HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.a. Presentation on proposed transfer of land in Spring Lake Park Preserve from Dakota County to the DNR for creation of a Wildlife Management AreaAGENDA ITEM: Presentation on proposed transfer of land
in Spring Lake Park Preserve from
Dakota County to the DNR for creation of
a Wildlife Management Area
AGENDA SECTION:
t Ylsu' A
Wl �l� I i� r' t
AGENDA NO. 9- ik‘
PREPARED BY: Dwight Johnson, City Administrator
ATTACHMENTS: Information from the DNR
APPROVED BY:
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Information Item Only
4 ROSEMOUNT
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Workshop Meeting September 9, 2009
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
Tim Brenaicker of the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to be present to discuss plans
for transfer of approximately 755 acres of land in the Spring Lake Park Preserve from Dakota County to
the DNR Dakota County initiated this action. The purpose of the transfer is to allow the DNR to create
a Wildlife Management Area on the property that will allow controlled hunting. The attached report notes
that "hunting around the islands is inconsistent with the policy of `no hunting' within the Regional Park
Preserve as defined by the Metropolitan Council." Since the land is all or mostly within the corporate
limits of Rosemount, Mr. Bremicker called and suggested that the City Council should be informed and
updated about the plans and he was accordingly scheduled for this meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
No formal council action is needed. The purpose of the meeting is to inform the council of the plans, ask
questions, and provide feedback to the DNR.
ww W.dakOtdC01/O[y.09
Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area
D EPARTIIBITOF
NATURAL RESOURCES
Dakota County wants to transfer without cost approximately 755 acres of islands and
submerged lake beds in Spring Lake to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of
Fish and Wildlife (DFW) as a Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
The 2003 Master Plan for Dakota County's Spring Lake Park Preserve recommended that
waterfowl hunting be maintained as an important recreational activity on the islands in Spring
Lake.
The Dakota County Board's August 31, 2004 resolution supports the park plan
recommendations and authorizes hunting on the island thru 2009. In addition, it directs the
Dakota County Parks staff to transfer the islands to the State of Minnesota as a Wildlife
Management Area.
The Spring Lake Islands have provided high quality waterfowl hunting opportunities to many
hunters. Over the last decade, 40 parties or more typically hunt the islands and shoreline from
Baldwin Lake to Schaars Bluff on the Mississippi River in both Dakota and Washington
Counties.
In addition to the excellent late season hunting opportunities, it is known to be an excellent early
season hunting location particularly for teal and wood ducks.
Very large concentrations of geese and mallard ducks have been observed annually since 2003
and are often present thru the end of the duck and goose season into mid December. Mallard
ducks and Canada goose flocks of 20,000 birds combined are commonly observed.
Spring Lake Island WMA will be designated as a WMA and the lands acquired shall be
designated as Wildlife Management Area pursuant to MS 97A.145. Rules governing the
management and use of the WMA are provided in 62230.0200 and 62230.0250. It will also
provide:
A. Day Use
B. Overnight Camping Site
C. Kayak and Canoe Access
D. Establish a No Firearm Discharge Zone Along South Shore of Spring Lake
Dakota County has agreed to maintain its custodial and police function on the day use and
overnight camping facilities.
The Spring Lake Islands WMA will be managed and protected by staff from the Vermillion River
WMAs Complex (Vermillion River WMA, Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA,
and Gores Pool WMA) officed at the UMore Contract and Lease Office.
The Area Manager and an Assistant Area Manager (as of July 23, 2008) will be supported for
other management activities by staff from Carlos Avery WMA, North Metro Area and South
Metro Area offices.
7 -22 -08
Spring Lake Islands
Wildlife Management Are a
"Hidden Jewel" of the Upper Mississippi River Valley
lay w kK3LLic iunty.
Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area
Create a new WMA on the Mississippi River's Pool 2 between Hastings and Pine Bend
Transferring property to the Department of Natural Resources from Dakota County
Introduction /Background
During the 2003 Master Planning Development for Dakota County's Spring Lake
Park Preserve, hunters that participated in the public input process
recommended that waterfowl hunting be maintained as an important recreational
activity on the islands in Spring Lake.
