9.2.B. PRSR 03-08-2006ITEM / 9.2.B.
~nways
~,..
~ ,~ ~M ~,~
~ m~
_
.~a;v:~
""~ PROTECT • CONNECT ENHANCE ENJOY
Site Protection Nomination Form
Woodland Trails Park Addition
City of Elk River
Site Name: Woodland Trails Park Addition
Nominating Agency/Organization City of Elk River
Contact Person Bill Maertz
Address Lions Park Center
1104 Lions Park Drive
Elk River, MN 55330
Phone Number(s): (763) 635-1150 Fax Number (763) 635-1155
E-mail Address bmaertzCalci.elk-river.mn.us
Relationship of nominating entity to site: Director of Parks and Recreation,
City of Elk River. The City proposes to manage the site as part of their open
space/natural areas park system.
Site Location (Must be within a Metro Wildlife Corridor Focus Area: To view a
map of the Focus Areas, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/metrowildlifecorridorsl
County Sherburne City Elk River Township 33
Range 26
Section 20 and 21
Address:
Golf Course Site: Malmstrom Site:
20015 Elk Lake Road No address available.
Elk River MN, 55330 Located .1 miles north of the intersection between Co Rd 77 (aka
Proctor Road) and Ridgewood Drive
Elk River MN 55330
City of Elk River Woodland Trai(s Park AddiHOn Greenwavs Gran!
Bonesnoo and Assonoia, February 1006
2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 2
Site Description
Total Acreage: 36 Acres
Describe past and current land use and land cover.
The Woodland Trails Addition project proposes [o purchase two parcels of land. Both parcels are
adjacent to the existing Woodland Trails Park, which now includes the park formerly named Top
of the World and the Top of the World Addition. The new parcels provide critical buffering and
corridor connectivity for the existing park and adjacent high quality natural areas.
The first site, the Golf Course Addition, is an 18 acre band of dry oak forest along the east side of
the Elk River Golf Course and Country Club. It has been owned by the Elk River Country Club
since at least 1960, when the golf course was built and the site has been minimally used or left
untouched since then. As a result, a good quality dry oak forest currently covers the site. Prior to
that, the site was used as pasture.
The second site, referred to here as the Malmstrom Site, lies between the eastern-most end of
the existing park and County Road 77. A 15 acre BC rank dry oak forest dominates the site. Old
field vegetation and occasional prairie natives form the rest of the cover. The site was once a
homestead/farmstead for the Malmstrom family, but the land has been unoccupied for a number
of years and the original farmstead is gone.
Project Overview (50 words or less; include a summary of the project, total
project cost, and amount of Greenways funding requested.)
Elk River proposes to purchase 32 acres of BC-rank oak forest and 4 acres of "old field" adjacent
to two existing parks. Combined, this protects and connects 390+ acres of forest on a Greenways
hub and trail corridor. The City requests $175,000 in Greenways funding to leverage the
$900,000 purchase.
I. Ecological Value (Primary Criteria)
A. Plant Community/Habitat Quality
Sites located within, buffering or connecting to a Regionally Signifecant Ecological Area and/or having
rare species and/or plant communities will receive a higher priority. Sites that have been disturbed or
degraded should not require extraordinary restoration efforts and expenditures. Current and future use of
lands adjacent to the site should not significantly diminish quality of the site over time.
Describe the most important ecological qualities and features of the site, and
describe how the site contributes to connectivity and/or buffering within the
Metro Wildlife Corridors network of natural areas, parks and other open
spaces. Include information on plant communities, aquatic features, wildlife
use, rare species, and discuss any restoration needs.
The Woodland Trails Addition project proposes to purchase two parcels of land. Both parcels are
adjacent to the existing Woodland Trails Park, and provide critical buffering and connectivity for
Cip= ojElk Rfver Woodland Trails Park Addition GYeenways Grant
Bonevtroo and Asrociares. February 1006
2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 3
the existing park. In addition, each parcel provides additional benefit and value, as discussed
separately, below.
Golf Course Site
This area is bordered by the Elk River Country Club and Golf course on the west, by the Great
Northern Trail and Woodland Trails Park on the east, and by Woodland Trails Park on the north.
