Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 08/17/2020

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8661!Tvoxppe!Esjwf!OX!Sbntfz-!NO!66414 Djuz!Ibmm;!874/538/2521!Gby;!874/538/6654 xxx/djuzpgsbntfz/dpn Dear Resident, The City of Ramsey, in cooperation with the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, would like to remind property owners along the Rum River of the various protections that exist to protect this valuable State Resource. The intent of this educational campaign is to help Residents along the Rum River navigate these natural resource protections in a way that balances our shared desire to access and enjoy this resource. Wild and Scenic Rum River Rules and Regulations The Minnesota State Wild & Scenic Rivers Program was established in 1973 to protect rivers that have outstanding natural, scenic, geographic, historic, cultural, and recreational values. The Rum River was designated as a Wild & Scenic River in 1978. This designation resulted in an overall Management Plan, which outlines the goals and protectionsfor the waterway. These rules work together with Ramsey City Code to protect the river from erosion and poor water quality. Below is a brief overview of some of the rules and regulations. Vegetation & Erosion Control Protections are in place that guides the cutting of certain vegetation. It is important to maintain a buffer strip of vegetation cover along the river. When the shoreline begins eroding, it can diminish the aesthetic values of the river and can lead to a decrease in the water quality of the river. More importantly, it can result in the loss of valuable shoreline on your property. A buffer strip can act as natural screening, preserve wildlife habitat, and can reduce the chance of erosion. Please work with City Staff to plan your project in advance. The following vegetation management is permitted: 1. Removal of diseased or rotten trees. 2. Pruning of brush, grasses, shrubs and small plants. 3. Mowing lawns. 4. Harvesting crops. The following vegetation management is not permitted: 1. Cutting healthy trees greater than four (4) inches in diameter at breast height if the removal results in less than a continuous canopy cover. 2. Clear-cutting vegetation and trees to a point where maintaining a continuous canopy cover is not possible.