Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room (SRRR), 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota. A public hearing was convened at 2:30 p.m. for the purpose of considering comments on a proposed Ordinance. The purpose and intent of the proposed Ordinance is to regulate camping and land use on County Administered Lands.
The following Lake County Board of Commissioners members were present: District 1 Commissioner Joe Baltich, District 2 Commissioner Derrick L. “Rick” Goutermont, District 3 Commissioner Richard C. “Rick” Hogenson, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. County Commissioner(s) absent: District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd.
Also present: Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Interim County Attorney Lara Nygaard, County Sheriff Nathan Stadler, Environmental Services Department Director Bryr Ludington, Forestry Department Head / Land Commissioner Nate Eide, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.
Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve called the public hearing to order at 2:30 p.m. Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston provided an overview of the proposed ordinance. The proposed Lake County Ordinance would regulate camping and other uses of County Administered Lands, including County fee land and tax-forfeited land.
The proposed ordinance establishes limits on camping on County Administered Lands. Camping would generally be limited to fourteen (14) days at one camp location from the first Saturday in May through the second Sunday in September, and twenty-one (21) days during the remainder of the year. A subsequent camp location within the same calendar year would be required to be at least fifteen (15) miles from any prior camp location.
The ordinance would prohibit certain activities on County Administered Lands, including camping within one mile of a fee campground; digging or trenching around shelters; constructing permanent shelters; placing wood, nails, screws, or other fasteners in living trees; littering; and improperly disposing of human waste, sewage, or other wastewater. The ordinance would also prohibit cutting, removing, or carrying away timber without authorization. The proposed ordinance would establish requirements for campfires, including restrictions during red flag warnings or campfire bans, requirements for safe placement and maintenance of fires, a maximum campfire size of three feet by three feet, and requirements that campfires be attended and completely extinguished before being left unattended.
The ordinance would prohibit the abandonment of personal property and motor vehicles on County Administered Lands, subject to limited exceptions for property and vehicles temporarily associated with active camping. Abandoned property and vehicles may be handled in accordance with applicable Minnesota law.
The ordinance would also prohibit land use that is contrary to the ordinance or posted restrictions, including posted “No Trespassing” notices, and would address public nuisances occurring on County Administered Lands.
If approved, the ordinance would become effective upon publication in the county’s official newspaper for 2026, the Northshore Journal, Silver Bay, Minnesota.
Land Commissioner Nate Eide discussed the trend of people camping for longer than two weeks.
Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. Leah Bailey, a local farmer and Lake County constituent, attended the public hearing and asked the County Commissioners to please take into consideration comments in support of the camping ordinance. Leah Bailey spoke in favor of this ordinance. Leah Bailey stated campers leave behind garbage. There has been problem with thievery and other problem behaviors. Leah Bailey believes it is necessary and hope it can be enforced. Leah Bailey shared that it is common knowledge that if you want to live on county land, you cannot get kicked off. Even if you stay for a year in your broken-down camper cutting trees to burn and disposing of all manner of waste. This has turned into a huge public danger. It is not recreational camping; it is living on county lands that is the problem. Leah Bailey stated that a few campers are being occupied by folks who are of ill repute who do drugs and live above the law on county land. It is a danger to come upon them when peacefully recreating with our kids or riding our horses. It is so much more than a public nuisance. Let us be clear; these campers are not folks that just want to enjoy the serenity of the woods during their vacation; these are people who vandalize county land, leave trash everywhere including blocking public roads and right of ways, and they endanger people around them through theft and erratic behaviors because of amphetamine use. Leah Bailey spoke in support of this measure to limit the time a camper can stay in one location on county lands. Leah Bailey advised that in general she is hesitant to support restrictions to public lands but that this one is necessary and just and enforceable. Leah Bailey thanked the County Board members for caring about the residents of our beautiful and wonderful Lake County
Terry Gydesen, property owner in Lake County, also spoke during the public comment period in favor of the proposed Ordinance. Terry Gydesen advised that county lands near the Old Drummond Grade have squatters, people who have been living on county land for approximately one year or longer. Terry Gydesen would like to see a registration process. Terry Gydesen shared similar concerns and the experience of changing traveling routes to avoid problematic behavior of the people who are currently squatting on county lands longer than a normal amount of time for camping. Other public comments received included suggestions that people must be AWARE of the rules such as length of stay and fire specifications. Another suggestion is that educational materials could be distributed. One suggestion was to require an annual permit to camp on county land at no cost but they need to be held responsible for knowing those rules and suffer some consequence if they break any of them. Discussion included that the people making these long-term camping choices should not ruin it for the rest of the public. Concerns about human waste were discussed, as well as fire restrictions, and being good stewards of the lands. There are permitted uses of county land that do not need a permit. The ordinance would place time limits on camping. Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve thanked attendees for their comments.
Interim County Attorney Lara Nygaard advised that the proposed Ordinance mirrors the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) rules. Attorney Nygaard discussed how the proposed Ordinance addresses trespass and provides the County the ability to confiscate abandoned property. The Sheriff’s Office and the Land Department can address and enforce. Land Commissioner Nate Eide discussed examples of other counties in similar situations. We are not alone in this issue. Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler was also present and contributed to the discussion. Lake County is reacting to multiple abuses that are occurring now.
Lake County constituent Tanya Bruzek inquired about when the ordinance, if adopted, would take effect. Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston advised that it would be effective upon publication, as indicated in governing statutes.
The public hearing was closed at 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The motion for adoption of the Ordinance will be reflected in the County Board of Commissioners meeting minutes of Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Northshore Journal: September 11, 2026
