CHAPTER FIVE SYSTEM PLAN

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1 CHAPTER FIVE SYSTEM PLAN INTRODUCTION The major reason why people do not use parks is availability of time. Many of the recreation facilities in the Chisago County Park System are in need of upgrading as a result of increasing population and resulting use, changing safety and design standards, growing recreation demand and changes in leisure time interests. The Chisago County Parks Department will pursue redevelopment of existing facilities, development of new facilities and the expansion of park lands in its effort to continue to provide a high quality recreation service to the county residents. The Parks and Trails comprehensive planning process in showed that county residents had a strong interest in outdoor recreation activities. The high percentage of family households, the influx of new home buyers and the large population of aging baby boomers and retirees suggested that recreation facilities must appeal to a broad cross-section of age groups. There was in 2001 (and still is) a need to serve children with an interest in activities such as swimming and active play; teenagers and young adults with interests such as rollerblading and volleyball and older adults with interests such as hiking and picnicking. The 2001 planning process also showed that residents were interested in natural resource-based recreation activities such as hiking in natural areas and bird watching and that they supported the protection and enhancement of natural areas in the park system. The mission statement prepared during the 2001 planning process expresses this clearly by saying: The purpose of the Chisago County Parks Department i s to provide parks, open space and leisure services for the public. Our primary mission encompasses the protection, preservation and restoration of a natural, resource-based park system. The vision and mission statements adopted by the County in 2013 (below) for the parks and trails are similar to this statement. Vision Statement: A park and trail system focusing on diverse natural resources and the recreation needs of Chisago County residents and visitors. Mission Statement: Protect the natural resources, balance the demand for recreation with the need for conservation, offer recreation opportunities that encourage healthy lifestyles and provide clean, safe and accessible place for leisure time activities. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/17 5-1

2 Park Needs and Priorities: To accomplish the guiding principles, major goals and objectives outlined in this plan, and as noted by County Park Board members and County staff during park visits, the following is a list of park needs and priorities for the next 20 years: (In no particular order) Acquisition of additional preserve lands (especially next to existing parks) Better management of existing lands including additional staff and enforcement. The County should prioritize its efforts on maintaining, improving and restoring existing parks including making shoreline improvements, the removal of exotic and invasive species and the planting of native grasses and plants Political and financial support for ongoing maintenance and resource management Coordination of environmental education/outreach programs between agencies Program and activity coordination with cities and school districts Collaborate with other government entities to impact funding Create master or management plans for each County park and reserve site Provide self-guided tour information, update park maps and signage within each park Better marketing of existing parks use of social media Add an Adopt a Preserve and an Adopt a Park program Preserve and improve lake access and connections Identify and add canoe and kayak trails and launches Add unique items or features to create destination parks - possibly archery, an obstacle course, climbing mazes, adult outdoor exercise equipment and/or geocaching Establish a capital improvement plan (CIP) for the parks and trails including playground replacement The County should focus on outdoor recreation, water access and water resources as top priorities for the Chisago County Parks and Reserves Design and plan improvements and park changes with safety in mind, based on changing (aging) demographics (include shade and sitting areas) and ADA (accessibility) requirements Ensure that County parks, programs and services meet ADA standards Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/17 5-2

3 Add volunteer coordinators and engage volunteers for parks and preserves Protection of reserves and preserves from active recreation Review park usage discourage night time use, reduce vandalism, patrol park areas Add a lodge for winter gatherings Explore the use of technology in the parks - use of QR codes, security cameras The Chisago County Parks Department is pursuing improvements to recreation facilities throughout the system. The park system has the following park types: County Park Land classified as a County Park is an area of natural or ornamental quality for nature-oriented outdoor recreation such as limited primitive camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming and trail uses. Although the service areas are intended to be county-wide, in many cases the County Parks are used primarily by the communities that surround them or are nearby. The county park sites can be 10 to 200 acres in size and the settings are generally contiguous to water bodies or water courses. Park Reserve Lands Park Reserve lands are areas of unique quality such as watercourses and wetlands that are preserved for environmental or aesthetic benefits to the community and/or because of the negative environmental or economic effects of development in them. The service area may be a municipality, township or county. The site should be sized adequately to protect the natural resource. The Chisago County Parks Department will use the Master Plan and individual park master plans as tools for identifying appropriate improvements or expansion for each park in the system. Cooperative efforts with municipalities and with other local, regional and state agencies also are key to effective development and maintenance of recreation facilities in the county. This chapter includes: I. Discussion of development, redevelopment, natural resource management and expansion of Chisago County Parks; II. Discussion concerning the protection of natural areas that are currently in private ownership. COUNTY PARKS A County Park is generally 10 to 200 acres in size and provides a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities for county residents. There are five County Parks in Chisago County: Checkerboard, Fish Lake, Dennis Frandsen, Ki-Chi- Saga and Kost Dam. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/17 5-3

