Petition Against Rezoning Agricultural Land for Campground Development on Grove Lake

To: David Trites

Chairman Planning Commission
OTTER TAIL COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Government Services Center

500 West Fir Ave

Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Date: 9/2/24

Subject: Strong Opposition to Rezoning Agricultural Land for Campground Development

Dear Planning Commission

We, the undersigned residents and adjacent landowners of Grove Lake, in Ottertail County, respectfully submit this petition to express our unified and resolute opposition to the proposed rezoning of the agricultural land located at 114.63 Ac, Lots 5. 6 & NW1/4 NE1/4 & Pt of GL 4., Section 31 of Scambler Township for the development of a campground. We believe that this change would have detrimental effects on our community, the environment, and the overall health of our lake.

Key Concerns:

1. Impact on Lake Health: The development of a campground near our small lake poses a significant risk to the lake’s ecological balance. Increased human activity and potential pollution from campground facilities could endanger the health of the lake’s aquatic ecosystem, affecting both flora and fauna. This concern is supported by the case study conducted by Byrd and Perona (1979), titled The Effect of Recreation on Water Quality from the University of California Water Resources Center. Their research highlights that recreational activities near water bodies often lead to increased pollution levels and degradation of water quality. The introduction of a campground could exacerbate these issues, jeopardizing the health of our lake.
2. Traffic and Safety Concerns: The introduction of a campground will lead to a substantial increase in traffic, raising safety concerns for local residents and visitors. The current infrastructure may not be equipped to handle the additional vehicle volume, which could result in accidents and reduced safety for our community.
3. Decrease in Adjacent Property Values: Historical trends indicate that commercial developments such as campgrounds often lead to a decrease in property values for nearby residential and agricultural land. This rezoning could negatively impact the economic stability and investment value of adjacent properties.
4. Increased Theft and Safety Issues: Campgrounds can attract a higher volume of transient visitors, which may increase the risk of theft and other security concerns. The presence of a campground could lead to heightened safety issues for the local community.
5. Preservation of Agricultural Land: The current zoning supports agricultural use, which is crucial for maintaining local food sources and the rural character of our area. Rezoning this land for commercial use undermines the agricultural heritage and could set a precedent for further encroachment on valuable farmland.

Unified Opposition:

It is important to note that all adjacent landowners are opposed to the proposed campground development. This collective opposition underscores the significant impact that this development would have on our community. The concerns of local landowners reflect a broader sentiment that the proposed change is not in the best interest of our area.

Considering these concerns and supported by the findings of Byrd and Perona regarding the detrimental effects of recreational activities on water quality, we urge you to reconsider the proposal to rezone the land for campground development. We advocate for alternative solutions that protect the health of our lake, ensure community safety, and preserve the integrity of our local environment and property values.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and request that you consider the collective voice of the concerned citizens of Grove Lake. We are committed to working collaboratively to find sustainable solutions that align with the interests of our community and the preservation of our natural resources.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Travis Steffen
46327 155th Ave
Pelican Rapids, MN 56572
northdakotaman4life@gmail.com
701-212-8166

Signatures: