Download - Town of Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan (306-11-07)

Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program Final Report

MLSCP Project No. 306-11-07 Contract Number: A78936 Date Received: 1/31/07

Project Title: Town of Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan Project Start Date: August 25, 2005 Reporting Period From: August 25, 2005 To: December 31, 2006 Name and Title of Person Completing Report: Wendy Langanki, Clerk Introduction: The Town of Silver Creek entered into the Comprehensive Plan process in response to concerns expressed by residents at focus group meetings during the development of the Community Action Plan where a vision began to be established for the Town. The Comprehensive Plan sought to achieve the community’s vision of preservation of the historical and cultural rural characteristic of the town, guiding and controlling development thereby minimizing negative environmental impact, and reserving our natural resources for future generations to enjoy, through goals and actions steps. The Plan also examined concerns about transportation, recreation, wastewater, utilities, economic development, natural resources, housing, and public facilities. Work Completed: The Town of Silver Creek solicited volunteers to serve on the steering committee through the newsletter and by phone to create a broad representation of backgrounds and interests on the committee. Request for proposals were sent out to planning consultants. Proposals were opened October 4th. Request for proposals were reviewed and two applicants interviewed. Subsequently Andy Hubley, ARDC, was hired to assist the township in the comprehensive plan process. On February 23rd the first steering committee meeting was held. The work plan was reviewed. Chair and Vice Chair of the committee were appointed. Various ordinances were reviewed, and issues to be addressed in the plan were discussed. March 23rd was the second meeting of the committee. At this meeting community assets were identified. As assets were stated, the group was asked to describe the threats to those assets. Through this process the committee began to identify issues that need to be addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. The steering committee continued to meet each month to identify issues and solutions. The draft comprehensive plan was then reviewed by the steering committee in July and August. The draft plan was presented to the community on September 21. All comments were recorded and were addressed at the October steering committee meeting. The draft comprehensive plan was amended as needed following public input. Andy Hubley presented the amended draft to the town board on December 19th for any final revisions and approval. Copies will be made available to the public upon completion of final approved comprehensive plan.

Results: The final result is a comprehensive plan for the township. The town will use the plan for future planning and development in the township. Through the planning process, residents were able to have input and chart their own course regarding the future of the township and therefore their personal future as well. All property owners and visitors benefit from this plan as it addresses concerns expressed and provides community satisfaction regarding growth and development, preserves quality of life, and protects the environment, historical, and cultural resources of the area. The comp plan addresses wastewater and water quality issues, which help prevent further degradation of coastal recourses. The Town Board will be holding an inter-jurisdictional meeting with Lake County and City of Two Harbors to present the plan to the attendees and describe the recommendations that directly correlate with each entity. Conclusions: As a final note; one thing that was reinforced to the Town Board through this process was the diversity of our township. Since Silver Creek is so large we have very different concerns in the varying areas of the town. Property owners in the more remote areas of the township have very different concerns than people living on the shores of Lake Superior or those living along the Hwy 2 and Hwy 3 corridors. Residents are very passionate about their personal causes and want to see those specific issues moved forward.

Developed by the Town of Silver Creek with assistance from the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission and with funding from Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program

December 2006

SILVER CREEK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Town of Silver Creek, Minnesota

Town of Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan

Adopted by:

The Town of Silver Creek

2006 Town Board of Supervisors: Mike Hoops John Lind Rich Sve

Wendy Langanki, Clerk

Proposed by:

Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

Darren Williams, Chair Karen Erickson, Vice-Chair

Dick Cooter John Eaton

Jon Fogelberg Jamie Juenemann

Jennifer Lee Havlick LeRoger Lind

Jim McDannold, Jr. Jamie MacFarlane

Kay McGivern Tom McGregor

Matt Miller Dan Pierce

Gary Sherburne Kyle Weidman

Prepared by:

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission

John R. Chell, Executive Director

This project was funded in part under the Coastal Zone Management Act, by NOAA's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management in conjunction with Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program and by local units of government of

the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Table of Contents Section 1: Introduction .....................................................................1

Project History and Planning Process ..................................1 Town History ........................................................................2 Town Demographics ............................................................3

Section 2: Transportation .................................................................7 Summary ..............................................................................7 Assets, Threats, and Recommendations .............................7

Section 3: Recreation.......................................................................11

Summary ..............................................................................11 Assets, Threats, and Recommendations .............................11

Section 4: Wastewater .....................................................................15


Section 5: Economics.......................................................................19


Section 6: Lake Superior Land Use .................................................23 Summary ..............................................................................23 Assets, Threats, and Recommendations .............................23

Section 7: North Shore Ridgeline Land Use ....................................25 Summary ..............................................................................25 Assets, Threats, and Recommendations .............................25

Section 8: Inland Land Use..............................................................29 Summary ..............................................................................29 Assets, Threats, and Recommendations .............................29

Section 9: Community Life ...............................................................33 Summary ..............................................................................29 Assets, Threats, and Recommendations .............................29

Appendix A: Current Planning and Zoning.......................................39

Castle Danger ......................................................................39 Lake County .........................................................................39 North Shore Management Plan............................................43

Appendix B: Annexation Statement .................................................45 Appendix C: Public Input..................................................................47 Appendix D: Intergovernmental Meeting Summary .........................49 Appendix E: What is ARDC? What is the Coastal Program?..........51 Appendix F: Implementation Checklist.............................................53

Table of Figures

Figure 1: Map of the Town of Silver Creek...........................6 Figure 2: TH 61 Shoulder Width...........................................7 Figure 3: Bypass Lane .........................................................10 Figure 4: Proposed 40-Acre Zoning Map .............................34 Figure 5: Castle Danger Zoning ...........................................39 Figure 6: Lake County Zoning ..............................................42

List of Tables

Table 1: Demographic Data .................................................4 Table 2: Lake County Zoning Districts .................................40

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SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The Town of Silver Creek is located in southern Lake County on the North Shore of Lake Superior in the Arrowhead Region of northeastern Minnesota. Generally rural in nature, Silver Creek is seeing significant changes in development patterns as more residences are being built along the North Shore of Lake Superior and on inland forest properties. The Town relies on Lake County to administer most of the zoning regulations in Silver Creek. The Town Board does handle zoning for a small section of the Town called Castle Danger. Castle Danger is located on Lake Superior in the southeast quadrant of Silver Creek. Castle Danger is the most highly developed area of the Town. It has nearly 120 residences (45 full-time residents) and 6 businesses in an approximate 1044-acre area. Many of those residences and businesses are participants in a cluster-type wastewater treatment system that allows the higher density development to occur without pollution from individual sewage treatment systems that were hard to place in this area of minimal and poor soils. Project Purpose The Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan is intended to set and implement the Town’s vision for itself over the course of the next 20 years. Project History In November of 2004, the Silver Creek Town Board accepted the Town of Silver Creek Community Action Plan1. This document summarized a series of focus group meetings that asked citizens what their thoughts and concerns were for the Town into the future. The Board wanted to use the meetings to create a shared vision for the community. The document includes a brief history of Silver Creek, demographic information, and a summary of the focus group meetings organized by themes. At the end of the planning process the meeting attendees indicated that they would like to see a Comprehensive Plan and a Town newsletter. In the spring of 2005 the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC-see Appendix C) met with the Town Board as part of ARDC’s efforts to implement the North Shore Management Plan. As part of that effort ARDC concurred that the Town Board should proceed with a Comprehensive Plan. The Town Board contracted with ARDC to facilitate the planning process in February 2006. ARDC uses a basic format for completing Comprehensive Plans. The steps are:

A. Background Development B. Vision Development C. Issue Identification D. Recommendation Development E. Implementation & Publishing

1 Town of Silver Creek-Visioning Report-November 15, 2005-Falcon Consulting, funded through Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program

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Since the Community Action Plan was so recently completed, ARDC and Town Board agreed that the Background Development and Vision Development would be minimized for this planning process. In January 2006 the Town Board sent out applications to participate on a Silver Creek Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee. The application (see Appendix B) asked interested individuals to answer questions about why they wanted to participate as well as optional questions regarding their age, how long they have lived in Silver Creek, and the issues in which they were most interested. In February 2006 ARDC met with the Town Board to review the project’s work plan and to determine the Steering Committee Membership. Since the returned applications numbered right at the Town’s desired number of participants, all applications were accepted. Darren Williams was elected Chair and Karen Erickson was elected Vice-Chair of the Steering Committee, which met in February, March, April, May, June, July, and August of 2006. The Committee worked on issue identification, recommendation development, organization of the public meeting, and development of final document. The public meeting was held on September 21, 2006 in the Silver Creek Town Hall. The intent of the meeting was to present the process, the issues, and the recommendations to those people in the Town that did not participate on the Steering Committee. More information on the public input process for this Plan can be found in Appendix B. A Brief History of Silver Creek The following information originally appeared in the Town of Silver Creek Community Action Plan2, and is being used with the permission of the Silver Creek Town Board and Falcon Consulting. Silver Creek was first settled in 1890 by two different families, Henry Clark and Ole Wick. (There are some differences in the various historical reports.) The first white child born in Silver Creek was Campman Anderson in 1897, although there were Native American families who had been in the area prior to the arrival of White settlers. The number of immigrant families grew slowly until there were about 20 families by 1905. That was the year the first town meeting was held. The area was initially characterized by logging because farming was not as easy in the woods as on the plains, as well as fishing along the shore of Lake Superior. In order to come to Silver Creek, one either came by boat or along a trail from Two Harbors. In the wintertime, the mail was carried up and down the

