June 10, 2021 at 1:12 p.m.
Lantern Bay protection completed with new dedicated sales tax
The DNR will manage their shoreland in Lantern Bay as an Aquatic Management Area (AMA) to permanently protect the unique natural resources of this 120-acre shallow bay that is essential to good water quality in the Woman Lake chain, a nesting area for loons and other wildlife, a resting area for migrating waterfowl, and a food producer for aquatic life throughout the lake. The remaining private landowners in the bay are dedicated to working alongside the DNR to maintain the pristine quality of Lantern Bay.
The "Save Lantern Bay" project began five years ago when a large development of over 30 houses was proposed on the north side of the bay. Full development could have caused serious consequences to the water quality and the habitat in the bay as a result of land disturbance and increased boating activity. The Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation and the Save Lantern Bay Committee legally challenged a denied environmental assessment of the proposed development. Eventually, the developer abandoned the original plans and in December 2008, sold 1,800 feet and 27 acres of the proposed development to the Minnesota DNR and 200 feet and 40 acres to the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation (LLAWF).
On July 14, 2010, the DNR purchased LLAWF's 200 feet of shoreland using $280,000 of acquisition funds derived from the new sales tax increase of 0.375 percent that voters overwhelmingly supported in the November, 2008 election. The new sales tax is constitutionally dedicated to the protection, restoration, and enhancement of Minnesota's prairies, forests, wetlands, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat (33%); clean water (33%), parks and trails (19%), and arts and cultural heritage (14%), and is estimated to generate nearly 300 million annually through 2034.
A portion of the now-protected shoreland came from the sale of land in 2005 and 2006 by two other willing landowners in Lantern Bay. The Miracle Bible Camp also donated land to trigger the release of funds to support DNR purchases. In total, 5,000 feet of shoreland in Lantern Bay has been purchased by the DNR since 2005 to provide permanent protection of its natural resources. "Completing this project will help insure the continued recreational enjoyment of the Woman Lake Chain and provide economic stability for our communities from the residents and visitors that are drawn to our area's beautiful natural resources," said Ray Payne, chairman of the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation.
The recent $280,000 land purchase was applied directly to a loan obtained by LLAWF in 2008 to purchase the 200 feet of shoreland in Lantern Bay and to assist the DNR with their purchase. For the past two years, LLAWF and CGWLPOA have been actively fundraising to raise $340,000 to repay the loan for the land already purchased. All but $58,000 has been raised thanks to the support of many dedicated individuals, businesses, and community groups; conservation organizations including Ducks Unlimited and the Hugh Becker Foundation of Muskies Inc.; area lake associations; Woodrow Township; the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation; and the Child, Girl, Woman Lake Association. Your help is still needed to reach the fundraising goal by the end of 2010.
Send donations, marked Lantern Bay, to: LLAWF, Box 455, Hackensack, Minnesota 56452. To donate online go to www.GiveMN.org, search for Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation, and click on Lantern Bay Project to make a secure donation. All donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information, contact Paula West, Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation, 218-675-5773.[[In-content Ad]]On July 14, 2010, the DNR purchased LLAWF's 200 feet of shoreland using $280,000 of acquisition funds derived from the new sales tax increase of 0.375 percent that voters overwhelmingly supported in the November, 2008 election. The new sales tax is constitutionally dedicated to the protection, restoration, and enhancement of Minnesota's prairies, forests, wetlands, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat (33%); clean water (33%), parks and trails (19%), and arts and cultural heritage (14%), and is estimated to generate nearly 300 million annually through 2034.
A portion of the now-protected shoreland came from the sale of land in 2005 and 2006 by two other willing landowners in Lantern Bay. The Miracle Bible Camp also donated land to trigger the release of funds to support DNR purchases. In total, 5,000 feet of shoreland in Lantern Bay has been purchased by the DNR since 2005 to provide permanent protection of its natural resources. "Completing this project will help insure the continued recreational enjoyment of the Woman Lake Chain and provide economic stability for our communities from the residents and visitors that are drawn to our area's beautiful natural resources," said Ray Payne, chairman of the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation.
The recent $280,000 land purchase was applied directly to a loan obtained by LLAWF in 2008 to purchase the 200 feet of shoreland in Lantern Bay and to assist the DNR with their purchase. For the past two years, LLAWF and CGWLPOA have been actively fundraising to raise $340,000 to repay the loan for the land already purchased. All but $58,000 has been raised thanks to the support of many dedicated individuals, businesses, and community groups; conservation organizations including Ducks Unlimited and the Hugh Becker Foundation of Muskies Inc.; area lake associations; Woodrow Township; the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation; and the Child, Girl, Woman Lake Association. Your help is still needed to reach the fundraising goal by the end of 2010.
Send donations, marked Lantern Bay, to: LLAWF, Box 455, Hackensack, Minnesota 56452. To donate online go to www.GiveMN.org, search for Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation, and click on Lantern Bay Project to make a secure donation. All donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information, contact Paula West, Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation, 218-675-5773.
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