FOR ALL PARK POINTERS SCOURING THE BEACH FOR METAL SHARDS Since shortly after the beach nourishment project of 2020, variably sized metallic shards have been identified on the beach.  We know that wave and wind action has caused some of these shards to migrate south from the initial nourishment site.  We want to document how much is continuing to migrate and to what extent migration has occurred.  We also wish to document the presence of shards on the entire Minnesota Point because it appears that shards may have been introduced during beach nourishment on the south end of Minnesota Point in 2019 and possibly migrated north.
When cans & can shards are positively identified please do the following: take a picture, preferably with some sort of measuring device to  allow perspective, send a copy of the picture (in “large” or ”actual size” mode) to Gale Kerns (ggkerns@mac.com), and include the location of the finding, the date, and name of finder. Please put the cans/shards into a plastic bag and deliver them to Hamilton Smith’s home at  1620 Minnesota Ave, and place in the porch. Please label with date and location where collected. Gale will, initially, configure the information and send the results to the High Water and Erosion committee, The Park Point Community Club, the City of Duluth, and the US Army Corps of Engineers weekly. For those regular beach walkers, should you go for a period of time without finding shards, could you please advise Gale Kerns of that as well
The goal is to attempt to determine how much, how far, and how often the migration of cans and shards is taking place. The USACE will be implementing a system to remove the metal cans and shards from the beach and warning signs will be posted soon.

Thank You
The High Water and Erosion Committee and the PPCC

Events Canceled due to Pandemic Concerns, Constraints and Unknowns

• Park Point Rummage Sale 2021 Canceled
• Park Point Art Fair 2021 Canceled~ 50th PP Art Fair in 2022!
• Park Point Summer Youth Program 2021- Canceled- See you next year! Email parkpointcc@gmail.com if you would like to join the youth program and start planning for 2022

Looking for a Park Point Youth Program?

Check out Duluth Superior Sailing Association for sailing camps for kids aged 7-16 starting on July 12th, Call 218-260-0961 to register, www.sailingforall.org “The mission of the Duluth-Superior Sailing Association is to offer the joy of sailing to the entire Duluth-Superior community, regardless of skill level, physical capabilities, or financial means.”

If you would like to join the meeting tonight, email the club president, parkpointcc@gmail.com before 6pm.

• Clean Water Act 401 Water Quality Certifications

DNT Article by Peter Passi on Shredded Cans on Beach

Club Recommendations for 2021 and beyond, revised 3.15.21

The Park Point Community Club supports these recommendations as stated below:

Because the erosion situation on Park Point, especially in the area between 9th and 13th streets, poses an emergency level of risk of storm damage, we strongly encourage the City of Duluth and USACE to complete the beach nourishment project in 2021. The following recommendations aim to mitigate issues experienced this year:

1. The USACE deposits up to 100,000 cubic yards of MPCA-approved dredge materials on the beach from 9th to 13th streets in 2021.

2. Prior to the beach nourishment application in 2021, the USACE will study and report back to the City of Duluth, Park Point Community Club and the PPCC EHWC their findings on the cause of the crushed aluminum and what will be done to avoid a repeat of that problem. 

3. Prior to the beach nourishment application in 2021 a concerted education effort will be undertaken by the USACE, the City of Duluth, and the Park Point Community Club on the nature of the beach nourishment project, what is to be expected, and what residents can do to mitigate temporary effects during the application of new beach materials.

4. Dredged materials considered for continued beach nourishment will undergo detailed analysis for suitability before they are placed on the beach. The USACE’s sediment sampling plan must demonstrate state water quality standards for Lake Superior will not be exceeded. During the application of new beach materials in 2021, the City of Duluth and PPCC will request MPCA require constant monitoring of the lake and discharged materials for the presence of any harmful components. If harmful components are found in the discharge, the USACE will take steps to remove or treat them.

5. If there are remaining dredge materials, they are placed on the south end of Minnesota Point (Lake Superior side) to protect the old growth pine forest including the scientific and natural areas. 

