Conservation is for Thee, But Not for Me
Signed, Mayor Jim
In Superior’s land of lakes and trees,
Where nature whispers with the breeze,
Mayor Jim, with schemes so grand,
Dealt his cards with a shifty hand.
“Let’s save the forest!“ he boldly cried,
With righteous flair and puffed-up pride.
“Sixty percent will stay untouched!”
(While his family’s land? Oh, not so much.)
But sniff a little, tilt your ear,
And something shady soon appears.
For Uncle Fred and Cousin Too,
Had prime riverfront—what a view!
A bird preserve, by law decreed,
Yet somehow, houses took the lead.
A barge parked where no barge should be,
A loophole carved for family.
So Jim proposed a daring swap,
A slick exchange right from the top.
“Public land, just trade me this!”
(While giving Uncle Fred a kiss.)
The DNR, with furrowed brows,
Reviewed the plan, unsure but roused.
Should forests fall for family ties?
Or should the public open their eyes?
But watchdogs barked, the people roared,
Jim’s slick deal got swiftly floored.
Yet just because the scheme was wrecked,
Should Jim’s moves go unchecked?
Oh no, my friend, let’s not forget,
He tried to cash a crooked bet.
Conservation’s fine, you see—
Just not for Jim and his, family.
From: Kowalkowski, Michael J- DNR
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 4:15 PM To: Mayor Cc: Scherf, Rebecca
Subject: Easement matter
The City of Superior would pursue dedication of the Dwight’s Point and Pokegema Wetlands State Natural Area.
The property owners would have the sunken barge removed from the bed of the river and properly disposed of at an upland location not encumbered by the Department’s easement. The property owner would remove any other structures within the retained easement area, including the pier and shed on the shore. The property owners would be required to comply with the retained easement and refrain from placing structures on or altering vegetation in the easement areas remaining. Note, this agreement would not prevent the property owners from placing a pier on the property to the south of the easement area.
Upon completion of the dedication and completion of the property owner’s obligations, the Department would agree to release a portion of the easement encompassing the developed homes, lawn areas, and driveways, as well as the hay field on the eastern side of the property. The Department would retain the easement for 35 ft. width of the shoreline portion adjacent to the homes as well as the easement area north of the homes and hayfield. I have attached a visual representation for reference.
