HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-24 PRC packetCITY OF STILLWATER
STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
NOTICE OF MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2011 AT 7:00 PM
The City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, October 24, 2011,
at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street.
AGENDA
1. Approval of the September 26, 2011 minutes
2. Open Forum - The Open Forum is a portion of the meeting to address the Board on
subjects which are not a part of the meeting agenda. The Board may take action or reply
at the time of the statement or may give direction to staff regarding investigation of the
concerns expressed. Out of respect for others in attendance, please limit your
comments to 5 minutes or less.
Action Items
3. Millbrook Park Fields
4. City Wide Kiosk Design Standards
5. Browns Creek State Trail
Informational Items
Commission Items /Topics
CITY OF STILLWATER
STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SEPT. 26, 2011
Present: Linda Amrein, chair, David Brandt, Scott Christensen, Rob McGarry, Sandy Snellman,
Don Stiff and Councilmember Mike Polehna
Absent: Solveg Peterson
Staff present: Assistant Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore and Planner Mike Pogge
Chair Amrein called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Approval of minutes Ms. Snellman moved to approve the minutes of August 22, 2011, as
presented. Mr. Brandt seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
OPEN FORUM
No comments were received.
ACTION ITEMS
Millbrook Park Open House
Residents attending the open house were Kathy Denman Wilke, 3429 Maureen Lane; David
Junker, 640 N. Main St.; and Adam Voss, 3441 Maureen Lane. Mr. Moore reviewed a brief
history of the development of the proposed plans for Millbrook Park and highlighted some of the
features of the plans including: parking area for 50 -60 cars along the southeast portion of the
park; ball field for younger children that could include uses such as a smaller soccer field; area
for picnic shelter, playground equipment and landscaping amenities; basketball court and
volleyball court; an area on the western side of the park large enough for two large soccer or
football fields or three smaller fields. He said currently there are plans to build the parking lot,
install some sidewalk and playground equipment and develop the turf for the fields and ball field
on the east side of the park next year, pending Council approval of the 2012 budget. He said he
has been approached by the St. Croix Valley Baseball Association looking for another playing
field. He said the Association would be willing to partner with the City on improving the ball
field, one similar in size to the field at Public Works for players ages 10 -13. He said the
Association would install dugouts, fencing, scoreboard, and back stop. He noted one issue for
consideration with that possible partnership is the potential need for additional off - street parking
during games on weekday evenings. He noted the fields would not be lighted. He said work on
the turf would continue this fall. He said fairly good turf has been established on the east half of
the park area, but quite a bit of work remains to be done on the west half of the park.
Ms. Denman - Wilke, member of the Townhome Association Board, said there was some
concern regarding parking in the townhomes' guest parking areas, especially on the weekends.
She also suggested there likely will be a problem with people using the fields to walk their dogs
and not cleaning up after their pets. Mr. Moore responded that education is the best way to
address that problem, noting that dogs are allowed in parks, on a leash and when owners clean
up after their pets. She asked whether it would be a Homeowner Association issue or the City's
issue if parking in the guest areas becomes a problem. Mr. Moore noted the City does have a
traffic committee and the issue, if there is one, could be brought up at that level. Mr. Moore also
noted there is a lot of on- street parking available, which should reduce the potential for any
problem.
Park and Recreation Board Minutes
September 26, 2011
Page 2 of 4
Dave Junker spoke of a tree - planting campaign that he had spearheaded with the assistance of
City staff. He said there are a limited number of trees remaining and invited Millbrook residents
to spread the word about making use of the remaining trees.
Ms. Amrein asked whether those in attendance thought Nillbrook residents would be amenable
to having non - residents, such as the Baseball Association, using the fields. Mr. Junker noted
there are a lot of kids in the Millbrook area and said he thought the fields would be a great
amenity. Mr. Voss noted this is a City park and the expectation is that the park is for everyone's
use, not just the Millbrook neighborhood.
Mr. Polehna asked about any plans for a skating rink. Mr. Moore said currently plans do not
include a skating rink, but said he thought there were areas that could accommodate a rink.
