8.0. PRSR 09-10-1997 o �
TO: The Citizens of Sherburne County
Attached is a copy of our revised Sherburne County Parks, Trails and Open
Space Plan.
This plan has been changed in response to concerns raised by residents of
Sherburne County, by township representatives, and by the Sherburne
County Board of Commissioners. The new plan is concise and clear, and is
more sensitive to the agricultural and rural areas of the county.
This revised plan was written by a subcommittee comprised of members of
both the Sherburne County Park, Trail, and Open Space Committee and
the Citizen's Committee.
It i
t: mportant to plan for the future. Planning now for parks, trails and open
spaces will allow Sherburne County to take advantage of opportunities
which may not exist a few years from now.
We would appreciate your comments on this plan prior to preparing a final
draft that will be sent to the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners for
their consideration. Please send your comments by September 29th to:
Sherburne County Government Center
Administrators Department
13880 Hwy- 10
Elk River, MN 55330
Attn: Parks, Trails and Open Space Committee
Thank you very much for your suggestions and comments.
Sincerely,
0Otta-ael044`-'
Dave Anderson
• Chairman, Sherburne County Parks, Trails and Open Space
Committee
S
Sherburne County
•
Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan
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• TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. GOALS AND STRATEGIES 2
. III. PLANNING, ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT, AND FUNDING.... 4
A) Planning for parks, trails, and open spaces 4
B) Land acquisition 5
C) Development of parks and trails 5
D) Funding sources 5
IV. TYPES OF PARKS, TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACES 7
A) Types of parks 7
B) Types of trails 7
C) Types of open spaces 8
0 V. PLANNING REGIONS 9
A) Planning Region 1 10
B) Planning Region 2 12
C) Planning Region 3 14
D) Planning Region 4 16
E) Planning Region 5 18
VI. PARK COMMISSION ESTABLISHMENT 20
VII. CREDITS... 21
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• I. INTRODUCTION
The Sherburne County Parks Committee was created by the Sherburne County Board of
Commissioners in August, 1993. The Committee established a Mission Statement that
integrated the basic beliefs and goals for which the Committee was formed:
The mission of the Parks Committee is to plan for the acquisition, preservation,
restoration and when appropriate the enhancement of the natural resources of
Sherbume County. The park resources shall be used for the recreation,
education, and enjoyment of present and future generations of Sherbume
County citizens.
With the mission statement always in mind, the Parks Committee resolutely worked on
developing a comprehensive plan for the county. The first step was the completion of
• the Comprehensive Park, Trail, and Open Space Study written by Northwest Associated
Consultants. The end result of the committee's efforts is the Sherburne County Parks,
Trails, and Open Space Plan. This plan is based on information found in the study and
will serve as a guide for future planning, land acquisition, and development activities
relating to parks, trails, and open spaces in Sherburne County. The plan is not a static
document; it will be reviewed and amended periodically by the future Park Commission
to ensure that it remains relevant and current with the ever-changing needs of
Sherburne County.
This plan does not provide details relating to the location, cost, design, maintenance,
liability, and operation of parks, trails, and open spaces. These details will be addressed
by the future Park Commission as they investigate specific park, trail, and open space
opportunities.
•
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS &OPEN SPACE PLAN
1
I I. GOALS AND STRATEGIES
Overall objective: •
To protect and enhance the quality of life of the residents of Sherburne County for this
generation and for generations to come.
Goals to accomplish this objective:
1. To preserve the rural lifestyle and open spaces of Sherbume County.
• Protect agriculture and farm operations from development that may contribute
to the loss of farmlands and land use conflicts
• Agricultural activities shall not be limited or curtailed due to impacts upon non-
agricultural uses which have or are proposing to encroach into rural areas
• Preserve contiguous agricultural lands in order to maintain efficient farming
practices, and minimize land use compatibility issues
2. To preserve and protect Sherburne County's unique and sensitive natural
environments and resources.
