“Passion Pit” Old Shore Beach Area Advisory Committee update

At the most recent meeting of this committee, consisting of members from the Cook County Historical Society, the City of Grand Marais, the county, tribal representatives, property owners along Old Shore Beach Road and committee members at large, there were several updates provided, along with an additional public comment which supported the recommendation of the committee for MnDOT to turn the parcel over to the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Updates provided first included Myron Bursheim’s report from the Cook County Historical Society. At the CCHS meeting on June 17, two letters of support (one to the County Board and the other to MnDOT) were unanimously approved and forwarded to Tim Nelson, Director of Land Services, who is an ex-officio member and has no voting authority on the advisory committee. The update from the City of Grand Marais consisted of a similar letter of support, indicating such disposition of the property would serve “to address the history of the area and its people.” The letter was signed by Mayor Jay DeCoux on behalf of the City Council. The last update was from the County; a letter was sent by County Administrator James Joerke following the County Board’s unanimous approval of the advisory committee’s five recommendations. Approved on June 8 were the following recommendations:

1) Placement of a waste receptacle and a pet waste station on the county portion where the path to the beach is located,

2) Permission for placement of a private directional sign along the cartway that extends along the cartway east of Old Shore Road until a more permanent sign is ordered, received, and placed by the county,

3) Placement of a sign on county property which reads, “Thank you – Miigwiech – for respecting our neighbors, our land, and our waters.”

4) Formal support for Grand Portage to be given first preference in obtaining the MnDOT parcel.

Disposition of the parcel could take anywhere from 12-24 months, according to information shared by MnDOT with Tribal Chair Bobby Deschampe. In the mean time, the advisory group agreed that shortterm maintenance should be done cooperatively between the city and the county. Kelly Swearingen said the city agreed to order the waste receptacle and the pet waste station, while the county would be responsible for emptying those receptacles, similar to service currently provided at several other sites throughout the county.

Additionally, Margaret Hedstrom, an Old Shore Road property owner on the committee, had expressed concern over a hole, or depression in the parking lot, which was filled with water. It appeared to be hazardous to those walking in the area and also could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes when filled with standing water. County Commissioner Ann Sullivan had asked if gravel could be brought in by the county to fill the hole; Director Tim Nelson believed that would be no problem. On June 28, Robbie Haas, County Engineer, reported to the committee that the gravel had been brought in and the parking area had been graded so it was level. Ann Sullivan indicated she had followed up on the NO CAMPING signs placed by the DNR at the site; there are two signs, with one being visible from the parking lot and the other with visibility from the shore of Lake Superior.

The committee spoke of next steps which included meetings to be held the fourth Monday of each month at 5 p.m. until the disposition of the property by MnDOT. At these monthly meetings possible topics include a land acknowledgement statement, review of materials and resources available through the Native Governance website, selection of a more appropriate name for the parcel, and seeking additional support or resources following discussion with Grand Portage. Maria Burnett, a community at-large member of the committee, will be facilitating conversations with members of the Grand Portage Tribal Council. Frequent monitoring of the area will be done, and Old Shore Road committee members were asked to notify Commissioner Sullivan or Director Nelson if there were concerns. Monitoring will continue until the MnDOT parcel decision is made. It is hoped that the parcel will remain public property and will be acquired by Grand Portage.