot has a dwelling, the minimum setback shall be the setback of the adjacent dwelling closest to the street. The maximum setback shall be the setback of the adjacent dwelling farthest from the street. 2) If subsection (a)(1) above does not apply and there is a predominant setback, a dwelling shall be no further forward and no more than five feet to the rear of the predominant setback. 3) Regardless of the above, if the city council has approved special setbacks for a development, those setbacks shall apply. City approval of a preliminary plat with building pads does not constitute approval of special setbacks. 4) Regardless of the above, homeowners may add on to their homes using the existing setback. 5) In all cases, the accessory structures shall be no closer than the principle structure unless approved by the City Council. (b) The director of community development may allow a different front yard setback If the proposed setback would not adversely affect the drainage of surrounding properties and if any of the following conditions apply: 1) The proposed setback wouid not affect the privacy of adjacent homes. 2) The proposed setback would save significant natural features, as defined in section 9-188. 3) The proposed setback is necessary to meet city, state or federal regulations, such as pipeline setback or noise regulations. 4) The proposed setback is necessary for energy saving, health or safety reasons. Sec. 44-123. Rear Yards. (a) Single dwellings shall have a rear yard setback of at least twenty (20) percent of the lot depth. (b) Accessory buildings shall have a rear yard setback of at least thirty (30) feet. Sec. 44.124. Tower, antenna and flagpole setbacks. Antennas and flagpoles for residential (non-commercial) use in the R-1 (R) zoning district shall meet the same setbacks as accessory buildings in the R-1 (single dwelling) district. Sec. 44-125. Minimum foundation areas; room requirements. (a) The minimum foundation area shall be at least: 1) A one-story dwelling, nine hundred fifty (950) square feet. 2) A one and one-half story dwelling, seven hundred twenty (720) square feet. 3) A bi-Ievel dwelling, eight hundred sixteen (816) square feet. 4) A tri-Ievel dwelling, seven hundred sixty five (765) square feet. 5) A two story dwelling, five hundred twenty-eight (528) square feet. (b) Room size and number shall be consistent with the standards of the International Residential Code. Sec. 44-126. Building-width requirements. The minimum building width on the primary frontage shall be at least twenty-one (21) feet. The building width shall not include entryways or other appurtenances that do not run the fully depth of the building, Sec. 44-127. Accessory buildings. (a) Section 44-114 (Accessory buildings) in the R-l District shall apply to the use and height of accessory buildings and garages in the R-l R zoning district. (b) For lots of at least 2 acres in size the R-1R zoning district, the following size standards shall apply to accessory buildings and garages: graduated by tier or size of lot? Table 44-127.1 Accessory Sizes Detached Buildings (Max Attached Garages (Max Combination of detach Area, Square Feet) Area, Square Feet) buildings and attached Garage (Max Area) Tier I 1,400 (garages), 1,100 1,400 2,800 (other)" Tier II 1,000 SF Total 1,000 1,480 Tierili 850 SF Total 850 1,000 Section 3. This section adds the conservation principles and conservation design standards to the R-l R zoning district. Sec. 44-128. Definitions and Conservation Principles. The conservation principles in the following table shall represent the conservation incentives for this ordinance. The definitions of each principle follow the table. All incentives, and subsequent conservation bonuses as described in Table 44-130.1, shall only be granted IF they exceed the minimum standards set forth in the existing City ordinances that relate to environmental protection as identified in, but are not limited to, Ordinance Chapters 12 and 44. It shall be noted that the City has several ordinances that control and define natural resources and environmental quality, in all cases, the more restrictive ordinance shall apply and it is the developer's responsibiiity to discuss any issues or questions regarding the applicable ordinances with the City Planner. The developer shall be aware that the conservation principles shall be subject to the recommendations of the city staff, applicable commissions, planning commission and ultimate approval by the City Council. As stated in Sec. 44-129 the Developer shall be required to work closely with these bodies to develop a plan that supports the goals and objectives for the R-1 R District. Without Council approval the Developer will be entitled to a base entitlement of one unit per two acres with a 2.0 acre lot minimum. In all cases, the Developer shall receive a conservation bonus as described in Table 44-130.1 ONLY if the development integretes the Conservation Principle as a dominant theme throughout the proposed development. This shall be required of all proposed conservation principles. The City's objective is to maintain the rural quality of the R- 1 R district and encourage conservation principles and development in the city's areas with natural resource quality. Table 44-128,1 identifies the Conservation Principles that may qualify for density incentives. The table is categorized into two groups: Group A - Natural Characteristics and Group B - Design Characteristics. The Developer shall be required to present a diverse set