• Acquire areas which have significant natural features and resources
• Support county, township, and city policies and activities relating to the proper
management of natural resources •
• Work with the DNR and with other public and private organizations to
preserve and protect unique and sensitive resources
3. To preserve and protect significant historical resources in Sherburne County.
• Acquire sites which have important historical or cultural features
• Work with the Historical Society to preserve and develop in an appropriate
manner, sites which have historical or cultural features
• Provide educational information about the historical and cultural resources of
the county
4. To encourage educational opportunities for people of all ages to learn more
about our natural, historical, and cultural resources.
• Provide educational programs relating to the historical, cultural, and natural
resources of Sherbume County
• Work with the various school districts to encourage and support educational
activities in Sherbume County
• Work with the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and the Sand Dunes State
Forest to provide more voluntary environmental education activities
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
2
5. To provide increased safety for walkers, ,,e,,. bikers, and other u-t.-1 who are-71•
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.t.
.7 ,,-S
presently utilizing the existing roadways.
0 , w hen and where appropriate, provide 8 foot wide paved shoulders on both
sides of the roadways during scheduled reconstruction or retrofitting
• Provide off-road detached trails where appropriate and if funding is available
• Provide overland trails where appropriate and if funding is available
• Provide trails in existing park areas when and where appropriate
6. To provide areas and facilities, where appropriate, that meet the recreational needs
of the residents of Sherburne County.
• Work with the Sherbume National Wildlife Refuge and the Sand Dunes State
Forest to provide additional recreational opportunities in those areas
• Provide various kinds of trails when appropriate
• Develop canoe and boat access facilities on public lakes, rivers, and
waterways
• Provide swimming areas at public lakes
• Develop various types of parks
•
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•
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
3
III PLANNING, ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT, & FUNDING
The process leading to usable parks, trails, and open spaces involves planning, land •
acquisition, development, and funding.
A. PLANNING FOR PARKS, TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACES
1. Planning for parks, trails, and open spaces in Sherburne County will be coordinated,
when appropriate, with planning done by :
1. Sherburne County departments and agencies
2. Townships in Sherburne County
3. Cities in Sherburne County
4. Adjoining counties
5. Nearby cities in adjoining counties
6. The State of Minnesota
7. Other relevant government jurisdictions
2. Planning will include public participation at every step and shall include notification of
affected individuals. The Park Commission will encourage public input on park, trail,
and open space issues, and will provide a forum for open discussion of issues.
3. It will not be possible to plan for unexpected opportunities which may arise
periodically. When these opportunities appear, existing plans may require extensive
•
changes.
4. Park planning will recognize t h at cities and school districts normally p r vi de areas
and facilities for sports such as softball, baseball, football, soccer, tennis, etc.
Sherburne County will not provide such areas and facilities in parks.
5. Trail planning will recognize the importance of agriculture in Sherburne County, and
will not interfere with farming operations.
6. It is especially important to coordinate trail planning with the Sherburne County
Highway Department, as paved shoulders would normally be constructed when a
roadway is reconstructed or resurfaced. The future Park Commission will
periodically review the 5-year construction plan compiled by the Highway
Department, and will make recommendations relating to paved shoulders on the
roads scheduled for reconstruction or resurfacing.
7. In the more densely populated areas, trail planning will recognize that people use
trails for purposes other than recreation; some people use trails to get to and from
work, and students may use trails to get to and from school.
8. Trails in Sherburne County should provide access from more densely populated
areas to the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, the Sand Dunes State Forest, and •
other recreational areas. Trails should also connect more densely populated areas
to schools, parks, shopping, employment, and civic facilities.
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
4
B. LAND ACQUISITION
1. Land for parks, trails, and open spaces will be acquired through donations, bequests,
• purchases from willing sellers, land dedications, and tax-forfeited lands.
2. Condemnation shall NOT be a method of acquiring land for parks, trails, or open
spaces.
