Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 12/12/1996

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DATE: October 21, 1996 TO: Mayor and City Council Park and Recreation Commission CC: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Steven Jankowski, City Engineer Jassie Hart, Finance Officer Mr. Terry Cooper, U of M Llnda Waite Smith, Administrative Services Manager FROM: M;ark Boos, earksfultilities Supervisor ~~ Earlier this month, Mr. Terry Cooper of the University of Minnesota contacted the City about using Trott Broo.:k and its watershed as a study subject. The course he is teaching is entitled "Problem Solving in Natural Resource and Environmental Science". His multi-disciplinary class will analyze varibus issues & topics related to the watershed. However, the group's emphasis appears to be centered around soil science. As you know, for many years, the City has proposed that the Trott Brook Corridor be an east/ west multi-use t~ail route. The most recent discussions of this nature have been during the Snowmobile Cocqmittee meetings of 1995 and 1996. The following is the portion of the Comprehensive l~arks and Open Space Plan adopted in May 1991, that deals specifically with Trott Brook. Trott Brook Multi-Purz~ose Trail System Trott Brook, running about eight miles easterly from Elk River to the Rum River, is proposed as one in which a minimum of l OO feet of good usable land be protected or acquired on each side of the Brook for its; entire length. This is a great natural feature of Ramsey and should not be exploited by developers or others, but preserved for all the residents to use. The trails would support hiking, b~ng, and cross-country skiing, with a separate treadway for snowmobiling. In addition, the tra~ls would be a spine, enabling the connection of several park sites and connections to other trails, thus helping to create a true park system. Over the years, a~ a result of the subdivision of land near Trott Brook, a significant mount of land has been dedicated to the City for public benefit. The U of M analysis of the Trott Brook watershed should ibc a tremendous benefit to the City in determining how the most significant, undeveloped, natttral resource left in Ramsey is managed - whether or not a trail system continues to be l~roposed in the future. Mr. Cooper intends to have his class present their findings to the City at the regular Park and Recreation Commission meeting at 6:00 p.m. on December 12, 199~6. This date coincides with the completion of the class and will provide an opportunity for both the existing and 1997 City Council to partake in the discussion. The following is a sum~n~ of what is expected to be examined. Please do not hesitate to contact me for questions or to :forward information to the students in care of Terry Cooper at 625-1244.