DNR, Boy Scouts dedicate wild area (2005-05-24)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Twin Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America will hold a dedication ceremony on June 18 to formally dedicate a new 240-acre aquatic management area and recognize and thank those who helped preserve the land adjacent to the Cuyuna Scout Camp in Crow Wing County.

The Boy Scout organization transferred stewardship of the area to the DNR in December.

The Scouts have operated an 800-acre camp since 1967 to provide low-cost camping for 700 Scouts each summer. Financial pressures on the Scouting organization caused the Scouts to investigate a transfer of 240 acres of unused area to the DNR, to be preserved in perpetuity as an aquatic management area. The effort was successful in large part due to a donation of $415,000 from Clarence and Fran Holden, and an extensive fund-raising effort by the Scouts and friends of Scouting, in general.

"This is a win-win for fish, wildlife and the Boy Scouts," said Mike Karp, Twin Valley Council president. "The efforts of numerous individuals and organizations helped preserve over two miles of natural shoreline, the wild integrity of the area, and great opportunities for our Scouts."

The Holdens' donation, along with funds raised by Boy Scout and camp supporters and the Brainerd Chapter of Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, was matched with DNR critical habitat license plate funds. The Scouts retain ownership of more than 560 acres relating to their main camping facility, and an additional 13-acre site that includes a family camp. The use of the family camp is limited by a permanent conservation easement granted to the DNR, which severely restricts development and provides natural resource protections.

The ceremony will be held at the camp near Crosslake at a time when volunteers will also be preparing the Scout camp for the summer season. A sign recognizing the Holdens as well as other major donors will be unveiled at the site.

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page