2 Town of Silver Creek-Visioning Report-November 15, 2005-Falcon Consulting, funded through Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program

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North Shore by Chief Bear Grease and his five-dog team. In 1920, the Castle Danger road was completed. Then in 1924-25, Highway 61 came through. The first school in Silver Creek was founded in 1895. In the early years, it was tough because the students spoke Swedish and the teachers did not, so children were often disciplined for not understanding and sent to the corners, which were much colder in the winter. The first school in Castle Danger was built in 1903 as a one-room log house. A new schoolhouse was erected in 1916, which is now the main part of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. In 1905, the town allocated funds to build a “pest house” for people with small pox. Sunday school was started in 1911 and the current town hall was built in 1914 (prior to that, residents used a home which had been moved the current site). [Note: Sometimes there is inflation, sometimes not. In 1905 an attorney was retained for the Township and paid $30 a month and in 1976, the attorney was still being paid $40 for the monthly meeting.] In terms of the economics of the Township, some businesses and trades have continued within the same families, while others have traded hands and others have come and gone. Tourism is alive and well in the area with the recent growth of fancier resorts as opposed to the old style cabins. The Linds who originally settled in 1896 still operate cabins along the shore. There was concern expressed during the focus groups that smaller old style resorts are being threatened by the new larger developments. Fishing in the area has also gone through different stages. First, commercial fishing brought people to the shore. Up until 1944, there were 6 million pounds of fish processed per season from the North Shore. Indeed, “in 1943 there were 240 commercial fishermen along the north shore between Duluth and Grand Marais including Isle Royale . . . Today there are only about 30 commercial and apprentice licenses issues in the entire area from Duluth to the Canadian border” (Betty Lessard, Betty’s Pies Favorite Recipes, p.4) In the 1950s smelting became incredibly popular and Betty’s pies had to stay open 24 hours a day to protect their restaurant and surrounding buildings from fishermen seeking firewood. By the 1970s and 80s the number of smelt were decreasing and so there are not as many fishermen. Still, today in the spring, one can often drive along the lake and see cars parked along Highway 61 and fishermen in the rivers flowing into Lake Superior. In sum, after beginning as a large industry, fishing has become mostly an individual and recreational activity. Other economic endeavors have continued over the years. Betty’s Pies, although it has gone through a host of name changes has been around since the late 1920s. In 1977, wreath making was a big business and now today there are still many small business owners in the area who make and use things from the woods as well as other artistic creations. Socially, the Silver Creek Ladies Aid began in 1911 and continues to this day. In 1976, Silver Creek honored the Bicentennial of the Township with an old-

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fashioned town picnic. Several of those who came to the focus groups were involved with this picnic. In general the Township today can be characterized as a rural place where there are many senior citizens, people who are commuting to work outside the Township, and a smaller number of children. The main industry is tourism and there are also quite a few small businesses within the Township’s borders as well. Demographics The following information originally appeared in the Town of Silver Creek Community Action Plan3, and is being used with the permission of the Silver Creek Town Board and Falcon Consulting. One of the unusual characteristics of Silver Creek is that it is the only area in the County (Lake County), which did not experience a large population drop over the past 35 years. Other surrounding areas including Beaver Bay, Silver Bay, and Two Harbors have all had significant drops and are now back on the rise. Silver Creek’s population had a small drop between the 1980s and 1990 but basically remained at a fairly constant level. The actual numbers are as follows: 1970 1980 1990 2000 Actual PercentPopulation 923 1,175 1,097 1,178 81 7.38 Land Area (sq. mile) 298.70 294.58 294.86 294.83 -0.03 -0.01 Density (persons per sq. mile)

3.09 3.99 3.72 4 0.28 7.40

Housing Units 475 682 904 984 80 8.85 Households -- 419 429 488 59 13.75 Persons per Household -- 2.80 2.56 2.41 -0.15-

5.75

Persons in Group Quarters

-- 0 0 0 0 --

Table 1: Demographic Data as listed in Town of Silver Creek Community Action Plan4 For 2002 the estimates are a population of 1,187, with 497 households (an increase of about 2%). This indicates that the population of the Township is continuing to slowly rise. The most interesting fact which this chart shows is that while the population increased by 2.4% from 1970 to the present, the housing units increased by over 107%.

3 Town of Silver Creek-Visioning Report-November 15, 2005-Falcon Consulting, funded through Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program 4 Town of Silver Creek-Visioning Report-November 15, 2005-Falcon Consulting, funded through Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program

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In terms of permanent vs. seasonal residents, one seeks a striking find. Out of the 984 units, 488 or 49.6 % are occupied, 435 are for seasonal, recreational or occasional use (44.2%) and 6% are unoccupied. This is much higher than the County as a whole, which averages only 27% of vocational, seasonal recreation homes. Of those which are occupied, the vast majority 93% are owner occupied, with only 7% being rented. 16% of the homes in County are rented. In general, Silver Creek represents 1,178 people out of 11,058 residents of Lake County or 10.65% of the county’s population. Out of the 1,178, the population is roughly equal between males and females (609 or 52% are male and 569 or 48% are female.) 98% of the population is White, with 1.5% being of two races, namely American Indian and White. In general the residents from Silver Creek are from the area, 80% are from Minnesota and 99% were born in the United States. The three main ancestries in the Township are German (25%), Norwegian (23%) and Swedish (24%). In terms of age, the median age is 44. 79% of the population is over the age of 18, which is approximately the same as Lake County as a whole. Age-wise, the number of households with individuals under the age of 18 are about the same as those with people over the age of 65 (27.5 % households have individuals under the age of 18 (134) and roughly the same number, 27.3% (133) have someone over 65 years in age.) If one looks at employment, the majority of people travel to work at some distance. Only 21 people or 3.4 % worked at home. Only 5.5% are in the farming, fishing and forestry occupations. This is lower than the county which is 10.6%, and higher than the state which is 2.6%. 21% are in education, health, and social services, 18% are in manufacturing, and 14% are in arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services. Out of the workers, 75% are salaried or wage workers, 16% are government and 9% are self-employed. (This is as compared to 71% wage, 20% government and 8% self-employed in the county.) People in Silver Creek Township are in general somewhat better off than the County. Median household income in the Township is $45,662 as opposed to $40,402 for the county. In general there is little poverty in the Township - only 6 families (2%) are below the poverty line and only 34 individuals (3%) are below this same line. (It is important to remember however that these numbers have come from the US census and there are at times undercounts in their numbers, especially among low-income people.)

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SECTION 2: TRANSPORTATION The transportation system in Silver Creek is an integral part of the Town. Trunk Highway 61 is the most traveled roadway and brings much traffic to and through the area. Additionally, there are several other county and township roads that form an accessible road system with good access to the rest of the Town. Along with the road system there are other options for transportation in the area. The Superior Hiking Trail begins in Silver Creek and gives great access to scenic views and tourist sites in the forested ridges of the North Shore. Another unique facility is the Gitchi-Gami Trail. This 10-foot wide paved, non-motorized trail that is

currently being constructed along TH 61 through the area is a great transportation resource for residents and visitors. Along with these great assets to the Town of Silver Creek there are several issues that need to be addressed. Many of the roads are in need of physical and safety improvements. Safety is the main concern with needed improvements including shoulder widening, installing bypass and turning lanes, and increasing access point safety. With several specific improvements to the area, the Town of Silver Creek will remain a major destination for visitors and a safe place for the residents to live. Eight recommendations have been made to achieve this goal.

Assets, Threats, and Recommendations Asset: Trunk Highway 61

o Description: Trunk Highway 61, also known as the North Shore Highway is the main traffic arterial in the Town of Silver Creek. Much of the private residences in the Town are directly located on the highway and most commercial facilities are located on it, especially tourist related businesses. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the traffic on the highway is 5,000 to 7,999 vehicles daily.

Silver Creek’s rural setting is a community asset.

Figure 1: TH 61 shoulder-width

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The entire length of Trunk Highway 61 up and down the North Shore has slowly been undergoing reconstruction of its original road and base. This reconstruction has included the construction of two large tunnels, the Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel and the Lafayette Bluff Tunnel. Other sections of the highway in the Town of Silver Creek still are awaiting reconstruction, however. Mn/DOT has continually pushed the timeline of reconstructing those segments back as construction costs increase and other priorities have appeared. Projects that are currently being considered include shoulder and geometric improvements. These improvements are recognized as being needed from 2008-2014 but are planned for 2015-2023. The map on the previous page shows the shoulder widths of TH 61 in Silver Creek. Areas with 10-foot shoulders have been reconstructed. Areas with narrower shoulders have not.

Despite the delays in reconstruction, the highway is still a major asset to the Town of Silver Creek. It is generally safe and efficient and does bring most of the Town’s commerce to its businesses. It provides access to recreation, shopping, and employment for residents. The highway has been designated as an “All-American Road” (see inset).

o Threats: Trunk Highway 61 does have safety concerns,

particularly in those areas that have not yet been reconstructed. Those areas have narrow shoulders, rough pavement, few turning lanes, and curves. The highway can become congested during Friday and Sunday afternoons during popular summer weekends and holidays. Some of these vehicles tend to drive at slightly slower speeds due to the pulling of large recreational trailers or due to sight seeing. Some drivers become impatient behind these slower moving vehicles and look to pass as soon as possible. Due to the nature of the Lake Superior shoreline landscape, passing areas can be a good distance apart and can be short. Some drivers take risks and pass in unsafe areas.