4 CHECKERBOARD COUNTY PARK OVERVIEW Checkerboard County Park is located along the eastern boundary of the City of North Branch and is a recreation area serving the local community. It offers recreation opportunities such as playground areas and passive recreation such as an off-leash dog park, picnicking and hiking trails. A proposed regional trail corridor following Trunk Highway 95 will pass through the southeast corner of the park. The County Park maintenance facility is adjacent to the east side off the park along County Road 67 (Keystone Avenue). The park has a wooded, off-the-beaten-path ambience that should be considered when developing concepts for future uses. The park is surrounded by woodland that lends itself to activities such as hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Future improvements to Checkerboard Park will focus on upgrading existing facilities and providing new facilities. Some opportunities also exist to provide the local community with opportunities for environmental education programs. The existing play equipment should be replaced with new pieces and structures that meet current safety guidelines. In addition, because of its location on a regional trail corridor, park development may include a trailhead serving trail users heading north to Willard Munger Trail and East Boundary Trail, West to the Sunrise Prairie Trail and future trail connections to Kost Dam Park, the Chisago Lakes area and north to the St. Croix River. RECREATION FACILITIES None Proposed Redevelopment: Reopen the swimming beach with improvements including edging around the sand area, additional sand, swim buoys Replace and possibly move the playground Add a siting/viewing area near the pond Upgrade/replace the picnic shelter building Add electricity to the site Add a well and a drinking fountain Replace the restroom/changing building Add a storage building for the parks maintenance shop Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/17 5-4

5 TRAILS Add interpretive and walking trails (about 1 mile) Add mountain bike trail (1-2 miles) Add self-guided activities Increase trails for additional cross-country skiing and snow shoeing Proposed Redevelopment: Improve ADA accessibility to the existing trails On-going trail maintenance remove tree roots and improve surface materials BUILDINGS AND SHELTERS None Proposed Redevelopment: Restroom upgrading (replacement) and ADA retrofitting Picnic shelter upgrading or replacement Add a security/surveillance system ROADS AND PARKING Proposed Redevelopment: None LANDSCAPING AND AMENITIES Landscaping in main activity area; possible planting to provide additional shaded areas; replacement of play equipment to meet current expectations and safety standards NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Opportunities for wetland restoration in the areas to the west and north of the pond where reed canary grass is dominant. Parks within the southern portion of the county should be routinely surveyed and managed for common and glossy buckthorn invasion. ACQUISITION, EASEMENTS AND LAND TRUSTS The county may consider acquisition of 40 acres of land located adjacent to the park to the northwest of the pond. ESTIMATED COST OF FULL DEVELOPMENT: $To be Determined Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/17 5-5

6 DENNIS FRANDSEN COUNTY PARK OVERVIEW Dennis Frandsen County Park is a regional park located in the northwest portion of the county and has the longest expanse of lake shoreline of any the County Parks. This park has water-related recreation opportunities such as boating and fishing and passive recreation such as picnicking. The park s identity comes from its location on West Rush Lake and its away-fromit-all location. As a regional facility, Dennis Frandsen County Park is eligible for Legacy Funding from the State of Minnesota. Such funding, however, requires the completion and adoption by the County of an updated Master Plan for the park. The Master Plan that the County previously prepared for the park proposed facilities such as a play area with permanent structures, hiking and interpretive trails and boardwalks, expanded parking, active recreation areas, restrooms, picnic shelters, restored wetland, prairie and savanna habitats and providing water-oriented recreational program opportunities such as additional fishing piers and boat docks. New facilities for this park will include new and additional play equipment, another fishing dock or pier and a small dock to assist with carry-in boat launching. When necessary, the existing play equipment should be replaced with new pieces and structures that meet current safety guidelines. RECREATION FACILITIES Existing Development: Fishing pier, picnic areas, informal hiking, disc golf course, playground area Fishing pier, picnic furnishings, 2 boat docks, pavilion, amphitheater, four picnic shelters, horseshoe pit, off-leash dog park, adding a security/surveillance system TRAILS Two miles of soft surfaced paths; boardwalk Pave trail on east side of park INTERPRETIVE FACILITIES Signage, information kiosk, birdhouses, restored prairie and native habitats Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/17 5-6

