Still stinging from the threat of fines and the requirement to complete $40,468.32 in restoration work after conducting road maintenance in July 2008, the Schroeder Township is hesitant to complete culvert repair work on the Sugarloaf Road. At its May 12, 2009, meeting, the town board expressed frustration that it had not gotten a reply from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on what is needed to complete work started last summer.
Schroeder Clerk Carol Tveekrem said she had talked to Cook County Soil & Water, which told her a permit may not be needed. Supervisor Bill McKeever said, “Oh, no, we are not going to do anything until we get a permit. They were going to fine us for taking care of a problem. We’re not doing a thing until we get a permit.”
McKeever once again expressed disbelief that the creek in question is considered a trout stream by the DNR. He said he knew it as the Sugarloaf Stream when he was growing up and he recalled that it consistently went dry. Commissioner Bruce Martinson agreed, pointing out that the rivulet was designated a trout stream in 1991. He said it was odd that the Cross River was not a designated trout stream.
Supervisors asked Commissioner Martinson if he could do anything to expedite the receipt of a permit. “We want to do what the DNR has recommended!” said Supervisor Cathy Johnson.
Tveekrem added that the township had received $31,167.99 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for repairs on the road after the June 6, 2008 rainstorm. Although the town received that funding in November 2008, it is reluctant to proceed without proper permitting. However, Tveekrem added, “If we don’t get this done soon, we’ll have to return the FEMA money.”
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