HomeMy WebLinkAboutPresent: Spring Lake Park Plan
MEETING.DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
DISCUSSION:
REVIEWED BY:
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
16200 Eagle Creek Avenue S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
November 3, 2003
8B
Bud Osmundson, Director of Public Works
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT PRESENTATION ON MASTER
PLANNING FOR SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK
Don DeVeau, Development Administrator of Three Rivers Park District, will be
address~ng the City Council on the Master Planning process for the Spring Lake
Regional Park. Mr. DeVeau has been involved with the recent discussions on
the County Highway 12 project. He has answered many questions at both Open
Houses that have been held by the Scott County Highway Department regarding
the proposed CH 12 improvements and how the highway fits in with the Park.
Mr. DeVeau will summarize what has been completed to date and what still
needs to be accomplished to complete the Master Plan.
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Phone 952.447.4230 / Fax 952.447.4245
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MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT FOR
SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK
SCOTT COUNTY, MINNESOTA
.. l .
MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT FOR
SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK
SCOTT COUNTY, MINNESOTA
OCTOBER 24, 2003
DRAFT
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
3000 XENIUM LANE NORTH
PLYMOUTH, MN 55441-1299
MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT FOR
SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK
SCOTT COUNTY, MINNESOTA
OCTOBER 24, 2003
DRAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
BACKGROUND
1. BOUNDARIES & ACQUISITION COSTS
2. STEWARDSHIP PLAN
3. DEMAND FORECAST
4. DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
5. CONFLICTS
6. PUBLIC SERVICES
7. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
8. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
9. PUBLICAWARENESS
10. SPECIAL NEEDS
11. NATURAL RESOURCES
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3
4
6
7
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10
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11
TABLES
ESTIMATED DEVELOPMENT COSTS
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE COSTS
REVENUE FROM PARK ACTIVITIES
6
8
9
MAPS
SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK, RECREATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN-DRAFT
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
3000 XENIUM LANE NORTH
PLYMOUTH, MN 55441-1299
BACKGROUND
The Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District (Three Rivers Park District) is the
regional park implementing agency for Scott County and provides park planning
and operations and maintenance responsibilities for regional park properties
within Scott County. This relationship is identified and described in a joint
powers agreement, which was established in 1973 and amended in 1976 and 1991
creating the Scott-Hennepin Park Advisory Board (Scott County-Three Rivers
Park District Advisory Board).
As per the joint powers agreement, Three Rivers Park District has prepared and is
submitting this amended master plan for Spring Lake Regional Park to the
Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission and the Metropolitan Council
for consideration. The master plan amendment is needed as part of the CSAH 12
realignment process.
1. BOUNDARIES & ACQUISITION COSTS
Spring Lake Regional Park is located in central Scott County on the northern
shore of Spring Lake within the City of Prior Lake and Spring Lake Township.
County Highway 12 runs east and west across the southern portion of the Park
separating the majority of the parkland from direct access to the shoreline of
Spring Lake. The lower one-half of the western edge of the Park borders property
is owned by a developer planning to build single-family houses adjacent to the
Park. A small lake is situated in the center of the western boundary. Farmland
borders the Park to the northwest. Wetlands and forest border the Park to the
north and northeast. The southeast comer of the Park reaches Upper Prior Lake
and is bordered on the south by residential properties located between the lake
and along County Highway 12. The Park has approximately 1,329 lineal feet of
shoreline on Spring Lake west of these residences.
Spring Lake Regional Park is fully acquired with 345.0 total acres. No
acquisitions are pending; however, when County Road 12 is realigned through the
Park, additional land may be added to the Park through an arrangement between
Scott County and a prospective developer intending to build a housing
development on the Park's western boundary. The additional parkland would be
added to the southwest comer of the Park, south of the proposed realignment of
County Road 12 and may include additional shoreline. The exact size of this
addition is not available at this time.
2. STEWARDSHIP PLAN
Spring Lake Regional Park is presently undeveloped. As such, the Park is not
equipped to actively engage the public. Nearby residents use the old farm roads
and trails for hiking, horseback riding and non-sanctioned uses such as mountain
biking. Three Rivers Park District does not maintain the trails or any other
elements of the Park. Park District police periodically patrol the Park roads, and
trails. Spring Lake Regional Park generates no revenue for the Park District.
Periodic maintenance activities occur annually. These activities include litter
removal, boundary sign maintenance, and snowmobile trail mowing and
maintenance. Natural resource maintenance activities include an annual, special
permit archery deer hunt to control the deer population.
