Wilder Forest and Square Lake Park Updates
For those of you who’ve expressed interest in two high-impact Square Lake story-lines - the potential sale of Wilder Forest, and the potential expansion of Square Lake Park – here’s an update:
Wilder Forest. As initially reported in my Square Roots Blog post, dated January 27, entitled May Township Moratorium: Wilder Forest, the sale of Wilder Forest appears imminent, although the identity of the two remaining prospective purchasers remains unknown.
According to Kelly Urista, Property Management Director, Facilities, at The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, in an email exchange on June 7: “With regards to Wilder Forest I have no news that I’m able to share at this time except to say there are two interested parties at this time and I believe either one of them would be a good neighbor. Both parties are conducting their due diligence work and I’m expecting an offer from one or both within the next few weeks.
I greatly appreciate your offer of help though at this time we have to sit tight and see what if anything pans out with these two interested parties. Once I receive the offer(s) I will present both to our Board of Directors for discussion to determine whether or not the offer meets our requirements regarding buyer(s) mission, conservancy values and offer price.
Feel free to check in with me next month and I may be able to provide you with an update.”
Current speculation, shared by confidential sources, is that one of the prospective parties interested in the Wilder Forest property is the Manitou Fund, the owner and former operator of Warner Nature Center (https://www.startribune.com/manitou-fund-rises-near-the-top-of-minnesota-foundations/565073042/).
Square Lake Park. As previously reported in Square Roots Blog post, dated January 23, 2022, entitled Countywide Watercraft Inspection Program – AIS Summary Points, our Square Lake Association Board has for many years successfully collaborated on Park and Lake related projects, with Washington Conservation District AIS Program Coordinator Matt Downing, Washington County Public Works Senior Planner Connor Schaeffer, and Carnelian Marine St. Croix Watershed District Administrator Mike Isensee.
According to Connor, via his June 7 email, “Thank you for reaching out, it is good to hear from you. I do have some brief updates regarding Square Lake Park. Washington County is expanding the “no parking zone” along Square Lake Trail to help address resident concerns and safety concerns. The no parking zone extension is only in effect June – August. See the attached map for more details: Square Lake No Parking Signs. Furthermore, the county is looking to add self-rental stations for a few paddleboards and kayaks this summer. Also, the county has been working with the conservation district on AIS prevention/response. Thus, there will be additional ambassadors at the park this summer, as the conservation district continues to lead AIS monitoring.”
More information of interest on Wilder and the Park will be shared with Association members, as we receive further updates.