Silver Rapids Lodge owners have canceled their plans to expand the resort near the BWCAW. As a result, they “surrendered” their permit that the Lake County Planning Commission had approved this fall. The Minnesota DNR and citizen groups had filed lawsuits against the commission, citing multiple concerns about the proposed expansion near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The DNR would like the case to move forward.
Expansion faced legal hurdles
Earlier in the fall, the Planning Commission approved preliminary plats and conditional use permits for the resort’s developers. The developers planned to demolish the existing footprint, which covers 62 acres. The redesign involved multiple phases, including more mooring spaces for boats, new cabins, motel, restaurant, and an indoor pool. Constructed in 1919, the owners hoped the $45 million project would provide much-needed updates and enhance amenities, attracting more visitors to the lodge. Known for its prime fishing location, the lodge lies 2.5 miles from the wilderness boundary, connecting both watersheds.
In response, state regulators and residents filed lawsuits, stating that the county ignored long-standing ordinances designed to protect the surrounding area and environment. The DNR conveyed issues with the proposal, stating that it violates shoreline development ordinances. This included the addition of 75 new mooring spaces along nearby Garden and White Iron Lakes. According to the DNR, this plan contradicts the limit to 14 moorning spaces and centrally located docks. Additionally, multiple parties expressed concerns over the proposed increase to 62 dwelling units and expanded footprint. Finally, there were doubts about the impact on native habitat and wilderness surroundings.
Lodge surrenders permit, DNR pushes forward
Due to the impasse, Judge Eric Hylden in Duluth issued a temporary restraining order, halting construction related to the contested conditional use permit. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, the lodge owners have since “surrendered” the permit and reached an agreement with Lake County to relinquish it. This includes all associated development rights. Furthermore, they have asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuit.
The DNR, however, wants the case to move forward. The agency contends that surrendering the permit does not guarantee the issue won’t resurface, as another developer or the county could seek plans at a later time.
The judge has not yet ruled on the request and the developers have no new plans at this time.
More info:
- Resort owners near Boundary Waters drop expansion plans after state environmental lawsuit – Minnesota Star Tribune
- Backers of proposed resort expansion near Ely drop plans amid state lawsuit – MPRNews
Wilderness guide and outdoorswoman Pam Wright has been exploring wild places since her youth. Remaining curious, she has navigated remote lakes in Canada by canoe, backpacked some of the highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada, and completed a thru-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail. Her professional roles include working as a wilderness guide in northern Minnesota and providing online education for outdoor enthusiasts.