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In 1994, the City hired a consultant to study, evaluate and rank forested lands in the City of Maple Grove most worthy of preservation due to their unique natural amenities. This study identified 170 acres of prime forest land which was ranked by the consultant as “high priority for preservation”. This priority ranking was based on uniqueness, plant species diversity, disturbance factors, pending urban growth and other natural values.
In the summer of 1995, the City held a special election asking Maple Grove residents to authorize the expenditure of up to $5 million for the preservation of forests and open space. Over the next few years a total of 260 acres of forest and open space land was acquired. The majority of land was purchased outright with the bond referendum funds, with other land acquired during development.
The purpose of acquiring the forest and open space land was to protect the land from future development, preserve the land, provide public access for walking, hiking and nature study and to open vistas from major roadways.
Here is more information and directions to the .
Trails within the forest preservation area can be accessed via Vicksburg Lane approximately .4 miles south of Bass Lake Road.
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