3/16 Meeting Agenda:

a. Call to Order

b. Presentation and action on the minutes of the previous meeting

c. Presentation and action on the treasurer’s report

d. Reading of all communications received

e. Report of the Committees of the Club: Youth, Art Fair, Breeze, Hospitality, Executive, Program, Sunshine, Environmental,
Watch:

• Report from MP50 (long range strategic planning for MN Point), Paul Treuer, chairperson

• Report from PP Erosion and High Water Committee, Hamilton Smith, chairperson- Cans and shards on beach – clean up effort & process- how you can help

f. Discussion and action on unfinished business

• Pat Sterner and Rory Strange on Neighborhood Watch and Traffic and Safety Initiatives
• Lafayette user fee, including club activities

g. Discussion and action on new business

• Resolution to support the purchase of a replacement surf rescue board,  Bob Pokorney of the Park Point Volunteer Surf Rescue at the S-Curve

h. Adjournment

More info: Park Point Volunteer Surf Rescue on facebook

From Bob. P: Since we started lifeguarding at 12th street in 2013, our volunteers have spent more than 100 full days on the sand. We make beach observations every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and by communicating with the National Weather Service (who in turn informs the Fire Department) have corrected the flag color and safety level more than 25 times. Our lifeguards have had hundreds of conversations about Lake Superior Safety with beachgoers, provided first aid to visitors, and made three water rescues to swimmers in distress. We have had no fatalities at the S-Curve since our group was formed. In addition, we pick up trash, encourage visitors to use garbage cans, and remind people of the alcohol regulations in the park. As you may recall, we operate as a volunteer program of the Duluth Family YMCA, and collaborate with the Twin Ports Rip Current Work Group. 

February 2021 Breeze

PPCC Zoom Meeting 7:00pm on Tuesday 2/16/2021- watch your email for a link, email Dawn Buck, parkpointcc@gmail.com, if you need a 2021 membership form and to add your email address to the Neighborhood List to receive information on events, alerts, opportunities & more.

On the agenda for tonight:

Updates on Park Point Traffic Safety Initiative, Pat Sterner, Summer Youth Program discussion update, Art Fair & Rummage Sale- to 2022, City Tree Trimming south of Beach House & more

Hello Neighbors,

Watch for an email with a survey, thank you in advance for your feedback.

Here are the notes from the January 19 meeting with Mike Tusken, Chad Nagorski and Nick Lukovsky of the DPD:

Jan. 22 Cans on the beach press release from the USACE & City of Duluth & PPCC

Two Park Point Community Club Meetings: Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Register Here

5:30pm Park Point Safety Meeting: Traffic Concerns, Speeding, Passing & Needs on Park Point

Zoom meeting with Mike Tusken of the Duluth Police Dept.: Moving forward with a plan improving safety and the perception of safety on Park Point.  

Facilitator:  Pat Sterner

MEETING PURPOSE:

To discuss Traffic Safety Concerns on Park Point with the goal of identifying — in collaboration with the Duluth PD — reasonable solutions to mitigating the speeding and reckless driving occurring on Park Point. 

AGENDA

Welcome Dawn Buck, PPCC President

Opening Remarks Pat Sterner

Update from Duluth PD Chief Mike Tusken

Discussion: Possible Solutions* All

*To include how PP residents might assist through a Neighborhood Watch effort (record violations, track speeds, etc.).

