7.a NPS Approval_Rebuild and 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 30, 2021
Thomas and Angeline Conley
5209 Morgan Ave S
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419
Re: Tract LOSA 07-137
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Conley:
Thank you for meeting with National Park Service (NPS) Lands staff on July 9th and discussing
your proposed plans for cottage reconstruction and addition at 16963 197th Street, City of Scandia,
Washington County (PIN’S 3003219130034, 3003219130009), Minnesota. This property is within
the boundary of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (Riverway) and identified by the Riverway
as tract LOSA 07-137. NPS owns a “Scenic Easement – Limited Development” interest, as
described in the recorded Warranty Deed, Document #361216 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.
According to plans by SALA Architects, Revision Date 07/27/21 and submitted July 28th, you
propose to tear down the existing 24 ft. x 26 ft. cottage and 8 ft. x 20 ft. screen porch and rebuild a
cottage structure within the same footprint. Also proposed is an 18 ft. x 26 ft. addition to the
landward side. The proposed building will match the existing 22’ 6” height (elevation 723.5). The
existing covered deck on the west (landward side) will be replaced with a 6 ft wide covered entry
deck the width of the building. The 4 ft wide deck on the south side will be rebuilt and extended to
match the length of the new residence. Specific dimensions of structures are noted on the plan.
Excavation to accommodate the addition includes extending and moving the existing retaining wall
and steps away from the river. The existing septic tanks will be relocated if required. Disturbed
areas of the paver patios on the north and east side will be rebuilt as necessary. Four trees west of
the current residence will be removed to accommodate construction. Two additional trees one south
and one east of the residence were documented as hazard trees and may be removed.
Based on the submitted plans, the proposals to tear down the existing cottage and rebuild in the
same footprint, addition to the landward side, topographic changes, and tree removal are
permissible under the terms of the scenic easement. It is understood by both parties that you assume
all risks and liabilities associated with the actions involved in tree removal. The use of earth tone
colors on all exterior building materials along with planting of additional native species of trees and
shrubs and maintenance of remaining wooded areas will minimize the visual impacts this project
has to the scenic qualities of the Riverway.
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 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
b.eklund@ci.scandia.mn.us
Evan Monson
City of Scandia Planner
evan.monson@tkda.com
Dan Scollan
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Washington County Area Hydrologist
daniel.scollan@state.mn.us
Marta Snow
SALA Architects
msnow@salaarc.com