10-18-1990 PTRC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

M 4 Although previously reluctant to move forward with a lease or land transfer,the Army is showing increasing flexibility in their negotiations according to those who attended the meeting. This new found flexibility may be related to an internal assessment being done by the federal government to determine which properties it wishes to keep and which it would like to dispose of. Once the army determines that it is willing to sell or lease the land three problems remain: 1. Environmental-The Environmental Protection Agency should complete a report by mind 1991 showing what land and water pollution problems may exist on the site. 2. Security-keeping people out of the Twin Cities Arms Plant buildings and facilities is essential. Fences should provide enough security. 3. Safety-represents a major problem as there is storage of munitions in bunkers near the trail site. Secured safety zones will need to be maintained. The federal government will examine the last two concerns in the months ahead while the environmental aspects of the trail is being examined by the EPA and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The four municipalities would also like to acquire an additional 35 acre parcel of land within the ammunition plant for athletic fields to complement the Rice Creek Trail. Any environmental problems at the site are likely to be more difficult to resolve in the athletic field area than in the trail area because of the difference in the type of usage. Congressman Vento has been instrumental in bringing all of the parties to the table and has helped with these early stages of negotiations. Parks and trail lovers who would like to thank Mr. Vento may write to him at 2304 RHOB Washington D.C. 20510. Minnesota Ski Pass Careful readers of Park Notes undoubtedly remember all of the wonderful reasons to purchase a cross country ski pass.The best reason is that your fee helps pay for grooming those ski trails that turn the worst Minnesota has to offer into some of the best. And then there is the other reason. If you ski a groomed trail without a Pass,it is a misdemeanor and violators could face a penalty up to$100. Whether you think it is just plain a good idea...or you are afraid of being caught,you can purchase you ski pass quickly and easily by mail. Annual individual passes cost$5.00; Husband/wife,$7.50, and individual three year passes cost$14.00. Ski passes may be ordered by calling 296-6699(have your plastic card ready)or by mail or in person at 500 Lafayette Road.St.Paul,55155. Plan ahead, and think S N O W. Pickerel Lake plans Fringed by cattails, wildflowers and other native plants,Pickerel Lake is one of the delayed Harriet Island/Cherokee/Lilydale Regional Park's most beautiful areas. The spring-fed lake could someday accommodate swimming, fishing and wildlife habitat, but Pickerel Lake's proximity to the Mississippi means its water quality is constantly threatened. River flooding and the backup of pollutants into the lake degrade water quality and introduce rough fish. Under a plan involving use of funds from the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC),the St.Paul Division of Parks and Recreation hoped to protect the lake from floods with a dike. MAC's runway extension in the mid 80's damaged wetlands and . their permit required that wetlands elsewhere be restored.