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Camp Ojiketa on Big Green Lake, Chisago City, will remain open for public enjoyment. Trust for Public Land announced Wednesday, Dec. 17 the acquisition of the historic site was finalized for $3.6 million. TPL had an option agreement with Camp Fire Council of Minnesota that was to expire the end of this month. Bob McGillivray, TPL Project Manager, said the final purchase price was $3,655,000 much less than what the land was appraised for in March 2008.

Chisago City Mayor Don Taylor said options are "wide open" right now as to future uses and recreational programming that Ojiketa lends itself to. Chisago City is forming a Task Force that will advise city officials on long range plans for the property. Taylor explained, "We will be discussing what do we want to see done first, then 10 or 20 years out," as to what should be available at Ojiketa.

Taylor added he is "excited" the deal came together when it did, and the city managed to preserve this unparalleled amenity. "To be able to do this (acquire the site) and still keep (city portion of) taxes down," he said shows skilled financial leadership as well as good timing.

Camp Ojiketa Preservation Society spokesperson Judy Montgomery was also relieved and excited about the Ojiketa deal closing. She said, "Generations of women learned a lot about nature and themselves at Camp Ojiketa. It would have broken our hearts to see this special place become commercially developed, so this is a day of great relief and celebration."

The Ojiketa Preservation Society came together as camp alums learned of the Camp Fire desire to market the site. Through Society efforts and the work of many others, along with private donations and state aid, the 80 year-old wild and scenic area and buildings are preserved. The property features 3,000 feet of shoreline, a natural bay, marsh, woods and a couple of main lodges and smaller cabins.

Chisago City, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR Greenways program, the non metro regional parks program, and the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District contributed to the acquisition account.

The Trust for Public Land is a national, non-profit conservation organization. Established in 1972 TPL has protected more than 84,000 acres in Minnesota, including the recent protection of Long Island, near Ely and the creation of Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary in St. Paul.

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