FMR urges Saint Paul Park officials to plan for land protection

View of Crystal Cove, a natural area threatened by possible development.

The City of Saint Paul Park has a unique opportunity to help protect a significant natural area along the Mississippi River in the community - and FMR is available to help. That was the key message given by FMR's Land Conservation Director, Tom Lewanski, at a public hearing about the City's draft comprehensive plan.

Saint Paul Park is charged with planning for 600 acres of land recently annexed from Grey Cloud Island Township, including approximately 300 acres of undeveloped land surrounding a quiet backwater bay on the Mississippi River. A development proposal by D.R. Horton to build 1,900 units on the land has languished due to poor market conditions.

The site includes high quality oak savanna and floodplain forest and abundant wildlife, including an active eagle nest on one of the floodplain islands. "This site is as beautiful as any I've seen on the Mississippi," reported Lewanski, "and it is rare to find a place in the river corridor that is this unique yet still undeveloped."

Lewanski shared the story of how the Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area across the river was protected with FMR's help. "Ten years ago this was a pie-in-the-sky vision -- now more than 200 acres have been protected." He also informed city officials that FMR has inquired about land protection possibilities for this site with numerous partner agencies, including DNR, Washington County and the South Washington Watershed District. "All of the partners, and some of our own donors, have expressed interest in exploring this unique opportunity," said Lewanski. All partners also indicated that funds might be available for purchase and management of the site.

To close, Lewanski encouraged the City to express their support for a large natural area or park at this site in their Comprehensive Plan, and he reminded them that FMR is here to help them reach this goal.

FMR's written comments, submitted at the meeting, included several suggested changes and additions to the City's Draft Comprehensive Plan. The City can do a number of things in the plan that would increase their opportunity protect the land without a loss of private property, such as adding a Park Search Area to cover the 300 acres along the river.