Loading...
9.2.A. PRSR 12 08 2004ITEM # 9.2.A. o ,~nways s., ~~ .~, ~ ~.~ r~~~4w1 t t~ 5... ~,~ ! PROTECT + CONNECT • ENHANCE • ENJOY Site Protection Nomination Form Top of the World Addition, City of Elk River Site Name: Top of the World Park Addition Nominating Agency/Organization City of Elk River Contact Person Bill Maertz 4ddress 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 bmaertzCa~ci.elk-river.mn.us Relationship of nominating entity to site: Director of Parks and Recreation 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/metrowildlifecorridors) County Sherburne City Elk River Township 33 Range 26 Section 21 Address Address 20135 Elk Lake Rd NW Elk River MN, 55330 City n)7i(k River %bp n(the World Addition Grecnwayx Oraril Hnna.en~on and As.cncialeq Navcmber 29, 200J. 2004 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 2 Site Description Total Acreage 80.5 Acres Describe past and current land use and land cover. The Top of the World Addition site has been owned by various gravel companies since at least the 1940's and most of the site has been minimally used or left untouched for most of those years. As a result, a good quality dry oak forest currently covers the southern 2/3 of the site. The northern 1/3 of the site is somewhat more diverse in the variety of communities present, and in the amount of past disturbance. Scattered wetlands (primarily rich fens and mixed emergent marsh communities) and ponds occur here, as well as altered/non-native communities. Sand recovered during gravel washing operations was deposited in this part of the site historically, and this Wash Flats area has developed into a unique community of quaking aspen over scouring rushes, prairie (orbs, and native grasses. Twelve years ago the gravel company that owned the site gave the City of Elk River permission to use the site for recreation. At that time, the city developed a biathlon range that includes 2.5 miles of mowed cross country ski trails. There are few biathlon parks in Minnesota, and since its creation, two athletes who have trained at the park have gone on to represent the United States at the Olympics. With the exception of some mowed trails maintained for the Biathlon Park and occasional cutting to remove hazard trees along the trails, the oak forest community at the park is intact. Project Overview (50 words or less; include a summary of the project, total project cost, and tmount of Greenways funding requested.) Elk River Parks Department proposes to purchase 80.5 acres of quality dry oak forest between two existing park parcels. Combined, the parcels forma 330 acre block of forest along a Greenways and trail corridor. The City is requesting $500,000 in DNR funding to help purchase the $1.7 million site. I. Ecological Value (Primary Criteria) A. Plant Community/Habitat Quality Sites located within, buffering or connecting [o a Regionally Significant Ecological Area and/or having rare species and/or plant communities will receive a higher priority. Sites [hat 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 sire 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 southern two-thirds of the Top of the World Addition was mapped as a high quality (B Rank) dry oak forest during the Natural Resource Inventory completed by the City in 2004 and includes areas mapped by the Minnesota County Biological Survey during their inventory of Sherburne County. This portion of the site offers a canopy of mixed red oak, ur 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 levels. ('iiy fllk 2/ver%bp jN¢•WorldAddirim~Greeewavs C3mnr lfnncstrno mid As.voalmer, November 29, 200J. 2004 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 3 fhe northern one-third of the site is somewhat more diverse in the variety of communities present, and in the amount of past disturbance. Scattered wetlands (primarily small rich fens and mixed emergent marsh communities) and ponds occur here, as well as several altered/non-native communities. Sand recovered during gravel washing operations was deposited in part of this area historically, and these Wash Flats have developed into a unique community of quaking aspen over scouring rushes, prairie (orbs, and native grasses. The Top of the World Addition has significant ecological merit on its own, due to its overall quality and the variety of community types represented. However, the ecological significance of this parcel is truly exceptional when its place in the landscape is considered. This parcel is a key connector within the city's greenway corridor, on several levels. One, it directly provides a critical connection between two existing Elk River City Parks: Top of the World Park and Woodland Trails Park. These existing parks are currently conservation parks used for passive recreation, and support the same MCBS mapped dry oak forest community found in the Top of the World Addition. The existing parks are currently connected by a very narrow band of forest. The