Board approves transfer of historical marker and pavilion to Pine City for relocation ahead of DNR boat landing project

The Pine County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to transfer ownership of a historical marker and an adjacent pavilion to the City of Pine City so the city can relocate them before a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reconstruction project at the Pine City boat landing.

County staff told the board the DNR project would require removal or demolition of the existing historical marker and pavilion at the landing. County staff also reported the Minnesota Historical Society disclaimed any ownership interest in the marker and that the Pine County Historical Society supports relocating the plaque to preserve it.

A county representative said the city will assume responsibility and the cost to move the marker and the pavilion’s roof structure; the city proposed placing the plaque near the Voyager monument and relocating the pavilion to Lions Park on Woodpecker Ridge. The board’s motion to transfer the marker and pavilion passed unanimously.

Commissioners and staff noted related property-ownership questions remain for two adjacent parcels near the landing: one parcel that includes the boat-landing access and another north parcel used for seasonal snow storage. County staff said committee work will continue to clarify title and consider quitclaim deeds for the county-held land north of First Street and other parcels; no property transfers beyond the marker and pavilion were approved at the meeting.

County staff said the DNR’s reconstruction is scheduled to begin next spring and that the city requested the marker and pavilion for preservation because the DNR project would otherwise destroy them. The board’s action transfers the marker and pavilion; the city will handle relocation.