02-25-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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catfPPart3B. LMdUiePi— strong encouragement toward recreational uses as opposed to full time residential uses u^ch would require a greater level of services than the City can reasonably provide. As a result of more recent discussions with Hennepin Parks officials, the City Council has concluded that ultimate complete acquisition and ownership of Big Island by Hennepin Parks is unlikely to occur in the foreseeable future. Hennepin Parks ’ current goals and policies do not include expansion of their existing Big Island holdings. Further, the expansion of Hennepin Parks holdings to incorporate adjacent lands that are developed with seasonal cabins may lead to more active park uses. While the current passive park use as a wildlife preserve requires virtually no City services, expansion of the Park area to include lands which could be used for active public recreation would result in the need for a more active management of the Park, and the need for more public services which the City cannot provide. For that reason, Orono’s 2000*2020CMP goals and policies for Big Island reflect support for continuation of Hennepin Parks ’ current level of ownership and control of property on Big Island. Physical Features Big Island encompasses approximately 2S0 acres in area, of which approximately SO acres is wetland. A navigable chaimel acturdly separates Big Island into two distinct islands. The shoreland ranges from flat, low wetland areas near the lake level to steep and often eroded bluffs extending as much as 30-40* above lake level. The topography is hilly. The highest point on the island is 988', nearly 60* above lake level, located near the south end of Morse Island Park. Soils on Big Island are mapped as Hayden loam and clay loam, typical of soils located in central and northern Orono, Beach sand soils occur in a number of flat, low areas near the shoreline. Except for scattered clearings to accommodate individual cabins or recreation areas, the island remains heavily vegetated with hardwood species typical of the "Big Woods". Services Big Island is provided with only a minimal degree of municipal services. There is no municipal sewer or water on the island, hence the use of individual septic systems and wells is common. The island is provided with telephone service and electric power via lines from the mainland. Police protection is minimall y provided by the City of Orono and the Hermepin County Sheriff. Fire protection is provided by the Long Lake Fire Department although response time is u^crstandably poor due to the lack of roads or bridges connecting the island to the mainland, and access to the City of Oroao CoianivaiCy Maaagcacat Plan Septmber MM Pacc3E*50 o u ( >