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CMP Part 3B. Land Use Plan <br /> accessory uses on the island, with a strong encouragement toward recreational <br /> uses as opposed to full time residential uses which would require a greater level of <br /> services than the City can reasonably provide. <br /> As a result of discussions with Hennepin Parks officials in the 1990's, the City <br /> Council concluded that ultimate complete acquisition and ownership of Big Island <br /> by Hennepin Parks is unlikely to occur in the foreseeable future. Three Rivers <br /> Parks' current goals and policies do not include expansion of their existing Big <br /> Island holdings. Further, the expansion of their holdings to incorporate adjacent <br /> lands that are developed with seasonal cabins may lead to more active park uses. <br /> While the current passive park use as a wildlife preserve requires virtually no City <br /> services, expansion of the Park area to include lands which could be used for <br /> active public recreation would result in the need for a more active management of <br /> the Park, and the need for more public services which the City cannot provide. <br /> For that reason, Orono's 2000-2020 CMP goals and policies for Big Island <br /> reflected support for continuation of Three Rivers Parks' current level of <br /> ownership and control of property on Big Island. <br /> City acquisition of the Veterans Camp has preserved this unique site as public <br /> natural open space for future generations, rather than allowing it to become <br /> privately developed. The City continues to work toward refining a management <br /> plan for the Park that will balance the needs and desires of the public for access <br /> and use with the realities of extremely limited public services availability due to <br /> the island nature of the property. <br /> Physical Features <br /> Big Island encompasses approximately 250 acres in area, of which approximately <br /> 50 acres is wetland. A navigable channel actually separates Big Island into two <br /> distinct islands. The shoreland ranges from flat, low wetland areas near the lake <br /> level to steep and often eroded bluffs extending as much as 30-40' above lake <br /> leveL The topography is hilly. The highest point on the island is 988', nearly 60' <br /> above lake level, located near the south end of Morse Island Park. <br /> Soils on Big Island are mapped as Hayden loam and clay loam, typical of soils <br /> located in central and northern Orono. Beach sand soils occur in a number of flat, <br /> low areas near the shoreline. Except for scattered clearings to accommodate <br /> individual cabins or recreation areas, the island remains heavily vegetated with <br /> hardwood species typical of the "Big Woods". <br /> Services <br /> Big Island is provided with only a minimal degree of municipal services. There is <br /> no municipal sewer or water on the island; hence the use of individual septic <br /> systems and wells is common. The island is provided with telephone service and <br /> electric power via lines from the mainland. Police protection is minimally <br /> City of Orono Community Management Plan 2008-2030 Page 3B-52 <br />