Parkway Commission 3rd Quarter Meeting August 28, 2014 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. State Office Building Room 500 South

DRAFT AGENDA ______

2:30 p.m. Welcome & Introductions S. Johnson

2:35 p.m. Approve Today’s Agenda & Minutes from 2/6/14 and 5/15/14 S. Johnson/All

2:40 p.m. Agency and Regional Updates - Lake Itasca to Grand Rapids Salminen - Grand Rapids to Brainerd Lewis - Brainerd to Elk River Samp - Elk River to Hastings Pierson - Hastings to Iowa Border Mulry - Agriculture Hugunin - Explore MN Tourism A. Johnson/Tollefson - Historical Society Kajer/Kelliher - Natural Resources Parker/Wheeler - Transportation Bradley/Zoff - /MISS Anfinson

3:00 p.m. Commission Business - FY ‘15 Budget Miller - Staffing Contract for MN-MRPC, 2015-16 S. Johnson

3:10 p.m. National MRPC Updates - 2014 Annual Meeting, Memphis TN Samp, Salminen, Zoff, Miller - 2015 Semi-Annual Meeting, MN Samp - Board and Committee Updates, Committee Assignments Committee Members, Miller

3:25 p.m. Corridor Management Plan Project - Overall Project Status Update Miller - MRT Update Liz Walton (MnDOT) - Corridor Management Plan Project Kimley-Horn and Associates/All • Open House Round #1 Debrief • Field Work Update • MRT Kiosk update • Project Schedule • Project Advisory Team • Next Steps/Action Items for MN-MRPC Data collection and processing Agency coordination Spreading the word

4:40 p.m. New Business - Mississippi Corridor Critical Area Draft Rules – Comments S. Johnson/All - Water Trails Tourism Summit Handout

5:00 p.m. Wrap Up and Adjourn

1

Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission 1st Quarter Meeting – February 6, 2014 State Office Building, St. Paul MN MINUTES - DRAFT

Commissioners Present Paul Labovitz – National Park Service Rep. Sheldon Johnson – MN-MRPC Chair Greg Hubinger - LCC Scott Bradley – Transportation Appointee Chris Miller - Staff Karl Samp – Brainerd to Elk River Nancy Salminen – Lake Itasca to Grand Rapids Commissioners & Technical Advisors Andrea Kajer – Historical Society Appointee Absent John Schaubach – Grand Rapids to Brainerd Paul Huginin – Agriculture Appointee Cordelia Pierson – Elk River to Hastings Keith Parker – DNR Appointee Sen. David Senjem Cheryl Offerman – Explore MN Tourism Sen. Patricia Torres-Ray Mark Anderson – At Large Member Rep. Mike Benson Adam Johnson – Explore MN Tourism Appointee Sheronne Mulry – Hastings to Iowa Border Technical Advisors & Staff Present Carol Zoff – Transportation Guests/Speakers Present David Kelliher – Historical Society Todd Holman – The Nature Conservancy Cynthia Wheeler – DNR Liz Walton - MnDOT

------The meeting was called to order at 2:35 by Chairman Johnson, followed by introductions. A quorum was present. Sen. Senjem served as acting chair for a portion of the meeting.

Approval of Meeting Agenda and Minutes from 11/14/13 Meeting

Motion by Andrea Kajer and seconded by Cordelia Pierson to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Motion by Karl Samp and seconded by Scott Bradley to approve the 11/14/13 minutes as printed. Motion carried.

Presentation – The Nature Conservancy, Mississippi River Initiatives

Karl Samp introduced Todd Holman of The Nature Conservancy. Mr. Holman shared information about priorities and freshwater programs of The Nature Conservancy as general information for possible future collaboration with the MN-MRPC. The Nature Conservancy works in 13 countries. Science, protection and conservation are the overall guiding principles. Minnesota initiatives using The Healthy Waters Approach were described along with examples of water protection successes. The Conservancy works with three freshwater program areas – Mississippi Headwaters, St. Croix Headwaters and Rivers of Southeastern Minnesota. The Nature Conservancy was a lead partner on the Mississippi Northwoods Heritage Project, resulting in approximately 2,200 acres of protected land along the Mississippi River near Brainerd. The Conservancy is working with the Minnesota DNR, private landowners and the Army Guard Bureau at Camp Ripley in central Minnesota to limit encroachment by surrounding development through the Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) program.

Questions and discussion followed the presentation on topics including aquatic invasive species and activity on the Minnesota River as it relates to the Mississippi River. The Mississippi Headwaters Board is working to protect lifts and landings. Movement of aquatic invasive species is a high attention issue with multiple counties working together. There was discussion on how to continue information sharing between The Nature Conservancy and MN-MRPC. Suggestions included providing annual “check in” updates at meetings; expansion of email lists to invite MN-MRPC members to meetings/events organized by The Nature Conservancy; and working through the three MN-MRPC regional members from Lake Itasca to Elk River.

