Willmar, MN, September 13, 2023 — Today, locally-based organization CURE submitted a petition with 376 signatures to the Kandiyohi County Commissioners calling for robust environmental review of the proposed Tepetonka Golf Course. The local community has broadly opposed the proposed golf course, and many area residents are calling for further environmental review. The Tepetonka project submitted a completed Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) to Kandiyohi County on August 8, and the public comment period concluded on September 7. Kandiyohi County can further review the proposed project through the Environmental Impact Statement Process if it finds that the proposed project has the potential for significant environmental effects.
Longtime local residents and community and faith leaders are crystal clear about the need for a robust environmental review:
“It would be a shame for the land surrounding Shakopee Creek to be destroyed at no benefit to the community. This unique landscape biodiversity deserves to be conserved and enjoyed by the public,” said David Lais, retired state employee and longtime Sibley State Park Manager.
“We have an obligation to future generations to perform an extensive and thorough environmental review of major developments in our county. It’s clear that after the Environmental Assessment Worksheet, further review is needed,” said Dave Pederson, retired environmental learning center Executive Director.
“The Environmental Assessment Worksheet confirms what everyone has known for years, that this project would be a disaster for our local community and environment as well as those downstream,” said Kathy Hartley, semi-retired pastor and CURE Board member.
“The Environmental Assessment Worksheet doesn’t provide enough information about the potential downstream impacts of the proposed project,” said Sarah Mooradian, Government Relations and Policy Director at CURE. “An Environmental Impact Statement will allow the County, the public, and the proposers to understand better how a 228-acre golf course might impact the community’s resources—especially its surface and groundwater.”
The Kandiyohi County Planning and Zoning Commission will review the EAW in the coming weeks and make a recommendation to the County Commission. Concerned residents can make their voices heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the County Commission. The Environmental Impact Statement process provides a full analysis of the impacts and alternatives to a proposed project, often resulting in smarter and better projects that communities support rather than forcing through projects without community input.
CURE is rural-based, with staff across Minnesota. CURE knows rural people, lands, and ecosystems are vital to helping solve some of the biggest problems Minnesota and the country face. We help to tell the story of a vibrant rural future, lift-up people to lead, and work for policies and laws to make a better future possible for everyone.
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