Notes after Olmsted Commissioners meeting 4/6

Thank you to everyone who sent comments to the Commissioners and attended and spoke at the hearing!

The decision to change the land use designation has been postponed until May 18th when the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners will again gather to vote on redesignating the 30 acre parcel where the Great Blue Herons have their rookery. The vote would move land use from "Protected Resource" to "Suburban Development". The Commissioners heard our voices . . . unfortunately, they are not required to hear public comments at the next meeting. They may vote this through, hoping public outcry will die down in a month. There are many steps after this. It will move Rochester Township next.

We will continue to advocate for the Great Blue Herons, but there are larger issues here. During this hearing, we challenged all of us in Olmsted County to have a conversation about balancing natural resource protection and development. That conversation should never stop. Please stay tuned as we gather ideas and momentum for the next step. We are new at this - trying to give voice to the to herons and all the living creatures in Olmsted who cannot advocate for themselves.