Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/09/2014

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Chapter Three: System Plan Introduction The overarching outdoor recreation system in the region consists of lands owned or managed by federal, state, and local governments, as well as lands privately owned by nonprofit or for - profit agencies. All play an important role in supporting and protecting the outdoor recreation system. The system is designed to meet the recreational needs and the natural resources protection goals of the region. The outdoor recreation system consists of a wide range of facilities, from state parks to regional trails to neighborhood playgrounds to private nature centers. The Regional Parks System is one part of this well- rounded system of outdoor recreation. The Regional Parks System primarily consists of lands located in a high - quality natural resources setting that are contiguous to lakes, rivers, or other water bodies. Natural resource restoration and protection is a key objective in the Regional Parks System. Regional parks and park reserves include large areas of land or water that often extend into multiple political jurisdictions. Regional trails may traverse several communities and provide connections between regional parks, park reserves, and the greater regional trail network. Regional parks and trails draw visitors from across the region and beyond. Recreational parks and open space provided by the federal and state government generally serve similar recreational demands as the Regional Parks System. Local recreational open space facilities provide facilities for active recreation, such as playgrounds, athletic fields, courts, and aquatic centers. Private operations also make substantial contributions to the development of facilities and the provision of services and include golf courses, riding facilities, marinas, day camps and downhill ski areas. National Parks and Federal Lands Within the region, federal lands include the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, both managed by the National Park Service, and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. State Parks, Lands, and Trails The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages state parks, lands and trails in the region, including Afton, Fort Snelling, and William O'Brien State Parks; the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area; and the Gateway, Luce Line, and Minnesota Valley State Trails. The Brown's Creek State Trail is scheduled to open for public use in the fall of 2014. The DNR also provides wildlife management areas for hunting, trapping, fishing, wildlife viewing and other compatible recreational uses. Scientific and natural areas are open to the public for nature observation and education, but are not meant for intensive recreational activities. Federal and state agencies are encouraged, but not required, to submit master plans for recreational open space units within the seven - county region to the Council for its review. To the extent these master plans indicate that facilities will fulfill regional recreation open space objectives and are consistent with the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan, the Council will provide these lands protection