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locations, so a proposed bike-path/walkway along 155th could go through our woods. <br />Incidentally, we believe the extension of 155th Ave. NW will help solve the confusion that some of <br />our non-Ramsey customers experience when they make their yearly trip to find our farm. <br /> <br />We have also discussed other items such as parking space with city officials and feel we are well <br />prepared. Our plan includes completion of our internal trail/road system which will make <br />parking and access even easier for our customers. One thing unique about our farm compared to <br />most others is that we discourage mass parking in a central lot, except on their way out when they <br />must stop and pay. This means we have parking dispersed throughout the property along the <br />many interconnecting trails. People feel more like they are visiting a state park rather than a <br />mega-store parking lot. We have not had any significant parking or traffic conflicts. Opening our <br />middle gate and having a separate entrance and exit is another step to avoid any problem as we <br />get more people visiting. <br /> <br />Our Christmas tree farm is the oldest in Minnesota. Our father was a founding member of the <br />Minnesota Christmas Tree Growers' Association and David is currently on it's board of directors. <br />Our farm is among the best choose-and-cut farms in Minnesota and we want to ensure that it <br />stays. It has been well rtm since the beginning and we apply things we learn from competitors in <br />Minnesota and farms in other states. <br /> <br />Our longer range plans include construction of a whole-log or log-sided sales building within five <br />years. This would move people from the pole barn to a modern facility that would blend into our <br />unique setting. The reason for proposing this now is because we've talked it over with our <br />neighbors, it will be more efficient for us in the permit process, and it will give us time to plan the <br />expensive building. We envision it as being 2000- 2400 square feet and set back about 50 feet from <br />155th Ave. NW. It also would be only for seasonal use, Thanksgiving to Christmas. It would <br />provide a space for those who come for the tree cutting experience to warm up and pay for their <br />tree and purchase other items that could not be displayed or sold outside. <br /> <br />We realize this building will be a major expense and so have projected it to happen in about five <br />years. We currently sell over 900 trees each season, though we plant 2-3,000 each year. As our <br />management improves and we have become better known our sales have gradually increased and <br />we expect to supply about 1500-2000 trees a year. <br /> <br />This proposal and the resulting conversations with neighbors has made us even more aware of <br />what a nice resource our little forest is to the community. We have always encouraged neighbors <br />to enjoy walks through the area and of course kids love to play there. We have an ample suPply of <br />young trees that get started from seed and people are free to move them to their yards. Having <br />people use the area means they feel a part of it and they watch for others who may not be as <br />responsible. We enjoy being part of the community and know that this relationship will continue. <br /> <br />Thank you for your consideration of our proposal. We are happy to discuss any of the plans and <br />incorporate your suggestions. <br /> <br />Sincerely,, <br /> <br />David and Mark Hansen <br /> <br /> I <br /> <br /> I <br /> I <br /> I <br />I' <br /> I <br /> I <br /> <br />I <br />! <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br /> <br />