Town of Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan (306-11-07)

Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program MLSCP Project No.
306-11-07
Contract Number: A78936
Final Report Date Received: 1/31/07
Project Title: Town of Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan
Project Start Date: August 25, 2005
Reporting Period From: August 25, 2005 To: December 31, 2006
Name and Title of Person Completing Report: Wendy Langanki, Clerk
Introduction: The Town of Silver Creek entered into the Comprehensive Plan process in
response to concerns expressed by residents at focus group meetings during the
development of the Community Action Plan where a vision began to be established for
the Town. The Comprehensive Plan sought to achieve the community’s vision of
preservation of the historical and cultural rural characteristic of the town, guiding and
controlling development thereby minimizing negative environmental impact, and
reserving our natural resources for future generations to enjoy, through goals and actions
steps. The Plan also examined concerns about transportation, recreation, wastewater,
utilities, economic development, natural resources, housing, and public facilities.
Work Completed: The Town of Silver Creek solicited volunteers to serve on the
steering committee through the newsletter and by phone to create a broad representation
of backgrounds and interests on the committee. Request for proposals were sent out to
planning consultants. Proposals were opened October 4th. Request for proposals were
reviewed and two applicants interviewed. Subsequently Andy Hubley, ARDC, was hired
to assist the township in the comprehensive plan process. On February 23rd the first
steering committee meeting was held. The work plan was reviewed. Chair and Vice Chair
of the committee were appointed. Various ordinances were reviewed, and issues to be
addressed in the plan were discussed. March 23rd was the second meeting of the
committee. At this meeting community assets were identified. As assets were stated, the
group was asked to describe the threats to those assets. Through this process the
committee began to identify issues that need to be addressed in the Comprehensive Plan.
The steering committee continued to meet each month to identify issues and solutions.
The draft comprehensive plan was then reviewed by the steering committee in July and
August.
The draft plan was presented to the community on September 21. All comments were
recorded and were addressed at the October steering committee meeting. The draft
comprehensive plan was amended as needed following public input. Andy Hubley
presented the amended draft to the town board on December 19th for any final revisions
and approval. Copies will be made available to the public upon completion of final
approved comprehensive plan.
Results: The final result is a comprehensive plan for the township. The town will use the
plan for future planning and development in the township. Through the planning process,
residents were able to have input and chart their own course regarding the future of the
township and therefore their personal future as well. All property owners and visitors
benefit from this plan as it addresses concerns expressed and provides community
satisfaction regarding growth and development, preserves quality of life, and protects the
environment, historical, and cultural resources of the area. The comp plan addresses
wastewater and water quality issues, which help prevent further degradation of coastal
recourses.
The Town Board will be holding an inter-jurisdictional meeting with Lake County and
City of Two Harbors to present the plan to the attendees and describe the
recommendations that directly correlate with each entity.
Conclusions: As a final note; one thing that was reinforced to the Town Board through
this process was the diversity of our township. Since Silver Creek is so large we have
very different concerns in the varying areas of the town. Property owners in the more
remote areas of the township have very different concerns than people living on the
shores of Lake Superior or those living along the Hwy 2 and Hwy 3 corridors. Residents
are very passionate about their personal causes and want to see those specific issues
moved forward.
SILVER CREEK
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Town of Silver Creek, Minnesota
December 2006
Developed by the Town of Silver Creek with

assistance from the Arrowhead Regional
Development Commission and with funding
from Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program
Town of Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan
Adopted by:
The Town of Silver Creek
2006 Town Board of Supervisors:

Mike Hoops
John Lind
Rich Sve
Wendy Langanki, Clerk
Proposed by:
Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
Darren Williams, Chair
Karen Erickson, Vice-Chair
Dick Cooter
John Eaton
Jon Fogelberg
Jamie Juenemann
Jennifer Lee Havlick
LeRoger Lind
Jim McDannold, Jr.
Jamie MacFarlane
Kay McGivern
Tom McGregor
Matt Miller
Dan Pierce
Gary Sherburne
Kyle Weidman
Prepared by:
Arrowhead Regional Development Commission
John R. Chell, Executive Director
This project was funded in part under the Coastal Zone Management Act, by
NOAA's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management in conjunction with
Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program and by local units of government of
the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction .....................................................................1

Project History and Planning Process ..................................1
Town History ........................................................................2
Town Demographics ............................................................3
Section 2: Transportation .................................................................7

Summary ..............................................................................7
Assets, Threats, and Recommendations .............................7
Section 3: Recreation.......................................................................11
Summary ..............................................................................11
Section 4: Wastewater .....................................................................15

Summary ..............................................................................15
Section 5: Economics.......................................................................19
Summary ..............................................................................19
Section 6: Lake Superior Land Use .................................................23

Summary ..............................................................................23
Section 7: North Shore Ridgeline Land Use ....................................25

Summary ..............................................................................25
Section 8: Inland Land Use ..............................................................29

Summary ..............................................................................29
Section 9: Community Life ...............................................................33

Summary ..............................................................................29
Appendix A: Current Planning and Zoning.......................................39

Castle Danger ......................................................................39
Lake County .........................................................................39
North Shore Management Plan............................................43
Appendix B: Annexation Statement .................................................45
Appendix C: Public Input..................................................................47
Appendix D: Intergovernmental Meeting Summary .........................49
Appendix E: What is ARDC? What is the Coastal Program?..........51
Appendix F: Implementation Checklist.............................................53

Table of Figures
Figure 1: Map of the Town of Silver Creek...........................6

Figure 2: TH 61 Shoulder Width...........................................7
Figure 3: Bypass Lane .........................................................10
Figure 4: Proposed 40-Acre Zoning Map .............................34
Figure 5: Castle Danger Zoning ...........................................39
Figure 6: Lake County Zoning ..............................................42
List of Tables
Table 1: Demographic Data .................................................4