Mr. Christensen asked if there are any connections to a trail system; Mr. Moore said the park
area is connected to a trail that comes up along the Brown's Creek tributary, as well as
connection to the sidewalk system that goes through the neighborhood and connects back to
the Brown's Creek trail at several locations. It was noted the trail around the lake is the
responsibility of the developer.
There was a concern that installing the outfield fence might limit the use of that field to baseball;
Mr. Moore said he has been looking at the size of the field and the possibility of accommodating
some type of soccer field for younger players inside the outfield fence, as has been done
successfully at the Public Works field. On a question by Mr. Polehna, Mr. Moore noted that one
of the fields could be used for lacrosse. On a question by Ms. Amrein regarding tennis courts,
Mr. Moore said staff does not receive a lot of requests for additional tennis facilities. Mr. Moore
said he might question the inclusion of the proposed volleyball courts; he suggested that area
could potentially be reconfigured to include tennis and a smaller basketball court. In discussion,
Mr. Moore noted the School District's recreation program is considering offering a summer
volleyball league; Mr. McGarry asked about the timeframe for committing an area to a specific
use; Mr. Moore said next year improvements will likely be limited to the parking area, some
sidewalk, playground and possibly a picnic shelter, along with developing a playing field. On a
question by Ms. Amrein, Mr. Moore said there would be portable restrooms. There were several
comments in support of the picnic shelter and playground equipment.
There was additional discussion about the proposed partnership with the St. Croix Baseball
Association. Mr. Moore said the relationship has worked well in the past, but noted there is
expectation for use of the field Monday through Thursday and for occasional weekend
tournaments. Mr. Moore said there have been no concerns regarding the similar partnership at
the Public Works field; he noted the parking lot there is smaller than the Millbrook parking area
and the parking has been adequate. Mr. Moore also pointed out there is on- street parking
available in close proximity to the Millbrook park. It was noted the proposal to partner with the
Baseball Association will come back to the Commission for approval.
Ms. Amrein moved to recommend to the Council that the current plan for Millbrook Park
proceed, with the expectation that minor changes may be made at a future date as needed. Ms.
Snellman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
Park and Recreation Board Minutes
September 26, 2011
Page 3 of 4
Mr. Christensen said he has been told that the City is inadequate in the number of baseball
fields as compared to other communities of similar size. Mr. Moore said the City is about at the
national standard for the number of fields per population; Mr. Pogge suggested the problem
arises when the fields are accommodating players From neighboring communities, such as Oak
Park Heights or Stillwater Township. Mr. McGarry noted that all of the athletic associations
represent the School District 834 population, not just Stillwater, and he pointed out that
Stillwater simply doesn't have the acreage to accommodate a larger athletic complex. Mr.
Moore said he would agree that the quality of the City's fields are not where they should be, but
that is an issue that staff is working on and will be resolved in the next couple of years. Mr.
Polehna spoke of a survey that is being conducted of the various athletic associations to look at
space needs and funding issues.
Downtown Beautification Budget
The proposed budget was included in the agenda packet. Mr. Polehna questioned the inclusion
of funding for sidewalk cleaning. Mr. Moore responded that is not just for sidewalk sweeping, but
includes pressure washing to remove gum, etc. Mr. Polehna questioned not providing funds to
purchase that machinery, rather than putting all the money into kiosks and decorations.
Mr. Moore provided an update on this year's beautification program, noting the plantings went
well. He said some new plantings were added along Water and Chestnut and at the south end
of town by the Stillwater sign; he said the sign is being repainted, with some shrubs added. He
also noted there are six refurbished banners up in the downtown area. Ms. Amrein pointed out
some of the decorative pavers in the sidewalk have been damaged or have disappeared; Mr.
Moore said crews will be working on fixing those problems. Ms. Amrein noted the proposed
budget has been prepared with input from the Convention and Visitors' Bureau. Mr. McGarry
moved to approve the proposed 2012 fiscal budget as presented; Mr. Stiff seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Elks Tree Selling — Mr. Moore noted the Council had approved the annual tree sale by the Elks
Lodge.