Other threats to the highway include the proliferation of accesses on the roadway. As development increases, more residential and commercial driveways are being built. The increased number of accesses can create additional turning movements

The All-American Road Program was developed to recognize certain National Scenic Byways as having “outstanding intrinsic quality”. There are only 29 roads that have been designated as All-American in the US. It is a great honor for an area to possess such an asset. Often times the road itself becomes a destination, where people are attracted to the area, simply for the enjoyment of traveling on the road.

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(turning movements can cause congestion due to slowing and accelerating vehicles). A high number of accesses can also cause “blinker confusion” due to the activating of turning signals at a point with several turning options. In addition to the tourist and residential traffic, the highway does still serve as the main connection between Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada and the Port of Duluth/Superior. This means there are a lot of freight-hauling trucks on the roadway. These trucks contribute to the congestion and are often perceived to be unsafe among automobiles. The number of trucks increased greatly in the 1990s due to the loss of the Incan Superior, a ship that hauled paper products in railcars from Thunder Bay to Duluth. When the Incan Superior ceased operations, those paper products began to travel in semi-trailers down the highway at the rate of 600 loads a week. Safety issues are a threat to the Town due to the obvious impact on quality of life and the perception of danger. Congestion affects the Town by making travel less efficient for residents and the loss of business for commercial interests. If tourists are afraid to leave the highway, they may adjust their vacation plans to a safer, less congested location.

o Existing Approaches: Currently Mn/DOT does place a high priority on Trunk Highway 61 and its safety. Reconstruction, while not at a pace the Town’s residents would prefer, is occurring and will be completed over time. Mn/DOT is also working to address access issues. The North Shore Management Plan Update (see page 43) also addresses access management by stating that permits for development for properties need confirmation from Mn/DOT regarding the placement of the driveway. Driveways are generally regulated to be at least 600 feet between access points. Entrances must be at least 30 feet wide and slope away from the highway. Regarding private roads, Lake County requires a setback of 33 feet from the centerline of the traveled surface. The Town of Silver Creek, in the Castle Danger zoning area, has no additional access requirements for building roads. Minnesota State Patrol controls vehicle safety on Highway 61.

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o Recommended Actions: The Town of Silver Creek is

recommending the following actions regarding Trunk Highway 61.

Recommendation T1: Support the reconstruction of

Trunk Highway 61. The Town of Silver Creek Board should actively support the reconstruction of Highway 61 by participating in Mn/DOT planning meetings, writing letters of support to decision makers, legislators, U.S. Congress members, and others when appropriate or when asked by the State or Lake County.

Recommendation T2: Support the development of a

reliever route in the City of Two Harbors. The City of Two Harbors and Lake County have had very preliminary discussions regarding the development of a reliever route around the congested section of TH 61 in Two Harbors. The route would use new and existing roadways to create an option for travelers between the CSAH 26 intersection with TH 61 and approximately the driveway to Superior Shores. The Town of Silver Creek Board should actively support this project by participating in planning meetings, writing letters of support to decision makers, legislators, U.S. Congress members, and others when appropriate or when asked by the City of Two Harbors or Lake County.

Recommendation T3: Pursue the construction of a

westbound bypass lane at the Superior Shores entrance and on Burlington Road. The Town of Silver Creek Town Board should actively pursue the construction of a bypass lane (see inset) at the entrance to Superior Shores resort and at Burlington Road (Burlington Road has historical low volumes of traffic but a new resort complex is being built on it). The Town should contact Mn/DOT regarding this issue. The bypass lane would allow westbound traffic to flow around a vehicle turning left into these busy facilities.

Recommendation T4: Discourage feeding of deer near

Highways. The Town of Silver Creek Town Board should engage the public in an educational program to discourage the feeding of deer near highways. The educational project could be done with meetings to discuss the issue or simply an article in the Town newsletter.

Asset: Lake County Roads and Highways

o Description: There are 113.4 miles of County roads in the Town of Silver Creek. There are several different types of

Bypass Lane

Figure 3: Example of a bypass lane

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roadways. County State-Aid Highways (CSAH) receive additional funds for their maintenance and construction from the State of Minnesota. These roads are generally paved and serve moderate amounts of traffic. CSAHs in the Town include CSAH 2, which connects Two Harbors to areas north, and CSAH 3, which serves the heart of the Town. A new highway, CSAH 15, crosses the northern part of the Town. That road is also designated as Forest Highway 11, and receives funds for its construction from the United State Forest Service. CSAH 15 and the southern portions of CSAH 2 and CSAH 3 have good pavements and shoulders. A few miles inland, CSAH 2 and CSAH 3 have narrow shoulders and some deteriorating pavements. County Roads are roads that are administered and funded solely by Lake County. County Roads are usually paved.

o Threats: County Roads and Highways have only a few

concerns from the perspective of Silver Creek. Safety can be a concern on some stretches of narrow curvy roadways. A lack of shoulders on some of the primary roads is also an issue. The general lack of width on County Highways and Roads means that any parking on the road is a safety issue.

Another concern is the use of these roads by pedestrians. Residents and visitors often use the roads to travel to a neighbor, exercise, or to access other recreational facilities. A lack of shoulders and a lack of sight distances threaten the safety of pedestrians in some areas.

o Existing Approaches: Currently Lake County develops a five-

year construction plan for its roadways that is available for public input. The County addresses gravel grading and other maintenance and safety issues as needed.


recommending the following actions regarding County Roads and Highways.

Recommendation T5: Participate in the Lake County Five-

Year Construction Plan process. The Town of Silver Creek Board should actively participate in the development

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of the Lake County Five-Year Construction Plan by reviewing the document and making comments to Lake County regarding any concerns.

Recommendation T6: Support the construction of four-

foot shoulders on all CSAHs in the Town. The Town of Silver Creek Board should actively advocate for the creation of four-foot shoulders on CSAHs. When four-foot shoulders are not possible, a minimum of two-foot shoulders should be enforced. These roads are the busiest routes and pedestrian safety would be increased with a shoulder. The shoulders would also allow a safer breakdown area and would allow some forgiveness for drivers, particularly in winter months and when avoiding wildlife. Lake County could consider adding shoulders whenever a CSAH is reconstructed or possibly even when repaved.

Recommendation T7: Encourage Two Harbors High

School to limit parking on Highway 2 to times when all parking areas are full. The Town of Silver Creek Board should actively advocate for the limiting of parking on the Highway near the Two Harbors High School. The Town Board should convey their support of this change to the School District and Lake County.


center left turn lane from the City of Two Harbors to the High School on CSAH 2. The Town of Silver Creek Board should actively advocate for the creation of a center left turn lane on CSAH 2 between the CSAH 26 intersection and the Two Harbors High School. This improvement is needed due to the high number of business/government driveways in this section. These driveways see significant numbers of turning traffic and a center-left turn lane would remove the left turning vehicles from the travel lanes. The busy driveways already have right turn lanes.

Asset: Township Roads

o Description: There are significant numbers of Township Roads in the Town of Silver Creek. Township roads are typically gravel surfaced and administered by the Town. In the Town of Silver Creek, Township Roads are often dead-end and fairly short in distance. These roads typically provide access to a small number of properties and have very low amounts of traffic. They are safe for biking and walking but often intersect with busier County Roads or Trunk Highway 61.

When constructing and maintaining roads fish friendly culverts should be considered.

• Matching the width of the stream with the bank full stream width facilitates fish passage and ensures stream stability.

• Setting culverts at the same slope as the stream allows migration.

• Offsetting multiple culverts allows fish to pass at a wide range of flow levels.

• Align culverts with the stream, not necessarily perpendicular to the road.

• Embed culverts to create a natural streambed.

• Rock weirs can be added to make up for steep gradients.

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o Threats: Residents are generally happy with the Township

Roads of Silver Creek. The maintenance is adequate for their needs and the response by the Town to issues is efficient. These roads are threatened by rising maintenance costs, though. As costs for gravel, new culverts (see inset), and fuel grow, keeping a good driving surface and the roads free of snow becomes more expensive.

o Existing Approaches: Currently the Town of Silver Creek has

a full-time road maintenance person. The Town has agreed to some maintenance exchanges with Lake County and the City of Two Harbors. These agreements mean that the Town will have the City or County snowplow the Town’s roads in exchange for the Town plowing the City or County’s roads. These exchanges happen in situations where the Town would have to drive a significant distance on other system roads (“dead-heading”) and vice-versa.


recommending the following actions regarding Township Roads.

Recommendation T9: Actively seek additional

maintenance exchanges where dead-heading occurs. The Town of Silver Creek Board should review their road system, identify dead-head routes, and then seek an exchange of the maintenance with the appropriate entity if possible.

