|
Feelings still revved high over possible all-terrain vehicle park CROW WING COUNTY BOARD Senior Reporter A possible all-terrain vehicle park continues to be a hot-button issue in Crow Wing County.
It wasn't on the agenda Tuesday, but Irondale Township resident Gaylene Hamm brought it up during the county's open forum. The forum lets people address any subject although the board cannot officially act on it.
Hamm asked the board to kill the environmental assessment worksheet they previously approved for a potential ATV park in Irondale Township. Hamm, who has been outspoken against the EAW and an ATV park, said she was concerned about the project description. She wanted ATVs to be stricken from the description. Hamm said the county needed to be more accountable.
Hamm had a copy of the proposed project from the county's parks department. She wanted to know how the proposed project description was determined. The description includes 100 miles of new trail corridor, 50 full-service campsites and 50 primitive tent sites. The proposed site in Irondale Township is often referred to as Section Six. It involves 1,000 acres of tax-forfeited land in the former iron mine area on the Cuyuna Range.
No decisions have been made about a county ATV park. The county began looking into an ATV riding area after residents identified it as a priority during several public meetings about developing a park plan.
The board expects to talk about the issue in greater detail at an upcoming meeting.
Charlie Blakeman, Nisswa, an ATV rider, said there are no opportunities in Crow Wing County to ride and lessons could be learned from trail systems in Cass County and in Arizona, where trails accommodate a variety of uses in harmony.
"There is no reason to bicker like this," Blakeman said.
Board Chairman Ed Larsen said everyone sees a need but no one wants it located next to them.
In other business, the board:
Accepted the resignation of Debra Anderson as health department manager, family health division and the resignation of Barbara Osby an at-large Human Rights Commission member.
Heard a request from Evergreen Cemetery Association Board for funding to help a capital fund drive by providing $25,000. The board expects to request the same amount from the city of Brainerd. The association takes care of 18,000 remains and has two cemeteries - one in Brainerd and one in Unorganized Territory.
Heard there should be no flu vaccine shortage this season or a delay in getting the shots or FluMist. Flu shots for adults and infants and the FluMist dose will cost $20. Commissioner Terry Sluss suggested dropping the rate for the FluMist nasal spray from a suggested $25 to $20. The majority of the board agreed.
RENEE RICHARDSON can be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
|
Mostly Clear, 80°
