Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/11/1994

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RRCMP, p. I-$ Minnesota DNR's Heritage Program and the County Biological Survey report that a few species of special concern are likely in Rum River Central RP. The only records immediate to the park, so far, have been of dead specimens on adjacent roads. Nearby observations of live Blanding's Turtles and of nesting Red- shouldered Hawks, however, indicate that they are present. For any plants or animals identified from the state list, information on special needs will be collected and written for use in detailed park development planning. Recreation Resources and Limitations: Rum River Central RP offers diverse upland habitats, in addition to the river and its floodplain. Suitable sites for the activities planned in the Development Concept, Section IV of this plan, are known. Areas with development limitations, such as steep slopes and wetlands, are mapped on Fig. I-l, as are existing roads, powerline corridors and other cultural features. Recreation development is also restricted by the Minnesota Scenic and Recreation River designation. Structures need 150 foot setback from the normal high water mark, (river edge), and 30 feet from a bluffline if it is more than 150 feet from the river. River access features such as boat access, canoe campsites, fishing access and trails, are exempt from the setback but must be screened from the river by banks and vegetation. The setbacks affect where picnic shelters, campground buildings, parking lots and toilets may be constructed in this park. The park is outside the Metropolitan Urban Service Area, so municipal water and sewer are not available. Developments will require on-site wells and sanitary service. Soils characteristic of this part of Anoka County require special planning care with respect to water quality. Anoka County has encountered the same conditions in other regional and county parks and has coped with it successfully in such parks as the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve in Lino Lakes and at Lake George Regional Park in Oak Grove. I I I I I I I I Acquisition Status The 1975 master plan called for acquisition of 680 acres, with parcels on both the east and west banks of the Rum River. As of January 1, 1993, the county owned 434 acres, all on the west bank, bounded by the Rum River (est. 60%), C.S.A.H. 7 (est. 30%), and adjacent developed private parcels (est. 10%). The 1975 plan boundary was amended in 1991. According to the plan shown in Fig. I-2, acquisition on the west side of the river is complete. Excluded parcels along the west boundary are residential and not necessary to planned park functions. If their status does not change, there is no reason to acquire them.