The southern boundary is formed in part by a private development, and in part by Big Tooth
Ridge Park, achy-owned conservation park. The City's 2004 Natural Resource Inventory
mapped the area as a high quality (B Rank) dry oak forest. Both the northern and southern
portions of the site were mapped by the Minnesota County Biological Survey during their
inventory of Sherburne County, and are part of larger MCBS mapped communities.
This site offers a canopy of mixed red oak, bur oak and pin oak, with black cherry, bur oak, and
occasional elm in the understory. It is typical of a dry oak forest that has not been subject to fire
in recent years, and has a shrub layer and ground layer dominated by characteristic native
species. Invasive species such as European buckthorn are present in low to moderate levels.
Malmstrom Site
This area lies at the eastern-most edge of the park, and provides an opportunity to expand the
park out to County Road 77/Proctor Road. According to the 2004 Natural Resource Inventory of
the City, the Malmstrom site includes a 15+ acre stand of moderate (C-Rank) dry oak forest, as
well as a smaller area of non-native grassland. The site lies along the main east-west arm of the
Elk River Greenway Corridor. The plant community at the Malmstrom property is dominated by an
oak forest similar to the one at the Golf Course Site.
While each site has significant ecological merit on its own, due to their ecological quality, the
ecological signifcance of the parcels is truly apparent when their place in the landscape is
considered. Both parcels serve a critical function to the city and regional Greenway Corridor by
adding connectivity and improving access to Woodland Trails Park.
Woodland Trails Park is a key hub in both the local and regional Greenway Corridor. Currently,
the park contains 325 acres dominated by high quality Oak Forest, most of which is mapped by
the MN County Biological Survey. The DNR recognized the significance of this area in 2004-
2005, when they supported the acquisition of the Top of the World Addition and helped add 78
acres to the park.
The current grant application (Woodland Trails Addition) builds on the previous effort in two
important ways. First, it connects the existing Woodland Trails Park with the 31 acre Big Tooth
Ridge Park, another MCBS community south of Woodland Trails. This connection is made via the
Golf Course site and the Great Northern Trail. Second, it extends the existing park east to
County Road 77, along an east-west arm of the city's greenway corridor. This connection, via
the Malmstrom site, adds additional forest habitat to the system and provides an important future
access opportunity for park visitors.
By adding these parcels and connecting with Big Tooth Ridge Park, the current effort creates a
390 acre system of connected oak forest habitat, with pothole wetlands, restored prairie, and a
Gly oJ'Elk Rivvi Woodland ]}oils Park Addvtion Greenxays Grant
Bonestroo and Assoclatrs~, February 2006
2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 4
few small areas of non-native dominated grassland. The forested "no-play" zone at the edge of
the golf course brings the total protected area to nearly 400 acres, an important size threshold for
an ecologically functional greenways hub.
Within the city and region, this greenway hub forms multiple key connections. To the north, the
corridor connects with another high quality dry oak forest and oak woodland mapped by the
Minnesota County Biological Survey. To the west, the Greenway Corridor connects this area to
an exceptionally high quality complex of Barrens Prairie and Dry Oak Savanna that is of
statewide significance. In addition, the overall site is central in the Greenway Corridor that
stretches from the Mississippi River, north along the Great Northern Trail, and eventually reaches
towards the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.
Acquisition of these sites by the City builds on past efforts by the City and the DNR to develop the
functioning network of natural communities that makes a Greenway successful, both ecologically
and aesthetically, as well as for recreational use. The location of these sites within the context of
other natural features and the Greenway Corridor is illustrated in the attached figures.
The chance to protect large tracts of forest is increasingly uncommon in the city, as is the
opportunity to develop ecologically functional connections between the protected tracts. These
sites provide what may be a last opportunity to join lwo of the city's park through existing habitat.
The significance of these two sites within the corridor and hub system is made even more
apparent by the extremely rapid pace of development within Elk River. Wi[hin the past five years
nearly all of the oak forest remnants within the city have been developed. The exception is sites
that are slated for gravel mining. With this rate of development, land prices are increasing
dramatically each year, and conservation efforts are becoming increasingly difficult to fund.
These sites present one of the few remaining opportunities to connect ecologically significant
tracts within the City while the land remains affordable.
