Protecting the Vermillion is a long-range project

The Vermillion River, stretching from Elko New Market east across central Dakota County, is known for its trout and predominantly agricultural surroundings.

But someday it could be a picturesque pathway with restored prairie and scattered forests on its banks, hiking and biking trails, and, in some places, increased public access for canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

With an eye toward the physical landscape and recreational opportunities, but never forgetting that water quality is the utmost goal, Dakota County is planning the river's future.

"We have an opportunity to protect the corridor in a way that's never been done before," said Al Singer, Dakota County's land conservation manager. He said he hopes the result "exemplifies living in harmony with neighbors and the environment."

This summer, the county started meeting with residents who pored over table-size maps, armed with stickers representing recreation, development and natural land uses to plot what should go where along the Vermillion.

The county will hold another round of public discussion sessions this fall after a draft plan is developed.

The river snakes across central Dakota County through Lakeville, Farmington and vast stretches of agricultural land before it splits below the falls in Hastings. Some of the water drains into the Mississippi River there, and the rest meanders another 20 miles before dumping into the larger river near Red Wing. The Vermillion's watershed comprises more than 335 square miles that touch or encompass 20 municipalities. The prime trout habitat is in its cool spring-fed western portion.

Much of the previous research and planning on the river has focused on water quality. Now, Dakota County is zeroing in on the area along the river's edge, trying to figure out what it might look like and what, if any, recreational opportunities it could provide in the future. Singer likened it the Vermillion's potential to that of Minnehaha Creek, outside Minneapolis' boundaries when the city acquired the parkland. Now it's a much beloved regional amenity.

The county has about $600,000, drawn from the state, the county, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, to develop a river corridor plan, restore 70 acres and protect an additional 150 acres by June 2011. After that, the plan will be a guide for preservation and development for years to come.

"It's definitely long-range planning," said Commissioner Joe Harris, noting that the river is "not necessarily in that good of shape."

"It's going to take us 25, 30, 50 years to correct the various issues that have been done as it pertains to water quality," he said.

Wally Stoffle, a member of the Vermillion Township Board whose family has farmed along the river for years, said he is not too crazy about the planning for the river corridor. And he is really not a fan of installing public trails alongside the waterway as it runs through farmland.

"Leave the river alone," he said. "It'll take care of itself."

The members of the small group Stoffle worked with at the public meeting seemed to agree with that assessment, ultimately arriving at the conclusion that the addition of some natural buffer zones -- native plants, maybe, but nothing too intrusive -- would be OK, only if they didn't compromise private property or farmland.

Throughout the public input sessions, Singer said, suggestions like that have been common in meetings with residents of the more rural areas along the Vermillion. In Lakeville, Farmington and Hastings, people have expressed more interest in trails for biking and hiking, access for canoes and kayaks and public parks.

The challenge, he said, will be finding a way to incorporate a variety of uses in areas where residents agree they complement the surroundings.

"One size is not going to fit all for the corridor," Singer said.

Katie Humphrey • 952-882-9056