Workshop Item - Nate Monahan, Recreation Manager and Rebecca Haug, Water Resources Manager
Title
Title
Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Structure and Updated Trail System Plan
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Background
In 2014, the city council hired a consultant to develop a detailed master conceptual plan of improvements (trails and other amenities) for the large, 500+ acre open space west of Lexington Avenue and north of 109th Avenue now known as the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary. The plan includes a nature center in the northern portion at the main entrance on Lexington Avenue and a phased trail system throughout the northern, central and southern portions with amenities.
In December 2020, the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) and City Council held a joint meeting to discuss pros and cons of constructing an enclosed nature center building versus a pavilion. Please see attached document for breakdown.
The conceptual trail plan that was developed in 2014 shows numerous trails throughout the BWS. Since the trail plan was developed, staff and the NRCB have had discussions about the feasibility of constructing all of the trails in the plan. A subcommittee of the NRCB was formed to consider the cost to construct trails, the permitting process, and trail locations. The city’s ecological restoration consultant, Jason Husveth of Critical Connections Ecological Services, and Blaine staff have been evaluating options for the build-out of the BWS trail system. Mr. Husveth has been working on this site for over 20 years and has been helping the subcommittee evaluate trail options that will that will provide trail connections to the neighborhoods surrounding the BWS while maximizing uplands, and reducing boardwalk and wetland impacts. Consideration also has been given to limit the installation of trails behind homes, as that was a request frequently brought up by residents at previous meetings.
Recent restoration work in the southern portion has given the ability to visualize the uplands versus wetlands, which will help to finalize an updated conceptual trail plan. This is being brought forward for discussion at this time based on the increased activity of using haul roads as trails during the restoration project this winter and the volume of inquiries staff has received regarding the next phases of trail construction. Staff will review the attached 2014 BWS trail concept and BWS site map showing the existing trailheads/trails and upland areas that have been identified during the restoration and wetland banking process.
The NRCB has reviewed the options for the BWS structure and is recommending a pavilion with restrooms. One of the NRCB goals is to continue to focus on development of a concept plan for trail connections throughout the BWS.
Total cost to hire a consultant for design of a structure at the BWS is $50,000 and is included in the 2021 Open Space CIP Budget.
Construction of the structure is programmed (current estimate, $2 million) in the 2022 Open Space CIP Budget.
Structure option budget estimates
• Pavilion only ($500,000)
• Pavilion with restrooms ($800,000)
• Nature Center ($2,000,000)
Trail connections throughout the BWS are planned to be phased in as the Open Space CIP budget allows. The current BWS northern portion trail (about one mile), which is a mix of boardwalk, gravel, and asphalt, was constructed in 2016-2017 at a cost of about $1 million.
The city’s wetland bank has the potential to create up to 81 acres of wetland credits. Based on the pro forma for the northern portion (Site 7), the amount funds generated from the sale of credits was based on $1.75 - $2.00 a square foot and would net approximately $7 million. As wetland credit sales are market driven, and recent sales have been averaging $2.50 per square foot, there is potential to net more than $7 million if market demand continues at this rate.
Staff Recommendation
Staff is looking for direction on a structure option at the BWS and authorization to proceed with hiring a consultant. Staff is also looking for direction on continuing to work with the BWS subcommittee and the city’s consultant to provide an updated trail system concept plan.
Attachment List
Pros and Cons BWS Structure
2014 BWS Development Master Trail System Concept Plan
BWS Existing Trailheads and Trails
2021 - 2025 Open Space CIP Budget