Agency and Regional Updates

Historical Society: Andrea Kajer thanked the Commission for their letter indicating support for capital improvements at the Oliver Kelley Farm; and invited everyone to the Winter Farmers Market at . Details about the proposed Kelley Farm improvements were circulated.

Lake Itasca to Grand Rapids: Nancy Salminen invited everyone to a ribbon cutting on June 28 to recognize new amenity sites along the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway. Details will be forwarded as available. Information about the upcoming National Geographic presentation has been shared with the Chippewa National Forest, and the Corridor Management Plan RFP was forwarded to firms in Bemidji. Bemidji would like to be considered as a site for the next MRPC National Meeting hosted in Minnesota. Visit Bemidji could help pull together information.

Grand Rapids to Brainerd: John Schaubach reported that planning continues for an eight mile stretch of bicycle trail from the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area to the Brainerd Airport. Partners are looking are possible alignment and recommendations for the route. The trail segment would link to the Paul Bunyan trail and would be the locally recommended route for the MRT.

Brainerd to Elk River: Karl Samp recently met with Convention & Visitors Bureaus in Brainerd and Little Falls to update them on the Corridor Management Plan project and geotourism initiative. He has also been invited to speak to the Morrison County Mayors group on April 2. Brainerd-Baxter is forming a riverfront development partnership and will be contracting with the University of Minnesota for assistance.

Elk River to Hastings: Cordelia Pierson reported that the National Park Service recently gathered project information from partners for the Alternative Transportation System and is identifying funding needs. The Department of Natural Resources is continuing work on critical area rulemaking for the Mississippi River. The St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board has completed interpretation planning that will highlight Dakota stories. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is working on regional planning.

Natural Resources: Cynthia Wheeler distributed a handout (attached) including updates on the Marketing Grant Hospitality Training Project; potential closure of Upper St. Anthony Falls; link to a report on the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area; and ground water monitoring in the metro area.

Transportation: Scott Bradley reported on funding opportunities for byways under the new Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). National Scenic Byways are eligible to apply for certain projects under Transportation Alternatives, but there are more programs competing for fewer funds than in the past. In Minnesota, MnDOT has committed funds to assist with the transition into the new program. Funds will be used for infrastructure projects and to develop relationships between byways and Area Transportation Partnerships, the entities that will make future funding decisions. Regional Development Corporations (RDCs) will assist in preparing byways to compete for TAP funds in the future. Capital investment plans will be developed. A Minnesota Scenic Byways Workshop will be held March 25 – 26 in Duluth – agenda to be released soon. Carol Zoff provided an update on status of interpretive panel installation. Panels were recently installed at the Mary Gibbs Headwaters Visitors Center in Itasca State Park and new panels have been delivered to Bemidji which will be installed as part of a riverfront development project coming up soon.

National Park Service: Paul Labovitz announced that he will be taking a new job as Superintendent of Indiana Dunes National Park. Members thanked him for his service to the MN-MRPC over the past seven years and wished him well, also noting that he will be greatly missed. The Federal Water Resources Development Act currently includes a provision to close the St. Anthony Falls locks which could help prevent movement of Asian Carp. The Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventure (UWCA) program continues to lead the nation in youth engagement. The canoe mobile has brought canoes to 17 cities recently. Commission members were asked to watch for information on the annual Partner Paddle, coming up in May. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is working with partners on development of the Island Station power plant site, which could include National Park Service offices and other tenants. The annual bald eagle nesting survey will be underway soon. There are approximately 50 active bald eagle nests in the metro area.

Commission Business

FY ’14 Budget Status: A year-to-date status report for the MN-MRPC operating budget was included in the meeting packets and discussed.

Commission Priorities: Rep. Johnson referenced a recent email reminding members of the focus on the Corridor Management Planning project, and the time and effort required of members and staff. This project will be the Commission’s main priority until completion.

National MRPC Updates

2014 Semi-Annual Meeting: The 2014 Semi-Annual Meeting is scheduled for April 23 – 25 in Alton, Illinois. The agenda will be forwarded when available. Members were asked to notify the MN-MRPC office if interested in attending. Karl Samp will attend as a member of the National MRPC Executive Committee. Carol Zoff requested funds from the MN-MRPC to attend.

