DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Update On Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Plan
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update and provide feedback on Phase 1: Research and Vision for the Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Plan (MRPR Plan).
SUMMARY
An update to the 2005 Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Plan is needed to reflect system-wide planning efforts and to ensure that future investment responds to community and enviormental needs. The Plan will include a long-range vision for the park and a 10-year plan to guide future decisions about park activities, capital investment, and natural and cultural resource stewardship. The planning process is being coordinated with the development of the park’s first Natural Resource Management Plan and a Traditional Cultural Properties Survey conducted by the Upper Sioux Community Tribal Historic Preservation Office.
The Miesville Ravine Park Reserve planning process is occurring in four phases during 2022-2023: 1) Research and Vision (summer-winter 2022); 2) Park Concepts (winter-spring 2023); 3) Plan Development (summer-fall 2023); and 4) Approvals (fall-winter 2023).
The first phase of the project, Research and Vision, is complete (see Attachment: Research and Vision). This phase included inventory and analysis of existing recreation activities, natural and cultural assets, community demographics, and current recreation trends. Community engagement included stakeholder meetings, an online story map, and online input. The Dakota County Planning Commission discussed the Research and Vision summary on December 15, 2022.
Key findings from the Research and Vision phase include:
• Today, many Dakota County residents are unaware of MRPR and its offerings.
• MRPR’s high-quality ecological systems, rugged ravine landscape, and Trout Brook are standout features. There is a strong desire to enhance and protect the park’s natural features.
• The ecological health of the park’s landscape and the water quality of Trout Brook and the Cannon River are influenced by the agricultural landscape beyond the park boundary.
• The park encompasses over a mile of Cannon River frontage with limited river-oriented facilities and information.
• MRPR contains traditional cultural properties, including burials, that are important in maintaining the cultural identity of the Dakota people. The park also has a Euro-American farming history.
• With less than five percent of the park open for public recreation, there is a strong desire to improve visitor access without compromising the park’s cultural and natural features.
• There is a wealth of recreation opportunities in the Cannon River Valley. There is an opportunity for MRPR’s offerings to complement other destinations as part of a day or weekend trip to the area without having to provide all desired recreational amenities and experiences.
Next Steps :
A draft Vision and Guiding Principles has been prepared for County Board consideration. The Vision and Guiding Principles will provide a framework for the development of park concepts and natural and cultural resource strategies. Draft concepts and strategies will be presented to the County Board prior to engaging with the community in spring 2023.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Research and Vision
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☒ Involve ☐ N/A
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Stwora
Author: Lillian Leatham