Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust – October 2nd, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes

Pres. Beth Wood Residence on Cedar Lake

 

     The October Meeting of the SPLPT was called to order at 7:20 pm by President Beth Wood following the presentation of a plaque to past board member Marlene Rebeck for her past services to the Trust.

     Board members present were Pete Kling, Mike Reiter, Beth Wood, Stuart Nelson, Chris Polfus, Jack Hayes, Ron Siler and Consultant Cheryl Clemens.

     The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were read and approved as presented.

 

  1. Cheryl announced that the grant for the South Cedar Bay Landing had been approved and will be signed and dated shortly. Bob Heise from the County will be contacted to get the ball rolling. The parking lot needs to be constructed before the dock can be installed. Hopefully, this all can occur this year.
  2. Jack reported on Polk County Lake District meetings he attended. Brook Whalen is now involved in the Wisconsin Conservation League of Voters and a score card of political voting was provided to the Board. Voting records were scored and tabulated for each politician. It was also noted that Dave Peterson, from Polk County, is now the present Polk County Conservationist.   
  3. Stuart and Ron reported on the progress of obtaining conservation easements for the Nelson Property. These easements can provide corridor access from the County property on the Apple River to the south and eventually tie into the McMurtrie Property to the north. The terms of these easements have been negotiated with the buyer. A 15 foot wide pathway is provided along the perimeter of the property. Signage on the easement area will be provided by the Trust as deemed necessary. Naming rights on the property is also retained by the Trust. Issues of fencing, horseback riding and grazing were all explained to the satisfaction of the Board. Contact with adjacent land owners to provide continuation of the pathway and access to the McMurtrie Preserve will be an ongoing effort. A motion was made, seconded and approved to move forward on these conservation easements. Stuart Nelson abstained from the vote due to possible conflict of interest.
  4. Stuart and Ron commented on the acquisition of the 3.2 acre Sessions Property located on the north end of Cedar Lake near where Horse Creek enters the lake. The Trust now owns the property. Stuart will attend the upcoming Cedar Lake District meeting on October 23rd to approach the District for financial support.   
  5. Stuart reported on the McMurtrie Land Swap negotiations. Things have changed substantially since the last meeting in a very positive direction. Stuart, Ron, Buzz Sorgi, Harvey Halvorsen, Mick Anderson and Bruce Neebe have collectively put their heads together and coming up with a viable alternative. Land can be “swapped” to provide the Trust with a piece of land that can perk in exchange for a piece of land in similar dimensions that has limited deed restrictions. This opens up several more options to us for land development and environmental center site construction. Plans will move forward when this swap is finalized.
  6. There is a small piece of land that is less than an acre in area located near our land access off highway M that is not listed as being owned by any surrounding land owner. A motion was made, seconded and approved to proceed with a “Quiet Title Action” to acquire this land as part for the McMurtrie Preserve.
  7. Cheryl has been made aware of a 20 acre wetland property located near Wonderoos on which the owner wants to provide conservation easements. Because of numerous non-finalized projects the SPLPT is presently involved with, it was felt by the Board that we should finalize our present commitments before taking on new ones. In the future we would be very interested in considering acquisitions like that presented.
  8. Cheryl provided boundary sign examples for the Boche Property. Signage design was approved and signs will be ordered.
  9. The SPLPT survey was discussed. Cheryl agreed to finalize it and provide a report of the survey’s findings.
  10. A summary of the last two open houses on the McMurtrie Preserve were given. Two teachers, one from Osceola and the other from New Richmond, toured the area and were pleasantly impressed with the area’s potential. Steve Schieffer, another teacher from Amery, suggested that the final open house be substituted with a teacher in-service day so that more individuals can be contacted. Aleisha will be alerted to this opportunity. It was also felt that Aleisha should be invited to our Board meetings and take an active part in the education aspects and planning. Cheryl Emerson from Community Ed will help coordinate a snowshoeing outing this winter on the McMurtrie property. Restroom facilities and placement on the property during times of educational use was discussed. Rental of these units is the most viable option.
  11. The USF&WS has provided brush removal on the Boche property and will also create a wetland scrape to improve open water wildlife habitat.
  12. Cheryl advised the Trust of a fundraising training grant available through the St Croix Valley Foundation.
  13. Stuart mentioned a potential commitment to a local land owner for the purchase of land adjacent to DNR owned land. This commitment would be binding and allow the land owner collateral for money to purchase another piece of farmland. It was felt not prudent for the Trust to enter into such an agreement.
  14. The New Richmond Alternative School Class has worked with the SPLPT in the past during NR High School Service Day and was looking for other projects. Several potential projects on the McMurtrie Preserve and South Cedar Bay Landing were suggested. Stuart will pass this information on to Travis Gibson, the Alternative School teacher.
  15. A motion was made and approved to provide up to $750.00 for the purchase of a canoe and other prizes to be donated to the Star Prairie Fish & Game Association as prizes for their Bucks Night Fund Raiser.
  16. A card from the SPLPT will be sent out at the end of the year to the membership. A spring newsletter is being considered.
  17. A “Thank You Letter” from the Star Prairie Fish & Game Association thanking the SPLPT for their sponsorship at the River Island Park Party held on August 15th, 2006 was received.
  18. Pete was made aware of a “big mother” bridge available in Minnesota located presently at the Crystal Airport. It is 8’ x 3” wide and comes in 6 - 75 foot sections. It is presently available. No action was taken on the bridge.
  19. Pete will also be attending the Lake Mallalieu District meeting and will keep us updated on anything happening in that area of the County.
  20. The next meeting of the Land Trust is scheduled for December 4th, 2006 at 7 pm at the Star Prairie Community Center with Stuart’s home located on Cedar Lake as a backup.

 

With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.

 

                                                        Respectfully Submitted

       

                                                        Mike Reiter - Recorder