of conservation principles for a site. Additionally, the developer is encouraged to use a mix of conservation principles and may not duplicate principles and receive a density incentive in exchange. For example if the developer proposes to preserve a large wooded area and consequently preserves an important stand of oak trees, the developer will receive the density incentive for one conservation principle not two. Table 44-128.1 Conservation Principles for Density Incentives Group A: Natural Characteristics Group B: Design Characteristics Additional Shoreline Buffers Clustering Additional Stormwater Management CreatelDevelop Trail Connections Creek Restoration Management Create Passive Parks Dedicate 50% Open Space Energy Efficiency EnhancelPreserve large wooded areas or forest Historic Preservation Enhance Wetlands, Create Management Plan LEED Certified BuildingslDevelopment Prairie Restoration Low Impact Development (LID) Slope Buffer Preservation Preserve and EstabHsh Natural Area Greenways Tree Preservation Vista ShedlCorridor Preservation GROUP A: Natural Characteristics The following conservation principles are defined for this ordinance as natural characteristics because they directly apply specifically to naturally occurring characteristics on a site. The principles are presented in alphabetical order. Addifional Shoreline Buffers: Beyond those already identified in the Shoreland Overlay District, the creation and plan for permanent protection of protective buffers around those areas which are more sensitive to the negative impacts of development, especially areas that are defined as bluffs or steep slopes, where critical habitat may dwell, near historic tree clusters or heritage trees etcetera for which the additional buffers may vary or be averaged near the location of protection importance. Additional Stormwater Management: The City has existing stormwater management policies, but there is opportunity to further improve the stormwater management on a site. The Developer shall be given a conservation bonus for a stormwater management plan, and implementation that exceeds the City's existing policy. Creek restoration management: Restoration projects that the City believes would assist in the restoration of the stream or natural creek that compensate for the loss of past uses of the watershed due to contamination, erosion and other influences or issues. Specific types of projects proposed for implementation as part of a development plan would be those that enhance habitat, water quality, and flow regime such as stormwater management, stream channel stabilization or greenways by implementing conservation easements, or additional buffers in riparian corridors. Dedicate 50% Open Space: Open space is defined as public or publicly held land that is generally natural in character and contains relatively few human-made structures. The Developer can achieve a conservation bonus for dedication of 50% of a site to open space. The open space dedication must be developable or have buildable qualities in order to achieve this principle. This conservation principle will be mandatory to achieve the full density allocation. Enhance/preserve large wooded areas or forest: An act of deliberately avoiding the removal of clusters of structurally healthy mature trees and understory trees which are native to the area and non-invasive, individual heritage trees which are structurally healthy and greater than 20 caliper inches in order to protect the present or future value for their use in protection from erosion, for their landscape and aesthetic value, for their use in screening development or for other environmental or intrinsic benefits. To meet this standard, the developer must prepare a health assessment of the trees on site, and must show a polygon area on the site with permanent protection plan, that the Developer shall implement, for the areas to be preserved and a management plan including removal of invasive species on the site, Enhance wetlands, create a Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan (CWMP): A plan to resolve development and protection conflicts where wetlands affect a significant portion of a community. The plan encompasses the identification, study, and evaluation of wetiand functions and community values, and development needs and investments with regard to wetlands protection, enhancement and regulation. The applicant shall be required to create a plan, that the developer shall implement, that exceeds the standards ofthe adopted Wetland Ordinance. Prairie Restoration: After performing a historical analysis to determine pre-settlement conditions, prepare a plan for prairie restoration with a specific management strategy that the Developer shall implement, over the course of five years in order to assure that the prairie establishes. This plan shall be submitted and approved by the City's Natural Resource Coordinator to determine if it meets this requirement and subsequently qualifies for the conservation bonus. Slope buffer preservation: A development plan that deiiberately avoids placing any lots, in the buffer area of a slope exceeding 12 percent, or as described in the city's slope ordinance section 44-1238 and building code section 12- 308. The Developer shall establish a buffer with permanent protection to demonstrate how the buffer and slope is protected and the purpose of the protection measures and how it exceeds the current slope ordinance requirements. A conservation bonus will be given for those plans that