Next Steps Chief Tusken, Dawn Buck, Pat Sterner

Adjourn Dawn Buck

Park Point Quality of Life Report from 2003

7:00pm Park Point Community Club Meeting, pour a beverage and share your best story of 2020 and your ideas on 2021

JANUARY 2021 BREEZE

a. Call to Order

b. Presentation and action on the minutes of the previous meeting

c. Presentation and action on the treasurer’s report

d. Reading of all communications received

e. Report of the Committees: Watch– note of concern at Lafayette re. snowboarders, safety and damage to park property

Art Fair, Breeze, Executive, Rummage Sale, Youth, Sunshine, Environmental, Program, Hospitality

f. Discussion and action on unfinished business

g. Discussion and action on new business

h. Adjournment

1.12.2021 via Zoom PP EHWC Meeting with Presentation by USACE, Hamilton Smith, chairperson

PDF of presentation by Melissa Bosman, USACE

Zoom Presentation

MPCA letter re. Human Health Risk Assessment for 2020 North End of MN Point

MPCA Note on 2019 Minnesota Point South End Beach Nourishment Project

Guest Attendee List: USACE , MPCA,  City of Duluth , Duluth Seaway Port Authority

  Corey Westin , PE – USACE Duluth  Chief of Construction

  Steve Brossart, PE – USACE Duluth  Area Engineer

  Kevin Meyer, Ph.D. – USACE  Detroit District Biologist

  Josh Hackey, PE USACE – Detroit District, Chief of Technical services Branch

  Melissa Bosman, USACE Detroit District Project manager

  Joe Kreitinger Ph.D., – U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory, Environmental Toxicologist

  Karen Keil, Ph.D., USACE, Buffalo District, Environmental Toxicologist

  Jeff Stollenwerk – Duluth Seaway Port Authority, Director of government and Environmental Affairs

  Anna Hotz MPCA  Supervisor, Agency Rule Unit {includes 401 program}

  Kevin Mally MPCA  401 Project manager for AOC projects

  Phil Monson MPCA  Water Quality standards and Risk Assessment

  Jim Filby Williams  City of Duluth  Director of Parks Libraries and Properties

 Diane Desotelle  City of Duluth  Natural Resources

The Park Point Community Club supports the recommendations that the EHWC is proposing as stated below:

Because the erosion situation on Park Point, especially in the area between 9th and 13th streets, poses an emergency level of risk of storm damage, we strongly encourage the City of Duluth and USACE to complete the beach nourishment project in 2021. The following recommendations aim to mitigate issues experienced this year:

1. The USACE deposits up to 100,000 cubic yards of MPCA-approved dredge materials on the beach from 9th to 13th streets in 2021.

2. Prior to the beach nourishment application in 2021, the USACE will study and report back to the City of Duluth, Park Point Community Club and the PPCC EHWC their findings on the cause of the crushed aluminum and what will be done to avoid a repeat of that problem. 

3. Prior to the beach nourishment application in 2021 a concerted education effort will be undertaken by the USACE, the City of Duluth, and the Park Point Community Club on the nature of the beach nourishment project, what is to be expected, and what residents can do to mitigate temporary effects during the application of new beach materials.

4. Dredged materials considered for continued beach nourishment will undergo detailed analysis for suitability before they are placed on the beach. The USACE’s sediment sampling plan must meet MPCA requirements. During the application of new beach materials in 2021, the City of Duluth, the USACE, and PPCC will work together to monitor the materials for the presence of unwanted components.  If unwanted components are found on the beach, the USACE will take steps to remove them.

5. If there are remaining dredge materials, they are placed on the south end of Minnesota Point (Lake Superior side) to protect the old growth pine forest including the scientific and natural areas.
   

Description of the 2020 Beach Nourishment Project from the USACE

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Summary of 2020 Park Point Project

PPCC Erosion & High Water Committee Recommendations for 2021

Summary of Feedback Collected by the PPCC EHWC as requested

11.3 UPDATE ON LAKE SUPERIOR OUTFLOWS AND EXPECTED CONDITIONS

December 2020 Breeze

12.9.2020 letter supporting EHWC recommendations which include feedback from membership

Looking ahead 1/19/2021 Zoom Meeting, details to follow

5:30pm Improving Safety on Park Point, Mike Tusken, Duluth Police Dept.

Updates from last meeting:

PPCC EHW Committee members walked the beach on Thursday 11/19 to check on hazards post restoration project, report here. Hamilton Smith, chairperson, contacted the USACE and the City of Duluth to see who would be willing to join the committee members and neighbor on the site tour.