Corridor Management Plan Project

Mississippi River Trail: A purchase order has been issued for phase II of (MRT) sign fabrication. Bids for installation of those signs were due on January 31. Notification has been sent to the selected installation contractor and installation will take place this spring/summer from Hastings to Elk River. Planning for Phase III of the MRT sign project will begin soon. Meetings will be set with 28 local agencies and the DNR, to discuss signage from Elk River to Lake Itasca. Phase III sign fabrication and installation will take place in 2015.

Mississippi River Companion Printing: This National Park Service publication includes detailed mapping of the Great River Road and MRT in the metro area, and is nearing completion at the printer.

Corridor Management Plan Request for Proposals: The Request for Proposals was released on January 21. Notice was posted in the State Register and emails were sent to firms that indicated interest in the project, MnDOT’s list of prequalified vendors for this type of project, and MnDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise lists. An information meeting will be held for interested vendors on February 13 at 1:30 p.m. All Commission members are welcome to attend for details on the project. Karl Samp, Cordelia Pierson, Andrea Kajer, Keith Parker, Susan Overson (NPS), Carol Zoff, Diane Henry-Wangensteen (LCC) and Chris Miller will serve on the Selection Committee. Deadline for receipt of proposals is March 6, followed by individual review by committee members, a selection committee meeting, and interviews on April 1 – 2. The Selection Committee will make recommendations to the MN-MRPC Chair regarding the contract to be awarded.

Old Business – Updates

Visual Resource Protection Plan: Carol Zoff reviewed the project background. This project was funded by a National Scenic Byways grant and managed by the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, focused on development and use of a system to identify and assess views along the Great River Road in the metro area. The project report is in final editing stages. The process and tools will be utilized along the full length of the Minnesota Great River Road during the Corridor Management Plan process. A question was raised about whether the data from this project is being used in the Mississippi Corridor Critical Area project. Though this has not occurred, the project provides a qualitative explanation and evaluation of views for future uses.

Marketing Grant – Hospitality Training Project: Information on this project was included in the Department of Natural Resources report. It is the last project in the Commission’s federal marketing grant. Regional Great River Road map tablets are being revised, including addition of state forest information. The DNR is providing graphic design time and the marketing grant will cover printing costs. Map tablets and a PowerPoint presentation about the Great River Road will be provided to state parks along the Great River Road for use with visitors and local communities. Train-the-trainer sessions will be scheduled based on interest. The MN-MRPC will also have a limited number of copies for general use at meetings and events, and regional commissioners will each receive a tablet for their regions. There was discussion about other uses for print materials and electronic versions of the maps. Suggestions included

Mayo Clinic and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Electronic copies of the maps can be shared and posted on websites as appropriate. Discussion followed on public outreach that will be conducted and strategies developed as part of the Corridor Management Plan project, including public health and multiple modes of transportation.

Silica Sand Mining: Chris Miller referred to the resolution adopted at the last MN-MRPC meeting. A cover letter was sent with the resolution to cities, counties and townships in the Hastings to Iowa Border region, and copied to the Environmental Quality Board, League of Minnesota Cities, Association of Minnesota Counties and Minnesota Association of Townships. It was also sent to those who testified at the November MN-MRPC meeting and is posted on the MN-MRPC page of the LCC website. Karl Samp has received feedback from a testifier expressing thanks. Carol Zoff reported on her work with the Environmental Quality Board’s technical support team in development of a toolkit for local governments. Public comments are now being accepted on the toolkit.

CapX 2020: No report.

New Business

Mississippi River Connections Collaborative/Geotourism Project: Karl Samp reported that the Mississippi River Connections Collaborative will be meeting in Memphis, March 11 – 13 and he will attend to represent the MRPC, at the request of MRPC Pilot Bob Miller. An opportunity is coming up on February 13 to hear about the Mississippi River Geotourism Project. Jim Dion of National Geographic and Terry Eastin of the Mississippi River Connections Collaborative will be here on February 13, 3:30 p.m. An invitation has been sent out to MN-MRPC members and stakeholder lists. It will be re-sent to members as a reminder. Funds would need to be raised before work could begin to develop a National Geographic geotourism project involving all ten Mississippi River States. Products include a website and printed maps.

Next Meeting

The Second Quarter meeting will be May 15, 2014; 2:30 – 5:00 p.m.; State Office Building 500 South

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m.

Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission 2nd Quarter Meeting – May 15, 2014 State Office Building, St. Paul MN MINUTES - DRAFT

Commissioners Present Commissioners & Technical Advisors Scott Bradley – Transportation Appointee Absent Karl Samp – Brainerd to Elk River Paul Huginin – Agriculture Appointee Nancy Salminen – Lake Itasca to Grand Rapids Keith Parker – DNR Appointee Andrea Kajer – Historical Society Appointee Colleen Tollefson – Explore MN Tourism Cordelia Pierson – Elk River to Hastings Adam Johnson – Explore MN Tourism Appointee Mark Anderson – At Large Member Rep. Sheldon Johnson Sheronne Mulry – Hastings to Iowa Border Rep. Mike Benson Sen. Patricia Torres Ray Technical Advisors & Staff Present Sen. David Senjem Cynthia Wheeler – DNR John Schaubach – Grand Rapids to Brainerd John Anfinson – National Park Service Carol Zoff - Transportation Greg Hubinger – LCC David Kelliher – Historical Society Diane Henry-Wangensteen - LCC Chris Miller - Staff Guests/Speakers Present Liz Walton – MnDOT Jessica Laabs – Kimley-Horn Ashley Ver Burg – Kimley-Horn

------The meeting was called to order at 2:35 by Vice-Chair Sheronne Mulry, followed by introductions. A quorum was not present and no formal actions were taken.

Review of Minutes from 2/6/14 Meeting Sheronne Mulry referred to the minutes and encouraged members to review. John Anfinson noted a correction – 50 active eagle nests are located within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Agency and Regional Updates

Elk River to Hastings: Cordelia Pierson reported that a conference call was recently held to begin planning a ribbon cutting event for the Mississippi River Trail in the metro area, with more details to be shared during the MRT report later in the agenda.

Lake Itasca to Grand Rapids: Nancy Salminen reported on the Minnesota Scenic Byways Conference and noted the great presentations on the Transportation Alternatives Program and activities of other byways. All commission members are invited to attend a ribbon cutting event at the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway on June 28. Invitations will be mailed out soon. Two amenity sites will be highlighted – one on the Mississippi River and Great River Road, and another near Pennington.

National Park Service: John Anfinson shared information on the National Park Service’s “Enjoy the View” project. A special team from the National Park Service will be visiting late this summer to select 20-30 views that were included in the recent Great River Road Visual Resource Protection Project and build on the work that has been done. The City of Dayton is interested in partnering with the MRT as well as possible installation of a monument/entry sign for the National Park. John has been the lead on Asian Carp issues for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and encouraged members to let him know if they have questions.

Transportation: Scott Bradley reported on the Minnesota Scenic Byways Conference, held March 25-26 in Duluth. It had been a few years since this conference was held and it was well attended. A solicitation went out on May 1 for applications requesting Transportation Alternatives Funding for Scenic Byway projects. Applications are due June 20. Funding is for infrastructure projects, which must be authorized and under contract by September 2016. Up to $1.5 million per year will be available for the next few

years as a transition while byways begin to work through the Area Transportation Partnership structure to request funds. Three or four indications of interest have been received thus far. Scott Bradley and Carol Zoff recently met with representatives from four MnDOT districts that align with the Great River Road, to begin a “conflict scoping process” for the Corridor Management Plan project. This is a process being used by MnDOT for all large projects, to identify and prevent potential conflict during a project. There was discussion on how byways will work with Area Transportation Partnerships in the future, including note of the complexity for byways crossing multiple ATPs. MnDOT is currently working with all byways, ensuring that Corridor Management Plans are in place and that they include recommendations for infrastructure and capital improvement projects. Regional Development Commissions are interested in assisting with this.

Brainerd to Elk River: Karl Samp referred to the regional report in the meeting packet. He also noted a Brainerd-Baxter Mississippi River Planning Group walkabout coming up on May 17. The group will be viewing riverfront property and considering options for development of new riverfront amenities. 38 acres of riverfront land was recently acquired, with help from the Rotary Club and DNR. The Brainerd-Baxter Group will be holding a planning session on May 31 at Central Lakes College. Several festivals are coming up in the region: Little Falls Dam Festival; Take a Day OFF (St. Cloud area); Brainerd July 4th celebration along the river.

Hastings to Iowa Border: Sheronne Mulry reported on the flooding occurring in the Bluffs Region, impacting both commerce and tourism. CapX power lines are now crossing Highway 61. Train traffic is increasing in the region.

Historical Society: Andrea Kajer announced that historic sites will be opening soon for the summer season. Mill City Museum will be offering a summer concert series again this year. The Capitol Bonding Bill currently includes funds for visitor center improvements at the Oliver Kelley Farm.

