Petition to Oppose the Rezoning and Development of Zoned Agriculture Land into a 25-Unit Commercial RV Campground on Grove Lake

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the rezoning and development of agricultural land into a 25-lot RV campground with 15 boat slips, as requested by Joseph & Iliana Clauson. The hearing to review this proposal will take place on October 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM, at the Otter Tail County Government Services Center. This proposal would rezone and develop the property located at 16446 470th St., Pelican Rapids, MN 56572 on Grove Lake (Lake ID #56-952). The site covers 114.63 acres in Section 31 of Scambler Township (T137N, R43W) (Otter Tail County Planning Commission).

This development would have significant negative impacts on our environment, water quality, community safety, and economy. Below, we outline our concerns, supported by case studies from similar developments across the country, as well as the legal issues surrounding cattail removal.

1. Ecological Impact

The proposed campground will be located near Grove Lake, which is classified as a Natural Environment (NE) lake. This area is home to diverse wildlife and sensitive ecosystems. Research has shown that RV campgrounds near protected areas can lead to habitat fragmentation, displacement of wildlife, and increased human-wildlife conflicts due to noise, light pollution, and habitat disruption.

Additionally, the developers would need to remove cattails along the shoreline to create space for boat slips and access areas. Cattails are legally protected under Minnesota law, as they play a critical role in stabilizing shorelines, filtering pollutants, and providing habitat for wildlife. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires a permit to remove or disturb cattails, and it is unlikely that large-scale removal would be permitted without stringent environmental review. Removing cattails can lead to increased erosion, habitat loss, and water quality degradation (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103G).

• Supporting Case Study: In Yellowstone National Park, campground development led to wildlife displacement and significant habitat disruption, illustrating the long-term ecological harm that similar developments cause (Yellowstone Research Bulletin, 2019).

2. Water Quality Concerns

Grove Lake is a vital source of freshwater for both wildlife and the local community. The proposed development may degrade water quality through increased runoff from impervious surfaces, higher nutrient loads from campground activities, and potential contamination from wastewater and boat fuel. The removal of cattails would further exacerbate water quality issues, as they are natural filters that help maintain the lake’s health.

• Supporting Case Study: A study of Lake Tahoe demonstrated that recreational development, including campgrounds, contributed to nutrient pollution, algal blooms, and a significant reduction in water clarity (Journal of Environmental Management, 2017). Similar water quality degradation could happen in Grove Lake due to the proposed RV campground and boat slips.

3. Community Safety and Traffic Risks

The influx of RVs, boats, and seasonal visitors would increase traffic on rural roads, endangering the safety of local residents. The narrow, poorly maintained roads in rural areas are often ill-equipped to handle the large RV vehicles, leading to accidents and increased demand on emergency services.

• Supporting Case Study: In the Great Smoky Mountains region, research showed that campground-related traffic spikes led to a significant increase in road accidents and strained local emergency services (Transportation Research Board, 2020). Grove Lake’s surrounding rural roads are at risk of facing similar safety challenges if the campground is developed.

4. Economic Burden and Increased Taxes

The proposed development may lead to higher local taxes as the community would need to support infrastructure improvements, including road maintenance, emergency services, and wastewater treatment. These costs often outweigh any short-term economic benefits generated by the campground.

• Supporting Case Study: In the Appalachian region, campground developments increased the local tax burden significantly as communities had to fund new infrastructure, placing additional financial strain on rural residents (Rural Economics Journal, 2018). The same could happen in Scambler Township if the RV campground is approved.

5. Long-Term Environmental Degradation

Even with mitigation efforts, long-term environmental damage is a likely outcome of campground developments near sensitive water bodies. Over time, the constant presence of RVs, increased waste, and recreational boating can lead to irreversible damage to water quality and local ecosystems.

• Supporting Case Study: In Adirondack Park, a long-term study found that campground developments near lakes resulted in progressive environmental degradation, including water pollution and ecosystem damage, despite mitigation efforts (Conservation Biology Journal, 2020).

Conclusion

We urge the Otter Tail County Planning Commission to reject this proposal and preserve the agricultural and natural character of the land. The long-term ecological, economic, and social impacts of this commercial development far outweigh any potential short-term benefits. Additionally, the legal barriers and environmental risks associated with removing protected cattails along the shoreline present significant challenges. Case studies from other regions demonstrate the serious and irreversible harm caused by similar developments. Let us protect our environment, water quality, and community for future generations.

Works Cited

• "Application for Conditional Use Permit." Otter Tail County Planning Commission. Otter Tail Government Services Center, 9 October 2024.
• "Human Disturbance and Wildlife Responses: A Review of Impacts on Habitat and Wildlife Populations." Yellowstone Research Bulletin, 2019.
• "Nutrient Runoff from Recreational Facilities and its Impact on Lake Tahoe Water Quality." Journal of Environmental Management, 2017.
• "Campground-Related Traffic and Safety Challenges in Rural Areas." Transportation Research Board, 2020.
• "Rural Infrastructure and Economic Burden: A Study of Campground Developments in the Appalachian Region." Rural Economics Journal, 2018.
• "Long-Term Ecological Impacts of Campground Development in Protected Areas." Conservation Biology Journal, 2020.
• "Aquatic Plant Management." Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103G.