Harvest Fest — Mr. Moore noted the Council had also approved the Harvest Fest. Mr. Polehna
pointed out that Council had approved this request prior to it coming to the Commission
because of an issue with sponsorship that could have put an end to the event.
Additional items — Mr. Moore told the Commission the Ramsey Grove and Triangle Park play
equipment has been delivered, the old equipment removed from both parks, with installation to
begin later in the week of the meeting. He said some items were salvaged from Ramsey Grove
and will be moved to the upper Croixwood /Northland area. Mr. Moore explained the play
equipment will be placed in a new location at Croixwood to comply with safety standards. On a
question by Ms. Snellman, Mr. Moore said the entrance area to the upper park area will be
cleaned up.
COMMISSION ITEMS /TOPICS
Ms. Amrein asked if staff had heard from the Eagle Scout candidate who had appeared at the
last meeting; Mr. Moore said he had heard nothing more. Mr. Pogge provided an update on the
Zephyr trail plans. Ms. Amrein said she thought dog park supporters would be making a
presentation at the October meeting. Mr. Moore stated the proponents of the dog park are
Park and Recreation Board Minutes
September 26, 2011
Page 4 of 4
proposing the Boutwell Cemetery as a possible site. There was brief discussion regarding
issues such as parking and the amount of usable acreage at that site. In discussion, it was
noted that the new Comprehensive Plan includes a provision that the City will not develop a dog
park. There was discussion of various issues associated with dog parks. Mr. More noted in
previous conversations with the dog park promoters, he has indicated the City will provide
regular garbage pickup, plowing of the site parking area when crews are able to do so, and no
special mowing, other than a perhaps a trail through the park area.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Snellman.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary
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Memo
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Tim Moore, Assistant Public Works Superintendent ��,•
Date: October 19, 2011
Re: Millbrook Park Fields
At the September 26, 2011 Park and Recreation commission meeting, a public information
meeting was held for the future development of Millbrook Park. One of the items discussed
was to partner with the St. Croix Valley Baseball Association on the development of the
baseball field in the park. Attached is a proposal from the Association to partner with the City
of Stillwater outlining items the Association would provide. Representatives from the
Association will be in attendance to discuss their proposal.
Mr. Tim Moore
Assistant Publics Works Superintendent
216 0 1 Street North
City of Stillwater, MN 55082
Dear Tim,
Please accept this letter as our proposal and our commitment to the City of Stillwater in helping to develop the
Millbrook Park baseball field. Our board has approved our participation in partnership with the City of
Stillwater, in the development of the Millbrook field. We recognize this commitment does not mean we own any
rights to the park or the field - as a result of our efforts. Our commitment is to do what ever we can, with the
resources we have - to get the field up and running. We anticipate securing and building two new dugouts,
securing and installing a new score board, and securing and installing a new maintenance box for rakes and other
baseball field maintenance tools. We also hope we can install a batting cage - depending on our actual out of
pocket costs. Our commitment is to spend up to $25,000 for dugouts, a scoreboard, and a maintenance box.
Our plan is to seek contributions and /or donations for the materials and the labor as required and meet the balance
with funds from our accounts. The other thing we can provide in quantity - is volunteer labor. Our plan is to
help make the field into another Public Works field, hopefully with a grass infield. We also plan to help with
continuing field maintenance as best we can. Our hope is we can get going right away in the spring of 2012, but
as with the development of the Public Works field, it is possible some of this effort may need to be completed in
following seasons. We look forward to working with you in developing another ball field for the kids in the
Stillwater area.
Sincerely,
John J Rooney
President
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Memo
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Tim Moore, Assistant Public Works Superintendent
Date: October 19, 2011
Re: City Wide Kiosk Design Standards
At past Park and Recreation meetings, the commission has discussed creating standards for
informational kiosks located at trail heads around the city. Attached is a proposed plan from
residents bordering McKusick Lake for two kiosks located on the trail around McKusick Lake.
Also attached are pictures of kiosks located at a dog park in White Bear Township.
