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BIG BOG INTERPRETIVE CENTER
& RECREATION AREA
Sequence of Events
April-July 1999: Concept of Bog Interpretive Center is identified as a
priority in North Beltrami Community Strategic Planning
Report. Report co-sponsored by Northern Beltrami Development Corporation in partnership with City of
Kelliher & Upper Red Lake Area Association Inc. and prepared by Headwaters Regional Development Commission. Planning
participants included over 60 individuals "locals" representing major organizations, businesses,
institutions, and those with interest.
June 1999: Upper Red Lake Area Association assumes Bog Center leadership
role, asks for and receives Minnesota Department of Natural Resources technical assistance.
June 30, 1999: First meeting between "locals" and DNR
"Upper Red Lake Area "Team" to discuss concept and related natural
resources infrastructure development projects.
Task Force sub-committees established and preliminary work assignments delegated.
July-August 1999: Locals and DNR Team work together to identify and complete many of the components required to produce
concept plan. Senator Roger Moe attended one of the
work sessions, he will introduce concept plan to Legislature during February 2000 Session.
(additional Legislative support appears favorable)
August 23, 1999: Public informational meeting for, input, and
approval at Waskish Town Hall, 31 in attendance
30 votes Yes, 1 undecided.(Community support affirmed.)
August-September 1999: Upper Red Lake Area Association
"partners" with Big Bear Country Education Center in Northome to work with Northwest Minnesota Foundation to
provide combined business planning assistance, marketing plan, and feasibility study for the
region regarding economic impacts.
Also working to "open lines of communication" with Red Lake Band of Chippewa to include
cultural heritage elements in both Centers, and explore other regional opportunities.
September 21, 1999: Presentation to County Board. County support
affirmed by formal resolution of support by unanimous
commissioners vote.
November 1999: Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians confirmed as a
cooperator. Quentin Fairbanks (Tribal Business Planner) appointed by Chairman Whitefeather to represent Tribal
interests.
December 1999: Concept Plan "fine tuning".
January 2000: Completion of Concept Plan and Marketing/Feasibility
Study.
February 2000: Introduce Boundary Bill Amendment and Bonding Bill to
Legislature.
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