Recommendation T10: Continue to discourage heavy

trucks from using Township Roads. The Town of Silver Creek’s Township roadways are not built to handle significant amounts of heavy trucks. In addition to dust concerns, Township Roads deteriorate more quickly when there are heavy trucks using them. The Town Board should continue to monitor truck usage, educate drivers about alternate routes, and take enforcement measures when required.


larger parking lot for snowmobilers on the Alger Grade and the elimination of parking on one side of the road at that location. The Town of Silver Creek Board should actively advocate for the enlargement of the North Shore Trail parking lot on the Alger Grade (a Township Road) just

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off of CSAH 2. This parking area continually is full during the snowmobile season. The full parking lot results in vehicles and trailers being parked on the roadway, causing congestion and an unsafe (narrow) travel lane. The Town should also sign the Alger Grade as only allowing parking on one side of the road, not both as it is now. The Town should work with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and local snowmobile clubs to accomplish this recommendation.

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SECTION 3: RECREATION The Town of Silver Creek thrives on recreation. This area has several multi-use trails for exercise and scenic views. There are several streams and rivers for fishing and campgrounds for rustic or full service camping. Gooseberry Falls State Park is a common destination for visitors to enjoy the series of waterfalls, camp, and hike the extensive trail system. There are several other opportunities for recreation as well. The greatest recreational resource of Silver Creek is Lake Superior. Every year thousands of visitors come to the area to swim, fish, boat, and simply enjoy viewing the largest freshwater lake in the world. Silver Creek is one of the most common destinations along the North Shore and with many visitors, arise many concerns. With such a great resource there are often differing viewpoints and objectives among different groups of people. Residents, businesses, local and state governments, and other agencies need to work together for everyone to truly enjoy the area. By working together to improve and preserve the area, recreation will continue to flourish and remain one of the great assets of Silver Creek. Developing a town-wide recreation plan can help to ensure recreation continues in Silver Creek’s future. Assets, Threats, and Recommendations Asset: The Variety of Recreational Activities in the Town of Silver Creek

o Description: As described above, there are a lot of recreational opportunities in the Town of Silver Creek. The range of activities includes hiking, snowmobiling, fishing and boating, bird watching, camping, ice-skating, cross-country skiing and more. These activities attract many tourists, which support the businesses of the North Shore and the Town of Silver Creek, but also are beneficial for residents.

o Threats: A number of recreation locations and types are

squeezed into a relatively small area along the Lake Superior shore and its paralleling ridgeline. All of the State Parks, the North Shore Snowmobile Trail, the Superior Hiking Trail, the Gitchi-Gami Trail, and the Lake Superior Water Trail are all located in this strip of scenic property. In addition, much of the privately held (developable) property in the Town is located here as well. This overlap of uses and location can

Gitchi-Gami Trail at Silver Creek Cliff

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cause tension between different user groups, landowners, and public agencies.

o Existing Approaches: Currently the Mn/DNR is the primary

agency administering these facilities, with club participation on the North Shore Snowmobile Trail and the Lake Superior Water Trail. The Superior Hiking Trail is an independent entity. The administrators of the recreation facilities located in the Town address issues as they arise.

Currently the Superior Hiking Trail’s western terminus is in the Town of Silver Creek on County Road 301. The Hiking Trail will be seeking to extend that terminus through the Town all the way to Duluth, but is not actively pursuing that route at this time. The Mn/DNR is exploring the idea of allowing All-Terrain Vehicles on the North Shore Trail. The Gitchi Gami Trail is continuing to construct their 10-foot wide paved, non-motorized trail. Much of the construction will occur in concert with Mn/DOT’s reconstruction of TH 61. Gooseberry and Flood Bay State Parks are fairly static at this time.


recommending the following actions regarding recreation.

Recommendation R1: Develop a town-wide recreation

plan. The issues identified by the Steering Committee are diverse and complex-too complex for a full review in this Comprehensive Plan. Therefore the Steering Committee recommends that the Town develop a Recreation Plan. This planning process would set a base line for the recreation facilities and would address ideas regarding the dispersed use of ATVs, ATV use on trails, ATV use in road ditches, public access to waterways, trail safety, bikes and pedestrians on roadways, dispersed recreation, enforcement of laws and policies, facility maintenance, and a community recreation center.

Also see Recommendations E3 and E4

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SECTION 4: WASTEWATER Wastewater in Silver Creek is especially important because of the closeness to Lake Superior and the abundance of streams. The majority of the homes in Silver Creek are operating on individual septic systems, in which it is their responsibility to maintain and get inspections. However, there is a small area known as Castle Danger that has its own treatment system, and is governed by the Town Board. There are currently 50 homes and several commercial businesses served by the facility. This Class C treatment facility has some reserve capacity to provide for more homes. Wastewater treatment in Silver Creek is generally adequate. However, in the area there are a few non-conforming individual systems that may not be up to standards. These systems are a health threat as non-functioning systems can poison drinking water sources or come into direct contact with humans and animals. While wastewater system replacement can be expensive it is vital to keep the wildlife, forests, water, and people healthy in Silver Creek. To ensure that the Town is protected, residents need to be held accountable for their wastewater. Inspections and general education will help to keep the area healthy. Assets, Threats, and Recommendations Asset: Individual Sewage Treatment Systems

o Description: Operating Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (ISTS), or “septics” are an asset to homeowners, filtering wastewater before it re-enters the water cycle. Septics must be placed in proper soils and must be maintained regularly in order for them to be effective. Septics are a relatively inexpensive method of treatment and other than regular inspections are cost-free to homeowners.

o Threats: Some homeowners do not have their septics

inspected and pumped every three years as is necessary for proper operation. Failing septics can pollute the homeowners own water source and can also pollute waters downstream such as the trout streams of the North Shore and Lake Superior. Some areas of the Town of Silver Creek have poor soils for septic systems and innovative methods must be used or a central system must be implemented. The cost of installing a new ISTS or extending a

Silver Creek administers a small centralized sewer

Otter Tail Sanitary District Example. This District accommodates 1,545 homes, cabins, and businesses. The District may levy taxes as well as write and enforce ordinances. Residents may choose to have their systems managed by the district or on their own. This system has been successful in improved lake water quality. Crow Wing Sanitary District Example. This district assesses a fee of $25 and requires an inspection every 3 years, which is kept track of by the district. This sanitary system does not own or operate any of the systems, but uses the inspections to manage the district.

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central system is very expensive (often over $20,000) so some homeowners are hesitant to admit their septics may be failing.

o Existing Approaches: Lake County does have the legal

authority to inspect septics in order to ensure their compliance. Like most Counties in Minnesota, Lake County does not conduct the inspections, however, likely due to cost and a lack of funding to pay the inspection fees.


recommending the following actions regarding ISTS.

Recommendation W1: Conduct a septic education session. The University of Minnesota Extension Service offers education session regarding ISTS. The Town Board should sponsor and promote one of these sessions for the Town’s homeowners.

Recommendation W2: Participate in ongoing discussions

about wastewater on the North Shore with the North Shore Management Board. The North Shore Management Board (NSMB) has recently completed a report outlining the current issues regarding wastewater on the North Shore. That report calls for more discussions about the idea of management of ISTS on the North Shore. The NSMB will be considering more information on ISTS management in their 2006-07 work plan. Silver Creek should continue to participate in these efforts.

Asset: Castle Danger Wastewater Treatment System

o Description: The Castle Danger Wastewater Treatment System is an asset to the Town of Silver Creek as it enables sound wastewater treatment in an area of dense development and poor soils.

o Threats: The Castle Danger system must be maintained

properly and its capacity must not be compromised.

o Existing Approaches: The Town of Silver Creek currently operates this system with part-time staff. The system is near capacity and there are no plans to expand it.

o Recommended Actions: The Town of Silver Creek is recommending the following actions regarding the Castle Danger Wastewater Treatment System.

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Recommendation W3: Continue to monitor the system and plan for its long-term maintenance. The Castle Danger system is professionally maintained and operated on a daily basis, but the Town needs to ensure its long-term operation through a facilities plan.

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SECTION 5: ECONOMICS Tourism is part of the way-of-life in the Town of Silver Creek. The attraction of the vast waters of Lake Superior, the rugged shoreline, the forested ridge, and inland resources allow for a good tourism environment. Some of businesses include restaurants, motels, and resorts. Almost every business in the Town is benefited in some way by the tourism industry. However, some smaller, traditional styled resorts have closed recently and been replaced with condominiums and other residential developments. The loss of lodging could impact the economics of the area. The Silver Creek Comprehensive Committee also recognizes that the character of the North Shore and its scenery are vital economic keys and that new developments could compromise that character. Other important economic factors are home-based business and timber. By supporting home businesses and protecting the resources that are in the area, Silver Creek can maintain a significant economic base. Assets, Threats, and Recommendations Asset: Scenic Views

o Description: The Town of Silver Creek is home to many scenic views of Lake Superior, its rugged shoreline, and the North Shore ridge. These views are highlights for North Shore tourists.

o Threats: Development of Lake Superior shoreline is changing

the views of the Lake from the perspective of Highway 61. Development is also occurring on the ridge, which also impacts views for visitors. Changes in scenery could result in fewer tourists on the North Shore.

o Existing Approaches: The North Shore Management Board

and Lake County address lakeshore development by limiting heights of buildings and ensuring there is some space between buildings on a lakeshore property. There are some height and space restrictions on Ridge properties as well.


recommending the following actions regarding

Betty’s Pies is a North Shore landmark, but its driveway is a noted highway danger spot.

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Scenery (more recommendations impacting scenery are contained in Sections 6, 7, and 8 in this document).

Recommendation E1: Support the North Shore Scenic

Drive Council. The North Shore Scenic Drive (NSSD) Council is the entity that works to promote and preserve the scenic aspects of Highway 61. The Town of Silver Creek should support those efforts and consider requests from the NSSD when approached.

