A new picnic table, fire grate, and latrine may be built on a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources-owned island on Poplar Lake, courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service. Cook County would sign a lease with the DNR for use of the site, which would be maintained by the Poplar Lake Association.
The island is called Blueberry/Picnic Island.
A May 5, 2009 letter to DNR Area Supervisor Doug Rowlette from Poplar Lake Association Vice-President Mike Sherfy states, “The members of the Poplar Lake Association and resorts on Poplar Lake have been concerned about some aspects of public use of islands on the south side of the lake. Thepublic uses these islands as picnic and camping spots and there have been issues with proper disposal of human wastes.”
The Poplar Lake Association suggested the partnership after the Forest Service expressed willingness to build a picnic area but determined the island it owns on Poplar Lake does not have enough soil depth to allow a latrine.
County Land Commissioner Mary Black brought the proposal to county commissioners Tuesday, November 17. The board passed a motion saying it would agree to lease the site on behalf of the Poplar Lake Association. If the DNR approves the partnership, the county would then have the Poplar Lake Association sign an agreement to maintain the site.
A similar partnership for a Little Iron Lake picnic area is in the process of approval from the DNR. That partnership was initiated by the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byways Committee.
County Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers said the lease would be likely to span five years and cost less than $100 a year.
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