Title
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE HAWK RIDGE NATURE RESERVE MINI-MASTER PLAN
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS: The Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory ("HRBO") holds an operating agreement to operate, maintain, and improve the grounds and facilities of the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve; and
WHEREAS: Previous HRBO strategic planning efforts determined that new educational program space, accessibility enhancements, and improved visitor safety were necessary; and
WHEREAS: In 2020, HRBO embarked on a mini-master planning process with guidance from the City of Duluth Parks and Recreation and Property and Facilities Management divisions, and including significant stakeholder and citizen engagement.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper city officials are authorized to approve the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve Mini-Master Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes approval of the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve Mini-Master Plan, attached as Exhibit A, to enhance educational program offerings and improve safety and accessibility.
The plan was drafted by Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (HRBO), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization incorporated in 2004 as a successor to a committee of Duluth Audubon Society. HRBO manages the 365-acre Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve (HRNR) under a long-term agreement with the City of Duluth.
HRBO conducted the planning process in close cooperation with the City. The Plan was unanimously recommended for approval by the Parks and Recreation Commission on June 8, 2022.
The five-year, three-phase conceptual plan calls for construction of new or enhanced accessible trails, educational facilities, visitor amenities, and pedestrian/vehicle safety measures. Under the agreement between HRBO and the City, HRBO will have primary responsibility for implementation of the plan. The City will provide assistance that may include further project planning, construction project management...
Click here for full text