3. Acquisition of less-than fee-simple interests such as easements or leases should be
undertaken if appropriate.
4. Unsolicited donations of land should not be accepted if there are unreasonable
obligations, or if the land is not appropriate for parks, trails, or open spaces.
5. All relevant factors will be investigated prior to acquiring a parcel of land to ensure it
is appropriate for the intended use.
C. DEVELOPMENT OF PARKS AND TRAILS
1. Land acquired for parks and trails will remain easily maintainable open land until
suitable development may be needed.
2. Parks and trails will be designed to have minimum impact on adjoining properties.
4113. Long-term maintenance and operation costs will be analyzed prior to the
development of parks and trails.
4. Parks and trails will be designed to be appropriate to the areas in'which they are
located.
5. Parks and trails shall be constructed in accordance with applicable specifications
and standards established by Sherburne County, the State of Minnesota, and other
relevant governmental jurisdictions. ; •
•
D. FUNDING SOURCES
Methods of acquiring funds for the acquisition, development and operation of parks,
trails, and open spaces include:
1. Park Dedication
Dedication fees can be used to pay for the acquisition of parks, trails, and open
spaces. In some cases, developers may satisfy dedication provisions by
providing land instead of money. The rationale for dedication fees is that new
growth increases the need for parks, trails, and open spaces.
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
5
2. Grant Programs
There are several grant programs which provide significant amounts of money for
parks and trails. These include (1) the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Program III
(LAWCON- Land and Water Conservation Fund), (2) ISTEA (Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act), and (3) LCMR (Legislative Commission on
Minnesota Resources).
3. Taxes
As park and trail development proceeds in future years, it may be necessary to
use tax revenues to pay for some of the expenses.
4. User Fees
User fees may include park entrance fees, activity fees, etc.
5. Volunteer Assistance
Although not actually a source of funds, volunteers can reduce the operational
costs of parks and trails by performing a wide variety of activities such as making
signs, mowing grass, painting buildings, etc.
6. Other Sources of Funds
Other possibilities include gifts, bequests, fund-raising events, etc.
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SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
6
IV TYPES OF PARKS, TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACES
•
A. TYPES OF PARKS
The following types of parks are found in many county park systems:
1. General Purpose Parks
These parks are used for a variety of activities such as picnics, play,
hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, etc. They may include picnic tables,
picnic shelters, playground equipment for children, hiking trails, camping
sites, a fishing dock, a swimming beach, etc. These parks are normally
developed gradually over a long period of time.
2. Parks to Preserve Natural Environments
These parks are primarily nature oriented; they protect significant natural
resources, wildlife habitat, etc. The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
and the Sand Dunes State Forest presently serve in this function.
However, if opportunities are presented, it might be reasonable for
Sherburne County to acquire areas of this type.
B. TYPES OF TRAILS
The most common types of multi-use trails are:
1. Paved Shoulders
Paved shoulders on roadways are not "trails" in a technical sense; they are
included in this plan because they may serve the same function as trails, and they
serve many of the same users. The use of paved shoulders is governed by the
laws of the State of Minnesota. A width of eight feet is generally considered
adequate for walking, jogging, biking, roller blading, and similar uses. The width
of paved shoulders will be determined by the Minnesota Department of
Transportation traffic volumes, need, and available funds.
2. Off-Road Trails
Off-road trails run approximately parallel to adjacent roadways, and are separated
from the roadways by strips of land or physical structures. They usually have a
bituminous surface and a minimum width of ten feet for two-way traffic. They are
generally located within the roadway right-of-way.
•
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
7
From a user standpoint, off-road trails are better and safer than paved shoulders. •
However, off-road trails are more expensive to build and there are potential right-
of-way problems on some roadways. Other factors to consider are the volume of
vehicle traffic, the potential volume of trail traffic, population density, etc.
Because of these many variables, it is not possible to have specific rules which
determine if an off-road trail is preferable to paved shoulders for a given section
of roadway; all of the _relevant factors must be considered before making a
decision.