3. DEMAND FORECAST
Population
The south metro area is rapidly expanding. Metropolitan Council population
forecasts for Scott County predict an increase from 89,498 residents in 2000 to
130,020 residents in 2010, or a 31 percent increase. Prior Lake and Spring Lake
Townships, where Spring Lake Park is located, are projected to grow at 27
percent and 12 percent respectively between 2000 and 2010.
Recreation Demand
General recreation demands will increase in the future and Park users will seek
different forms of recreation than are favored today. According to Metropolitan
Council data, as the baby boom generation ages, their needs will change to low
impact and educational activities. Demand for mini-vacation opportunities in the
local area will increase with camping in regional parks becoming more popular
among local residents. RV use is on the increase and demand for RV camping
facilities will also increase in the future. Regional parks may see increasing
pressure to accommodate more RV users. Scott County, in particular, may
experience a large increase in RV activities due to the many recreation
opportunities located nearby including Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Downs,
Valley Fair, the Renaissance Festival, and the Mall of America.
Cabin rental is another form of camping that will increase in demand as more
local residents take mini-vacations. State parks in Minnesota and other western
states have very popular cabin and yurt rental programs that provide alternative
camping opportunities for families who may not want to sleep in tents. Social,
educational and religious groups may also be interested in multiple cabin rentals
for overnight activities.
The southern metropolitan area lacks large regional play areas that are very
popular elsewhere in the metropolitan area. The Metropolitan Council expects the
number of households in Scott County to increase 36 percent between 2000 and
2010. The increase in households will intensify the need for regional play areas.
Small, neighborhood play areas are available in Scott County, and Mystic Lake
Casino operates a large indoor play facility for which they charge an admission
fee, but there are no regional recreational play areas for children south of the
Minnesota River.
Play areas that offer a variety of recreational activities are very popular. When a
beach or pool is not located nearby, adding water features to play areas, such as
spray nozzles, increases the enjoyment and safety of children. Future play area
development should consider the use of water features, including wading pools
and spray stations if the play area is not located near a beach, pool, or swim pond.
A variety of picnic facilities are available in Scott County and the south
metropolitan area. Most are located in city or county parks and are suitable for
small groups and family gatherings; however, there are very few locations that
can accommodate large groups. In the south metro area there are only six
locations with more than 20 picnic tables and only Cleary Lake Regional Park has
more than 50 tables. Clearly, there is a need for a larger picnic facility that can
accommodate large groups in the south metro area.
4. DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Spring Lake Regional Park will be developed to provide a variety of public
recreation opportunities while maintaining the park's natural character in
accordance with the classification for regional parks as defined by the Recreation
Open Space Development Guide / Policy Plan. The Open Space Development
Guide states, "regional parks principally provide diverse resources that support a
wide range of outdoor recreation." Typical regional parks in the Three Rivers
Park District system are 30-40 percent developed. Spring Lake Regional Park will
fall within the lower part of that range. The Spring Lake Regional Park
development concept, with its three principal recreation features: play areas, a
campground, and picnic areas are outlined in detail below.
The revised recreation development concept illustrates limited interaction with
Spring Lake. The lakeshore area will be developed with fishing piers and
shoreline fishing as well as general picnicking and reservation picnicking
overlooking the lake. These areas will be accessed from an internal park road.
The Metropolitan Council identified the south metro area as being deficient in
picnicking facilities making Spring Lake Regional Park a good location for
additional picnic areas.
The water quality in Spring Lake is marginal, which creates health and
operational concerns related to potential swimming opportunities. Therefore, lake
swimming will not be provided as part of the Spring Lake Regional Park
development. A boat launch facility in Spring Lake Regional Park will not be
provided due to steep slopes along the shoreline make access to the Spring Lake
very difficult for boat launching opportunities and an existing DNR boat launch is
already available along the southern shoreline. This launch has a parking capacity
for 25 cars and trailers.
The proposed park entrance is from the north at the present location of County
Road 81. Vacation of County Road 81, in the northern one-half of the Park will
enable use of this roadway corridor for a park road, which will limit additional
impacts to the Park resources. New park roadway construction will be required
from the center of the Park to the lakeshore area. This park road will intersect a
proposed realignment of County Road 12. A grade-separated crossing of County
Road 12 is required for both park vehicular and pedestrian purposes. The Park
road will terminate at the Spring Lake shoreline with two parking lots providing
access for the general picnic and a reservation picnic area. The general picnic area
will have 33 tables with a capacity of 200 people. The reservation picnic area,
which will be separated from the general picnic area by the bicycle path, will have
37 tables and a covered shelter with electricity and a capacity of 220 people. The
picnic area will have centrally located toilet facilities, potable water, and drinking
fountains.