Asset: Lodging Facilities

o Description: There are 10 lodging facilities with 302 units in the Town of Silver Creek. These facilities range from small hotels to expansive resort complexes. These facilities provide sleeping quarters for many visitors each year. These visitors are patrons for the other tourist-oriented businesses in the Town, providing a robust tourist economy.

o Threats: As the cost of land on the North Shore increases, the

economics of operating a traditional resort, hotel, or campground become more difficult. Many of these facilities in Lake County have recently been sold and redeveloped into residences and time-share condominiums. This could have an impact on the community’s tourist businesses.

o Existing Approaches: The Town of Silver Creek and Lake

County have policies that address zoning of lodging facilities as well as condominiums and timeshares. There is very little language in those policies regarding resort conversions, however. The recently passed North Shore Management Plan Update, which Silver Creek and Lake County have agreed to follow, does limit the scale of residences that are converted from resorts, but at the same time, the Plan Update does not support traditional styled resorts. At this time, the NSMB is considering a flexibility request from Lake County that would make the County more supportive of traditional resorts.

o Recommended Actions: The Town of Silver Creek is recommending the following actions regarding lodging:

The new Gitchi-Gami Trail section at Silver Creek Cliff offers great views of Lake Superior

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Recommendation E2: The Town of Silver Creek should

write a letter of support for the Lake County flexibility request. If allowed this flexibility request would make the North Shore in Lake County more available to traditional-styled resorts.

Asset: Campgrounds

o Description: The Town of Silver Creek benefits from the location of a large campground on the shore that is located in Gooseberry Falls State Park and a smaller system of campsite in Split Rock State Park. There is also a campground in the City of Two Harbors just outside the Town limits. Campers are good supporters of the tourism industry.

o Threats: In the busy summer tourist season the campgrounds

at the State Parks and at Two Harbors are almost always completely full. Campers must make reservations for the summer well in advance. Many campers are turned away each year.

o Existing Approaches: The campgrounds at Gooseberry and

Split Rock have not been expanded for many years. The Two Harbors Campground is being expanded significantly in 2007.


recommending the following actions regarding campgrounds:

Recommendation E3: Advocate for the expansion of

camping facilities in the State Parks and in the Superior National Forest. Due to land costs, it is not likely that private campgrounds will ever be developed in the Town of Silver Creek. The only real option for more camping is the expansion of facilities in the State Parks or on Federal lands. The Town of Silver Creek should have discussions regarding this idea with the State Parks and USFS. Two location ideas for rustic camping areas on the National Forest were Cloquet Lake and the White Pine Picnic Ground.

Recommendation E4: Explore the possibility of a Town

Campground. The Town of Silver Creek recognizes that there is likely a need for additional campsites to accommodate the growing tourism industry. Either as part of an overall recreation plan or a stand-alone effort the Town should explore the idea of creating and maintaining a Town-

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administered campground. The Town should analyze the need, determine the type of sites that are needed (RV vs. tent, etc.), identify a location, develop a maintenance plan, and determine a needed cost structure. Considerations will have to be given to law enforcement, environmental impact, and cost/benefit.

Asset: Forests

o Description: The forests of Silver Creek offer economic benefits from both a tourist and timber perspective. The forests offer recreation and scenic aspects (particularly in the fall color season), but also offer logging incomes to private entrepreneurs and landowners.

o Threats: Recent land price trends may make traditionally

working forests (forest managed for timber) less attractive for logging. Instead, working forests may be sold for residential development. Those types of land sales impact recreational trails that had easements on the property. Often the new landowners terminate those easements.

o Existing Approaches: Lake County has explored ways to keep

working forests managed for timber through the maintenance of the timber right even after a land sale. This method has not been widely used, however.


recommending the following actions regarding forests:

Recommendation E5: Encourage Lake County to examine

the possibility of ordinances that will allow the keeping of timber rights by logging industries in the event of the sale of lands. The Town should work with Lake County to develop an ordinance that will maintain the presence of logging in the Town.

Recommendation E6: Work to create a 40-acre minimum-

zoning district for the most inaccessible lands of the Town of Silver Creek. The Town should work with Lake County or take other means to develop an ordinance that has a 40-acre development minimum. Implementing this recommendation will result in less development on traditional timberlands, increasing the chances of that parcel remaining

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a working forest (also see Recommendation IF1 on page 33).

Asset: Home Businesses

o Description: Many entrepreneurs have businesses on their properties along with their homes. These home businesses make up a significant portion of the economic base for Silver Creek.

o Threats: As development increases in Silver Creek, there may

be more neighbors of home businesses that may not care for the traffic, noise, or other issues that might be caused by a home business.

o Existing Approaches: The Lake County and Castle Danger

Ordinances allow home businesses in most cases. Both ordinances disallow any home businesses that have significant noise or fumes, however.


recommending the following actions regarding home businesses:

Recommendation E7: Continue to support home

businesses while continuing to disallow business with significant impacts on neighbors.

Asset: Affordable Housing

o Description: Affordable housing makes Silver Creek livable to a wide variety of people with varying incomes. It also is a benefit economically. There are good jobs to be had in the Region, but even with these jobs, housing can be tough to find on the North Shore due to the high cost of property. Affordable housing is an economic asset.

o Threats: Land on Lake Superior’s shores and in the woods of

Silver Creek is a valuable commodity. The amount of public land is an asset to the Town, but it makes land for housing even more in demand. These factors combine to making home ownership for lower and middle-income families more difficult that some other areas.

o Existing Approaches: Silver Creek has not taken a strong role

in housing issues in the past, but Lake County has an active Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA).

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o Recommended Actions: The Town of Silver Creek is recommending the following actions regarding affordable housing:

Recommendation E8: Support the Lake County HRA and

its efforts regarding affordable housing. The HRA has a housing demand study in the beginning stages in 2006. The Town of Silver Creek should be aware of that study and review the results when it is complete.

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SECTION 6: LAKE SUPERIOR SHORELAND LAND USE Lake Superior is a priceless resource that is very important to the Town of Silver Creek. There are several efforts that are in place to keep this area natural and beautiful including: The North Shore Scenic Drive (NSSD) Council, North Shore Management Plan Update, and Lake Superior Basin Plan. The most prominent of these is the North Shore Management Plan Update, which is in place to keep high standards along the North Shore and provides land use goals. These goals are here to preserve the area and to guide new developments along the shore. The Lake Superior Basin Plan protects the waters by limiting land activity that could negatively affect the lake. The view shed of the North Shore is what makes it special and could easily be damaged with large buildings, dense development, timber harvest and road building. By creating standards with the North Shore Management Board and Lake County, the Town can ensure that the land is going to remain as a great scenic place to live and visit. Assets, Threats, and Recommendations Asset: Lake Views

o Description: The Town of Silver Creek is home to many scenic views of Lake Superior, its rugged shoreline, and the North Shore ridge. These views are highlights for North Shore tourists.

o Threats: Development of Lake Superior shoreline is changing

the views of the Lake from the perspective of Highway 61. Development is also occurring on the ridge, which also impacts views for visitors. Changes in scenery could result in fewer tourists on the North Shore.

o Existing Approaches: The North Shore Management Board

and Lake County address lakeshore development by limiting heights of buildings and ensuring there is some space between buildings on a lakeshore property. There are some height and space restrictions on Ridge properties as well.

Lake Superior Shoreline at Flood Bay

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o Recommended Actions: The Town of Silver Creek is recommending the following actions regarding Lake Views

Recommendation L1: Support the North Shore Scenic

Drive Council. The North Shore Scenic Drive (NSSD) Council is the entity that works to promote and preserve the scenic aspects of Highway 61. The Town of Silver Creek should support those efforts and consider requests from the NSSD when approached.

Recommendation L2: Continue to uphold the North Shore

Management Plan Update. The North Shore Management Plan Update (shoreland regulations for properties within 300 feet inland from TH 61 to Lake Superior) restricts rural development along the North Shore to one unit per two acres. This limitation will ensure gaps in development that provide the characteristic views of the North Shore and Lake Superior. The Town of Silver Creek should remain at least as strict as the NSMB Plan Update.

Asset: Water Quality

o Description: Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, still has relatively high water quality. The water is extremely clear and, while it is naturally infertile, it does support a quality fishery.

o Threats: Development of the North Shore brings many threats

to the Lake. These threats include the possibility of polluting septics, increased water temperatures (affecting fish) due to removing shade from streams, increased runoff from buildings, parking lots, and lawns, and increased risk of chemical spills.

o Existing Approaches: The Town of Silver Creek and Lake

County have policies regarding the minimization of impermeable surfaces on lakeshore property. These policies require storm water plans for larger developments. There are no policies regarding herbicide or fertilizer use or the clearing of brush from banks. Areas identified as erosion hazards require significant setbacks.

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recommending the following actions regarding streams:

Recommendation L3: Support NRRI’s stream bank

vegetation studies. Silver Creek acknowledges the importance of vegetation, especially shading and bank supporting trees, for local streams. The Town should support the recent stream bank restoration and preservation and restoration efforts of the Natural Resource Research Institute and other agencies. The Town should remain aware of the studies and participate where appropriate.