Top of the World Addition is essential to connect these existing parks in an ecologically functional manner, and, when added to the park system, will help form a nearly 330 acre block of contiguous oak forest and wetland complex. Together, these sites currently contain the largest single tract of dry oak forest remaining in the city. With the purchase of the Top of the World Addition, this would become the largest protected remnant as well. Two, even more significant than the site's inherent ecological value, it provides broader corridor and ecological connectivity within the City and within the Region. It is a key component in the main hub of the City's Greenway Corridor etwork. To the north, the site forms part of the connection 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 site to an exceptionally high quality complex of Barrens Prairie and Dry Oak Savanna that is of statewide significance. In addition, this 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 this piece by the City is key to developing a functioning network of natural communities that can make a Greenway successful, ecologically, aesthetically, and for recreational use. The location of this site within the context of other natural features and the Greenway Corridor is illustrated in the attached figures. The significance of the site is made even more apparent by the extremely rapid pace of development within Elk River. Within 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. This site presents one of the very few remaining opportunities to protect a large tract of forest within the City while the land remains affordable. Restoration needs at the site are minimal. Oak wilt and low amounts of European buckthorn are present, but the buckthorn levels are low enough that management and control remains feasible and cost-effective. Clly q(]ilk River %irp of the World dddilime Greenwar.v Gram Rmrertroo mal Asvnclme.r, November 2Q 100J. 2004 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 4 B. Other Ecological Functions (n addition to habitat, natural areas and other open spaces may provide a wide variety of additional ecological benefits, such as protection of surface and ground water quality and/or supply, natural flood storage capacity, and soil stability. Sites that contribute such func[ionr will receive a higher priority. Describe any other ecological functions that would be maintained or improved by protecting or restoring this site. Protection of this site is key for forming a large, unbroken habitat area in the fast-developing environment of Elk River. The site also serves as a vital corridor "node" in the City's recently completed Natural Resource Inventory. Without protection, all of the site outside of a 200' easement along the trail corridor will be eventually cleared and mined for gravel, then developed as housing. If protected, in addition to its ecological function and corridor component, the site will provide an important sound and dust buffer between the adjacent parks and the gravel mining operation as well as between area residents and the gravel mining operation. II. Project Feasibility (Primary Criteria) A. Committed Donor/Seller The success of this program depends ztpon property owners who are ready and willing 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: Name(s) Tiller Corporation Address 7200 Hemlock Lane Suite 200 PO Box 1480 Maple Grove MN 55311 Willing to donate property? Willing to donate conservation easement? Willing to sell fee title? Willing to sell conservation easement? Phone Number (763) 525-4191 ^yes X no ^yes X no X yes ^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. City staff is engaged in negotiations with Tiller Corporation (the owner). While details are not final, an agreement for the sale of the property is very likely. Conversations to date have addressed the probable selling price, and have included a range of options for handling the land transfer, including creative use of park dedication credit(s), park dedication funds, grants, and other options. A letter of interest from the property owner is attached. B. Timeliness 'ites that o, ffer the prospect of concluding the land protection transaction on a timely basis will receive a higher priority. Potential ~elcryingfactors such as mulfiple owners, title defects, property encroachments, boundary disputes, site contamination, deed or easement restrictions, will be considered in evaluating the nomination. Ci/y of /ilk 2irer fop oJihc World Addirlnu Crea~wayr Grunr Rnne.vtroo mid A.rsnainle~e, NoveinAer 29, 200x_ 2004 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 5 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 in this transaction. Once the final details are decided upon, the City anticipates being able to close the deal promptly. C. Funding Plan The cast for protecting the site cannot exceed the ability/limits oj~the program. A realistic assessment of the cost to protect the site should be made and a