Restoration needs at the two sites are minimal. Oak wilt and low to moderate amounts of
European buckthorn are present, but the buckthorn levels are low enough that management and
control remains feasible and cost-effective.
B. Other Ecological Functions
In addition to habitat, natural areas and other open spaces may provide a wide variety of additional
ecological benefits, such as protection ojsurface and ground water quality and/or supply, natural JTood
storage capacity, and soil stability. Sites [hat contribute such functions will receive a higher priority.
Describe any other ecological functions that would be maintained or improved
by protecting or restoring this site.
In the future, land use at both sites will change to a more active use. Golf courses in developing
communities around the Twin Cities are rapidly converting to housing and other developed land
use, and the Elk River Country Club Golf Course is no exception. Recent Board Meetings of the
Country Club have discussed the redevelopment option. When redevelopment occurs at the site,
the Golf Course parcel will provide an important visual and sound buffer between the Great
Northern Trail and park, and the new development.
Cirv jElk River Woodland TYaps Park Addition Greenways Grant
Bnnestroo and Assoaares, February 2006
2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 5
The Malmstrom site offers similar benefits. The site lies between the Tiller Corporation's gravel
operations and a residential development. As the gravel mining activities approach the
Malmstrom site, this property will provide a valuable sound and dust buffer between area
residents and the gravel mining operation.
II. Project Feasibility (Primary Criteria)
A. Committed Donor/Seller
The success of this program depends upon property owners who are ready and wiIIing to engage in
discussion and negotiation of land protection options, including donation or sale offee title or
conservation easements. Projects with a willing landowner will receive a higher priority.
Current Ownership • Include the following landowner information for the proposed site:
Golf Course Site
Name(s) Phone Number
Elk River Country Club 763-441-4111
20015 Elk Lake Road
PO Box 39
Elk River, MN 55330
Malmstrom Site
Name(s) Phone Number
Walter Malmstrom and Siblings (651) 426-3359
16011 Harrow Ave N
Hugo, MN 55038-9322
Golf Course Site Malmstrom Site
Willing to donate property? ^yes X no ^yes X no
Willing to donate conservation ^yes X no ^yes X no
easement?
Willing to sell fee title? X yes ^no X yes ^no
Willing to sell conservation easement? ^yes X no ^yes X no
Describe the status of discussions/negotiations with the current landowner(s),
and attach a letter of interest from landowner if possible.
Golf Course Site
At a past board meeting, the Elk River Country Club Board discussed the future of the golf
course. During the meeting they passed a resolution stating their interest in selling the property
along the east side of the golf course to the city, for inclusion into the park system. A copy of that
motion is included in this grant application.
Malmstrom Site
The Malmstrom family has indicated their interest in selling this site to the city, as well as their
interest in contributing to the city park system. Conversations to date have addressed the
probable selling price. A letter of interest from the property owner is included in this grant
application.
Ctiry ofElk Rivrl Woodland Trails Park Addvnon Greenwacs Grant
Bones(roo and Associates, February?006
2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination
B. Timeliness
Page 6
Sites that offer the prospect of concluding the land protection transaction on a timely basis will receive a
higher priority. Potential delaying factors such as multiple owners, title defects, property encroachments,
boundary disputes, site contamination, deed or easement restrictions, will be considered in evaluating the
nomination.
Describe any known issues related to multiple owners, title, boundary issues,
site contamination, etc., that might complicate/delay a property transfer and
include a preliminary project timeline.
There are no known complications or delaying factors for either transaction. Once the final
details are decided upon, the City anticipates being able to close the deals promptly.
C. Funding Plan
The costfor protecting the site cannot exceed the ability/limits of the program. A realistic assessment of
the cast to protect [he site should be made and a preliminary funding plan needs to be submitted as part of
the nomination. Administrators of otherpotentia[junding sources should be consulted to determine if
additional funds are available to supplement Metro Greenways if necessary.
Golf Course Site Malmstrom Site (18 acres)
78 acres
Has the property No Yes, appraised in spring of 2005
been a raised?
If yes, what is the $30,000/Acre (based on proximity to
appraised value? high-end housing development and the
$1,000,000+ value of the gravel
resources beneath the site.
