From Cook County MN Land Services - March 19, 2021

The March 26 deadline to apply for the Passion Pit committee is quickly approaching.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners is seeking members of the public to serve on the committee, which will assist them in determining whether the County should acquire a MN DOT parcel east of Grand Marais, locally known as the Passion Pit. The Passion Pit area located off of the Old Shore Road has been used by local residents and tourists as an access to a small beach on Lake Superior, however MN DOT is considering selling its parcel to either a local unit of government or to a private party. There has been some interest expressed in maintaining the property in public ownership due to its historic connection with the old Chippewa City area and heritage, and as a local access to the beach.

The 11-member committee will consist of local government, parks and trails and historical society membership, and members of the public to run through a deliberative and public process. Of the members from the public, the Commissioners are hoping to gain representation from residents of the immediate area as well as from the overall community at large, and from Grand Portage and historic Chippewa City family descendants. The Board of Commissioners welcomes a diversity of perspectives regarding the disposition of the MN DOT parcel.  

This Passion Pit committee has been set up for a 12-month period of time that would start from its first meeting date, which is anticipated to take place in late April or early May. Applications will be accepted from the public for one more week until 5 p.m., Friday, March 26, and may be dropped off at the Cook County Courthouse, emailed to: [email protected] or mailed to: Cook County Land Services to 411 W 2nd St. Grand Marais, MN 55604.

For an application you may visit our website at www.co.cook.mn.us or you may contact the Cook County Land Services Department at 218-387-3630 for an application or if you have any questions.