preliminary funding plan needs to be submitted as part of the nomination. Administrators of other potential funding sources should be consulted to determine if additional funds are available to supplement Metro Greenways if necessary. Has the property been appraised? yes X no appraisal date If yes, what is the appraised value? $ If no, what is the estimated cost of the site? $1,771,000 How did you arrive at this estimate? Comparable land in the City is currently selling for $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 nearly $1.8 million purchase price of the property, the city is putting together a creative package of Park Dedication fee credits, grant partners, and cash. This may include reducing or eliminating Park Dedication fees that Tiller Corporation will owe the city for developing other land in exchange for a corresponding reduction in price for the Top of the World Addition. Another option under consideration is to provide Tiller Corporation with "coupons' for the Park Dedication fee that it can then sell to other companies. The price of the Top of ~e World Addition would be reduced by the value of the "coupons" provided to the Tiller Corporation. While these options do not require direct cash outlay from the City, they do reflect a reduction in fees and future income that the City would otherwise receive. If applied on an 80 acre site that Tiller Corporation intends to develop, the 2004- 2005 Park Dedication fee of $6000/acre for commercial land has a value of $480,000. This would reduce the cash needed for purchase of the land to $1.3 million. Other funding sources that are being pursued include the DNR's Scenic and Natural Areas grant, the US Olympic Committee (in support of the biathlon range), the Trust for Public Land, as well as up to $300,000 from the City's Park Dedication Fund. With the loss of fees resulting from the proposed Park Dedication Credit, this reflects a commitment from the City of nearly $800,000. A preliminary budget for the project is as follows: Park Dedication Credit (City of Elk River) $480,000 pending final agreement Park Dedication Fund (City of Elk River) $281,000 DNR Metro Greenways Grant DNR Scenic and Natural Areas Grant Trust for Public Lands $500,000 $500,000 Currently under discussion Total $1,771,000 Ctly q(/!%k Rirrr7ivp jibe WOrhtA~liiinn Cireenivay,v Grnm linnevlrno and As,voulmea', NovernAer 29, 100J_ 2004 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 6 D. Willing and Appropriate Future Owner/Manager ,~ uture ownership ofjee title or conservation easement must contribute to effective, long-term protection of the site and management of its natural resources. A private or public entity that will accept management responsibilities for the site, including stewardship, monitoring, and/or security activities, should be identified. 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 site 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 general, projects that include a higher percentage of non-state funding sources will berated 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 recent (fall, 2004) Natural Resource nventory conducted by the City, and provides a critical connection between existed protected green space. Local support for the project is broad, and includes City staff, Parks Commission citizens, Sherburne County, as well local sports/athletic clubs who are interested in maintaining the existing recreation opportunities at the site. In addition, the staff at the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge recognizes the value of this parcel in providing important ecological connectivity along the trail corridor that runs north towards the Refuge. Some possible additional funds to aid in the protection of the site have been identified, and include a mix of public and private partners, including the Trust for Public Land. Other supporters include the US Olympic committee, in support of the biathlon range, and funds from the DNR's Scenic and Natural Areas Program. 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 da not provide for compatible uses. Describe the types and level of compatible public use that are proposed for the site. The site is intended for use as a passive recreation/conservation park, as well as to continue its existing trail use as a biathlon training area. This area currently has 2.5 acres of mowed cross country ski trails which are popular with county residents during the winter months. In addition, they are used regularly by the local Nordic Ski Club and the Biathlon Club. During the summer, the mowed paths are frequented by hikers and birdwatchers that can access the site easily om the adjacent trail corridor and from trails in the nearby parks. If purchased by the City, these uses will continue. The city does not plan to expand the trail system nor are there plans for buildings or other improvements to the site. City ollAk Rlver Top utlhe World Addllinn Greaiway,r Gmmi ttoseslron and dxrncime.r, Nnren~Ger 2Y, 200l. 2004 Metro Greenways Site Protection Nomination Page 7 C. Imminence of Threat Many natural areas and potential corridors are threatened by development pressure, fragmentation and other factors. In some situattons, only a short period of!!me may be available to protect an area from being permanently lost or signifrcantly degraded. Higher priority will he given to those sites with an immediate or high Level ofthreat. 