exceed the standards identified in the current steep slopes ordinance. Tree Preservation: Through means of a tree inventory, identifying the most significant trees on a site and permanently protecting them. The Developer shall be required to present a plan for protection of these trees, and will be required to demonstrate how these trees will be integrated as a key component of the development. GROUP B: Design Characteristics The following conservation principles relate to the design of a project or of a site. The principles are presented in alphabetical order. Clustering: A design technique that groups housing or development sites in a manner that allows for the conservation and preservation of open spaces such as farmland, natural areas, including habitat areas and open vistas. Create/Develop trail connections: A plan that illustrates the development of trails that are indicated on the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan map as part of the subdivision process, whether active or passive in nature, with an emphasis on creating trail connections to existing trails. A conservation bonus will be given for the development and construction of the trail not for the land dedication which will be considered part of the city's parkland dedication fees. Create passive parks: An area set aside through the development process that is environmentally sensitive and may or may not be developable. These parks may support passive uses such as walking trails, boardwalks and nature observation areas, but some areas may be too environmentally sensitive to accommodate any public access. A conservation bonus will only be given for passive dedication areas that are permanently protected and that are dedicated to a public entity. Energyefficiency: Using the Minnesota Greenstar Program, develop energy efficient and Greenstar rated projects and buildings. A conservation bonus will be given when the developer utilizes the program to create a 'theme' in a development and uses the Greenstar and conservation principles in marketing the project. Historic PreselVation: Identifying and protecting through permanent means, any historically significant areas on a specific site. If historical preservation is proposed as a conservation principle, the city's Historical Preservation Commission shall review and provide recommendations to the City Council regarding this principle. To reinforce the historical quality, a signage plan shall be included to clearly communicate the historical significance of the area or artifact. LEED certified buildings/development (3 Practices per structure): A national set of standards for buildings and neighborhoods that focuses on the principles of green building, smart growth, sustainability and healthy living. The LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System provides independent, third-party verification that a development's location and design meet accepted high levels of environmentally responsible, sustainable development. A conservation bonus will be given for a minimum of 3 practices in the LEED standards certification criteria. The conservation bonus shall only be given if the LEED standards are applied to all structures throughout a development. Developers are encouraged to seek LEED certification. Low Impact Development (LID): An ecologically friendly approach to site development and storm water management that aims to mitigate development impacts to land, water and air. The approach emphasizes the integration of site design and planning techniques that conserve the natural systems and hydrologic functions of a site. In all cases, the developer must minimize the impervious surface coverage to achieve low impact development, and must be a minimum of 5% below the 30% coverage standard allowed. This must be accomplished in conjunction with other LID techniques to achieve this principle. In order to achieve this principle the developer must demonstrate how they will achieve these principles. Preserve and Establish Natural Area Greenways: The pedication, maintenance or management of an area identified on the City's Natural Areas Greenway map. The Natural Area Greenway is defined as large contiguous areas of natural habitat that cross ownership boundaries. Vista shed!corridor preservation: A site plan or development pattern that is designed specifically to protect an area on or near the development site that is viewed as integral to protecting the sense of place, whether the features in the vista are cultural, historical or natural or whether they are viewed from the street or within the development site. Sec. 44-129 Application Requirements and Procedures. The Developer shall follow the steps outlined below as part of the development review process. The Developer shall be required to review the contents of this ordinance and prepare a plan consisting of written and visual documents to support the proposed development. (a) The Developer shall review this ordinance and available natural resource data. The intent is to establish the property's ecological connections both within Maplewood and as part of the regional ecological system. If the Developer chooses not to use a conservation approach the Developer may develop at the base entitlement of one (1) unit per two (2) acres of land and skip to step e. If the Developer is interested in additional units and smaller lot sizes, then the Developer shall follow steps b-e. (b) The Developer shall prepare and submit a natural resources evaluation of the site, including