1. St. Croix County Land Acquisition Eckert Family, LLLP
Administrative Committee, September 20, 2017
Ellen Denzer, Director CDD

2. St. Croix River Crossing-Bluffline Mitigation
Memorandum of Understanding St. Croix County and Minnesota Department of Transportation
County agrees to implement bluffline mitigation measures, including acquisition of land or easements.
Replacement lands:
Purchase of fee title, transfer of development rights, or conservation easements
Willing sellers
Perpetually maintained for land and water conservation, scenic protection and compatible uses including low-impact public recreation.
Protection for historic properties in conjunction with land and water conservation goals.

3. Key Decision Points Funding Purpose &Availability County Criteria
Location, Location, Location
Water Quality Opportunity
Scenic Preservation Opportunity
Recreation Opportunity
Timing, Timing, Timing
Willing Sellers

4. Exceptional, Large Acreage Site on St. Croix River
One of a few opportunities for St. Croix River Shoreline Preservation on the Lower St. Croix River
The largest privately-owned undeveloped St. Croix River site
Government and non-profit owned parcels excluded from comparison
Adjacent to acres of county-owned property
Protecting the habitat for approximately 25 endangered or threatened species
Protecting unique resources including natural hard water springs and old growth oak, elm and central hardwoods

5. St. Croix County Funding Summary
Bluffline Mitigation Funds
$2,000,000
Joyce Trust
6.8 acres (SCRC-Loop Trail, Trailhead)
$163,152
C.A and Jeanette Richards
53 acres (St. Croix River)
$746,000
Margaret Orf
14 acres (Bass Lake)
$185,000
Appraisals/Closing Costs
$36,531
Remaining
$869,317

6. Eckert Family, LLLP Site Features: 114.37 acres
Parcel 2
Parcel 1
Parcel 3
Site Features: acres
23.37 acres Section 12, Town of St. Joseph
40 acres Section 12, Town of St. Joseph
51 acres Section 12, Town of Hudson
1550 feet St. Croix River shoreline/bluffline

7. Parcel 1, 23.37 acres Town of St. Joseph 3-acre minimum lot size
Meets bluffline mitigation goals for water quality, scenic protection and public recreation
Best parcel for public access to adjacent County property
Flat and easy to access viewshed of the St. Croix River
450-feet Native Oak Bluffline
Natural Springs
Positive
Bluffline-very steep making river access difficult
Proximity to residential homes
450-feet rocky, natural shoreline
Limitations
Timber Type
5) Jack Pine
6) Oak
Town of St. Joseph 3-acre minimum lot size
Riverway Overlay Zoning
11-acres Managed Forest (expires 2041, closed to hunting)
Potential timber sale

8. Parcel 1, photos

9. Parcel 2, 51 acres
Meets bluffline mitigation goals for water quality, scenic protection and public recreation
1100-feet sandy shoreline
1100-feet bluffline
Best parcel for public access to the St. Croix River, deep ravines provide foot access to river
Native Oak and Hardwoods
Unique cabin available for special events, rental, etc.
Potential timber thinning/sale on eastern upland
Potential recreation connection to the Starr Wood Development-Conservation Area
Positive
Proximity to residential homes
Private access easement across property
Limitations
Town of Hudson minimum 1-acre lot size, greater development impact
Riverway Overlay Zoning
1962 hexagon Cabin (450 sq.ft)

10. Parcel 2, photos

11. Parcel 3, 40 acres Town of St. Joseph minimum 3 acre lot size
Meets bluffline mitigation goals for water quality and public recreation
Adjacent to county property
Potential timber harvest (est. $26,000)
Public road frontage
Resale potential (if partially paid for with county funding)
Positive
High-voltage transmission line
Old building site to cleanup
No shoreline or bluffline
Limitations
Timber Type
1) Aspen
2) Red Pine
3) Red Pine (sm)
Town of St. Joseph minimum 3 acre lot size
21-acres Managed Forest (expires 2041, closed)

12. Parcel 3, photos

13. Low-impact Outdoor Recreation
Current Use
Undeveloped, native oak savannah, MFL, cropland, cabin
Possible Use
Open Space
Scenic Overlook
Observation Tower
Outdoor Recreation
Swimming (river access)
Fishing
River Wayside-Picnicking
Upland Picnicking
Multi-season activities
snowshoeing
Hiking &Limited Biking
Hunting/Trapping
Bird Watching
Geocaching
Open Space Protection
Water Quality Benefits
Protect several ravines from additional erosion by maintaining/restoring upland-native plant communities
Proximity
St. Croix Crossing Loop Trail
Facilities
Basic park amenities
Parking
Bathrooms
Permanent vs. Satellite
Water Supply-possible
Security Lighting-possible
Limitations
Overhead Power
Emergency access to river
Service access
Shoreline maintenance
Handicapped Access to River; Hiking

14. Land Acquisition Details
Purchase Price: $3,200,000
DNR Fund Transfer $1,800,000
Bluffline Mitigation Funds $869,317
Greenspace Mitigation $200,000
WDNR-Stewardship Grant $400,000
Closing Costs
Total Non-Levy Funds $3,269,317