Register here for the meeting & you will receive the link in your email.

Follow the following Order of Business

a. Call to Order

b. Presentation and action on the minutes of the previous meeting

c. Presentation and action on the treasurer’s report

d. Reading of all communications received

e. Report of the Committees: Watch, Art Fair, Breeze, Executive, Rummage Sale, Youth, Sunshine, Environmental, Program, Hospitality

f. Discussion and action on unfinished business

g. Discussion and action on new business

h. (Biannual Meeting) Election of Officers

i. Adjournment

November 2020 Breeze

October 2020 Breeze

Letter to Neighbors who had dredge material added to beach in 2020

Letter to Neighbors who are in the zone for dredge materials on beach in 2021

Change of Venue Petition – fyi

Greater Duluth Business Association starts petition to
Say “No” to George Floyd Trial in Duluth / St. Louis County, MN

Recently, Fox 9 News out of the Twin Cities, reported that all four defense teams have filed a motion to move the George Floyd trial out of Hennepin County due to jury concerns. The attorney for Thao has recommended the trial should be held in St. Louis County.  While the trial could financially recoup some lost income due to COVID-19 for the tourism industry with an influx of national media, it also brings the possibility of violent protests, as seen in Minneapolis this summer.

St. Louis County has two courthouses, one in Hibbing and one in Duluth.  Hibbing does not have the ability to easily accommodate the needs of, what we assume would be, 100s of national media personnel and potentially 1,000s of spectators, supporters, and protestors attending this trial. This would make Duluth the only logical location for the trial if held in St. Louis County, but the city would be greatly pressed to accommodate the number of people attending what could easily be a lengthy trial.

The Greater Duluth Business Association has created this petition to give the citizens of St. Louis County a voice on this critical decision, out of concern for the safety of our citizens, property owners and business community.

“We have all seen the devastation of the riots in the Twin Cities this summer with more than 400 businesses damaged and rebuilding costs estimated at more than $500 million,” explained Greater Duluth Business Association Board Member, Beth Wentzlaff.  “There is a very real potential for the protests to turn into violence as they did in Minneapolis. Is this a risk our citizens are willing to take in our already financially challenged region?”

Other counties, like Clay County, have spoken out against the trial being moved to their community. The Greater Duluth Business Association feels business owners and citizens of Duluth should have the right to voice their opinion on this issue. The petition created by the Association is a plea to Mayor Emily Larson, Police Chief Mike Tusken, and the Duluth City Council to let George Floyd Trial Judge, Peter Cahill, know that having this trial in Duluth would put too much at risk.

The petition can be found here: http://chng.it/VHJCBmzNk6

For more information please contact:
Greater Duluth Business Association
policy@greaterduluthbiz.comas no such plans.)

September 15, 2020

Hello Neighbors,

Here is a letter to use to communicate concerns to City leaders as reported in the September Breeze.

Copy and paste the text into an email(the email addresses are on the letter) or print out, sign and mail to Mayor Larson.

Thank you and stay tuned for updates on the meeting date for the community dialogue.

Request to Mayor Larson re. safety on Park Point Fall 2020

September 2020 Breeze

For more information, please contact:

For guidance regarding potential disruption of plants: DNR Regional Plant Ecologist, Brooke Haworth, brooke.haworth@state.mn.us.

Duluth Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) CISMA Coordinator, Lori Seele, lori@stewardshipnetwork.org https://www.facebook.com/DuluthCISMA/

Questions regarding public property and shoreland alterations: City of Duluth Planning Department, Kyle Deming, kdeming@duluthmn.gov

For inquiries related to public waters permitting and construction adjacent to Lake Superior: DNR Area Hydrologist, Patricia Fowler, patricia.fowler@state.mn.us

Park Point Erosion and High Water Committee Meetings & Documents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roen Salvage Co.  is doing the work.

 

Video

 

Work begins to heal Park Point’s shoreline in the DNT