3. Overland Trails
An overland trail is not usually located close to an adjacent roadway. Overland
trails go "cross-country" through various types of terrain. Abandoned railroad
rights-of-way are often used for overland trails. Overland trails usually have a
bituminous surface and a minimum width of ten feet for two-way traffic.
There are relatively few opportunities for overland trails in Sherburne County in
the near future. The abandoned railroad right-of-way north of Elk River, and a
trail linking the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge with the Sand Dunes State
Forest are the best possibilities. There may be opportunities for overland trails
following the Mississippi River at some future time.
It is beyond the scope of this plan to decide what uses are appropriate for trails in
Sherburne County. The future Park Commission will make recommendations to the
•
Board of Commissioners o n that issue. This plan does not include provisions for
motorized recreational vehicles.
C. TYPES OF OPEN SPACES
"Open space" is a term which is not as easily defined as "park" or "trail". Most
p p Y
people would say that open space is an area that is relatively unoccupied by
buildings or structures. Examples would be large fields, meadows, swamps,
lakes, etc. A farm with large cultivated fields and typical farm buildings would be
open space. A large wooded area would be considered open space. It is not
necessary to have a precise definition of open space in this plan; a general
understanding in of the term is sufficient.
Sherburne County presently has several types of protected areas which would be
considered open space:
1. The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (approx. 30,660 acres)
2. The Sand Dunes State Forest (approx. 5,700 acres)
3. Scientific Natural Areas (approx. 290 acres)
4. Wildlife Management Areas (approx. 540 acres)
5. Land protected by conservation easements, land retirement programs,
deed restrictions, etc. (acreage unknown)
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
8
, .
PLANNING REGIONS
•
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,
,
SHERBURNE COUNTY , MINNESOTA 1
9 ,
PLANNING REGION 1
Bunion Co.
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' i
PAVED SHOULDERS OR DETACHED OFF-ROAD TRAILS ..
4 V
p- ..,
AS SHOWN ON THIS MAP ARE PROPOSED FOR ROADS 'N . • • • 0
SCHEDULED FOR RECONSTRUCTION IN THE 1996-2000 ell 0,, Ns
SHERBURNE COUNTY HIGHWAY 5-YEAR CONSTRUCTION
PLAN. 1**13
sie
Pp/ \ ,
'
• • • • • PAVED SHOULDER Marseilles Townsite
1 -N,_ -- -4,•,--i-
iffliesese PAVED SHOULDER OR DETACHED OFF-ROAD TRAIL Bear Island
W . 1
4 EXISTING NATURAL VEGETATION
-ee --p-
COMMUNITIES 1 1
••:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•:*:•:-: APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF * APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF J ■
RED RIVER OX-CART TRAIL HISTORICAL SITE L.
APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF • PUBLIC CANOE ACCESS \.
HISTORIC MILITARY ROAD
* TAX FORFEIT PROPERTY ■ PUBLIC BOAT LANDING
III
,
SHERBURNE COUNTY . MINNESOTA
PLANNING REGION 1
• Planning Region 1 includes the cities of St. Cloud and Clear Lake as well as all or parts
9 9 P
of Haven, Palmer, Clear Lake, and Santiago Townships. The Mississippi River and U.S.
Highway 10 run along the flat portion of this region, while the northern portion is made
up of rolling topography and large areas of prime farmland.
Existing Open Space
Planning Region 1 has the most agricultural land area of any region. In 1996, large
areas of land were rezoned from the General Rural District to the Agricultural District.
This was done mainly in an attempt to limit foreseen conflicts between residential
development (as well as other urban uses) and agricultural operations.