This would be a good time for the Commission to create a standard that would be used city
wide for kiosks located at trail heads. Items the Commission should consider is design,
durability, dimensions, material, location and information that will displayed in kiosks and who
has access to maintain and post the information. Staff has reviewed this design and would like
to proceed with this design with the following changes.
• A less expensive and more readily available material for the roof instead of copper, ie.
galvanized, aluminum or wood.
• A face frame to secure plexiglass.
• Constructed of materials that would not need to be stained or painted to minimize
maintenance.
• Posts constructed from foundation grade treated lumber to increase longevity.
• Stillwater logo, City of Stillwater, or no header on the kiosk.
RECOMMENDATION
The Parks and Recreation Commission should review request and provide staff with direction
to produce a kiosk design standard for the City of Stillwater.
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Memo
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michel Pogge, City Planner//W
Date: October 20, 2011
Re: Browns Creek State Trail
Discussion
In 2007, the Minnesota Legislature authorized the Browns Creek State Trail as part of the
Willard Munger Trail System in east central Minnesota. The trail will connect the Gateway State
Trail in Grant to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in Stillwater via a 5.9 mile trail. Since the
trail will be constructed on the former Minnesota Zephyr railroad grade, it will be generally
level and accessible to users of all abilities. Like the Gateway State Trail, state statute dictates
that the Browns Creek State Trail will be developed primarily for hiking and nonmotorized
riding.
The DNR is now in the process of developing the master plan for the Brown Creek Trail.
Elements of the plan will include: Trail Uses, Trail Alignments, Trail Management, Trail
Resources, and Implementation. Attached is a fact sheet from the DNR that describes these
sections in detail.
During the next few weeks, the DNR will be taking comments and incorporating them into the
master plan. Some of the items the Commission may want to suggest the City Council
comment on includes: 1) allowable trail users, specifically horseback riding in the City; 2) how
trail users will cross Manning Ave, assumably via either an overpass or underpass; 3) other
issues of concern for the Commission.
As part of this discussion, staff will be reviewing the City's trail plan and will review possible
trail projects the City should work to have completed in order that the Commission has good
connections to the new Browns Creek State Trail.
Action Required
The Park and Recreation Commission should discuss the proposes trail, discuss various
components of the trail, and if appropriate draft comments on the trail for the DNR and
forward them to the City Council for consideration.
Minnesota
Browns Creek State Trail Public Open House `
Legislative Authorization
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During the 2007 Legislative Session Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 85.015, subdivision 14, was
amended to read:
Subd. 14. Willard Munger Trail System, Chisago, Ramsey, Pine, St. Louis, Carlton, and Washington Counties.
(a) The trail shall consist of six segments.
• One segment shall be known as the
Gateway Trail and shall originate at the
State Capitol and extend northerly and
northeasterly to William O'Brien State Park,
thence northerly to Taylors Falls in Chisago
County.
• One segment shall be known as the
Boundary Trail and shall originate in Chisago
County and extend into Duluth in St. Louis
County.
• One segment shall be known as the Browns
Creek Trail and shall originate at Duluth
Junction and extend into Stillwater in
Washington County.
• One segment shall be known as the Munger
Trail and shall originate at Hinckley in Pine
County and extend through Moose Lake in
Carlton County to Duluth in St. Louis County.
• One segment shall be known as the Alex
Laveau Trail and shall originate in Carlton
County at Carlton and extend through
Wrenshall to the Minnesota - Wisconsin
border.
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• One segment shall be established that extends the trail to include the cities of Proctor, Duluth, and
Hermantown in St. Louis County.
(b) The Gateway and Browns Creek Trails shall be developed primarily for hiking and nonmotorized riding and
the remaining trails shall be developed primarily for riding and hiking.
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• One segment shall be established that extends the trail to include the cities of Proctor, Duluth, and
Hermantown in St. Louis County.
(b) The Gateway and Browns Creek Trails shall be developed primarily for hiking and nonmotorized riding and
the remaining trails shall be developed primarily for riding and hiking.
Browns Creek State Trail Open House
What does it mean to be a "state trail "?
