Save the EGL Channel Wetlands

The City of East Gull Lake is currently working with Harstad Hills Inc. The owner Martin Harstad has been prevented from development of the property for 35 + years because of environmental concerns that kept the original owners from completing the project. 

Gull Acres Channel was created by a forward thinking group that already realized that lots on Gull Lake were at a premium. The passage of the new planning and zoning laws occurred before they had made enough progress to continue.  Since then, this has been a wildlife refuge and a popular spot for local fishermen. The 52.4 acres have been mapped as mostly wetlands so the plan to put a 27 unit single dwelling development is confined to a few acres bordering the Squaw Point Road.  Mr. Harsted recently sent a registered letter to Pamela Sachs, daughter of the original owner of the property because she has grazing and haying rights to the property in which he stated, "On July 1 2016 I through my development corporation Harstad Hills, Inc. made a formal application with the City to develop the 52.4 acres.  I fully expect preliminary plat approval at the regular City Council meeting on September 6, 2016.  Actual grading (note this is a heavily wooded area) will take place shortly after this approval." 

The plan involves vacating the local sewer pond that was placed in the middle of original homesteaded property belonging to the Baakkonen (Eksten) family since it will not accommodate this project. It is unclear what the cost will be to accomplish this plan and how it compares to keeping the current pond up to code. It has also not been made clear to the public what the plans are to  upgrade the narrow Squaw Point Road and who will be paying for these improvements.

THE COMMUNITY CHARACTER ACTION PLAN CURRENTLY IN EXISTENCE SAYS “Residents would like to protect and enhance the integrity and quality of five components that define the City’s character: THE LAKES, THE SOLITUDE, THE RESORTS, RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES, THE TREES ,AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.” All of these elements will be affected by this urban sprawl. To further this fight an account will be set up at Crowdwise for donations which will help us hire the best Environmental Law and Natural Resources attorney in Minnesota, from St. Cloud per recommendation of our local attorney.

Planning and Zoning Meeting
Tuesday Aug. 30, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
East Gull Lake City Hall

Preliminary approval at this meeting will allow the Council to approve an immediate beginning to the project without any other public input. Please attend the meeting if possible.