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3. SCRA Log house landing positionDR Advocating for conservation throughout the watershed PO Box 655 • St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 • (715) 483-3300 www.stcroixriverassociation.org August 29, 2014 Mayor Randall Simonson 14925 Oakhill Road N. Scandia, MN 55073 Dear Mayor Simonson and City Council Members: Below are the comments the St. Croix River Association (SCRA) would like to be considered in regards to improvements to the Log House Landing. Designated one of the nation’s first “Wild and Scenic” rivers and protected by the National Park Service for part of its journey, the St. Croix immeasurably adds to the quality of life in our communities and supports important tourism-based economic activity. SCRA’s mission is to protect, restore, and celebrate the St. Croix River and its watershed. Working with its partners, SCRA’s goal is to assure that:  People of all ages and income levels can access the St. Croix, participate in education and stewardship programs, and enjoy the health benefits of time spent in this vibrant natural area.  The St. Croix’s water quality and ecological health are improved through private, federal, state, and local investments that are thoughtfully and strategically targeted to ensure maximum benefit.  The public increasingly is aware of the St. Croix River’s value, and there is a shared understanding of issues, resources and needs across the basin.  Common sense policies and regulations affecting the St. Croix advance its protection and are implemented effectively. The SCRA is very interested in the outcome of planning for the improvements to the Log House Landing. We applaud the City of Scandia for taking the initiative to address the estimated 30 to 50 tons of gravel and sediment annually delivered to the St. Croix and adjacent trout stream from 205th Street to the Landing. The Landing itself has deteriorated to the point of being dangerous, and if corrective measures aren’t taken only will degrade further. And maintaining public access to the St. Croix is important to local residents and visitors alike. To this end, SCRA respectfully submits the following comments for your consideration. 1. Preserve Wild and Scenic Values. SCRA serves as the Friends group for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. We strongly encourage Scandia to follow the National Park Service’s 2001 Cooperative Management Plan for the lower St Croix which reads in part "There should be no new or expanded boat ramps or car-trailer parking on the Lower St. Croix....State and local units of government are strongly encouraged to restrict parking adjacent to all launch ramps, public and private, on lands under their jurisdiction." 2. Maintain Water Quality. The sediment erosion from the road and boat ramp degrades the water quality of both the River and the adjacent trout stream, and also impedes access to 2 the river. The road erosion must be remediated so that reliable access is available and water quality standards of the River and trout stream are maintained. 3. Request a Variance to Minimize the Road Width. We strongly encourage Scandia to request a variance from design standards contained in the city’s grant request, so that the road is no wider than necessary to accommodate access by emergency vehicles. This will preserve the rural character and heritage of this historic landing site, and minimize safety issues that are likely to arise from a wider roadway. 4. Improve the Boat Ramp. We believe that the boat ramp section of Log House Landing should be constructed to industry standards and designed to minimize sediment run-off. 5. Protect Natural Resources. We believe that 205th Street should be rebuilt in such a way that the road surface preserves the area’s rural character, that the road be as narrow as possible, and that as few trees as possible be disturbed during the road reconstruction. These trees are crucial to maintain the viewshed of the river, improve and prevent additional soil and bank erosion, and preserve the rural character and local environmental heritage. The City of Scandia has a noble tag line; “Dedicated to Rural Community Values”. This project could serve to advance Scandia’s vision. Upgrading this road and river access point to protect water quality and maintain Scandia’s rural character is a desirable outcome for everyone. We urge you to work with interested stakeholders to develop a plan that ensures an outcome that is good for the river and good for people. We thank yo u for considering our viewpoint so that, together, we will be able to preserve and enjoy this unique environment that all of us call home. Sincerely, Gary Noren Deb Ryun Chair Executive Director cc: Kristina Handt, City of Scandia Jim Shaver, Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District Wayne Sandberg, Washington County Fran Miron, Washington County Chris Stein, National Park Service Jill Medland, National Park Service