Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Plan (MRCCA) Survey

The state of Minnesota, pursuant to the Critical Areas Act of 1973 and Executive Orders in the 1970s, established the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Plan to protect and preserve the natural, scenic, recreational, and transportation resources of the Mississippi River as it travels through the Twin Cities. The MRCCA covers a 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, comprising 54,000 acres of land in 30 local jurisdictions from Dayton in the north to Hastings in the south. Each city along the Mississippi River is required to prepare and adopt plans, capital improvement programs and special land planning regulations consistent with state standards and guidelines for the MRCCA.

The purpose of the MRCCA is to: 
  • Protect and preserve a unique and valuable state and regional resource
  • Prevent and mitigate irreversible damage to the resource
  • Preserve and protect the river as an element in the national, state and regional transportation, sewer, water and recreational systems
  • Protect and preserve biological and ecological functions of the corridor
Brooklyn Center’s MRCCA boundary generally extends approximately less than ¼ mile from the City’s land bordering the Mississippi River. A majority of this land is currently used for single-family residential purposes or for public park land.

There are two MRCCA districts present in Brooklyn Center: 

1.) CA-RN (River Neighborhood):
Primarily residential neighborhoods, and also includes parks and open space, limited commercial development, marinas, and related land uses. It is intended to minimize erosion and the flow of untreated storm water into the river. And, a 35-foot height limit is proposed to allow two-story single-family dwelling without breaking the top of the tree line (height restriction is consistent with existing structure heights.)

2.) CA-SR (Separated from River):
Characterized by its physical and visual distance from the Mississippi River. The district includes land separated from the river by distance, topography, development, or a transportation corridor. The land in this district is not readily visible from the Mississippi River. It is intended to minimize negative impacts to primary conservation areas.

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Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Boundary in Brooklyn Center

Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Boundary in Brooklyn Center

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* 1. On the Mississippi River Trail, what would increase your level of enjoyment and frequency of visits? Select up to two:

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* 2. What are the obstacles to accessing the Mississippi River from Brooklyn Center?

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* 3. What would increase how frequently you visit the MRCCA area surrounding the fishing pier (image below)? Select up to two:

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Fishing Pier

Fishing Pier

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* 4. Are you concerned about stormwater runoff into the Mississippi River?

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* 5. What do you think is the best way to reduce the flow of untreated stormwater into the Mississippi River? Select up to two:

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* 6. How do you think residents want to enjoy the river? Select up to two:

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* 7. On the figure below the City has identified three locations with significant public views of the river, all located along the Mississippi River's edge between 53rd and the I-694 bridge. As part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update, Brooklyn Center is interested in identifying additional public river corridor views (PRCVs). In addition to these three views, please comment upon areas where you would like to have added views (describe areas using road names):

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Public views

Public views

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* 8. Is a public access/public dock needed/or desired for residents?

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* 9. Should the City prioritize access and improvement to the publicly accessible areas along the Mississippi River?

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* 10. Rank the importance of the following improvements/activities:

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* 11. How should the City continue to promote and develop relationships to encourage river access, increase use and steward the natural environment?

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* 12. Please add any additional comments:

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