4.4 SR 04-04-2022
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.4
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent Agenda April 4, 2022 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description Reviewed by
Bailey Point Nature Preserve Regulations Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, new regulations for Bailey Point Nature Preserve and the removal of the current river access
regulations signage.
Background/Discussion
Based on the observations of fishing and river access at Baily Point Nature Preserve, our Park Stewards, Jeff
Anderson, and Amy Larson asked the Parks and Recreation Commission to review our regulations. With nearly 10
years of experience, our concern for shoreline erosion due to the activities seems to have been overly cautious.
The Minnesota Land Trust recommend not limiting river access. They feel allowing fishing and river access over
a greater area may help reduce some of the impacts to the river’s shoreline. The Parks and Recreation
Commission met in February and March to recommend these updated regulations.
The current regulations were approved by the Commission and City Council in May of 2013.
Financial Impact
The new regulations will be posted on a new kiosk or signpost. The current temporary sign showing limited rivers
access will be removed.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Meet changing needs of the community
Opportunity to live, work, and play
Attachments
Bailey Point Nature Preserve Regulations
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.
Updated: August 2020
Regulations
Regarding Use of
Bailey Point Nature
Preserve
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.
Bailey Point Nature Preserve 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 Conservation Easement gives the Minnesota Land Trust enforcement authority.
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
763.635.1000
ElkRiverMN.gov
Regulations Regarding Use of Bailey Point Nature Preserve
Policy History
Adopted by: On (date) Item #
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