Kettle River preservation plan gets public hearing
November 28, 1974 - The DNR has begun the process of giving the Kettle River in northern Minnesota scenic and wild rivers protection. It will likely be a lengthy and divisive process. At a public planning hearing DNR Commissioner Bob Herbst explains how the draft plan will be a model and standard for natural resource preservation in Minnesota. The plan cannot be imposed on residents against their will; land owners must be willing to sell property or scenic easements. DNR staffer Mike Pressness explains scenic easements. Sen. Florian Chemeliewski remembers the initial Minnesota Wild and Scenic Rivers Act proposal and tells how he fought successfully to remove eminent domain, keep final approval with local government and protect land owner and farmer rights. Pine City's zoning administrator Ward Blake says this program will be controversial and more difficult to enforce than regular shoreline regulations.