Original Message------
To: Gene Merriam
Cc: Evelyn Larsen
Cc: Jay Anderson
Cc: Stephanie Hemphill
Sent: Dec 5, 2006 10:38 AM
Subject: Fw: FYI
Commissioner Merriam,
What follows is a news release concerning a land swap the DNR is considering that will greatly and negatively impact Grand Marais. It is extremely important for the future of the city that this not go forward as this property is a core component defining the natural setting that defines our city and gives context to the Gunflint Trail, the Superior Hiking Trail, the scenic overlook, and the adjacent public lands the people of Minnesota and the residents of Cook County have come to see as defining Grand Marais.
The DNR, according to the news release, has set a response date for comments from Cook County and the City of Grand Marais of December 8: this is a totally unrealistic expectation since it falls between regular meetings for the respective governing bodies and allows little or no time for a reasonable, deliberative review, nor does it give the community at large an opprtunity to formulate and express their opinion to the DNR or to their elected representatives.
In addition, the economics of the exchange are a bit bewildering. How equitable to Minnesota's citizens is it to give up over 300 acres of extremely valuable land in the city of Grand Marais for 400 acres of cut-over property somewhere outside of Hovland?
I am asking you to stop the exchange outright, or at a minimum, have the relevant DNR committee delay the comment deadline until January of 2007.
John Haluska
Grand Marais, Minnesota
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