There are many types of trails in Minnesota — hiking, bicycling, snowmobile and
off -road vehicle trails, water trails, and others. Designated state trails must meet
certain criteria under state law — for example, connecting points of natural,
scientific, cultural and historical interest, following historic transportation routes,
or connecting other state recreation facilities. The Department of Natural
Resources seeks funding for trail development through the bonding process, and
builds, manages and maintains the trail.
What will the trail look like?
Trail surface and width will be determined during the planning process based on
factors such as trail uses, topography and land availability. The typical state trail
has a 10 -foot wide paved surface with at least two -foot shoulders; an 8 -foot
width is an option in constrained or low -use areas. The maximum grade should
not exceed 5 %, with certain exceptions. The DNR prefers to purchase a 100 -foot-
wide corridor from willing sellers where possible in order to allow for buffers,
plantings, storm water control and grading. However, a narrower corridor may
be possible in more constrained areas.
What are some of the potential benefits of a state trail?
Trails bring significant health benefits through opportunities for regular,
moderate exercise. They increase the safety of recreation a lists by separating
them from traffic, which is especially important for children and youth. Trails can
link residential areas to schools, parks and downtown commercial districts, giving
people an alternative to driving. Communities that support trails and respond to
the needs of trail users have seen positive effects on their local economies. The
DNR estimates that for five trails surveyed between 2007 and 2009, summer
spending totaled nearly $5 million. Most of that spending (95 %) comes from
visitors to the region. This brings new business to your town's shops and
restaurants, helping them stay open for business and sustaining the local
economy. It might even encourage young people to stick around, start a new
business, and raise their families in the area.
How will landowner concerns be addressed?
Landowners on or near a trail are often concerned about issues of liability,
safety, and privacy. Minnesota, like almost all states, has a recreational use law
that limits property owners' responsibility if a trail user strays onto their land.
Trails rarely pose safety concerns. In a recent survey, 94% of law enforcement
agency officers throughout Minnesota responded that trails are as safe or more
safe than other public recreation areas and public spaces. (Schoenbauer
Consulting, LLC). Litter problems rarely if ever occur along state trails. And DNR
trail specialists and local trail associations will work with landowners to preserve
privacy through screening, fencing, or careful siting of a trail.
Minnesota
DEPARWENM
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Browns Creek State Trail Open House
Why Plan?
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NATURAL RESOLIK,a
Minnesota Statute Section 86A.09 requires the DNR to prepare a master plan for each state park, state
recreation area and state trail.
No construction of new facilities or other development of an authorized unit, other than repairs and
maintenance, shall commence until the managing agency has prepared and submitted to the
commissioner of natural resources and the commissioner has reviewed, pursuant to this section, a
master plan for administration of the unit in conformity with this section. (86A.09, Subd. 1)
Parks and Trails staff typically prepare management plans for state parks and state recreation areas, and
master plans for state trails.
Amendments to park and trail master plans are prepared to accommodate new facilities or activities or
expansion of parks or trails. Park and trail plans and amendments are developed through an open public
process, in partnership with local communities, park and trail users, and interested citizens.
When the master plan has been completed the managing agency shall announce to the public in a
manner reasonably designed to inform interested persons that the master plan is available for public
review and in the case of any major unit shall hold at least one public hearing on the plan in the vicinity
of the unit. The managing agency shall make the master plan available for review and comment by the
public and other state agencies for at least 30 days following the announcement and before submitting
the master plan to the commissioner of natural resources. Copies of the plan shall be provided to
members of the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council and to any other person on request. (86A.09, Subd.
2)
Prior to development, master plans must be reviewed and approved by the Commissioner of the DNR.
Construction of necessary facilities and other development of the unit shall commence as soon as
practicable after review of the master plan by the commissioner of natural resources, and the governor if
requested, and shall be carried out in conformity with the master plan. (86A.09, Subd.4)
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Browns Creek State Trail Open House
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What's in a State Trail Master Plan? '
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1. Introduction
Planning Process and Scope Why and how the plan was developed; public involvement efforts
Vision and Goals Statements of purpose, intent, for the trail — i.e., resource
protection, active living, economic development
Legislative Authorization This section discusses the legislative authorization of the trail and
the significance of each segment in terms of the resources and
communities they connect.
