08.b1a NPS Approval_Cabin AdditionUnited States Department of the Interior
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
401 North Hamilton Street
Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024
In Reply, Refer To:
1.A.1. (SACN)
July 2, 2021
Mark & Dawn McGinley
14600 Ostrum Track N
Marine of St Croix, Minnesota 55047
Re: Tract LOSA 06-129 Building Addition
Dear Mr. and Ms. McGinley:
Thank you for meeting with National Park Service (NPS) Lands staff on May 04, 2021 to discuss
tree removal and a building addition at 21529 St Croix Trail N, City of Scandia, Washington
County, Minnesota (County PID 18.032.19.13.0002). This property is within the boundary of the
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (Riverway). NPS owns a “Scenic Easement” interest, as
described in the recorded Warranty Deed, Document 358615 which encumbers the entire acreage.
This legal document outlines land use restrictions and requires approval by the NPS on specific
activities so that the Riverway scenic resources located on your property are preserved and
protected. The encumbered property is identified by the NPS as tract LOSA 06-129.
The tree removal plan was addressed in May. This letter addresses the proposed addition to your
existing cabin. Based on your plans submitted April 21st, the proposed addition is 19x29 feet with
6x7 foot extension all on the landward side of the existing cabin structure. The roof of the addition
will not exceed the height of the existing roof. This addition does not extend the structure nearer to
the river nor increase either the width or height of the structure as seen from the river. Exterior
building materials of the addition will match the existing cabin earth tone color palette. The
installation of a new septic tank is in an open area and will not require the removal of any
vegetation. Maintenance of trees and other vegetation and planting of additional native trees and
shrubs will ensure this addition will have minimal impacts to the scenic qualities of Riverway.
Based on the submitted plans, this proposed addition is permissible under the terms of the scenic
easement.
Please note that our approval in no way evaluates the merits of the project in relation to local,
county, or state regulations, and thus does not preclude or supersede any actions by those units of
government. Therefore, you must comply with any additional land use controls or requirements of
the City of Scandia, Washington County, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, to
whom a copy of this letter will be sent.
If you have any questions, or if the submitted plan changes, please contact me at 715-483-2261 or
via email at laura_hojem@nps.gov. Plan changes or alterations may require additional review by
the NPS. Thank you for the very important role you play in helping to protect the St. Croix River
for present and future generations. The choices you make on your property are important ones that
can enhance water quality and wildlife habitat and protect scenic views. Working with NPS staff on
all alterations, prior to implementation, will ensure the projects will maintain the wild and scenic
quality of the Riverway, now and in the future. Your cooperation in the compliance with the terms
of the scenic easement is also appreciated.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Hojem
Lands Program Manager
cc:
Brenda Eklund
City of Scandia Clerk, Attn Zoning
b.eklund@ci.scandia.mn.us
Mike Isensee
Carnelian Marine St Croix Watershed District Administrator
mike.isensee@cmscwd.org
Dan Scollan
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Washington County Area Hydrologist
daniel.scollan@state.mn.us