Natural Resources: Cynthia Wheeler provided a written report including information on the DNR’s eagle camera (http://www.webcams.dnr.state.mn.us/eagle/). The eagle cam site has been very popular. DNR Central Region Headquarters will be holding at “Take Aim at Summer Fun” event on May 17. A variety of free activities will be offered and all are welcome. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is working on the St. Anthony Falls Regional Park Plan. Cynthia Wheeler serves on the technical advisory committee and Cordelia Pierson serves on the citizen advisory committee. The Minnesota Historical Society is also involved. Andrea Kajer serves on the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. Public review is currently planned for August. Draft copies of the plan were circulated for review. There was discussion about the eagle nest in the area (between the University of Minnesota and Stone Arch Bridge) and hopes that it will stay. John Anfinson mentioned that the Great Lakes Inventorying & Monitoring Crew will be in the area soon and will check nests and test the health of eagles in the area.

Commission Business

FY ’14 Budget Status: Treasurer Mark Anderson discussed the budget status report in the meeting packets. He noted that there is a significant balance left for this time in the year, but that it can be carried forward into FY’ 15 for use during the heaviest activity for the Corridor Management Plan project. He also mentioned that funding needs for FY ’16 and beyond will likely change based on recommendations in the completed Corridor Management Plan. Karl Samp noted potential costs related to hosting the 2015 MRPC National Semi-Annual Meeting.

Staffing RFP for MN-MRPC 2015-16: Diane Henry-Wangensteen announced that an RFP has been released for MN-MRPC staffing services, in keeping with the regular required process. The deadline for proposals is May 23. Volunteers were requested to serve on a review committee which will likely be able to complete its work by email and conference call. Karl Samp, Nancy Salminen and Scott Bradley volunteered to serve on the committee.

National MRPC Updates

2014 Semi-Annual Meeting: Karl Samp reported. It was a good meeting, though not heavily attended. Field trip tours were a highlight, including the Lewis and Clark Museum, Lock & Dam 26, and a fish processing plant in Grafton, Illinois. The keynote speaker from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was excellent. Topics included climate change, the science behind it, and what it means for the Mississippi River. The Environment, Recreation and Agriculture Committee is seeking nominations for the National MRPC Stewardship Award. $500 in funding is available for the winner to travel to a MRPC meeting to accept the award. The 2014 MRPC Annual Meeting will be in Memphis in September.

Mississippi River Connections Collaborative (MRCC)/Geotourism: The MRPC Board signed on to the MRCC Memorandum of Understanding with National Park Service, MRT Inc. and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Pledges have now been received for 2/3 of the potential start-up cost. The current plan has MRPC budgeted for $100,000 in cash and in-kind contribution to the project but specifics on that have not yet been determined. There are questions remaining on whether there is the ability to access the geotourism websites from the main National Geographic website; if/how the National Geographic logo could be used and definition of what it means to be a partner.

Site Selection Process for 2015 Semi-Annual Meeting: Minnesota will be hosting the MRPC Semi- Annual Meeting in April of 2015. A possible theme is “Planning for the River” which could highlight some of the local community river planning that has recently taken place. A subcommittee will be developed to recommend a site to the MN-MRPC at the August Quarterly Meeting. There was discussion on the process to be used for selection of a location. Chris Miller will send out specifics regarding site needs and considerations from the National MRPC, along with a request for volunteers.

Corridor Management Plan Project

Overall Project Status Update: Chris Miller provided a general status update – the grant and matching funds have paid for sign fabrication and installation for Phases I and II of the MRT sign project. Mississippi River Companion printing has been completed. A contract is in place for development of the Corridor Management Plan. The Selection Committee included Andrea Kajer, Keith Parker, Cordelia Pierson, Mark Anderson, Karl Samp, Susan Overson and special thanks were noted for their hard work.

MRT Update: Liz Walton provided information. Signs were installed last summer in southeastern Minnesota and are currently being installed from Hastings to Elk River with completion planned for this summer. Meetings have recently taken place with local governments from Elk River to Lake Itasca to prepare for the 2015 sign installation in those regions. Adjustments have been made to the route based on feedback and requests from local governments. Most of the adjustments involve moving the route off-road. Examples of areas with minor changes include the Forest History Center and Crow Wing State Park. There has been an increase in calls coming in from people interested in riding the route. A group will be riding Nice Ride bikes from the Twin Cities to Bemidji. Planning is beginning for the MRT Metro Area Ribbon Cutting and many good options have been suggested. The event will be held in September, possibly in conjunction with another event. MRT kiosks will be placed in hub communities as part of CMP project. A flyer was distributed inviting public input on the MnDOT Statewide Bicycle Plan. MNRRA and MRT were recently highlighted by Adventure Cycling in their blog, with plans for additional features in the future.

