To help local communities, as well as other partners, achieve shared goals for open space and resource protection along the river, the National Park Service has developed a number of tools.  One of these tools is an assessment of Open Space Protection Opportunities  (OSPO) in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.  The assessment includes maps, a guidebook, and spatial data for use in a geographic information system.  Together, this information illustrates open space protection and restoration opportunities in the Mississippi National River Recreation Area, focused primarily on undeveloped, public land.  Like all planning tools, it is most effective when used in combination with other local or regional data.

The complete suite of OSPO information is available on CD.  Along with the GIS data, a guidebook, and other useful information, the CD includes two complete sets of maps.  One set highlights the ecological assessment of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area completed in 2003 by Great River Greening, an NPS partner specializing in native habitat restoration.  The second set of maps, updated in 2006, combines the ecological analysis with land ownership data for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. These maps are especially helpful in the development of local river corridor plans and in identifying local restoration and open space protection opportunities.

2006 Open Space Protection Opportunities Maps

Map 1: Northern Reach (Dayton/Ramsey to Highway 694) (5.1 MB)
Map 2: Central Reach (Highway 694 to Highway 494) (8.2 MB)
Map 3: Saint Paul Reach (6.4 MB)
Map 4: Southern Reach (Highway 494 to Goodhue/Dakota County Line) (6.8 MB)

Open Space Opportunities Guidebook

Open Space Protection Opportunities Guidebook (6.8 MB)
Open Space Protection Opportunities CD Cover (164 KB)

As with all National Park Service products, we welcome feedback on the OSPO maps and their usefulness to your community or organization.

To learn more about the NPS’ coordinating role in trail planning and open space protection, check out the Trails and Open Space Partnership , or call 651-290-3030, ext. 225.  The NPS also provides technical assistance for open space and trail planning upon request.

Additional Resources/Planning Tools