Lynn Cornell 6/15/22 Lynn Cornell 6/15/22

Thank you!

Thank you to our supporters who signed the petition, wrote letters, and showed up for the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting!

Lynn Cornell 6/15/22 Lynn Cornell 6/15/22

News: Planning commission recommends denial

The Rochester Township’s planning and zoning commission recommended denial of the developer’s “pre plat”. Despite this denial, the final approval of the plan is up to the Rochester Township Board, which will decide on Thursday, July 14.

Lynn Cornell 6/14/22 Lynn Cornell 6/14/22

Response to judge’s decision

Response to a judge’s decision on our appeal of the Township’s decision to forego an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The judge's decision did not say that the township made the right decision regarding the EIS based on the facts and experts.

Lynn Cornell 6/12/22 Lynn Cornell 6/12/22

The Big Picture

International Properties LLC bought this property and designed a 10-lot subdivision for the property that fails repeatedly to comply with township ordinances and comprehensive plan.

Lynn Cornell 6/12/22 Lynn Cornell 6/12/22

Join us at Rochesterfest Parade! Sat, June 25

Join us! We will be marching and riding in the parade in and alongside our Great Blue Heron truck starting 2pm on June 25th downtown Rochester.

Lynn Cornell 6/7/22 Lynn Cornell 6/7/22

Letter: Why didn't DNR protect heron rookery?

Post Bulletin Letter: Why didn't DNR protect heron rookery?

Lynn Cornell 6/1/22 Lynn Cornell 6/1/22

Segura: The fight for the herons is far from over

Rochester Township is changing. The township board needs to change too. Residents want thoughtful development that preserves natural areas. The township board needs to listen to their voices and act before it is too late.

Lynn Cornell 5/10/22 Lynn Cornell 5/10/22

Greed was the winner over heron rookery

When selfishness and greed get to dominate, couched in the terms “individual rights,” with the assumption that only the individual matters, that’s not good for the community.

Lynn Cornell 4/25/22 Lynn Cornell 4/25/22

PB article: Land sells despite lawsuits

Land targeted for development that contained a great blue heron nest colony has been sold, despite pending lawsuits.

Lynn Cornell 4/25/22 Lynn Cornell 4/25/22

Rochester Voters: Don’t Let County Commissioners Diminish Your Voice

Olmsted Co. should undo 'cracking' that limits Rochester's political representation. Contact the commissioners by Tuesday, April 26, to voice your opinion!

Lynn Cornell 4/12/22 Lynn Cornell 4/12/22

Township Meeting Postponed

The developer has pulled the “preliminary plat” agenda item from tonight’s Township Planning & Zoning Committee meeting.

Lynn Cornell 4/1/22 Lynn Cornell 4/1/22

Sign our Petition!

Petition to the township to try to save the 40-year great blue heron rookery and the mature forest that surrounds it from imminent destruction.

Lynn Cornell 4/1/22 Lynn Cornell 4/1/22

Go Team Herons!

Rochester Youth Baseball Association (RYBA) - Southern Minny team apparel is available for purchase. Show support for your team with the team logo on a shirt or shorts. These online stores are open for a limited time, closing on April 14.

Lynn Cornell 3/30/22 Lynn Cornell 3/30/22

Post Bulletin: More trees felled at heron nest site

More trees were cut down at a planned development site that houses a great blue heron rookery.

Lynn Cornell 3/30/22 Lynn Cornell 3/30/22

MPR story on rookery

In a city where new housing is scarce, the blue heron nests are the most recent flash point between local officials who green light new developments and Rochester residents who fear the region — under a massive development plan to bolster Mayo Clinic — is growing unfettered and with environmental costs.

Lynn Cornell 3/27/22 Lynn Cornell 3/27/22

Thurs 3/31, 7PM: Tracking Great Blue Herons

Zumbro Valley Audubon Society

Monthly Program via Zoom:

Tracking Great Blue Herons

Presented by Wildlife Biologist Danielle D'Auria

Thursday, March 31, 2022 / 7 - 8 pm

Lynn Cornell 3/21/22 Lynn Cornell 3/21/22

PB Letter: The birds are back - let's appreciate them

“Our community has wonderful parks, walkways and wildlife that deserve our appreciation and attention.”

Lynn Cornell 3/20/22 Lynn Cornell 3/20/22

Jenna Didier: Our rookery is threatened with imminent destruction

Our great blue heron rookery is threatened with imminent destruction. Despite the loss of 26 nests on a property planned for development, a neighboring parcel has 25 nesting trees. Those are now vulnerable to disruption.

Lynn Cornell 3/9/22 Lynn Cornell 3/9/22

Rochester Township Election

There was unprecedented interest in this year’s Rochester Township Board election. Two candidates explicitly expressed interest in preserving our local natural areas including our special great blue heron rookery. One of these, candidate Nathan Clarke, won the election with 85% of the vote.

Lynn Cornell 3/9/22 Lynn Cornell 3/9/22

More press coverage of rookery fight

Med City Beat: Despite setbacks, grassroots Save the Rookery group vows to press on