Major development slated for Lake Vermilion

[guideman]

As many of you may already know U.S. Steel ownes a number of acers on the east end of Vermilion.

They have just submitted a plan to develope about 3 miles of shoreline with a large high density 73 unit community.

The new development proposal is called "The three bays project". It will encompass the entier shore of Matson and Cable bay and it will include most of the southern shoreline of Armstrong bay.

I hate to see all that beautiful shoreline change however my major concern is what will happen when the building starts. Some of the best Smallmouth and Muskie spawning areas on the east end, are in the development area. There are 2 proposed boat ramps, one in Matson in a very excellent Smallie spawning area and the other in Armstrong directly in the area of a large reed bed, where Muskie are spawning.

There are also other areas in Cable that both of these species use for spawing. One of the best areas in Cable is directly adjacent to where they are proposing to build a large septic system.

The first public meeting was held last Thursday and I wasn't impressed by the lack of attention for the fishery. I am worried that big bucks and

fast money may try to shoot this thing through at

the cost of Vermilions fishery. There will still be studdies done and assesments made however we

all need to contact the DNR to let them know of our concerns. I'm not trying to stop this project (as if that were possible) I simply want to make sure that they are aware of whats at stake.

Tower office of the DNR, 218-753-4500

You can read more about the development if you go to the Timber Jay news paper website, or the News tribune in Duluth.

This is a serious issue that could effect the Big

V for years to come, we can make a difference if we make ourselves heard. Call or e-mail the local governments and your state representitives to ask what they can do about protecting lake Vermilion.

Ace

[MT Net]

Guideman, thanks for the heads up.

I've seen a couple of articles about this. I remember filling out a DNR questionaire about development a couple years back. I wonder if it had to do with this.

First Minntac wants to dump tailings into the Pike River, and Dark Rivers. That would be about 8 million gallons of tailings waste water containing sulfates and mercury.

Now US Steel wants to bulldoze the shoreline for homes. What kind of impact will this have on Vermilion? Will this large septic system handle the load? Is there a backup plan for when the septic system fails? What about shoreline runoff from these bulldozed lots, and as stated, spawning sites.

Not sure what can be done, but I'll voice my opionion to the powers that be.

[upnorth]

Ah yes....the price of progress. It is amazing what the almighty buck can get done ain't it It will get to be a political can of worms here.

Vermilion is just too pretty of a lake to be virtually consumed by lake homes and these kind of developments. I hope that there is something that can at least lessen the impact on the lake.

Is there anyone we can write to about this? I hate to see this kind of development ruin the lake.

[slick814]

Terry, is this a change of venue from the proposed Pike Bay development that was supposed to happen a year or so ago?

If so, I thought that it got shot down.

I'd hate to see Vermilion become Mille Lacs or Minnetonka North..

We all need to write to the powers that be to stop this kind of development, for the fishery and for the overall beauty of the lake!

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Slick,

This is a brand new can of rotten worms! More like a flat of rotten worms!!

Much larger development and more density. In a much more prestine area!

Cliff

[slick814]

Well, I've already started in on a few folks about the mouth of the East 2 needing some dredging.. Might just have to get Mom's whole family in on protesting this one.. heck, there's 50 or 60 people right there...

Thanks Cliff.

Done... got the original to those who will scream the loudest...and most often!!!!

[TomWehler]

Cool how Easy we can talk about things on this forum.

On one other board like 101, Terry brought this up, was going pretty well.

Now last night we all get called NATZI'S!

Buy a brave UN-REGISTERED user.

LOL

Don't pay them much mind, but it shows what yer up against.

A good discussion is fun, even if it gets heated a bit.

I for one listen to it all, then go where my mind leads me.

More times than not it gets me into less trouble than if I just jump in and flap me lips.

LOL

Not against this deal really.

Would love to see it never be, but that is just a dream.

It everything is checked, researched, checked again and no corners cut this could be a workable deal.

Best to leave this area alone, but change, more people and new roads, good fis'en & hunt'en, fresh air, peace n quite and very friendly people bring money.

TheAmerican dream as it were?

Fine line to get the money and still retain the wilderness?

Hope it all works out.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Tom

[MT Net]

Good call, Tom!

Civility goes a long way.

I think the trouble here is the process in which US Steel is going about this. Going around and stepping over the local planning commisions and ordinances. Sort of demanding special interest above and beyond the norm simply because they have the $$$ and power. Something an average citizen could not do. IMHO.

[MJR]

Terry I sent you another E-mail on this.

