Ice out for Hickory Lake was declared on the afternoon of April 23rd, 2019. Average ice out date from all records is April 18 so this year was only about five days behind the median.
As the season grows closer, I am sure many of you are itching to get to the lake. Some of you may be buying new campers, planning some landscaping, possibly building a deck, or putting in a new shed.
In the case of some of our new seasonal renters you may be moving in for the first time. Welcome to Hickory Lake!
With all this in mind, here is information regarding obtaining permits from Aitkin County for potential projects as well as a guide to spacing of your recreational camping vehicle (RCV). A couple of things I will point out:
When in doubt, before moving or constructing anything, contact Aitkin County (information below as well as on the Aitkin County Information page of this site). A quick five minute phone call could save yourself a huge headache down the road.
Jim A
Prior to submitting a permit application to the county please submit the Request for Lot Alterations to the board for approval.
Aitkin County has now put their permit applications online. Please follow the link below to begin your application for a deck, shed, or other alterations that may require county approval. If in doubt on whether you need a permit, please contact the Aitkin County Planning and Zoning Department.
https://pzpermit.co.aitkin.mn.us/index.php
Aitkin County Planning & Zoning / Environmental Services
209 2nd Street NW, Room 100
Aitkin, MN 56431
Phone: 218-927-7342
Aitkin County Ordinances for RCA’s (Recreational Camping Areas)
RCA (Recreational Camping Area) Spacing Aitkin County Fact Sheet
Aitkin County 2017 Update to Permit Process
Aitkin County Recreational Camping Areas Update 2019
Aitkin County 2019 Permit Fee Schedule
Aitkin County Online Permitting FAQ
Aitkin County Shoreland Homeowners Guide to Lake Stewardship
It is officially Spring; however, in many places it does not look much like it, including in my own yard. The latest word is the campground still has a lot of snow that needs to go. Some nicer temps during the day are certainly helping; however, it continues to drop below freezing at night and looks like it will stay that way into the foreseeable forecast.
According to our Rules and Regulations, water will be turned on April 30th if weather conditions allow. We will continue to monitor the weather and conditions at the campground. If weather/frost permits we will look at turning the water on sooner…hopefully no later!
I want to remind everyone to please use extra care throughout our property this Spring. As it starts to thaw, the roads and grounds will be extra wet and soft; hopefully with a little extra attention we can avoid significant damage.
New this season, we have contracted with PLM Lake and Land Management to assist us in weed control at the beach and around the slip docks. They will be out twice during the season to apply DNR approved chemical applications. There are no restrictions to the use of the water, swimming, fishing, etc during these times. Please see the sample notice that will be posted by PLM at the time of the application (attached).
I was hoping to provide you with information on our new caretaker(s); however, the people who we had onboard recently backed out. We have reposted and have received a lot of interest. More to come…
I can tell you though that Scott Bjork is retiring this spring (Congrats Scott!) and will be at the campground full time this summer. He has agreed to fill in for the full time caretaker(s) during their two days off.
Reminder, we will have our first owners gathering over Memorial Day weekend. More details will be provided closer to that time.
Finally, the board will be meeting on Saturday, April 20th at 10:00 AM at Carolyn Tonneson’s to discuss/finalize employee schedules, training/orientation, etc. and make sure we have what we need covered to start the season.
Can’t wait to get back to the lake!
Bobbie
PLM Notice
New documents that reflect changes approved by the HLCCA Board of Directors as it pertains to the seasonal rental of sites as well to the process of selling your site have been uploaded to the members area
Project Scope: The Pine Hickory RPA Rehabilitation will restore several historic stone features, repave the parking area and make accessibility improvements to the picnic area and portable toilets. A degraded paved trail will be re-paved, while other trails will remain turf, or soft surface. A new fishing pier will be installed by the picnic table. This project has been designed to meet the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. The roadside parking area on Little Pine Lake will be closed during construction. The gravel access and boat launch on Hickory Lake will remain open and is not being worked on. Construction is planned for summer 2019.
Construction Update: A pre-bid meeting was held at the Baxter D3A District Office, on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019 at 10 a.m.. Construction may begin in March and continue through September 2019.
Construction Update: Jan. 9, 2019 The stone masonry restoration on the bridge is complete. Fabrication of replacement steel for reinforcing the bridge arch caused delays in the work. The concrete bridge deck was unable to be completed in the 2018 season. A temporary asphalt surface has been installed to pave the bridge over the winter. The final concrete bridge deck will be completed in the Summer of 2019.
Summary of work
More information: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d3/projects/malmo/
Project Scope: The Whitefish Creek Bridge will be rehabilitated. Historic stone will be repaired and repointed, including bridge abutments, walks and guardrail stone wall. The bridge deck and approach lanes will be reconstructed and an integral Wyoming guardrail will be installed. This project has been designed to meet the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Construction is planned for summer 2019.
Construction Update: Dec. 13, 2018. This project has been awarded to Environmental Associates, Inc. Construction will take place in 2019. Lane closures will be used to keep traffic open on the bridge during construction, but travelers on this area of Hwy 169 should expect delays.
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends!
With 2019 upon us, the board is busy securing caretakers for the upcoming season. The next board meeting, January 26th, will primarily be focused on this task.
Other things on the agenda include:
Budget Update
Review of the rules and regulations
Opening the season – tasks/to do list
Floating Docks – estimate
Mosquito Spray – estimate
DNR Permit/weed control
Insurance Review
An updated document has been posted in the owners area of the website. Please review this document as it contains the latest changes that were discussed and voted on at the last board meeting.
MEETING
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