7 ROADS AND PARKING Proposed Redevelopment: None LANDSCAPING AND AMENITIES Enhance landscaping throughout the park site; provide landscape plantings in active recreation areas, maintaining open turf areas for game areas. Wetland, prairie, and savanna areas will be planted in a natural manner to enhance the native restoration areas. NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Management of exotic species, however species such as buckthorn and siberian elm may not be present or may be at lower densities than other portions of the county; oak savanna reforestation; wetland protection and restoration of wet sedge meadows and forested wetlands, management of reed canary grass. ACQUISITION, EASEMENTS AND LAND TRUSTS None ESTIMATED COST OF FULL DEVELOPMENT: $To be determined Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/17 5-7

8 FISH LAKE COUNTY PARK Fish Lake County Park is a regional park located on the western boundary of the City of Harris and the eastern boundary of Fish Lake Township. It is the most heavily used park within the County system and it offers recreation opportunities such as swimming, boat ramp for lake access, softball, playgrounds, picnicking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing and hiking. Fish Lake County Park is located on Fish Lake and has the best opportunities for water-based recreation of the parks within the County system. The park probably has the strongest identity within the County park system as a place with lake-oriented recreation and it is considered to be the prime destination for swimming. Fish Lake County Park also has wetland, pond and aspen-oak woods natural habitat areas. The park is near Interstate Highway 35 and has the highest use of the County parks by visitors from outside Chisago County. As a regional facility, Fish Lake Park is eligible for Legacy Funding from the State of Minnesota. Such funding, however, requires the completion and adoption by the County of a Master Plan for the park. Future improvements to Fish Lake Park will respond to the needs of a busy beach and lake facility with a focus on upgrading existing facilities. There also will continue to be an emphasis on providing communityoriented facilities and opportunities for social gatherings. New facilities at Fish Lake Park may include new play equipment and replacement of the dock, picnic shelters and the restroom/changing building. The waste treatment systems within the park should be evaluated for providing adequate treatment if park use increases. All new playground structures will need to meet current safety guidelines. ACQUISTIONS Potential expansion to abutting parcel to west along Fish Lake. RECREATION FACILITIES Proposed Redevelopment: Bring existing play equipment up to safety codes. Replace picnic tables, grills and dock. Add paddleboard and kayak rentals. Add mountain bike or BMX bicycle trails on east side of park. Add a security/surveillance system. Complete unfinished hiking and cross country ski trails. INTERPRETIVE FACILITIES Information kiosk and signage Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/17 5-8

9 BUILDINGS AND SHELTERS Reconfigured and pave parking facilities, expanded parking and hiking trails east of County Road 65. Proposed Redevelopment: Replacement of picnic shelters and the restroom/changing building. NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Enhance diverse wildlife habitat areas with additional native plantings; maintain or enhance buffer landscaping along abutting shoreline properties. Maintain vegetative screening of park structures from sight lines across Fish Lake. Monitor and manage shoreline of Fish Lake for erosion control, assess future need for bioengineered slope protection of shoreline periodically. Monitor and manage exotic species such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. Provide stronger management and restoration of areas heavily infested with reed canary grass. Implement a goose control or removal program. Consider adding shoreland protection and storm water management measures. ESTIMATED COST OF FULL DEVELOPMENT $To be determined USER FEES In 1990, the County implemented a user fee for visitors to Fish Lake Park. In its first year, a small profit was generated after the initial capital costs for setting up the fee collection system were deducted. Since then, fees have been collected on weekends and holidays only. No specific studies have been conducted on the user impacts from the fees or on the costbenefit ratio for times of collection. Expansion of the fee system to include other days of the week has been discussed. The County has not considered the expansion of the user fee system for other parks within the system. EXPANSION AND ACQUISITION Expansion opportunities for the park have been informally explored. The abutting parcel to the west provides significant lakeshore frontage on Fish Lake. However, other development options may be occurring on this site. Wetlands abut the park to the southwest and therefore would not allow for continuous active recreation space. The north shore of Fish Lake is heavily developed with lake homes, making park expansion in this direction very expensive and very unlikely. All future improvements and expansion of the park should be consistent with the Master Plan for the park. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/17 5-9