all of the following elements, this step is in preparation for meeting with the City Planner and should be completed prior to developing a concept plan: 1) Tree survey, including all significant individual trees greater than 6 inches in diameter, and stands of trees, identifying tree species and size. 2) Wetland inventory, including delineation reports; and MnRAM verification 3) Topographic survey indicating existing drainage patterns. This shall include one foot (1') contours for steep slope areas to better understand where the top and bottom of the slopes are for preservation and placement (c) The Developer shall set up a meeting with the City Planner to discuss and establish the intent and goal for the subdivision. The process shall include a discussion regarding the appropriate conservation principles as identified in Table 44-128.1 for the specific site and shall be based on the preliminary natural resource information collected in step (b). The principles utilized to achieve higher densities on a site must be reviewed and recommended by the City Staff, Planning Commission and approved by the City Council. The conservation principles and corresponding conservation bonuses are shown in table 44-130.1 (d) The Developer shall create a Concept Plan that includes the following information: 1) A base yield plan, which demonstrates the number of allowed lots as determined by the base entitlement of one unit per two acres. 2) A description of the conservation principles that are used and the corresponding conservation bonus and unit count as the Developer understands it. This shall also include information and data that supports how the concept plan addresses the conservation principle and how the plan meets and exceeds the standards ofthe City's existing natural resource ordinances. . 3) A graphic that demonstrates generally how the lots would be laid out and the unit types proposed as part of the development. 4) A narrative that describes the conservation principles used in the concept plan and supporting data demonstrating how the concept meets the standards of existing ordinances, and data demonstrating how the concept plan exceeds them. 5) The Developer shall submit, with their concept plans, data and reports related to the conservation principles performed by a reputable ecologist or ecological firm. The City shall reserve the right, if needed, to hire their own ecological expert at the cost of the Developer to verify and further understand the plans submitted by the Applicant. 6) Submit twenty (20) copies of items 1 through 4 for informai or non-binding comments by City Staff, Planning Commission and City Council. Each body will provide feedback and recommendations to the Developer so that they understand the changes they need to make moving forward to the preliminary plat. It will be up to the City Council to make the final decision with respect to the implementation of the Conservation Principles and final density of a project. (e) After the concept plan review, the Developer shall take and integrate the recommendations and prepare a preliminary plat and final plat submittal in accordance with section 34-5 of the subdivision ordinance. (fj A full developer's agreement as well as any necessary agreements or documents that document the conservation principles and how they will be upheld will be required as a part of any final plat approval. This shall also include, if applicable, any dedication or transfer of property for the purpose of permanent conservation shall be completed prior to final plat approval or the issuance of any building permit. Sec. 44-130 Conservation Bonus Standards The following conservation bonuses shall be rewarded based on the number of conservation principles (as identified in Table 44-128.1) integrated within a development. The conservation principles and their application must be agreed to by both the Developer and the City. (a) Conservation bonus is defined as the additional allotment of a lot or lots as determined by the number of conservation principles met. Conservation bonus is also commonly referred to as a density bonus. (b) The units obtained through the conservation bonus calculation shall always be rounded down to the nearest whole number. (c) The density and number of units shall be calculated on a net area basis. Net density shall be defined as the number of dwelling units per acre exclusive of arterial streets and right of ways, steep slopes (in excess of 18%), wetlands and water features, and other publicly dedicated improvements such as parks. Table 44-130.1 Conservation Bonus Allotment for Conservation Principles The following table identifies the baseline entitlement for all property zoned R-1 R of 0.5 Units per acre. All conservation bonuses are cumulative and the percentage bonus calculated as such. Density Number of Range Conservation Principles Tier 1: 0 0.5-1.5 1 2 Tier 2: 3 1.6-3.5 4 5 Tier 3: 6 3.6 - 4.3 7' Conservation bonus (Housing Units) None - base entitlement of 2 Acre Lots 50% 100% 50% 100% 20% The asterisk in Table 44-130.1 denotes a mandatory conservation principle of protecting fifty percent (50%) of a proposed project in open space. A management plan for all protected open space shall be required to achieve final plat approval. Potential options include management by a Homeowners Association, dedicated to a public use or interested agency. The City Council approved the first reading of this ordinance on February 9, 2009. The City Council approved the second reading of this