04-22-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CMPPartSa LandUscPlaa strong encouragement toward recreational uses as opposed to full time residential uses which 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 ultinute complete acquisition and ownership of Big Island by Hetuiepin Paries is unlikely to occur in the foreseeable fiihire. Heimepin Parks* current goals and policies do not include expansion of their existing Big Island holdings. Further, the expansion of Hennepin Paries holdings to incoqxHute adjacent lands that are developed with seasonal cabins may lead to more active park uses. While the current passive parie 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 Paric, and the need for more public services ^lich 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 250 acres in area, of which approximately 50 acres is wetland. A imvigable chaimel achudly separates Big Island into two distinct islands. The shoreland ranges fiom 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 l^e level, located near the south end of Morse Island Park. Soils on Big Island ate 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 mai^and. Police protection is minimally provided by the City of Orono and the Heimepin County Sheriff. Fire protection is proviM by the Long Lake Fire Department although response time is understandably poor due to the lack of roads or bridges connecting the island to the mainland, and access to die CUy of (hoBO CoBiBiMity Maaagcacat Pisa PagaSB^ O