Fred Heinonen
Scandia Area Reporter

On Monday, Sept 10, the Scandia Comprehensive Plan Committee held its third of 20 scheduled meetings with CR Planning, in accordance with the established project plan.

During discussion of water quality grades, serious concern was voiced about the Big Marine Lake water quality going from grade A to C in six years. Suspected causes are more and bigger boats and increased boat traffic in shallow parts of the lake.

Project manager Jean Coleman distributed a revised draft outline of the Scandia Comprehensive Plan. Cultural resources, historic preservation, surface water management, schools, demographics, and matrix of implementation schedule and assignments were added to the August 27 outline.

Kristen Larson, of Emmons & Olivier Resources, presented her natural resources background report, containing research maps depicting the following:

•Lake Classification, Floodplain, and Shoreland Areas

•Lake Water Quality Status (2006)

•Surficial Geology

•Sensitivity to Groundwater Pollution

•Extent of Known Sand and Gravel Deposits

•Natural Areas

•High Quality Natural Areas

•Regionally Significant Ecological Areas

•National Wetland Inventory

•Wetland Assessment Status

•Protected Lands

In order to prioritize the most important (desirable/sensitive) areas in Scandia, overlaying combinations of these maps will be attempted for future presentation.

Coleman led a discussion on natural resources goals, visions, and objectives. Goals are broad statements that refine the vision and define the visionary result for specific issues.

Even though the vision is not yet defined, issues can be discussed that might influence natural resources goals. Objectives are specific and measurable statements that relate to the attainment (implementation) of goals.

Next meeting

The next Scandia Comprehensive Plan Committee meeting is scheduled 7-9 p.m., Monday, Sept. 24, to discuss economic development, current land use, housing and demographics background.

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