River Corridors
Opportunities still exist for park and recreational uses along the Mississippi River within
this region. The development restrictions that exist due to the "Wild and Scenic River"
classification along the Mississippi River in Planning Region 1 have helped preserve this
area. The county should work towards acquiring land along this corridor in order to
provide access to the Mississippi River and its recreational resources. The areas with
significant native plant communities should be considered as well as lands that can be
easily accessed by future trails. A water access point between St. Cloud and Stickney's
Landing on State Highway 24 should be considered.
• Smaller rivers and streams in Planning Region 1 are not generally navigable. Many of
these river / stream corridors are typically unsuited for farming because of flooding and
generally being wooded. Where applicable, the county should consider preserving
these areas for public use.
Historical Areas
There are several historical areas within Planning Region 1 that should be preserved.
These areas could be accents along trailways or roadways and could be utilized with
environmental education areas.
Cooperation
This planning region has several opportunities for collaborative park land preservation
and development. The City of St. Cloud and the St. Cloud Planning Organization have
already prepared a trail plan that identifies a portion of County Highway 8 as a route for
a future trail. The State of Minnesota has several parcels of land along the river, as well
as scientific natural areas where efforts could be combined to form a larger park area
with minimum expense to the county.
•
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
11
1 .
PLANNING REGION 2
PAVED SHOULDERS OR DETACHED OFF-ROAD TRAILS
AS SHOWN ON THIS MAP ARE PROPOSED FOR ROADS
SCHEDULED FOR RECONSTRUCTION IN THE 1996-2000
SHERBURNE COUNTY HIGHWAY 5-YEAR CONSTRUCTI
PLAN. Ma me Co.
I4 \ f
1 Bing •n s ) _ / 16-.' 1
Q _
Sawmill it Kunkel WMA �`L.1411L
\I - I .- _1 _ ��.-r • --
Bo d Lake �1� J Sherburne I - : '
I ' .•..r_let•c., I - E ILL , id
f >:>:• Nation I I ; -..
• :::i:.-.• O e- • _ Elk
rat • -- - -1. . -. �' Ric: 1 e.
arempAaLL
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I BEC<ER I
.�1� . Dr -- • 4 _.- . • - - ... ._ .Sta. Sri��' ~• ..v...:4 .. vr
1 lc I 1� i •,���:�:...
PLANNING REGION 2
Planning Region 2 includes all or parts of Santiago, Blue Hill, and Orrock Townships.
Therbume National Wildlife Refuge and the Sand Dunes State Forest are located
Arrn this region. This area has a large amount of open space, as well as many
recreational opportunities..
Connections
A major goal for this area is to provide improved access to the refuge and state forest
areas. This would allow the existing public facilities to be utilized by county residents to
a greater extent.
Environmental Education
From the south to the north of Planning Region 2, there are more preserved native
communities and wildlife habitat than in any other region. The Sherburne National
Wildlife Refuge and the Sand Dunes State Forest are presently involved in
environmental education; additional collaborative efforts between the county and its
school districts should be explored.
The Sand Dunes State Forest
There are numerous recreational opportunities found within the Sand Dunes State
st. Because the land has been classified as a state forest, recreational use of this
is one of the priorities of this area.
Sherbume National Wildlife Refuge
The active recreational use of the Sherbume National Wildlife Refuge area is limited,
however, the refuge offers many unique opportunities to county residents. The refuge is
well staffed for its mandated requirements as a wildlife refuge, and doesn't require
county assistance within its borders. Refuge personnel have indicated a desire to work
with the county to pursue greater public access to the area. It is not expected that
restrictions will be lessened where wildlife interests are concerned. The county should
look for ways to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in order to increase public
use of this valuable resource.
Cooperation
This planning region has several opportunities for collaborative park land preservation
and development. The county should work with both the Sand Dunes State Forest and
the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge to increase the amount of recreational use within
this area.
•
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
13
PLANNING REGION 3
. 0
illk Lacs Co.
1 I It ■
0 I `rino_3.1E .� .
%- •urn River.
