More paths to protection through public ownership

Pioneer Press Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:27:01 -0600
Development banned from large nature center parcel

A large expanse of the Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center is off limits to developers for good. A deal struck between Dakota County and Dodge puts 156 acres into the county's Farmland and Natural Areas Program and keeps it free of development. The acreage â€" known as the Lilly property â€" is in Mendota Heights, while the nature center's other 160 acres are in neighboring West St. Paul. "It's the gem of Mendota Heights," said Ben Van Gundy, the nature center's executive director. "It's very scenic and right where the people are â€" it's only about four or five miles from downtown St. Paul â€" so getting the highest level of protection that there is was very important." Although there is no immediate development threat, the legal agreement is the best way to ensure the land is never sold or developed, he said. "I think the community can rest easy that it will be a natural area forever," Van Gundy said.

More information on the Dakota County program
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