Good Luck

[SledNeck_X]

The way I see it is that many people buy places and continue to live on Lake Vermilion because it is a populated area. It's close to towns and there are many businesses on and near the lake, not to mention a Casino. There is no question that Vermilion is not a secluded slice of pure nature. If people wanted that there are tons of other lakes in the area where people could find that, but it would mean maybe driving a long distance and living down a dirt road. I can't see the complaint of a person that builds a house on the lake (which his fine for him) but then whines when others start building houses, then they say the people are ruining the lake. I just dont get it. I love the lake, everywhere I fish I see a house, another boat, or some kind of man-made structure Ive come to accept that. And it doesnt ruin my experience, weather im ripping across the lake at death defying speeds on my snowmobile , or slowly trolling the shoreline in summer.

[slick814]

SledNeckx-

I don't think that it's so much that people are saying that everyone who builds a cabin on the lake is ruining it as much as the fact that what USSteel is asking to do goes against local ordinance, and the location is also not so good for the fishery.

It will affect multiple species, for one, and some of what they are porposing is just garbage. They are saying that there are certain parcels of land that they won't develop and sell. Those parcels are mostly swamp or have limited lake access, which makes them either impossible or very difficult to sell.

They are also asking to put double the amount of buildings that local ordinances call for. They want to make 1.5 acre lots, rather than 4 acre lots. There are reasons that the townships voted for these laws, and they need to be respected.

We all just want to keep Lake Vermilion the quality fishery that we have grwon up with and currently enjoy, not to mention for our children and grtandchildren in the future. We don't expect the Boundary Waters, just to keep it a great place to be able to enjoy with our friends & family.

[JMWalleyes]

You are correct in that nobody expects it to be wilderness anymore but there is a real delicate balance that seems to be tipping the wrong way. Over the past ten years I have taken notice of the accelerated development pace and it doesn't seem to bother me so much due to seeing it a little bit at a time on each visit spread out over those years while vacationing.Wow a new golf course ! A buddy of mine came with us this year who had not been on V in 15 years and couldn't believe the changes. He mumbled "Manicured suburban lawns to the lake-this isn't the way it used to be" What's next? Waterfront condo towers?He's right! If Vermilion turns into a lake like Minocqua or Geneva in Wisc it will be a sin.

Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till its gone-they paved paradise and they put up a parking lot.

[guideman]

Sledneck,

I'm not against anyone building a "Cabin" on the Big V, unfortunately nobody builds "Cabins" any more. They wack down all the trees, build a large split level home, 2 docks, a 26' boathouse and a couple out buildings and a sauna. We just spent 3 years working out the new land use plan so that it would work for everyone. Now the developers are seeking to make their own rules, so they can accomodate their big money interest. "Oh they say" "there is no need to worry about the future, we will make sure all the residents follow our rules". You may believe them but unfortunately, I don't. As soon as they cash the check their gone and on to their next big check.

Maybe you don't fish this area of the lake, as you metioned that there are cabins everywhere on Vermilion. The east of of Big bay is almost like fishig in the BWCA, I know it can't last forever however slash and burn development is not the way to go and it will take it's toll.

Some of us don't want to just move on to the next undeveloped lake, we like the one we are on. Now is the time to protect the resource, not after it is already gone. This area has some of the very best smallmout bass spawning areas on Vermilion.

All of them are within the boundries of this new development proposal, yet at the meeting with the county board there was no mention of safegaurding

any of them. In fact, they have a proposed septic

storage area directly ajacent to one of the major

reed beds in Cable bay.

I would think someone from the range, would be more interested in preserving what they have here in the Arrowhead. I guess it all depends on your point of view however, I think it's worth saving even if you don't.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Terry,

I agree with you 100 percent!

Some people just are not able to look far enough into the future to be able to see the results of todays actions or inactions!

Maybe just too young to have seen the results of this type development in areas that they grew up in.

Not all changes are for the best.

Cliff

[dannyboy]

hello all.

just snowplowed my way outa the great northpole most of us call northern wisconsin.yikes 11inches when im trying to hunt. i prayed to GOD for a "little snow" not a blizzard....

anyway,

this development terry is talking about is scary when the resource that brings people to the area is disregarded for "progress" and the ultimate dollar.

someone mentioned geneva lakes area and minoqua.

i grew up in the geneva lakes area,what an absolutely beautiful small deep lake. then you look at the shore.yikes. theres no cabins there. it is all mulimillion dollar homes and every inch developed thats possible is.

the people who own these homes mostly are outa staters who believe the only people who who should be on the lake fishing or boating should own property. big thumbs down.

what a shame. if treated properly this lake has so much potential. but the animals in the lake are in such great shape from dodging so many boats and traffic that they're too tired to bite my line.

minoqua is what we all call "lake geneva of the north"

same as above but not yet developed as much. in time i'm sure it will be.

now i am not against development but lets follow the rules and not let the almighty dollar step above the rules that the local people and dnr have established and keep a keen eye on the resources future.

my $.02

dannyboy

[guideman]

Hi All,

Here are some e-mail addresses and phone numbers that you can contact to voice your opinions on this development proposal. Please let them know how important these spawning areas are and ask them to do the right thing.

