Over the past 35 of years I have been committed to a goal of clean water for our lakes and streams, and the recreational and tourism benefits that will be generated by clean water.

A very important item will be on the agenda for the Oct. 7 meeting of the Freeborn County commissioners.

The Shell Rock River Watershed District board has been developing a plan for a new dam on Albert Lea Lake for about five years.

A major hiccup has developed. While the SRRWD board members were negotiating in good faith, and thought they had a verbal agreement to purchase the land required for public parking and access for fishing and canoeing. However, the Lloyd Palmer family chose to sell their property to local auctioneer Greg Jensen.

I firmly believe that Greg bought this property to prevent access to the Shell Rock River and for his personal enjoyment and gains.

The plans of the new dam have not been developed behind closed doors. The status of this dam were discussed at countless SRRWD Board meetings, all reported on by the Tribune. Greg to the best of my knowledge has never attended one meeting or presented any objections.

County commissioners currently are negotiating with Greg to try and reach an acceptable compromise. This has become a issue for the county commissioners because the ownership of the current dam is still in dispute. As the SRRWD’s primary responsibility is clean water, land needed for recreational purposes and parking, will be the responsibility of the county or DNR.

There is a state statute that outlines the public’s rights where public waters are concerned. In simple terms this statue states that the public has the right of access to shoreline (lakes and streams) to the established normal high water mark. The high waters mark does not include flood levels but normal high spring levels. This bench mark is established by the DNR. If Greg wishes to fence off the river at the high water mark that is his right, As a individual who has canoed rivers all across the USA and Canada, I can attest to the fact that the Shell Rock River’s potential is unsurpassed in south central Minnesota.

The Shell Rock is the perfect venue for entry-level canoeing, especially youth programs. Canoeing opportunities are offered through the Adult Education Program. A safe portage path around the dam is required, trying to run a canoe over a dam is very dangerous. I ask that every citizen that feels the Shell Rock River is an important recreational resource, for to call the county commissioners and ask them preserve the public’s legal right to enjoy this under-utilized resource safely.

Make your voices heard.

Don Sorensen

Albert Lea