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 located in this parcel. While the city has a 200' easement along the trail corridor, everything outside this easement will be mined. Once the mineral resource is exhausted, the site will be reclaimed as a housing development. D. Other Factors Certain sites, by virtue of their size, characteristics, location, and history can further natural resource protection by increasing awareness of the Metro Greenways program and its goals. Sites and projects Chat bring Lhese important benefrts to the program will receive tetra 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 wtthin urban, suburban and rural areas. Explain any other benefits that may accrue from protection and/or restoration of this site. It cannot be emphasized enough that this site is part of a key hub in the city's Greenway Corridor network. It forms critical connections to high quality forest and woodland habitat to the north, and extremely high quality barrens prairie 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 size of the habitat represents a unique opportunity to protect a large tract of 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. There are opportunities for signage and informational literature within the park itself, as well as along the trails and on park literature, and other options for increasing awareness exist as well. Because of the high cost of land in Elk River, DNR assistance is key for protecting this property. The city does not have the resources to purchase the property, either directly or through a mix of direct purchase and park dedication credits, and a cooperative venture with many partners is essential for a successful outcome. The funds requested in this grant application would provide vital "seed money' to help engage other donors. City jClk 1(lver Top nfihe Wnr4l Addiiiwi Greenways'Grans /loeenrnn and Asrucimeq NaoemAer 29, 2001 EIkR i±e" Reereaiion ~• YvVVYY.VY 7636351155 Y WV.Y y 11/24/04 12:57P P.003 ITEM 1 9.2.A. nos IN 41i':.Y MDF.0. TO'. Bill Maertz City of Elk River Lions Park Center 1104 Lions Park Drive Elk River. MN 55330 Dear Mr. Maertz; November 23, 2004 Having reviewed your proposal fnr the ••Top of the Worltl Addison" I would like to offer a letter of support for this project. The 80.5 acre addition would be beneficial and increasingly ' important in such a fast growing community. -- I find your plan to be both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sound. The action proposed by the City of Elk River provides natural areas for the general public's enjoyment in our increasingly urbanized society. Additionally the wildlife benefit of relatively undeveloped corridors between natural areas is wall documented in the biological Ikerature. The "Top of the World Addition" provides a logical link between two existing Elk River City Parks, and wisely uses limited funding to create green spaces that will benefit both people and wildlife. I congratulate you for your ability to plan for the future In your municipality, and thank you for• the value you have placed on providing natural areas within your growth mne. Quality of life in Minnesota is high because of the proximity and accessibility of public natural areas in our urban settings. support this project and look forward to its establishment- Sincerely, Ann M, Sittauer Refuge Manager Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Uutted States 11)epartmcnt of the Interior t. TJ.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Shetbium Nations] W ildlife RcfuBc 17076 293"4 Avenue Zimmtnnatt, iWN 55398 -~ 1~ 7i ~ . a~ E1kR fiver Recreation 7636351155 11/24/04 12:67P P.004 y._ Sherburne County Parks County Gov't Center 138801iighway 10 Elk River, MN 55330 - 4601 Letter of Support Date: November 19, 2004 To: William Macrtz Parks and Recreation Director City of Elk Rivei, NIN 55330 Subject: Top of the World Addition On behalf of the Sherburne County Park Commission, we offer our support to the City of Elk River toward the acquisition of 102 acres of quality woodlands, identified as the "Top of the World Addition". Elk River is located in the southeast portion of Sherburne County, which is the 40th fastest growing county in the nation. Duc to the rapid growth, the loss of and disturbance to quality woodlands is a growing concern. The need to preserve good, quality woodlands, where available, is critical. This site is adjacent to existing Elk River City Parks such as the Top of the World Park and Woodland Trails, which have aitolht~r 