1j MnDNR Metro Greenways GrantCITYOF
CHANHASSEN
7i~y Center Drive, PO Box' 147
~nhassen, Minnesota 55317
Phone 612.937.1900
eneral tax 612.937.5739
ineering ?ax' 612.937.9152
!ic SafeO, lax' 612.934.2524
www. ci.c/mnhassen, mn. us
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
Todd Gerhardt, Acting City Manager
Phillip Elkin, Water Resources Coordinator
March 22, 1999
SUB J:
Authorize Resolution for Metro Greenways Grants
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Metro Greenways
has $4 million available for protecting locally and regionally
significant natural areas and restoring native vegetation to open
spaces in the seven county metropolitan area. The DNR has been
directed by the legislature to acquire fee titles and/or conservation
easements, support ecological restoration, and to work with local
units of government to develop appropriate management strategies for
these sites. For the Land Acquisition Grant, no local match is
required, but commitment of private or non-state funds would allow
more natural areas to be protected/restored with the current level of
funding.
The Seminary Fen and adjoining areas along the Minnesota River in
southern Chanhassen have been identified as significant value and
priority areas by the DNR. Under the encouragement of the DNR, we
have contacted several property owners along the Seminary Fen site
and have submitted three properties for this program. Since the DNR
has already had initial negotiations with Emerald Properties, the
owner of the former Seminary site, this property would not be
eligible. However, there are three other significant properties which
abut this site who have expressed interest in participating in this
program.
The Metro Greenways also has money available for planning grants.
Staff recommends that the city apply for a grant under a partnership
with the City of Chaska and the Lower Minnesota River Watershed
District. This grant will finance a study of the Assumption Creek
trout stream located in the Seminary Fen site and surrounding
properties.
Staff strongly supports passage of this resolution as it solidifies the
city's commitment to protect and preserve natural areas within the
City of Chanhassen.
;ity o£Chanhassen. A erowing contmunin, with clean lakes, aualitl, schooh, a chamfine downtown, thrivine businesses, and beautifid vat'ks. A ereat olace to live, work, and o/ay.
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
DATE: March 22, 1999
RESOLUTION NO:
MOTION BY:
SECONDED BY:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR A
PUBLLIC LIBRARY ACCESSIBILITY GRANT
WHEREAS, the Chanhassen City Council has determined that the Seminary Fen, the
Assumption creek and the areas contained within their watershed are important environmental
assets to be preserved and
WHEREAS, the Chanhassen City Council has been made aware of a grant available
through the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in providing funding for the
stream study and acquisition of these lands; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Chanhassen City Council
he~:eby authorized the City of Chanhassen to apply to the State of Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources for a Metro Greenways Land Acquisition Grant and a Metro Greenways
Planning Grant to assist in the City's efforts to protect and preserve these valuable resources.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Chanhassen will provide the matching
funds necessary to meet the requirements of the grant.
Passed and adopted by the Chanhassen City Council this 22nd day of March, 1999.
ATTEST:
Todd Gerhardt, Acting City Clerk/Manager
Nancy K. Mancino, Mayor
YES NO
ABSENT
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