DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization For Submission Of Funding Request To Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize submission of an $8.0 million State Fiscal year 2028 (FY28)/Minnesota Law 2027 (ML27) Outdoor Heritage Fund (OH) request to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC).
SUMMARY
The 2008 Minnesota Constitutional Legacy amendment increased the state sales tax and dedicated revenue to natural resources, clean water, arts and cultural heritage, and parks and trails. The portion of the funds for wildlife habitat is accessed through funding applications to the LSOHC. The LSOHC makes OH funding recommendations to the State legislature for projects requiring more than $400,000 to protect, improve, and enhance wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat. The County has received a total of $19.636 million of OH funds between 2009 and 2026.
Based on County Board approval of the Land Conservation (LC) Plan, Park and Greenway Master Plans, and associated Natural Resource Management Plans, staff proposes submission of an $8.0 million ML27 OH funding request to address eligible land protection opportunities during the five-year grant period. The proposal includes restoration and enhancement of:
* An estimated 600 acres of County-owned land within County Parks, Park Reserves, Regional Greenways, and CFAs
* An estimated 800 acres of non-County public lands located within Regional Greenway corridors and CFAs and previously and newly acquired County Easements.
The proposal also includes acquisition of an estimated 200 acres of priority permanent Easements or fee title on:
* Land adjacent to Regional Parks, Park Reserves, Regional Greenways, and other public lands
* Land within Regional Greenways and CFAs, including cultivated hydric soil areas for wetland restoration; lake, river, and stream shoreline; and other priority lands
* Land with significant conservation...
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