Corridor Management Plan Project Start Up: Jessica Laabs and Ashley Ver Burg of Kimley-Horn were welcomed to the meeting. Jessica provided background on the Corridor Management Plan project and Ashley discussed the upcoming open houses and public outreach. Four handouts were distributed – overview/list of tasks, list of potential project advisory team members, proposed schedule by task, and proposed public outreach schedule. Tasks #2 (establish stakeholder communication system) and #12 (develop communications/public relation plan) are underway right now. The Project Advisory Team will begin meeting at end of June, as a lead in to public open houses to be held in July. There was discussion regarding the proposed list of advisory team members, with additions and changes suggested. General parameters for the advisory team were discussed, including focusing on organizations likely to be partners moving forward, looking for networks that can help communicate and keeping size to a workable number. MN-MRPC partner agencies are not on the list, because they will be involved at the Commission level. There is the possibility of special working meetings/workshops in addition to regular quarterly MN- MRPC meetings. MN-MRPC members would like to receive notice of project advisory team meetings so they have the option to attend for information. Organizations and groups not on the advisory team list will be included on stakeholder lists to receive information or will be contacted directly for involvement on specific efforts and topics.

Karl Samp recommended that local members of the public provide information on amenities (more than outside consultants). Local input will be important and utilized and Paw Paw Partners will focus on prioritizing and categorizing sites.

Kimley-Horn will need help from Commission members. Individual contacts will be made regarding available data. They will also need: lists of organizations to be involved; names of people to include; events and meetings that will be taking place; assistance making introductions/connections with people; and recommended meeting/open house locations. A list of information needed will be sent out to Commission members, asking that replies be sent to the MN-MRPC office.

The first round of public open houses will be coming up in July. The open houses will be scheduled for a two week period, with a session in each destination area. The purpose is to generate interest and involvement in the project. It will be important for the public to weigh in, either in person or online. The open houses will be aligned with existing events if possible. John Anfinson mentioned NPS efforts to work with Major League Baseball to focus on the Mississippi River as part of All-Star Game events. Andrea Kajer suggested tying in to Mill City Live and Mill City Opera events.

Public open house/meeting location considerations – would like the events outside close to the river, an indoor option in case of weather issues, bike rides, historians, activities, etc. The goal will be to enhance the events so they are “not your traditional open houses.”

There was discussion on possible cities/locations for the first round of destination area open houses. Options included Lake Itasca; Bemidji (Diamond Point Park)or Grand Rapids; Brainerd (Lum Park or Northland Arboretum?); Lake City (Hok-si-La park?); Winona (MN Marine Art Museum); Great River Road Interpretive Centers; interpretive centers; Little Falls (Initiative Foundation); St. Cloud (convention center or gardens); or Harriet Island Pavilion; Boom Island (no enclosed shelter).

A Metro Quest online survey will be created and used in conjunction with open houses. People will be able to go in and give feedback, access maps, drop pins on maps with suggestions, etc.

Over the next two months, activity will focus on social media, prep for open houses, outreach, web presence, review of existing data and development of the GIS database that will house all project information. A contact list is being built and members were asked to send names to the MN-MRPC office.

Old Business – Updates

Marketing Grant – Hospitality Training Project: Cynthia Wheeler and Chris Miller reported on completion of the project, which was the last task in the Commission’s federal marketing grant. The DNR provided project and graphic design services to update the MN GRR map tablets for hospitality training at state parks along the Great River Road. The maps were distributed along with a flash drive including a PowerPoint presentation highlighting things to see and do along the Great River Road, and an offer for in-person training sessions at the state parks. Map tablets are available today for anyone interested. Discussion followed including suggestions - fall would be a good time to promote the training and a reminder could be sent at that time; and consider development of a PowerPoint that promotes winter tourism.

CapX 2020: Sheronne Mulry referred to the update given in the regional reports. The topic will remain on the agenda as an information item.

New Business

Scenic Byway Transportation Alternatives Grants: C hris Miller asked if members know of interest, and possible need for letters of support from the MN-MRPC. Cordelia Pierson mentioned that the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board might apply.

Other: A question was raised about procedures and paperwork for travel and per diem costs related to upcoming CMP activities. Forms and procedure information will be emailed out to all members.

Next Meeting

The Third Quarter meeting will be August 28, 2014 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. State Office Building 500 South

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.

Mississippi River Parkway Commission of Minnesota Agency & Regional Updates May 2014

Brainerd to Elk River – Commissioner Karl Samp______

 Karl met with Jeff Wig, manager of the Brainerd Airport on 3/31 (John Schaubach joined this meeting); Kris Vonberge of the Little Falls CVB on 4/8; and the Morrison County Mayors group on April 9th to review all of the exciting goings-on with MN-MRPC, and to solicit their support and participation in the CMP process.

