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Mr. Johnson stated that the Wild and Scenic River has a set dimension, however the Critical <br />River Area does not. He stated that he generally thinks that staying a minimum of 40 feet away <br />from the slope is a good idea. <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson asked if there was the ability to revise the ordnances and <br />mesh the Wild and Scenic and Critical River Area into one document. <br />Mr. Johnson stated that he thinks so, but it will take some work. <br />Mr. Jones stated that with regard to setbacks, she stated that the DNR has looked at a 100 foot <br />setback for rural open space and noted that the wildlife corridors should probably be more like <br />200 -300 feet. <br />Mayor Gamec noted that the National Parks Service and Friends of the Mississippi River seem to <br />be much more reasonable to work with than the DNR has been in the past. <br />Ms. Jones stated that she worked with the DNR last year on a study of the critical areas and a lot <br />of good information came out of that. She stated that she will pass the internet link to <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson. <br />Mr. Johnson stated that he worked for the DNR for 17 years and noted that he pictures them as a <br />battleship, which can be very hard to turn around quickly. He stated that they have been hit with <br />budget cuts and staff issues, but they are trying. <br />Ms. Jones stated that they are hoping to be able to help the City work through the process <br />especially because Ramsey's situation is more complicated because of the overlapping <br />regulations. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he feels everyone wants the same thing and asked what voice <br />the City had that could be carried elsewhere and how it can get people to look at doing <br />something practical. <br />Ms. Jones stated that one of the biggest things may be raising the profile of the area, because she <br />agrees that many people don't even know there is a National Park here. <br />Mr. Labovitz stated that they would love to work with the City to help get beyond the regulation <br />issues. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that every once in a while, all the stars line up and things can get <br />done. He stated that he feels it is time to try to push this forward. <br />Mr. VonHaden stated that this park is a very unique model in the system and they really rely on <br />the local governments and individual property owners to protect the natural resources. He stated <br />that it is important to them that the City has the tools it needs, so they are interested in working <br />to get through some of the confusion with the overlapping districts. <br />City Council Work Session / June 17, 2008 <br />Page 7 of 8 <br />