10 KI-CHI-SAGA COUNTY PARK OVERVIEW Ki-Chi-Saga Park is located south of Lindstrom and includes the historic Karl Oskar House and the largest athletic field complex in the County park system. The park also has extensive shoreline on South Center Lake. In addition, it offers recreation opportunities such as picnicking, hiking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing trails and shore fishing. The Karl Oskar House is considered to be one of the two significant structures within the park system. The structure has been restored to provide period representation of the time of Swedish settlement of eastern Minnesota in the 1850s and 1860s. The house was originally located on another portion of the South Center Lake shoreline and was moved to the park in late The house is used as an interpretive facility and it provides historical interpretation about the Swedish immigration to the Chisago Lakes region. In spite of its semi-rural location, Ki-Chi-Saga Park has a community identity that focuses on cultural activities such as the Karl Oskar museum and a large softball/soccer complex. The future focus of the park should utilize these aspects of the park and incorporate its proximity to the lake and the communities of the Chisago Lakes area. New facilities at Ki-Chi-Saga County Park will include replacing the play equipment and adding a fishing dock or pier on South Center Lake. The existing play equipment should be replaced with new pieces and structures that meet current safety guidelines. Recent park improvements have included construction of 2 soccer fields, 3 softball/baseball diamonds, access road and parking lots, restroom facilities, renovation of the Karl Oskar House (which is maintained the Lindstrom County Historical Society), construction of a picnic shelter, picnic furnishings, play equipment, benches and trail upgrades. Future improvement will focus on the social setting by enhancing the historic character of the buildings and site. There will continue to be a major emphasis on providing opportunities for social gatherings. Other major proposed improvements include the addition of parking, a fishing pier and a canoe launch at South Center Lake, accessible by an improved pedestrian connection across Glader Boulevard and a trail connection to an overlook for a view of Linn Lake. Because the park is now 98 acres in size, it is not now eligible for regional designation by the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission (as the minimum size for regional designation for a park is 100 acres). If the County or another partner agency purchased property to add to the park, it would be important to prepare a Master Plan for this facility. Having an adopted Master Plan in place would make the park eligible for funding from the State of Minnesota through the Legacy program. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

11 RECREATION FACILITIES Fishing pier; small boat pier, pedestrian connections between South Center Lake and Karl Oskar House across Glader Boulevard. A trail connection to an overlook to view Linn Lake. Add self-guided activities including biking and snow shoeing. Install a fishing pier on South Center Lake. Improve or replace the playground equipment. Add playground equipment near the ball and soccer fields. Add lighting to the fields and charge for their use. TRAILS Construct a trail connection across Glader Boulevard to South Center Lake shoreline and Glader Cemetery. A trail connection to an overlook to view Linn Lake. INTERPRETIVE FACILITIES Interpretive signs, trail kiosk. BUILDINGS AND SHELTERS Install a new, permanent bathroom building. Add a concession stand near the ball fields. ROADS AND PARKING Add a parking lot near new soccer fields. Paving of parking lots and driveways. LANDSCAPING AND AMENITIES Enhance landscape planting throughout the site. Do prairie restoration on the west side of the park. NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Monitor shoreline and stabilize lake shore using bio-engineering as necessary. Provide buffer plantings between wildlife sanctuary and active use areas of the park and abutting properties. Do prairie restoration on the west side of the park. Install shoreline protection and storm water management measures. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

12 INTERPRETIVE FACILITIES Interpretive signs; trail kiosk ESTIMATED COST OF FULL DEVELOPMENT $To be determined. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

