Part 2: How Important is Preserving Open Space and Woodlands in IGH?

Editor's note: Click the link for part 1 of Joe Atkins' blog. 

I’ll admit that I am biased when it comes to how important it is to preserve open space and woodlands in Inver Grove.

Like most of the readers who have responded to my Facebook survey so far, I believe preserving woodlands, wetlands and open space in Inver Grove is absolutely critical. 

It strikes at the very reason why many of us who grew up here, stayed here, and why many who moved here, chose here. Our woods and ponds and open spaces are one of the things that set Inver Grove apart from so many other communities.

The fact that I support preserving some open space in Inver Grove isn't to say I am anti-development. Far from it.  

In the 10 years I served as mayor, we approved more projects than at any other time in the city's history. This included everything from sit-down restaurants and a theater to retail stores and office buildings, residential developments and senior housing, and several expansions and remodelings at businesses like Gerten's and Village Square.

But we also worked with many developers and property owners in town to quietly preserve hundreds of acres as permanent open space.

We fought off a bid to turn near and other parkland into housing developments. We held on to and acquired riverfront acreage. We even worked with one developer who donated over $1 million in land to the city as permanent open space, while still developing the balance of his property residentially, in what has become a model nationally.

The key, at least for me, has always been striking a good balance between attracting desirable development in areas appropriate for development while also preserving high quality open space, woodlands and wetlands.

Last week’s announcement of preservation of 150 acres along the Mississippi River fits this objective perfectly. The parcel adjoins an additional 256 acres along the Pine Bend Bluffs that have similarly been preserved as permanent open space.  

In addition to great river views, the two parcels have been awarded Scientific & Natural Area (SNA) status, placing them among the most pristine 1% of land anywhere in Minnesota.

Open to hikers, the Pine Bend Bluffs contain oak forests, savanna, wildflowers and wildlife, and several plant species seen nowhere else in Minnesota. For more information and to see how easy it is to get there, check out this Pine Bend Bluffs link.

Funding to preserve the most recent 150-acre parcel came from Dakota County and from Minnesota’s voter-authorized Legacy Fund, which was approved by voters in 2008. It also helped that the owner of the property, Macalester College, accepted far less than market value.  

Funding to acquire the adjoining 256 acres along the Pine Bend Bluffs included support from private contributions and foundations, something I had a chance to help with.  

I value the fact that Inver Grove has woods and open spaces and wetlands. I also enjoy having a variety of stores, sit-down restaurants, offices and service providers in town. 

With the economy coming around and new projects starting to be proposed, the key will be attracting quality development while also being mindful of the need to maintain the signature amenity that sets Inver Grove apart from so many other communities—our open space, woodlands and wetlands.

I would welcome comments on this issue, either by posting below, emailing me at Rep.Joe.Atkins@house.mn, or by giving me a call at the Capitol at 296-4192.