Big Bog State Recreational Park

Upper Red Lake Area Association

Waskish Town Hall

Members Present: 
Jerry Stensing, Don Erickson, John Jensen, Doug Easthouse, Paul Rundell, Rose Heim, Sandy Berger, Ray Berger. Chairman Dave Leonhardt had vehicle problems and came an hour late. 

Meeting called to order by Vice-chair Stensing at 6pm. 

Introductions: 
Doug Easthouse, Big Bog SRA Park Manager, currently on 12 month mobility assignment.

Cindy Lueth, (Resource Interpretive Specialist) currently on Emergency Temporary assignment until State hiring freeze ends.

New Members: Josey Swanson of Apple Valley Mn.

Treasurers Report: 
In absence of the treasurer, Stensing read the report.
Dec 31, 2001 Quarterly Statement Endowment: $ 2,407.97
Project Funds: $942.53
January Donations: $22.00
February Donations: $32.00
March: $10,340.00 Red Lake Game Fund Grant and NWMF 10% match

Next Quarterly statement is due March 31, 2002

OLD BUSINESS
Public Review Update:
Jerry Stensing had contacted DNR Parks Senior Planner Matt Langan earlier in the day, and reported on progress.

* Completion of the finalized management plan is expected sometime in April. Matt will 
contact us in regards to setting up a completion meeting.

* All DNR departmental reviews are "in".

* Matt received a "boatload" of comments from both Departmental review and the 
general public. He will personally respond to all.

* With one exception, the vast majority of comments were "very positive".

Legislative Update: 
Bonding 1.6mil for big Bog Visitors Center is included in the Senate package.

Boundary language is "in" to add 240 acres to Big Bog.

The 2001 operations appropriation has been changed to "roll back" 100 thousand to general state parks operations, but retains 300 thousand as dedicated for Big Bog for the biennium.

The status of House bonding for Big Bog is unknown at this time.

There is currently a State-hiring freeze, and at this time DNR Parks cannot even bring back seasonal workers. 

The proposed Metro Area Transit Bill, HF 3050 currently under consideration, takes away Park Managers authority to enforce State Park Rules and delegates responsibility to DNR Enforcement.

Park Development Update:
Stensing - The over-all concept for the campgrounds and preliminary planning are currently in progress. An internal DNR, multi-divisional conference call on March 18th is expected to "settle and finalize" directions for Park development. 

Easthouse - Major improvements scheduled to begin with the spring construction season include: Campground modernization, Sanitation Building construction, Fish Cleaning House construction, Wastewater Treatment / Drain fields construction and Boardwalk construction. Discussion by the Friends group included use of the fish-cleaning house by the general public, and potential maintenance issues.

Lueth - One potential boardwalk route has been GPS located, photographed, and mapped, it may be viewed at Park Headquarters in Waskish. Currently working on an alternate proposed route. Possible construction materials / systems are being evaluated. The primary systems will minimize or avoid any disruption of the natural systems during and after installation to maintain the integrity of the natural systems. Permanent vegetative monitoring will be "set-up" to monitor the site. Boardwalks will also be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. Due to high construction materials costs, Friends of Big Bog may need to do some fund-raising and coordinate some volunteer labor.

It was also discussed that the Friends group may want to work closely with DNR Parks and the Mn. Arts Council to provide direction for use of the 1% ($16,000) earmarked for the arts. One potential discussed was that Friends design entrance signs. Heim and Stensing indicated they would follow-up by identifying just who makes the Arts decisions. 

BSU LCMR (Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources) Grant proposal:
LCMR has 50 million available this year for grants, priority items include Recreation and Natural Systems. Proposals are due March 28th. Dr. Cloutman (BSU) has been developing an LCMR grant proposal to provide research, baseline data, long-term environmental monitoring and education in cooperation with DNR Parks at Big Bog. Both Lueth and Stensing participated in a proposal review session with BSU, DNR, Friends today. Proposal is nearly ready for submittal to LCMR.

NEW BUSINESS
Big Bog Festival:
Leonhardt explained to the group that the last couple years the Community Club and Waskish Township have served as sponsor for the annual festival. He explained that the Community Club does not have 501c3 status, thus is ineligible to receive grants from the Upper Red Lake Area Assn. He requested on behalf of the Township and Community Club that Friends consider becoming sponsor for the annual festival. He also explained that the fireworks display will continue as funded and sponsored separately from the festival and any responsibility of Friends.

* Following discussion, a motion to have Friends of Big Bog become the sponsor / fiscal agent for the annual Big Bog Festival was made by Ray Berger, Seconded by Paul Rundell, carried unanimously.

Friends received a call from John Ostrem of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation informing him that Big Bog Citizens Advisory / Friends have been selected to receive the Ruth Edevold Project Excellence Award. (This award has only been given four times.) It will be awarded at the NWMF annual banquet on May 16, includes $1000 that can be donated to a favorite charity, a plaque, and 8 or more tickets to the banquet. Additionally, NWMF will do a special publication about the award and our group that will be distributed to thousands of households. This award is considered very prestigious and will receive substantial media coverage.

* Following discussion, a motion to donate the cash award to the Big Bog Endowment Fund and invite primary cooperator leadership was made by Dave Leonhardt, Seconded by Sandy Berger, carried unanimously. Stensing agreed to coordinate.

Friends have been contacted by Itineraries Minnesota - a Group Travel Promotion Company that advertises bus tour listings. After discussion acknowledging merit of bringing groups of 60+ and regarding projected park development completion, it was decided by all that it is premature at this time to pursue this opportunity and to table any action for a year.

* With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Ray Berger, seconded by Don Erickson. Adjourned at 8:55 PM

-Next meeting date pending completion of Management Plan -

Minutes submitted 3/20/02 by Jerry Stensing in absence of Secretary Collette Leonhardt.

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens' Advisory Committee
6 December 2001
7:00-9:00 pm

Kelliher High School

Attendees: Joe Corcoran, Doug Easthouse, John Jensen, Matt Langan, David Leonhardt, C.P. Maus, Diane Mostad, Paul Rundell, Jerry Stensing, John Winter.

The meeting began at 7:00pm.

Tonight's meeting was a wrap-up to finalize citizen and area team management recommendations for Big Bog State Recreation Area to be submitted to Division of Parks and Recreation managers for consideration. Also, the group discussed the logistics of the public review to be held at the end of January.

Public Open House
The draft management plan will go through a 30-day public review and comment period. Public review is kicked-off by a public open house held at the beginning of the review period. The public review will be held Tuesday, January 29th, at Kelliher High School from 7:00 - 8:30pm. Written comments will be accepted until 4:30pm, Friday, March 1st. The Citizens' Advisory Committee is asked to arrive at 6:30pm for a brief discussion and to help set-up the open house. 

Action Teams
Big Bog Citizens' Advisory Committee treasurer's report
Announcement: Parks and Trails Council Workshop scheduled for February 1st and 2nd at Cragun's Resort in Bemidji. Interested individuals should contact Jerry Stensing.
Discussion of The 2002 Big Bog Festival. CAC wishes to meet in January to discuss festival planning.

Recommendations wrap-up
Management recommendations were reviewed in the November CAC meeting. Matt has incorporated those comments and made them available for final review at this meeting. The most updated version of those recommendations are listed below, and will be submitted to the Division of Parks and Recreation for review.

Recreation
Provide sustainable recreation opportunities by striking a balance between recreational development and resource preservation which maintains the wilderness character of the SRA.

Preserve the traditional recreational uses of the area, including snowmobiling on the designated trail, and hunting and trapping in areas identified in this management plan

Market the SRA not only statewide, but nationally and internationally as an eco-tourism opportunity

Work with Big Bog Citizens' Advisory Committee on volunteer programs, special events, and community celebrations

Explore possibilities for cart-in campsites or camper cabins within the SRA.

Interpretive and Environmental Education Services
Create rewarding and diverse educational opportunities related to the significant cultural and natural history and resources found within the SRA and surrounding area.

Create a Big Bog Visitor and Interpretive Center to act as a recreation information center, education center, community center, and living laboratory to communicate the unique qualities of the local ecosystems and history of the area.

