2. Empire Vision Statement
Empire Township is a unique, independent, rural community located on the edge of the expanding Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Township officials acknowledge its proud agricultural heritage in carefully planning a transition from predominantly rural to emerging suburban characteristics.

3. Empire Vision Statementcontinued
Empire Residents cherish the Township’s rich natural environment including rivers, wetlands, woodlands, good farmland, and rolling topography. Elected officials, appointed officials, and staff exemplify strong leadership and the pride of the community by embracing the past and facing the challenges of the future.

4. Empire Vision Statement continued
Empire values its safe neighborhoods, efficient services, parks and trails, fiscal management, and overall quality of life, and pledges to maintain these community strengths as it continues to grow.

5. Empire Demographics Population – 2,444 (2010 Census)
792 households (April 11, 2010)
28 miles of roads
20, Acres

6. Empire Land Use Agricultural Land - 45% Mining Operations - 4.6%
Residential uses – 5.5%
Commercial uses – 1%
continued

7. Empire Land Use continued
Public Ownership – 29%
UMore Park – 4528 acres
Vermillion Highlands – 2,822 acres
MNDNR dual WMA and AMA – 475 acres
Dakota County Regional Park – 460 acres
Empire Wastewater Treatment Facility – 460 acres
Dakota Woods (off leash) Dog Park – 120 acres
Dakota County Highway Dept. & Communications Center – 80 acres
Minnesota Cambodian Buddhist Society – 40 Acres

8. Committees Town Board 3 person elected
Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 8:00 p.m.
Planning Commission
5 person volunteer
Meets 1st and 2nd Tuesdays 8:00 p.m.
Park and Rec
6 person volunteer
Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays

9. Public Works Maintenance Building Built in 2009
735 water / Sewer Connections (approx)
3 Wells
One Tower
One Lift Station

10. Parks & Trails
Seven plus miles of Biking / Hiking Trails
4 Parks

11. Town Hall Park Located 197 th Street 2.46 Acres Playground
Picnic Shelter
Double Tennis Court
Basketball
1 Double Hoop Court

12. Sachs Park Located: 200th Street & Calgary Trail 2.93 acres
Little League Ball Field
2 Hoop Basket Ball Court
Playground

13. Empire River Preserve Park
Located Butternut Trail and Cabrilla Way
Access off of Biscayne Ave.
9.91 acres
4 Soccer Fields
Playground Area

14. Stelzel Park 19200 Centerfield Court 15.26 Acres
4 Softball field complex
Playground

15. Public Properties 8,939 acres tax exempt Public Properties
40% of Empire Township

16. Umore Park Research Center
5,000 acres

17. State of Minnesota Vermillion Highlands WMA
2,822 Acres

18. MCES Waste Water Treatment Plant
460 Acres

19. Dakota County: Whitetail Woods, D.C. Dog Park, Transportation Facility
657 Acres