Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-18 FCG Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD FISH CREEK GREENWAY AD-HOC COMMISSION Friday, December 18,2009 1 :00-3:00 p.m. Maplewood City Hall 1830 County Road BEast 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes November 13, 2009 minutes December 4, 2009 minutes 4. Survey results to date 5. Review draft report 6. Process for completing report 7. Review of report by others 8. Presentation for February 1 council workshop 9. Next scheduled meeting: Council workshop: February 1, 5:00 p.m. 10. Visitor Presentations 11. Adjourn MINUTES CITY OF MAPLEWOOD FISH CREEK GREENWAY AD-HOC COMMISSION Friday, December 4, 2009 Maplewood City Hall - Council Chambers 1830 County Road BEast 1. Meeting commenced: 1 :00 p.m. 2. Commissioners Present: Ron Cockriel, Friends of Maplewood Nature Ginny Gaynor, City of Maplewood John Moriarty, Ramsey County Parks Carolyn Peterson, Parks Commission Ginny Yingling, Environment and NR 3. Ex-Officio Members Present: Jim Von Haden, National Park 4. Action Items: a. Motion to approve agenda with addition of by Commissioner Gaynor. Motion made by Commission Yingling, by Commissioner Cockriel, approved 5 to O. b. Decision made to revise minutes to include brief of comments provided by invited guests. c. Decision made, approved 5 to 0: Our vision is for trails on public lands within the greenway that: 1) are ecologically sustainable, 2) provide passive recreation within the greenway, and 3) where feasible connect to other trails. d. Decision made, approved 5 to 0: If properties in the greenway are acquired, the commission recommends the city work with Ramsey County, residents, and other partners to develop a master plan for protection and passive recreation for the greenway. 5. Discussion items: a. Continued trail discUssion. b. Disc!il~l?ed acquisitigp priorities and directed Commissioner Yingling to draft languag~ipn prioriti~~ for review at next meeting. Group agreed the report should 1) reconitp~Qd acq~isition of all parcels as preferred option, and 2) identify criteria for determihipgpNbrities (creek corridor, bluffs, etc.), c. Group review~d tally of questionnaires. d. Group reviewed outline for final report and added a section on why this area is special (why it needs protection, context, MNRAA and critical area). e. Commissioners agreed that we recommend that the city does not reauthorize the existing development agreement with CoPAR. f. Commission agreed that we recommend a bonding referendum that includes the other greenways. g. The commission will present their recommendations to City Council in a workshop January 25, 5:00 p.m. Commission recommendations will be on the Council meeting agenda later that evening. 6. Follow-up Items: a. Commissioners Yingling and Gaynor: Draft report. b. Commissioner Gaynor: Revise minutes. c. Tally questionnaires received prior to 12/18/09. 7. Adjourn: 3:10 p.m. MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway Commissioners Ginny Gaynor, Maplewood Natural Resources Coordinator Draft Report to Council December 15, 2009 Attached is the first draft of the vision statement (attachment 1) and report to City Council (attachment 2). A few sections need additional information and appendices are not included. A map referencing parcel letters is also attached (attachment 3). In your review and edit of the report, please focus on the following: 1. Does this accurately reflect the position of the commission? 2. Does it make a strong enough case? 3. What information or ideas are missing? 4. What sections are too detailed or need more detail? 5. Does anything need to be moved? 6. Mark any sections that are unclear or don't make sense. I n your review of the vision statement, please consider: 1. Is this the tone we want the piece to have? 2. Is the length appropriate? 3. Does it clearly articulate the vision for the area? 4. Is anything missing? Attachments: 1. Vision Statement 2. Report to Council 3. Map II! I!! Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway Corridor - Vision Statement The creek meanders through wetland sedges and sun-drenched meadows, before descending into shady oak woodlands, gaining speed as it dances over cascades in a mossy sandstone gorge. Above the creek rise wooded slopes that give way to rolling upland meadows that white-tail deer, turkey and red fox call home. Riding the thermals along the Mississippi River bluffs that edge them, hawks and eagles soar over the grasslands searching for prey. Far below and to the west, the Mississippi River flows quietly by. We could be describing any number of Minnesota state parks, scientific natural areas, or wildlife preserves, but this is the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway in south Maplewood. One of the last, large undeveloped parcels in Ramsey County, this area has inspired Maplewood residents for over 20 years to seek its permanent protection as open space and parkland; a place where everyone can enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi River bluffs and connect with the changing seasons. That goal is still within our reach. While most of the creek itself flows through Ramsey County land and is managed as open space, approximately X mile of the creek and XX acres of critical upland woods and meadows remain unprotected from development. Much of this land, previously slated for housing, may once again be available for purchase and protection. This gives the City of Maplewood a unique opportunity. In public ownership, this land would be a tremendous asset to the people of Maplewood - a place for recreation and enjoyment of nature. The existing footpath along the creek could be completed to Henry Lane and connected to trails in the upland meadows above the creek and along the river bluffs. Bike trails along Sterling and Carver could provide access to the Fish Creek area, and link it to the Mississippi River Trail that runs along pt. Douglas Rd. below the river bluffs. It's even possible a trail connection to Carver Lake Park could be made. Recreation opportunities beyond walking/hiking could also be possible. While the slopes of the existing county open space lands cannot support bike paths or wider maintained trails, the upland meadows south of the creek could accommodate a loop trail accessible to bikes and wheelchairs. The rolling hills there are ideal for snowshoeing and off-trail (i.e. not groomed) cross-country skiing in the winter. Protecting more land around Fish Creek will also help to protect the many investments already made to improve water quality in the creek, and by extension, the Mississippi River. More development, no matter how carefully planned, will result in further degradation of water quality and changes to the natural hydrology of the area. Additional development also means more use of the Fish Creek open space, resulting in further damage to the resource. Likely development near Fish Creek could bring as many as XXX more households to the area. Without additional land over which to spread recreational activities, we could literally love Fish Creek to death. This is the opportunity of our lifetime. For a small investment by all Maplewood residents, the lands of the Fish Creek Greenway can be protected for our enjoyment and that of future generations. DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! !! II! Recommendation and Opportunities for Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway Report to Maplewood City Council from Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway Ad-Hoc Commission 12/15/09 DRAFT I. Executive Summary II. Introduction and Background Information 1. Purpose of Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway Commission Maplewood City Council established the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway Ad-Hoc Commission in May 2009 to: . Develop recommendations and priorities for protecting natural lands in the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway, including: 1. Acquisition of private land; 2. Conservation easement on private land; 3. Conservation subdivision options for properties that want to develop; 4. Funding options. . 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. 2. Features of Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway was mapped in 2008 (see Appendix A: Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway Map) and incorporated into Maplewood's 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The greenway is a large contiguous area of natural habitat that crosses property boundaries and includes both public and private lands. Fish Creek is the heart of this greenway, running from Carver Lake in Woodbury to Highway 61 in St. Paul, and then connecting under the highway to the Mississippi River. There is much natural land and the greenway has a very rural and undeveloped character. There are several parcels of city and county public open space in this area and many private parcels have large areas of habitat. Some of the special features of the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway include: . Fish Creek. The creek runs through oak forest, maple basswood forest, and emergent and open water marshes before cutting through a scenic ravine and tumbling over a series of waterfalls on its way to join the Mississippi River. Most of the creek lies within Ramsey County Fish Creek Open Space. . Snake Creek. This creek is also known as It begins on the west edge of the Bailey Nursery property and runs through private lands, and portions of the creek have steep rock cliffs. 1 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! . Woodlands. The greenway has several stands of oak woodland, some which have native groundcovers including ferns, sedges, and wildflowers. There are a few small stands of maple-basswood forest (mostly in St. Paul), a plant community that is uncommon in Maplewood. . Wetlands. Wetlands in the greenway provide habitat and are important to local hydrology and water quality. . Grasslands. Open grasslands in the greenway contribute to the rural character of the area. Most are old fields with a few tiny remnants of native prairie. . Mississippi River Bluffs. The greenway contains Mississippi River bluff lands, in both St. Paul and Maplewood. . Scenic Views. The greenway has several steep hills which open to panoramic views. . Connection to Mississippi River. The creeks and the greenway connect to the Mississippi River. The highways sever ecological connections for many species, but the greenway is part of Mississippi River flyway. . Trail Connections. The greenway connects to regional and local trail systems. . Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Part of the Fish Creek Greenway lies within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA). This is one of the National Park Service's (NPS) partner parks - a park which relies on strong partnerships with local municipalities. The MNRRA boundary includes 54,000 acres along 72 miles of the river. NPS owns just 35 acres but works with other agencies and communities to preserve and enhance the area within the park boundaries. . Mississippi River Critical Area (MRCCA). The Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area was designated over 30 years agoby Executive Order 79-19. Its boundaries co-inside with the MNRRA boundaries. Local governments are responsible for protecting this area, with state, regional, and federal agencies providing oversight and assistance. . Regional Ecological Significance. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) identifies this area as an area of Regional Ecological Significance and a Site of Biological Significance in the Minnesota County Biological Survey. Maps of the greenway are provided in Appendices: Appendix X: Map of public lands in the greenway. Appendix X: Map of native plant communities in the greenway 3. land Use Plan In 2006, Maplewood issued a moratorium on development in south Maplewood in order to study land use of all parcels south of Carver Avenue. Consultants Schoell Madson were hired to facilitate the study. A report outlining options for the area was submitted to Maplewood City Council. This information was helpful in developing the land use plan for this area that is part of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The 2030 Plan proposes Rural/Low Density Residential (.5-1.5 units/acre) for most of the undeveloped natural areas in the greenway and Mixed Use (6 - 31 units/acre) for the Bailey Nursery site. 4. Past Protection Efforts For many years, residents have advocated for public acquisition of additional land in this area. Land south of Carver was one of the top prioriites for acquisition identified by the Maplewood Open Space Committee after the passing of the 1993 Open Space bonding referendum. However, at that time the landowner was not interested in selling this land to the city. 2 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! In 2009, Maplewood submitted three grants seeking funding for land acquisition in this area. None were successful. In addition, in 2009 staff worked with state legislators to submit two bills appropriating funds for land acquisition in the greenway. 5. Commission Process 1) Commissioner members included: . Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway Commission members: Chair Ginny Yingling, Environment and Natural Resources Commission Vice-Chair Ron Cockriel, Friends of Maplewood Nature Carolyn Peterson, Parks and Recreation Commission John Moriarty, Ramsey County Parks Cliff Aichinger, Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District Ginny Gaynor, Maplewood Natural Resources Coordinator . Active Ex-Officio members: Bob Spauling, Friends of the Mississippi Jim Van Haden, National Park Service Mary Beth Block, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . Invited guests. In additional, several guests were invited to participate in discussions throughout the process. 2) Commission Meetings. The commission held ten commission meetings between July 10, 2009 and December 18, 2009. All meetings were open to the public, posted in advance, and videotaped. In addition, the commission had one field trip to the greenway. 3) Outreach and public input. To engage residents and solicit public input, the commission: . Held one public meeting (11 people attended); . Held one public tour (20 people attended); . Published two articles in Maplewood's city newsletter; . Posted announcements regarding the public meeting and tour in the Lillie Review; . Sent two mailings to approximately 220 households in the greenway to inform people about the commission} announce the meetings and tour} and send a questionnaire; . Hosted a webpage; . Posted an on-line questionnaire and mailed the questionnaire to 220 households. questionnaires were completed and Appendix ~~ has a tally of results. This was not conducted as a scientific survey and there was no mechanism to ensure people submitted only one survey, thus the results need to be interpreted with this in mind. III. Protection strategies 1. The Need for Protection The Natural Area Greenway map is a snapshot in time, showing the natural areas that exist in 2008. Much of the natural land in the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway is in private ownership, and owners of some private parcels may someday develop their land. Long-term persistence of the greenway depends on protection of natural resources on both public and private lands. Strategies for protection include acquisition} conservation development} conservation easement, and stewardship. Recommendation /I xx. The commission recommends that the city support a protection strategy for the greenway that includes acquisition, conservation development, conservation easement, and stewardship. 3 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! 2. Acquisition Acquiring land for public ownership is an effective strategy for protection. In addition to protecting natural resources, land acquired for public ownership provides new opportunities for hiking and passive recreation. Results of the questionnaire indicated respondents supported acquisition of land in the greenway. The questionnaire did not pose questions on how we would pay for land. The benefits of acquiring additional public land in the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway include: 1. Ensures protection of more land in the greenway; 2. Protects core pieces of land that will be essential long-term for maintaining a wildlife corridor; 3. Provides new options for hiking and passive recreation. With no land acquisition, there is opportunity to add rustic trails to one county site and one city site. If key parcels are acquired, the opportunity for trails and trail connections is dramatically enhanced. (See VI- Recreation). Ramsey County Park staff is supportive of acquisition of additional public land in this area. The county is happy to partner with the city, but they are not interested in taking on the responsibility of finding funding for acquisition. If the city wants to acquire land, the city will need to find funding. If land is acquired, the city may not be the best public entity to own and manage it. The intended use of an acquired site should drive the decision on the best public entity to own and manage the land. Ramsey County may be the most appropriate owner of lands acquired that meet the following conditions: 1) adjacent to existing Ramsey County Open Space, 2) meets the goals of Ramsey County open space (restoration and management may be limited), and 3) public access is via rustic foot trails. If a parcel is to have a hard-surface accessible trail, better access, and more intense restoration and management, the city may be the more appropriate owner. The questionnaire solicited comments regarding concerns people may have with the city acquiring addition land. The main concerns listed are discussed below. 1) Cost. Land acquisition in south Maplewood will be expensive and some residents expressed concerned about tax increases and the city being able to afford additional land. Section VI- Funding addresses funding strategies. 2. Affect on tax base A few residents raised concerns about how acquiring land would affect the tax base. A total of acres are listed as priority for acquisition, some of which are protected from development by the city's wetland and slope ordinances. If 80% of that land was developable, that would be a loss of acres of tax base. Under the 2030 Comprehenisive Plan's land use, that equates to lots. These add a toll to infrastructure and services. 3. Ability to manage additional land A few residents were concerned that the city could not afford to manage additional land. The city currently owns acres of parkland in the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway and Ramsey County owns 130 acres. Acquisition of land requires the ability to manage it. 4 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! Management costs for natural areas vary tremendously depending on existing site conditions and the level of management desired. At the Maplewood Neighborhood Preserves and premier natural areas in the city, goals include active management of invasive species and where feasible restoring native plant communities. Management goals for the county open space are not as ambitious. Providing recreational trails increases costs for Installation, maintenance, and for associated services (ex: enforcement). Dakota County addressed the upfront management costs by setting aside 10% of the acquisition and easement funding for management and {{site development/!. The Commission believes the benefits of more public land in this area are worth the costs associated with land management and proving additional opportunities for passive recreation. 4. Impacts of increasing visitors to area Some residents expressed concerns that acquiring more public land will bring more people into the area. They cite the potential for trespassing on private land, more degradation of public land due to increased visitation, increased traffic in the area, and more crime. The commission does not envision Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway as a regional park or regional preserve, with the type of trails and amenities those designations would suggest. We envision the greenway as a local and neighborhood natural area, with regional significance. Acquiring additional public land will enhance opportunities for hiking and passive recreation and we agree that use of the area will increase. Impacts of increased use should be addressed in a site master plan. Considerations such as placement of trails (proximity to homes), type of trail, boundaries markers, signage, monitoring and enforcement can help lessen impacts. It is important to note that increased visitation can have both benefits and impacts. In some situations it actually helps decrease crime. documents the social and financial benefits to residents who lived adjacent or within walking distance of public parks and natural areas. The Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway Commission believes that the benefits to the community of acquiring public land outweigh the potential negative impacts of increased visitation to the area. Recommendation /I xx. The commission recommends that the city acquires additional land in the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway. Priorities for acquisition are presented in section 3. Conservation Subdivision Conservation subdivision is a development approach that preserves open space within a development, and typically includes decreasing lot size and clustering homes. The open space in the subdivision may be owned and managed by a homeowner association, a municipality, a non- profit organization or other group. The purpose of the open space and management requirements are set forth when the development is approved. If a homeowner association owns the open space, they may restrict access to homeowners in the subdivision only. If a municipality owns the site, it is typically open to public access. 5 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! Conservation subdivision is an important protection strategy for the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway. In 2009, Maplewood City Council approved a conservation ordinance to serve as a stop-gap ordinance until the 2030 Comprehensive Plan is approved and the new Land Use Plan is effective. This ordinance provides density bonuses for developers using conservation strategies. Conservation subdivision is most effective on larger parcels but the concept of protecting the high quality natural areas and clustering homes can sometimes be implemented on smaller parcels. There are several parcels in the greenway, where conservation subdivision could be used to preserve open space if acquisition is not possible. . Parcels formerly owned by CoPar. If the former CoPar parcels are developed, a conservation subdivision approach could be used to protect ecologically sensitive parts of the site (creek and buffer, bluffs, slopes, wetlands, high quality woodlands), while homes could be clustered on smaller lots on the rest of the site. If a conservation subdivision approach were used on the former CoPar site, it would be ideal to negotiate an agreement for the open space to be owned by the city or the county. This would greatly improve options for passive recreation and access to existing public lands in the area. In particular, this could provide an opportunity: 1) to have an overlook on the Mississippi River bluff, 2) to connect the existing footpath along Fish Creek to Henry lane, 3) to have trail access from the development to the county open space to the south, and 4) to create a trail loop through the development. If the open space were owned and managed by a home association and not open to the public, it would still help achieve some of the protection goals. . Libby parcel. The 9-acre parcel owned by the Libby's will be more difficult to develop as a conservation subdivision but there may be some potential to cluster homes, while preserving a creek corridor larger than that required by Maplewood's wetland ordinance. . Smaller parcels. Smaller parcels may have some options for preserving open space and using principals of conservation development. Recommendation /lxx. The commission recommends that the city does not reauthorize the development agreement between the city and CoPar. If the land is to be developed, the commission recommends the city work closely with a developer to use a conservation subdivision approach which protects the most sensitive natural features of the site. Recommendation /I xx. The commission recommends that conservation subdivision principles be explored for all parcels greater than five acres that are developed in the greenway. The commission further recommends that the city take a proactive approach in encouraging the use of conservation development principals including: 1. Assemble a packet of information on these concepts and make this available to Maplewood sellers and developers. 2. Explore the use of a pre-approval process for working with developers on lands in the greenways to discuss concepts before design phase commences. 3. Ensure that Maplewood's land use plan, zoning, and ordinances encourage the use of conservation subdivision. 6 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! 4. Conservation Easement. A conservation easement is a binding legal agreement that permanently protects land from development. Sometimes existing buildings and yard areas are exempt from the easement and sometimes provisions are made so a portion of the site can be developed. The commission is aware of two conservation easements in Maplewood: 1) the Haller's Woods development in south Maplewood has a conservation easement on the open space owned by their association, and 2) the city granted a conservation easement to Minnesota Land Trust for the Priory Neighborhood Preserve. The commission believes the best use of conservation easements in the Fish Creek greenway are for private lands and conservation subdivisions. Many residents in south Maplewood are very attached to their land. A few land owners in Maplewood may be in a position where they will not need to or want to sell their land. Minnesota Land Trust (MLT) works with landowners to preserve natural lands via conservation easements. Because of the logistics and costs involved, they typically work with larger parcels of land. However, MLT staff have indicated if several owners of small holdings in an area were interested in granting conservation easements, the Land Trust may be able to work with them. Recommendation /lxxx. The commission recommends that the city encourages the use of conservation easements by private landowners and in conjunction conservation subdivisions that set aside open space. The commission further recommends that this be achieved through: 1. Assemble information on conservation easements and make it available to landowners and developers in the greenway. 2. Facilitate a meeting between Minnesota Land Trust and interested landowners. 3. Help developers make the connections necessary to successfully enter into conservation easements on land that will be owned by an association or other group. S. Stewardship Stewardship and management of existing natural areas is essential for the long-term protection of the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway. Without care, most of our natural areas will degrade due to pollutants, invasive species, altered hydrology, and removal of natural forces such as fire. Because of the large amount of private natural land in the greenway, private landowners can play an important role in stewardship of the greenway. It was gratifying to see the responses in the questionnaire to questions about stewardship. XX% of respondents indicated they would likely or very likely remove buckthorn on their land. Recommendation /lxx. The commission recommends that the city takes a proactive approach to managing natural resources on public lands in the greenway including: a. Develop a restoration and management for Carver Neighborhood Preserve. b. Develop a restoration and management plan for the natural areas at Pleasantview Park. c. Seek opportunities to partner with and support the county in management efforts on county open space. Recommendation /lxx. The commission recommends that the city takes a proactive approach to encouraging and supporting private landowners in the greenway to manage natural resources on their land including: 1. Continue to present education programs on ecology and stewardship. 2. Continue to promote watershed district cost-share programs for implementing best management practices. 7 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! 3. Enhance stewardship information on city website. 4. Explore feasibility and develop programs to support residents in enhancing habitat on private lands including: a. Provide education and technical support; b. Provide technical advice and coordination to help residents combine smaller projects into larger projects to gain efficiencies (ex: neighborhood-wide buckthorn removal); c. Provide cost-share for habitat enhancement; d. Help residents make connections with neighbors interested in working together; e. Facilitate award and recognition programs such as non-binding registries. IV. Protection Priorities Several large parcels of land in the Fish Creek corridor are, or may be, available for acquisition. The commission, and the majority of respondents to the questionnaire, support acquiring significant acreage to provide permanent protection for Fish Creek and its adjoining upland areas and to maximize public recreational opportunities in the area. However, recognizing that it may not be possible to acquire all of the potentially available land, the commission recognized the need to identify priorities, both for acquisition and other protection options. To evaluate and prioritize land in the Fish Creek corridor, the commission developed several criteria: . Creek crosses the property . Ecological value . Water quality improvement/protection value . Adjacent to the creek, to expand creek buffer . Contains Mississippi River bluffs . Adjacent to existing public lands, to provide connectivity . Accessibility for public passive recreational use . Scenic value and/or vistas In the public meeting and through the mail and on-line questionnaire, residents were asked to rate how important these criteria are in terms of protection and/or acquisition of lands in the Fish Creek corridor (see results in Appendix _). Both the commission and public input ranked highest the acquisition/protection of the creek itself and adjoining lands to increase the creek buffer. Accessibility for public passive recreational use and connectivity with existing public lands and trail systems also ranked very high. Using these criteria and the public feedback, the commission identified and prioritized 10 sub- parcels in the corridor (see Figure _): . Parcel A - this parcel has been developed and has lower ecological value, but may become available only as part of a larger property that includes Parcel B. . Parcel B - this parcel contains the last major section of Fish Creek in private ownership and may become available only as part of a larger property that includes Parcel A. . Parcel C - this parcel contains a segment of Fish Creek and adjoins county land and could provide a potential access point from Carver Avenue to those lands, but is not currently available for acquisition. 8 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! . Parcel D - this parcel abuts a portion of Fish Creek east of 1-494 that is in county ownership but has minimal buffer, but is not currently available for acquisition. . Parcel E - this parcel also abuts a portion of Fish Creek east of 1-494 that is in county ownership but has minimal buffer, but is not currently available for acquisition. . Parcel F - this parcel is located at the bluff edge above the north bank of Fish Creek west of 1- 494 and could provide additional buffering for the creek, erosion control at the top of the bluff, and trail access to Henry Lane. (This parcel is part of a larger property that also includes parcels G, H, I, and J.) . Parcel G - this parcel is located at the bluff edge above the south bank of Fish Creek west of 1- 494 and could provide additional buffering for the creek, protection of upland woods, erosion control at the top of the bluff, and trail access to the upland and Mississippi River bluff areas south of the creek. (This parcel is part of a larger property that also includes parcels F, H, I, and J.) . Parcel H - this parcel includes Mississippi River bluffs and scenic vistas and adjoins county owned land. (This parcel is part of a larger property that also includes parcels F, G, I and J.) . Parcell - this parcel has rolling upland grasslands and degraded oak savannah and could provide the space for trails that support a variety of passive recreation. (T his parcel is part of a larger property that also includes parcels F, G, H, and J.) . Parcel J - this parcel has wetland meadows, which are already protected from development, and some upland grasslands along Henry Ln and Carver Ave. (This parcel is part of a larger property that also includes parcels F, G, H and I) These parcels were combined in various ways to create five options that seek to encompass the priorities identified by public input and commission discussions: Option 1- Creek and Uplands Protection and Public Recreation: This option involves acquisition of parcels B, F, G, H, and I (and parcels C and portions of parcels D and E, should they become available) to place all of the creek in public ownership, provide a 600 ft. buffer for Fish Creek (300 ft. on each bank), protect upland areas and scenic vistas and woodlands along the Mississippi River bluffs, provide connectivity for existing trails and public lands, and maximize passive recreational opportunities. Recognizing that parcels C, D, and E, or portions of them, may not be available for acquisition this option could include approaching the owners regarding conservation easements along the creek, or conservation subdivision for parcel D. Option 1 is the commission's preferred option. Option 2 - Creek and Mississippi River Bluffs Protection: This option involves acquisition of parcels B, F, G, and H (and portions of parcels D and E, should they become available) to place nearly all of the creek in public ownership, provide a 600 ft. buffer for Fish Creek (300 ft. on each bank), protect scenic vistas and woodlands along the Mississippi River bluffs, and provide trail access from Henry Lane. As with Option 1, conservation easements would be sought on those lands not available for acquisition. Option 3 - Creek Protection: This option involves acquisition of parcels B, F and G (and portions of parcels D and E, should they become available) to place nearly all of the creek in public ownership, provide a 600 ft. buffer for Fish Creek (300 ft. on each bank), and provide trail access from Henry Lane. As with Options 1 & 2, conservation easements would be sought on those lands not available for acquisition. 9 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! Option 4 - Conservation Easements: This option assumes that either funding for acquisition is not available or willing sellers are not found. In that case, the city should approach the property owners of parcels B, C, D, E, F, and G to acquire conservation easements that create the 600 ft. buffer for Fish Creek and to discuss the possibility of having a public trail through the easement. Option 5 - No Acquisitions: If funds are not available to acquire either property or easements, the city should work with private landowners to identify voluntary, alternate protection opportunities and public trail connections. While this option does not involve acquisitions, it would include city staff time and some funding for technical assistance and cost-sharing programs to support private land owner activities. Recommendation /lXX: The commission recommends the city pursue Option 1 as this provides the highest protection for Fish Creek and adjoining upland areas, provides the greatest connectivity of public lands and trails, and maximizes passive recreation opportunities. V. Recreation Public access and recreational opportunities were a key consideration in the commissionls development of the protection priorities and options outlined in Section III and IV. Fish Creek provides Maplewood residents, as well as residents of adjoining communities, with the opportunity to recreate in a unique natural environment. In addition, near the Fish Creek corridor, there are numerous bike trails that could provide public access to these resources. However, there is a downside to increased use of the area. Even with careful management, as the number of people using the area increases, so to does the potential for damage to the very resources that draw people to Fish Creek. This is particularly important given future development envisioned for the Bailey property could add XXX households to the area. Opportunities - Currently, an un-maintained footpath on Ramsey County open space land provides access for passive recreation along Fish Creek, starting at Point Douglas Road and stopping just west of Henry Lane. Residents report using this area primarily for walking/hiking, bird-watching, cross- country skiing, snowshoeing, and other passive activities. While some respondents indicated they use the area for mountain biking, such activities are not sustainable on the slopes within the county land. The commission felt strongly that anything beyond a narrow trail or footpath in the Fish Creek gorge would damage the resources and the experience provided by the area. If additional lands are acquired, trail connections could significantly increase the recreational opportunities for residents and help to spread out use to minimize impacts. While specific recreation plans would be developed as part of a larger master planning process that involves the public and land management partners, acquisition of the "Option 1" lands could allow for: . Extending the existing Fish Creek footpath to Henry Ln, providing a second access point for the public. . Trails in the upland areas south of the creek and west of 1-494 could provide for biking, wheelchair access, and a variety of other uses such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (ungroomed). . Connecting the local trails of the Fish Creek corridor, via Carver and Sterling, to the larger network of bike trails in the area, such as those on Bailey Road and the Mississippi River Trail along Point Douglas Road. 10 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! . Potentially creating a trail connection from Carver Road through county lands to Carver Lake Park. While some of these recreational opportunities would exist under the other options outlined in Section IV, only Option 1 would provide the opportunity for bike and wheelchair accessible trails and the space to reduce impacts to the resource. The vast majority of respondents to the questionnaire and participants at the public meeting supported only minimal development of the Fish Creek area, urging that it be "left alone" and that any management activities focus on restoring or enhancing ecological quality of land. In particular, they urged that trails be either narrow (1-2 ft. wide), un-maintained footpaths or narrow, soft- surfaced, graded rustic trails (4 ft. wide). Respondents also indicated that some amenities, such as benches, parking, and interpretive signage, would improve their experience of the Fish Creek area. Recommendation /lxx: Trail(s) along Fish Creek itself should be narrow (4 ft wide or less), soft- surfaced, no- or low-maintenance paths restricted to walking/hiking, in order to preserve the natural experience of visitors. Other types of trails, such as bike paths, could be considered elsewhere in the Fish Creek greenway, where ecologically sustainable. Recommendation /Ix: Trails throughout the Fish Creek greenway should be considered local trails, with neighborhood bike trails connecting the greenway to the larger trail systems that are located nearby. VI. Partnerships Strong partnerships are crucial for successful protection of natural resources and enhanced hiking opportunities in the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway. One legislator indicated to commissioners that a cohesive vision for the greenway that is supported by city officials, residents, adjacent communities, and other partners is critical if the city wants to seek legislative support for acquisition and protection. Some of the key partners for the city on this project are listed below. Ramsey County Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District City of St. Paul City of Woodbury City of Newport National Park Service Friends of the Mississippi Trails and Open Space Partnership Minnesota Land Trust Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Recommendation /lxx. The commission recommends that the city continue developing strong partnerships for preservation of the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway. 11 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! Recommendation /lxx: The commission recommends that upon approval of a vision for Fish Creek Natural Area greenway, the city seek official support for this vision from Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Commission. VII. Funding 1. General Approach To carry out the vision for Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway, funding will be needed for: 1. Acquisition 2. Trail development and maintenance 3. Restoration and management 4. Education and support programs for stewardship on private land. To successfully garner funding we need to: 1. Have a diverse funding strategy including: grants, donations, partnerships, city funds, and legislative funding. 2. Provide seed money for land acquisition to demonstrate to grantors and legislature the importance of this project to the city. 3. Seek funding support from partners. 2. Grants The city is eligible to apply for many types of grants. In addition to state and federal grant programs there are many foundations and non-profit organizations that offer grants. The table in Appendix)\ lists some of the state and federal grants. Two of the key state funding programs for natural resources grants are explained below. 1. Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The Trust Fund was established in 1989 and is funded by 40% of proceeds from the state lottery, until 2025. The fund is set up as an endowment and after 2025, 5.5% will be available annually. The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) administers this grant program. Proposals are accepted once each year. This grant is for "public purpose of protection, conservation, preservation} enhancement of statels air} water} land} fish} wildlife and other natural resources." Maplewood is eligible to apply for this grant and could use it for land acquisition} restoration} and management. 2. Clean Water, land, and legacy Amendment. In 2008, Minnesota voters passed the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. The amendment increases sales tax 3/8 of one percent to generate funds to be used as described below. . 33% to Sams-Lessard Outdoor Heritage Fund to "restore, protect, and enhance wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for game, fish, and wildlife." Some of these funds are routed to other grant programs such as the Minnesota DNR's Lessard- Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grants. Currently, funds for acquisition of public land will only be granted for lands that are open to public hunting and fishing. Until that provision changes, this funding is not appropriate for acquisition of land in Maplewood. The grant, however, is appropriate for restoration and enhancement of natural habitat in Maplewood. . 33% to Clean Water Fund to "protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater, with at least 5% of the fund spent to protect 12 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! drinking water sources." These funds are distributed through grant programs run by several different agencies. Some of these programs do not take applications from cities, but they do from watershed districts and other agencies so Maplewood could potentially have access to this funding through partnerships. . 14.25% to a Parks and Trails Fund to "support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance." Maplewood does not own or manage any regional parks or trails and it may be difficult to argue our city parks and trails are of statewide significance. However, this trail funding can be used to connect local trails and parks to regional trails, so this grant may have some applicability. . 19.75% to Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for "arts, arts education, and arts access, and to preserve Minnesota's history and cultural heritage." Recommendation /lxx: The commission recommends that the city apply for grants for acquisition of land in the Fish Creek Corridor. Recommendation /lxx: The commission recommends that the city continues to seek grants for trails, restoration and management, and includes the Natural Area Greenways as it prioritizes city projects for funding. 3. City Funds and Fees Protection of the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway will require funding from the city. The General Fund, Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Park Access Charge (PAC), and Environmental Utility Fee (EU F) are the primary city funds that could be considered. The table below lists which funds may be most feasible for various activities. Project General CIP PAC EUF Fund Funds to match X X acquisition grants General X X maintenance and (if water related) management Large restoration X X and management (if water related) projects Install trails and X X amenities Education and X X X stewardship (if water related) programs on private lands Recommendation /lxx. The commission recommends that the city acknowledges that city funds should be part of the funding equation for protection of Fish Creek Natural Area. 13 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! 4. Referendum If the city wishes to acquire a large amount of land such as the former COPar site, it will need significant funds to match potential grants. A bonding referendum is one option for raising significant funds. Jenna Fletcher from Trust for Public Land addressed the commission and indicated that even with the economic downturn, open space referendum continue to be passed by communities. Maplewood's 1993 $5 million bonding referendum runs from 1992- 2014. The commission thinks a referendum is essential if the city wants to acquire the former COPAR site. To broaden the support for a referendum, we would need to couple it with other park, open space, and/or greenway projects in the city. If the city pursues a referendum, the commission recommends that the city seek assistance and expertise from Trust for Public Land (TPL). TPL has worked on open space referendum and public land acquisition nationwide. Trust for Public Land can provide the following support to communities: 1) assist in conducting public opinion survey to test support for bonding at different levels of funding, 2) develop referendum ballot language, 3) develop strategies for garnering community support for bonding. TPL staffing is limited and they cannot work with all communities that request assistance. Recommendation /lxx: The commission recommends that the city have a bonding referendum on the November 2010 ballot and seek the services of Trust for Public Land to assist with the referendum. S. Funding from Partners The vision for the Fish Creek Natural Area Greenway is being driven by the City of Maplewood and its residents. Our partners are supportive of the project, but we anticipate the city will need to be the driving force on this project. Partners will provide funding for greenway project via: 1. Existing grant programs (Ex: RWMWD BMP Cost-share program). 2. CIP and operating funds (Ex: county manages Fish Creek Open Space). 3. Applying for grants that the city cannot apply for directly (Ex: National Park Service transportation funding). 6. Donations Donations of land do occur in some communities, but cannot be counted on to happen. More typically, donation may be a portion of a negotiated land sale. There are tax benefits to sellers that donate a portion of their land. An organization like Trust for Public Land can help sellers understand the tax ramifications and breaks associated with donation of land. Recommendation /lxx: The commission recommends that the city encourage individuals interested in selling or donating land to the city to work with the City and with Trust for Public Land. 7. legislature and Congress [Not yet written) Summary of Recommendations 14 DRAFT!!! NOT YET REVIEWED!!! DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!!! Appendices 15