ordinance on February 23, 2009. Mayor Attest: s<tl<ZC1<Zd' -POC.5<Z6 5ru tv II documcrnt at: www.co.rQ,m5czy.mfl/p4fts/doc.shys'hzl'YJp(o,l'1.pdf' SYSTEM PLAN [_ ] RAMSEY COUNTY ~ PARKS AND RECREATION 2015 North Van Dyke Street, Maplewood, MN 55109-3796 (651) 748-2500 May 2006 RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT RAMSEY COUNTY MISSION STATEMENT Ramsey County - Working with you to enhance our quality of life. DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Ramsey County by preserving, developing, maintaining and managing a system of parks, open space, trail corridors and special use areas; and by providing year-around recreational programs, services and facilities which are responsive to changing needs, compatible with the resource base and most effectively provided at a county level. In support of this mission. . . o Our role and commitment in open space preservation is to acquire, protect and manage unique, fragile and aesthetically attractive natural resources that contribute positively to the urban landscape, and perform critical natural functions. o Our role and commitment in nature interpretation is to promote positive environmental values through an increased awareness, knowledge and appreciation of natural resources and natural processes. o Our role and commitment in outdoor recreation programming is to sponsor or cosponsor recreation programs that encourage development of resource-oriented outdoor recreation skills, promote wellness and to organize special events that introduce people to recreation opportunities available within the system. o Our role and commitment in special recreation services is to provide areas, facilities and programs of County-wide significance to meet specialized indoor or outdoor recreation needs of County residents. o Our role and commitment in park services is to provide diverse and accessible areas and facilities primarily for self-directed, resource-oriented outdoor recreation that complement the natural features of each site. o Our role and commitment in trail services is to coordinate establishment of a County-wide system plan of hiking and biking trails that connect significant natural and cultural features and implement those segments of County or regional significance that are located on County park and open space land. The Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department will work in cooperation with other units of government to advance park, recreation and leisure service opportunities for all people of Ramsey County. IV SYSTEM PLAN OVERVIEW - THE SYSTEM PLAN The Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed recent survey findings of the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on recreation needs within the Metropolitan Area and Ramsey County, in particular. It was clear from this review that the fundamental thrust of the Ramsey County parks and recreation system (I.e., natural resource based outdoor recreation) has been reaffirmed. A review of the data underscores the importance of the natural park areas; hiking, biking (including mountain bike trails) and cross-country skiing trails; picnicking facilities; swimming areas; off-leash dog areas; and fishing docks and boat launches. These outdoor recreation facilities have historically been the fundamental components of the Ramsey County parks and recreation system. This system plan reaffirms the importance of these facilities and identifies opportunities within the system for additional facilities of this nature. A review of existing and planned facilities within the Ramsey County system suggests that an appropriate supply of picnic areas, swimming beaches, boat access sites and trails (hiking, biking and cross-country skiing) exist or are planned within the system. In order to meet public expectations, these facilities will be developed or redeveloped as planned and then maintained at a level that can support an increasing demand for these services. In recognition of the high-level of importance placed on protecting and managing natural areas for public use, the plan identifies speCific areas within regional and county parks that are to be maintained in a natural state. In the case of the larger regional parks, the plan identifies environmental natural areas, which encompass the highest quality natural areas within these park units. Vegetation management and wildlife management activities are identified for each of the regional park units. Some public access (trails) may be provided in these areas for aesthetic enjoyment and outdoor education. Proposed vegetation is identified on the Natural Resources Management Map for each of the regional parks. Definitions of Vegetation Types in Ramsey County Mesic Woods: A mixture of sugar maple, basswood, green ash, northern red and white oaks with hop hornbeam, alternate leave dogwood, and hazel in the understory. These woods tend to be found on north facing slopes and level areas. Oak Woods: These are dominated by bur, white, northern pin and northern red oaks. Other common tree species are American elm, quaking aspen, and green ash. Common understory trees are cherries, hazel and Rubus sp. Oak woods are located on drier sites. Pine Plantation: Planted stands of red, white jack or Scotch pine. Not a native community. Mixed Woods: This is a catch all for other woodland types. It includes fioodplain forests of silver maple and cottonwood, aspen stands and boxelder thickets. These can be found on a variety of slopes and soils. Oldfield: Open grassy habitats