In October 2014, the Cook County commissioners passed a motion to pay the North Shore Management Board (NSMB) annual membership dues in the amount of $2,500. These dues guarantee representation in the decisions and activities of the NSMB, which has authority over property that lies between Lake Superior and 300 feet inland from Highway 61—or a line that is 1,000 feet from Lake Superior, whichever is greater.
The NSMB is responsible for defining minimum zoning standards for Minnesota’s Lake Superior and also reviews variances, conditional use permits, and other zoning development issues along the shore.
This year’s NSMB focus will include an assessment of rain garden programs and an update of the NSMB plan, which was last done about 10 years ago.
Commissioner Bruce Martinson pointed out that the distances as outlined weren’t exact and while the board approved the motion to stay in the NSMB, it should review the organization periodically.
County Water Plan adopted
Ilena Berg, Water Plan Coordinator, also came before the board in October with the final Local County Water Plan. The intent of this plan is to provide strategies to address water related issues, both protection and restoration in Cook County.
The Water Plan Advisory Committee, made up of six county residents, one county commissioner, one Soil and Water Conservation District board member, and Berg meet regularly for the revision of the plan.
The county’s previous water plan expired October 26, 2014.
The board unanimously approved the new plan. It will be good for 10 years with a revision in five years.
For more information about the water plan, contact Ilena Berg at 218-387-3648.
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