Dakota County supported this recommendation in the Master Plan by noting that
hunting should be accommodated in Spring Lake Park to varying degrees
(Chapter 2.9), and that hunting and fishing are longstanding traditions (Chapter
3.3).
Therefore to allow the continuation of this traditional recreational use, to provide
enhanced recognition of the importance of this area to migratory birds and to
ensure that the management and protection of the Spring Lake Islands is
consistent with the vision for the park, Dakota County seeks to transfer
approximately 755 acres of land consisting of submerged lake bed and islands in
Spring Lake to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Fish and
Wildlife (DFW) as a Wildlife Management Area (WMA). See Figure 1.
In addition to being consistent with the Park's vision, the transfer of these lands
to DNR will protect and enhance these resources. Application of DNR statutory
authorities and scientific expertise of DFW will improve and protect habitat
conditions and ultimately increase the use by waterfowl and other wildlife
species. Further, public use of the islands and surface waters will be protected
for the Tong -term.
The master plan clearly identifies a vision for the Mississippi River that
acknowledges the recreational and biological values of Spring Lake for the North
American flyway for migratory birds (Chapter 3.2). It also notes that Spring Lake
is shallow lake (Chapter 3.3) and recreational use includes hunting and fishing as
a longstanding tradition (Chapter 3.3). In addition, the master plan appendix
states the need to continue waterfowl hunting on these islands and explore
options for low impact use of the lake and islands. The plan emphasizes the
need for accomplishing a temporary drawdown pf pool #2 in cooperation with the
US Army Corp of Engineers and other land and water management agencies
including the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. All of these stated
objectives are compatible with WMA designation and management.
5 -30 -08 2
Value of Islands for Hunting
The islands (delineated in Figure 2) have provided historically high quality
waterfowl hunting opportunities to many hunters. Often in late November during
the last decade, 40 hunting parties or more have used the islands and shoreline
from Baldwin Lake to Schaars Bluff on the Mississippi River in both Dakota and
Washington Counties. Most of these hunters access Spring Lake from the public
access below Schaars Bluff. Also, many waterfowl hunters store boats at Fishers
Landing that often results in up to 50 duck boats either stored or day launched at
the site. In addition to the excellent late season hunting opportunities, it is known
to be an excellent early season hunting location particularly for teal and wood
ducks.
By virtue of its size, its location 12 miles south of St. Paul, undeveloped steep
wooded shoreline, very shallow water habitat of extensive mud and sand flats
surrounded by islands that are separated from the main navigation channel,
Spring Lake provides an unique and valuable site for migratory birds to find
seclusion from human disturbance and wind /wave action throughout critical times
of the year. During the late fall and winter months, the shallow water areas often
remain unfrozen and provide essential migratory and wintering habitat. In
conjunction with the extensive agricultural fields to the south towards the
Vermillion River drainage, ample field feeding opportunities for migrating
waterfowl associated with a large water area of low disturbance for feeding and
nesting are provided by Spring Lake.
Very large concentrations of geese and mallard ducks have been observed
annually since 2003 and are often present thru the end of the duck and goose
season into mid December. Mallard ducks and Canada goose flocks of 20,000
birds combined are commonly observed.
Process Policy and Statutory Framework for the Creation of the WMA
The 2003 Master Plan for the Spring Lake Park Preserve recommended that the
islands in Spring Lake be owned and managed by a state or federal agency
responsible for managing other aspects of the Mississippi River corridor including
management of the islands as part of a larger migratory wildlife system. The
plan noted that the islands serve a broader constituency including sportsmen and
that hunting around the islands is inconsistent with the policy of "no hunting"
within the Regional Park Preserve as defined by the Metropolitan Council.
In the summer of 2007, DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife was informally
approached by Dakota County in regards to DNR interest in managing the
islands. A field tour that included representatives from Dakota County Parks and
DNR was conducted in late fall 2007. A tentative verbal agreement was reached
during that tour whereby Dakota County expressed its interest to transfer
5 -30 -08 3
management, custodial and legal control of the islands and surface water
overlying the tax forfeit parcels to DNR as a Wildlife Management Area.
