The city of Breezy Point is fortunate to have a conservation
minded group in a non-profit organization of the Pelican Lake Conservation Club
(PLCC). This group provides for a number
of services within the community to serve not only Pelican Lake but also
activities within the community. They
provide their building for various groups to meet at no charge. They sponsor boating safety events for area
youth. They participate in the placement
of the navigation buoys in Pelican Lake, as well as other activities. They do this with gambling proceeds and fund
raisers including their breakfast and dinner activities.
There facility is located off of Thrane Drive. To the
north of the building they have established a nature trail that follows the
highway, with some separation, then loops towards the wetlands with a scenic
overlook and back towards the building area. Recently they approached the city
with the idea of expanding their trail system to include areas to the south of
their building on property owned by the city.
The city currently uses some of this property for various purposes but
the remainder is vacant or wetlands.
With this in mind we discussed with the PLCC the use of the
remaining property for an expansion of the trail system in this area. They were both open minded and excited about
the possibility. A pedestrian trail
easement was written for consideration by the city council. The easement provides for the ability of the
PLCC to establish a trail in areas not used by the city at their discretion
making it very flexible. The city maintains the ability to modify or withdraw the easement after
giving them a one year notice.
Making use of this property for recreation and keeping it in
a primarily natural state is really a win - win for everyone. The city maintains the property for future
use. The PLCC uses the property at no
expense and no tax liability. The PLCC
expands the trail system expanding their mission of developing
greater appreciation of nature with a longer trail loop. The trail becomes another piece of the
recreational opportunities available within the community. The only cost is working together.
The City Council considered the request for the pedestrian trail
easement and approved it at the October meeting. In the next year or so we should see an
expanded trail in the area of the PLCC property that can be used by all whom
are interested.
