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A land conservation non-profit, former campers and camp staff and a host of city and state officials, continue to work to keep Camp Ojiketa from becoming a housing subdivision.

Camp Ojiketa was a topic on the Campfire Board of Directors’ meeting agenda April 27. Directors heard from several camp preservationists seeking to maintain the 70-plus acre site on Green Lake as public open space.

Chisago City Mayor Chris DuBose, Senator Sean Nienow and camp alumni presented their case to override -- or at least delay--Campfire’s potential sale of the camp to private developers.

Campfire directors were told more time is needed to secure funds to purchase Ojiketa. Campfire only recently officially announced that Ojiketa was one of two camps the organization will liquidate. The Campfire Board declared the sale would need to happen by August and preservation supporters started scrambling.

Judy Montgomery, an Ojiketa alumnus spearheading efforts to preserve Ojiketa, told the Press, “...it was a very good meeting. We are now hoping the directors give (our request for) additional time serious consideration.”

Mayor Chris DuBose said he asked the directors if Chisago City could contribute assistance, like a downpayment, to delay the sale while the final public funding plan gets finalized. He didn’t hear much enthusiasm from the directors for interim payments or downpayment.

Mayor DuBose also talked a little about the appraisal process and how Chisago City’s land use plan and availability of city services effects Ojiketa’s value.

Chisago City got an appraisal that came in about $2.4 million. Campfire officials will not release the organization’s appraisal.

Montgomery said camper-almuni group members working to preserve the open site are very appreciative that the mayor and state senator took the time to attend the monthly Campfire Board meeting.

Sen. Nienow gave the directors a legislative update, she said, and basically explained that in order to set aside state monies to aid the private effort to buy the site, he needs time. It’s a lengthy process to bring other lawmakers on-board and to present Ojiketa as a regional concern.

Chisago City sought legislation in cooperation with Nienow and Rep. Pete Nelson to include Ojiketa into a state funding system, by way of a DNR matching grant request. The legislation would have authorized a maximum $4 million to be “matched” by non-state contributions to buy Camp Ojiketa. The formula was that for every $3 in state aid there would be $2 raised in non-state funding.

Anyone who’d like to send an e mail or letter to state lawmakers on th Ojiketa funding issue can refer to House File 3371 and Senate File 3000.

It was learned during the Campfire Board of Directors session that there is a sub-committee reviewing the Ojiketa sale and Campfire plans to announce the sale price sometime after May 13.

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