Table 2: Lake County Zoning Districts .................................40
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The Town of Silver Creek is located in southern Lake County on the North Shore
of Lake Superior in the Arrowhead Region of northeastern Minnesota. Generally
rural in nature, Silver Creek is seeing significant changes in development
patterns as more residences are being built along the North Shore of Lake
Superior and on inland forest properties.
The Town relies on Lake County to administer most of the zoning regulations in
Silver Creek. The Town Board does handle zoning for a small section of the
Town called Castle Danger. Castle Danger is located on Lake Superior in the
southeast quadrant of Silver Creek. Castle Danger is the most highly developed
area of the Town. It has nearly 120 residences (45 full-time residents) and 6
businesses in an approximate 1044-acre area. Many of those residences and
businesses are participants in a cluster-type wastewater treatment system that
allows the higher density development to occur without pollution from individual
sewage treatment systems that were hard to place in this area of minimal and
poor soils.
Project Purpose
The Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan is intended to set and implement the
Town’s vision for itself over the course of the next 20 years.
Project History
In November of 2004, the Silver Creek Town Board accepted the Town of Silver
Creek Community Action Plan1. This document summarized a series of focus
group meetings that asked citizens what their thoughts and concerns were for the
Town into the future. The Board wanted to use the meetings to create a shared
vision for the community. The document includes a brief history of Silver Creek,
demographic information, and a summary of the focus group meetings organized
by themes. At the end of the planning process the meeting attendees indicated
that they would like to see a Comprehensive Plan and a Town newsletter.
In the spring of 2005 the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC-

see Appendix C) met with the Town Board as part of ARDC’s efforts to
implement the North Shore Management Plan. As part of that effort ARDC
concurred that the Town Board should proceed with a Comprehensive Plan. The
Town Board contracted with ARDC to facilitate the planning process in February
2006.
ARDC uses a basic format for completing Comprehensive Plans. The steps are:
A. Background Development
B. Vision Development
C. Issue Identification
D. Recommendation Development
E. Implementation & Publishing
1
Town of Silver Creek-Visioning Report-November 15, 2005-Falcon Consulting, funded through
Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program
1
Since the Community Action Plan was so recently completed, ARDC and Town
Board agreed that the Background Development and Vision Development would
be minimized for this planning process.
In January 2006 the Town Board sent out applications to participate on a Silver
Creek Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee. The application (see
Appendix B) asked interested individuals to answer questions about why they
wanted to participate as well as optional questions regarding their age, how long
they have lived in Silver Creek, and the issues in which they were most
interested.
In February 2006 ARDC met with the Town Board to review the project’s work
plan and to determine the Steering Committee Membership. Since the returned
applications numbered right at the Town’s desired number of participants, all
applications were accepted.
Darren Williams was elected Chair and Karen Erickson was elected Vice-Chair of
the Steering Committee, which met in February, March, April, May, June, July,
and August of 2006. The Committee worked on issue identification,
recommendation development, organization of the public meeting, and
development of final document.
The public meeting was held on September 21, 2006 in the Silver Creek Town
Hall. The intent of the meeting was to present the process, the issues, and the
recommendations to those people in the Town that did not participate on the
Steering Committee. More information on the public input process for this Plan
can be found in Appendix B.
A Brief History of Silver Creek

The following information originally appeared in the Town of Silver Creek
Community Action Plan2, and is being used with the permission of the Silver
Creek Town Board and Falcon Consulting.
Silver Creek was first settled in 1890 by two different families, Henry Clark and
Ole Wick. (There are some differences in the various historical reports.) The first
white child born in Silver Creek was Campman Anderson in 1897, although there
were Native American families who had been in the area prior to the arrival of
White settlers. The number of immigrant families grew slowly until there were
about 20 families by 1905. That was the year the first town meeting was held.
The area was initially characterized by logging because farming was not as easy
in the woods as on the plains, as well as fishing along the shore of Lake
Superior. In order to come to Silver Creek, one either came by boat or along a
trail from Two Harbors. In the wintertime, the mail was carried up and down the
2
2
North Shore by Chief Bear Grease and his five-dog team. In 1920, the Castle
Danger road was completed. Then in 1924-25, Highway 61 came through.
The first school in Silver Creek was founded in 1895. In the early years, it was
tough because the students spoke Swedish and the teachers did not, so children
were often disciplined for not understanding and sent to the corners, which were
much colder in the winter. The first school in Castle Danger was built in 1903 as
a one-room log house. A new schoolhouse was erected in 1916, which is now
the main part of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. In 1905, the town allocated funds
to build a “pest house” for people with small pox. Sunday school was started in
1911 and the current town hall was built in 1914 (prior to that, residents used a
home which had been moved the current site).
[Note: Sometimes there is inflation, sometimes not. In 1905 an attorney was

retained for the Township and paid $30 a month and in 1976, the attorney was
still being paid $40 for the monthly meeting.]
In terms of the economics of the Township, some businesses and trades have
continued within the same families, while others have traded hands and others
have come and gone. Tourism is alive and well in the area with the recent
growth of fancier resorts as opposed to the old style cabins. The Linds who
originally settled in 1896 still operate cabins along the shore. There was concern
expressed during the focus groups that smaller old style resorts are being
threatened by the new larger developments.
Fishing in the area has also gone through different stages. First, commercial
fishing brought people to the shore. Up until 1944, there were 6 million pounds
of fish processed per season from the North Shore. Indeed, “in 1943 there were
240 commercial fishermen along the north shore between Duluth and Grand
Marais including Isle Royale . . . Today there are only about 30 commercial and
apprentice licenses issues in the entire area from Duluth to the Canadian border”
(Betty Lessard, Betty’s Pies Favorite Recipes, p.4) In the 1950s smelting became
incredibly popular and Betty’s pies had to stay open 24 hours a day to protect
their restaurant and surrounding buildings from fishermen seeking firewood. By
the 1970s and 80s the number of smelt were decreasing and so there are not as
many fishermen. Still, today in the spring, one can often drive along the lake and
see cars parked along Highway 61 and fishermen in the rivers flowing into Lake
Superior. In sum, after beginning as a large industry, fishing has become mostly
an individual and recreational activity.
Other economic endeavors have continued over the years. Betty’s Pies,
although it has gone through a host of name changes has been around since the
late 1920s. In 1977, wreath making was a big business and now today there are
still many small business owners in the area who make and use things from the
woods as well as other artistic creations.
Socially, the Silver Creek Ladies Aid began in 1911 and continues to this day. In
1976, Silver Creek honored the Bicentennial of the Township with an old-
3
fashioned town picnic. Several of those who came to the focus groups were
involved with this picnic.
In general the Township today can be characterized as a rural place where there
are many senior citizens, people who are commuting to work outside the
Township, and a smaller number of children. The main industry is tourism and
there are also quite a few small businesses within the Township’s borders as
well.
Demographics
The following information originally appeared in the Town of Silver Creek
Community Action Plan3, and is being used with the permission of the Silver
Creek Town Board and Falcon Consulting.
One of the unusual characteristics of Silver Creek is that it is the only area in the
County (Lake County), which did not experience a large population drop over the
past 35 years. Other surrounding areas including Beaver Bay, Silver Bay, and
Two Harbors have all had significant drops and are now back on the rise. Silver
Creek’s population had a small drop between the 1980s and 1990 but basically
remained at a fairly constant level.
The actual numbers are as follows:
1970 1980 1990 2000 Actual Percent