13 KOST DAM COUNTY PARK OVERVIEW Kost Dam County Park is located southeast of North Branch and was the first park created within the County Park System. It offers recreation opportunities such as fishing, river access, playground, picnicking and hiking and historical interest. Kost Dam impounds the Sunrise River creating a pond that extends to the south of the park. The river flows north out of the park through wooded areas. The park is located within 10 minutes of North Branch and the Chisago Lakes area. The park has an identity as a scenic and pastoral place to go to enjoy a picnic. Significant changes to the nature of the park are not proposed. Additional passive activities that tie in well with the picnicking should be added but the park is not large enough to accommodate significant changes. Future improvements to Kost Dam Park will focus on upgrading existing facilities. There will continue to be a major emphasis on providing community-oriented facilities in the park and opportunities for small social gatherings. Additional interpretive facilities should be provided regarding the dam, remaining turbine and former mill on the site. Interpretive signage should be consistent with that used within other system parks such as at the Karl Oskar house in Ki-Chi-Saga Park, or within interpretive nature trails proposed for other parks. Funding for ongoing dam maintenance should be sought. New facilities at Kost Dam Park will include play equipment, fishing dock or pier and a small dock to assist with carry-in boat launching. The existing play equipment should be replaced with new pieces and structures that meet current safety guidelines. RECREATION FACILITIES Fishing dock or pier. Add a small dock to assist with carry-in boat launching. Designate water trail segments on the Sunrise River one from Carlos Avery to the park and a second from the dam north to the St. Croix River. Proposed Redevelopment: Replace playground equipment and incorporate new play structures into the layout. Regrading and leveling of east side of park to accommodate an ADAcompliant trail from the parking area to the lake shore and for easier assembly of groups. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

14 INTERPRETIVE FACILITIES Information kiosk; signage (with QR codes) with a history of the dam and the former mill. BUILDINGS, SHELTERS AND PARKING Expanded and reconfigured parking facilities, provide better definition of parking areas to the west of the dam. Proposed Redevelopment: None NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Consider expansion potential to the north by adding lowland and upland forest (especially along the Sunrise River) to the park. Enhance diverse wildlife habitat areas with additional native plantings; maintain or enhance buffer landscaping along abutting shoreline properties. Monitor and manage shoreline of pond for erosion control. Monitor and manage exotic species such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. Add landscaping and trees along the township road to improve the aesthetics and privacy of the park. USER FEES Expansion of the user fees to Kost Dam Park would not be costeffective once the relatively low usage is factored. EXPANSION AND ACQUISITION Expansion opportunities for the park have been explored by the County. The abutting parcel to the north (across Kost Dam Road) provides significant frontage on the Sunrise River and lowland and upland forest habitats. Expansion to the south along the pond would involve the acquisition of more parcels that are mostly residential. One 40-acre parcel abuts the park to the southeast and has a lengthy frontage on the pond. ESTIMATED COST OF FULL DEVELOPMENT: $To be determined. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

15 POTENTIAL PARK ACQUISTION SITES LINDBERG SITE, Green Lake, Chisago City This site is located on the west shore of Green Lake in Chisago City. The site is owned by Carl Lindberg and currently comprises 67 acres of farmland and a small camping facility. The site is mostly open with some tree cover along the lakeshore. The Lindberg site has been informally discussed as a potential park site. It is located in the densely-settled southern portion of the county with easy access off U.S. Highway 8 from the population centers of Wyoming and Chisago Lakes. The site has topography that is fairly level and would provide for easy development. Lakeshore gradients are not excessive. This site would best function within the park system much as it does now as a private facility. The site does not h a ve much native habitat and is therefore well-suited for development as a lake-oriented recreation facility. Lake access for boats, fishers and swimmers should be better defined with permanent gravel roads. GURTEK SITE, Sunrise Lake, Chisago Lake Township The Gurtek site is a 136-acre site located on the northeastern shore of Sunrise Lake. The parcel has high potential for park development. Development pressure on the shore of Sunrise Lake makes this site even more valuable since it is located three miles north of Lindstrom. Access to the site is currently along an unpaved county road. This is another parcel that affords significant recreation opportunities. It is of such a large size with approximately one-quarter mile of lake frontage and should receive serious consideration for acquisition. KOST DAM PARK (EXPANSION), Sunrise River and Kost Dam Road, Sunrise Township The County learned in 2014 that a 40-acre property on the north side of Kost Dam Road near Kost Dam was for sale. This parcel has several hundred feet of frontage on the Sunrise River and would make a natural expansion to Kost Dam Park and would provide more protection for the Sunrise River. The County Board decided in 2015 to not pursue the purchase of this site to expand the park. The Park Board and the County Board may want to revisit this possible land purchase in the future. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

