Dear Scout Family:

To fully understand the DNR proposal, please view this image of Camp Cuyuna.

What the map will show you is the physical layout of the DNR proposal. The information that I am sharing with you is my best interpretation of the proposal that was presented at the April Executive Board meeting. Here's what you will see on the map.

1. The red lines outline the remainder of Camp Cuyuna that we would still hold fee title on. The DNR proposal would not affect any of this acreage.
2. The lime lines outline the 150 acres of the 163 acres within the Family Camp parcel that would be transferred to the DNR and would become an Aquatics Management Area that would be open to the public, including scouts, for day use only.
   This means that within these boundaries there would be:
   • no camping
   • no fires
   • no vehicles
   • a public parking area would be developed
   • Archery (bow hunting) and trapping would be permissible public uses
   • The road easement into Family Camp would be for scout use only and not open to the public.
3. The fuchsia lines outline the thirteen acres where Family Camp is located. The scouts will retain fee title (will still own) these thirteen acres with a conservation easement governed by a "management plan". Should the scouts decide to sell these thirteen acres at some future date, the DNR would have the first option to purchase the Family Camp site. The future value of this 13 acre parcel (buffered by a 150 acre Aquatics Management Area) would be substantial in the private real estate market, should the scouts ever decide to sell it.

   The management plan allows the scouts to:

   • have a maximum of 6 summer cabins (We could add 2 more)
   • maintain all existing structures
   • build a central shower facility
   • develop RV campsites with some restrictions
   • develop the necessary water, power and sewer capacities to support the allowed uses

The final DNR purchase price will be determined by appraisal. Actually, on purchases in excess of $1,000,000, the state requires two appraisals. The appraisals are reviewed and the more appropriate appraisal is selected and an specific financial offer will be made. Once this occurs, the Scouts have the right to proceed with the sale or withdraw and terminate the discussions.

Although the appraisals are not completed and no offer has been made, there is an assumption that the DNR will offer an amount similar to or greater than the $1,500,000 offer that has been received from a private party. For the moment, we simply need to be patient until the offer comes.

We do know that the offer will consist of a combination of cash and matching funds. Based on the preliminary numbers that were discussed, it would appear that the current Scout Family, the extended group of TVC alumni, and friends from the various conservation groups that support DNR land acquisitions, would need to raise about $600,000 to qualify for the additional $600,000 of matching funds, which comes from the "loon license plate money".

Over 20 scouters have stepped forward to work with the Capital Campaign Committee. Others have stepped forward to work with the District Campaign Committees. I have volunteered to serve as the chair person for this campaign. Lowell Johnson has volunteered to be our Financial secretary. Others have stepped forward.

Please share this information with your fellow scouters.

In closing, remember: Our Scout Family can do this!

Loran Kaardal
Capital Campaign Committee Chair
lorank@newulmtel.net

Last Updated: June 8, 2004