Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/15/2002

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CASE # METRO GREENWAYS PLANNING GRANT By: lViark Boos, Parks & Utilities Supervisor Background: The purpose of this case is to announce that the City and the Anoka Conservation District were successful in receiving funding for the DNR Greenway Grant. The $35,000 gent, ($17,500 cash from the DNR, the balance, in-k/nd contributions from the District and the City) has several objectives and "dehverables" which are summarized in the attached application. The presentation of this case will also highlight how this project directly assists other City endeavors and work plans. Observations: City Council authorized applying for the Greenway Grant on January 22~d, 2002. A large part of Ramsey's contribution wi, il be the public work sessions as part of the Master Trail Plan process. These meetings have been scheduled and are detailed on the enclosed attachment, which will be included in the next issue of the Ramsey Resident. City Council, Staff and most residents are very interested in natural resource protection strategies that are reasonable and manageable with Ramsey's long term development. There are a number of significant outcomes to this planning grant, which are expected to assist in achieving this goal, some of which are bulleted below. · A comprehensive inventory is conducted of natural resources and landcover of all 29 square miles of Ramsev. Landcover is mapped usin~ 'diMtized DNR standard protocol, which will be of benefit to all City Departments. Significant natural resources are identified, which include wetland tvpin~ and detailed information on soils and existina land use. Wildlife corridors with si~o-nificant natural resources' and habitat diversity are identified. Plans can be developed to enhance, protect or restore the above habitats. These habitats can be potentially connected to one another, to improve their function alon~ public trail routes, ditches or pr/vate lands if desired.