Residents press Aitkin County to keep 'one-third' tree-limit as shoreland ordinance changes draw strong opposition

Aitkin County residents and lake-association leaders told county commissioners at a public hearing that proposed amendments to the county’s Shoreland Management Ordinance would make lakeshore protections weaker and harder to enforce.

"It allows clear cutting — let's call it what it is, it's clear cutting of 40 feet of shoreline, 25 feet deep along our shorelines," said Bob Carls, president of the Cedar Lake Conservancy, summarizing his organization’s written comments and urging the board to retain the ordinance language that limits tree removal.

Patrick Murphy, president of Aitkin County Lakes and Rivers Association, echoed the concern and urged clearer wording, stronger enforcement and better public notice for new owners. Commenters said the current draft removes a specific measurement that had required property owners to limit removal to one-third of trees over a given diameter in the shore-impact zone.

Planning staff (Andrew) said the changes were intended to clarify and reorganize existing rules — to present two vegetation-removal options (Option A and Option B) and a new appendix drawing — not to intentionally relax protections. "It's really just, rephrasing … to make it hopefully easier for people to understand," Andrew said during the hearing. Staff agreed that removing explicit DBH (diameter at breast height) counting language caused confusion and offered to reinsert the prior 'one-third' tree–and–shrub removal language and DBH reference.

Commissioners and staff agreed to continue the public hearing and carry the first reading to the board's January 27 meeting to allow revisions, additional outreach and renewed public notice. The chair and planning staff told residents they welcomed further written comments and suggested the staff would publish a clearer summary and updated drawing before the continued hearing.

Several residents urged county staff to expand outreach to lake associations, realtors and contractors and to provide a short, plain-language summary for new owners explaining shoreland permit requirements. County staff said they already distribute shoreland summaries to new owners and will work with associations to improve outreach.

The hearing generated sustained public concern over shoreline vegetation, erosion control and enforcement; the board did not take a final vote and left the ordinance open for revisions and further public comment.