A non-primitive campground is proposed for the west central portion of the Park.
The campground will be outfitted with complete RV hook-ups and concrete
parking pads at each site to facilitate the proposed growth of RV-style camping.
In addition, the proposed campground will have approximately fourteen rustic,
winterized cabins for individual or group rental. The cabins will have a capacity
for eight occupants on four bunks. Each cabin will be equipped with electricity,
baseboard heat and a wood-burning stove. Electrical heat and lights are necessary
for cold-weather maintenance and cleaning. There will be no water or toilets
installed in the cabins and all cooking will take place outside where a picnic table
and grills will be provided.
The campground will also include support facilities such as a campground office
with a small convenience store and laundry, showers, and toilet facilities. A camp
pavilion with shelter will be located near the campground entrance for group use
or for organized interpretive programs. A pedestrian trail will encircle the
campground area and connect to the more extensive trail network around the
Park. Primitive camping will be available only six miles from Spring Lake
Regional Park at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, once that park is fully
developed.
A portion of the northern section of the Park has been identified as the site for a
play area and water park facility. The location is appropriate for immediate park
access and should function well in conjunction with a proposal from the City of
Prior Lake to develop baseball/softball fields at the northwest comer of the park.
The play area facility will be located south of the proposed park road (CR8l). It
will consist of a two separate play areas: one for children 2-5 years old and
another for children 5-12 years old. In addition, a modest water park with
controlled access will be constructed. It will have jets, sprays, and wading pools
and will be organized around a theme. Large swimming pools, wave pools, or
water slides are not being considered for Spring Lake Regional Park at this time.
The Metropolitan Council identified the south metropolitan area as the least
served region for play areas, so developing a regional play area attraction will
improve service to the public in this vicinity.
A network of trails within the interior of the Park will link the various recreational
areas and provide off-road connections to the adjoining neighborhoods, proposed
residential developments, City of Prior Lake and the Scott County Regional Trail.
Vacation of County Road 81 in the southern one-half of the Park will enable the
reuse of this roadway corridor for a bicycle and pedestrian trail connection to the
landing on Prior Lake.
Spring Lake Regional Park extends east to the southwestern most point of Prior
Lake. Access to Prior Lake for car-top boats is proposed from Northwood
Avenue. There is no available space to develop parking, picnic, or restroom
facilities at the boat landing proposed on Prior Lake as part of this park
development.
All proposed facilities would be developed in conformance with all accessibility
standards and guidelines.
Natural resource management and needs are high pnontles and are being
carefully considered throughout the development process. As part of the
development process, all unique and important natural resources were identified
and every effort is being made to maintain their integrity. For example, the
proposed campground is sited in an old agriculture field and is not impacting the
maple-basswood forest adjacent to it. The development concept identifies areas
for buffer planting to shield high-use areas from neighbors and other park users.
Spring Lake Regional Park Estimated Development Costs
Campground
Play Area
Picnic Area
Maintenance Shop
Park-General
Grade-Separated Crossing
$ 3,454,042
$ 2,092,140
$ 705,128
$ 1,061,886
$ 3,058,740
To Be Determined.
Total
$ 10,371,936
* Construction financing for the grade-separated crossings is expected from the
proposed sale of Park property to the City of Prior Lake.
5. CONFLICTS
Several conflicts related to future development of Spring Lake Regional Park are
noted.
CSAH 12 Re-Alignment
The realignment of CSAH 12 through the southern section of the Park and the
abandonment of CR81 through the north section of the Park will impact both the
Park and the community. Scott County would like to relocate County Highway 12
away from its present location along the north shore of Spring Lake in
conjunction with the construction of a single-family development just west of the
Park. Any change in location of the roadway will impact the Park since it
completely bisects the southern portion. The Park District is in favor of this
alignment, as it will provide more recreation opportunities by creating more
usable space along the shoreline of Spring Lake for passive lakeside recreation
activities such as picnicking.
County Road 81 Abandonment
Abandoning CR81 will eliminate the northwest connection between CSAH 12 and
CR82. It will also impact the entrance to two houses that currently gain access
from CR81. It is possible that the access to these homes could be moved to the
east, offNorthwood Road, thus allowing for complete abandonment of CR81. The
County is considering alternative road routes west of Spring Lake Regional Park
for new north/south connections between CSAH12 and CR82.
