8/15/2007
DNR protects additional two-thirds mile of Walker Lake shoreline as an
AMA
An easement and fee purchase coordinated through the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources (DNR) will protect an additional 3,750 feet of critical
shoreline habitat on Walker Lake in Ottertail County.
DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten will dedicate two new parcels of land adjacent
to the existing Dead River/Walker Aquatic Management Area (AMA) at a public
ceremony later this month. Approximately 1.4 miles of shoreline will be
protected with the new acquisitions.
"We, as a Board of Directors, thought this was a good development from the
start," said Bill Barber, president of the Otter Tail Lakes Property Owners
Association. "This reinforces those thoughts as the sale and conservation
easement will prevent any further development."
The easement and acquisition, of which the DNR purchased 750 feet of
shoreline and WLP Development donated an additional 3,000 feet of shoreline
in a conservation easement, is on the west side of Walker Lake. The Dead
River connects Walker Lake to Otter Tail Lake, known for its abundant
pristine shoreline and production of walleye, northern pike, panfish and
bass. Upland portions of the Dead River/Walker Lake Aquatic Management Area
have abundant wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys and grouse.
"With 1.4 miles of lake and stream shore, Dead River/Walker Lake AMA
provides critical habitat for both fish and waterfowl species," said Mike
Halverson, DNR fisheries acquisition coordinator. "It provides great
opportunities for public wildlife observation as well. We greatly appreciate
the foresight shown by WLP Development in planning a development that
includes shoreland conservation. This will allow adjacent landowners, as
well as lake users, to enjoy the clean water benefits that natural
shorelines provide."
Funding for the fee purchase came from Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) matching
funds. The RIM dollars were made available by the donation of the
conservation easement by WLP Development. The easement restricts riparian
rights on the shoreline - no docks or removal of emergent vegetation will be
allowed.
The dedication ceremony, set for 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, is open to all
those interested in learning more about the Dead River/Walker Lake AMA
expansion. The event will take place at the Walker Lake Preserve picnic
shelter. The dedication will feature a brief program, followed by
complementary cake and ice cream. Golf cart and trailer tours will be
offered. A 1.5-mile walking trail on the easement will be open to the
public. The entrance to the Walker Lake Preserve is one mile north of County
Road 1 on County Road 14, then one-half mile east on Preserve Drive.
"Our families have lived for generations on Walker Lake," Jim Morgan, WLP
Development president said. "We wanted to protect as much of the lake as
possible from disruption. When this property is combined with the current
DNR property, over one mile of the west side of Walker Lake will be
protected for the future. We're proud to be able to make this contribution."
"I'm grateful that we can preserve the west side of Walker Lake for my
children and generations to come," added Chris Tjornhom, WLP Development
vice president, "Walker Lake is the walleye nursery for Otter Tail Lake.
This conservation easement will protect the spawning grounds for years to
come. My family loves Walker Lake. We are glad we can play a small part in
preserving the natural look and feel of the shoreline."
