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District performing the majority of the work to date. The purpose of this endeavor was to <br />identify all regionally significant habitat and connecting 'Greenways' in Ramsey. The <br />methodology entailed using aerial photography and existing soils information - then field <br />checking all areas within the City to assemble land cover data. A DNR Minnesota Land Cover <br />Classification System Level 5 inventory was achieved for much of Ramsey's 18,368 acres. This <br />is the most detailed level of information in this system of natural resource evaluation. (Some <br />tracts without on-the-ground access were left at a Level 4). This project was funded by a grant <br />by the DNR and represents about $35,000 in work performed. <br /> <br />Rich Biske, Anoka Conservation District, provided a brief presentation to the City Council <br />regarding the Ramsey Greenway project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook inquired if it was possible for the City to protect the greenways without <br />actually owning the land. <br /> <br />Mr. Biske replied yes, explaining that the areas could be protected with a conservation easement. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak stated that she understood the process of the City taking a conservation <br />easement when development occurs, but she did not want people to think that the City will be <br />going after large areas of land and placing conservation easements over their property. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen replied that all of the easements would be voluntary easements. <br /> <br />Councihnember Kurak stated that is important information for the citizens to know. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen replied that that is why communication and citizen participation will <br />be critical. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that the Council should discuss the issue at length in a work session. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook thanked Mark Riverblood 'for making sure the City worked to get this <br />information, which will be a great benefit for the City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen inquired if the Council should take formal action directing Mr. Biske <br />to work with the Environmental Policy Task Force (EPTF) on the issue. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak stated that there are two issues the Council needs to address. One is what <br />the process is for changing the EPTF into an authorized commission and how quickly they could <br />move that process along. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen explained that the EPTF is currently working on a project that will <br />naturally flow into this issue, which is why she would recommend that the EPTF work with Mr. <br />Biske. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Strommen, to accept the Ramsey <br />Greenway document presented by Mr. Biske from the Anoka Conservation.District. <br /> <br />City Council/October 28, 2003 <br /> Page 11 of 17 <br /> <br />P29 <br /> <br /> <br />