8.5 PRSR 03-09-2022
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
8.5
Agenda Section
Action Item
Meeting Date
March 9, 2022
Prepared by
Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description
Bailey Point Nature Preserve Regulations
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Discussion of new regulations for Bailey Point Nature Preserve.
Recommend, by motion, approving new regulations for Bailey Point Nature Preserve and removing the current
signage regarding river access regulations.
Background/Discussion
The Commission made two changes to the regulations last month. The regulations for the Commission to
consider March 9 reflect those changes with additional language recommended by the Minnesota Land Trust.
The Land Trust feels allowing fishing and river access over a greater area may help reduce some of the impact to
the river’s shoreline. The current regulations were approved by the Commission and City Council in May 2013
based on concerns of high public usage.
Financial Impact
A new park sign/map will need to be made and installed. The current sign shows limited river access.
Attachments
Bailey Point Nature Preserve Current Regulations Approved 2013
Minnesota Land Trust Correspondence
Bailey Point Nature Preserve Proposed Regulations
Regulations Regarding Use of Bailey Point Park
1. Guideline Statement
The City of Elk River acquired parcels 75-402-0020, 75-402-0021 & 75-004-1100 (commonly
known as Bailey Point) with the assistance of a DNR Natural and Scenic Area Grant and a
conservation easement with the MN Land Trust. The conservation easement only permits
low impact outdoor recreational use and nature observation on the property. As an
example, fishing and canoe/kayak landing areas are only permitted within the area
designated in the conservation easement as “Potential River Access”. The City of Elk River
is committed to preserving the conservation values of the property; therefore, the following
regulations apply to public use of Bailey Point.
2. Bailey Point Use Regulations
a. Fishing is not allowed at Bailey Point Park, except below the ordinary high water
level (OHWL) or an area designed as fishing river access or at designated fishing
platforms.
b. Canoe and kayak river access at Bailey Point Park shall only be allowed at the
designated river access.
c. No organized or team sport activities are allowed at Bailey Point Park.
3. Enforcement
Enforcement of these regulations shall be primarily through voluntary compliance.
• The property will have appropriate signage posted.
• City staff will meet with park volunteers to discuss the regulations and assist in
monitoring compliance with the regulations.
• City staff will make periodic observations of activity at the site to monitor
compliance with the regulations.
• The City Police Department is authorized to issue citations for violations of these
regulations.
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
763.635.1000
ElkRiverMN.gov
Regulations Regarding Use of Bailey Point Nature Preserve
Guideline Statement
November 2012, the City of Elk River acquired parcels 75-402-0020, 75-402-0021 & 75-004-1100
(commonly known as Bailey Point Nature Preserve) with the assistance of a DNR Natural and
Scenic Area Grant and a conservation easement with the MN Land Trust.
The Protected Property may not be used for more than minimal commercial recreational purposes.
The City of Elk River is committed to preserving the conservation values of the property;
therefore, the following regulations apply to public use of Bailey Point Nature Preserve.
Bailey Point Nature Preserve Use Regulations:
Fishing is allowed at Bailey Point Nature Preserve.
No alteration, manipulation or diversion of natural watercourses, lakes, shorelines,
wetlands or other surface bodies of water or creation of new wetlands or water
bodies is allowed except to restore or enhance wildlife habitat or native biological
communities.
Hiking, cross-country skiing, canoe and kayak launching, and nature observation or
study, and other non-intensive recreational and educational programs or activities
that have no more than minimal impact on the conservation values of Bailey Point
Nature Preserve are encouraged.
Enforcement:
Enforcement of these regulations shall be primarily through voluntary compliance.
The property will have appropriate signage posted.
City staff will meet with park volunteers to discuss the regulations and assist in
monitoring compliance with the regulations.
City staff will make periodic observations of activity at the site to monitor
compliance with the regulations.
The City Police Department is authorized to issue citations for violations of these
regulations.
Regulations
Regarding Use of
Bailey Point Nature
Preserve
2 | Page
Regulations Regarding Use of Bailey Point Nature Preserve
Policy History
Adopted by: On (date) Item #