Whats AIS?

Many of you know that there is a problem with Aquatic Invasive Species. The threats have been from plant life to fish to Zebra Mussels. The Zebra Mussels seem to bring the highest threat in most people eyes. The local concern is the introduction of these into Pelican Lake.

Zebra Mussels have been found locally in Lake Ossawinnamakee. More recently they have been found in Gull Lake. Mille Lacs has had them for a number of years. The same holds true for the Mississippi River. One Zebra Mussel was found in Pelican Lake this past fall. There is the thought that if they are present, more than one would be found. They are very prolific. Time will tell if they are there but regardless, keeping them at bay is the goal.

A concern was raised with the Breezy Point Public Landing. There was some thought that by closing the landing we limit the possibilities of introduction. The City and the State of Minnesota (DNR) established this landing in 1985. The agreement requires that the landing remain open and free to the public. Closure or limiting hours is really not an option. The landing could be closed between midnight and 4 AM as the only possibility. A number of other landings are available to users of the lake so limiting one access doesn’t really solve the problem in that regard.

Efforts have been made to ward off the threat. The Pelican Lake Association has been working with the DNR on a volunteer basis to inspect boats as they use the landing. The city police officers have been trained in Aquatic Invasive Species so they can enforce laws applicable to this issue. The City Public Works personnel have also been trained in this issue as they do maintenance at the landing and beach. They too can address the issue. The city will install a sign to let boaters know that laws associated with Aquatic Invasive Species will be enforced by the Breezy Point Police, as a reminder.

This year the DNR will again be working with local volunteers to monitor the access. They had also asked for a Right of Entry Authorization. In addressing this with the DNR they intend on having decontamination service available at the boat landing to further address the threat. It is everyone’s hope that Zebra Mussels have not been introduced.

Boaters and the public in general need to recognize that the responsibility for introduction really lies with the individual. There are far too many public and private landings in the states waters to guard against the introduction.

Be a good steward of our public water resources, doing what you can to ward off the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species. Maintaining the lake as invasive free ultimately lies with your actions.

To Buy or Not

In Crow Wing County there is a rather high incidence of property reverting to the county under tax forfeit laws. If taxes aren’t paid for a period of time state law provides that the owner, in essence, has abandoned his ownership. The county then takes jurisdiction and ownership of the property.

Once this occurs the county designates the property as “Conservation” meaning it is conserved for a period of time. The jurisdiction where the property is located is given the opportunity to review the properties prior to a change in status to “Non-Conservation” which means they can then sell the property. The city, with their review, can maintain the property as Conservation. The governing body would need to say they are interested in the property. The county has the option to deed the property to the local jurisdiction if there is a public purpose at no cost. This is done with a deed restriction limiting the use of the property. The county also has the option to sell the property outright.

For number of years Crow Wing County had allowed cities to acquire properties for public purposes at no cost. This became a problem with the amount of property that had to be accounted for and the various designated public purposes. Trying to manage these with enforcement became overwhelming. Cities started with good intentions and generally fulfilled those obligations but there were some of these properties that, over time, had shifted in use. Doing so negates the agreement for the property. When this happens the property can revert back to the county for disposition. The resources needed to manage enforcement became a problem.

Crow Wing County determined that, regardless of buyer, the property would be sold at a fair market price. The city could reserve the property for a period of time but would have to eventually purchase it. Funds for purchase of tax forfeited property go to the county. A portion of the sale price is paid to the local jurisdiction.

The properties the county is changing to Non-Conservation are reviewed by the city on an annual basis. One property that was felt desirable this year was considered for drainage. The City Council considered the purchase and determined the need wasn’t strong enough to justify the expense. So for this go around, the city won’t be acquiring any tax forfeited properties and hope the land returns to the tax roles for development.

Wildwood Access Closing?

I have written in the past about the process and progress that was being made with the improvements proposed for Co. Rd. 11 between Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point. Crow Wing County had undertaken a study of this corridor to develop a greater understanding of the needs that exist from a traffic safety standpoint. They also wanted to take a futuristic look at what might happen when the 371 Bypass is built in Pequot Lakes. This is anticipated for 2018 and when built, traffic patterns will change. Anticipating how things might change helps to anticipate how best to manage the future.

Through this study process a Task Force was established to help the county better understand local needs and perspectives. The Task Force was composed of local public officials. The Task Force worked with a consultant Traffic Engineer on a plan that would enhance traffic movements while also providing for safety improvements. With these things in mind those areas of concern were identified and possible solutions were posed.

One of these situations was the possibility of closing the access to Wildwood Lane from Co. Road 11. This would require the diversion of traffic down Ski Chalet to Ranchette Drive to access Co. Rd. 11 at that location. As the process occurred two Public Open Houses were held to let the public know what was occurring and what was being considered. The second Open House was held on February 23rd and residents who held property which gained access off of Wildwood Lane were specifically invited to attend. At the meeting the issues were explained and comments were heard from the residents. The comments received showed little support for the closing of this access point. The primary concerns included extended driving access times and distances, additional emergency response times and the need to provide other improvements to support the closure.

At the March 5th City Council meeting the City Council conserved the question of closure of Wildwood Lane to Co. Rd. 11 and rejected the idea. They also made suggestions for improvements for the county to consider. One such improvement, a bypass lane, will be considered by the county for implementation however the project is driven by the budget available and if the additional work can be accommodated it will be done. The entire project includes, in addition to a mill and overlay, improvements at Ranchette and at Eagle View Elementary School. It is hoped there are sufficient funds to do the additional work but we will not know until the bids are received.