Population 923 1,175 1,097 1,178 81 7.38
Land Area (sq. mile) 298.70 294.58 294.86 294.83 -0.03 -0.01
Density (persons per sq. 3.09 3.99 3.72 4 0.28 7.40
mile)
Housing Units 475 682 904 984 80 8.85
Households -- 419 429 488 59 13.75
Persons per Household -- 2.80 2.56 2.41 -0.15-
5.75
Persons in Group -- 0 0 0 0 --
Quarters
Table 1: Demographic Data as listed in Town of Silver Creek Community Action Plan4
For 2002 the estimates are a population of 1,187, with 497 households (an
increase of about 2%). This indicates that the population of the Township is
continuing to slowly rise.
The most interesting fact which this chart shows is that while the population
increased by 2.4% from 1970 to the present, the housing units increased by over
107%.
3
4
4
In terms of permanent vs. seasonal residents, one seeks a striking find. Out of
the 984 units, 488 or 49.6 % are occupied, 435 are for seasonal, recreational or
occasional use (44.2%) and 6% are unoccupied. This is much higher than the
County as a whole, which averages only 27% of vocational, seasonal recreation
homes. Of those which are occupied, the vast majority 93% are owner occupied,
with only 7% being rented. 16% of the homes in County are rented.
In general, Silver Creek represents 1,178 people out of 11,058 residents of Lake
County or 10.65% of the county’s population. Out of the 1,178, the population is
roughly equal between males and females (609 or 52% are male and 569 or 48%
are female.) 98% of the population is White, with 1.5% being of two races,
namely American Indian and White. In general the residents from Silver Creek
are from the area, 80% are from Minnesota and 99% were born in the United
States. The three main ancestries in the Township are German (25%),
Norwegian (23%) and Swedish (24%).
In terms of age, the median age is 44. 79% of the population is over the age of
18, which is approximately the same as Lake County as a whole. Age-wise, the
number of households with individuals under the age of 18 are about the same
as those with people over the age of 65 (27.5 % households have individuals
under the age of 18 (134) and roughly the same number, 27.3% (133) have
someone over 65 years in age.)
If one looks at employment, the majority of people travel to work at some

distance. Only 21 people or 3.4 % worked at home. Only 5.5% are in the
farming, fishing and forestry occupations. This is lower than the county which is
10.6%, and higher than the state which is 2.6%. 21% are in education, health,
and social services, 18% are in manufacturing, and 14% are in arts,
entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services. Out of the
workers, 75% are salaried or wage workers, 16% are government and 9% are
self-employed. (This is as compared to 71% wage, 20% government and 8%
self-employed in the county.)
People in Silver Creek Township are in general somewhat better off than the
County. Median household income in the Township is $45,662 as opposed to
$40,402 for the county. In general there is little poverty in the Township - only 6
families (2%) are below the poverty line and only 34 individuals (3%) are below
this same line. (It is important to remember however that these numbers have
come from the US census and there are at times undercounts in their numbers,
especially among low-income people.)
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SECTION 2: TRANSPORTATION
The transportation system in Silver Creek

is an integral part of the Town. Trunk
Highway 61 is the most traveled roadway
and brings much traffic to and through the
area. Additionally, there are several other
county and township roads that form an
accessible road system with good access
to the rest of the Town. Along with the
road system there are other options for
transportation in the area. The Superior
Hiking Trail begins in Silver Creek and Silver Creek’s rural setting is a community asset.
gives great access to scenic views and
tourist sites in the forested ridges of the North Shore. Another unique facility is
the Gitchi-Gami Trail. This 10-foot wide paved, non-motorized trail that is
currently being constructed along TH 61 through
the area is a great transportation resource for
residents and visitors.
Along with these great assets to the Town of Silver

Creek there are several issues that need to be
addressed. Many of the roads are in need of
physical and safety improvements. Safety is the
main concern with needed improvements including
shoulder widening, installing bypass and turning
lanes, and increasing access point safety.
With several specific improvements to the area,

the Town of Silver Creek will remain a major
destination for visitors and a safe place for the
Figure 1: TH 61 shoulder-width
residents to live. Eight recommendations have
been made to achieve this goal.
Assets, Threats, and Recommendations
Asset: Trunk Highway 61

