Future Pressures on the River Corridor

"Growth Pressures on Sensitive Natural Areas-In DNR's Central Region" (full report)

This report by the Ameregis and the MN Department of Natural Resources calls out nearly all of the townships touching the Mississippi River as having high growth rates.  Historically, the growth rate has been, in large part, over 2% per year, and the projections for growth continues strong at approximately 1.5% from 2003-2030-higher than the land farther away from the river. 

Resource Pressures Include:

• Close proximity to a rapidly urbanizing service center – the cities of St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Joseph, Sartell and Sauk Rapids.

• The presence of Highway #10 to the east, from .5 to 2 miles away increases development pressure.

• Potential for future heavy rail mass transit, which parallels Highway #10 and is situated between the highway and the river.

• Fragmented visions for the future of the Mississippi between the local government units.

• Traditional zoning does not provide the framework for collaborative decision making to enhance and protect natural landscapes.

•  Natural amenities like water and forest cover can and do attract development.