270 acres of similar land cover. Establishing large, contiguous acreages of forested cover helps limit forest fragmentation and assists in its sustainability. In addition, the site is in close proximity to the Great Northern Trail, which is parCof the abandoned railroad bed that the county has identified for establishing a future regional trail system. Considering the acreage involved and the potential it has for public recreational opportunities, it would serve as one of the largest green infrastructure areas in the city, as well as the county. Sincerely, Tim Edgeton Sherbtuc County Parks Coordinator/Forester . ~ EIkRi~er Recreation 7636351155 11!24/04 12:57P P.005 November 23, 2004 __... ... ERNSC William Macrtz Parks and Recreation Director 1104 Irons Park Drive $llc River, MN 55330 Dear Bill, The Ells River Nordic Ski Ciub would like to offer this letter of support for the acquisition of the additional land purchaec adjoining Top-of-the-World Pack in Ells River. As you know, this property is very diverse in both topography and vegetation. In coopcratiou with the previous and current owner, this arcs has already been partially developed for recreation. Twelve years ago, we assisted the local Biathlon group in developing which was at the time one of only two Biathlon ranges in the State. Since that time, we have added 2.9 IGlomctcrs of ski and hiking trail. These trails are attached to those in Woodland Trails, Top-of-the-World, and the Great Northern Trail to foxm across-country ski trial network that is used by skiers from all over Minnesota and occasionally from Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota. '~ The ski trails and Biadilon range were carefully sited and constructed to fit into the natural features of the property. The Biathlon range uses a lead collection system to prevent lead contamination of the soil behind the targCts. The trails were planned at a very low density to give quality to the trail using experience and to minimize the impact to the properties value as a wildlife corridor and natural area. In closing, this property will be great addition to the park land we already have in the area and as stewards of the property akeady, we support this effort to acquire thin ~ property to preserve it £or current and £uturc residents of the area. We also pledge our continued volunteer support to continue to preserve and enhance this property in the future. S,ir<cei~l~~ Aavid .A.nderso Elk River Nordic Ski Club 14845 County Road 30 Elk River, MN 55330 ElkRiver Recreation 7636351155 900 Schad 6lreat ~ Elk pNm, Minnasvla 6633Q (783) 241.3434 FaX: [783),241.9421 Vvww.Blkrivsr,k72.mn.u2 ELK t2tV8R H[Gkt SCHOOL To Whom It Concerns, November 19, 2004 INDEPENDENT 3CNOOL DISTRICT 72B The Elk River Woodland Trails is wonderful recreational resource far the entire Elk River area and beyond. As the Elk River High School Nordic ski coach we utilize the trail system on a dally balls for over three months. The team-has about 60 students both boys and girls from grades 7-12. We also host several ski races at the site for teams throughout the area. I n addition citizen racers and tourers use the ski trails an a daily basis from all over the area. The reason Woodland Trails are so popular' is the trails are great tv ski with a variety of difficulty levels and enough trials sa that it is never crowded. Numerous volunteers groom and maintain these trails on a regular balls so that they are always prepared for skiing or hiking. This land acquisition is important because it will allow this magnificent recreational area to remain in tact for future generations of citizens. RDland Ring-Jarvi Elk River Nordic Ski Coach Elk River Hlgh School Letter of Support For Woodland Trails. November 19, 2004 Mam6cr NoNn Central Assoclalkm of Secondary Sehools and CWleges 11/24104 12:57P P.006 .~ ~n 'a ~nN u~~ U41~l.A~AI 0(]U GAAi'.-~-AAN E1kRiver Recreation 7636351165 11/24/04 12; 67P P.007 l ~~TILLER ~ - =- cor~oru~-rioro - 7200 Hemlock Lane • Suite 200 P.O. Box 1480 Maple Grove, MN 55311-6480 Phone (763) 425191 • Fax (763) 425.7153 www.tillwcorp.com Novemher 1.9, ?004 WiIliam Maertz Par]<s and Recreation Director 1104 Lions Park Drive Elk River, MN 55330 Re' Park Land Acquisition Dear Mr. Maertz: Tiller Corporation is aware that City of Elk River intends to apply for grant money wluch would be used to acquire park land property. We are also aware that the City would like to acquire a portion of our propcrCy adjacent to some of your existing park lands. As we hive discussed in recent telephone conversations, "1-filler Corporation is willing to enter negotiations with the City of Elk River regarding the acquisition of a portion of our ptopcrty. We wish you luck with the grant application process and feel Eree to contact tnyself or .. Milce Caron. We may 6e reached at (763} 425-4191. Sincerely, Tiller Corporation Steven D. Sauer Vice President of Finance /~ This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer