We, the undersigned, believe the proposed 2013 Draft Development Master Plan conflicts with and violates the approved 2001 Master Plan. The changes proposed are irreversible and the updated plan was created without public awareness or input. We, the signers of this PETITION request that the Board of Commissioners:
1. Immediately suspend the 2013 Draft Development Master Plan process for Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
2. Designate the 2001 Master Plan as the baseline for all future park planning and operations. Re-establish and commit to the balanced priorities for LHRP set out in the 2001 Master Plan.
3. Establish a permanent citizen-based oversight body to steward the future vision and operations for the development, use and maintenance of the park. Members will be chosen by the same type of selection process as for the 2001 Master Plan Taskforce to include a spectrum of representative citizen groups. The oversight body will report to the Board of Commissioners
4. Charge the newly formed oversight body with development of the updated Master Plan, with support from County staff.
CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW INTERACTIVE MAP OF LEBANON HILLS!
Background: Lebanon Hills Regional Park is a unique natural resource in the urban core of Dakota County. Its woodlands, lakes, and wetlands offer an extensive network of recreational trails stemming from inviting trailhead facilities. In 2001 a Master Plan was developed by a taskforce made up of representative citizens who applied and were vetted for the task. The group agreed on a vision for LHRP to equally balance environmental and development priorities. Currently Dakota County Park staff and consultants are proposing a new master plan for Lebanon Hills that focuses on increasing park usage through intense development.
February 11, 2014
Board of Commissioners
Dakota County
Administrative Center
1590 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033-2343
Dear Commissioners:
The purpose of this letter is to deliver the request of over 1,000 petitioners who wish to have balance restored to the management and vision for Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Please take the time to review the informed and passionate comments. You will see that signers feel strongly about restoring balance in managing Lebanon Hills as developed by the 2001 Task Force. This will require greater emphasis on the natural resources of the park, and relatively less on development.
Many of us who signed this petition are willing to roll up our sleeves and invest our time and talents to making the park a better place for all users. I urge you to tap that energy.
Please contact me if you have any questions at 651-905-3955 or m.koutnik@comcast.net
Regards,
Michael A. Koutnik
4872 Knottingham Circle
Eagan, MN 55122-2793
Aggiorna #111 anni fa
Thanks for signing the petition! PLEASE consider attending this OPEN HOUSE:
Tue., Jan. 14, 5-7 p.m., Western Service Center (14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley).
Learn about and comment on the Lebanon Hills Regional Park Master Plan.
Park staff will be available to answer questions and explain components of the plan.
The 60-day public comment period ENDS Jan. 18.
Come and tell County Commissioners how you feel about plans to spend over $31 million on the park!
Regards,
Michael A. Koutnik
