13.1 PRSR 09 10 2014 C' of
Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Parks and Recreation Commission 13.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session September 10,2014 Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description Reviewed by
Houlton Farm Property Acquisition Cal Portner,City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Staff will present for discussion the scope of intended outdoor recreation opportunities for the Houlton
farm property.
Background/Discussion
Some residents have recently expressed concerns in regards to the intended recreation opportunities that
are planned for the Houlton Farm property. In particular,proposed hunting on the property. This land
will be open to public hunting and fishing and will be managed as a wildlife management area promoting
habitat for fish and wildlife.
We have expressed our intentions to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council in a formal letter from
City Council that we will manage it like Anoka County has managed its two wildlife conservation areas.
Our plan is to basically leave this land natural. Specifically,we do not plan to have any paved trails or
roads,or to construct any buildings.
The scope of outdoor recreation opportunities matching the Anoka County park program is outlined in
the attached document.
Financial Impact
The acquisition of this property is made possible through funding by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage
Council.
Attachments
• Cedar Creek Conservation Area (Anoka County Parks) Scope of Intended Outdoor Recreation
Opportunities
r OJEIEI Ir
NATURE
4
Rum River/Cedar Creek Conservation Area
Scope of Intended Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
• The hunting program model will be similar to the Vermillion Highlands Research
Recreation&Wildlife Management Area located in Dakota County.
• The parking areas will be strategically located and sized around the perimeter to
maximize the interior hunt areas and to control the density of hunters. Hunters must be
parked in designated parking slots in order to hunt. One vehicle per slot and it will be
on a first come,first serve basis.
• Hunting,fishing,and trapping opportunities will be offered. Pheasants,waterfowl,deer,
ruffed grouse,turkey,rabbit,and squirrel are the primary prospective game species.
• Watercraft access to the Rum River for hunting and fishing opportunities is provided for
on the west of the river at Rum River Central Regional Park.
• There will be special drawing deer seasons for archery,shotgun/slug,and
muzzleloader. The number of permits issued will be based on the estimated deer
density and the available hunting acreage. There will also be late season Pheasant and
Goose hunting opportunities.
a A comprehensive wildlife habitat and ecological restoration plan will be developed and
implemented in an effort to sustain balanced populations of plant and animal species
across the conservation area.
• Hiking,cross country skiing, and wildlife viewing will be strongly encouraged outside of
the hunting seasons.
Meeting(11/30/09)with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources-Wildlife Section:
Dave Schad, Director
Dennis Simon,Chief
Tim Bremicker, Area Manager