Reinvest in Minnesota/conservation reserve enhancement program.

Mark Nelson, [email protected]

Minnesota enviromental quality board.

www.eqb.state.mn.us

Gene Merriam, DNR commissioner 651-296-6157

Tower office of the DNR, 218-753-4500

Mark Johnson, St.Louis county board. This guy is at the forefront of all development.

[email protected]

Diane Mandernach, Commissioner, Department of health, 651-215-5813

Governor Pawlenty, [email protected]

or call him at; 800-657-3717

There have been victories in the past that have saved our outdoor resources, all it takes is a little bit of your time. Remember this isn't just about a few plots, this is 5 MILES of shoreline.

Thank You!

"Ace"

[delcecchi]

The folks that need to be contacted seem to be the St Louis County Board, and it isn't clear they give a hoot about Lake Vermilion, as compared to tax revenue and their campaign funds. But what the hey, I'm just one of those 612ers, I have no influence. It's you locals who vote who have the influence.

delcecchi

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Terry,

Very good info. on contacts.

I plan to call or e-mail every one of them!

If any other local voters really care about what happens to Lake Vermilion I suggest that you do the same!

Even the 612'er have a right and obligation do do what they can. We all want what is right for Vermilion.

We can make a difference!

Cliff

[upnorth]

Hey Guys,

I just got done firing off my 2 cents. Don't know if it will do any good, but it is better than just sitting on my hands and whining

[Fish-n-Freak]

I have started a southern push. I am spreading the word to other metro people that I know enjoy their trips to Vermilion. I don't think this can be stopped, but with any luck, we can get them to do it the right way, and protect some of the spawning areas. Please keep us posted on any new info.

Steve

[upnorth]

That's awesome Steve the people who rubber stamp these kinds of project need to know that we don't approve. And getting the word out to as many people as possible as soon as possible keeps this out in the open where people can see it, not in a semi secret format so that it is all down before things really get out.

Scott

[Parker]

Simply put, the people making these decisions are elected officials and are accountable to their constituency. The people of St. Louis County (especially Duluth since 3 of the 7 districts are divided in that city) need to stand up and let their voice be heard. What you need to do is find the commissioner that represents your district and contact him/her via letter, email or phone call. Tell him or her that you WILL NOT VOTE FOR HIM/HER in the next election unless this development follows the Tower-Breitung Comprehensive Plan, which the commission approved on December 12, 2002

I doubt this link will work, but here is the link that shows the commissioners and the district they represent.

http://www.stlouiscounty.org/Commissioners.htm

If the link does not show, go to:

stlouiscounty ‘dot’ org

The “Commissioners” tab is the third one down on the left hand side of the screen

It gives addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for all involved. I do not know how up to date the web page is, but it’s the best way I could find to contact the people directly involved.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Well done guys!!!

You know what they say about the squeeking wheel!

Maybe a lot of noise from all of us will get their attention.

Cliff

[vermilionlocal]

Thanks for the info fellas. I just sent my e-mail and will be following that up with a call. You can't ask for a better opportunity to flex your voting muscle or a better topic. Lets lean on this board until they do the right thing!!

[upnorth]

Indeed!!!

[guideman]

I want to thank you guys for picking up the ball and running with it. The link to the county board will be very helpful because these are the people that will have the final word on this project.

We may not be able to stop the development from being built however, I think we can save the area from destruction and keep Vermilion healthy for years to come.

[esoxguy]

This is not a new topic. A few years ago a project was proposed that included a marina to be located adjacent to a primary weedbed on Leech lake. See the article in the summer 2002 edition of Esox Angler by Rob Kimm. I also remember seeing a booth at the next Muskie Expo where this group a group of interested anglers was sharing the news, and trying to get the word out to the anglers who cared and could take the issue to the regulatory agencies. It is my understanding that in the end the area was not developed or not developed as originally planned so that the weedbed could be saved. We have a voice so let's use what ever options we have to help influence the outcome. There are times that our voice can make a difference.

John

[upnorth]

If anyone else is interesting in the Tower-Breitung plan here is a link. I don't think it will offend the rules of this board so it should be good.

http://www.co.st-louis.mn.us/planning/Breitung-Tower_Plan.htm

[Finnish Flash]

I e-mailed my two cents to the people who's e-mails were listed by Terry. I hope enough people are heard from so they feel the pressure from us to do the right thing!

[slick814]

Ditto on that one, Flash. I sent my $.02, and forwarded the email addresses on to the family.