of non-native species. There can be scattered trees and shrubs. Oldfields can be found on a variety of slopes and soils. v RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Prairie: Open grassy habitats of non-native species. Dominated by big bluestem, little bluestem, Indiangrass andlor side-oats grama. There may be scattered trees, especially bur oaks. Normally on drier slopes. Tamarack: Wetlands with a dominance of Tamarack. Shrubs include alder, poison sumac, red-osier dogwood. Shrub Swamp: Wetlands dominated by alder and willow. Wetlands: Wetlands of a variety of non-woody vegetation types. Includes cattail, wet meadows and reed canary swales. Turf: Areas of blue grass and rye grass that is regularly mowed. vi SYSTEM PLAN PARTNERSHIPS/INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS In support of the Ramsey County Mission, the Department of Parks and Recreation has established and maintained partnerships with private and nonprofit organizations and intergovernmental cooperative agreements with other governmental entities to expand or enhance Parks and Recreation opportunities. The following highlights a number of ongoing relationships. It is anticipated that over time, additional relationships may be established and formalized in order to enhance public services. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL Ramsey County is one of ten implemented agencies for the Regional Recreational Open Space System within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The system consists of over 45,000 acres of land within the seven county metropolitan area. Implementing agencies own and operate the parks and trails; the Metropolitan Council, with recommendations from the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, approves master plans, prepares the capital improvement program, provides a policy framework and provides matching funds to finance the capital improvement program. In its partnership, the State of Minnesota provides financing for capital improvements and a portion of the operations and maintenance costs. Capital funding is provided through a combination of Metropolitan Council park bonds (40%) and State funds (60%). All projects are considered by the Metropolitan Council and incorporated into the Regional Recreation Open Space Capital Improvement Program based on their relative priority for the region and a distribution formula established by the Metropolitan Council. ST. PAUL REGIONAL WATER SERVICES The SuckerNadnais Lake area of the Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park encompasses 1252 acres of land and water owned by the St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS). Ajoint powers agreement between Ramsey County and the SPRWS provides a framework that incorporates these properties into the regional park. Under that agreement, Ramsey County prepared a Park Master Plan and is responsible for capital financing and specified operations and maintenance functions. St. Paul Regional Water Services takes responsibility for natural resource management, fire protection and some park maintenance operations. All park activities are subordinate to maintaining the water quality and water distribution systems. Much of Trout Brook Regional Trail is located on property owned by the SPRWS. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE The National Park Service (NPS) has transferred the Rice Creek Corridor, Railroad Spur within Long Lake Regional Park and Archery Range located in the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant to Ramsey County under the Federal Lands to Parks Program. The County is obligated to maintain the property for public parks and recreation use. The County owns properties within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) administered by the NPS. Projects within the MNRRA Corridor are coordinated with the NPS and may be eligible for funding under various NPS grant programs. MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides grants for trails (acquisition, development and maintenance), county park development and development of boat access sites, fishing piers and shoreline fishing areas. In addition, the DNR provides technical assistance and administers grant programs for natural resource management. vii RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CITY OF ST. PAUL Ramsey County and the City of st. Paul have prepared joint master plans for regional park units that have joint operations. These include the Keller Phalen Regional Park, Battle Creek Regional Park and the Bruce Vento Regional Trail. In addition, Ramsey County and the City of St. Paul have established a joint powers agreement for development, operation and maintenance of the Battle Creek Recreation Facility located on Ramsey County land within Battle Creek Regional Park. CITY OF ROSEVILLE Ramsey County and the City of Roseville jointly own the 52-acre Reservoir Woods property. Under a joint powers agreement, Ramsey County paid for and received title to 25% of the land area acquired from the St. Paul Regional Water Services. All development, operations and maintenance costs are the responsibility of the City of Roseville. RAMSEY COUNTY DEPARTMENTS The Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with the Ramsey County Community Corrections Department to develop and operate the Ponds at Battle Creek Golf Course located on property owned by Ramsey County Community Corrections. The Department has established a formal cooperative relationship with the