Letter: Camp Manitou at risk of being sold

From: The Friends of Bertram Chain of Lakes
Christina Johnson Koshiol Monticello
The YMCA property in Monticello, currently known as Camp Manitou, is at significant risk of being sold for private development.
For those who may never been there, the area boasts over 1,200 acres of an amazing pristine natural environment that includes four beautiful lakes with completely undeveloped shoreline, a large wildlife habitat, large wetland complexes and a potential for multiple recreational activities including swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing, athletic fields and much more.
It is very much like having a piece of the Boundary Waters in Central Minnesota.
Preserving this property as a resource for the central Minnesota region has received significant support by residents within and beyond the region.
We are appreciative of the efforts of several leaders in the Monticello and Wright County area. A lot of effort is being made to try and preserve the property as a regional park.
Currently, there is a incremental purchase agreement with the YMCA that extends through 2013, but this agreement will fall through without additional support.
Understandably, there is a tough economic and political environment right now. In these tough times, it is especially important to protect our natural resources for future generations.
Because there is broad support for this project, a “Friends of Bertram Chain of Lakes,” group has been created with a mission to provide a grassroots effort to support the acquisition of the property as a regional park and natural resource.
Anyone interested in keeping up with the current efforts to preserve this area and learn how to support the project can join us one of several ways:
1) join our Facebook page – just search for “Friends of Bertram” and click on “Become a Fan”
2) join our e-mail list through the City of Monticello web site City Departments and Services Parks and Recreation Bertram Chain of Lakes
3) call 866-590-7223 and leave your contact information on the voicemail.
Membership is free and open to anyone who supports the group’s mission.
We look forward to hearing from you all.