Host interpretive tours and programs for local school groups and eco-tourism groups

Document and interpret an accurate cultural history of the Bog area

Recognize our educational and interpretive roles in promoting a sense of stewardship among SRA visitors

Natural Resources
Preserve the bog wilderness ecosystem in the Northern Unit by:
o Designing areas specifically for access or no access,
o Balancing development with resource preservation, minimizing human disturbance to natural resources, and
o Recognizing Big Bog SRA's significant and unique resources have intrinsic, educational, and economic value for non-consumptive uses..
o Trail and road development on Ludlow Island should occur only on Pelan Sandy Loam at the center of the island.

Actively manage the resources of Big Bog SRA, when necessary, by:
o Identifying and controlling any exotic species that have established themselves in the SRA
o Optimizing the swimming beach area through vegetation management and erosion control 
o Exploring the possibility of restoration of unused ditches within the SRA to a natural condition
o Restoring upland vegetation to pre-settlement conditions
o Applying current techniques in managing the natural resources of Big Bog SRA

Gather natural resource information on Big Bog, by:
o Developing natural resource baseline data on Big Bog
o Coordinating ongoing resource identification and monitoring
o Creating partnerships to assist in resource identification and evaluation

Cultural Resources
Preserve significant cultural resources within the SRA

Document and interpret an accurate cultural history of the Bog area

Communicate the rich cultural history of the area

Strike a balance between resource preservation and interpretation by designing areas specifically for access or no access

Coordinate an ongoing research and monitoring program with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians and Bemidji State University

Significant Areas Mapping
Limit the amount of new trails or roads within the SRA to maintain wilderness character of the park

Minimize light pollution

Maintain areas that have no development, that are untracked and undisturbed

Strike a balance between resource preservation and recreational or educational development, by designing areas specifically for access or no access

Continue to inventory and monitor resources within the SRA

The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.

Next meeting: 29 January 2002
7:00 - 8:30pm
Kelliher High School
*Citizens' Advisory Committee should be there at 6:30pm

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens' Advisory Committee 
1 November 2001
6-9 pm

Waskish Town Hall

Attendees: Bryce Anderson, Don Cloutman, Don Erickson, Lyle Fenske, Ken Finch, John Jensen, Matt Langan, Dave Leonhardt, Marianna Lindberg, Diane Mostad, Paul Rundell, Jerry Stensing, Chris Weir-Koetter, John Winter.

Introduction
The meeting began at 6:00pm with a welcome and introductions. October meeting minutes were approved by the group.

Management Plan Timeline
Matt discussed the timeline for the management plan review and completion. Public review of the plan will occur in January. The 30-day public review of the draft management plan will be initiated with a public open house. Matt will coordinate scheduling of the open house with Diane to see if the large common area of Kelliher High School can be used for the event. Departmental review of the draft plan will run concurrent with the public review. A finalized management plan should be ready by March. Once the draft management plan is approved by the Commissioner of Natural Resources, design and development of SRA facilities can begin.

Big Bog CAC Treasurer's Report
CAC treasurer was unable to attend the meeting. Jerry read the updated treasurer's report to the group. There were a total of $122.00 in contributions during the month of October.

Action Team Update
· NW MN Foundation - "Catalogue for Giving" has Big Bog CAC project and endowment fund listed as a group taking charitable contributions. This publication has a circulation of 6,000 households.

· TMA Website - possible links to URLAA and Big Bog Info

· Upper Red Lake Area Association included Big Bog friends group brochure.

· Lake Bemidji State Park Citizens' Association has invited the Big Bog CAC to their annual dinner Nov. 29th at 6pm. Please contact Jerry Stensing if you are interested in going to the dinner.

· Jerry Stensing, Joe Corcoran, Dave Leonhardt met with John Winter and Bill Morrissey in October to discuss progress and a budget update for development and operations funding.

· Members of DNR, Bemidji State University, URLAA, and County Commissioners will meet with Sen. Roger Moe and Rep. Rod Skoe at the Westwind Lodge on Monday, November 5th for an update and site tour of project plans, and to discuss bonding for the visitor center project.

· Ken Finch, Director of Audubon Minnesota, addressed the group regarding the possibility of collaborative opportunities in the future. The goals for Big Bog SRA and its resource components are of interest to Audubon Minnesota. Over time, we will find out what that working partnership could be. Audubon Minnesota plans to provide a letter of support for the Visitor Center project, and, in the future, may be able to help develop our eco-tourism vision for Northwest Minnesota.

Visitor Center Marketing Plan review.
The group reviewed the Visitor Center Marketing plan for final corrections/comments. A motion was carried by the CAC to devote a portion of the NW MN Foundation project fund towards the cost of printing 500 copies of the marketing plan for distribution during the 2002 legislative session.

Management Plan Recommendations
The group reviewed draft management plan recommendation for natural resources, cultural resources, and recreation management. The group provided input on the wording of the recommendations, as well as pointed-out oversights. Matt will bring the updated versions of these recommendations to the December meeting for the groups review.

Note: December's planning meeting will be our last before the management plan is distributed for public review.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.

Next meeting: Thursday, December 6th, 2001
7-9pm
Kelliher High School

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens Advisory Committee
October 4, 2001
6-9 pm

Waskish Town Hall

Attendance: Don Cloutman, Joe Corcoran, Don Erickson, John Jensen, David Leonhardt, Paul Rundell, Greg Schue, Laura Stensing,
Jerry Stensing. (Matt Langan - absent due to union work stoppage)

Meeting called to order by Dave Leonhardt at 6pm

Dave Leonhardt read the September minutes, 
Laura Stensing distributed and read the Treasurers report. 
Endowment and Project Funds as of 10/3/01 $4,056.00,
Motion to accept as read by Don Erickson, Seconded by Paul Rundell - carried.

Management Plan Timeline and Marketing Brochure update postponed until after union work stoppage is over.

ACTION TEAM REPORTS
Jerry Stensing distributed cover letter to accompany the Friends Brochure, Motion to use the letter "as is" by Joe Corcoran, seconded by Laura Stensing - carried.

Joe Corcoran, Paul Rundell and Jerry Stensing reported on the following progress in development of formal cooperators / donors in addition to those already confirmed.

Minnesota Parks and Trails Council - confirmed as a cooperator.
U of M Natural Resources Research Institute - confirmed as a cooperator.
Bemidji State University - Memorandum of Understanding being developed.
Midwest Eco-Tourism - contacted in relation to including Big Bog in their brochures.
Ducks Unlimited - contacted
Minnesota Trappers Assn. - contacted, favorable response expected soon.
Headwaters Science Center - contacted
State Audubon Society - contacted, a rep. would like to attend November meeting.
Upper Red Lake Assn. Inc - recently joined TMA, (a statewide tourism group) which enables further Big Bog "exposure" on a statewide basis. Also, the visitor's guide URLAA is partnering on will help "Get the Big Bog message out".
Minnesota Peat producers Assn. - contacted, formal resolution of support expected in December.
North Beltrami Sportsmen's Club - contacted
Northome VFW - contacted
American Legion, Bemidji - contacted
Berger Group - contacted
Canadian Peat Assn. - contacted
Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources- contacted, will testify in support if asked.

Other: Don Cloutman, Joe Corcoran, John Winter, Renae Womack, and Jerry Stensing 
met with Rep. Doug Fuller over coffee, updated on progress and discussed 
LCMR on 9/7/01.

Don Cloutman (Bemidji State University) is working on a draft LCMR proposal, 
for water quality / biota study.

DNR Parks Director, Bill Morrissey and Regional Parks Supervisor, John Winter will be meeting with the group on 10/4/01 to affirm continued DNR support, cooperation, site visit, clarification of site strategy, and to provide a budgetary update on operations and development.

Discussion Items:
Pursuit of additional cooperators / donors, Timber Industry - someone is needed to contact them, (no volunteers yet)

Paul Rundell is having Bog slides digitized so they can be used on the website.

Other potential sources of revenues.
Motion to purchase a mailing list of Charitable Gambling groups from the MN. Bookstore for $25.00 by Joe Corcoran, Seconded by Don Erickson - carried. 