Total Value: $540,00
If no, what is the $20,000/acre
estimated cost of
the site? Total Value: $360,000
How did you Comparable land in the
arrive at this City is currently selling for
estimate? $20,000 - 22,000/acre.
Describe any other anticipated costs and potential funding sources associated
with the site.
No other costs are anticipated. In order to meet the $900,000 purchase price for the two
properties, the city is putting together a package of grant partners and cash. This may include
the DNR's Scenic and Natural Areas grant, the Remediation Fund grant, and up to $225,000 from
the City's Park Dedication Fund. A preliminary budget for the project is as follows:
Park Dedication Fund (City of Elk $225,000
River)
DNR Metro Greenways Grant $175,000
DNR Scenic and Natural Areas Grant $200,000
DNR Remediation Fund Grant $300,000
Total $900,000
GYry ofEtk Biver Wnodtand 7mils Park Addition Greenways Gram
Bonestroo and Associates. Februarp 2006
2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 7
Willing and Appropriate Future Owner/Manager
Future ownership offee title or conservation easement must contribute to effective, long-term protection of
the site and management ojits natural resources. A private or public entity that will accept management
responsibilities jor the site, including stewardship, monitoring, and/or security activities, should be
identi, feed.
What entity(ies) is proposed to own/manage the site? Are there any issues that
would prevent the State of Minnesota from acquiring the underlying fee or a
conservation easement on the property?
The City of Elk River proposes to own and manage the sites as an open space/passive recreation
conservation park. There are no known issues that would prevent the State of Minnesota from
acquiring the underlying fee or conservation easement on the property.
III. Other Program Goals (Secondary Criteria)
A. Community Suppon' and Collaboration
Nearby residents, local community elected officials and other interested groups should be involved and
favor the project. Identification of the site for land protection in community documents such as natural
area/greenway plans and natural resource inventories is desirable. Financial involvement and/or resource
dedication by multiple partners is also a strong indicator ofsupport. In genera], projects that include a
higher percentage of non-state funding sources wiII be rated higher.
Describe any organized community and/or local government support for
protecting the site. Have any other public or private funds or "in-kind" services
been identified to support protection or restoration of the site?
The site is an important component of the Greenways Corridor identified in the 2004 Natural
Resource Inventory conducted by the City, and provides a critical connection between existing
protected green spaces.
Local support for the project is broad, and includes Ciry staff, Parks Commission citizens,
Sherburne County Parks, as well local sports/athletic clubs who are interested in maintaining the
existing recreation opportunities at the site. Letters of support from Sherburne County Parks and
the Elk River Nordic Ski Club are attached.
B. Compatible Public Use
Although the primary focus of the program is to protect and improve natural areas, people may have
opportunities to use and enjoy these areas. Sites where educational, stewardship, and recreational
activities can be accommodated without compromising the site's ecological value will receive greater
consideration than comparable sites which do not provide jor compatible uses.
Describe the types and level of compatible public use that are proposed for the
site.
The Golf Course site is intended for use as a passive recreation/conservation park, and to
provide buffering between future developments and the existing Woodland Trails Park and the
Great Northern Trail. The city does not plan to expand the trail system into the Golf Course Site
nor are there plans for buildings or other improvements to the site. The possible exception may
be a future trail connecting any future housing development to the Great Northern Trail.
Q'ry~ ofE/k River Woodland Trails Pa:k Additton Greenways Gram
Boncro-oo and Asmciatee, FeAruarv 2006
2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 8
In addition to providing connectivity along the east-west greenway corridor, the Malmstrom site
creates an excellent opportunity to improve public access to the Woodland Trails Park. Current
access is somewhat cumbersome, via an entrance off of CSAH 1. The Malmstrom property
provides easy access to the park via Co Road 77, and allows residents from across the region to
easily use the trails and other existing amenities of Woodland Trails Park.
Due to the site's accessibility, the city envisions using portions of the Malmstrom site as the
"Grand Entrance" to Woodland Trails Park at some point in the future. Possible future amenities
for the site include avisitor/interpretive center, as well as outdoor recreation facilities such as a
playground and water feature. These features are not anticipated to impact the forested areas of
the site, but would instead be constructed primarily in the old field areas.
