Last Thursday, approximately 75 residents visited the Sherburne History Center to view updated concept plans for the proposed park along the north shore of Elk Lake in Palmer Township.  The property is currently privately owned and is not open to the public.

This past winter, the county had hosted an event on the frozen lake where interested parties were able to gather information and leave feedback regarding the scope and layout of the proposed park.

At Thursday’s session, a pair of scenarios (labeled A and B) were presented that offered more clarity to the concept and featured more detailed plans regarding land use.  Comments from the winter session were considered by Sherburne County staff and the consulting firms that are helping to shape the park’s Master Plan.

According to information available at the event, Sherburne County is in the final stages of the planning process which will not only identify land uses, but will comply with guidelines set forth by the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.  If approved, the Master Plan would allow the county to apply for funding to acquire the property for public use.

In describing Thursday’s meeting, county Parks Coordinator Gina Hugo was pleased with the turnout.

“We had overall very positive feedback,” Hugo said.  “It was very gratifying to hear those that were [originally] opposed to the idea, see that preservation of green, natural space would be good for the lake.”

Several residents expressed appreciation for the preservation of the open spaces and the limited, if any, plans for camping.  Both options A and B could have components that will make it into the Master Plan.

“We also heard sentiments that the concepts were much better than they expected and relief that the County’s intent is to maintain the natural character of the land and focus on improving habitat quality,” Hugo said.

In addition to the land use planning, there was information about natural resources recommendations.  Some of these included reconstruction of areas to prairie and savanna, removing invasive species such as buckthorn, and targeting wetland, shoreline and aquatic areas for only low-impact recreation or natural preserve areas.

The timeline of the project would include a phased-in approach with no definitive timelines as land acquisition and improvements would be dependent on mainly securing grant funding.

The plans also included concepts such as buffer zones and other control measures meant to mitigate disruption to surrounding landowners.

In addition to the two open house sessions, residents have the opportunity to submit feedback via the county website.  Comments will be accepted until April 23.

By the end of May, the Master Plan could be ready for formal adoption.