Jerry Stensing reported that Senator Roger Moe will soon be coming to Waskish for an update and to visit with the group about the upcoming Legislative Session. 

With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM

Next Meeting scheduled Thursday, November 1st at 6:00 pm at the Waskish town hall.

(Minutes respectfully submitted on 10/17/01 by Jerry Stensing, Big Bog CAC Vice-Chair)

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens Advisory Committee
6 September 2001
6-9 pm

Waskish Town Hall

Attendees: David Berg, Joe Corcoran, Rose Heim, John Jensen, Matt Langan, Diane Lehse, Dave Leonhardt, Diane Mostad-Jensen, Paul Rundell, Jerry Stensing.

The meeting began at 6:00 pm.

Visitor Center Planning
Matt presented results from Visitor Center site planning efforts. Matt passed around copies of the decision making matrix and map of six potential locations used in visitor center site planning. Small group worked through process of ranking potential sites and determined that two sites have best potential. The two sites are the former forestry residence site and a site within a jack pine stand located east of Hwy 72 and north of the Lutheran Church. Archaeological investigations in the area will need to be carried out to assess the two sites. The CAC agreed that these two sites have the best potential for siting a visitor center that acts as a multiple use building.
Bryce Anderson, Region 1 Interpretive Specialist, is assisting the citizens’ group develop a visitor center plan marketing brochure. The marketing brochure will be ready for review in mid-October, and can be used by the CAC to market the visitor center plan to legislators and potential partners. A rough draft of this document was presented to the group. All agreed it will be an impressive looking document and will function well as a marketing tool. There was discussion of the importance and value of capturing stories of long-time residents of the Waskish area. CAC members will assist Bryce Anderson in locating individuals who could do narratives regarding the history of the Bog and Upper Red Lake for use as interpretive tools.
There was some discussion regarding the amount the CAC will request for the visitor center. The group will request the remainder of the original amount requested in the concept plan presented to the 2000 legislative session (2 million dollars).
Matt and Paul had a very positive meeting with Don Cloutman and Renae Womack of Bemidji State University regarding possible collaborative opportunities. A memorandum of understanding between Minnesota State Parks and BSU is being drafted. The state recreation area could be used by BSU for undergraduate and graduate research. A small wet/dry lab could be incorporated into the Visitor Center. There is also potential for BSU students to use lab facilities at Kelliher High School. A BSU geologist will help with a historic lake level analysis of Upper Red Lake.
Management Planning Update
Matt discussed the coordination of the management plan completion and review periods. A great deal of the data required to write the management plan is in place. The CAC, Area Team, and Parks management will develop recommendations for the management of the state recreation area’s resources over the next three months. Once a draft management plan is written it undergoes a 30-day statewide public review (December). This review period is announced through DNR and local media outlets. A digital copy of the draft plan will be available on the DNR’s website. The review period will be kicked-off locally with a public open house which will most likely be held at Kelliher High School. At the public open house, DNR will give a presentation regarding plans for the SRA. The public can comment on the plan, in written format, over a period of 30 days. Once the public review is complete, comments are taken into consideration by Division of Parks and Recreation management and incorporated into the plan. The draft plan then goes through a 30-day departmental review (January), where all DNR disciplines have an opportunity to comment on the plan’s recommendations. After the 30-day departmental review period, the plan is sent to the Commissioner’s office for a signature of approval (February). The final version of the plan is then published and new development within SRA boundaries can begin. Boundary Bill
DNR spoke to the Beltrami County Board regarding the privately owned 40-acre parcel on the east end of Ludlow Island as a possible addition to Big Bog’s statutory boundary. The state is currently negotiating with the legal representative of the private landowner. Action Teams Report
Northland News video report on Big Bog project shown to group. The piece was well done and serves as great publicity for the project.
Citizens’ Advisory Committee non-profit group treasurers report: 
Deposits to date = $3,853.00. Partnerships: The success of this project depends on local money and partners of the project, and the timing is crucial to coordinate partnerships. Active pursuit of partners at any level of contribution is encouraged. Meeting attendees each committed to contacting several potential cooperators for letters of support and/or financial contributions.
Grants: Joe and Jerry will contact Giziibii RC&D regarding grant pursuit including a reworking of the original Environmental Protection Agency’s sustainable development challenge grant application. Action Team Homework: Tally-up contributions to date, including hard cash, in-kind value and personal time commitment.
Management Recommendations
Matt explained that the group will now start to focus on management recommendations for the area’s resources. To do this, we first need to revisit the target benefits (or priorities) that local citizens have for this state recreation area. Benefits created by this park fall into four categories. 
The park can create personal, social, economic or environmental benefits. The results of this discussion are listed below. < Create tourism for increased revenue locally and statewide
< create research opportunities
< community pride
< education and enhanced understanding of natural and cultural resources in the area
< travel stop along Hwy 72
< creation of partnerships that were not in place before
< lesser consumptive activities in area
< secure, attractive overnight opportunity
< sustainable tourism opportunity
< make accessible a previously inaccessible resource
< increased awareness of the history of the area
< serve as a testament of what a small community can accomplish
< enhanced understanding of bog ecosystem
< preservation of unique wilderness ecosystem
< creation of infrastructure the community did not have before
< regional recreational and education hub
< eco-tourism opportunities (birding, wildflowers)
Miscellaneous:
Group discussed merits of examining stand of Jack Pine in the southern unit. We need to address the over-mature timber before wind-throw further degrades the stand’s aesthetics, safety and value.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm
Next meeting: 
4 October 2001
6-9 pm
Waskish Town Hall

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens Advisory Committee
 12 July 2001
6-9 pm

Waskish Town Hall

Attendees: Ray Berger, Sandy Berger, Joe Corcoran, Don Erickson, Rose Heim, John Jensen, Matt Langan, Dave Leonhardt, Anita Mitlyng, Richard Mitlyng, Diane Mostad, Carole Nelson, Dave Nelson, Paul Rundell, Jerry Stensing, Laura Stensing, John Winter.

The meeting began at 6:00pm.
Legislative Info
Big Bog Operations were funded at $200,000 for Fiscal Year 2002 and 2003. The money was taken out of Parks annual base budget, and is a one-time appropriation (FY ‘02 & ‘03). DNR will need to go back to the legislature to pursue permanent funding for Big Bog SRA Operations. A Park Manager and Interpretive Specialist will be the first priorities for positions to be filled.
Review/Approval of Friends Brochure
The Big Bog Friends group reviewed the membership brochure. No changes were made. Copies will be printed and distributed at Kelliher Days and Big Bog Days community festivals. Membership fees will be housed in the Northwest Minnesota Foundation Project Fund.
Housekeeping CAC members had an opportunity to see the Division of Fisheries’ Fishing Boardwalk Plan. The culvert is ready for installation, with construction starting in the next few weeks. No comments on the plans were made during the meeting. Comments can be directed to Gary Barnard, Area Fisheries Supervisor. Suggestion to develop a quarterly newsletter similar to the Glendalough Friends Group’s publication. Action Teams Report
Volunteers were arranged for staffing the Big Bog booth at Kelliher Days and Big Bog Days.
Membership dues for Big Bog Friends group will be housed in the NW MN Foundation project fund, which can later be turned into a 501c3 account.
Joe Karp, MN Trappers Association, was contacted about the Big Bog project and is interested in participating in the planning meetings. Joe has shown interest in donating historic traps, furs, etc. to be put on display in the proposed Visitor Center.
Dave & Jerry will present the Visitor Center proposal at the County Commissioners’ meeting next month. Management Zoning
Significant Areas Mapping (formerly Management Zoning) is a planning tool to assess current and desired future conditions of park resources and visitor use of a state park or state recreation area. Conflicts and opportunities between visitor use and significant resources are identified through the Significant Areas Mapping process. By working with the public and resource experts, 6 maps are created:
1) Existing Conditions - Visitor Use
2) Existing Conditions - Significant Resources
3) Existing Conditions - Visitor Use and Significant Resources Combined
4) 20 Year Outlook - Visitor Use
5) 20 Year Outlook - Significant Resources
6) 20 Year Outlook - Visitor Use and Significant Resources Combined
Once these visual tools are in place, management recommendations can be developed to identify the opportunities and conflicts between visitor use and resource management.
Matt will begin by creating maps for the Area Team and CAC’s review in the September meeting.. Visitor Center discussion
Discussed CAC Visitor Center location recommendation with Area Team. Two of the top interpretive specialist within the State Park System recommended that the group not generate any specific sites until funding becomes available. Rather, by refining the themes and functions of the proposed Visitor Center, an impressive marketing tool can be put together for distribution to the legislature and prospective partners.
Bryce Anderson, Region 1 Interpretive Specialist, will assemble a small working group to generate ideas and refine building functions in August. The small group will include members of the CAC, Bemidji State University, Area Team, and Red Lake DNR. Bryce will contact small group members within two weeks to set up meeting times. Matt will provide Bryce with the ideas and information that we have developed to this point.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.
Next Meeting: September 6th, 2001
6-9pm
Waskish Town Hall

