11-26-2002 PTRC Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE RICE CREEK NORTH REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN The following amendment to the Rice Creek North Regional Trail Master Plan (June 1998) has been prepared and is being proposed by the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department. Acquisition of the land included in the proposed amendment will preserve a corridor which links the Rice Creek corridor with the 1500-acre preserve under the management of the Minnesota National Guard. The corridor will preserve a hydrological and wildlife movement functions, as well as future trail connections to the large preserve. The property is currently part of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) and an "Excessing Process" has been initiated to dispose of the property. Amendment to Section VIII ACQUISITION DETAILS A. Parcel Information The 1998 Master Plan identified two parcels for acquisition; Parcel A, 113 acres from TCAAP and Parcel B, 11 acres from MnDOT. (See enclosed Boundary Map). 1. Amendment Action: This amendment proposes that the acquisition boundary for the regional trail corridor be expanded to include an additional 49 acres of TCAAP property. The property has been identified as Parcel C and Parcel D. Parcel C: U.S. Dept. of Defense, 42.75 acres Parcel D: U.S. Dept. of Defense, 6.25 acres 2. Amendment Justification: The proposed amendment will enable Ramsey County to acquire an important natural corridor between the existing boundary of the regional trail and the large nature preserve managed by the Minnesota National Guard. Preservation of the wildlife corridor is consistent with the 1996 "Vision for the Future" plan (a.k.a. Vento Reuse Plan) adopted by the TCAAP Reutilization Committee appointed by the late Congressman Bruce Vento. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has identified the wildlife corridor as an integral ecological link between Rice Creek on the west and a future regional park reserve on the east. In addition to its local ecological significance, the DNR believes that the wildlife corridor is a key link to two regionally significant ecological corridors — the Mississippi River and the St. Croix River corridors. The additional area has been identified as two separate parcels. Parcel D has contamination which must be cleaned up prior to a transfer to Ramsey County. (See map). Parcel C is free of contamination and could be transferred as soon as the excessing process is complete. 3. Restoration/Development: The area contains several small buildings, roads and a railroad spur. The buildings will be removed within five years. It is anticipated that the roads and railroad will be removed in conjunction and cooperation with