16 Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

17 POTENTIAL PARK RESERVE ACQUISITION SITES WHITE STONE LAKE AREA, Wyoming As part of the future development of the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail, some of the parcels abutting the trail alignment may be good candidate sites for acquisition for Park Reserve areas. Wyoming reviewed the sites in an informal manner in 2001 for potential use. Four contiguous parcels that connect the South Branch of the Sunrise River with White Stone Lake flank the proposed alignment. They are owned by Ed Pitala, Edward Plaster, T. Boerboom and Cameron Strand. They comprise a total of about 230 acres. The Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area abuts the Pitala parcel to the west. The Boerboom, Plaster and Pitala parcels contain extensive upland and lowland hardwood forests on rolling terrain through which the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail would pass. The Strand parcel is mostly level agricultural land but has nice views of White Stone Lake. Portions of these sites would make good areas for conservancy of forest, wetland and lakeshore lands. Programmed activities within these any of these sites would be limited. White Stone Lake is a small lake that may be best suited for small watercraft. Lake access for non-motorized lake craft from the trail could easily be provided. Other elements that would be programmed for the area would be passive uses such as walking, bird watching and nature interpretation. Existing trails and dirt tracks could be incorporated into the trail system. Vehicles such as mountain bicycles, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles would probably not be allowed to leave the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail onto local trails since they are not compatible with passive nature study activities. SCHOOL LAKE SITE, Chisago City The area on the west shore of School Lake in Chisago City has been discussed as a potential site for acquisition. The 120-acre Sahlin parcel and 168-acre Swenson parcel are located on the southern b o u n d a r y of the county. The sites are extensively wooded and feature some of the most varied terrain in the county outside of the St. Croix Valley. They contain upland and lowland forest including tamarack swamps, pasture and wetland. The parcels are located in the headwaters area of the Sunrise River and provide open space conservation in an area of the county experiencing high development pressure. The Sahlin parcel has several broad vistas across the Sunrise River Valley. This parcel may already have status as a conservancy site with the Department of Natural Resources. Both parcels have access from public roads. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

18 SCHLIMMERS POINT, South Chisago Lakes Township This low-lying area is on the southeast shore of Chisago Lake lying north and west of Millicent Lane. The Strand family approached the County Park Board about the possible purchase of this site in It is two parcels one is acres and the other is acres. It is comprised of wetlands and slough with several thousand feet of shoreline on Chisago Lake. Because of the limited access and existing topography, development of these two properties is unlikely. The area serves as a wildlife management and natural reserve area. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

19 Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

20 OTHER SITES Nessel Township Within Nessel Township there are several areas of unique natural communities. These sites are typically lowland coniferous forest and upland deciduous forest. The coniferous forest sites are valuable in that they occur at the southern limit of their range and may harbor unique genotypes found only in fringe habitats. A white pine/tamarack swamp is located near the common corner of Sections 8, 17 and 18. A complete biological assessment has not been performed, but the initial review indicates that there should be further consideration for preservation. Also in Nessel Township, a black spruce bog is southeast of East Rush Lake, just south of County Road 7. This is the largest forest of this type within the county. Portions of it may be located within a parcel already under DNR ownership, but remaining portions of the bog should be considered for full public ownership as some residential development has occurred adjacent to the forest. Pioneer Lake, Chisago Lakes Township and Center City Input from the community meetings in 2001 included support for purchasing a Park Reserve area on the north shore of Pioneer Lake northeast of Center City. This parcel not only would preserve habitat but also would provide lakeside open space that act as a buffer for lakes within the area. By increasing the amount of wetland and upland buffer adjacent to the Chisago Lakes, water quality can be enhanced. A trail, possibly hard-surfaced, could be developed around Pioneer Lake. Tax forfeiture parcels Tax forfeiture parcels are often good candidates for Park Reserve areas if they are wooded or have wetlands and have not been cultivated extensively. Otherwise they can be sites for restoration of native habitats. These parcels are also good sites for wildlife management including hunting if they are of a suitable size. The North Sunrise Park Reserve on Government Road in North Sunrise Township is an example of such a site in Chisago County. WATERSHEDS Water has a large presence in the landscape of Chisago County. The Chisago Lakes, St. Croix River and Rush Lakes are all focal areas for different portions of the county. Management of the watersheds of the streams and rivers flowing into these water bodies is critical to maintain water quality and habitats in these areas. Citizens expressed a concern for preserving major watercourses within the county at the Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