Asset: Natural and Historical Character

o Description: The Town of Silver Creek and Castle Danger are part of a unique and historical North Shore community. This community includes commercial fishing, shipping, and tourism. Historical sites in or very near Silver Creek include Betty’s Pies, the Madiera shipwreck, Flood Bay, and Split Rock Lighthouse.

o Threats: Development type is changing rapidly in the Town of

Silver Creek. Family style resorts are being replaced with larger developments of condominiums and time-share residences. These new facilities may not project the same North Shore image as the older buildings and building sites.

o Existing Approaches: While Lake County and the North Shore

Management Board limit building heights and sizes as well as lot coverage, there are no design standards for buildings. There are requirements for vegetation on sites.


recommending the following actions regarding community character on Lake Superior’s shoreline:

Recommendation L4: The Silver Creek Town Board

should work with Lake County and the North Shore Management Board to form a Lake Superior Design Review Committee for the North Shore and Ridgeline. This committee would have no power to change designs but would review all large developments and make comments and suggestions to the developers.

Design Review Committees strive to protect an area’s unique qualities. These committees advise the Planning Commission on design issues, often reviewing projects first and making recommendations. The design review process considers a wide range of design issues, and determines how building projects fit in with the long-term plans of a community.

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The North Shore Management Plan Update has three major goals. The first is to create a template for future operations of the NSMB. The next task is to review and update all shoreland management standards in the original plan. And the final goal is to provide land use goals, objectives, and action steps. When this process began in September of 2003, the original NSMP was nearly 15 years old. There were four tasks that were identified that the NSMB will strive to regularly achieve. Examine important North Shore land use issues each year. The data that is available from federal, state, and local agencies needs to be coordinated and determined how the NSMB can use it. Receive notice and actively engage in the agency and government projects. Creating a meeting structure involving a quarterly NSMB meeting is necessary. The NSMP Update also wanted to update all shoreland management standards, this involves informing and educating the local governments about any changes or updates. The update also involved 7 land-use goals and how to achieve the goals. The NSMB Update was a needed expansion of the previous plan and should lead to a better North Shore.

Recommendation L5: The Design Review Committee should undertake a study that will help them define the appropriate design standards for Lake Superior properties. This study would examine the public’s desires, the historical designs, and the appropriate types of development on the North Shore and would provide the Committee with a design guide to use when examining proposed properties.

See Recommendation E2

Lake Superior Basin Plan Summary The Lake Superior Basin Plan was put together to help protect the water resources that are so important to the state. This plan states strategies, develops priorities for the geography and programs in the area, and identifies goals for management of the basin. One of the key goals of the Plan is to identify policy objectives as well as decide geographic priorities for water resource management. Another aspect that the plan focused on is the monitoring of streams. There are few streams that are being monitored on a long-term basis, but this is essential because monitoring will help to give advanced warning when small changes have happened. There are also several existing water management priorities that are outlined in the plan that need attention; Impaired Waters, Lake-wide Area Management Plan, St. Louis River Remedial Action Plan, Source Water Protection, Lake Superior Beach Program, and the Lake Superior Coastal Program. Geographic priorities include; Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, State Parks, Scientific and Natural Areas, Superior National Forest, State Forests, County Forests, City Forests and Parks, Trout Waters, and Wild Rice Waters. Some emerging issues that the plan emphasized were; water exports from the Great Lakes, ATV use and trails, wild rice lakes management, wastewater treatment, temperature impacts to cold-water fisheries, and development trends near water. Implementation is outlined by the plan, but also understood to be very unpredictable in the measures that will need to be taken.

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SECTION 7: NORTH SHORE RIDGELINE LAND USE The ridgeline that lines the entire North Shore is an area that is vital to the Town of Silver Creek. The view shed of the ridgeline paired with the rugged shoreline makes for an incredible experience for visitors and a valuable asset for residents. Maintaining a clean and scenic ridgeline is very important to the sustainability of the area. The Town needs to guide developments that encroach on the ridgeline. A few poorly placed buildings, roads, or timber harvest could destroy an entire view shed and the Town of Silver Creek would be heavily affected. Assets, Threats, and Recommendations Asset: Viewsheds

o Description: The Town of Silver Creek is home to many sweeping views of the North Shore Ridge, particularly those views from Trunk Highway 61. The views are especially nice during the fall color season.

o Threats: Increased development pressures are being placed

on the North Shore Ridge. These pressures are not as intense as on the Lake Superior Coast, but it is generally expected as the preferable sites on Lake Superior are developed, that developers will turn towards the Ridge even more. Development could mean clearing of trees and the building of homes that are elevated to take advantage of their lake views.

o Existing Approaches: Lake County restricts the heights of

buildings in all of its residential districts. Generally the western half of Ridge in the Town of Silver Creek is zoned at a five-acre minimum while the east half is at 10-acres.


recommending the following actions regarding Ridge development:

Recommendation RL1: Support and Participate in the

North Shore Management Board’s study to identify the critical viewsheds of the North Shore Ridge. The NSMB will be undertaking an effort to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and field review to identify and map the most

There is increasing development on the NS Ridge.

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critical viewsheds of the Ridge from the perspective of Highway 61. Once these areas are identified, policies can be formed to preserve those viewsheds. These policies could address clear cutting, building size and heights, communications towers, building colors and materials, and building on slopes.

See Recommendations L4 and L5

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SECTION 8: INLAND FOREST LAND USE The inland area of Silver Creek has always been known as a rural and quiet setting. Historically the properties have been scattered and rather undeveloped, with large lot sizes. While more people are coming to Silver Creek to live, the area is becoming somewhat more densely developed. Many residents still feel, however, that inland lakes and streams are one of Silver Creek’s best-kept secrets. However, these areas are beginning to be threatened by dense populations as well. Septic systems and increased development can become a threat to the fish and wildlife populations in this area. By keeping properties larger and less developed the area will continue to keep the country feel. The Town of Silver Creek needs to take action to protect its inland water bodies so they remain healthy and serve their purpose. Assets, Threats, and Recommendations Asset: Rural Setting

o Description: The Silver Creek Visioning Project identified that citizens like the rural setting of the Town and their lack of close neighbors.

o Threats: Development of residences is occurring at a relatively

high rate in the inland forests of the Town, and most lots are only 300 feet wide.

o Existing Approaches: Lake County primarily zones the inland

forests at 10-acre minimums. Areas around primary roads and close to the City of Two Harbors are often zoned at five-acre minimums


recommending the following actions regarding rural settings:

Recommendation IF1: Create a zoning district in northern

Silver Creek that has a 40-acre development minimum. The Town of Silver Creek should take steps to develop a zoning district with a 40-acre minimum, rather than the current 10-acre minimum. Initial explorations of this idea should be in the form of discussions with Lake County. This plan recommends that lands with the FR zoning designation that are north of County Highway 3 be rezoned from 10-acre minimums to 40-acre minimums. That area was chosen

The Inland Forest of Silver Creek

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because it has less existing infrastructure (roads), more public lands, and the average private parcel in the area is already 40 acres or larger. Moving to a 40-acre minimum will promote forest continuity, provide more timber for industry, enhance recreation, and decrease the need for future infrastructure.

If the recommendation was implemented, it would affect about 121,000 acres of land, of which 22,500 (about 19 percent) is privately owned.

Figure 4: Recommended 40 acre zoning area is shown in red.

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Asset: Inland Waterways

o Description: The Town of Silver Creek is home to several inland waterways that offer scenic beauty and recreation opportunities. These waterways include the Langley River, Cloquet River, Split Rock River, Gooseberry River, Silver Creek, Stewart River, Kane Lake, Marble Lake, Cloquet Lake and Katherine Lake. These waterways are generally clean and offer fishing opportunities. The lakes also offer canoeing and boating opportunities.

o Threats: There is intense development on all the inland lakes.

The quality of these lakes could suffer from septic failure and poor shoreline management practices. As the “baby boomer” generation retires, seasonal cabins may be improved and increased in size to become full-time residences. This increases pressures on septic systems and shorelines.

The inland rivers offer wade fishing opportunities and scenic beauty, particularly their many waterfalls as they near Lake Superior. Residential development abutting these rivers may cause rises in water temperature (limiting trout development), and increasing runoff.

o Existing Approaches: Inland lakes are subject to the

Minnesota’s DNR’s minimum shoreline standards, which Lake County follows. Many properties have buildings that were “grandfathered”, which allows them to exist at a closer lake setback or at higher density than new developments.

Lake County zoning requires setbacks of 150-200 feet depending on the class of the river. The ordinance also calls for the limitation of vegetation removal, but that limitation is fairly undefined.


recommending the following actions regarding inland waterways:

Recommendation IF2: Work with Lake County to

strengthen vegetation removal ordinance language. The ordinance should be defined and enforceable.

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SECTION 9: COMMUNITY LIFE Silver Creek has a close-knit community that is interested and responsible for the future of the Town. By continuing to be active, the residents can ensure that their town is going toward their vision. Annexation of part of the Town by the City of Two Harbors is a threat to the community. Also, the town needs to decide how they want to utilize and equip their Town Hall so that it can continue to be a valuable asset. Assets, Threats, and Recommendations Asset: Tax Base

o Description: The residents and businesses in the Town of Silver Creek provide the taxes that the Town uses to administer its services. That tax is reasonable, and much needed.

o Threats: Annexation of property by neighboring entities will

remove that property from the Town’s tax base.

o Existing Approaches: The Town of Silver Creek has no documented stance on annexation.


recommending the following actions regarding annexation:

Recommendation C1: The Town of Silver Creek should

adopt an annexation policy statement. This statement will define the Town’s approach to annexations. Please see appendix A for more information.