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens Advisory Committee
 7 June 2001
6-9 pm

Waskish Town Hall

Attendees: Bryce Anderson, Ray Berger, Sandy Berger, Joe Corocoran, Karen Corcoran, Donald Erickson, Quentin Fairbanks, John Jensen, Matt Langan, Diane Lehse, David Leonhardt, Marianne Lindberg, Diane Mostad, Liv Mostad, Carole Nelson, Dave Nelson, Paul Rundell, Jerry Stensing, Laura Stensing, John Winter.

2001 Legislative Session
The environmental and agricultural finance bill is complete. The bill approves the operation of Big Bog State Recreation Area at $400,000 for the biennium. No new money was approved for Parks to operate Big Bog, the operational funding will be taken out of Parks' base annual budget.

Action Teams Report
To formalize the group and to collect "Friends" membership dues the group had a discussion about whether to house membership dues as a 501c3, as part of the Parks and Trail Council, or to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation endowment fund or project fund. The group agreed to send membership dues to the project fund with the intent of converting it to 501c3. Jerry will check to see if this works, and report back to the group.

Audubon Society is interested in partnering on Visitor Center project. John Winter and Jerry Stensing presented the project ideas to the Bemidji Rotary Club. 

"The Big Bog Buzz Band" has held its first practice and will be featured at Kelliher Days and Waskish Days in July. 

Red Lake Peatlands traveling exhibit will be featured at Kelliher Days and Waskish Days in July. John W. and Matt will coordinate transfer of exhibit.

Visitor Center Discussion
The primary purpose of this CAC meeting was to make a recommendation to DNR as to where the Visitor Center should be located. Four sites were evaluated as possibilities for the Visitor Center site. The major complication in identifying sites was the lack of high ground within the boundaries of Big Bog SRA. Wetlands and archaeological sites are also of major concern. Much inventory still needs to be done for cultural and archaeological resources. Choosing a site with sufficient high ground for a Visitor Center and associated parking will help DNR focus on resource investigations in the recommended area. Those sites are:
#1 North of the campground, south of the Tamarac River
#2 Public day use area, north of the parking lot
#3 Ludlow Island
#4 Township Park site
Site #1
The area north of the campground and south of the Tamarac River is undesirable because it is very wet. If we placed the visitor center just south of the wet area, six to twelve campsites would have to be removed. Day use activities do not coexist well nearby overnight facilities.

Site #2
The public day use site has many advantages. There is more high ground present than is shown on resource maps. There is enough area to accommodate a visitor center and parking lot with the high ground present and the existing fill, with a county setback of 75 feet from the lake shore. This location offers a spectacular view of the lake. An objective of the group is to create an elevated viewing opportunity with the visitor center, and this location would accommodate that. Picnic areas and the beach will be improved and would make the visitor center a multiple use building. Site #2 is the citizen groups' recommendation for the location of the visitor center.

Site #3
Ludlow Island is too remote and removed from the high use area of the park to facilitate operation of the facility. Ludlow Island is planned as a remote, wilderness trail center and should stay that way.

Site #4.
The township park site is problematic because of the existing boat launch. This river/lake access is heavily used and would create traffic problems if a visitor center was located here.

We will bring the CAC recommendation to the area team at the July meeting to discuss wetland and scenic issues of this location for the visitor center.

Other issues
Campground has been extremely busy since the fishing opener.

Showers and electricity will be important for the campground.

A foot bridge from the campground to the Township Park would benefit campers who are currently tip-toeing the highway to access the park.

The next Citizens' Advisory Committee meeting will be held July 12th, 6-9pm, Waskish Town Hall. This is the second Thursday of the month, which is a departure from our normal schedule of the first Thurs each month. Due to holiday travel, the meeting will be held on the 12th. Our August meeting will be the first Thursday again.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.

Next meeting: 12 July 2001
6-9pm
Waskish Town Hall

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens Advisory Committee
3 May 2001
6-9 pm

Kelliher High School Media Center

Update
April meeting minutes were reviewed. House and Senate Committees for Agricultural and Environmental Finance are working on the operations budget bill. The House version shows no funding for the Big Bog SRA operations. Big Bog operations are funded in the Senate version of the bill. Conferees for conference committees are being decided.

Action Teams
Members of the CAC presented to the Audubon Society on the Big Bog SRA project. CAC members found a lot of interest from Audubon on the Visitor Center project. Lines of communication will be open, with a possibility of Audubon members attending a future CAC meeting.

A handout was passed around for ideas on partnerships for the Visitor Center. CAC members were able to view the potential partners and add to the list. CAC members will continue to brainstorm potential partnerships.

Kelliher Days will be celebrated July 13th-15th. A traveling display of the Red Lake Peatlands will be secured for the festival and on display for festival-goers. DNR will work to get promotional materials in town for the July festival.

Interpretive Services
John Fylpaa presented the interpretive plan for Big Bog SRA. CAC members were allowed to review the document and comment. Please see attached version of the interpretive plan.

The group then viewed a 15 minute video on Bogs and their unique ecosystem.

Visitor Center
Bemidji State University has become an interested partner in the Visitor Center project. The state, community and university's goals are very similar for the center, and professors and administration at the university believe a visitor center would be a tremendous educational resource. DNR staff, CAC members and BSU professors and administrators held a meeting in April to discuss potential opportunities. Below are some of the point of conversation.

o Building amenities discussed (flexibility, storage, preparation area, and office space).

o Potential for memorandum of understanding between state and BSU

o Visitor Center would benefit many programs at BSU (design students, Indian studies center, college of sciences)

o Can fulfill undergraduate and graduate field research components through this facility

o Students can carry out internship responsibilities within the park

o Partnering will take time as key people in BSU system learn about and incorporate Bog into educational programs

o Cost-efficiency is important, but like the idea of using current enviro-technology

o DNR fisheries stressed sustainable fishing as theme for Visitor Center

o "Water" is an important theme

o Facility should be a multiple use structure

The next CAC meeting will be held at Waskish Town Hall. The CAC, area team of DNR professional and DNR parks will discuss potential locations for the Visitor Center.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm

Next meeting: 7 June 2001
6-9pm
Waskish Town Hall 

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens Advisory Committee
1 March 2001
6-9 pm

Waskish Town Hall

Attendees: Ray Berger, Sandy Berger, Joe Corcoran, Karen Corcoran, Don Erickson, Larry Fiegen, Craig Green, Rose Heim, John Jensen, Matt Langan, Diane Lehse, Collette Leonhardt, Dave Leonhardt, C.P. Maus, Diane Mostad, Carole Nelson, Dave Nelson, Paul Rundell, Jerry Stensing, Laura Stensing.

The meeting began at 6:00 pm. Matt thanked everyone for attending. The group was asked to review the February meeting minutes and voice any comments or changes to the notes. No changes were suggested. Matt announced that the channel cleaning project is under way, and DNR engineers will meet for an on-site pre-construction meeting to discuss the project. Local assistance was requested. Joe Corcoran and a group of two or three citizens will meet with DNR engineers to help point out the location of the channel.

Jerry Stensing, Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District
Northwest Minnesota Foundation Big Bog Endowment and Project Fund currently has $2190.62 in this 501c3 account.