Financing for CSAH 12 Grade-Separated Crossings
The grade-separated crossings under CSAH 12 for pedestrian and vehicular traffic
are pending construction financing from the sale of parkland to the City of Prior
Lake.
Possible Park Property Sale
The City of Prior Lake is interested in purchasing acreage in the northwest comer
of Spring Lake Regional Park for a softball field.
Development Schedule
A schedule is not available for Park development at this time. The five-year Park
District Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) program does not reflect financing for
this Spring Lake Regional Park development.
6. PUBLIC SERVICES
Spring Lake Regional Park is completely undeveloped at this time. New
infrastructure and facilities will be required to make the Park safe and useab1e for
the public. A new park road will be constructed to facilitate movement through
the Park. The entrance will be located on eR81, which will be vacated through
the Park property. CR81 will form the base for the new park road from the
entrance in the northwest to the center of the Park. From the old CR81 roadbed,
the park road will need to be constructed approximately Y2 mile south to the new
alignment of County Highway 12. At County Highway 12, the park road will pass
through a new bebo-sty1e grade-separated underpass, which will be wide enough
to accommodate two lanes of traffic and a ten-foot pedestrian! bicycle lane. If one
underpass will not offer sufficient room, two underpasses will be needed to meet
Park District safety standards. Once south of County Highway 12, the park road
will divide into two spurs that will terminate at parking lots with a capacity for 36
cars each.
Sewer, water and utility lines all are located along the present County Highway 12
alignment. Utilities throughout the Park will need to connect to the main lines at
County Highway 12. Payments for trunk sewer and water assessments were made
to the City of Prior Lake in the 1980s in the amount of $150,000. It is expected
that future sanitary sewer service in this area will account for the future Park
requirements.
Facilities needed for the Park include a maintenance yard and garage, restrooms at
the picnic area, the play area and three in the campground area. The reservation
picnic area will have one picnic shelter. A combination campground
office/convenience store will be located near the entrance to the campground and
there will be a pavilion building near the campground entrance for Park District
programs and public use. The campground will require special services to
accommodate the unique purpose. Each site will require electricity, cable, water
and sewer hookups, a concrete pad, picnic tables and a grill. A concession stand
will be located at the play area and will provide service for people using the ball
fields across the street, as well as play area users.
7. OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
The cost to operate and maintain Spring Lake Regional Park will require major
up- front purchasing of equipment, plus the cost of new staff to operate the
facility. An estimated breakdown of the operations and maintenance costs is listed
in the following charts and include costs for road maintenance, building
maintenance, staff, tools and turf! natural resource management and police
servIces.
INITIAL OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE COSTS
Equipment, Supplies & Material
Chainsaws, hand tools
Tools
Tractors
Cushman carts
Trucks
Tool Cat W/ attachments
Total Initial Operations & Maintenance Costs
2,000
5,000
16,000
14,000
66,000
43,500
146,500
ANNUAL OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE COSTS
Thrf
Fertilizer spreader/sprayer
Trimmers
Aerators
Mowers
N/A
1,000
2,500
65,000
68,500
Roads
Salt!sand
Signs
Class V aggregate limestone
Parking lot striping/patching
300
1,200
3,000
N/A
4,500
Buildings
Cleaning
Chemicals/ salt! paper prods
Tools
Vacuums
Carpet extractor
Concrete scrubber
Pressure sprayer
3,000
1,500
1,600
2,300
3,500
1,500
13,400
Staff
Supervisor
Crew chief
Park technician
Park keepers
Custodian
Park worker
Seasonal maintenance
64,000
41,860
41,860
36,581
35,046
33,288
32,640
285,275
Contractual Services
Building repair & maintenance
Equipment repair & maintenance
Repair & maintenance other
Air conditioning maintenance
Electrical maintenance
Plumbing maintenance
Janitorial & waste
Utilities-communication
2,500
800
400
500
1,000
510
9,425
8,500
Utilities-electricity
Utilities- water & sewer
Utilities- natural gas
18.200
5,525
3,900
51,260
Police
1/2 officer position
2 park service officers
ATV
PSO vehicle
63,318
43,000
5,000
25,000
136,318
Total Annual Operations & Maintenance Costs
559,253
Spring Lake Regional Park will include non-revenue generating activities, such
as:
. Non reservation picnic facilities along the Spring Lake shoreline
. Picnic facilities at the play area
. Fishing on piers and from the shoreline
. Bituminous paths throughout the park
· Walkinglhorseback riding trails throughout the park
Revenue will be generated from several activities identified in the master plan. An
estimated breakdown of the proposed revenue is listed below:
Revenue from Park Activities
Campground- RV pads $ 178,752
Campground- cabins $ 43,904
Concessions $ 12,000
Picnic- reservation & non res. $ 2,700
Play Area $ 27,161
Trails $ 13,780
Fishing $ 860
TOTAL $ 279,157
8. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Three Rivers Park District staffhas been involved in the public process to re align
County Highway 12 through Spring Lake Regional Park. This process has
involved public meetings and open houses where the public has had an
opportunity to view the proposed highway alignment and early versions of the
Park's Master Plan. Future public open houses will be held as the master planning
process proceeds and as the final design is refined. Public input is important in the
process of designing and developing a significant public space, such that of
Spring Lake Regional Park.
