Integrated Vegetative Management Plan has two choices, but maybe should include one more option

Bob LaMettry’s letter to the editor in the July 17 edition of this paper brings to light what those of us living on or near the Gunflint Trail have learned, in bits and pieces, about Arrowhead Cooperative’s “Integrated Vegetative Management Plan” and the two choices presented to us, I expect this same program may be implemented over the rest of the county on homeowners’ land, and on commercial property in coming years. All members of the Coop should be aware of its plan which includes widespread application of herbicides.

When I first heard of Arrowhead’s plan to use herbicides, but also the choice to opt out of that plan, I was relieved because for many years I have been doing that maintenance myself by cutting down invasive plants, such as willow, and by keeping trees from growing up in the Coop’s right of way. In addition,

I’ve made wildflower beds to establish pollinator habitat, and I’ve planted native bushes that produce berries for birds, and other wildlife. I’ve also protected the bushes and small trees that grow spontaneously and are a food source for wildlife. In essence, I’m doing, within Coop’s right of way on my property, what Arrowhead claims is their ultimate goal, that is to have wildflowers and low bushes under the power lines.

So, I opted out. But a letter came in the mail one recent Saturday, saying if I opt out, then I must choose to pay them an extra monthly fee over the next 5 years, or pay the whole fee ($997) in one check. The letter said, succinctly, “Return this signed and dated agreement within five days to Arrowhead Cooperative. The fee would be the “Alternate Maintenance Proposed” which stated “Brush, trees and stump sprouts will be hand cut or mechanically mowed as an alternative to applying herbicides for controlling problem vegetation. The cost will be $5.54 per span.” There was no space for landowner input, and it certainly does not seem cooperative. I did not sign and return the letter because I am doing the work.

Please be aware that this “Management Plan” may be coming to the rest of Arrowhead members in the future. There are many people in Cook County with expertise and experience in practicing sound stewardship of this fragile land, while respecting the need to keep trees from bringing down power lines. Arrowhead would be wise to seek and listen to that knowledge. Isn’t that the meaning of the word Cooperative?

Susan Scherer,
Grand Marais