o Description: Trunk Highway 61, also known as the North Shore
Highway is the main traffic arterial in the Town of
Silver Creek. Much of the private residences in the
Town are directly located on the highway and most
commercial facilities are located on it, especially
tourist related businesses. According to the
Minnesota Department of Transportation, the traffic
on the highway is 5,000 to 7,999 vehicles daily.
7
The entire length of Trunk Highway 61 up and down
the North Shore has slowly been undergoing
reconstruction of its original road and base. This
reconstruction has included the construction of two
large tunnels, the Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel and the
Lafayette Bluff Tunnel. Other sections of the highway
in the Town of Silver Creek still are awaiting
reconstruction, however. Mn/DOT has continually
pushed the timeline of reconstructing those segments
back as construction costs increase and other
priorities have appeared. Projects that are currently
being considered include shoulder and geometric
improvements. These improvements are recognized
The All-American Road Program
was developed to recognize certain
as being needed from 2008-2014 but are planned for
National Scenic Byways as having 2015-2023. The map on the previous page shows the
“outstanding intrinsic quality”. There shoulder widths of TH 61 in Silver Creek. Areas with
are only 29 roads that have been 10-foot shoulders have been reconstructed. Areas
designated as All-American in the with narrower shoulders have not.
US. It is a great honor for an area to
possess such an asset. Often times
the road itself becomes a Despite the delays in reconstruction, the highway is
destination, where people are still a major asset to the Town of Silver Creek. It is
attracted to the area, simply for the generally safe and efficient and does bring most of
enjoyment of traveling on the road. the Town’s commerce to its businesses. It provides
access to recreation, shopping, and employment for
residents. The highway has been designated as an
“All-American Road” (see inset).
o Threats: Trunk Highway 61 does have safety concerns,

particularly in those areas that have not yet been
reconstructed. Those areas have narrow shoulders,
rough pavement, few turning lanes, and curves. The
highway can become congested during Friday and
Sunday afternoons during popular summer weekends
and holidays. Some of these vehicles tend to drive at
slightly slower speeds due to the pulling of large
recreational trailers or due to sight seeing. Some
drivers become impatient behind these slower moving
vehicles and look to pass as soon as possible. Due
to the nature of the Lake Superior shoreline
landscape, passing areas can be a good distance
apart and can be short. Some drivers take risks and
pass in unsafe areas.
Other threats to the highway include the proliferation

of accesses on the roadway. As development
increases, more residential and commercial
driveways are being built. The increased number of
accesses can create additional turning movements
8
(turning movements can cause congestion due to
slowing and accelerating vehicles). A high number of
accesses can also cause “blinker confusion” due to
the activating of turning signals at a point with several
turning options.
In addition to the tourist and residential traffic, the

highway does still serve as the main connection
between Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada and the Port
of Duluth/Superior. This means there are a lot of
freight-hauling trucks on the roadway. These trucks
contribute to the congestion and are often perceived
to be unsafe among automobiles. The number of
trucks increased greatly in the 1990s due to the loss
of the Incan Superior, a ship that hauled paper
products in railcars from Thunder Bay to Duluth.
When the Incan Superior ceased operations, those
paper products began to travel in semi-trailers down
the highway at the rate of 600 loads a week.
Safety issues are a threat to the Town due to the

obvious impact on quality of life and the perception of
danger. Congestion affects the Town by making
travel less efficient for residents and the loss of
business for commercial interests. If tourists are
afraid to leave the highway, they may adjust their
vacation plans to a safer, less congested location.
o Existing Approaches: Currently Mn/DOT does place a high

priority on Trunk Highway 61 and its safety.
Reconstruction, while not at a pace the Town’s
residents would prefer, is occurring and will be
completed over time. Mn/DOT is also working to
address access issues. The North Shore
Management Plan Update (see page 43) also
addresses access management by stating that
permits for development for properties need
confirmation from Mn/DOT regarding the placement
of the driveway. Driveways are generally regulated to
be at least 600 feet between access points.
Entrances must be at least 30 feet wide and slope
away from the highway. Regarding private roads,
Lake County requires a setback of 33 feet from the
centerline of the traveled surface. The Town of Silver
Creek, in the Castle Danger zoning area, has no
additional access requirements for building roads.
Minnesota State Patrol controls vehicle safety on
Highway 61.
9
o Recommended Actions: The Town of Silver Creek is
recommending the following actions regarding Trunk
Highway 61.
Recommendation T1: Support the reconstruction of

Trunk Highway 61. The Town of Silver Creek Board should
actively support the reconstruction of Highway 61 by
participating in Mn/DOT planning meetings, writing letters of
support to decision makers, legislators, U.S. Congress
members, and others when appropriate or when asked by
the State or Lake County.
Recommendation T2: Support the development of a

reliever route in the City of Two Harbors. The City of Two
Harbors and Lake County have had very preliminary
discussions regarding the development of a reliever route
around the congested section of TH 61 in Two Harbors. The
route would use new and existing roadways to create an
option for travelers between the CSAH 26 intersection with
TH 61 and approximately the driveway to Superior Shores.
The Town of Silver Creek Board should actively support this
project by participating in planning meetings, writing letters
of support to decision makers, legislators, U.S. Congress
members, and others when appropriate or when asked by
the City of Two Harbors or Lake County.
Bypass Lane
Recommendation T3: Pursue the construction of a
westbound bypass lane at the Superior Shores entrance
and on Burlington Road. The Town of Silver Creek Town
Board should actively pursue the construction of a bypass
lane (see inset) at the entrance to Superior Shores resort
and at Burlington Road (Burlington Road has historical low
volumes of traffic but a new resort complex is being built on
it). The Town should contact Mn/DOT regarding this issue.
The bypass lane would allow westbound traffic to flow
Figure 3: Example of a around a vehicle turning left into these busy facilities.
bypass lane
Recommendation T4: Discourage feeding of deer near
Highways. The Town of Silver Creek Town Board should
engage the public in an educational program to discourage
the feeding of deer near highways. The educational project
could be done with meetings to discuss the issue or simply
an article in the Town newsletter.
Asset: Lake County Roads and Highways

o Description: There are 113.4 miles of County roads in the Town of
Silver Creek. There are several different types of
10
roadways. County State-Aid Highways (CSAH)
receive additional funds for their maintenance and
construction from the State of Minnesota. These
roads are generally paved and serve moderate
amounts of traffic. CSAHs in the Town include CSAH
2, which connects Two Harbors to areas north, and
CSAH 3, which serves the heart of the Town. A new
highway, CSAH 15, crosses the northern part of the
Town. That road is also designated as Forest
Highway 11, and receives funds for its construction
from the United State Forest Service. CSAH 15 and
the southern portions of CSAH 2 and CSAH 3 have
good pavements and shoulders. A few miles inland,
CSAH 2 and CSAH 3 have narrow shoulders and
some deteriorating pavements.
County Roads are roads that are administered and

funded solely by Lake County. County Roads are
usually paved.
o Threats: County Roads and Highways have only a few

concerns from the perspective of Silver Creek.
Safety can be a concern on some stretches of narrow
curvy roadways. A lack of shoulders on some of the
primary roads is also an issue. The general lack of
width on County Highways and Roads means that
any parking on the road is a safety issue.
Another concern is the use of these roads by

pedestrians. Residents and visitors often use the
roads to travel to a neighbor, exercise, or to access
other recreational facilities. A lack of shoulders and a
lack of sight distances threaten the safety of
pedestrians in some areas.
o Existing Approaches: Currently Lake County develops a five-

year construction plan for its roadways that is
available for public input. The County addresses
gravel grading and other maintenance and safety
issues as needed.

recommending the following actions regarding County
Roads and Highways.
Recommendation T5: Participate in the Lake County Five-

Year Construction Plan process. The Town of Silver
Creek Board should actively participate in the development
11
When constructing and of the Lake County Five-Year Construction Plan by
maintaining roads fish friendly
culverts should be considered. reviewing the document and making comments to Lake
• Matching the width County regarding any concerns.
of the stream with
the bank full stream
width facilitates fish Recommendation T6: Support the construction of four-
passage and
ensures stream foot shoulders on all CSAHs in the Town. The Town of
stability. Silver Creek Board should actively advocate for the creation
• Setting culverts at
the same slope as of four-foot shoulders on CSAHs. When four-foot shoulders
the stream allows are not possible, a minimum of two-foot shoulders should be
migration.
• Offsetting multiple enforced. These roads are the busiest routes and
culverts allows fish pedestrian safety would be increased with a shoulder. The
to pass at a wide
range of flow levels. shoulders would also allow a safer breakdown area and
• Align culverts with would allow some forgiveness for drivers, particularly in
the stream, not
necessarily winter months and when avoiding wildlife. Lake County
perpendicular to the could consider adding shoulders whenever a CSAH is
road.
• Embed culverts to reconstructed or possibly even when repaved.
create a natural
streambed.
• Rock weirs can be Recommendation T7: Encourage Two Harbors High
added to make up School to limit parking on Highway 2 to times when all
for steep gradients.
parking areas are full. The Town of Silver Creek Board
should actively advocate for the limiting of parking on the
Highway near the Two Harbors High School. The Town
Board should convey their support of this change to the
School District and Lake County.

center left turn lane from the City of Two Harbors to the
High School on CSAH 2. The Town of Silver Creek Board
should actively advocate for the creation of a center left turn
lane on CSAH 2 between the CSAH 26 intersection and the
Two Harbors High School. This improvement is needed due
to the high number of business/government driveways in this
section. These driveways see significant numbers of turning
traffic and a center-left turn lane would remove the left
turning vehicles from the travel lanes. The busy driveways
already have right turn lanes.
Asset: Township Roads

o Description: There are significant numbers of Township Roads in
the Town of Silver Creek. Township roads are
typically gravel surfaced and administered by the
Town. In the Town of Silver Creek, Township Roads
are often dead-end and fairly short in distance.
These roads typically provide access to a small
number of properties and have very low amounts of
traffic. They are safe for biking and walking but often
intersect with busier County Roads or Trunk Highway
61.
12
o Threats: Residents are generally happy with the Township
Roads of Silver Creek. The maintenance is adequate
for their needs and the response by the Town to
issues is efficient. These roads are threatened by
rising maintenance costs, though. As costs for
gravel, new culverts (see inset), and fuel grow,
keeping a good driving surface and the roads free of
snow becomes more expensive.
o Existing Approaches: Currently the Town of Silver Creek has

a full-time road maintenance person. The Town has
agreed to some maintenance exchanges with Lake
County and the City of Two Harbors. These
agreements mean that the Town will have the City or
County snowplow the Town’s roads in exchange for
the Town plowing the City or County’s roads. These
exchanges happen in situations where the Town
would have to drive a significant distance on other
system roads (“dead-heading”) and vice-versa.

recommending the following actions regarding
Township Roads.
Recommendation T9: Actively seek additional

maintenance exchanges where dead-heading occurs.
The Town of Silver Creek Board should review their road
system, identify dead-head routes, and then seek an
exchange of the maintenance with the appropriate entity if
possible.
Recommendation T10: Continue to discourage heavy

trucks from using Township Roads. The Town of Silver
Creek’s Township roadways are not built to handle
significant amounts of heavy trucks. In addition to dust
concerns, Township Roads deteriorate more quickly when
there are heavy trucks using them. The Town Board should
continue to monitor truck usage, educate drivers about
alternate routes, and take enforcement measures when
required.