Stated there are possibilities for partnering with Berger, Inc. on the Visitor Center project.

URLAA donated $1500 for Visitor Center Informational Brochure. Expect to print 25,000 copies for distribution.

Received letters of support from Waskish Township, City of Kelliher, and Red Lake Band on Visitor Center project. Local school districts will send letters as well.

Talked about the need to form actions teams to assume tasks in between monthly meetings. The group formed four action teams.

1) Politics: Ray Berger, C.P. Mauss

2) Partnerships: Joe Corcoran, John Jensen, Diane Lehse, Don Erickson, Laura Stensing

3) Media and Public Relations: Carole Nelson, Paul Rundell, Diane Mostad, Laura Stensing

4) Finance: Larry Fiegen, Jerry Stensing, Bog Babes

Remaining Directors elected: Joe Corcoran and Jerry Stensing

CAC Executive Committee elected
Chairperson: Dave Leonhardt
Vice-Chair: Jerry Stensing
Secretary: Collette Leonhardt
Treasurer: Laura Stensing
At-large: Diane Mostad

Rose Heim - Kelliher H.S. Media Arts Class
Handout: "Big Bog Interpretive Center Video Project." Students are partnering with the DNR and Bemidji State University to complete project. Project duration will be four years (separate project each year). First theme is "People who have made a difference" in Beltrami County. Request for funding assistance from the state.

Hunting and Trapping Discussion
The group talked about how and where to make hunting and trapping available to visitors of Big Bog State Recreation Area. The group recommended signing-off high use areas (Ludlow Island and the Southern Unit) to prohibit hunting and trapping where there will be large concentrations of visitors. The remainder of the Northern Unit will be open to hunting and trapping of game species during open seasons. The group agreed that other recreational opportunities were more important to the community than the small amount of hunting and trapping that currently occurs in these areas.

Refresh
Matt passed around a timeline for completion of the management plan. Matt believes that the plan can be completed by January 2002 (18 months following the creation of the SRA).

Mission and Vision Statements were reviewed and approved.

Recreation Opportunities / Facilities were reviewed. Public Beach, Day Use area, campground, fishing opportunities (Tamarac R. channel mentioned), bog walks, picnic shelters, parking provided, lookout towers.

One member of the group does not want an earthen mound for a lookout opportunity, sitting aesthetics and weed problems as the reason. The Buffalo River Observatory was liked by the group.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm

Next Meeting: Thursday, April 5th, 2001
6-9pm
Kelliher High School Media Center

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens Advisory Committee
1 February 2001
6-9 pm

Kelliher High School Media Center

Attendees: Don Erickson, Lyle Fenske, John Fylpaa, Rose Heim, Foster Hudson, John Jensen, Kurt Johnson, Matt Langan, Allen Lego, Diane Lehse, Collette Leonhardt, Dave Leonhardt, Marianna Lindberg, Tom Malterer, Diane Mostad, Carole Nelson, Dave Nelson, Colleen Oestrich, Grace Omlid, Ray Poxleitner, Paul Rundell, Jerry Stensing, Phil Votruba, Chris Weir-Koetter, John Winter.

The meeting began at 6:00pm.Matt thanked everyone for attending and Diane Mostad for setting up the room for the meeting.

The January meeting minutes were reviewed by the Citizens' group, and a few comments / corrections were made. Matt will make those changes and send them to the website administrator for changes.

Foster Hudson, Regional Parks Operations Supervisor, passed around design plans for the campground building in the Waskish unit. A suggestion was made that local labor would be interested in bidding on the construction project, and that the bid process should be announced in the Bemidji, Blackduck, Baudette, and Northome newspapers. Foster will see to this.

Chris Weir-Koetter, Region 1 Natural Resource Specialist, announced that the literature search has been completed, and that she has a copy of "Patterned Peatlands" available for circulation amongst the Citizens' group.

Jerry Stensing
Jerry announced that the channel dredging will happen this spring. He also encouraged members of the group to visit the new and improved URLAA website, which has about 80% of the site devoted to the Big Bog SRA project. The public can view minutes from past meetings, and agendas for upcoming meetings on the site, as well as participate in a community discussion forum and view great pictures of the bog. The website can be accessed at http://www.upperredlakeassn.com. 

A bill is being authored by Roger Moe to secure an operating budget for Big Bog SRA. The bill will include an operations budget for Red River State Recreation Area as well. We will continue to update the status of this bill.

Jerry announced there will be a meeting of the Northwest Association of Park Friends groups at Buffalo River State Park on Saturday, February 3rd. Vans will leave Bemidji at 8am, Saturday morning for interested individuals.
Citizens' Advisory Committee Bylaws
By-laws were amended according to suggestions made by the group in the January meeting, and presented for the groups' review. 

Paul Rundell moved to accept bylaws,
Carol Nelson seconded
Motion carried to accept Bylaws.

Directors Nominated:
Laura Stensing Carol Nelson
Diane Mostad Diane Lehse
Paul Rundell Rose Heim
Dave Leonhardt Collette Leonhardt (Alternate)
John Jensen

Motion to accept volunteers for directors
Motion seconded
Motion carried to accept volunteers for directors

Peat Utilization Presentation (Tom Malterer and Kurt Johnson, NRRI)

Tom and Kurt expressed their excitement about the Big Bog SRA project. They believe it will be a valuable peatland education tool for the public, as well as a popular international tourism attraction. Because of this, Tom and Kurt believe that this State Recreation Area will not just be a "Pass Through" park, but a "Destination" park.

Tom and Kurt passed around two informational packets, "Peat and Environmental Technologies Program, NRRI, UMD" and "The Horticultural Peat Industry in Minnesota." If anyone did not receive these packets, and would like to, please contact Matt Langan #(651) 215-9035.

Tom and Kurt work primarily with private companies, focusing on four areas:

1) Wastewater treatment (peat filters)
2) Value-added peat products (agricultural inoculants, turf management, waste treatment)
3) Peatland development (resource assessment, permitting, commercialization)
4) Peatland restoration (applied research, advancing the science)

Below are some interesting facts about peatlands:

Annual U.S. sales of peat (sphagnum) = $300 million
97% of sphagnum sold in U.S. comes from Canada

6 to 7.5 million acres of peatland in MN = 35% of the total peatlands in lower 48 states

56% (1.15 million acres) of Koochiching County is composed of classified peatlands
180,000 acres protected in Koochiching County as Scientific and Natural Areas
Large scale peat development project at Pine Island Bog (Berger Peat Development)
 Environmental Impact Statement completed by June 2001

The group suggested that perhaps a peat core could be put on display in an interpretive center, so that people might view a cross-section of its intricate structure.

Interpretive Services
John Fylpaa, Interpretive Specialist, told the group that he has been meeting with teachers from area schools at Kelliher, Waskish and Panema, to discover their needs from and interpretive center and interpretive opportunities throughout the recreation area. Below are those priorities and some suggestions from the group.

Priorities

 Interactive Displays
 Archaeology
 Observation Area from Visitor Center of Lake and Bog
 Meeting Area / Gathering Room

 serves as a trail center
 performances, presentation area
 outdoor area, patio
 resource area (library)
 administrative offices

 Restrooms
 Exhibits should be flexible (mobile)
 Wayside exhibit at Ludlow Island trailhead

Suggestions

Celestial observatory (Ludlow Island has least amount of light pollution in the state)
Floor tiles of patterned peatlands
College level lab room ( a lot of the lab curriculum handled in area school classrooms)

John requested contacts at Northome and Blackduck school districts. Also, John stated that we should look at peat utilization as an interpretive theme. 

John Winter, Regional Parks Director, said that the group should be looking strongly at the regional, statewide, national and international significance of the Visitor Center project for it to receive support. John encouraged the group to brainstorm and contact a wide variety of interest groups and organizations, conservation groups, etc. (TNC, Audubon, WWF, IPF, MN Native Plant Society...)

The meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.