The Malmstrom site is ideal for this use, since built/developed areas can easily be sited in areas
where the ecological impact is minimal, such as the old field/non-native grassland areas. This
reduces park development pressures on the forested areas of the park, and places them in an
area that is both readily accessible and ecologically appropriate.
C. Imminence of Threat
Many natural areas and potential corridors are threatened by development pressure, fragmentation and
other factors. In some situations, only a shortperiod oftime may be avatdable to protect an area from
being permanently lost or significantly degraded. Higher priority will be given to those sites with an
immediate or high level of threat.
Describe the type and level of threat, if any, to the site.
The level of threat to the site is high. There are significant gravel resources below the
Malmstrom property, and this property is adjacent to one of the most "high value' neighborhoods
in the city. Without protection, the site will be converted to housing, or sold for gravel mining.
Once the mineral resource is exhausted, the site will be reclaimed for housing.
The golf course site faces similar threats. Urban and suburban golf courses throughout the
region are being redeveloped, due to the high demand for land and high land values. The Elk
River Country Club and Golf Course has discussed redevelopment. Without protection, the Golf
Course Site will likely convert to housing or other development within the next 5 years.
To emphasize the very high potential for loss, it is worth noting that over 150 acres of high quality,
MCBS mapped oak forest immediately adjacent to these areas has been lost within the past 15
months. The largest portion was clear cut and burned to clear the ground for gravel mining. The
other tract was cut and converted to a residential housing development.
D. Other Factors
Certain sites, by virtue ojtheir size, characteristics, location, and history can further natural resource
protection by increasing awareness of the Metro Greenways program and its goals. Sites and projects that
bring these important benefits to the program will receive extra consideration. Would the project not be
able to be done, but for Metro Greenways support? Also, an attempt will also be made to distribute
protected sites throughout the region and within urban, suburban and rural areas.
City ofEtk River Woodland ]}ails Park Addition Grernways Grant
Bonrseroo and Associavu, Februan~ 4006
2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 9
Explain any other benefits that may accrue from protection and/or restoration
of this site.
It cannot be emphasized enough that these sites form key connections in the main hub of the
city's Greenway Corridor network, and add critical mass to the total area of this hub. The sites
create important greenway connections to the south and east and are important for defining
"spokes" off of the hub.
On a broader scale, this area forms critical connections to high quality forest and woodland
habitat to the north, with an exceptionally high quality barrens prairie and dry oak forest complex
in the Sportsmen's Club to the west, to the Mississippi River to the south, and along a corridor
that runs north towards the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Further, the location of these
pieces represents a unique opportunity to connect existing protected high quality natural area in a
rapidly growing part of the City, for reasonable cost.
Because of its central location within the City and within the City Park network, the site is an ideal
location to generate interest in and public awareness of the Metro Greenways Corridor Program
and goals. Currently, there are opportunities for signage and informational literature within the
park itself, along the trails, and on park literature. A future interpretive center at the Malmstrom
will provide a highly appropriate venue to share more comprehensive information about the
DNR's Metro Greenways Corridor Program, as well as information about area history and
ecology. Other options for increasing awareness may exist as well.
Because of the high cost of land in Elk River, DNR assistance is essential for protecting these
properties. The city does not have the resources to purchase the property outright without
assistance, and a cooperative venture is essential for a successful outcome. The funds
requested in this grant application would provide vital "seed money" to help engage other donors.
6ry of Elk River Woodland ]}ails Park Addition Greenways Gram
eoneshoa and Assaaata, February 2006
2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 10
Fi ures
1. Project Location
2. Topographic Map of the Site
3. Aerial Photo of Site, with Greenways Corridors, Parks, and
MCBS sites
4. Site Photos
5. MLCCS Map of Site
Cirv nfElk Rioer Woodland Trails Park Addition Greenways Grant
Bonestroo and Associates. February 2006
f s?f .. C _. _.
Great ~ _....
Northern `K
Trail
Corridor
W Bland Trails Addition:
~~ Malms#rom Site
Big Tooth
Pa idge !
~~$
h`y
~
¢R. >.
a _z:.
~~ a ro
c
P 4~
¢~~)
1_a
`~
~~
~~
~~
City of Elk River: Woodland Trails Addition
Project Location Map
Roads
Proposed Acquisition Site
Q Municipal Boundary
Existing Elk River Parks
~®z,~ zoao o zooa woo Fri
~~°O ® ~.
y~ I ~ r ~ ~,. - ~.~ ~ v n / i p / yr r ~ r s N. '.
y" ~,.y _ A ~l ~ ~ V i ~ n lj Ir I ~ Yf~ ~ ~ ~~ ~
i
~t .~ v ~ ~. ~-' *ai ~~ 1 m, ~~~ 11 of F I t a
_. ~# ~tf y> ~_ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ t i gar ~ \ ~~\
I 1'~-, I ~ v~!' Syr ~_" 5` 0 I~ I ( t~ . .^ \ L-:
p ~ '. 4~ ~ 1.. I i ~ t o~~ I~ I tl~l~il ~l 1` ~ i ~ ~. 7~'0;
~ t. ~ I~ l11 t ~~Yly ~ N~tU~~~ ~ A *{~ .ry ~ .
-~ O C-~",,~,.~ f ~ .'=y I., - ~/~6 J.. \~~%ti1,~ 1{Il ,i/ ~ I l `,~ 'Sr.,,' t e
~~ _ I A~'~j 9/~~ ~ : 1` A r ~ ~I ~ 'C / ~/~\ ~. llE ~ L ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ X11 { t
~ 1111 J
i f_ v ~1~/ ~ 1 ill ~ _ f ~"` (!l^~~ 1 [t i 1 ! l., I1 ~ ~z. ~ II}
J.~ .,.~ z'9,,' / i ~ .. it ''i~ ~~ ~%% ~ I ~ ~ (~~11 `
S~~ L~~ ~.~ ~~'i ~a.o X11 ~l1~1I , ) r~~r't I~~~e° ~f ~I~ ~ 1
r •05,1^" ~f1~ 4 i;, ~v ~"'L ~~ ~ ~ ~i~~ ~ t Y'
f i ~ e t r -~ E ~ ~~ ~ itlt .
~'~ 1.~. i i "'To /f t ~ ~'. ,_,l ~~ ~-~ 973 '~1 °efi"j~ ~• i ~~~ - ~~ 't~' /
F ~ ~ '~~ - ~ 7 t i + ll~
VA'~~ ~ 1 t(ti ~) 1(v~f~`f '1 lA ~ fj 3 ~~ ~4' ~ '~1 ~ I ~I~.. ~~c~~'~. is
'w~ j~ a~r' ~ ~ I t r~ v l1 ~ - ~~~.~ 14'
~ ,\ ~~'~~ i a f II ~ ~ > F~//-\~ ~ oi`00~ ~ -f ~) ~ I I ~ „`".'~' d t Il ~y•
t )
~`\` ~ f lo~~\i~~`I ~~~ ~ i~ `~ ~N ~ j'~t41~{ "mil( ~~, 1 Itn ~': rf`sl"~ Im u'ti Iii!
~~ t I \~S-.~1` ~>Jr ~~~ w(~ ~L~~~T/fBi 91 } ,' 1 G.%~; ~ I ~ i ~ i "x~.1~Q1.
~I ~ ` f R' C~i 1 - I m .,, ,a' i \ ksd-0I~0~5~~
~~ t1 µ, ~ I ~Y. i 1 A .
~ ~ 19ff' t i 1 y1 ~„ wc.. 1 ~~ d~~r
Net. ~~ ~ ~.~ ~,.~111 I t9 j2 .,~ ;fie a `~-~. ,t~tA sl-. ~~w,
~, C~~ Y~I i 1 v lil 4 ~ ill` ~ ",v -i ! ~`~ at i>- q rl` ~~.~
~.~ ~ I' ~ 7 1, d a i ~ r ~ A" p "xv ' 4 f
A F \ t r_
it
~ '~ X t ~ ~t ~' _ ~ "~. I o ~q `~i I7 ,{y~j.' ~F~I ~.9 ~ I I l"Sl t r~ k: ,? ~"'~-'~ I '
~~
~ 4t 1'1 f
_~ T ~°~'n "~.....-- ~ ~r„' ftf ~~I' a~~ I~ ~, ~ ~C ,~~1~~~~111 x ',{qI .
,n, ~~~~~ pl ~~"r E4. RIVar ~_S '. q_ 11 ~ i ~~~ t ~ ~ X~U y
r/ (~ ( ~ ,(fem~. 9 ! 1~ I.~ ~I ~ '~"` /
{~ ~~ 1 71 OQId ~~'v I t ~1. ~ t`s ~~ ~ C I ;~ # ~~t r~ Sasil~
. ~I~• ~ Ifz~ -, L ~ ~ItI l o~ ,, ~ ~f r .. ~,1~ ~ ~ ~.t c I`P'
N~q u ~~ ~ '`mot{ ~
Y ,j Yu~J~ Vil - 1 /C ll '~ ^~/i Cf f~k ~ ~ \ ~ I i
~; ~t V } ~ I _ ~ ~ ~ v° :: z \ F ~;- ' N ' T-~sa~ ~o-~ tt ~,4 a {k1 { ~ ~ ~ t
_ ~,:~ r 1 ~g1 /w
~~ ' ' ~~5ti ~}t ,-- ~ a ,~ , : ,
(1WYio1 ~I j! ~ :.J{'a1'ea~1~10 fd' ~'1J'~ ~ ~I~~. ~ sa` '~I ;~ I jl
~ < ~, • - tt v ~ t nt 1 ~~
t , a
L~ ~ >;-
~ ~ ,~ is15s~; IY I , r f` 1
~, 1~1 'i ~ y ~~ ~ '
t 1~ i ~I ~', a rr r,
'~ 1 rt ~ S ~' '~I ,.r - '' b .~,
_ ~~~ ~ I ~ C3 ,' Ipryl ~ ~ G h ~. f+-,'~f ~ ~r i, qua
1 I ~ u' Ei /t'
j] _ ~ i f(~~~~,~ .,,~~, 4
~• ~ t ~ 1 del ~ ~ ~4~~ ~ ~-- t~ ~ ~ ~~ t.~ a _ ..-f_.+'~'f"'^'eR' 1 ('~~
tty of Elk Pover Woodland Tratls Addition s,t a„~~~~~ yy,, ~ _'_ I~ # ; L4 f t ~ 0~
I .~ f~ ~1 t t.. F h c i ~~ ~ 1
JSGSTopographicMap ~ +~'^.~o t ;~I` 7 } ,° ~ '
~~' u ~ 1~ ;, - ..
~t
a `?~i ~ i ~ ` ' ~ I
&op ed Acq - 'Hon Sitc { ~ ~}_`
Exisfing Elk Fiver Parks ~ t~ I{' ~~ ''w ~ ~ ::~ ~ ''1! J~ k"x~ ~?~ ~ '~ _i
Ii 4 ~. i t'; h~ ;, ~' Jai k m ~ tt ~ `~~'~ N
e'
~, Ej ~ ~ a :~-~-
„~, iaoo a sooo aooo v.m '~ :3 I 1 \ ^++ ,'r ~ 1-; ,e~1 11 ~ ~,: ~ .* ri r _s
`'~` .. ti '.~ ~ . r1 q>
~' ~ ~ ~'- ~x ~~ ~~~ `~ ~~ ~ tea, ~ gym' ~'~ ~a; "~=~`,
Site Photographs
Golf Course Site
Malmstrom Site
2006 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 11
Attachments
1. Letter of interest from Walter Malmstrom, stating interest in
selling the Malmstrom Site to the City
2. Motion by the Elk River Country Club to pursue sale of Golf
Course Site to the City
3. Letter of Support from Sherburne County Park Commission
4. Letter of Support from Elk River Nordic Ski Club
Ciry of Elk River IYoodland Trails Park Addition Greenma}•s Grant
Bonestmo and Associates, February 2006
February 7, 2006
Bi l I Mutes
City of Elk River Parks Department
,~ _ 1104 Lion's Park Drive
Elk River, MN 55330
Dear Mr. Mertes,
i am writing to confirm that my sisters (Sheila Gahr and Sharon Bastian) and t are
interested in selling a portion of our property along Proctor Road to the City of Elk River
for parkland. The legal description of the property is on file with your of7ices, although
~, the approximate acreage is +/- 18 acres.
