06-02-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Protecting the City's Valuable Natural Infrastructure: '80 A Natural Treasure to Protect and Restore: The Preitag property, with a n1Ìle of Mississippi River frontage, provides a key, local link in an internationally significant natural corridor. The Mississippi provides a major migratory route for many birds, with. nearly 40% of the continental ducks, geese, and shorebirds using the route during journeys to their nesting and wintering areas. An uninterrupted corridor of habitat is vital not only for birds, but for fish, mammals, and other aquatic and terrestrial species. With the protection of the Freitag property next to the existing Gores Pool Wildlife Management Area, further fragmentation of the critical wooded bottomland forests can be prevented, floodplain forest can be restored to areas already cleared, and the site's exist- ing and restored native habitat can be permanently protected. j'//",c"""",."."",,, 10 Buffer to Sensitive Bald Eagle and Other Bird Nesting Areas: Public purchase of the Freitag property will protect both Bald Eagle and colonial water bird nesting areas. A Bald Eagle is actively nesting a few hundred feet to the east of this property, and colonial water birds also sensitive to disturbance during breeding season are nesting less than a mile away. Forest clearing and motorized vehicle activity which may disturb the eagles and water birds during the crucial nesting period would be controlled on the public land. Public acquisition of this property would help ensure compatible land use in the vicinity of these birds, minimizing poten- tial dis turbances and buffering the nests. .- # Preventing Growth in Sensitive Areas: 10 Public Safety Maintained: Conservation as open space would prevent potential public safety risks posed by development in this flood-prone area. If the Freitag property is not sold for conservation purposes, the owners have indicated that the 300-acre parcel might be developed into multiple residential units even though about three quarters of the land lies in the undevelopable tOO-year floodway, and no sewer and water service now extends to the area. The bridge crossing the Vermillion River to the area was closed during the recent flooding, isolating the few existing residential properties relying on the bridge for access. It is questionable whether such development would be allowed; however, conservation of the area would avoid the issue and minimize Hastings' risk of not being able to respond to emergencies or extending costly public services (medical, fire, police; sewer and water) to the area for additional residents. 10 Public Costs Minimized: Development in this flood-prone area may be more expensive to the public than conservation. Costs of repairing public infrastructure such as bridges and roads, insurance payments for property damage, and increased flooding and pollution downstream are likely. Purchasing the land for wildlife habitat, a land use compatible with the floodplain, will ultimately be more fiscally responsible than allowing devel- opment here.