3. Crystal Springs Parking OptionsParking Options for Crystal Spring SNA
Scandia, MN
City of Scandia City Council Working Session 9/7/16
Liz Harper, Assistant Regional Manager, EWR, MNDNR
We have identified four potential locations for public parking and access to the Crystal Spring SNA, and
would appreciate feedback from the City of Scandia. Please see the photoset and additional photos
included with this document. Many thanks to Neil Soltis for working with me to assemble these options.
(1) Quarry Ave Parking Option: Parking along Quarry Avenue on the west shoulder of the paved road.
It seems no improvements would be necessary to have the public park here, but signage may be needed
to deter visitors from parking in the emergency turn -around. MNDR is willing to assist with signage if
needed. MNDNR SNA program has an easement that would allow pedestrian access from the end of
Quarry Ave along the field edge south to a gravel driveway to access the SNA (see photo below).
This option is supported by cabin owners and one Quarry Ave resident, who share a gravel driveway off
Hwy 95. However, other Quarry Ave residents have expressed concerns to us about potential vandalism
and trespass by the public.
(2) Hwy 95 North Parking Option: Parking on the east side of 95 within the MNDOT right-of-way or
parking area to be negotiated with adjacent landowners. Improvements would be necessary, most likely
the development of a parking area for 2 cars. MNDNR currently does not have an easement that would
allow for creation of a parking area. The easement allows for DNR land management access, and does
not explicitly allow or deny public foot traffic, from Hwy 95 along a gravel 2 -track lane shared with cabin
owners.
The cabin owners and Deputy Sheriff Brandon Yetter have noted concern about safe vehicle ingress and
egress from Hwy 95 to our proposed parking location.
(3) Hwy 95 South Parking Option 1: Parking on the east side of 95 within the MNDOT Right-of-way.
MNDNR currently has no legal access to the SNA from this parking concept, but would be willing to try
and negotiate an easement with the current landowner. This option would take at least 12 months.
Access would be just north of the stream noted in the photo set. There are concerns over the depth of
the ditch here, as well as safety entering onto Hwy 95.
(4) Hwy 95 South Parking Option 2: Parking on the east side of 95 adjacent to an access developed for a
mining operation. MNDNR currently has no legal access to the SNA from this parking concept. Staff
completed a site visit and there would be no safe way to access the SNA from this parking area. There is
a steep stream/ravine between this parking area and the SNA, as well as a train track to the east (see
map below).
Page 1 of 4
Crystal Spring SNA Parking Options 1-3: Red outlines on Options 2 and 3 show MNDOT Right of Way
Boundary
Page 2 of 4
Quarry Avenue pedestrian access would be along this field edge
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Steep terrain preventing Hwy 95 South Parking Option 2
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Page 4 of 4
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South option looking north — issue is depth of ditch
Crystal Spring Scientific and Natural Area�'f I �f
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Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs) are part of the State Outdoor Recreation System created by the
Minnesota Legislature. To date 163 SNAs across the state protect more than 190,000 acres—including five in
Washington County: Falls Creek SNA, St. Croix Savanna SNA, Lost Valley Prairie SNA, Grey Cloud Dunes SNA,
and Crystal Spring SNA (which is one of two newest SNAs designated in early 2016). SNAs are part of the state
outdoor recreation system that includes State Parks or Wildlife Management Areas, but with a different
emphasis: the purpose of a SNA is to protect the best of Minnesota's remaining natural heritage such as rare
species, native prairies, old-growth forests, and significant landforms and geologic features. The SNA
Program's goal is to ensure that rare features persist in each region of the state. Additional information on
Scientific and Natural Areas may be found on the DNR website at.mndnr.gov/snas.
The new 38 -acre Crystal Spring SNA in northeast
Washington County is located approximately % mile south of
the Falls Creek SNA along the bluffs of the St. Croix River.
The property was acquired through work of the Trust for
Public Land with funding support from the Environment and
Natural Resource Trust Fund. It contains a seasonal stream
and waterfalls, a chasm with moist cliffs with seeps, seepage
swamps, a grotto, upland deciduous forest and mixed
pine/hardwood forest. Much of this site has Exceptional
Natural Resource Value.
The site comprises mostly upland mesic hardwood forest
communities. Much of the site has a red oak -white oak -
basswood -sugar maple forest type. White pine occurs on
bare bedrock cliffs along the chasm and on rocky
promontories. Site evaluations indicate that the forest
retains high biodiversity, and most of the site is relatively
free of invasive species. The site also provides habitat for
two rare plants and two rare birds.
The site provides unique opportunities to preserve blufflands along the St. Croix for striking views, a unique
chasm system with seasonal waterfalls, and habitat for both northern and southern plant and animal species
in an important transitional area in Minnesota. The property is near the southern limit of several northern
species known to occur on the site.
Public uses of SNAs vary with each site. Crystal Spring SNA will be open for nature observation, education,
scientific research, and other non -motorized recreation. Once parking is established, visitors will be welcome
to hike the area or visit by other means of foot travel, such as skis and snowshoes, however caution should be
exercised in areas of seeps, steep slopes or rock faces. Slopes are slippery, and foot travel can be potentially
hazardous to visitors and sensitive vegetation. Hunting may be allowed in the future if necessary for natural
resource management purposes. In order to protect the site's natural features, activities not allowed on this
SNA are camping, campfires, trapping, damaging vegetation, bikes, or motorized recreation.
060916
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ENVIRONMENT
AND NATURAL RESOURCES
TRUST FUND
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