Next Meeting: Thursday, March 1st
6-9 pm
Waskish Town Hall

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens' Advisory Committee 
4 January 2001
6-9 pm

Waskish Town Hall

Attendees: Joe Corcoran, Karen Corcoran, Donald Erickson, Quentin Fairbanks, John Fylpaa, Leroy Gonsior, Matt Langan, Collette Leonhardt, David Leonhardt, Dick Leonhardt, Diane Mostad, Liv Mostad-Jensen, Ray Poxleitner, Dave Radford, Paul Rundell, Jerry Stensing, Laura Stensing.

The meeting began at 6:00pm. Matt asked if anyone had changes or additions to the meeting minutes from December. There were no comments or changes. 

The group was asked about the campground building and what the theme or "look" to the building should be. For siding, the group preferred rough or plain cedar siding. Matt will forward this information to Foster Hudson and Field Services before they begin to restore the building.

Legislation will be introduced in this session's boundary bill that will allow for hunting and trapping to take place in areas of the northern unit determined by the State Recreation Area Management Plan. The group was read the legislative language and will determine through the planning process how hunting and trapping can be safely and appropriately be combined with other forms of recreation in the SRA.

Jerry Stensing, Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District, reviewed CAC bylaws with the group. The group agreed that the bylaws needed some language clarification. Jerry took suggestions from the group and said he would make revisions by the next CAC meeting. Adoption of Bylaws and Officer Elections were tabled until the February meeting.

The group then reviewed the Mission and Vision Statements for Big Bog SRA. Some insightful additions and comments were made which will appear on the most recent version of the M&V statements.

Archaeological Presentation (Dave Radford and Leroy Gonsior, MN DNR)
-Conducting literature search (80% complete)
-Working with Red Lake DNR and Bureau of Indian Affairs
-First priority was to investigate area south of campground and east of Hwy 72.
-90 shovel tests completed to date south of campground area (at least 50% test positive for cultural artifacts)
-Nothing found over 2500 years old
-Upper Red Lake shown to be moving to the West
-Tamarac River is moving to the north (Later than beach ridge formation)
-Mouth of Tamarac into Upper Red has been moving north over the last thousands of years
-Possible burial sites south of campground, no burial features or mounds
-Campground area has proved to be culturally significant site.
-Artifacts found by U of MN researchers in 1950's study along the road corridor all the way to a mile south of the bridge.
-Dutch style gun flint found recently (circa 1670)
-Fur trading camps in area 1785 and 1806
-When looking for location of Visitor Center, must consider not only space for building, but also the parking lot, sewer, utilities, etc.
-Cultural and geomorphological themes should be incorporated into interpretive services
-Shovel testing and management recommendations to be completed next summer.

Interpretive Services (John Fylpaa, MN DNR)

John began by explaining the concept of themes to the group, saying the stories should be ones that attract and grip people from outside the area. John went on to say that the public is very media savvy and our interpretive services and displays should reflect that trend.

The group reviewed the proposed themes for Big Bog SRA and suggested that Recreation could be a theme to interpret. The wilderness setting can be used to star gaze, to view vast, unbroken landscapes, and offers unique birding opportunities. Camping platforms in the Bog were cited as one possible way to interpret the recreational opportunities presented in the landscape.

Bog Walks are another way to interpret stories of the bog. Each bog walk should have a theme or destination, where the story unfolds as a visitor moves across the bog walk.

Suggestion was made to start our story with the glacier that moved through and created Lake Agassiz

John told the group that he will be meeting with focus groups and conducting teachers' workshops over the next few months.

Homework: Determine where the themes/stories for Big Bog would best be interpreted.
-Campground?
-Bog Walks?
-Sign Posts/Displays/Non-personal interpretation?
-Visitor Center?
-etc.

Next Meeting: 1 February 2001
6-9pm
Kelliher High School - Media Center

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens' Advisory Committee
7 December 2000

Waskish Town Hall, 6-9pm

Attendees:
Gary Barnard, Ray Berger, Joe Corcoran, Helen Cozzetto, Larry Fiegen, John Fylpaa, Ron Heim, Rose Heim, Foster Hudson, John Jensen, Matt Langan, Dave Leonhardt, Marianna Lindberg, Gladwin Lynne, Paul Rundell, Jerry Stensing, Laura Stensing, Chris Weir-Koetter, John Winter.

The meeting began with a welcome and introductions. The CAC was asked to review November's meeting minutes for comments/changes/additions. The group felt the discussions of the November meeting were well represented in the text.

Jerry Stensing (Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District)
CAC By-laws are ready (will distribute them to everyone and plan elections for the January meeting)
Established the CAC Big Bog Endowment and have NW MN. Foundation endowment and project fund guidelines for CAC review
Currently working on the Informational Brochure grant and "formalizing" the grant partnerships. Expect things to be in place by the January meeting date.
Made presentation to MN. Peat Assn in Duluth. Had very positive responses, and made some good contacts. 
Tom Malterer has volunteered to do at least one core analysis for us to use on a bogwalk and /or at the interpretive center.
Tom also expressed a willingness to come to one of our meetings to give a presentation on peat mining, (not "is it right or wrong" but what is done, how is it accomplished, and what happens afterward). 
Kurt Johnson has bog walk slides from Nova Scotia he will be sending us.
Richard Swatek (Director of Koochiching Economic Development Authority) is beginning to work with the Big Bear people and sees tremendous value in the regional eco-tourism concept and partnerships.
State Representative Mary Murphy is very supportive of our project because it "keeps the Bog together" and "avoids fragmentation". She also complimented us on the supportive efforts on our behalf by our State Representative Rod Skoe.
Arts and Education (Rose Heim)
URLAA donated money for Kelliher High School Media Arts to do video and textual stories on themes related to the Big Bog
Rose has committed the class to the project for the next four years (different theme each year)
-Year 1: Current Residents
-Year 2: Native Americans and Early Settlers
-Year 3: Wildlife
-Year 4: Ecosystem
Each theme will have a video and text document associated with it, and can be used for educational purposes in the State Recreation Area.

Aquatic Management Area (Gary Barnard - DNR Fisheries)
Showed group project proposal for Aquatic Management Area (AMA).
AMA will include a recycled wood boardwalk and an arched bridge over the drainage ditch.
Visitors will be able to fish from the boardwalk and bridge.
Hunting and Trapping
Citizens' Advisory Committee had an opportunity to talk with local folks about whether or not to maintain hunting and trapping in the Big Bog State Recreation Area. The result of these conversations was that hunting and trapping should be maintained as a recreational activity in the SRA. Below are some of the comments offered during the discussion.
It is important to maintain trapping of beaver pelt in this area.
Species of interest: Deer, grouse, beaver, ducks....
Hunting and trapping should be zoned in where it can be done.
Must be incorporated safely and appropriately with other forms of recreation through the planning process.
Official DNR position to allow hunting and trapping.
Need a buffer around bog walks if hunting is to occur.
It will be against the law to hunt within 500 feet of the bog walks or other recreational trails.
Use this as an opportunity to educate people about how hunting and trapping is part of the local culture and an appropriate recreational activity.
May be just a rule change, not a legislative matter. (Note: The DNR will insert legislation into the boundary bill for the SRA to allow hunting and trapping in designated areas).

Interpretive Services (John Fylpaa, DNR Naturalist)
John Fylpaa, DNR Park Naturalist, will develop an interpretive plan for Big Bog SRA over the next six months. The interpretive plan will be inserted directly into the overall management plan. After a presentation on the rare biota (namely orchids) found in Big Bog, John asked the group to consider which themes the citizens' group considered important to communicate to the public, recognizing that it would be difficult to tell ALL the stories about the Bog. The group began to narrow its list down to primary themes.