21 2001 community input meetings. Specifically, Goose Creek, Rush Creek and the Sunrise River were mentioned as key waterways. Land use factors such as setbacks, permitted land uses, vegetative cover, wetland impacts, erosion control measures and best management practices should be reviewed by the County Board of Commissioners and the communities within the watersheds. In determining suitable conservation measures, municipal and county parklands should be factored in when determining land use policies. This plan does not propose any direct acquisition of park land within these watersheds. It does recommend that the Chisago County Park Board and Parks Department assist the County Board in making decisions about the preservation of these corridors. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

22 TRAILS Trails provide important connections between population centers in the county. There is one existing County trail and one partially completed County trail in Chisago County. The Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail connects North Branch, Stacy and Wyoming with Forest Lake in Washington County. The Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail, when finished, will connect Taylors Falls, Shafer, Center City, Lindstrom, Chisago City and Wyoming. Additional trails should connect state, county, and community parks, schools and major employers within the county. Trails can take multiple forms within Chisago County. Currently, the Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail is an off-road bituminous paved trail within a former railroad alignment. Extension of this trail to connect with the Willard Munger Trail will likely follow a similar alignment. The Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail between Taylors Falls and Wyoming follows another former railroad alignment and is starting to take shape. As county roads and state trunk highways are reconstructed, bicycle routes have been and should continue to be incorporated into the rights-of-way. Trunk Highway 95 along the St. Croix River has been reconstructed in several segments from Stillwater to Taylors Falls. Bicycle routes have been typically provided as paved shoulders or as separate trails near the right-ofway boundary. The reconstruction of Chisago County Road 23 has made provisions for a detached trail within the right-of-way. These locations make sense for trail routing since they connect communities, schools and parks. The reconstruction of U.S. Highway 8 in Lindstrom in is another example of a road project including sidewalks and trails to enhance pedestrian movement and safety within a busy highway corridor. TRAILS PLAN The County Parks department also has a unique role in providing trails throughout the County to connect cities, parks and adjoining counties. These trails provide long distance links between cities while also providing local trail experiences. Trails are an area of focus for the parks department and for this plan update. In this plan update, the County is placing more emphasis on the need for a comprehensive trail system throughout the County. Creating a network of trails (both County and City) that are not only for recreational purposes but will serve as a transportation alternative is a goal that has not yet been fully realized. This plan identifies an integrated, easy to use and friendly trail system as a priority and component of this plan. Since the last planning effort, the County has been working to integrate trail development as part of road reconstruction projects. Those efforts are recognized and this plan update seeks to build on the existing system to make a more comprehensive and accessible trail system. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

23 In spite of the obstacles and difficulties, the idea of creating a County trail system is worthwhile when considered in context of current demands for recreational and utilitarian demands. As fuel costs rise, residents will look for alternative transportation options and the County can help provide an accessible trail system to provide additional travel options. Additionally, as the aging baby-boomers reach retirement, demands for recreational opportunities and well-connected facilities will be critical to keeping this population group in Chisago County. A complete system of trails will provide those opportunities and will add to the overall quality of life for county residents. The cities along the trails should work to create a welcoming environment for trail users which in turn will improve their local economy and the quality of life for residents. Business and civic leaders should work to create a sense of place based on the cities history and character. To encourage extended side trips, there should be a consistent system of marketing, mapping and way finding to make it easy for bicyclists to stop and explore these cities. In addition, catering to customer needs by revitalizing town centers, retooling existing stores and when possible, growing new businesses are actions the cities along the trails should consider. The process of creating a trail town can renew a cities sense of pride and identity while attracting tourists. Bicycle trails longer than 10 miles promote economic development and healthy lifestyles, inexpensive transportation and pollution-free recreation. The longer the trail, the further people will travel to use it, the longer they will visit the area and the more they will spend. For example, studies have shown that someone who travels to a trail for a day s ride will spend four times as much as a local user and users who stay overnight will spend twice as much as one-day visitors. The trail system should ultimately be composed of trails separated from roadways. Funding resources may limit the immediate accomplishment of this goal, and therefore, the County should prioritize segments of the trail system for separate off-road locations. For the busiest roadways such as U.S. Highway 8 and Trunk Highway 95, off-road alignments should continue to be developed. Also, local sections of trails linking schools and parks to neighboring residential areas should have off-road routing. Roadways with narrow widths, poor pavement conditions or poor vertical and horizontal alignments also should be candidate locations for separated trails and roadways. This prioritization would most likely rank corridors such as the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail, County Road 10 from Harris to Fish Lake County Park and the alternate routing for Trunk Highway 95 from Taylors Falls to North Branch as the highest priorities for trail additions and improvements. The paving of the trail surface will determine the type of trail uses. Bituminous trails will encourage use by bicyclists, in-line skaters and scooters. Crushed limestone trails favor hikers, mountain bikers, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