9. PUBLIC AWARENESS
Three Rivers Park District publishes a wide assortment of public information
brochures that promote the use of parks and facilities. Spring Lake Regional Park
will be included in Three Rivers Park District Inventory of Facilities,
informational maps and displays, the quarterly publication of "Seasons" and the
popular website. References to the campground as well as specific park features
and programs will appear in information brochures. The Metropolitan Parks and
Open Space Commission and Metropolitan Council will be advised as to the
specific features offered at this facility for inclusion in regional park promotion
and information literature.
A grand opening for this Park will be scheduled along with appropriate public
notices. Ongoing media relations will include dissemination of appropriate news
information.
10. SPECIAL NEEDS
Park development will provide activities and access for all persons, including
persons with disabilities and members of special population groups. Design
refinements will consider all current guidelines and standards that pertain to
handicap accessibility. Accommodation of persons with disabilities will also be
considered in the planning of scheduled activities.
Three Rivers Park District has several programs designed to assist in obtaining
access to the parks. Three Rivers offers a "Parks for all People" program, which
provides free Park Patron Passes to persons on selected county income assistance
programs. Discounted parking, camping, and equipment rental programs are
available to encourage and enable participation by special groups. In addition,
Three Rivers Park District pursues promotional outreach activities and works with
special interest organizations such as Courage Center, Wilderness Inquiry, etc., to
further encourage minority and special population participation in activities and
use of park facilities. Amenities will be designed for accessibility.
Three Rivers Park District has implemented a scholarship program for groups and
individuals that attend recreational and educational programs and facilities at
Three Rivers Parks. This program waives bus-parking fees for schools and groups
that are from economically disadvantaged areas and reduces program fees by 50
percent. Individuals attending public programs may receive free admission or a 50
percent reduction, depending on the program.
11. NATURAL RESOURCES
A. Natural Resources Inventory
Spring Lake Regional Park consists of approximately 350 acres located in Scott
County on the western edge of the City of Prior Lake. County Highway 81, which
runs from southeast to northwest through the Park, bisects the area. The
vegetation on the site consists of maple-basswood forest, oak forest, disturbed
native forest, and old fields in various stages of succession. Two large and several
small wetlands lie within the Park boundaries. Total wetland acreage is 61 acres
or 17 percent of the area. Total forested acreage on the site is 180 acres or about
50 percent of the area. Closed canopy forest comprises approximately 140 acres
and the remaining 40 acres are in an earlier successional stage dominated by small
trees in the 1-4" dbh size class. Old fields, in various successional stages,
comprise 96 acres or 27 percent ofthe site. There are also 15 acres of shrublands.
The forested acreage within the Park includes 106 acres of high quality, mature
maple-basswood forest. Canopy cover exceeds 80 percent, and canopy tree
diameters average 20-24 inches. This forest is the most significant feature of the
vegetation within the Park. These maple-basswood forests have been identified by
the Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) as a significant native plant
community. Scott County has limited natural communities still intact outside the
Minnesota River Valley. Although buckthorn is present in the understory, it is not
a major component. Honeysuckle or garlic mustard not was found; however, a
fairly large patch of black locust was observed. In addition to the maple-basswood
forest, there are 29 acres of disturbed native forest dominated by green ash and
boxelder. In these areas, buckthorn and prickly ash dominate the understory.
There are also 3.5 acres of mature oak forest primarily bur oak and red oak.
Wetlands comprise 61 acres or 17 percent of the area. A majority of the wetlands
within the Park are small and shallow, and are dominated by reed canary grass.