II. -
y_�_.__.._1 i o '
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WMA i if`' � _ N Z9V .�
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a � � s
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�.. * East
O WMA . �--�---:,,,, Hinter •
j Lake
_._ --- . West
::; Hunter Like
PAVED SHOULDERS OR DETACHED OFF-ROAD TRAILS - - -i -...------•"- - " - " "—- -
AS SHOWN ON THIS MAP ARE PROPOSED FOR ROADS
SCHEDULED FOR RECONSTRUCTION IN THE 1996-2000 Ti �. .•;, .
SHERBURNE COUNTY HIGHWAY 5-YEAR CONSTRUCTION '''°-
Br•- .!;•N:''r
PLAN. "lb� �-�;:; tone
Lake
������A EXISTING NATURAL VEGETATION AL
COMMUNITIES • TI 4 g .
•
* TAX FORFEIT PROPERTY
APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF • • • • PAVED SHOULDER
HISTORICAL SITE
• PUBLIC CANOE ACCESS manse PAVED SHOULDER OR DETACHED OFF-ROAD TRAIL
V PUBLIC BOAT LANDING EXISTING OVERLAND TRAIL 410
NMC S H E R B U R N E COUNTY , M I N N E S O T A
PLANNING REGION 3
Planning Region 3 includes all or parts of Baldwin and Livonia Townships and includes
lib municipalities of Zimmerman and Princeton. U.S. Highway 169 runs through the
Zignter of this region and provides access to the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and
the Sand Dunes State Forest.
Residential Development
Residential growth in the past has been scattered throughout Planning Region 3 but
has, like other general rural districts in the county, seen a significant increase in the
recent past. The lack of farming as a major activity in the area will likely reduce the
number of the large land holdings in the area.
Existing Facilities
The areas proximity to the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and Sand Dunes State
Forest gives it many of the same opportunities as discussed in Planning Region U. In
addition the Cities of Zimmerman, Princeton and Elk River have recreational facilities
that are utilized by persons within this region.
The abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way was identified as an existing
facility that could be utilized as a trailway. The implementation of this goal may be very
difficult due to the prior sale of the right-of-way to private parties. There are properties
tt are still owned by the railroad and by possible willing sellers that could be acquired
the county and preserved for future use.
The Rum River
The Rum River corridor is designated as a Wild and Scenic River where it runs through
Sherbume County. Land acquisition that is adjacent to this river could be considered as
future park land.. Irtaddition, a canoe landing in Sherburne County would be beneficial
to the Rum River Canoe Route.
Public Lake Access
There are several beaches located in this region. Possible opportunities exist that would
provide access to some of the public lakes in the area.
•
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
15
PLANNING REGION 4
1 •
, •• .14.-' /_p 1 ----- .-4- - . . , .7... , 1
1
1
10 0 , !;.
T 4
B ch � � �RIC==% �=,
L=ke La
".4:!:.:3:1:.*:: -
Iiip_ .4.:k::::;,.:. 1r Elk River
• . , ,
\ lbp.-C Ill�YL!!
_ -
illt
. 1. I • a• .�� a es •
Illl 1..
gm. - ff../littipicw2ma : .•j�L-
w'
�
� ok
= to Sawmill/
I/ I I a- • - of- Ojibwa
, ---,•--.--A— -AIN....)---' iiP411,i
PAVED SHOULDERS OR DETACHED OFF-ROAD TRAILS Mississippi Kelley Farm
AS SHOWN ON THIS MAP ARE PROPOSED FOR ROADS Islands SNA
SCHEDULED FOR RECONSTRUCTION IN THE 1996-2000
•
SHERBURNE COUNTY HIGHWAY 5-YEAR CONSTRUCTION I --
PLAN. °W I,
Of
C.
•
i m s•••• DETACHED OFF-ROAD TRAIL `Th 'ill
.m,:::4% EXISTING OVERLAND TRAIL `,
��� Hennepin Co.
