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Isanti County OKs donation of 181 acres for Green Lake Scientific and Natural Area
Summary
The Board unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Trust for Public Land’s planned purchase and donation of 181 acres north of Green Lake to the Minnesota DNR to create a new Scientific and Natural Area; staff estimated annual PILT at roughly $3,675 versus current taxes of about $13.82.
Bob McGilvie, land-protection director for the Trust for Public Land, told the Isanti County Board that his organization would purchase 181 acres north of Green Lake with Outdoor Heritage (legacy) funds and donate it to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to create a new Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). McGilvie described the parcel as a mix of woods and wetlands with “towering old white pines” and about three-quarters of a mile of creek, and said it supports several rare or endangered species.
McGilvie said the Trust would likely own the property for several months before transferring it to the DNR, which would manage the site long term. A DNR representative said SNAs generally allow low-impact recreation such as hiking and wildlife observation and that research is allowed by permit; the agency typically does not develop new trails. McGilvie estimated county payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) at roughly $3,675 per year compared with current real-estate taxes of about $13.82 per year on the parcel.
Commissioners asked how the public would access the site. McGilvie and the DNR explained the plan is to initially use an adjacent DNR boat-access site for parking and that the DNR would determine any future parking or signage. Board members also confirmed that the Isanti County Parks and Recreation Board reviewed the opportunity in July and expressed full support.
Commissioner Christiansen moved and Commissioner Westerberg seconded a resolution approving the land acquisition and creation of the Green Lake SNA. The board discussed notifying the Green Lake association about the new site and the motion passed unanimously.
The vote was a formal resolution approving the county’s support for the acquisition and donation; no county land or funding commitment was requested in the motion. The Trust for Public Land indicated it will use legacy funds for purchase and then transfer the property to the Minnesota DNR for long-term management.