Asset: Community Center

o Description: The Town of Silver Creek has a large Town Hall that is administered by the Town Board. The building was built in 1914 and now contains a small meeting room, a kitchen, and a large meeting room. It has a large, unpaved parking lot. The Town Hall is available for rent. The Town also owns the small chapel that is next door, which is also available for use by the public. The Town operates the nearby cemetery and creates an ice rink near the Town Hall each winter.

Silver Creek Town Hall

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o Threats: The Town Hall complex is quite old. The small meeting room is very small. The heating system also quite old. There is little rental demand on either the Town Hall or Chapel. The ice skating rink is the only recreational facility provided.

o Existing Approaches: The use of the Town Hall is promoted

through word-of-mouth and the Town Newsletter.

o Recommended Actions: The Town of Silver Creek is recommending the following actions regarding a Community Center:


form a community center committee that would promote the use of the Town Hall and develop a plan for long-term improvements to the Community Center complex. The long-term plan could involve structural improvements, the creation of new recreation facilities, the development of a Town gathering/festival, and more. The goal of the committee should be to enhance the community’s cohesion through building improvements and Town-wide events.

Asset: Comprehensive Plan

o Description: This Comprehensive Plan provides a solid base for the Town of Silver Creek to move into the future, but it needs to be review and updated on a regular basis.

o Threats: Lack of implementation.

o Existing Approaches: An implementation checklist is provided

with this document.

o Recommended Actions: The Town of Silver Creek is recommending the following actions regarding its Comprehensive Plan:


regularly review and update the Comprehensive Plan. Every year, prior to the Town's annual meeting, the Town Board should review each recommendation and determine its status. The Board should then update the checklist and make it available to the public at the annual meeting. The Town Board should consider completing a full update of the plan whenever the bulk of the recommendations are either completed or no longer relevant.

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APPENDIX A: CURRENT PLANNING AND ZONING Zoning in the Town of Silver Creek is impacted by three entities: The Town of Silver Creek, Lake County, and the North Shore Management Board. Castle Danger The Town of Silver Creek administers zoning for only a small area of the Town. Knows as Castle Danger. Castle Danger is located on Lake Superior in the southeast quadrant of Silver Creek. Castle Danger is the most highly developed area of the Town. It has nearly 120 residences (45 full-time residents) and 6 businesses in an approximate 1044-acre area. Many of those residences and business are participants in a cluster-type wastewater treatment system that allows the higher density development to occur without pollution from individual sewage treatment systems that were hard to place in this area of minimal and poor soils. Lake County Lake County administers the bulk of the zoning for the Town of Silver Creek. The County recently updated their Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances in 2006. Lake County Zoning Districts in Silver Creek include the following: FR - - Forest Recreation The FR designation promotes remote residences, timber management, and recreation. The minimum acreage for development is 10 acres. A 300-foot wide lot is required. Developments can only have 10 percent lot coverage unless a surface water plan is submitted (then 50 percent). Fifty-foot setbacks are required. There are many permitted uses. Prohibited uses are any uses that require urban level public services. R-1 - - Residential District This district promotes low density residential that does not require public water and sewer. Requirements include 10 acres for development, minimum 300-foot lot widths, less than 10 percent lot coverage (unless a surface water plan is submitted, then 50 percent), and 25-foot setbacks. There are many allowed uses. Prohibited uses are any uses that require urban level public services.

Figure 5: Castle Danger Zoning and Sewer District Delineation

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R-2 - - Residential District This district allows higher densities than R-1 and livestock operations are not permitted. Minimum acreage is 5 acres with a 200-foot lot width and 20-foot setbacks. R-3 - - Residential District This district has even higher densities and may have public water and sewer. It is designed for properties “on the urban edge.” It requires 2.5-acre lots, 200-foot widths, less than 10 percent lot coverage (unless a surface water plan is submitted, then 50 percent), and 20-foot setbacks. Livestock, kennels, and aggregate pits are not allowed.

R-4 - - Residential District This is a high-density district with 1-acre minimums, 200-foot lot widths, less than 10 percent lot coverage (unless a surface water plan is submitted, then 50 percent), and 20-foot setbacks. Conditional uses include Bed and Breakfasts, Residential Planned Unit Developments, and communication towers. Livestock, kennels, and aggregate pits are not allowed. RR - - Residential-Recreational District This district promotes homes or recreation services. This is a high-density district with 1-acre minimums, 200-foot lot widths, less than 10 percent lot coverage (unless a surface water plan is submitted, then 50 percent), and 20-foot setbacks. Farms, livestock, kennels, and aggregate pits are not allowed. CR - - Commercial Rural Commercial Rural is designated for residences and low to medium intensity commercial properties. This is a high-density district with 1-acre minimums, 200-foot lot widths, less than 10 percent lot coverage (unless a surface water plan is submitted, then 50 percent), and 20-foot setbacks. Conditional uses include: Residential Planned Unit Developments; Commercial Planned Unit Developments; eating and drinking establishments; grocery stores; gas stations; auto repair; retail; wholesale (in buildings); water-oriented commercial; service oriented activities; recreational camping; and communication towers. Farms, livestock, kennels, and aggregate pits are not allowed. RC - - Resort Commercial District This district promotes resorts and the orderly growth of existing resorts where physical features allow. This is a high-density district with 1-acre minimums, 200-foot lot widths, less than 10 percent lot coverage (unless a surface water plan is submitted, then 30 percent), and 20-foot setbacks. It allows lodging units with four or less units (one unit per acre). Conditional uses include: Residential

Zone Total Acres Percentage CR 15.8 0.0FR 148813.1 78.9M 137.1 0.1PC 2535.1 1.3R-1 28930.1 15.3R-2 1195.1 0.6R-3 2250.6 1.2R-4 3070.2 1.6RC 908.3 0.5RR 802.3 0.4Table 2: Lake County Zoning Districts in Silver Creek

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Planned Unit Developments; Commercial Planned Unit Developments; eating and drinking establishments; grocery stores; retail; gas stations; auto repair; retail; wholesale (in buildings); water-oriented commercial; service oriented activities; recreational camping; and communication towers. Kennels are prohibited. PC - - Public-Commercial District Designated for publicly controlled natural resources and environmentally sensitive recreational development. This district has a 5-acre minimum, 300-foot lot widths, less than five percent lot coverage (unless a surface water plan is submitted, then 50 percent), and 50-foot setbacks. It allows lodging units with four or less units (one unit per acre). Permitted uses include parks, interpretive centers, overlooks, history/archeological sites, and accessory buildings. Conditional uses include harbors, marinas, gift shops, recreational camping, lodging with less than four units, Commercial Planned Unit Developments, and residential. Kennels are prohibited. M - - Manufacturing This district is designated for manufacturing (that doesn’t affect nearby uses). It requires one acre lots, 200-foot lot widths, less than 25 percent lot coverage (unless there is a surface water plan), fire lanes, and 10-foot setbacks. Residential and institutional uses are prohibited. Other Items Lake County only allows one off-premise sign and it must be located within 10 miles of a business. A map of Lake County zoning districts within Silver Creek is shown on the following page.

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Figure 6: Lake County Zoning for Silver Creek

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North Shore Management Board The North Shore Management Board (NSMB) is a joint powers board between the active zoning entities of the North Shore between the northern city limits of Duluth and the Grand Portage Reservation. The purpose of the NSMB is to develop the minimum shoreland zoning standards for properties within 1,000 feet of Lake Superior or from Lake Superior to 300 feet inland from the centerline of Trunk Highway 61, whichever is greater. Participating entities include Lake County and the Town of Silver Creek. The NSMB finished an update of is minimums in 2004. As of September 2006, Silver Creek has fully implemented the new minimums for its Castle Danger area and Lake County has nearly fully done so. Lake County has submitted a flexibility request for a specific type of business to the NSMB. If granted, Lake County will have fully implemented the new standards. The new 2004 standards of the NSMB require two acres of land for every unit of development. Additional units can be constructed if criteria involving wastewater and impermeable surfaces can be met. Other types of standards discussed in the new document include access management, building heights, shoreland setbacks, and other shoreland issues. A full copy of the June 2004 North Shore Management Plan Update can be found at www.ardc.org.

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APPENDIX B: TOWN OF SILVER CREEK ANNEXATION STATEMENT This appendix will be added at a later date.

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APPENDIX C: PUBLIC INPUT

Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan

Public Meeting

September 21, 2006 Silver Creek Town Hall 7:00 p.m.

Summary

1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Williams welcomed the public and called the meeting to order.

2. Comprehensive Plan Presentation

Hubley gave a presentation on the draft comprehensive plan that the Steering Committee has put together. Hubley went though each chapter of the presentation describing the assets and threats of the themes. The chapters include; transportation, recreation, wastewater, economics, land-use (shoreland, ridgeline, and inland), and community life. Hubley also gave the recommendations that the Steering Committee had so far and explained that the recommendations were not final and could be changed. Then public comments, questions, and concerns were asked for.

