Star Prairie Land Preservation Trust – April 3rd, 2008 Meeting Minutes

Star Prairie Town Hall

 

     The April Meeting of the SPLPT was called to order at 7:00 pm by President Beth Wood.   

     Board members present were Pete Kling, Mike Reiter, Stuart Nelson, Trish Moberg, Mike Kelly, Beth Wood and Consultant Cheryl Clemens. Paul and Sherrill Schottler were also in attendance.

     The January 2008 secretary report was approved as read. The treasurer’s report was approved as submitted.

 

  1. A discussion was held on providing a memorial for Jack Hayes. A sign will be designed and a large rock memorial placed at the dam on the outlet of Cedar Lake on Cedar Creek. Dennis Early, Buzz Sorgi, Cheryl Clemens and Stu Nelson have been involved in the planning of the memorial. It will be a joint effort by the SPLPT, Cedar Lake Protection District and the SPF&GA. Buzz Sorgi has also been working on an award submission in Jack’s name from the North Central Lake Association.
  2. Donor recognition for contributions to the McMurtrie Preserve are also being considered. A committee made up of Beth, Stu and Trish will come back to the group with a recommendation at the next meeting on how this can be accomplished.
  3. The Director elections will be conducted at the annual meeting with Stu and Trish’s terms expiring. A replacement for Jack’s position will also be considered at his time.  
  4. The St. Croix Valley Land Protection grant status was reviewed. Notebooks are being constructed and Cheryl is close to finalizing them. Bylaws, contacts/assignments, terms, meeting minutes, newsletters, policies, financial statements, grants, easements and deed restrictions, the strategic plan and a current membership list will be included along with any other relevant information available.
  5. The River Protection Grant will provide funds for some of Aleisha’s work plus the interpretive guide for the McMurtrie Preserve. Jim Riemer and Cheryl have it almost ready to go. A copy of a draft program was circulated while another program is planned that would focus on younger age groups. Plans are to have it in place by Service Learning Day scheduled for May 14th. Other grants are also being considered.
  6. Cedar Bay Landing is getting much use. A request from the local snowmobile club to use the area for lake access was denied because of the restrictions on motorized vehicle use presently in place.
  7. The Horse Creek property acquisition has some minor issues that will soon be finalized.
  8. The Archery Club Land negotiations are still ongoing. Concerns have been raised and stipulations will need to be agreed upon between both parties to get this finalized. Things look optimistic to get this project moving forward however.
  9. The Board that the Star Prairie Fish & Game Association has agreed to provide their services for the upkeep and maintenance of the Menke property. This will include mowing and any other work that need to be performed. Word has come of the passing of Bob Menke on March 30th. A donation will be made in the Trust’s name to the Huntingburg Foundation. 
  10. Construction of the driveway and parking lot to the McMurtrie Preserve off County highway M has been completed. Plans to install restroom facilities and to construct an open pavilion are being considered this spring along with the instillation of two 12 foot gates to secure the property. Some work will be performed during Service Leaning day while the design committee will meet to get cost estimates on these projects. Fund raising activities may be tied into these projects also.
  11. A contract has been signed with the USF&WS to provider maintenance on the Boche property.
  12. The Cedar Lake north access and school property has been shown to be owned solely by the Town of Alden. The DNR will now move forward to provide public access to the lake utilizing this property.
  13. The Schottler Property is a 162 acre parcel of land located north of Somerset in Somerset Township. The property is owned by Paul and Sherrill Schottler. They wish to obtain a conservation easement on their property to protect it from future subdivision and development. Meetings have occurred with the SPLPT and documents to allow this to occur are almost completed. Paul and Sherrill were on hand to answer any questions.
  14. On August 15th through the 17th an “Order of the Arrow” Boy Scout weekend campout is being planned. Fifteen adults and 25 scouts will participate in this outing. Part of the weekend will include workdays to make physical improvements on the preserve.   
  15. Earth Day is scheduled for Sunday, April 20th at the YMCA camp in Hudson from 1-5 pm. SPLPT will be represented on that day at that event.
  16. Cheryl took suggestions for the upcoming spring newsletter which will be finalized shortly.
  17. The SPLPT will have several groups of students providing their services during the annual High School Service Learning Day scheduled for Wednesday, May 14th. Work at the South Cedar Bay Landing and McMurtrie property will be provide by the students. Money was allotted by the SPLPT as sponsorship for the High School Service Learning Day.  
  18. Aleisha will be setting up a schedule soon for classes to be held on the McMurtrie Preserve. Open days are also being considered.

 

     The next scheduled meeting of the SPLPT is scheduled for Monday, May 5th starting at 6 pm. A tour of the Schottler property will precede the meeting. Members are asked to meet at the Star Prairie town Hall.

 

With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.

 

                                                       Respectfully Submitted - Mike Reiter - Recorder