2. Trail Uses Includes discussion of potential trail uses, although all uses may not
be practical or desirable on all trail segments.
3. Trail Alignments This section describes each segment in some detail; include a
Trail system overview "system map" that summarizes all the trail alignments. (General
disclaimer: alignments are search corridors only; not definitive.)
Trail Segments
Overview of the alignment
Proposed trail uses "Criteria" could include views and vistas that should be provide;
Criteria for trail alignment sensitive resources that should be protected.
Trail access — parking, rest areas,
interpretive sites How will the trail connect to each community? Community
Trail communities "profiles" —their parks, amenities, services, local trails, downtown
and trail plans.
Information on state and regional parks, state forest units, and other
existing /planned state trails.
4. Trail Management
This section typically includes the topics listed below, all relating to
how the trail will be used, maintained and interpreted.
Projected Trail Use
Look at use levels for nearby state trails and parks; mix of uses.
Trail Maintenance
Discuss maintenance responsibilities and typical activities.
Information and Education
Discuss trail user orientation, potential interpretive themes,
environmental education potential, trailside art, etc.
Enforcement
Trail safety and responsibilities (local police, county sheriffs);
emphasize safety of existing trails.
5. Trail Resources Overview of important natural, historical and cultural resources,
including those that should be protected and /or interpreted. This
section typically includes recommendations as to how sensitive
resources will be protected.
Ecological Classification System Ecological sections and subsections — overview of environment,
hydrology, climate, etc.
Presettlement and Present Day Vegetation Reference high quality plant communities (MN County Biological
Survey), identify threatened, endangered and special concern
species within search corridor.
Water Resources Rivers; tributaries; lakes, floodplains, wetlands; trout streams; water
quality; etc.
Wildlife Mammals, birds, reptile /amphibians, fish, invertebrates, Species of
Greatest Conservation Need.
Threatened, Endangered and Special Includes both plant and animal species.
Concern Species
Historical and Cultural Resources Overview of area history, historical periods or themes. National
Register sites and districts; archaeological sites.
Socioeconomic Resources Summarize population trends in cities, local economies. Discuss
positive financial impacts of trail development. Include neighboring
communities.
6. Implementation Outline the process for seeking funding and initiating trail
development; could also include priorities for trail development.
Funding Sources Summarize potential funding for state, regional and local trails.
Trail Development Process Outline process of outreach, land acquisition, engineering,
construction.
Coordination with Agencies and Trail List trail partners and stakeholders, describe how the trail plan will
Partners be integrated into the plans of other county agencies, city
governments and state agencies.
Priorities? Trail segments could be prioritized, though identified priorities may
change depending on circumstances and funding.
• Maple- Basswood Forest: Forests of mesic to wet -mesic habitats; canopy dominated by a combination
of sugar maple and basswood; northern red oak is a canopy associate on drier sites, ash and elm are
associates on wetter sites.
• Oak Forest: Forests of dry to mesic habitats; canopy includes any combination of northern red oak,
northern pin oak, white oak, or bur oak; occasional canopy trees: wild black cherry, basswood, green
ash, paper birch, aspen.
• Dry Gravel Prairie: Prairies on dry gravelly, glacial deposits or on gravelly river terraces; cover grasses
are mostly little bluestem, side -oats grama, porcupine grass, and Indian grass.
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Brown's Creek, a designated trout stream, runs from its source near Withrow to the mouth north of Stillwater.
The portion of the creek that contains trout is downstream of Neal Avenue on the west and north sides of
Stillwater. The lower portion of the stream — below (east of) Stonebridge Trail — transverses a steep, heavily
wooded ravine and has the highest trout population. Upstream (west) of Stonebridge Trail, a portion of the
creek passes through the Oak Glen golf course. The stream is shallow and sandy here, and few trout are
present.
Urban and residential development in the surrounding watershed threatens trout populations by increasing
warm runoff into the stream after summer storm events.