24 Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

25 Proposed trail locations are: Taylors Falls to Wyoming (Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail) Off-road trail following existing rail alignment that may require some routing around parcels with owners not wanting to sell. Will ultimately be multi-use, paved trail connecting major destinations within the county such as St. Croix River/Interstate Park, Taylors Falls, Shafer, Center City, Lindstrom, Chisago City and Wyoming. The right-of-way traverses some of the most scenic portions of the county and has much public support. Several segments of the trail are complete while the planning and design efforts for the remainder of the trail have begun. Final design for the uncompleted eastern portions should occur within the next several years. Taylors Falls to North Branch This trail would occur mostly along the Trunk Highway 95 right-ofway. Traffic volumes for Highway 95 are marginal for shoulder route. Off-road routing is preferred. County Roads 72 and 11 provide an alternate routing closer to Kost Dam County Park. This trail will have road connections to Wild River State Park along County Road 16. North Branch to Hinckley (Willard Munger/Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail connection) This trail will provide an extension of the Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail from North Branch through Harris, Rush City and Pine City to Hinckley. It will be a combination of an on-road and an off-road trail and will be paved with bituminous material. Construction of this link will complete the trail from the Twin Cities to Duluth. North Branch to Lindstrom/Chisago City (County Road 14) This trail routing was suggested through the community input process. County Road 14 was recently reconstructed with a shoulder bicycle lane. This corridor should be considered for future off-road trail routing. This route connects the communities of North Branch, Sunrise Lake and Lindstrom. Taylors Falls to Stillwater (Gateway Trail) This trail along with the Willard Munger/Gateway Trail would have state-wide importance as regional trail connection. The corridor traverses one of the most scenic parts of the state and has high recreational usage. Vehicular traffic volumes in this corridor are heavy, and an off-road trail alignment would be warranted. Trunk Highway 95 has had recent repaving and will not be reconstructed in the near future. Paved shoulders are generally available along the highway, however off-road trail segments do already exist north of Marine-on-St. Croix. This route has high potential to become a desired bicycling destination. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/

26 Fish Lake Park to Harris spur (County 10) The intent of this 2.5-mile spur would be connect one of the most popular parks with the County trail system. A paved shoulder route would be sufficient, however County Road 10 may need reconstruction to accommodate this. Wild River State Park spur loop Utilize existing off-road trails where possible, explore additional off-road alignment paralleling County Road 16 from Taylors Falls north within St. Croix River valley and on-road alignment from the river to Almelund. On-road alignment would be suitable from Almelund to Wild River State Park. Trail extension west along County Road 22 from Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail in Wyoming to Anoka County. Also provide connection to the south to a trail within Linwood Township. Trail connection from Dennis Frandsen County Park to Fish Lake County Park. Lower traffic volumes along County Road 4 will allow consideration of shoulder route for trail. County Road 23 Relief Route. As this corridor is reconstructed to provide an alternative route for a southern bypass of the Chisago Lakes area, off-road trail routing should be developed. This would intersect a trail running along County Roads 25 and 86 between Lindstrom and the Gateway Trail in the southern part of the county. Other types of trails exist within the county. There is an extensive snowmobile trail network throughout Chisago and adjoining counties. These trails are private and typically maintained by snowmobiling organizations. This plan does not include proposals to extend the private network of snowmobile trails. However, some trails, particularly those that will not be paved, proposed within this section will be available for use by snowmobiles. Chisago County Comprehensive Parks and Trails Plan 7/19/