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Hubbard County Board Approves Conditional Use Permit for Akeley Campground

The Hubbard County Board has approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for McGregors’ Tree Patch RV Campground in Akeley, establishing 10 conditions for its operation. 

The decision, made during the board’s January 7 meeting, followed a recommendation from the county’s planning commission after a December 16, 2024, hearing.

Fred and Laurie McGregor, owners of the campground on 11th Crow Wing Lake, had previously received a CUP in 2021 but did not meet its initial six conditions or obtain an operating permit. 

Hubbard County Environmental Services Office (ESO) Director Eric Buitenwerf explained that the original CUP was voided due to a two-year sunset clause. This required the McGregors to reapply with minor adjustments. 

“This led to them applying essentially for the same thing with a few minor tweaks,” Buitenwerf told Park Rapids Enterprise.

Since the initial permit, the McGregors have added city water and sewer lines and poured a concrete slab for a planned bathroom, shower house, and shelter. However, the slab was poured without a permit. They assured the planning commission that the bathroom facilities would be completed by spring 2025.

During the December hearing, Akeley City Clerk Kristi Kath highlighted issues with the campground’s past operations. 

“It was operating without a licensure. It did not contain just RVs; it contained tents. It had no restroom or shower facilities, so those occupants were coming down to our campground and using our facilities, disrupting our campers, and trying to use our docks,” Kath stated. 

She emphasized the importance of meeting all conditions before reopening.

The McGregors acknowledged an incident involving tent campers that was addressed by Akeley Police Chief Jimmy Hansen. Laurie McGregor said they asked the campers to leave following Hansen’s advice. 

County Commissioner Steve Keranen noted that the McGregors appeared to misunderstand the permitting process but reiterated the importance of compliance moving forward.

The approved CUP allows the campground to operate from April 1 to November 1 and requires the enforcement of quiet hours. It also limits certain campsite structures, including one deck or platform per site, and mandates a land use permit for any such additions.

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: Hubbard County Board Approves Conditional Use Permit for Akeley Campground! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/minnesota/hubbard-county-board-approves-conditional-use-permit-for-akeley-campground/