Lower St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway
The Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway includes the lower 52 miles of the St. Croix River between
Taylors Falls and the confluence with the Mississippi River at Point Douglas. The upper 10- mile stretch of the
Lower St. Croix, from the dam at Taylors Falls to the Chisago - Washington county line, is classified as "scenic ".
The lower 42 miles, from the Chisago - Washington county line to the confluence of the Mississippi River, are
classified as "recreational."
The National Park Service, the Minnesota DNR and the Wisconsin DNR manage the riverway jointly.
Minnesota
Browns Creek State Trail Public Open House
Historical and Cultural Resources AR -- RES0, , Pf u
The "Birthplace of Minnesota"
Even before ratification of treaties with American Indians in 1838, white settlers began pouring into the newly
ceded triangle of land between the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers. Among them was a former soldier, trader,
and Justice of the Peace named Joseph R. Brown. Brown kept a small warehouse at the head of Lake St. Croix
�.. ....,,,_ _................�. As the mill prospered, most of the settlers of Dacotah moved south to
Stillwater. Brown's courthouse was never completed and Dacotah was all but abandoned. In 1846, Stillwater
was made the new seat of St. Croix County. The first court was held in Stillwater in 1847 in McKusick's store.
After Wisconsin became a state in 1848, all the ceded lands west of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers were
left without government. Brown and others called together settlers in this unorganized territory to meet at
Stillwater on August 26, 1848, in what has
become known as the "Stillwater Convention."
At this convention, held in McKusick's store,
the delegates drafted a Memorial to Congress
that a new territory be created and this
territory be named "Minnesota," and elected
Henry Sibley to deliver this citizen's petition to
the U.S. Congress. Sibley's actions in
Washington helped speed the formation of
Minnesota Territory, which was organized in
March, 1849. Because of this convention,
Stillwater calls itself the "Birthplace of
Minnesota."
Looking south on South Main Street, Stillwater ca. 1865.
Photograph by E. F. Everitt.
to supply upriver fur trading operations. This warehouse, which was in what is
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now North Stillwater, became the center of a new village that he called
"Dacotah." Brown's claim became the county seat of St. Croix County,
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Wisconsin Territory in 1840.
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In 1841, Brown built a house of tamarack logs, a courthouse and jail in
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Dacotah near the mouth of Browns Creek. (A historical marker on the west
side of MN- 95 /St. Croix Trail notes the location.) Two eastern lumbermen,
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John McKusick and Elam Greeley, looking for a good site to build a sawmill,
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stopped at the Tamarack House. The were leased with the potential for
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waterpower and completed the construction of a sawmill, the Stillwater
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Lumber Company in 1844. This was the first frame building in Stillwater.
�.. ....,,,_ _................�. As the mill prospered, most of the settlers of Dacotah moved south to
Stillwater. Brown's courthouse was never completed and Dacotah was all but abandoned. In 1846, Stillwater
was made the new seat of St. Croix County. The first court was held in Stillwater in 1847 in McKusick's store.
After Wisconsin became a state in 1848, all the ceded lands west of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers were
left without government. Brown and others called together settlers in this unorganized territory to meet at
Stillwater on August 26, 1848, in what has
become known as the "Stillwater Convention."
At this convention, held in McKusick's store,
the delegates drafted a Memorial to Congress
that a new territory be created and this
territory be named "Minnesota," and elected
Henry Sibley to deliver this citizen's petition to
the U.S. Congress. Sibley's actions in
Washington helped speed the formation of
Minnesota Territory, which was organized in
March, 1849. Because of this convention,
Stillwater calls itself the "Birthplace of
Minnesota."
Looking south on South Main Street, Stillwater ca. 1865.
Photograph by E. F. Everitt.
The first farms were established in the eastern part of Grant in 1849 by settlers from New York. The township
was organized as Greenfield Township on October 20, 1858. It originally covered today's cities of Grant,
Mahtomedi, Willernie, Birchwood, Dellwood and two - thirds of East White
Bear Lake. In 1864, the name was changed to Grant to honor Ulysses S. Grant.