EXISTING NATURAL VEGETATION
COMMUNITIES * APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF
• APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF HISTORICAL SITE
RED RIVER OX-CART TRAIL • PUBLIC CANOE ACCESS
APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF •
HISTORIC MILITARY ROAD • PUBLIC BOAT LANDING
NInc SHERBURNE COUNTY , MINNESOTA
is
PLANNING REGION 4
Planning Region 4 is primarily the City of Elk River which represents the largest
eicipal land area in Sherburne County as well as the largest population. The city has
an extensive park and trail system that is run independently of the county and is
provided and paid for by citizens within its boundaries. However, there are areas within
the region where the county could look into collaborative efforts for preservation and
-recreational use because of possible benefits to the whole county.
Natural Resources
Planning Region 4 is a transition area combining the Mississippi River Terraces, Anoka
Sandplain and the St. Croix Moraine Complex - the major land forms of the county.
Because of this, there are several areas of geologic interest as well as variations in
topography within the region. In addition, there are areas that have significant native
vegetation communities that are preserved. Areas such as the St. Louis Gun Club
property and the native tamarack swamp in the same area are examples of natural
communities that should be preserved for future generations.
Historical Sites
As the county has worked on the preservation of the Oliver Kelley Farm, the county
should also have a significant part in the preservation of historical sites within Planning
,pion 4. The Houlton Sawmill site and Dakota-Ojibwa battle site are significant
historical sites in the county that should have a high priority within a park system plan.
Cooperation
Elk River has several existing trails and a trail plan that is to be implemented over time.
Trail planning for Sherbume County should be coordinated with the city of Elk River
when and where necessary.
The County should work with the City of Elk River and other interested agencies in the
preservation of natural areas described above.
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN 17
PLANNING REGION 5
PAVED SHOULDERS OR DETACHED OFF-ROAD TRAILS
AS SHOWN ON THIS MAP ARE PROPOSED FOR ROADS
SCHEDULED FOR RECONSTRUCTION IN THE 1996-
• SHERBURNE COUNTY HIGHWAY 5-YEAR CONSTRUCTI
�� �� PLAN.
I
111j, _____ i i Lak- 1 r
' t 0
Sn•ke
: jT
Iit.Lake lc ! I
. ,, . ,...1 -„, •re.. _.11Mi_ Vf.f..§:"' • • %
\' I l: I , ake
1., I ,,,,,"',, `.„` :S;;wb4:�i I I •S ■
�•• • ' '
:Thomson ",,,,, "��'' ake ) � Ti. > is
‘Iv;';,'
•%.; 'Island „''” "441p.:.. a ( I :• :. ook
Cedar \\ �-�• _ i '�``. - r �ell J 1. BIG LAKE E -k_
Island —‘7:1/41„,_________%--;TA "'.. I , `-`,
--- '-�� I 'Elk \e
4,� •..0 f
ss�ss -- — . ._,,,� -
4\ :IO, � I, -9 8 Bail y Statibn _ '�..�
3 and ICemer '
k.@� •6:t∎P• and Bak is Ferny Landing ; .�°-..
emetery; I ,S State of
�� _ _ E ..,.MMinnesot-
• • • • • PAVED SHOULDER Battle w�y,,c,. v ;..'roped
Rapids- I Mississippi Islands SNA— I
* TAX FORFEIT PROPERTY (Dimmick Islandl
,Yi�uiYAI EXISTING NATURAL VEGETATION
COMMUNITIES APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF
APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF HISTORICAL SITE
RED RIVER OX-CART TRAIL • PUBLIC CANOE ACCESS
APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF , PUBLIC BOAT LANDING •
HISTORIC MILITARY ROAD
NI N c S H E R B U R N E COUNTY , M I N N E S O T A
PLANNING REGION 5
Planning Region 5 includes all or part of Big Lake and Becker Townships and the cities
Ipof Big Lake and Becker. U.S. Highway 10 runs through the region with the Mississippi
River to the south and the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and the Sand Dunes
State Forest to the north.