 Karl is representing MN-MRPC on the steering committee for the Brainerd Riverfront Development project. The group had their first official meeting on March 26th. Background information was provided after introductions (over 20 in the group), and some good ideas were shared in small group discussion. The next meeting was held on April 30th. The U of M Center for Rural Design is the planning consultant for the project.

Mississippi River Parkway Commission of Minnesota Agency & Regional Updates August 2014

Brainerd to Elk River – Commissioner Karl Samp______

 Brainerd has completed the public input process for its riverfront planning efforts. They are now awaiting draft schematic design work from the University of Minnesota Center for Rural Design. If you wish to see results of the public process or the draft design work when it is in let Karl know.

MN-MRPC FY '15 Budget

MN-MRPC FY '15 Operating Budget FY '15 Obj Code Description Budget Comments

Commissioner Per Diems: MN-MRPC quarterly mtgs, MRPC Annual Mtg & Semi-Annual Mtg, committee mtgs, 41070 Other Benefits (Per Diem) $ 4,500.00 commission representation at meetings and events, CMP project.

41110 Printing & Advertising$ 1,000.00 Commission meeting copies, materials

41130 Prof/Tech Services$ 30,000.00 Admin contract, website design services, additional staff time for projects, other services as needed.

41150 Computer & System Services$ 1,000.00 Website hosting, stats and email.

41155 Communications$ 1,000.00 Postage/deliveries, MN MRPC phone line and conference calls, shipping costs.

41160 In-State Travel $ 5,500.00 Commissioners/Advisors/Staff: quarterly mtgs, work groups, events, CMP project, 2015 Semi-Annual Mtg.

41170 Out-State Travel $ 3,000.00 MRPC 2014 Annual Meeting - Memphis

41180 Employee Development $ 1,500.00 Meeting and conference registration fees

41300 Office Supplies $ 500.00 General office supplies for Commission projects. Donations for GRR maps are placed in this line item.

43000 Other Costs (MRPC Dues)$ 15,000.00 MRPC dues for 2015

TOTAL$ 63,000.00 MN-MRPC Grants (approx. balances at end of FY '14)

Interpretive Panels $ 26,664.03 Sign frames for MRT community kiosks (7). RFP to be releated in September.

CMP - National Scenic Byways$ 505,789.90 CMP project contract, MRT sign costs, MN-MRPC CMP costs

CMP - National Park Service$ 44,812.64 MRT Final Phase II sign installation cost, MRT Phase III sign fabrication and installation

Note: Approx. $12,000 to be carried forward from FY '14 operating budget, and not yet placed into above line items. Mississippi River Critical Area Program - Division of Waters: Minnesota DNR

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Home > Ecological and Water Resources (Waters) > Water Management > Mississippi River Critical Mississippi River Critical Area Area Program Main page Program

Map History and Scope Purpose Executive Order 79- The Mississippi River Critical Area Program is a joint local and state program 19 and Appendices that provides coordinated planning and management for 72 miles of the Mississippi River, four miles of the Minnesota River, and 54,000 acres of adjacent corridor lands. The designated Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor Rivers & stretches from Ramsey and Dayton, Minnesota, to the southern boundary of Streams Dakota County on the west/south side of the river and the boundary with the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway on the east/north side of the river, Programs and runs through the heart of Minneapolis-St. Paul. To view a map of the Rivers and Streams corridor location, see Critical Area/MNRRA Corridor Map. Main Page The Mississippi River Critical Area Program works in partnership with the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) Program , River and Stream a unit of the National Park Service. Management In 2007, the Minnesota State Legislature directed the DNR to prepare a Mississippi River report on the status of the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Critical Area Program (5.3 Mb). The DNR also conducted a survey of the thirty communities in the Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor to gather information on the Mississippi River communities' Critical Area plans and ordinances, and their experiences with Management - the Program. A full discussion of the survey (4.7 Mb) was created as a Navigation separate report. Wild and Scenic For more detailed information on the Critical Area Program, refer to the links Rivers Program in the side bar at the left, under Mississippi River Critical Area Program.

