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d) e) 2001 Comprehensive Plan Amended February 26, 2002 Tree Canopy The City of Ramsey has conducted general tree inventories using aerial photography and random sampling in 1979 and recently in 1992/93.4 This report indicated that the predominant tree type in Ramsey is the Oak tree. This pattern is consistent with the Critical Area/MNRRA Corridor. Other species that are commonly found in the Critical Area Corridor include Boxelder, Cherry, Green Ash, Elm, Dogwood, Basswood and other bottomland tree species. Oak wilt has been on the rise in Ramsey and is a concern to the stability of the Oak population. Rare Species Other than the fish that occupy the Mississippi River, the Critical Area/MNRRA Corridor does not appear to harbor any significant rare species.5 However, given the significance of the Mississippi River as a route for wildlife migration and a harborage for a variety of species, we should not rule out the possibility of rare species living within the Corridor. As development occurs within the corridor, site analysis should be performed to rule out the presence of any rare species. o Historical and Cultural Features The first white settlement occurred at Itasca Village located just southeast of the current Wayside rest along Highway 10. This village was a prime location for a trading post as it was near the Mississippi River, the Red River Trail (a.k.a. Military Road) and eventually Dayton Station, one of the first depots along the Northern Pacific railroad from Minneapolis to St. Cloud. However, the Village was slowly abandoned during the late 1850s as the Federal Government relocated the Winnebago Indians and the nearby town of Anoka grew into a regional center. A monument, which tells the story of Itasca Village and its settlers, is located at the Wayside Rest along Highway 10. Also, a residential subdivision located in the general area of the historic village was named Itasca Heights and has a sign that boasts the name. Bowers River Estates subdivision is named after one of the early settlers who helped with the settlement of Itasca Village. Many settlers established farmsteads along the river and the Red River Trail. A few old barns remain along the highway, but most remnants of early settlement are no longer present. No locally or regionally designated historic sites are located within the corridor in Ramsey. North of the Ramsey boarder in Elk River is the Oliver Kelly Historical Farm. This Minnesota State Historical Site, which sits along the Mississippi River, includes a visitor center and a living history farm. Information about the early settlement days of Itasca Village and the region can be researched at the visitor center. Several pieces of literature describing the village make reference to Indian artifacts remaining in the corridor: however, no physical site has been documented to exist today.6 The Anoka County Historical Museum is also a good source for historical and cultural information for the river corridor. (See Figure XI-3 .) 4 These tree inventories are summarized in a report by Kunde Co., Inc. Consulting Foresters "Forest Covertype andlnventory of the City of Ramsey" date unknown but not prior to 1993. s See the Anoka County Biological Survey Map published by the Department of Natural Resources. This map features Natural Commumties and Rare Species for Anoka County. 6 Information on Itasca Village was obtained from the Oliver Kelly Historical Farm Visitor Center located south of Highway 10 in Elk River. 2001 Ramsey Comprehensive Plan Page XI-5 Amended February 26, 2002