According to the St. Croix Valley Press (Jan. 2004), Grant was the place to be in
the mid -1800s because of "lush farm country ". At that time, Highway 96 was
an Indian trail that was used as a horse cart trail for travelers between
Stillwater and White Bear Lake. Over the years Grant Township was broken up
into smaller units. The western one -third became Lincoln Township in 1918 and eventually Lincoln was split
up into Mahtomedi, Willernie, Birchwood, and Pine Springs. The last community to break off was Dellwood in
1993.
Rail History
The Stillwater & St. Paul Railroad, the first railroad to reach Stillwater, was completed in the fall of 1870 and
traversed Grant from White Bear to Stillwater. The years to come brought several additional rail lines to the
area. The Minnesota, St. Croix & Wisconsin Railroad was constructed from 1884 -1885 from Gloster (near
Maplewood) to Carnelian Junction and on to
the St. Croix River. This line was constructed to
Chippewa Falls and, though circuitous, gave
Grant a connection with Chicago. It is this line
that now serves as the Gateway State Trail.
The Minneapolis & St. Croix Railroad pushed
through Washington County in 1887, giving rise
to Grant Township's only village, Withrow. In
1888, this railroad merged with others to form
the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie, or
Soo Line. In 1892, the St. Paul & White Bear
Lake Railroad Company ran a streetcar line out
to Mahtomedi from St. Paul and by 1899, the
Minneapolis & St. Paul Suburban Railway
Company began regular streetcar service from Mahtomedi to Stillwater. Stops were at Parent, Masterman,
Lies, Elliot and Grant crossings.
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DNR *s State Trails in Minnesota
Browns Creek State Trail Open House
Comment Form
October 19, 2011
Your responses to these questions will be used as input for the development of the master plan for the
Browns Creek State Trail. Thanks for your help!
1. Trail Vision
The following vision statement has been drafted for the trail.
"The Browns Creek State Trail will connect Stillwater and the St. Croix River to Grant and the Gateway
State Trail through Washington County. Trail users will experience distinct landscapes comprised of
diverse resources including maple- basswood and oak forests, dry prairie, and a designated trout
stream. The trail will complement the St. Croix Scenic Byway, adding a recreation amenity to the area
and enhancing tourism. Local residents will experience positive health and economic benefits from the
trail."
Do you agree with this statement? What additions, changes, or deletions would you suggest?
What is unique about the trail? Why would people come to ride this trail?
From your perspective, what will be the primary benefit of this trail?
2. Trail Connections
The Browns Creek State Trail will complement the existing and future trail system in eastern Minnesota
and western Wisconsin. First and foremost, the trail will connect to the Gateway State Trail at Duluth
Junction in Grant. The trail will also connect to regional and local trail systems in Washington County,
Grant and Stillwater. Additional trail connections would be realized as a result of a new St. Croix River
crossing.
Do you have any ideas for future trail connections?
3. Trail Uses
Bicycling, hiking /walking, dog walking, running /jogging, in -line skating /cross country skiing, horseback
riding, education and interpretation are envisioned as potential uses of this trail or segments of this
trail.
Should any other uses be accommodated? How do you plan to use the trail?
Is there a particular segment of trail you would most like to see developed for your use? (Identify your
use and segment)
4. Neighbor's Concerns
What are your questions, issues and concerns about being a neighbor to the trail?
S. Trail Management
Do you have any questions, comments, or concerns about trail maintenance, enforcement, or
natural /cultural resource management?
6. Information and Education
Information is provided along trails to provide trail users with a safe and enjoyable experience,
including:
- "You are here" maps
- Identification of services (food, lodging, medical, etc.)
- Trail rules and regulations, and trail courtesies
- Information about the natural and cultural resources along the trail
Are there any informational or educational messages that you recommend be included in the
development of trail information and education signs, brochures, and trail website?
7. Other
Do you have any additional comments or questions?
Thank you for your interest in the Browns Creek State Trail and taking the time to fill out this comment
form!
Please leave it with a DNR staff person or mail it to:
Colin Kelly, Principal Planner
DNR Parks and Trails
500 Lafayette Road N,
St. Paul, MN 55155