Dakota County proposes to transfer 581 acres of county administered tax forfeit
lands to the state and along with an additional 100 acres owned by the County
that was conveyed to the Dakota County by the Metropolitan Waste
Commissioner. In addition, Dakota County proposes to transfer or lease about
74 acres of County owned land that is included in the Spring Lake Park Preserve
to the Department of Natural Resources. As noted throughout this proposal
document, all lands transferred or leased to the DNR will be for the purposes of a
State Wildlife Management Area as provided in MS. 86A.subdivision 8.
MS 97A. 135 provides the Commissioner authority to acquire and improve lands
for public hunting, game refuges and The lands may be acquired by gift,
lease, easement, purchase or condemnation. MS97A.145 provides that the
Commissioner my acquire wetlands.... for conservation relating to wildlife
development. Subdivision (b) provides that the commissioner may also acquire
lands owned by the state and that is tax forfeited and suitable for wildlife
development.
MS 282.018 subdivision (d) provides that the DNR may acquire tax forfeited
lands or obtain management authority via a cooperative agreement.
MS 373.01 grants authority to Dakota County to convey real estate and give
contracts or options to sell lease or convey and make orders respecting it as
deemed conducive to the interest of the county residents.
5 -30 -08 4
Figure 1
PIN:pcuoillmeahrl•
ka th.awir 040
fl CM.* floo.ft11■1111.
INVAL -J.nro
01
del 41400n :1 IN. Id IS* 1131k
.441 114a toe ti,a et0
5-30-08
5
Figure 2
Proposed S •ring Lake Islands WMA Cover /Open Water
.04114 1
LSilend
aYquMf OC x1141 1
Ilei'daun timtnp p[ci
f+wr .t7llwenYea
CartY0 Wain i110 IRt/u •11:3'{1'
11L31431
4wa1
4J 'OLnr Yhiut'5LdFwt11
21W Pmrr raN60trildrilI6rtxn114
wur,uwcr aen.imar cw:ur4.mw
47rd$ -atory iv.rirn+len1x-1,1
try Ylt 4/11;04 .•wl'lall ro1ck771.
5 -30 -08 6
Land and Surface Water Management
The vision for the Spring Lake Park Preserve as noted in the master plan defines
the need to "create a park preserve that focuses on preserving the ecological and
cultural integrity of the land while providing appropriate recreational and
educational opportunities'. This vision is consistent with the DNR's mission "to
work with citizens to conserve and manage the states natural resources to
provide outdoor recreation opportunities and to provide for the commercial uses
of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life."
The DNR proposes to manage the Spring Lake WMA consistent with existing
statutes, rules policies and plans that provide for the traditional management
framework in WMAs. This is in contrast to the special authorizing legislation that
is found in MS 97A. 133 subdivision 66 that established the Vermillion Highlands
Wildlife management Area in Dakota County and broadened the uses and
purpose of that WMA.
This approach is preferred and recommended by the DFW because of the
traditional uses of the islands. This level of designation seems consistent with
the county's objectives as noted in the master plan and as related to DNR in
conversations with Dakota County staff.
The master plan considers the management of the islands for wildlife as a critical
resource stewardship issue and seeks stewardship of the islands that is
consistent with the stewardship program being appropriate to the parks. Also it
noted that recreation use of the islands should include river camping and a water
trail.
The plan also mentions that stewardship plans promote ecosystem -based
approaches to restoration and management. This is consistent with DNR
management mandates and stewardship principals noted in the Departments
"Strategic Conservation Agenda for 2003 to 2007
Spring Lake Island WMA will be designated as a WMA and the lands acquired
shall be designated as Wildlife Management Area pursuant to MS 97A.145.
Rules governing the management and use of the WMA are provided in
62230.0200 and 62230.0250.
The Spring Lake Island WMA will be posted with standard yellow WMA boundary
and regulation signs at intervals of about 500 feet on land and water to clearly
denote ownership and custodial jurisdiction on the WMA. The WMA sign clearly
indicates that the land and water is open to public hunting within established
seasons and other wildlife related activities are permitted unless otherwise noted.
