FMR, Park Service reach out to river corridor communities

FMR and National Park Service staff conducted workshops last month with local decision-makers, commission members and citizens in four river communities. The purpose of the workshop was to provide an overview of the significance of the rivers resources and to educate community leaders about tools and resources available to help realize local, state and national goals for the Mississippi River Corridor. A lively discussion about local opportunities, issues and threats was included in each workshop, and just as the character of the river changes from one community to the next, so do the key issues.

In the City of Ramsey, discussion focused on creating a river destination that will benefit from the new Mississippi West Regional Park, and plans for a new town center, transit station and pedestrian bridge over Highway 10. There was also discussion about the Wild and Scenic designation of the river, and updating Ramseys critical area ordinance.

Downstream a bit in Brooklyn Park, the discussion focused on managing the river shoreline and islands on privately owned land, improving river trails and access, and maintaining neighborhood character through an updated critical area ordinance.

Skipping over the big twins, our next city is Cottage Grove. With most of the citys development focused in other parts of town, the river has had minimal attention from decision-makers in this fast growing city. Some folks would like to see Cottage Grove have stronger connections to the river. The bluff, islands and natural areas in Cottage Grove are rich and diverse ecologically. Most of our discussion focused on Lower Grey Cloud Island, which will see a land use change from mining to something else in the coming decades.

Hastings has always been a river town, and our workshop there focused a lot on the downtown area. With a new Highway 61 bridge coming on line, there could be numerous opportunities for the City to re-shape their riverfront and expand parks and trails.

Well be following up with city staff in the next couple weeks in hopes of keeping the dialogue going about protecting and enhancing our National Park, and also looking to do additional workshops this fall and next spring.

Special thanks to the Mississippi River Fund and the Bush Foundation for funding this project.