Saint Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health for development and operation of yard waste and household hazardous waste sites on certain Parks and Recreation properties, as well as recycling in Parks and Recreation facilities, financing of certain Parks activities and disposal of lake weeds and yard waste. The Department has entered into joint powers agreements with the Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority for use of right of way for regional trail purposes. MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD/MINNESOTAAMATEUR SPORTS COMMISSION The Minnesota National Guard has a license for approximately 1500 acres of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunitions Plant. This area, known as the Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS). The National Guard is committed to manageAHATS as a regional park reserve and allowing for scheduled public access to the site for nature interpretation and trail activities. The National Guard plans to develop an administrative service center and have been receptive to the concept of including an interpretive center that could be used for public programming regarding the natural resources and history of the site. In addition, the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission has an interest in developing a venue for cross-country ski events utilizing a former warehouse located on the Rice Creek Regional Trail Corridor property as an assembly area and ski trails located on the AHATS property. Potentially, these cross-country ski trails could be managed for seasonal use by the general public provided there is no conflict with National Guard training. OTHER The Department of Parks and Recreation has formal and informal relationships with other County departments, municipalities, school districts, watershed districts and nonprofit groups for ongoing activities. The Department is working with these community partners to promote and implement the . Active Living Ramsey County principles, policies and programs. viii SYSTEM PLAN SYSTEM COMPONENTS The Ramsey County parks and open space system is comprised of five (5) recreation and protection open space components. Each component is a general grouping or classification of sites and facilities that provide a similar scope of opportunities, satisfy common objectives, and accommodate a specific service area or user group. I. REGIONAL PARKS Areas containing a diversity of nature-based resources, either naturally occurring or human-built that offer a range of outdoor recreational opportunities for metropolitan area residents. Objectives: 1. To provide public access to major waterbodies and watercourses. 2. To provide sites of sufficient size (200-500 acres) that will accommodate a range of activities and large numbers of users. 3. To provide a resource base with a carrying capacity that will tolerate a large number of users. 4. To emphasize outdoor recreational experiences as well as resource preservation. 5. To provide recreational developments that are consistent with the specific resource base. 6. To protect and manage significant natural resources within park units for aesthetic enjoyment and outdoor education. 7. . To provide internal trail networks that link or provide access to Significant natural resources or outdoor recreation facilities. 8. To provide special use areas such as off-leash dog areas that are compatible with the natural resources and other recreational development. Environmental Natural Areas have been identified in Regional Parks having significant natural resources. Environmental Natural Areas are portions of Regional Parks that are designated for habitat protection, ecological restoration, and environmental education. Development within these areas is limited to trails and nature interpretation facilities. Public access to these areas is restricted to designated trails. The use of these areas is limited to passive forms of nature enjoyment such as hiking, skiing and nature viewing. Bicycles are only allowed on designated hikelbike trails. No mountain biking, dogs, off-trail activities or picnicking is allowed. Vegetation is managed to support and enhance the natural communities. Status: Official designation of regional parks requires approval by the Metropolitan Council. There are currently six (6) regional parks under the jurisdiction of Ramsey County within the Regional Recreation Open Space System. These regional parks total 3,840 acres. In addition, the city of St. Paul operates an additional four (4) regional parks and Three Rivers Park District operates a Special Recreation Feature within Ramsey County. II. REGIONAL TRAILS Linear corridors that provide safe and enjoyable routes and support facilities primarily for recreational travel that pass through or provide access to elements of the regional parks system. 1 RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Objectives: 1. To provide alignments that accommodate unimpeded passages with a minimum disruption of the resource base. 2. To provide alignments that parallel or traverse areas having scenic, historic, scientific or cultural qualities. 3. To encourage multiple use when concurrent uses are compatible and multi-seasonal use when practical. 4. To provide alignments that are of sufficient length for a meaningful experience and of sufficient width for safe passage, maximum capacity and minimal negative influence on adjacent community. 5. To provide alignments that connect regional recreational open space sites. 