Agenda - Council - 06/22/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I i I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I Mr. Sean Walther May 27, 1999 Page 2 3. 1 don't think the bluff should be removed. The protection of the toe o£the ~ope should stop any serious erosion concerns. I understand that the bluff.was significantly altered during riprap installation. Restoration should be as complete as possible. 4. There should be some provision for preserving in a completely natural state the area within 40 feet ofthe river, and a minimum impaz':t area of an additional 60 feet for a total protected area within 100 feet ofthe River. Land within 40 feet from the top of the bluff, regardless of where it falls, in or out of the 100 feet, should also be protected. 5. Any plans approved should meet the/vINNRA criteria listed in my March 16, 199~ letter. Briefly, the MNNRA criteria attempt to provide uninterrupted vegetated shorelines To preserve a natural look from the river and opposite shore and to provide connections to adjacent natural areas, allow minimal disturbance, work to increase and restore wildlife habitat and biological diversity, prohibit land disturbance along the bluff face, and screen development wherever practical to minimize its visibility from the river or opposite shoreline. 6. Edging and rock around specimen trees as indicated in the Weidenbach landscape plan within 100 feet of the shoreline are inconsistent with the Critical Area or MIqNRA guidelines. That type of treatment would be more appropriate farther from the River. 7. No further destruction of the bluffor its vegetation should be allowed. The plans should simply address restoring what has been lost due to vegetation removal and grading. The applicants may wish to address river access at this time, also, in a way that does not.heavily impact the bluff. Many people purchase river property for the naturaJ, scenic beauty of the River corridor and the recreational opportunities on the River. The Critical Area and MNN~ guidelines are intended Zo preserve and improve those qualities for other landowners and River users. I believe that they are a sound set of guidelines and will go a long way in meeting those intentions, and will result in a healthier River than if they are ignored. Thank you again for the opportunity to comment. Please feel free to cml if you have questions. Sincerely, / Tom Hovey /' Area Hydrologist Terry and ~ane Luke, 14250 Bowers Drive NW, Ramsey 55303 Jim and Kathy Weidenbach, 14230 Bowers Drive lffW, Paaa~sey 55303