Shoreland Management Program What's New Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Rulemaking Project

Additional links Wild and Scenic Rivers Program Shoreland Management Program Variances in Shorelands, Floodplains & Other DNR-Protected Waterways Rivers and streams information River management

Staff Dan Petrik, Land Use Specialist, (651) 259-5697, [email protected]

http://dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/critical_area/index.html[8/25/2014 8:39:21 AM] Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Rulemaking Project (MRCCA): Minnesota DNR

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Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Rulemaking

Comments on Working Draft Rules Accepted through September On June 2, the DNR issued a request for comments (RFC) on the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) working draft rules. The RFC established a comment deadline of August 15, 2014. Since publishing the RFC, DNR has received several requests for additional time to comment. Given that this is an informal phase of the rulemaking process, DNR will continue to accept comments through September 30, 2014. However, DNR staff will begin revising the working draft rules in mid-August. We encourage interested parties to submit comments by August 15 or as soon thereafter as possible. Comments received closer to August 15 will be more helpful as we identify specific topics for additional consultation and develop revisions to the working draft rules. The Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) is a unique land corridor along the Mississippi River within the seven-county metropolitan area. Land development in the 54,000-acre corridor is currently guided by state regulations that are implemented through local plans and zoning ordinances. The MRCCA was established in the 1970s by Executive Order, a type of state regulation that cannot be readily changed or updated. In 2009, the Minnesota Legislature directed the DNR to establish rules to replace the outdated standards in the Executive Order. The rulemaking process was put on hold in 2011 and the DNR's authority expired. In 2013, the Legislature restored DNR's rulemaking authority and made changes to the statutory language guiding rule development to better address local government concerns. What do the proposed rules mean for local governments, homeowners, and businesses within the MRCCA? Local governments will eventually need to update their plans and ordinances for this area. Most homeowners and businesses should see little if any change in their status. For more information, and to comment on the working draft rules, see below.

MRCCA Program Page | Rulemaking Page

What's happening Working draft rules Background now and maps information

Request for comments Working draft rules Report to Legislature,

http://dnr.state.mn.us/input/rules/mrcca/index.html[8/25/2014 8:38:49 AM] Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Rulemaking Project (MRCCA): Minnesota DNR

January 2014 Rulemaking schedule Homeowners' guides to the rules 2011 draft rules and FAQs comments Working draft maps Meetings Existing corridor map How to comment Project overview 2009 - 2011 rulemaking Sign up for e-mails Executive order and Legislative authority

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http://dnr.state.mn.us/input/rules/mrcca/index.html[8/25/2014 8:38:49 AM] Possible Categories for Mississippi Corridor Critical Area Draft Rule Comments:

Sight lines  From and to the byway  From and to the Mississippi River Trail bikeway

Building heights  Within specific districts  In certain areas

Categories of districts  Old districts were: o Rural Open Space / Urban Developed / Urban Diversified / Urban Open Space

 New districts are: o Rural and Open Space District / River Neighborhood District / River Towns and Crossings District / Separated from River District / Urban Mixed District / Urban Core District

 Specific items that are missing from new districts that we would want to retain from old districts

Bluff and sloped areas - storm water flow

Park dedication requirements

Billboard requirements

Places in proposed rules where the MRPC should be included in the process

Other specific issues

8/28/14

Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission

Resolution 2013-01

Urging the development of proper procedures and regulation in siting and operation of silica sand mining and processing facilities in the Great River Road National Scenic Byway Corridor of southeastern Minnesota

Whereas the statutory role of the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission, established under Minnesota Statute 161.1419, is to work toward the planning, construction, maintenance, and improvement of the Great River Road or Mississippi River Parkway and

Whereas the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission mission is to promote, preserve, and enhance the resources of the Mississippi River Valley and to develop the highways and amenities of the Great River Road (National Scenic Byway) and

Whereas the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission promotes, supports, and advances actions, responsibilities, procedures, controls, operational practices, and strategies to maintain the intrinsic archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities that support National Scenic Byway designation and

Whereas in response to input and requests from stakeholders the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission passed a motion to draft a resolution related to its mission and byway intrinsic qualities and

Whereas there has been an identified need for more guidance in the approval process and oversight in affected counties and local governments and

Whereas silica sand operations create concern over potential negative effects; e.g. air & water quality, public health, traffic flow & safety, highway & bridge quality, property value, and aesthetic qualities within the region (all affecting tourism and community quality of life) and the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission supports the efforts of the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board and

Whereas the potential for silica sand jobs and an economic boom within the Great River Road corridor are significant, there is also the potential for significant adverse economic impacts to the Great River Road’s tourism industry and

Whereas the value of the land and silica sand resources are significant for owners as are profits for the mining industries

Therefore be it resolved, that

The Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission encourages local units of government to refer to and work with the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board Silica Sand Technical Assistance Team and

The Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission supports zoning ordinances and other land use practices that protect the archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway and the Mississippi River.

Adopted – November 14, 2013

Experience Network Learn

2014 Minnesota State Water Trails Tourism Summit September 29th-30th, 2014 Mississippi River State Water Trail & River’s Edge Convention Center, St. Cloud, MN For more information: granitecountry.com/wtsummit

Photo credit from left to right: Rolf Hagberg, Deb Rose (MN DNR), Deb Rose (MN DNR)   

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