11-05-2018 Park Commission Packet

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Thank you for your consideration. I think this is a great project as it stands, and am thrilled to support it! I know I have a lot of suggestions, so for the sake of prioritizing my personal concerns, I have added italics for the suggestions that I feel are easiest to implement and will still have a big effect on the trail experience. 26 Oct 18 Preliminary Design concept, 5OCT18 Thank you for requesting community input on the East Long Lake Road project. Long Lake Waters Association (LLWA) is excited about the project and Orono City Councils’ commitment to leverage the natural beauty of our area. Turning the existing road into a walking, biking, and nature trail is forward thinking and will positively impact the citizens of Orono and the local ecology now and in the future. We offer our support moving forward and would like to work with the city on aspects that might impact the lake and the wetlands in the Long Lake Creek Watershed and the enjoyment of the area by residents. Moving forward we would like to set up a meeting with Orono and we have a few concrete suggestions that we would like to offer based on the current plan. NATIVE PLANTS/PERMEABLE SURFACES FOR FILTRATION We encourage adding more landscape design elements that emphasize native plants, reduce erosion, and filter run-off whenever possible. The water quality in Long Lake Creek Watershed is a critical part of our local eco-system. Long Lake and the surrounding wetlands/woods flow directly into Lake Minnetonka via Tanager Lake/Browns Bay. Using native plants, and a permeable trail could help improve the poor (D rated, per MNPCA) water quality within the lake. EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE The East Long Lake trail area could provide valuable educational opportunities for the community and local schools. We suggest signage about the natural landscape be included beyond the trailheads. More and more communities are building “nature’s classrooms” and it would be valuable to offer outdoor, science learning opportunities to our children and citizens. NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN We ask that the plan be evaluated in terms of providing a reduction in pollutant loading of the lake, including reduction of storm water flow into the lake, and protection of the shoreline from human or storm water erosion. We also recommend that every effort be made to prevent light pollution at night and to provide the necessary facilities to eliminate trash and pet waste from polluting the lake. PARTNERSHIPS We offer to partner with Orono on the project and other local businesses and service organizations to identify possible sponsors for sections of the trail to help with cleanup and maintenance, and potentially cost sharing. We suggest that Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) be contacted to determine if they would offer to go beyond their role as a permitting and regulation body to provide their expertise in upfront planning with the goal of identifying ways to cost effectively go beyond the current plan for long term protection of the lake. Other valuable partners could be the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR SNA) and volunteer Master Water Stewards and Master Gardeners who live in the area. The Long Lake Waters Association Board http://longlake waters.org longlakewater s@gmail.com Incorporate into detailed design process. Native plantings is already pat of the concept. (ATE) Incorporate into detailed design process as we develop the details for the signage.. (ATE) Currently no plans to add and lighting to the project. Trach receptacles are available at he southern end. Dog waste bags could be added at info sign locations.. (ATE) MCWD is a partner for the project but will only provide technical expertise and regulatory guidance. There are currently no shoreline restoration grants available through the MCWD. Currently exploring opportunities with MNDNR Also working with Three Rivers and Hennepin County.(ATE)