We hope the acquisition of this property serves the best interests of the City of Elk River
Parks Department and ourselves as well.
We look forward to working with you in the future concerning this.
Sincerely,
'- I ~.J ~'~ww---
Walter O. Malmstrom
Cc Sheila Gahr, Sharon Bastian
t00'd Fitt SOS 90/05 /Z0 95r TSE9E9L uoi lea.x~aa ,iani2iM i3
- 70: Mike Niziolek, City of Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Charlie Schuidt, Elk River Country Club Executive Secretary
DATE: October 17, 2005
RE: Motion an record to recommend that the Park/Rec Commission pusue
purchase of undeveloped land from Elk River Country Club, Inc.
-Motion i~5-1p: A motion was made by Director Brenda Wnlz and
' seconded by Director Mike Hiatt that the Elk River Gountry Club, Inc, Board
~ ~ of Directors go on record in support of the proposal made on October 17,
2005 by Park and Recreation Commission member Mille Niziolek at the
meeting of the Board of Directors of Elk River Country Club, Inc. The
proposal basically involves the purchase of undeveloped land owned by FRCC,
Inc, by the City of Elk River for the stated purpose of using this land as
park land which would not be developed commercially by the City of Elk
River. The Board of Directors recommends that Mr. Niziolek present his
~, proposal, with Elk River Country Club's support, at the upcoming meeting of
the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission's meeting on November 9,
2005, The motion was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
E00'd HZO SOT 90l0SlZ0 SSS LSE9E9L uoi leau~aa .rani a~li3
~ ~
shrr~nirr„•
Counrv 1?irk.
Sherburne County Government Center • 1388p Hwy. 10 ~ F.Ik River, MN 55330.4601
(7fi3) 241-2700 ~ (800) 433.5228 -Fax: (763) 241-2910 • wwwshcrburnc.nm.us
'~ - February 8, 20(16
William Maertz
Parks and Recreation Director
City of Elk Rivcr, MN 55330
Subject: Woodland Trails Park Additiom
r Dear Mr. Maertz,
On behalf of the Sherburne County Park Commission, we would like to offer our support
to the City of Elk River toward the acquisition of additional parkland associated with the
Woodland Trails Park and your Metro Greenways Grant Application. The acquisition of
approximately 35 additional acres helps to further establish this park as one of the
premier "regional" type parks in the area. It's close proximity to the Great Northcm Trail
is also exciting ai this is one of the designated regional trail corridors of the Sherburne
County Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan. Contiguous park land along this comdor
helps to provide wildlife habitat, enhances scenic experiences along the trails, and
ensures for less fragmented natural lands for the public to enjoy.
As you already know, Sherburne County is one of the fastest growing areas of the state.
Providing parks and facilities that offer a variety of recreational opportunities involving
all:tges and audiences has a compounding benefit-ea other parks, trails, and rcc;reational
activities is the area. We fully support your project and the acquisition planned.
Sincerely,
Tim Edgeton
Sherburne County Parks Coordinator
500'd kiZb ~Or 90/0L/Z0 SSrrSE9E9G uoilea.l~ab .aanit{~I9
Fcbru:tty b, 2006
William Maertz
Parks and Recreation Director
11D4 Lions Park Dtivc
Ells River, MN 55330
~ ~ Dear Bill,
ERNSC
The Ells River Nordic Ski Club would like to offer this letter of support for the
acquisition of the additional land purchase adjoining Woodland Trails Park in Elk
Rivet. These additions to Woodlands will both add to and enhance the overall
quality of dte park. The portion just west of the Great Northern Trail will maintain
the quality of our current corridor for both wildlife and native plant communiacs.
The parcel to the East will protect additional land from miaittg will act as a
si~mificant natural corridor.
r~
In closing, these properries will be great additions to the park land we already have
in the area and as stewards of the existing park property already, we support this
effort to acquire this property to preserve it for current and future residents of the
area. We also pledge our continued volunteer support to continue to preserve and
enhance this property in the future.
'Sincetely~r
rn aD' vid Anderson
Elk River Nordic Std Club
14845 County Road 30
Elk River, MN 55330
Z00'd F1Zb ~0t 90/0t/Z0 SSStSE9E9G uoi lea.l~aa .~ani2iNi3