08.b1 LOSA 07-137_Approval_RebuildAdditionUnited 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)
August 5, 2022
Kristine Berggren & Ben Olk
1320 Minnehaha Parkway
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419
Re: Tract LOSA 07-137, Cabin rebuild and addition
Dear Ms. Berggren and Mr. Olk:
Thank you for meeting with National Park Service (NPS) Lands staff on May 18th and discussing
your proposed plans for cabin 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 07/18/22 and Grading Plans date
07/28/22, you propose to tear down the existing 24 ft. x 26 ft. cabin with 8 ft. x 20 ft. screen
porch, side deck, and landward side covered deck. The proposed plan rebuilds a cabin and deck
in the same footprint with a 20 ft. x 18 ft. and 8 ft. x 8 ft. additions to the landward side. The
proposed building will match the existing 22’ 6” height (elevation 723.5). A 6 ft wide deck will
extend on the landward side to meet the existing grade and 14 ft. wide steps will cascade down to
the existing patio. The existing 4 ft wide deck to the south side will be rebuilt and extended to
match the length of the new cabin. Specific dimensions of structures are noted on the plan.
Excavation to accommodate the addition includes extending and moving the existing retaining
wall away from the river. The new cabin footprint may move about 1 foot to the north to
accommodate setbacks to existing septic tanks. This shift will minimize on-site excavation and
grading. Disturbed areas of the paver patios on the north and east side will be rebuilt as
necessary. The grading plan includes infiltration basins/rain gardens less than 1 foot deep and
with no retaining walls per cross section details. A maximum of 4 trees west of the current
residence will be removed to accommodate construction.
Based on the submitted plans, the proposals to tear down the existing cabin 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
Tom Langer
Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District
Riparian Permit Specialist
tom.langer@cmscwd.org
Dan Scollan
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Washington County Area Hydrologist
daniel.scollan@state.mn.us
Marta Snow
SALA Architects
msnow@salaarc.com