01-14-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Three Rivers Park District/3 ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS REMAINS IN FOREFRONT Although the name of the Park District has changed, its mission to promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources-based park system remains its foremost priority. The Park District's policy for plarming and management of natural resources has distinguished i! from other park and recreation agencies in Miimesola. This unique policy specifles that no more than 20 percetil of a park reserve may be developed for active use, and that at least 80 percent of a park reserve shall be restored to and retained in a natural state. As a result, the Park District has been actively involved in the preservation and restoration of wildlife and plant species. Once-rare osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans are now nesting in the park reserves. Woodland and prairie restorations have been accomplished using native wildflowers, shrubs and trees produced from seed collected in the park reserves by staff and volunteers. Park visitors are offered abundant opportunities to view and learn about the resources within each park. Careful routing of bike, hike and ski trails provides intimate views of woodlands, wetlai.Js and prairies, as well as the wildlife that inhabit them. In addition, the Park District’s knowledgeable team of outdoor education and recreation specialists provides a variety of programs that foster a better understanding of our environment. WORKING TOGETHER Regardless of its name, the Park District will carry forward Hennepin Parks’ reputation for working with other government agencies to ensure quality recreational opportunities for the public. Since 1973, the Park District has operated regional facilities in Scott County as a result of a joint powers agreement between the two agencies. A nine-member Scott-Hennepin Park Advisory Board will continue to advise the Scott Coimty Board and Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners on matters related to these regional park properties. The Scott County Board appoints six members to the advisory board and the Three Rivers Park District Board of Conunissioners appoints three members. -more-