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Mr. Holmberg pointed out that one area of the County that is underserved by this trail system is the uthwest area between Sam Morgan Trail and the Northwest Diagonal Trail. Accordingly, this area will be lo entified as a search area for future linkages. Mr. Mack noted that the trail system is proposed as one of the fundamental elements in the County's multi- modal transportation system, which includes transit, roadways and trails. The Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority has acknowledged that these transportation elements compliment one another as part of a comprehensive package. Although most of the regional trails identified on the map are part of an existing approved plan, a few of the proposed linkages incorporate segments of municipal trail systems. Staff will be meeting with the municipal parks and recreation directors to discuss trail network and next steps for implementation. Following further discussion, Mr. Huntrods moved, seconded by Ms. Pederson that the Commission recommend approval of the proposed regional trail concept plan for review by municipalities. Motion carried. COOPERATIVE DEER MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM FOR FALLIWINTER 2006-07 Mr. Moriarty provided an overview of the 2005 deer management program; the results of the 2006 aerial survey; the reported car-killed deer in 2005; and the proposed implementation program for fall/winter 2006- 07. The proposed implementation program for 2006-07 includes archery hunts at the Otter Lake Unit of Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park; Pig's Eye Lake and Battle Creek Units of Battle Creek Regional Park; The Vadnais Lake unit of Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park; Poplar Lake County Park; Fish Creek Open Space and Turtle Creek Open Space. Based on the findings of the aerial survey, archery hunts will not be held in the Snail Lake unit of the Vadnais-Snail Lake Regional Park or Tamarack Nature Center in 2006-07. es. Weber moved, seconded by Mr. Huntrods that the Commission recommend approval of the proposed Cooperative Deer Management Implementation Program for Fall/Winter 2006-07. Motion carried. TONY SCHMIDT REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN Mr.Holmberg gave an overview of the Tony Schmidt Regional Park area and the recreation development elements that were identified in the previously approved Master Plan. Generally, recreational development is focused on the lakefront of Lake Johanna and the area immediately to the north. Trails throughout the park provide connecting links to other public services including schools, a library and City of Arden Hills trails. The area west of the beach is identified in the Master Plan for future unpaved trails, scenic overlook and a day camp facility. The Commission discussed other compatible uses of the area including disc golf and winter uses such as sledding and snowshoeing. Currently, there is a residential in holding in the center of the park area and a yard waste site managed by the Ramsey County/St. Paul Department of Public Health. It is recognized that the yard waste site is a compatible interim use. However, in the long term, it may be relocated in order to accommodate recreational use. The Commission discussed the value of incorporating an off leash dog area into this area of the park. Mr. Holmberg stated that the size is adequate to support an off leash dog area. However, such use would require that the area be fully fenced. He also noted that the area lacks a water feature, an element identified by off leash dog owners as a high priority. The alternative to a water feature would be to provide a more structured dog exercise area. Following considerable discussion, the Commission suggested that staff investigate the site suitability for a disc golf course and winter sledding/snowshoeing area. �IRECTOR'S REPORT Mr. Mack inquired whether the Commission has an interest in changing the frequency of meetings, time or day of the week in order to encourage fuller participation. The Commission members present concluded 2