An agreement that provides public access to property owned by Molpus Timberlands Management until the next Legislature adjourns was reached this week.

The agreement announced Thursday keeps access open to the public for the rest of 2012 and through the close of the 2013 legislative session, according to state lawmakers and a statement by the company.

The agreement applies to hundreds of snowmobile trails.

Rep. David Dill and Sen. Tom Bakk met Monday with Craig Halla, Molpus Minnesota property manager, to discuss the issues that affect Molpus’ ability to own and operate their land holdings in Minnesota.

The lawmakers said the issues discussed include a need for tax reform that would lower the cost of ownership and operation of forest lands, including a 2010 law that placed a cap on the payments made to large land owners enrolled in the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act at $100,000, as well as investigating the removal of the acreage restriction of the 2c property tax classification.

In addition, Dill and Bakk said in a statement that attempts will be made to secure funding from the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council and Legislature to purchase a conservation easement on lands owned by Molpus and not already under easement to assure future public access. 

A statement from Molpus said due to the recent “positive meetings and assurances from state and local officials to resolve this issue during the 2013 Minnesota legislative session, Molpus has decided to leave lands open through the conclusion of the 2013 legislative session.”

 Bakk and Dill reported that they told Halla that although they cannot assure Molpus of any result or outcome legislatively, that they will work tirelessly towards the needs of Molpus and the people of the northeast and Minnesota.

They said the legislative efforts would begin on the first day of the legislative session in 2013 and continue beyond.

“We will work to pass legislation that will effectuate our mutual goals, one of which is to assure continued public access to Molpus lands by working on both sides of the political aisle, with the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council and the Governor’s office,” Dill and Bakk stated.

Molpus said in a statement that for a number of years the previous landowner, Forest Capital Partners, and the state had a public/private partnership, which had a number of benefits, including public access to private lands.

The state’s decision to restrict this program when it cut most funding for larger landowners in the Minnesota Sustainable Forestry Incentive Act resulted in the removal of a large portion of acreage from the partnership, the company said.

“It is Molpus Timberlands Managements’ strong preference to continue this partnership as to all of the private land we manage in Minnesota,” said the statement. “Because of the risk of liability and the costs of keeping these lands open, it is not feasible without resumed state participation to include these private acres back into the SFIA program.”

“That public access to private lands is a preeminent issue for all in the state,” said Dill, thanking Molpus for its understanding of the need for public access on vast tracts of land and to work towards a long term solution.

Added Bakk, “Minnesota’s outdoor heritage is a cornerstone of the Minnesota lifestyle.” He said he intends to “do everything possible to assure that future generations enjoy the great outdoors.”

Bakk and Dill acknowledged to Halla and Molpus that the agreement is a short-term interim solution and that a long-term solution must be implemented to assure public access in the future.

“Molpus is a private landowner, just like the rest of us that own homes, farms, businesses and recreational land,” said Dill. “They can manage their land and close it to public access if they so desire, just like us.”

 

Business concern

Steve Wieber, owner of Ash Trail Lodge, told the Journal Thursday that the interim agreement temporarily avoids a “potential disaster here in our area, from a business standpoint this coming winter.”

“My serious concerns started with our business and threatened the jobs of our long-time employees and their families. Many of our winter customers are in the process of making their vacation plans and several have been anxiously awaiting an update on this issue. The issue does not go away but is postponed until our lawmakers meet again early next year.”

He credited Dill, Bakk, as well as Molpus officials for driving the “rescue plan.”

“Equally important, I believe we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Molpus management team. They have a very legitimate business issue resulting from the change made in 2010 by our state lawmakers. They did not have to reach this agreement — they chose to and I believe we should recognize what they have done for our community.

“The best way to show our appreciation is to make sure that our neighbors, employees and customers understand that the Minnesota lawmakers now need to hold up their end of the bargain. They need to revisit this situation and do what is needed to avoid a disaster next season.”

Dill and Bakk said comments or questions about the agreement may be directed to them. Reach Bakk at 651-296-8881 or Dill at 800-339-0466.