Anoka County Greenways Program
From 1999 to 2003 the Anoka Conservation District conducted Greenways Planning with funds from the MN DNR's Metro Greenways Program. The program provided cost-share funding to conduct land cover inventories, greenway identification and open space planning. The ACD worked with 5 communities to identify community significant natural resources and discuss ways the communities could continue to develop while protecting these important community assets.
It is this cooperation with the 5 partnering communities and others that ACD was able to identify and prioritize wildlife corridors and hubs. Several of these communities have used the information produced to update zoning ordinances and develop park and recreation plans that include more natural areas.
ACD's commitment to protecting open space during development will continue thanks to funding from the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources. The funding will allow ACD to work with 4 communities over the next 4 years to improve local ordnances. The program emphasizes connecting natural areas with conservation easements and park dedication during the platting process.