This region is the most diverse in land use due to the many acres of agricultural lands
generally located to the south of Highway 10, the heavily developed Mississippi River
corridor and smaller rivers, large areas that are zoned as general rural district, and the
municipalities of Big Lake and Becker that are experiencing fast paced residential
growth.
Rivers and Streams
The Mississippi River is heavily developed with residential land use within this region.
Although land preservation opportunities are limited, there are still areas that the county
should consider as designated public areas along the Mississippi.
Northern States Power owns a large amount of natural land which may be available for
future park or preservation areas. NSP has worked with the City of Becker and Becker
Township in the recent development of Snuffy's Landing.
The State of Minnesota owns land adjacent to the Mississippi as well as a large island
*across from it that is part of the Mississippi Islands Scientific Natural Area. The county
should further investigate what plans the DNR may have for this 38 acre parcel and
attempt to determine if the county and state could work together to provide public
access to this preserved area.
The Elk River has limited potential for preserved land areas for parks and open space
due to the amount of residential development. The establishment of additional access
points would allow citizens to take advantage of this public resource.
Cox Property
It is possible that the first park property in the future system owned by the county will be
the Cox property. This land has high conservation importance due to the native plant
communities and natural features found on the site.
•
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
19
VI. PARK COMMISSION ESTABLISHMENT
Upon the approval of the Sherbume County Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan by the
Sherburne County Board of Commissioners, the Park, Trail and Open Space Committee
will be dissolved. A Volunteer Park Commission will be established. The Park
Commission will have no spending authority, but will advise the Sherburne County Board
of Commissioners on matters relating to parks, trails, and open spaces.
The Volunteer Park Commission shall consist of eight members; one member from each
Sherburne County Commissioner district, one member from the Board of County
Commissioners, and two at-large members. The two at-large members may not be from
the same district. The Board of County Commissioners shall interview and select the
seven citizen members. All members of the Park Commission shall be residents of
Sherburne County. All members shall have equal rights and privileges. Commission
members will have a rotating three year term. In the first year the members terms will
include 3- three year, 2-two year, and 2-one year appointments. Commission openings
will be advertised in November, members will be appointed in January, and terms will
begin on the first day of February. The chairman and vice-chairman of the Park
Commission shall be elected by the members of the commission. A quorum shall be
five members. Members who miss three meetings in a 12 month period shall be
replaced.
Duties of the Park Commission would be to see that the goals and strategies of the
Sherburne County Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan are achieved. The Park
•
Commission will review the park, trail and open space needs of the county and will make
recommendations to the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners.
A representative from each township and each city in Sherburne County will be invited to
four park commission meetings per year (one per quarter).
•
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
20
VII. CREDITS
s
Sincere appreciation and gratitude is extended to the following individuals, groups, and
organizations for their efforts in developing a parks, trails, and open space plan that
represents the best interests for all of the citizens of Sherburne County. Great care has
been taken by everyone involved in this work to recognize and address as many
concerns as possible that have been expressed by the residents of the county.
The citizens of Sherburne County
The Sherburne County Parks Committee and sub-committee:
Dave Anderson-(chairman), Marilyn Bujalski, Ed Cowley, Mary Donahue, Tim Edgeton,
Ame Engstrom, Ron Burley, Christy Moey, Ray Fried!, Myron Johnson, Duane
Langsdorf, Terry Nagorski, Jim Nystrom, Leroy Pauley, Ed Schumacher, and Betsy
Wergin
Northwest Associated Consultants:
Alan Brixius-AICP (Vice President), Daniel Sjordal-(Senior Designer)
The Sherburne County Board of Commissioners:
• Arne Engstrom-District 1, Terry Nagorski-District 2, Ray Fried!-District 3, Betsy
Wergin-District 4, and Myron Johnson-District 5
Sherburne County Staff
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Charlie Blair-Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
James Tischler-Sand Dunes State Forest
•
SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN
21