Friends of Gull Lake is a neighborhood advocacy group made up of residents and visitors who cherish this unique lake. We care deeply about responsible land use and the protection of Gull Lake’s shoreline, wetlands, and contributory waterways. By working together, we give the community a voice in decisions that affect the lake’s future.

A developer has proposed a 115 acre subdivision on the southern part of Wilson Bay know as Barefoot Bay.  Annexation request into East Gull Lake failed so Cass County is the current jurisdiction. The plan includes:

• Requested removal/adjustment of large wetland conservation easement
• Off-lake water access for 79 homes (6 riparian and 73 non-riparian lots)
• Boat launch for private use of development residents (Traffic, safety and invasion species concerns)
• 36 boat slips (comprised of permanent and temporary)
• Proposed dry dock warehouse (could exceed 100+ boats)
• Potential for short-term rentals
• Marina Amenities
• Trail and boardwalk which will traverse bluffs, steep slopes and wetlands adjacent to lake
• Swimming Beach with Picnic Area (Extensive Noise Pollution and Safety Concerns)
• Extensive Amenity Center (includes putting greens, tennis/pickleball courts)

This project is one of the most ambitious subdivision plans ever proposed on Gull Lake.  This lake as listed as a lake of outstanding biological significance and it demands careful public review.

Development of this scale has major environmental and community ramifications. Wilson Bay and specifically Barefoot Bay is a small, ecologically sensitive area essential for fish spawning, forested bluffs, wetlands and wild life habitat. Mistakes are likely irreparable, this development requires a comprehensive review and analysis.

Gull Lake is designated as a Lake of Outstanding Biological Significance by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lakes of Biological Significance Program (LBS). This is the highest class a lake can receive as part of the LBS program. In Minnesota, a LBS is a designation assigned by the DNR to lakes that exhibit exceptional ecological integrity and support rare or high-quality biological communities. These lakes are identified through rigorous biological assessments that evaluate the presence and condition of aquatic plants, fish, herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles), and avian species. The proposed development introduce several environmental and regulatory concerns, particularly given Gull Lake’s designation as a LBS.

Cass County’s Land Use Ordinance and Minnesota DNR shoreland guidance are both clear in their intent: to limit lake access for non-riparian lots and to reduce development pressure beyond the first tier of the shoreland zone. The proposed development has only 6 of the 79 lots in the first tier and thus the request for the 6 permanent dock slips. The addition 30 temporary slips for all 79 lots to jointly use is not supported by Cass County or DNR shoreland guidance and is a complete overreach. Combined with the proposed resort like amenities which include a boat launch, board walk, trail system, picnic area and beach – this request is fundamentally different from how the surrounding area has been developed. It also conflicts with both the plain language and the intent of the state model shoreland rules and the Cass County Land Use Ordinance. The resulting impact on this ecologically sensitive area of Gull Lake would be devastating and forever change the natural beauty and ecology of Barefoot Bay.

Other concerns include:

• Projected weekend watercraft increase: 100+ per day (including kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables, etc.), representing a 350% rise in traffic in this small bay.
• A private boat ramp is unnecessary — a public ramp already exists just a few miles away.
• The private ramp raises serious environmental, safety, and traffic concerns.
• Full environmental and cultural review is needed for the entire project (200+ units across 200+ acres), not just one phase.
• Developer plans to request revocation or adjustment of an existing recorded wetland conservation easement.
• County citations for unpermitted tree clearing show careless disregard by the developer/owner.
• The project’s environmental impact and financial feasibility require thorough study.
• Why abandon the recently approved, lower-impact subdivision plan?

Friends of Gull Lake believes the community deserves more time, more transparency, and more say in how this land is developed.