larger parking lot for snowmobilers on the Alger Grade
and the elimination of parking on one side of the road at
that location. The Town of Silver Creek Board should
actively advocate for the enlargement of the North Shore
Trail parking lot on the Alger Grade (a Township Road) just
13
off of CSAH 2. This parking area continually is full during the
snowmobile season. The full parking lot results in vehicles
and trailers being parked on the roadway, causing
congestion and an unsafe (narrow) travel lane. The Town
should also sign the Alger Grade as only allowing parking on
one side of the road, not both as it is now. The Town should
work with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
and local snowmobile clubs to accomplish this
recommendation.
14
SECTION 3: RECREATION
The Town of Silver Creek thrives on

recreation. This area has several multi-use
trails for exercise and scenic views. There
are several streams and rivers for fishing
and campgrounds for rustic or full service
camping. Gooseberry Falls State Park is a
common destination for visitors to enjoy the
series of waterfalls, camp, and hike the
Gitchi-Gami Trail at Silver Creek Cliff
extensive trail system. There are several
other opportunities for recreation as well.
The greatest recreational resource of Silver Creek is Lake Superior. Every year
thousands of visitors come to the area to swim, fish, boat, and simply enjoy
viewing the largest freshwater lake in the world.
Silver Creek is one of the most common destinations along the North Shore and
with many visitors, arise many concerns. With such a great resource there are
often differing viewpoints and objectives among different groups of people.
Residents, businesses, local and state governments, and other agencies need to
work together for everyone to truly enjoy the area.
By working together to improve and preserve the area, recreation will continue to
flourish and remain one of the great assets of Silver Creek. Developing a town-
wide recreation plan can help to ensure recreation continues in Silver Creek’s
future.
Asset: The Variety of Recreational Activities in the Town of Silver Creek

o Description: As described above, there are a lot of recreational
opportunities in the Town of Silver Creek. The range
of activities includes hiking, snowmobiling, fishing and
boating, bird watching, camping, ice-skating, cross-
country skiing and more. These activities attract
many tourists, which support the businesses of the
North Shore and the Town of Silver Creek, but also
are beneficial for residents.
o Threats: A number of recreation locations and types are

squeezed into a relatively small area along the Lake
Superior shore and its paralleling ridgeline. All of the
State Parks, the North Shore Snowmobile Trail, the
Superior Hiking Trail, the Gitchi-Gami Trail, and the
Lake Superior Water Trail are all located in this strip
of scenic property. In addition, much of the privately
held (developable) property in the Town is located
here as well. This overlap of uses and location can
15
cause tension between different user groups,
landowners, and public agencies.
o Existing Approaches: Currently the Mn/DNR is the primary

agency administering these facilities, with club
participation on the North Shore Snowmobile Trail
and the Lake Superior Water Trail. The Superior
Hiking Trail is an independent entity. The
administrators of the recreation facilities located in the
Town address issues as they arise.
Currently the Superior Hiking Trail’s western terminus

is in the Town of Silver Creek on County Road 301.
The Hiking Trail will be seeking to extend that
terminus through the Town all the way to Duluth, but
is not actively pursuing that route at this time.
The Mn/DNR is exploring the idea of allowing All-

Terrain Vehicles on the North Shore Trail.
The Gitchi Gami Trail is continuing to construct their

10-foot wide paved, non-motorized trail. Much of the
construction will occur in concert with Mn/DOT’s
reconstruction of TH 61.
Gooseberry and Flood Bay State Parks are fairly

static at this time.

recreation.
Recommendation R1: Develop a town-wide recreation

plan. The issues identified by the Steering Committee are
diverse and complex-too complex for a full review in this
Comprehensive Plan. Therefore the Steering Committee
recommends that the Town develop a Recreation Plan. This
planning process would set a base line for the recreation
facilities and would address ideas regarding the dispersed
use of ATVs, ATV use on trails, ATV use in road ditches,
public access to waterways, trail safety, bikes and
pedestrians on roadways, dispersed recreation, enforcement
of laws and policies, facility maintenance, and a community
recreation center.
Also see Recommendations E3 and E4
16
SECTION 4: WASTEWATER
Wastewater in Silver Creek is especially

important because of the closeness to
Lake Superior and the abundance of
streams. The majority of the homes in
Silver Creek are operating on individual
septic systems, in which it is their
responsibility to maintain and get
inspections. However, there is a small Silver Creek administers a small centralized sewer
area known as Castle Danger that has its
own treatment system, and is governed by
the Town Board. There are currently 50 homes and several commercial
businesses served by the facility. This Class C treatment facility has some
reserve capacity to provide for more homes. Wastewater treatment in Silver
Creek is generally adequate.
However, in the area there are a few non-conforming individual systems that may
not be up to standards. These systems are a health threat as non-functioning
systems can poison drinking water sources or come into direct contact with
humans and animals. While wastewater system replacement can be expensive it
is vital to keep the wildlife, forests, water, and people healthy in Silver Creek. To
ensure that the Town is protected, residents need to be held accountable for their
wastewater. Inspections and general education will help to keep the area
healthy.
Asset: Individual Sewage Treatment Systems

o Description: Operating Individual Sewage Treatment Systems
(ISTS), or “septics” are an asset to homeowners,
Otter Tail Sanitary filtering wastewater before it re-enters the water
District Example. This
District accommodates cycle. Septics must be placed in proper soils and
1,545 homes, cabins, and must be maintained regularly in order for them to be
businesses. The District
may levy taxes as well as effective. Septics are a relatively inexpensive method
write and enforce of treatment and other than regular inspections are
ordinances. Residents
may choose to have their cost-free to homeowners.
systems managed by the
district or on their own.
This system has been o Threats: Some homeowners do not have their septics
successful in improved inspected and pumped every three years as is
lake water quality.
necessary for proper operation. Failing septics can
Crow Wing Sanitary pollute the homeowners own water source and can
District Example. This
district assesses a fee of also pollute waters downstream such as the trout
$25 and requires an streams of the North Shore and Lake Superior.
inspection every 3 years,
which is kept track of by Some areas of the Town of Silver Creek have poor
the district. This sanitary soils for septic systems and innovative methods must
system does not own or
operate any of the be used or a central system must be implemented.
systems, but uses the The cost of installing a new ISTS or extending a
inspections to manage
the district.
17
central system is very expensive (often over $20,000)
so some homeowners are hesitant to admit their
septics may be failing.
o Existing Approaches: Lake County does have the legal

authority to inspect septics in order to ensure their
compliance. Like most Counties in Minnesota, Lake
County does not conduct the inspections, however,
likely due to cost and a lack of funding to pay the
inspection fees.

