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Big Island Nature Park Management Plan November 2011 <br />____________________________________________________________________________ <br />24 <br /> <br />Potential trail improvements that should be considered and addressed in the future include: <br />- whether it is feasible or appropriate to extend/improve the trail system westward to <br />connect with the adjacent Three Rivers Park District‘s Big Island Regional Park <br />- the potential need to make erosion control improvements where erosion threatens the trail <br />or where erosion is caused by trail, or to consider relocation of trail segments if necessary <br />(Boy Scouts, volunteer project potential) <br />- ongoing monitoring of trail conditions to remove trail impediments due to exposed rocks <br />and roots or other hazards <br />- assess the feasibility and requirements for providing handicap accessibility to selected <br />segments of trail <br />- review the areas along the trails that provide a scenic overlook of Lake Minnetonka and <br />determine whether selective tree trimming may enhance those views <br /> <br />Swimming Beach. Because the beach is not manned by lifeguards or otherwise monitored, and <br />because past and anticipated future users will often arrive by boat and beach their watercraft at <br />the shore, establishment of a defined swimming area will be considered. Use of ropes and <br />buoys, signage, or other demarcation methods will be investigated. <br /> <br />Entry ‗Office‘ Structure. The small 256 s.f. building and attached deck near the main entry <br />dock area has been retained for potential future use as an entry portal to the Park. The building <br />has been in its current location since 1997-98 and served the veterans Camp as an entry point <br />for camp visitors. The structure is currently in disrepair. An assessment of this structure will <br />be required in order to determine its future use and whether it can be suitably renovated and <br />secured to serve some yet-to-be-determined entry-point function. <br /> <br />Directional and Interpretive Signage. Additional signage contemplated for the Park includes <br />signage that identifies and interprets various natural and cultural features; trail markers; and <br />demarcation of the boundary between the Natural Area and the Recreation Area. Directional <br />signage should be considered, possibly including a simple map of the Park. An assessment of <br />the need and appropriate format of each of these signage elements should be conducted prior to <br />any action. <br /> <br /> <br />Park Use Regulations <br /> <br />The Orono City Council in June 2010 adopted an ordinance providing special regulations for <br />Big Island Nature Park. The ordinance is included in its entirety in Appendix A of this <br />Management Plan. Specific elements of the ordinance include: <br />- a ―Purpose‖ statement that reflects the intent of the Park as a natural area for passive <br />recreation and resource preservation <br />- provisions regarding park hours, requiring permits for special events, prohibiting exclusive <br />use of site or facilities <br />- prohibitions on alcohol, gambling, littering, glass containers, dangerous weapons, <br />fireworks, open fires (but portable propane grills allowed), commercial activity, sign