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The Rush Lake Wildlife Management Area and the St. Croix-Chengwatana Forest area are expanding through the cooperation of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Trust for Public Land, in working with private owners.  

The acquisitions were explained to the county commissioners last week.  DNR representative Tim Marion said the county doesn’t approve or disapprove at this point, but the local governing unit does need to be notified.

The newly protected lands will be open to the public.

Xcel Energy has long held 728 acres near the scenic riverway, and with support through the Outdoor Heritage Fund, and Trust for Public Land, the property will be added to the Chengwatana Forest.  The non-taxable status now means there will be payment in lieu of taxes to the county, but the exact amount had not been tabulated last week.

Marion said, the Fish & Wildlife division meanwhile, is facilitating the Rush Lake WMA 35 acre acquisition from the Devore Family Trust. As state-owned land the payment in lieu of taxes here will be approximately $231 annually.

In one more open space related item-- the Almelund Lions ballpark is getting a play structure, with the county board approving a request for $8,426 out of the township’s park dedication fee account.  When rural land is platted for buildings,  the developer contributes to the park dedication fund and the money is held by Chisago County.  The $8,426 is about 30 percent of the entire improvements package pricetag for the Almelund recreation facility.

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