1 January 2010 Gem Lake News - Laserfiche WebLink

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Gem Lake News Page 2 of 6 Chuck Watson Resigns From City Council "I am also really proud of the fact that I never lost track of who I was working for on the council. None of us did. It never became a personal agenda," said Chuck. "I tried hard to always remember that we represented the betterment of the entire community." Being on the council is hard work, added Chuck, but it can also be very rewarding. It was very difficult for him to reach the decision to walk away from it. "I feel it was the only fair thing to do. My work responsibilities have changed and I can't count on being able to spend the time I , need on city council matters, let alone attend the required meetings." Chuck was recently promoted by DeWALT Tools and is spearheading a new concept within the company that focuses more on end users. Nearly 20 years as a resident of Gem Lake have left him with a profound respect for this beautiful area. He intends to remain involved in community matters, as time allows, and does not rule out a run for office again in the future. Resident Preserves Gem Lake Land retained ownership of several land- locked parcels and also kept in touch with events and development in the area. Recently Murphy sold one of her remaining parcels to the Gardners, who she felt shared her love for Gem Lake and would be good stewards of the land. This parcel adjoined the Gardners existing property and was about seven acres in size. It is now part of the 26 acres for which a conservation easement has been given to the Minnesota Land Trust. The entire land parcel consists of approximately seven acres of forest, seven acres of open water, eight acres of wetland and four acres of meadow. The land offers significant habitat for a variety of fish, wildlife and plants, including waterfowl and other birds. The Gardners say they have personally observed over 200 species of birds and 20 varieties of animals on, or near, the property. The undeveloped shoreline along Gem Lake helps maintain the water quality of the lake and provides near-shore habitat for a variety of aquatic plants and animals. Additionally, the open and natural character of the property provides scenic views from Highway 61, providing variety and contrast to the commercial development in the surrounding area. The northern portion of the land dedication has been identified as a regionally significant ecological area by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The conservation easement lasts forever and will prevent development or significant change on the affected property. The Gardners house and the five acres surrounding it are excluded from the terms of the easement. In addition to the knowledge that they have preserved habitat for all time, the Gardners are allowed to take a tax credit for a charitable donation on the value of part of their land. The methods for determining the amount allowed for the donation are complex and have to do with the value of the land before and after the easement was granted. They can spread the whole amount of the donation over the course of several years. "Regardless of tax credit, we simply wanted to do this. It was very important to Leslie and I to have a permanent area for the wildlife that lives here."