recommending the following actions regarding ISTS.
Recommendation W1: Conduct a septic education

session. The University of Minnesota Extension Service
offers education session regarding ISTS. The Town Board
should sponsor and promote one of these sessions for the
Town’s homeowners.
Recommendation W2: Participate in ongoing discussions

about wastewater on the North Shore with the North
Shore Management Board. The North Shore Management
Board (NSMB) has recently completed a report outlining the
current issues regarding wastewater on the North Shore.
That report calls for more discussions about the idea of
management of ISTS on the North Shore. The NSMB will be
considering more information on ISTS management in their
2006-07 work plan. Silver Creek should continue to
participate in these efforts.
Asset: Castle Danger Wastewater Treatment System

o Description: The Castle Danger Wastewater Treatment System is
an asset to the Town of Silver Creek as it enables
sound wastewater treatment in an area of dense
development and poor soils.
o Threats: The Castle Danger system must be maintained

properly and its capacity must not be compromised.
o Existing Approaches: The Town of Silver Creek currently

operates this system with part-time staff. The system
is near capacity and there are no plans to expand it.

recommending the following actions regarding the
Castle Danger Wastewater Treatment System.
18
Recommendation W3: Continue to monitor the system
and plan for its long-term maintenance. The Castle
Danger system is professionally maintained and operated on
a daily basis, but the Town needs to ensure its long-term
operation through a facilities plan.
19
20
SECTION 5: ECONOMICS
Tourism is part of the way-of-life in the

Town of Silver Creek. The attraction of
the vast waters of Lake Superior, the
rugged shoreline, the forested ridge, and
inland resources allow for a good
tourism environment. Some of
businesses include restaurants, motels,
and resorts. Almost every business in
Betty’s Pies is a North Shore landmark, but its
the Town is benefited in some way by driveway is a noted highway danger spot.
the tourism industry.
However, some smaller, traditional styled resorts have closed recently and been
replaced with condominiums and other residential developments. The loss of
lodging could impact the economics of the area. The Silver Creek
Comprehensive Committee also recognizes that the character of the North Shore
and its scenery are vital economic keys and that new developments could
compromise that character.
Other important economic factors are home-based business and timber. By

supporting home businesses and protecting the resources that are in the area,
Silver Creek can maintain a significant economic base.
Asset: Scenic Views

o Description: The Town of Silver Creek is home to many scenic
views of Lake Superior, its rugged shoreline, and the
North Shore ridge. These views are highlights for
North Shore tourists.
o Threats: Development of Lake Superior shoreline is changing

the views of the Lake from the perspective of
Highway 61. Development is also occurring on the
ridge, which also impacts views for visitors. Changes
in scenery could result in fewer tourists on the North
Shore.
o Existing Approaches: The North Shore Management Board

and Lake County address lakeshore development by
limiting heights of buildings and ensuring there is
some space between buildings on a lakeshore
property. There are some height and space
restrictions on Ridge properties as well.

21
Scenery (more recommendations impacting scenery
are contained in Sections 6, 7, and 8 in this
document).
Recommendation E1: Support the North Shore Scenic

Drive Council. The North Shore Scenic Drive (NSSD)
Council is the entity that works to promote and preserve the
scenic aspects of Highway 61. The
Town of Silver Creek should support
those efforts and consider requests
from the NSSD when approached.
Asset: Lodging Facilities

o Description: There are 10 lodging facilities
The new Gitchi-Gami
with 302 units in the Town of Trail section at Silver
Silver Creek. These facilities Creek Cliff offers great
views of Lake Superior
range from small hotels to
expansive resort complexes.
These facilities provide sleeping quarters for many
visitors each year. These visitors are patrons for the
other tourist-oriented businesses in the Town,
providing a robust tourist economy.
o Threats: As the cost of land on the North Shore increases, the

economics of operating a traditional resort, hotel, or
campground become more difficult. Many of these
facilities in Lake County have recently been sold and
redeveloped into residences and time-share
condominiums. This could have an impact on the
community’s tourist businesses.
o Existing Approaches: The Town of Silver Creek and Lake

County have policies that address zoning of lodging
facilities as well as condominiums and timeshares.
There is very little language in those policies
regarding resort conversions, however. The recently
passed North Shore Management Plan Update,
which Silver Creek and Lake County have agreed to
follow, does limit the scale of residences that are
converted from resorts, but at the same time, the Plan
Update does not support traditional styled resorts. At
this time, the NSMB is considering a flexibility request
from Lake County that would make the County more
supportive of traditional resorts.

lodging:
22
Recommendation E2: The Town of Silver Creek should
write a letter of support for the Lake County flexibility
request. If allowed this flexibility request would make the
North Shore in Lake County more available to traditional-
styled resorts.
Asset: Campgrounds
o Description: The Town of Silver Creek benefits from the location of
a large campground on the shore that is located in
Gooseberry Falls State Park and a smaller system of
campsite in Split Rock State Park. There is also a
campground in the City of Two Harbors just outside
the Town limits. Campers are good supporters of the
tourism industry.
o Threats: In the busy summer tourist season the campgrounds

at the State Parks and at Two Harbors are almost
always completely full. Campers must make
reservations for the summer well in advance. Many
campers are turned away each year.
o Existing Approaches: The campgrounds at Gooseberry and

Split Rock have not been expanded for many years.
The Two Harbors Campground is being expanded
significantly in 2007.

campgrounds:
Recommendation E3: Advocate for the expansion of

camping facilities in the State Parks and in the Superior
National Forest. Due to land costs, it is not likely that
private campgrounds will ever be developed in the Town of
Silver Creek. The only real option for more camping is the
expansion of facilities in the State Parks or on Federal lands.
The Town of Silver Creek should have discussions regarding
this idea with the State Parks and USFS. Two location ideas
for rustic camping areas on the National Forest were Cloquet
Lake and the White Pine Picnic Ground.
Recommendation E4: Explore the possibility of a Town

