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Commissioners deny Island Lake after‑the‑fact shoreline walkway; planning cites marsh habitat, nesting loons
Summary
The commission denied an after‑the‑fact permit for pallets and a walkway placed across marsh at Jes/Island Lake, citing likely harm to marsh wetlands and nesting loons; the planning board recommended restoration and turbidity controls.
Planning staff reported an after‑the‑fact lakeshore application for a walkway made of untreated pallets across marsh at Island Lake. Staff said the wooden pallets spanned roughly 300 feet of marsh and likely diminished fish and wildlife habitat and water quality by disrupting riparian vegetation. Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) comments noted a nesting pair of loons in the area — a species of concern — and recommended minimizing change to vegetation and providing a single common boat access rather than private shore crossings.
The planning board recommended denial and conditions similar to the Crystal Lake item: restore the lake and riparian area to its pre‑construction condition, avoid significant shore disturbance, require turbidity curtains for near‑shore work and return a signed letter of completion within 15 days. Commissioners moved to deny the after‑the‑fact permit and directed staff to enforce the corrective measures. Public commenters reiterated concerns about loon nesting and marsh habitat; no applicant representative was present during the hearing.
The planning department noted this is the second similar case in the area and that the previous denial is in an appeals/litigation process.