Themes:
Represent the how, why, when, and where of Big Bog SRA's past, present, and future.
Thought of as stories with a principle message to the audience.
Themes should capture the imagination of local visitors, twin cities visitors, and beyond.
Discussion:
Biology
Water holding capacity of peat
-can hold 23 times its weight in water
-bigger reservoir than any lake in the state
Flora and Fauna of this vast wilderness adapted to this unique ecosystem
-Forestry / Trees
-Unique bird species
-7 foot tall cedar found to be 500 years old

2. Geology
Red Lake Peatland as a "World Class" Bog
-Global climatic impacts (carbon sink)
-Largest contiguous tract of peatland remaining in United States
-Micro-climates affecting species composition
Ovoid islands
-31 in State of MN, 29 in Red Lake Peatlands

3. Cultural
American Indian culture and history
Folklore and Legends of the Bog
Costly lessons of trying to "tame" or homestead the Bog
Current resource management
Draining of Lake Koochiching
-Drained in five different directions (became Minnesota R., St. Louis R. Red Lake R., etc.)
-Main water courses connected by human use, transport
-Location of Continental Divide
-Really can look at this area as the heart of Minnesota and North America

4. Recreational
Wildlife watching opportunities
One of the last unbroken landscapes in MN
-provides rare views of undeveloped region
Limited accessibility allows a unique wilderness experience
-must find balance between recreational development and wilderness recreation experience.
5. Other
This unspoiled landscape has allowed specialized research on Bog ecosystems. 

Parks Update
Chris Weir-Koetter, Parks Resource Specialist, has an intern doing a literature search. These resources will be helpful in compiling inventories of previous study on the Bog, and will help with the final document and for future use.

Homework
1. Review and comment on Mission and Vision Statements (enclosed).

1. Rank interpretive themes to priority (A=High, B=Moderate, C=Low). 

1. List additional themes (stories) that are important

Next Meeting:
Thursday, January 4th, 2001 6-9pm Waskish Town Hall

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens Advisory Committee
2 November 2000
6-9 pm

Waskish Town Hall

Attendees: Gary Barnard, Ray Berger, Sandy Berger, Janet Boe, Donald Erickson, Quentin Fairbanks, Tim Gray, Rose Heim, Foster Hudson, Matt Langan, Dave Leonhardt, Chuck Meyer, Ray Poxleitner Sr., Paul Rundell, Jerry Stensing, Laura Stensing,.

Email Correspondence: Joe Corcoran, Phil Votruba, Kathleen Preece, 
Carole and Dave Nelson.

The meeting began at 6 p.m. with a welcome and introductions.

Interpretive Funding Pre-Proposal
Jerry Stensing, Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District, gave an overview of the interpretive funding pre-proposal. The group approved of and will develop the pre-proposal to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation to help in the hiring of a consultant to prepare the Interpretation and Visitor Center Plan for the Big Bog. To set up a friends group for the Big Bog SRA, a sub-committee was formed to develop by-laws for review at the next CAC meeting. 
The Citizens’ Advisory Group is the advisor of the Red Lake Bog Endowment. The URLAA has donated $2000.00 for start-up of the endowment fund. Priority Statements
The citizens’ group was asked at the last meeting to draft a list of top priorities for the State Recreation Area. These will be incorporated into the Mission and Vision statements that guide the management of the Big Bog SRA’s natural, cultural, recreational, and educational resources. The following is the list of statements given by the Citizens’ group. Educational opportunities-The Big Bog Visitor/Interpretive Center should provide some real excellent educational opportunities for all levels of students.
-Possibilities for research grants.-Community will benefit from this exposure, and may become leaders in bog protection and understanding.
Economical benefits
-Park should bring in much needed revenue that was lost due to lack of fishing. -Visitors will not be the consuming type that takes something away from us.
-Park can provide jobs in the area.
Environmental benefits
-Be aware of and protect what we are proud to have in our community.
Expansion/Boundaries
-Plan the park with expansion in mind.
To educate and inform visitors of the significant functions, values, and historic uses of the Big Bog/Peatlands while providing enjoyable recreation opportunities.
To increase the public awareness and appreciation of this unique and highly important environment.
To provide a rewarding opportunity for people to visit and experience one of the most unique natural environments in the world.
Serve as an exemplary educational area of the bog ecosystem to which schools from around the state, and outside of Minnesota, regularly visit.
Create a renowned area for scientific research on bog ecosystems.
Become a “model” for sound, well thought-out, and coordinated planning of a State Recreation Area, with all planning and design based on sensitivity to this special environment. Primary Goal of Big Bog SRA should be to exhibit and or illustrate ALL the primary natural resources in the area. (Do this through Bog Walks, Illustrations, Displays and Maps).
Suggestion of a Mural of the Big Bog resources be ‘constructed’ by Waskish Area Residents and resident organizations. Homesteader's history and citizen recognition should be involved in Visitor/Interpretive Displays. Interpretive Center should serve as the focal point for the park and as a place for the public to learn why the area is important to the region and the state.
Develop a video program displaying the size and complexity of the Big Bog including the protected peatlands and the National Natural Landmark. This is the best way for people to understand the reason for protecting the area. May lead to local people serving as guides to some of the special features including wildlife and plant life.
The history of the change from dry savanna to the present water logged condition. This swamping or pallidification is how all large bogs are formed starting with a small wet area followed by blockage of the regional drainage system and then rapid development of the blanket bog. This is followed by redevelopment of drainage systems with upland plant communities next to the streams and rivers with bog conditions as you go uphill into the bog.
Develop a good, accurate cultural history of the Bog area
Develop annual teacher workshops
Incorporate natural appearance into Interpretive Center facility (aesthetics)

Interpretive
- quality displays
- rotating displays
- accurate information
- multiple, unique perspectives offered in visitor center

 Preservation- preserve natural ecology of area
 - preserve cultural resources

Form partnerships with local schools, clubs, churches, etc.
Community festivals and special events
Develop international tourism
Bog Center as education center
Minimal human disturbance to natural and cultural resources
No new trails or roads
No light pollution
Sustainable natural resource management      
Cross-country ski trails and snowmobiles should be kept far away from each other.
Should have areas that have no development, that are untracked and undisturbed.
Concerns about snowmobile traffic and keeping them, through signage and enforcement, off other trails.
Maintain existing recreational trails
20 foot high tower on Ludlow Island for viewing and trailhead.

Bog Center
- Should be a community celebration of who we are
 - Community space incorporated into Visitor Center

Arts
- Highlight arts in Bog Center
 - Showcase local products and crafts in gift shops
Interpretive
- Quality and engaging displays in interpretive center
 - School kids involvement in displays (Kelliher H.S. Media section)
Incorporate natural environment into Bog Center look (Log? Log Accents? Cedar?)
Research programs with local schools and Bog
History and Research
 - 1930 resettlement program
Bog Center as business center (fun events, monthly calendar)
Limit snowmobile use to existing trails
Beach area should be developed as a family center (cleaned-up, trails, picnic grounds, etc.)
Good signage and maps
Preservation of traditional uses
Hunting Issues
In the “Recreation Area Concept Plan” section of the Big Bog Proposal (Feb., 2000), the citizens’ desired, in addition to traditional State Park recreational uses, the ability to allow other uses of the area such as hunting. Hunting is allowed in State Recreation Areas by exception only. Therefore, the DNR needs to introduce special legislation in order to accommodate hunting in Big Bog State Recreation Area. The Division of Parks and Recreation wishes to honor the expectations of the citizens that created Big Bog SRA, and support the legislative exception. We need to make sure that hunting is appropriately and safely combine with other recreational uses of the area.
Discussion:
• Group did not know of any hunting that occurs within the statutory boundary of the northern unit of Big Bog SRA.
• Some duck hunting occurs in the ditches in the area.
• Hunting was removed at the last minute from the legislation creating Big Bog SRA so that it would be less controversial (did not want it, alone, to stand in the way of creating Big Bog SRA).
• Group wondered if the tone of the priority (vision) statements allowed for uses such as hunting and trapping.
• If trail center is placed at Ludlow Island, there is a lot of land to the south that could still be hunted without putting other recreational users at risk.
• Group thought the issues of maintaining hunting in the area was because it is a traditional use of the area.
• Group asked if the DNR could add legislation to allow for hunting 5 years down the road? But for now, not allow hunting, and monitor the public’s reaction. Matt said we should get some good information now, and decide, while we are developing the park plan.
• The group felt it was unwise to make a decision at this meeting and asked that the issue be tabled until the next CAC meeting. In the meantime, each member of the CAC will talk to people in the area to discover their thoughts on the hunting and trapping issue. 