3. Public Comment

How do I get a copy of the plan? We need a lower speed limit in Castle Danger. Can you define inaccessible lands? Would existing areas under 40 acres be grandfathered in? We need an Affordable Housing Plan. What is the current zoning for the township? NSMB densities (flexibility requests). Is the NSSD made up of elected officials? Semi trailers are a problem on Hwy 3. There are kids/pedestrians on Hwy 3, could there be a trail along

the road? Can you expand on vegetation removal? Could you explain design review committee?

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APPENDIX D: INTERGOVERNMENTAL MEETING SUMMARY This appendix will be completed at a later date.

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APPENDIX E: PROJECT PARTNERS What is ARDC? The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) is a multi-disciplined planning and development organization whose jurisdiction encompasses the Northeast Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis. In accordance with the Minnesota Regional Development Act, the Commission serves as an advocate for local governments in Northeast Minnesota, provides leadership in the development of projects that benefit the Arrowhead Region and serves as a catalyst to identify needs and seek solutions to issues of regional significance. This role is especially important with regard to problems and opportunities that are multi-jurisdictional in scope or impact. Throughout its existence, ARDC has developed numerous planning and implementation programs aimed at meeting the needs of the Arrowhead Region. ARDC also serves as an umbrella agency for a wide variety of local, state, and federal initiatives. These programs include services to aging, human services, transit transportation, metropolitan planning, economic development, community development, and natural resources. Other responsibilities of ARDC include the development and maintenance of resource data to support the preparation of comprehensive development plans for units of government. What is the Lake Superior Coastal Zone Grant Program?

Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program (MLSCP) annually offers federal matching funds for the purpose of undertaking projects that address coastal issues. Grants are offered on a competitive basis to eligible applicants. These matching grant funds are available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. In Minnesota, the program is implemented as pass-through grants to local units of government, other public entities and nonprofits. The Department of Natural Resources-Waters administers the program, with offices in Two Harbors, on the north shore of Lake Superior.

ARDC holds many public forums each year

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To assist in the implementation of MLSCP, a Governor’s Council on Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program was appointed by Governor Ventura in December 1999 and convened on January 21, 2000. The thirty-one eligible local units of government within the coastal boundary and the public at-large nominate council members. Fifteen members make up the council with three members coming from each of the four eligible counties (Carlton, St. Louis, Lake and Cook) and three at-large members. The Council establishes the grant program priorities, selects projects for funding, reviews the program's non-project budget and reviews the Coastal Program every two years. All projects must receive final approval from NOAA before proceeding.

The goal of Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program is to preserve, protect, develop and where possible restore or enhance coastal resources along Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior.

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Recommendations Responsible Parties Town's Action Steps Deadline Status

T1 Support Recon TH 61 Mn/DOTTown Board should stay informed regarding reconstruction progress and write

letters of support for funding when appropriate. Ongoing Ongoing

T2 Support reliever route Lake County/Two HarborsTown Board should write a letter to Lake County and Two Harbors advocating for

the road's develoment.March 31, 2007 or 1 month after

adoption of Comp Plan Incomplete

T3 Pursue Bypass Lanes by Sup. Shores/Burlington Rd Mn/DOT

Town Board should write a letter to Mn/DOT (copy Superior Shores) and formally request that bypass lanes be installed.

March 31, 2007 or 1 month after adoption of Comp Plan Incomplete

T4 Discourage feeding of deer Town of Silver CreekTown Board shoud research facts about deer/car collisions and share them with

the Town's citizens in the newsletter. The article should state that the Town strongly discourages deer feeding near roadways.

June 30, 2007 Incomplete

T5 Participate in Lake Cty 5-year construction plan

Town of Silver Creek/Lake CountyThe Town Board should become aware of when the County's Five-year roadway

improvement plan is drafted and should review it and make comments when necessary.

Ongoing Ongoing

T6 Support 4-ft shoulders on CSAHs Lake CountyThe Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Highway Department outlining the Town's transportation recommendations that involve the County. December 31, 2006 Incomplete

T7 Support no-parking on CSAH2 by high school Lake County

The Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Highway Department outlining the Town's transportation recommendations that involve the County. December 31, 2006 Incomplete

T8 Support center left-turn lane from Two Harbors to High School on Hwy 2 Lake County

The Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Highway Department outlining the Town's transportation recommendations that involve the County. December 31, 2006 Incomplete

T9 Seek maintenance exchanges for dead-heading Town/Lake County/Two Harbors The Town Maintenance Department should remain alert for these opportunities. Ongoing Ongoing

T10 Discourage heavy truck traffic on township roads Town of Silver Creek

The Town Maintenance Department should remain alert for problems that arise and then work with truck drivers and enforcement officials to alleviate the concern. Ongoing Ongoing

T11 Support development of more parking at Alger Grade

Town of Silver Creek, Mn/DNR, Snowmobile Clubs

Town of Silver Creek should advocate for the enlargement of the North Shore Trail parking lot on the Alger Grade just off of CSAH 2. The Town should also sign the

Alger Grade as only allowing parking on one side of the road.

March 31, 2007 or 1 month after adoption of Comp Plan

Incomplete

R1 Develop a town-wide rec plan Town of Silver CreekThe Town Board should develop a project scope of work, then seek grants to help

fund the hiring of a consultant to complete the planning process.November 30, 2006 (Grant) and

June 30, 2008 (Plan) Incomplete

W1 Conduct a septic education session Town of Silver CreekThe Town Board should contact the Minnesota Extensions Service and schedule, promote, and hold a homeowner septic maintainance workshop. This should be

done every 3 years.June 30, 2007 and then Ongoing Incomplete

W2 Participate in discussions with NSMB

Town of Silver CreekThe Town Board should participate in the Wastewater Forum being held in the

Spring of 2007 that is sponsored by the NSMB and should also continue to participate in future wastewater coordination discussions.

April 30, 2007 Incomplete

W3 Monitor Castle Danger system, plan long-term Town of Silver Creek The Town Board should continually monitor the system and its capacity. Ongoing Ongoing

E1 Support NSSDC Town of Silver CreekThe Town Board should be aware of the NSSD Council and its efforts on TH 61,

and write letters of support for the Council when appropriate. Ongoing Ongoing

E2 Letter of support for Lake County flex request No Longer Needed No Longer Needed No Longer Needed No Longer Needed

E3 Advocate for expansion of camping facilities Mn/DNR

The Town Board should advocate for additional camping facilities at existing State Parks Ongoing Ongoing

E4 Explore a town campground Town of Silver CreekThis Recommendation should be examined as part of the Recreation Plan

(Recommendation R1)November 30, 2006 (Grant) and

June 30, 2008 (Plan) Incomplete

E5 Encourage the continuation of logging properties Lake County

The Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Zoning Department outlining the Town's land use recommendations that involve the County. December 31, 2006 Incomplete

E6 Develop a 40-acre minimum-zoning district north of CSAH 3 Lake County


E7 Support home businesses/disallow impact business Lake County


APPENDIX F: ACTION STEPS

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Recommendations Responsible Party Town's Action Steps Deadline Status

L1 Support NSSD Council See E1 See E1 See E1 See E1

L2 Uphold NSMP Update Town of Silver CreekThe Town of Silver Creek should continue to participate on the North Shore Management Boad and should continue to follow the Board's Management

Standards in the Castle Danger area.Ongoing Ongoing

L3 Support NRRI's Stream Bank Studies Town of Silver CreekThe Town should support the recent stream bank restoration and preservation and restoration efforts of the Natural Resource Research Institute and other agencies. The Town should remain aware of the studies and participate where appropriate.

December 31, 2007 Ongoing

L4 Form a Lake Superior Design Review Committee

NSMB/Town of Silver CreekThe Town of Silver Creek should initially present the idea of the Design Committee as part of the NSMB. If the NSMB does not explore the idea, Silver Creek should

explore the idea of implementing it just in the Town.June 30, 2007 Incomplete

L5 Design Review Committee should do a historical review study

NSMB/Town of Silver CreekThe Town of Silver Creek should initially present the idea of the Design Committee as part of the NSMB. If the NSMB does not explore the idea, Silver Creek should

explore the idea of implementing it just in the Town.June 30, 2008 Incomplete

RL1 Support NSMB critical viewshed study North Shore Management Board

The Town of Silver Creek should participate in the NSMB's Critical Viewshed Study when given the opportunity June 30, 2007 Incomplete

IF1 Create zoning district for 40-acre develop minimum See E6 See E6 See E6 See E6

IF2 Work with Lake County to strengthen veg removal Lake County

The Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Zoning Department outlining the Town's land use recommendations that involve the County. March 31, 2007

C1 Adopt an annexation statement Town of Silver CreekThe Town Board should develop an appendix to the Comprehensive Plan that

outlines the reasons the Town would be for or againse annexation. December 31, 2006 Incomplete

C2 Form a community center committee Town of Silver Creek

The Town Board should use the newsletter to promote the formation of a Community Life Committee and then ask that committee to develop

recommendations for activities and physical improvements the Town should undertake as part of the Community.

June 30, 2007 Incomplete

C3 Review Comp Plan recommendations regularly

Town of Silver CreekEvery year, prior to the Town's annual meeting, the Town Board should review

each recommendation and determine its status. The Board should then update this checklist and make it available to the public at the annual meeting.

Ongoing Ongoing

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Digital copies of this plan can be found on ARDC’s website (www.arrowheadplanning.org).

For more information contact:

ARDC

221 West First Street Duluth, MN 55802

Or call toll free- 1-800-232-0707

Download - Town of Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan (306-11-07)

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