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o <br /> <br />The whole question of creating a critical Area Designation <br />for an area as extensive as proposed for the Mississippi <br />River Corridor is of concern to the City Council. We do not <br />believe that this type of area was contemplated by the <br />Legislature when the critical area legislation was enacted. <br />While it is recognized that it is in the province of the <br />Environmental Quality Council and the Governor to determine <br />whether the critical area authority should'be exercised, <br />the City Council urges restraint.in the decision regarding <br />area to be included, particularly'in view of significant <br />authority already available through flood plain and shoreland <br />zoning requirements, water quality preservation requirements <br />as well as municipal controls. It is possible'to over-regulate <br />and regulatory authority should only be 'imposed as needed'in <br />the interests of the general public. <br /> <br />One other concern relates to proposals for trails within the <br />Critical Area. The problem of.policing trails, particularly <br />where they cross sparsely developed areas, is expensive and <br />imposes risks and burdens upon people adjacent to the trails <br />which should be carefully examined before trail designations <br />are made. It is our opinion that the development of trails <br />should be handled as a park development including purchase <br />of property and careful planning for appropriate policing.. <br /> <br />The City would welcome the opportunity to have its staff, or officials <br />visit with staff of the Environmental Quality Council to enlarge <br />upon these concerns or to work out specifics as to boundary <br />designation, planning costs, and interim control concerns. <br /> <br />Thank you for your attention. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />FOR THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY <br /> <br />Arnold Cox, Mayor <br /> <br /> <br />