9.c) Staff Report-Crystal Springs SNASCANDIA
Staff RepoVt
Date of Meeting: August 18, 2015
To: City Council
From: Kristina Handt, Administrator
Re: Crystal Springs SNA
Background:
The Mayor received the following email on July 30t' from Bob M McGillivray, Senior Project Manager,
Minnesota State Office, The Trust for Public Land
Mayor Simonson:
It was good to talk to you today. As I explained, my organization, The Trust for Public Land, is working
with the DNR to acquire 38 acres just northeast of the intersection of Highways 95 and 97. I have
attached an aerial photo/map showing the location. This is a very unique piece of land with outstanding
biodiversity significance, high quality native plant communities, several rare species of birds and plants,
stunning geologic features, and a cold -water stream. It also has tremendous scenic value, with a waterfall,
steep rocky cliffs, a winding stream, impressive old forests, and great views of the St. Croix River.
Much of the land is already covered with a scenic easement. If acquired, the land would become a new
DNR Natural and Scenic Area (SNA).
We wanted to inform you of this proposed acquisition and answer any questions that you may have. I
would be happy to meet with you, any other City Council Members or City Staff. I would also be happy
to come to a City Council meeting. We need to get County Board approval for this acquisition before the
end of August (although the land would not likely actually be acquired until October). We plan to go
before the Washington County Board on either August 18 or 25. 1 have had preliminary discussions with
County staff and Commissioner Fran Miron. Formal approval from the City is not required but we
obviously do not want to acquire this land if the City is strongly opposed to it. We hope the City will see
the benefits to habitat, water quality and scenic beauty that conservation of this land would have.
Please let me know if you would like to meet or if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Bob
Issue:
How does the Council feel about the addition of the Crystal Springs SNA?
Proposal Details:
Bob or his representative will be at the meeting to discuss the possibility of creating a Scientific Natural
Area (SNA) on Gregory Page's property just north of Zavoral Mine and less than a mile south of the Falls
Creek SNA.
Page's property is shown on the map included in your packet. It is a 38 acres parcel located in the Ag
Core and St. Croix River Overlay districts with an estimated market value of $419,300 for tax purposes.
Fiscal Impact:
Loss of about $1,600 annually in taxes to the City if the parcel becomes tax exempt. This would be
redistributed amongst other taxpayers in the City.
Options:
Provide feedback to pass along to Commissioner Miron before the County vote.