One larger wetland, in the southern part of the Park (28.4 acres), includes
approximately 11.4 acres of open water. Another large wetland that extends
beyond the eastern boundary of the Park contains a remnant plant community of
tamarack, bog birch, willow, and high-bush cranberry. Ditching in the wetland,
outside the Park, was probably responsible for the invasion of reed canary grass,
which now dominates the understory.
Bird surveys were conducted in the Park during the spring of 1994. At the time of
the surveys, the bird community within the Park consisted of the expected
assortment of common bird species of forest, edge, and field. Forest species
included chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, cardinals, redstarts, and vireos.
Field and edge species recorded were pheasants, catbirds, goldfinches, Indigo
Buntings, Field and Song Sparrows, Common Yellowthroats, and Yellow
Warblers. No unusual or unexpected species were detected in the course of
conducting the surveys. The bird surveys have not been repeated since 1994.
The two most recent winter aerial deer surveys completed for Spring Lake
Regional Park were conducted on January 5,2001 and January 21,2000. In 2001,
there were five deer counted in the Park and eight more within the vicinity of the
Park. In 2000, there were 16 deer within the vicinity of the Park, but none inside
the Park boundaries. Special permit bowhunts managed by the Metropolitan
Bowhunter's Resource Base (MBRB) have been conducted annually in the Park
since 1996. Each year a few deer are taken in the hunt. The purpose of the hunts
is not so much to reduce the deer population as to prevent the Park from
becoming a sanctuary. As the area surrounding the Park continues to develop,
these hunts will become a more important management tool.
B. Restoration of Degraded Features
Three Rivers Park District is not submitting any projects or proposals for natural
resource management at this time. Park District staff has completed a thorough
inventory of the property and has identified key natural resources. The natural
resources are being carefully considered as the development plan is updated.
Recreation areas are being located in areas that are not identified as important
natural resource areas. As the Park is developed and when there is staff regularly
on site, restoration of the natural resources will become a greater priority.
Potential projects could include, but are not limited to the following:
. Management activities to restore native species diversity to woodlots that
have been degraded by and used as pasture land and/or invasion of exotic
speCIes;
. Lakeshore management activities as needed to improve the water quality
Spring Lake;
. Management activities to restore native species diversity to wetlands that
have been degraded by previous land use activities such as farming and
development;
. Monitoring of adjacent land use and development plans for potential
runoff into park wetlands.
C. Surface Water and Ground Water
Seventeen percent of the Spring Lake Regional Park is covered by wetlands.
Most of the wetlands within the Park are small and shallow, though there are two
large wetlands of over 10 acres each. One of the larger wetlands contains a
unique remnant plant community of tamarack, bog birch, willow and high-bush
cranberry. Three Rivers Park District proposes to protect these wetlands by
implementing the sequencing provisions of the Wetland Conservation Act and
maintaining natural area buffer zones around the wetland basins.
The proposed relocation of County Road 12 identified all wetlands and was
aligned to minimize wetland damage. A formal wetland delineation on the six
wetlands closest to the alignment has not been performed yet.
No special studies documenting the quantity and quality of ground water
resources on the Park have been done; however, it can be assumed the aquifers
are similar to those in the rest of this Park of Scott County. Minimizing the
potential movement of contaminants into the ground water will protect these
resources. Use of herbicides and pesticides at this site will be subject to the Park
District's pesticide and fertilizer use policy. The Park District will also locate and
officially abandon all existing unused wells on the site.
D. Vegetation Management
Spring Lake Regional Park has 106 acres of high-quality, mature maple-basswood
forest with a canopy cover that exceeds 80 percent and with canopy tree diameters
averaging 20-24 inches. This forest is the most significant feature of the
vegetation within the Park. Protection of the maple-basswood forest will be one of
the highest priorities. Restoring native plant diversity in degraded woodlots will
require removal of invasive exotic species. Since it is impossible to completely
eradicate these species, this will be an ongoing project of control and the size of
the areas restored will be dependent on available labor. All wetlands and open
water within the Park will have vegetative buffers to protect water quality. In
addition, all development features such as trails will be located in areas that do
not harm wetlands and other important natural features.
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ALIGNMENT :
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PROPOSED
NEW ROAD
,.....
SPRING
LAKE
REGIONAL
PARK
RECREATION
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
DRAFT:
PROPOSED REVISIONS
October 24, 2003
LEGEND
:~x~
Existing Paved Trails
Existing Turf Trails
Proposed Paved Trails
Proposed Turf Trails
Proposed Park Roads
Park Roads
Marsh
Existing Recreational Areas
Proposed Recreational Areas
Park Boundary
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NORTH
600'
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