6. To prOVide alignments that utilize natural system corridors and man-made corridors. 7. To function as arterial trail routes that intersect and complement local trail networks. Status: There are currently six (6) regional trails within the Metropolitan Council's Regional Recreation Open Space System under the jurisdiction of Ramsey County. These regional trail corridors include BD1 acres and total 23 miles. III. COUNTY PARKS Areas of limited size and resource base (generally associated with a significant water recreation resource) that offer a range of related outdoor recreational opportunities for county and metropolitan area residents. Objectives: 1. To provide outdoor recreation facilities for intense public use that complement the natural resource base. 2. To prOVide public access to waterbodies. 3. To accommodate maximum use of site resources. 4. To provide facilities that require intense management. 5. To accommodate exclusive-use requests and special-interest groups. 6. To protect and manage significant natural resources within park units for aesthetic enjoyment and outdoor education. Status: There are currently 9 county parks under the jurisdiction of Ramsey County. These parks total 704 acres. IV. PROTECTION OPEN SPACE Outstanding landscape amenities, critical natural systems and vulnerable natural resources that contribute to public health, outdoor education, aesthetic enjoyment and ecosystem stability. 2 SYSTEM PLAN Objectives: 1. To protect unique features of aesthetic, educational or scientific value for public enrichment. 2. To protect natural areas and manage the resources within these areas to support appropriate natural vegetation. 3. To manage areas of suitable size and character in order to provide adequate food and shelter for significant wildlife populations within the urban environment. 4. To protect a system of drainageways and holding basins critical to the surface movement, storage and treatment of storm water runoff. 5. To provide public access for trails, nature appreciation and outdoor education. Status: There are currently nine (9) protection open space sites under the jurisdiction of Ramsey County. These sites total 636 acres. V. SPECIAL-USE FACILITIES Areas or facilities that provide intense specialized or single-purpose indoor andlor outdoor recreation activities and require a specific resource base, location, restrictive control and management program above and beyond that associated with other general recreation activities. Objectives: 1. To provide only that natural or artificial resource base which is necessary to accommodate the intended use. 2. To provide opportunities for involvement as a participant or spectator in a controlled setting. 3. To encourage multi-seasonal use when feasible to maximize return on capital investment. status: There are currently 15 special-use facilities under the jurisdiction of Ramsey County. These facilities include five (5) golf courses; eleven (11) ice arenas (10 locations); a fairgrounds (including horseshoe courts) and an archery range. These sites total 413 acres (plus Keller Golf Course which is part of Keller Regional Park; and the Island Lake Golf Center which is part of Island Lake County Park). 3 RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT FISH CREEK PROTECTION OPEN SPACE SITE LOCATION AND SIZE The Fish Creek Protection Open Space site is located in the southeast corner of Ramsey County in the cities of St. Paul and Maplewood. The 130-acre site is bounded by the Ramsey County border on the south and east, Carver Avenue on the north and Highway 61 on the west. SITE CHARACTERISTICS The site includes the entire 1 Y:2-mile length of Fish Creek as it flows from Carver Lake on the east to Highway 61 on the west. After passing under Highway 61, Fish Creek flows into Pigs Eye Lake. 1-694 separates the Fish Creek open space corridor into two segments. The segment downstream of 1-694 is characterized by a deep wooded valley with very steep side slopes. The creek has a large drop in elevation through this %-mile segment. This part of the site also includes the steep wooded bluff line of the Mississippi River parallel to Highway 61. The site includes Y:2-mile of bluff line extending south of Fish Creek. The part of the site upstream of 1-694 has a much flatter creek gradient and lacks the deep valley. This part of the creek corridor includes a variety of wetlands, wooded slopes and grass lands. RECREATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN Existing Development None. Proposed Development The site has limited potential for trail activity. NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The entire site will be managed and maintained in a natural state. PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS Continued coordination with the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District will be necessary. Maintenance service and trail access to the site will be provided through a large residential subdivision proposed for a site Y. mile south of Carver Avenue. The subdivision abuts the Fish Creek Protection Open Space site on three sides. Management of steep slopes and storm water are critical to maintaining the integrity of the site. 68 SYSTEM PLAN =~ o " " o 8 , ~ GI!1J ) ~ -./,,/" I~"'--' ........ I ~>' ~ . ~ " If' ~ I i I i I I i I ' ...-,~.;........__..J . " o z ;; ~ 9 ; ~ ~ Q LEGEND 900' r~~lWetlands L-:--~J Park Boundary rr-----rL' \.-f."w 351': I , +' I ! I --'I!' 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