Campground. The Town of Silver Creek recognizes that
there is likely a need for additional campsites to
accommodate the growing tourism industry. Either as part of
an overall recreation plan or a stand-alone effort the Town
should explore the idea of creating and maintaining a Town-
23
administered campground. The Town should analyze the
need, determine the type of sites that are needed (RV vs.
tent, etc.), identify a location, develop a maintenance plan,
and determine a needed cost structure. Considerations will
have to be given to law enforcement, environmental impact,
and cost/benefit.
Asset: Forests
o Description: The forests of Silver Creek offer economic benefits
from both a tourist and timber perspective. The
forests offer recreation and scenic aspects
(particularly in the fall color season), but also offer
logging incomes to private entrepreneurs and
landowners.
o Threats: Recent land price trends may make traditionally

working forests (forest managed for timber) less
attractive for logging. Instead, working forests may
be sold for residential development. Those types of
land sales impact recreational trails that had
easements on the property. Often the new
landowners terminate those easements.
o Existing Approaches: Lake County has explored ways to keep

working forests managed for timber through the
maintenance of the timber right even after a land
sale. This method has not been widely used,
however.

forests:
Recommendation E5: Encourage Lake County to examine

the possibility of ordinances that will allow the keeping
of timber rights by logging industries in the event of the
sale of lands. The Town should work with Lake County to
develop an ordinance that will maintain the presence of
logging in the Town.
Recommendation E6: Work to create a 40-acre minimum-

zoning district for the most inaccessible lands of the
Town of Silver Creek. The Town should work with Lake
County or take other means to develop an ordinance that
has a 40-acre development minimum. Implementing this
recommendation will result in less development on traditional
timberlands, increasing the chances of that parcel remaining
24
a working forest (also see Recommendation IF1 on page
33).
Asset: Home Businesses

o Description: Many entrepreneurs have businesses on their
properties along with their homes. These home
businesses make up a significant portion of the
economic base for Silver Creek.
o Threats: As development increases in Silver Creek, there may

be more neighbors of home businesses that may not
care for the traffic, noise, or other issues that might
be caused by a home business.
o Existing Approaches: The Lake County and Castle Danger

Ordinances allow home businesses in most cases.
Both ordinances disallow any home businesses that
have significant noise or fumes, however.

recommending the following actions regarding home
businesses:
Recommendation E7: Continue to support home

businesses while continuing to disallow business with
significant impacts on neighbors.
Asset: Affordable Housing

o Description: Affordable housing makes Silver Creek livable to a
wide variety of people with varying incomes. It also is
a benefit economically. There are good jobs to be
had in the Region, but even with these jobs, housing
can be tough to find on the North Shore due to the
high cost of property. Affordable housing is an
economic asset.
o Threats: Land on Lake Superior’s shores and in the woods of

Silver Creek is a valuable commodity. The amount of
public land is an asset to the Town, but it makes land
for housing even more in demand. These factors
combine to making home ownership for lower and
middle-income families more difficult that some other
areas.
o Existing Approaches: Silver Creek has not taken a strong role

in housing issues in the past, but Lake County has an
active Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
25
affordable housing:
Recommendation E8: Support the Lake County HRA and

its efforts regarding affordable housing. The HRA has a
housing demand study in the beginning stages in 2006. The
Town of Silver Creek should be aware of that study and
review the results when it is complete.
26
SECTION 6: LAKE SUPERIOR
SHORELAND LAND USE
Lake Superior is a priceless resource that is

very important to the Town of Silver Creek.
There are several efforts that are in place to
keep this area natural and beautiful
including: The North Shore Scenic Drive
(NSSD) Council, North Shore Management
Plan Update, and Lake Superior Basin Plan.
The most prominent of these is the North
Shore Management Plan Update, which is in Lake Superior Shoreline at Flood Bay
place to keep high standards along the North
Shore and provides land use goals. These
goals are here to preserve the area and to guide new developments along the
shore. The Lake Superior Basin Plan protects the waters by limiting land activity
that could negatively affect the lake.
The view shed of the North Shore is what makes it special and could easily be
damaged with large buildings, dense development, timber harvest and road
building. By creating standards with the North Shore Management Board and
Lake County, the Town can ensure that the land is going to remain as a great
scenic place to live and visit.
Asset: Lake Views

o Description: The Town of Silver Creek is home to many scenic
views of Lake Superior, its rugged shoreline, and the
North Shore ridge. These views are highlights for
North Shore tourists.
o Threats: Development of Lake Superior shoreline is changing

the views of the Lake from the perspective of
Highway 61. Development is also occurring on the
ridge, which also impacts views for visitors. Changes
in scenery could result in fewer tourists on the North
Shore.
o Existing Approaches: The North Shore Management Board

and Lake County address lakeshore development by
limiting heights of buildings and ensuring there is
some space between buildings on a lakeshore
property. There are some height and space
restrictions on Ridge properties as well.
27
recommending the following actions regarding Lake
Views
Recommendation L1: Support the North Shore Scenic

Drive Council. The North Shore Scenic Drive (NSSD)
Council is the entity that works to promote and preserve the
scenic aspects of Highway 61. The Town of Silver Creek
should support those efforts and consider requests from the
NSSD when approached.
Recommendation L2: Continue to uphold the North Shore

Management Plan Update. The North Shore Management
Plan Update (shoreland regulations for properties within 300
feet inland from TH 61 to Lake Superior) restricts rural
development along the North Shore to one unit per two
acres. This limitation will ensure gaps in development that
provide the characteristic views of the North Shore and Lake
Superior. The Town of Silver Creek should remain at least
as strict as the NSMB Plan Update.
Asset: Water Quality

o Description: Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the
world, still has relatively high water quality. The water
is extremely clear and, while it is naturally infertile, it
does support a quality fishery.
o Threats: Development of the North Shore brings many threats

to the Lake. These threats include the possibility of
polluting septics, increased water temperatures
(affecting fish) due to removing shade from streams,
increased runoff from buildings, parking lots, and
lawns, and increased risk of chemical spills.
o Existing Approaches: The Town of Silver Creek and Lake

County have policies regarding the minimization of
impermeable surfaces on lakeshore property. These
policies require storm water plans for larger
developments. There are no policies regarding
herbicide or fertilizer use or the clearing of brush from
banks. