7.1.B. PRSR MEMO 01-12-2011MEMORANDUM
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TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Chris Leeseberg, Park Planner-Planner
DATE: January 12, 201 I
SUBJECT: Disturbance of Natural Features and Wildlife
At their December 8, 2010 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, the Commission
directed staff to research ordinances regarding the removal of natural resources from Ciry
parks. Staff had contacted several agencies and received feedback from five. Ramsey
County, Washington County, Anoka County, Wright County, and Maple Grove Parks all
provided ordinances with similar language regarding the disturbance of natural features and
wildlife.
This is a compiled summary of what their ordinances stated:
Disturbance of Natural Features
It shall be unlawful for any person to:
a) Deface, remove, alter, cut, injure and/ox destroy any tree, plant, flower, grass, rock,
soil, or mineral.
b) Introduce any plant or other agent within a City park.
c) Dig trenches, holes, or other excavations in a Ciry park.
d) Remove any device, apparatus, or material installed for the protection, support, or
preservation of any tree, shrub, or plant.
Disturbance of Wildlife
It shall be unlawful for any person to:
a) Kill, trap, hunt, remove, harass, annoy, pursue, or in any manner disturb or cause to
be disturbed, or have in possession any species of wildlife found within the confines
of any Ciry park, except that hunting and fishing may be permitted in designated
areas subject to the laws and regulations as established by the State of Minnesota.
b) Release or abandon any animal within a Ciry park.
c) Feed any wildlife in a City park.
d) Remove any animal ox animal remains from a Ciry park and any animal so removed
or taken contrary to the provision of this Ordinance or laws of the State of
Minnesota, shall be considered contraband and subject to seizure and confiscation.
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If we were [o adopt the language as summarized above, there would be no allowance for the
removal of any natural resources and hunting only in approved areas. Does the Commission
want to recommend complete restrictions on removal of natural features or allow some
harvesting with permission from the Ciry?
Staff would like to have discussion and receive further direction on the desired language.
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