HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-14 PACKET 08.E.City of
Cotta Grove
Minnesota
To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director
CC: John Burbank, Senior Planner
Date: November 4, 2011
Subject: River Oaks Scenic Overlook
Background
As part of Cottage Grove's comprehensive plan to increase access to the Mississippi River, staff
continually seeks out any and all opportunities that may positively move the community in this direction.
Cottage Grove river shorelines are unique and consist mostly of privately -owned bluff lines. This tends
to limit large scale accessibility for the public. However, there are several publicly owned lands that do
offer differing experiences with the river. One such property is titled the River Oaks Scenic Overlook.
This property as mapped below is located at the end of Kingsborough Trail just south of the River Oaks
Golf Course. This property has been held under city ownership since around 1990 but has not been
properly developed, maintained or marketed as a publicly accessible part of the parks system.
Recently, staff has been discussing potential use of this property. The site consists of an incredible
panoramic view of the Mississippi River Valley where one can see the Hastings lock & dam to the south
and Grey Cloud Island and Mooer's Lake to the north. The site is also flush with large historic burr oak
coves and pure native prairie grasses and flowers. Given the opportunity to access these natural
resources, staff believes there may be cost - sharing opportunities for the development of this site from
groups such as the MN Department of Natural Resources, Friends of the Mississippi, Great River
Greening, MN Conservation Corps and many others.
Prior to any formal action with any of these groups, the city is in the process of identifying property lines
and clearing /grubbing of buckthorn, fallen timber and debris. This work will provide the needed identity
and access to the site so that a future master plan can begin developing.
Included with this memo is an aerial map of the site as well as photos of the vista the site provides.
Once the property lines are identified and the overlook area is made more accessible, the city will invite
the commission to the property for viewing and begin discussions on a master planning process.
Recommendation
No action is recommended at this time.