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<br /> <br /> <br />Taking stock of existing natural resources in Ramsey and planning for future preservation and <br />integration of these resources will be important for the current residents as well as future residents of the city. <br />Identifying the existing demographics in Ramsey allows us to understand how to educate and engage residents <br />on the importance of natural resources. Based on 2010 Census data, Ramsey only has 3.2% of the population <br />sitting at or below the poverty line. This is almost 7 percentage points below the Minnesota average and five <br />times less than the national average (15%). As previously mentioned, Ramsey is experiencing a population <br />growth and has seen an increase of 10.7% to its population compared to only 4.1% in Minnesota. This <br /> life. <br /> Ramsey has a high homeownership rate at 89.1% compared to Minnesota at 71%. Because of the large stock of <br />single family homes, Ramsey has relatively low-density rates. This means that efforts need to be focused on <br />educating homeowners on the importance of natural resources as well as encouraging developers to implement <br />practices that do not decrease the quantity or quality of the natural resources that already exist. <br />Existing Natural Resource Engagement through Environmental Policy Board and Parks Department <br /> Currently, the City of Ramsey has an EPB as well as a Parks and Recreation Commission. The Parks and <br />Recreation Commission focuses more on parks and open space planning, while the EPB focuses more on <br />technical aspects such as Landscape and Tree Preservation plan reviews, innovative stormwater management <br />opportunities, and recycling. <br />The EPB reviews development proposals that infringe on natural resources in Ramsey. This board makes <br />recommendations to City Staff and the City Council. The City also host annual events like the Game Fair, where <br />programs such as the Happy Days Festival, Summer Concert Series, or Youth Athletic Associations, can act as <br />platforms for natural resource information sessions. <br />Existing Limitations for Natural Resource Communications <br />While there are efforts being made to educate and provide tools for natural resource education on a <br />local governmental level, there are also some limitations. The EPB is one way for residents to participate in <br />decisions directly influencing local policy. However, it can not be the only method of public participation. These <br />public meetings are consistently held at the same time and place, which may be inconvenient for some <br />residents. The lack of public turn-out at these meetings, proves that there must be alternative forms for public <br />input made available to community members. <br />Another limitation is the lack of public outreach around natural resources at community events. The City <br />hosts many community events but there has been little engagement or targeted conversation around natural <br />resources. These community gathering spaces are not yet being capitalized on to integrate and educate <br />residents around the importance of preserving and protecting natural resources. <br />While the City of Ramsey has taken on responsibility for natural resource integration in its <br />comprehensive plan and policies, more responsibility can be put on community stakeholders and established <br />institutions/groups to integrate policies that can be easily followed and understood. By doing this, the residents <br />can become more involved in decision making around the future of their community and its resources. <br />9 <br /> <br />