04-24-1995 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Edward J, Callahan Jr. Orono ’s own City Management Plan states that "the foremost guiding principle and goal of Orono's planning is to protect and preserve Lake Minnetonka." • Saga Hill, including the available parcel, contains a stand of virgin maple/basswood trees, as well as second growth woods. Together, they provide a sanctuary for dozens of species of birds, deer and small manunals. Preserving Open Space Is Important To Your Constituents • The City’s July 1994 recreation audit study found that "the chief priority for City park and recreational development was deemed to be 'preserv'ing more natuml land areas, such as wetlands, scenic open spaces, and wildlife habitats.'' That view was expressed by 42% of the sample. Twenty-three percent expressed a complementary view, that a priority should be "developing additional passive park facilities such as walking trails and flower gardens." In fact, 62% said they would support higher property taxes if the fimds were used for nature preserves. This, is extraordinary, because in the same study, high taxes were cited as the aspect of life in Orono that residents like least. Support For The Grant Application The City of Orono has three formidable allies in obtaining a grant to preserve Saga Hill: • The Trust For Public Land. The TPL's mission is to help municipalities acquire open space, is committed to help the City secure the DNR grant funds. • The Minnesota Land Trust. The Trust's executive director sits on the grant advisory board, and will support the grant. • The Saga Hill Preservation Society. Our group is working with "experts" in the areas of trees and plants, birds, wildlife, history and watershed issues. We can apply all of these findings to strengthen the grant application. Together, these three groups will assist City staff in meeting the grant deadline of May 1. A Saga Hill Grant Application Does Not Conflict With Orono's Other Requests A Saga Hill Natural and Scenic Area grant will not jeopaidize any other grant application. Can The Saga Hill Preservation Society Secure Matching Funds? The Saga Hill Preservation Society is actively fundraising to secure htdf of the purchase price of the 11+ acre parcel. We are submitting foundation grant applications, conducting fundraising events and working with private donors.