In addition, the WMA will be posted closed between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM.
Overnight camping is typically not permitted on WMAs but when provided it must
occur at posted designated locations. It is anticipated that during the summer
5 -30 -08 7
months, some overnight camping and boat mooring /beaching may be authorized
on the outer island shores adjacent to the main channel. This use needs to be
carefully evaluated because of the cost associated with maintaining clean
presentable campsites.
MS 97A.137 subdivision 1 allows the Department of Natural Resources to close
areas to hunting as posted. Areas may also be closed to migratory waterfowl
hunting by rule. Several areas along the south boundary that have been
identified by Dakota County as future high use areas, need to be buffered from
the discharge of firearms. Therefore, to buffer activities of school groups or other
park users DFW will establish a no hunting zone. A no hunting zone will be
posted 300 feet water ward from the south shore near a high activity zone
(Figure 1 and 2).
The Spring Lake Islands WMA is largely submerged land except for the presence
of about 188 acres of islands and associated robust emergent vegetation. Spring
Lake is the first large shallow marsh area south of the Twin Cities that
experiences significant waterfowl use. As the habitat improves and waterfowl
and hunter use increases, it may be necessary to provide greater sanctuary to
wildlife by minimizing disturbance. DFW will continue to evaluate the need for
the establishment of a Waterfowl Feeding and Resting Area authorized by MS
97A.095 Subdivision 1. Subdivision 1 prohibits motorized access on surface
water by waterfowl hunters but allows hunting.
Motorboats are generally prohibited on wildlife management areas. However,
motorboats (as defined in 86B.005 Subdivision 9) and duck boats with motors
attached will be authorized by rule.
Motor vehicle access will be authorized by rule for ice fishing purposes.
Public use facilities will be limited to WMA signage and other necessary posting
to limit access and use. Access to the unit will occur from the state public access
on the Mississippi River below Schaars Bluff and the public access at St. Paul
Park. It is anticipated that a new public access will be constructed on the Spring
Lake Park preserve just south of the islands. When this project is completed, it is
anticipated that the Schaars Bluff access will be abandoned. Numerous other
public accesses on the Mississippi River are provided above and below this
WMA.
The master plan notes that the long range ecological vision for the islands as
lowland hardwoods with sandbars, willow and cord grass. Vegetation
management of the islands may be attempted to improve nesting cover and its
value for waterfowl and shore birds. However, because of the flooding frequency
and that the vegetation present is well adapted to the saturated soils,
opportunities may be limited to the degree and frequency of flooding. Because
the islands currently provide an important barrier between the main channel and
5 -30 -08 8
Spring Lake, actions to minimize loss of island acreage and habitat may need to
be undertaken.
A multi agency team of natural resource and water managers is currently
developing plans to implement temporary drawdown on Pool 2 and 3. When
implemented, a large portion of Spring Lake will be rejuvenated to emergent
wetland conditions. This objective is consistent with the master plan objectives
for Spring Lake that identified the need to re- establish a mixed emergent marsh
in conjunction with a submerged aquatic plant zone and open water area. This
method and degree of habitat improvement is consistent with the management
techniques applied by the DNR on shallow lakes throughout the state as
authorized by MS 97A.101- Public Water Reserves and Management
Designation.
Administration
The Spring Lake Islands WMA will be managed and protected by staff from the
Vermillion River WMAs Complex (Vermillion River WMA, Vermillion Highlands
Research Recreation and WMA, and Gores Pool WMA) officed at the UMore
Contract and Lease Office (located between Dakota County 46 and County 42).
The office is about 6 miles west of the Spring Lake Islands WMA. The Vermillion
office will be staffed by a full time Area Manager by April 1, 2008 and an
Assistant Area Manager by August 1, 2008. Additional support for land and
water management and facilities development will be provided by Carlos Avery
WMA, North Metro Area and South Metro Area offices.
Tim Bremicker
Bob Welsh
Robert Fashingbauer
December 2007
5 -30 -08 9