02-24-09 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

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d TAMARACK NATURE CENTER DESTINATION FOR DISCOVERY FUND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Mr. Mack reported that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners held a workshop on January 13, 2009 to review design development documents for the Tamarack Nature Center Destination for Discovery project the phased budget and discuss a fund development program to implement the $12 million project. Included in the discussion was a proposal to establish of a Friends of Tamarack Nature Center as a 501 c3 entity to pend support to the Center to participate in fund-raising efforts. There was also discussion about a proposed donor recognition program. Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission expressed support for establishing a Friends of Tamarack Nature Center. It was the opinion of Commission .members that the Friends group should be specific to Tamarack Nature Center. Commission members felt that there is momentum/support for the Tamarack Nature Center Destination for Discovery and that broadening the Friends charge may not attract the attention of major donors. UPDATE ON OFF-LEASH DOG AREAS Nis. Yungers provided an overview on the history of off-leash dog areas within the Ramsey County Park System and distributed copies of the administrative policy that p Y guided establishment of the four off-leash dog areas that currently exist. At the time the off-leash dog areas were established, there was an active volunteer group known as Responsible Owners of Mannerly Pets (ROMP)that participated in the site search, helped guide the development and provided ongoing maintenance of the areas. ROMP undertook fund-raising efforts, major projects and provided oversight in the management of the off-leash dog areas. Unfortunately, the ROMP organization dissolved a few years ago. Mr. Hinz used maps to illustrate the existing off-leash dog areas and explained the dog g park guardian program, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. Dog park guardians are volunteers who have been enlisted to assist the Department in overseeing the Off-leash dog areas; identifying maintenance needs; and assisting in providing information to dog owners regarding area boundaries, rules and regulations. Mr. Mack noted that for the most part, off-leash dog areas have been successful and provide a valuable service for people who recreate with their dogs. Nationally, off-leash dog areas have become extremely popular facilities provide by parks and recreation departments. Standards and best practices for design and operations have evolved and are presented regularly at state and national conferences. For the most part, dog owners who visit County sites have been respectful of the rights p g of other park users and abided by the rules and regulations. However, some dog owners have disregarded the boundaries resulting in conflicts with other park users. For example, off-leash dog owners have allowed their dogs to roam east and north of the designated Battle Creek off-leash dog area. Unauthorized expansion to the east has created ongoing conflict between cross-country skiers, other trail users and off leash dog activity. Moreover, some dog owners have allowed their dogs to enter protected wetland areas, resulting in degradation of these high-quality resources. In an effort to better manage the area, signs have been installed providing an aerial view of the off-leash dog area and access routes. Other signs have been installed stating that dogs are not permitted on the cross-country ski trails. 2