“This property is 238 acres of restored and preserved native habitat that runs adjacent to the Mississippi Dunes eastern border,” Dockter wrote in his response letter to Inderrieden. “Although recreational use is limited to hiking only, it does offer a very unique opportunity for natural open space connection to any development and/or park planning that might happen at Mississippi Dunes.” With a typical community park about 50 acres in size according to Dockter, “any park located in the Mississippi Dunes should be considered a community park due to the vast natural opportunities available at the scientific and natural area,” Dockter wrote. Next up for consideration was the Washington County Regional Park.

“Washington County has a significant amount of land north of the bridge on Grey Cloud Island,” the Cottage Grove Parks and Recreation Director wrote. “The intent is to build a future regional park at this site. The City has been working with Washington County to begin master planning that site to assure recreational opportunities provided by the City compliment those of the regional park rather than being duplicative,” Dockter went on. “The City is happy to report that Washington County has been receptive to the idea and intends to start the master plan update in 2022. This process will have extensive public engagement.” Last up for mention was the Grey Cloud Island Development Area/ Park, including a proposed gravel mine in the Mississippi River backwaters and an Arterial study to plan a future road that would service growth in South Washington County, including at Mississippi Dunes. So what’s the word on that?

…“In doing so, Aggregate plans to utilize the existing processing plant and shipping area on the island while opening up the majority of the island for redevelopment,” Dockter shared with Inderrieden of a company that had submitted an application to fill out5 an Environmental Assessment Worksheet on a proposed nearby gravel pit. Meanwhile, “As development occurs on (the transitional planning area) with time known, a large municipal park with boat landing along the main channel is intended to serve both island residents and the greater community,” Dockter made known.

As to the arterial road study, it had many partners, including the County, Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park, Grey Cloud Island Township, and the South Washington Watershed District. One route for the Arterial would involve routing the future road “through the former Golf Course property,” while the other “would utilize the existing Grey Cloud Trail alignment,” the Park and Recreation Director wrote.

“Both options call for new grade separated crossing of the SBNSF railroad, in place of the underpass that exists at the bottom of 103rd Street today,”he made known. And in the final analysis?

“We thank the community for the public feedback during this process,” the identical letters to each of the Open Forum commenters state. “Hearing from residents allow our City Council, Commissioners and staff to study this opportunity in depth and work towards a master plan that best serves Cottage Grove residnets now and into the future.”