The meeting adjourned at 9pm.
HOMEWORK: Each CAC member should talk around town and get good information on the public desire for hunting and trapping. 
Be ready to give a CAC recommendation on the issue at the next meeting.
Next meeting: December 7th
Waskish Town Hall 6-9 P.M.

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens Advisory Committee
Itasca State Park Tour
10 October 2000

Attendees:  
Paul Rundell, C.P. Maus, Patrick Conn, Diane Lehse, Ron Lehse, Phil Votruba, Jerry Stensing, Laura Stensing, Dave Leonhardt, Ray Berger, Sandy Berger, Carol Nelson, Dave Nelson, Don Erickson, Colleen Oestrich, Joe Corocoran, Karen Corocoran, Marianne Lindberg, Ray Poxleitner Sr., Bryce Anderson, Matt Langan.

MN DNR vans picked up committee members at Kelliher High School and Bemidji High School. The vans arrived at Itasca State Park at 9:30.
The group started the day with a tour of the Dr. Roberts’ Trail and associated boardwalk. The group was able to get some ideas of what a boardwalk/bog walk looks like. The group saw the interpretive signs and turnouts designed into the boardwalk. Bryce Anderson, Region 1 interpretive specialist, gave an introduction to interpretive trails and some of the methods of communicating the unique nature of bogs, while protecting the resource, to the public. The group was also able to see the Old Timers’ Cabin, constructed with immense white pine logs by the CCC. 
After the hike, the group was able to warm themselves by the fireplace in Douglas Lodge. We then adjourned to the downstairs meeting room to take care of some business prior to lunch. Matt Langan, State Park Planner, had each person in attendance introduce themselves to the group and talk about their interest in the Big Bog project. 
Matt then introduced himself and described the DNR’s park planning process. Matt’s job is to assemble a citizens’ advisory group and an area team of DNR resource professionals which make recommendations to the St. Paul Managers group. The goals and recommendations are then put into a State Recreation Area management plan, which must be in place before any development can occur on parklands. Matt said he believes this process will take one and a half years to complete. 
Jerry Stensing announced that the Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District has accepted a grant to help with planning, coordinating and networking for the group. He stated that as a n employee of the Conservation District, he will have to resign the position of Chairperson of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee. Dave Leonhardt, Vice-Chairperson, was unanimously voted to be the Chairperson. Jerry also brought to the group a proposal to work with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation in establishing a Red Lake Bog Endowment and Project Fund. Interested Advisory Committee members were asked to contact him following the meeting.
The group then adjourned for lunch in the Douglas Lodge
After lunch, Bryce Anderson talked to the group about developing interpretive plans and services, as well as Visitor Centers. The plans for the new Itasca Visitor Center were reviewed by the group. The Itasca Visitor Center is larger and more expensive than the Bog Center will be, but the designs gave the committee a good idea of how to communicate information to the public
Prior to the tour of Itasca State Park, the group agreed to a monthly standard meeting time. The group decided to meet the first Thursday of every month at Waskish Town Hall starting in November. The group will meet for three hours (6-9pm) each month
The group then went for a tour of the park lands. We saw an example of a restroom/sanitation building in the campground area, the headwaters of the Mississippi, the footprint of the Visitor Center that is under construction, and the 10-mile wilderness drive that meanders throughout the park
HOMEWORK: The group was given a “homework assignment” to think about three priorities or goals they have for Big Bog State Recreation Area. The group was asked to think 20 years down the road when identifying these goals or priorities, and think about the benefits they would create for the environment and the community. Each person will be able to read off their priorities at the next meeting when we will begin to develop a mission and vision statement for the park, and identify the specific niche Big Bog will fill in the Minnesota State Park System.
We departed for Bemidji and Kelliher at 3:30pm.
The next meeting will be held:
Thursday, November 2nd at the 
Waskish Town Hall, from 6-9pm .

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Citizens Advisory Committee
Public Open House 
5 September 2000

Westwind Lodge, Waskish

Participants: Jeff Asfoor, Gary Barnard, Steve Caron, Joe Corcoran, Quentin Fairbanks, Dick Florhaug, Tim Gray, Tom Gilge, Foster Hudson, Matt Langan, Dave Leonhardt, C.P. Maus, Chuck Meyer, Diane Mostad, Ray Poxleitner, Paul Rundell, Jerry Stensing, Laura Stensing, John Winter, Barb Woltjer.

The open house began with dinner at Westwind Lodge in Waskish, MN. 
After dinner, the meeting began with an introduction by Joe Corcoran, President, Upper Red Lake Area Association. Joe asked everyone in attendance to introduce themselves to the group. Joe then notified the group that there would be an election of officers to the Citizen’s Group (chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary) at the end of the meeting. Matt Langan, Minnesota DNR State Park Planner, was introduced, and explained the unit planning process. Matt explained that, according to Minnesota State Statute, a management plan must be written and approved before any development can begin on State Recreation Area lands. The management plan is written based on the goals and recommendations of two expert groups: a Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) and an Area Team (AT). The CAC is comprised of local citizens representing a wide range of interests. The AT is comprised of DNR Resource Professionals (wildlife, fisheries, forestry, etc.) who assist the citizen’s group with technical material. Each group (CAC and AT) meets on a monthly basis to make recommendations regarding the management of the Recreation Area’s natural, cultural, recreational, and scenic resources. These goals and recommendations are then gathered and incorporated into a State Recreation Area management plan which undergoes a 30-day public review and a 30-day departmental review. State Recreation Area management plans can take two to three years to complete, although Matt believes that the Big Bog plan can be created in 1.5 to 2 years. Matt then gave an update of a proposed boundary change in the northwest corner of the southern unit. DNR Parks and Fisheries will propose that this area be excluded from the Recreation Area’s statutory boundary for use as an Aquatic Management Area (AMA). As a result of this proposal the public boat access, near the fisheries buildings, will remain free to the public. Gary Barnard, DNR Fisheries, addressed the group about the proposed AMA. Gary said the area will be used in the future to recover the fisheries of Upper Red Lake. Progress has been made in recovering the walleye population, and the AMA will be an important feature in that effort. Matt then discussed the contents of a typical State Park/State Recreation Area Management Plan.
(SEE enclosed copy of management plan outline draft).
At this point, the group discussed a field trip to Itasca State Park. The field trip will be on Saturday, October 7th. DNR will provided transportation. The field trip will give the CAC the opportunity to see the type of benefit a State Park/State Recreation Area can be to a community. The group will look at interpretive services and plans for the new Visitor/Interpretive Center at Itasca. (SEE enclosed field trip agenda)
The reroute of County Road 40 was discussed, and how that reroute would affect the Recreation Area. Foster Hudson, DNR parks, brought up the issue of a Radio Tower possibly being installed somewhere near the southern unit to aid in future remote communications. The Township Hall area was brought up as a possible location. It was stated that the radio tower should be placed outside of the park.
Matt explained that at this point in the meeting, an archaeological review team was supposed to speak to the CAC. However, due to an injury of a crew member, the review has been delayed, and the subject will be addressed at a future meeting.
Joe Corcoran then asked for nominations for positions on the CAC. 
Jerry Stensing was voted Chairperson of the CAC.
Dave Leonhardt was voted Vice-Chair. 
The Citizen’s Advisory Committee is still seeking a Secretary.
The meeting adjourned at 9pm.
Next CAC Meeting: Saturday, 
October 7th, Itasca State Park. 

To: Big Bog Citizens Advisory Committee 10/2/00
From: Jerry Stensing, Elected Chair 9/5/00

Good News:
The Beltrami SWCD Board of Supervisors voted today 9/28/00 to accept a Big Bog Planning Assistance Red Lake Game Fund Grant. The grant funds were awarded for the SWCD to provide professional assistance in establishing, coordinating and networking the Advisory Committee.
Bad News:
They are concerned about possible perceptions of conflicting interest, so they attached the condition that I relinquish any position of authority, any voting rights, and perform grant-related tasks in a cooperative partnership role as a representative of the Soil and Water Conservation District throughout the term of the Grant.
I remain committed to the success of the Big Bog State Recreation Area, but must resign the Chair position effective immediately.
Sincerely,
Jerry Stensing