08.b1 National Park Service Approval_CabinAdditionShedTreeUnited 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)
September 29, 2022
Anne Maher
511 Emerson Ave W
Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118
Re: Tract LOSA 07-190, Cabin Remodel and Addition, Shed Remodel, Tree Removal
Dear Ms. Maher:
Thank you for meeting with National Park Service (NPS) Lands staff on September 30, 2021 and
discussing your proposed plans for cabin maintenance, cabin addition, new garage and tree
removal at 16940 197th Street, City of Scandia, Washington County (PIN’S 3003219130006,
3003219130008, 3003219130032, 3003219130033), Minnesota. This property is within the
boundary of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (Riverway) and identified by the Riverway
as tract LOSA 07-190. NPS owns a “Scenic Easement – Limited Development” interest, as
described in the recorded Warranty Deed, Document #358024 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 Tomten Environmental Design, Revision Date 09/01/22, you propose to
remodel and add an addition to the existing cabin, replace and add an addition to a shed, remove
an outhouse, and remove some trees. The existing 24 ft x 30 ft cabin will receive new windows,
siding, roof trusses, dormer, and foundation. The approximate 6 ft wide steps and existing patio
on the river side will be replaced. The new foundation will not increase the height of the existing
cabin. The 22 ft x 20 ft landward side addition with 5 ft x 5 ft covered entry to the existing cabin
will be slightly shorter than the existing 17 ft tall cabin.
The new 14 ft x 20 ft shed with 5 ft x 5 ft covered entry and 12 ft to the peak, will be placed in
the footprint of the existing shed and will be rotated slightly to accommodate an addition to the
landward side. The width of the building’s face toward the river remains unchanged. The
existing outhouse will be removed and will be ineligible for replacement as an existing structure
in the future. One tree will be removed to accommodate the rebuilt shed and 4 trees near the
driveway designated as hazard trees will be removed.
Based on the submitted plans, the proposals for cabin maintenance, cabin addition, shed
replacement with addition, outhouse removal, 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 tree removal. The use of earth tone colors on all exterior building materials along
with maintenance of remaining vegetation will minimize the visual impacts this project has to the
scenic qualities of the Riverway. Best management practices should be used to maintain the
health of existing vegetation during construction. The optional planting of additional native trees
and shrubs would also enhance a more natural view from the river.
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
Roger Tomten
Tomten Environmental Designs
tomtened@gmail.com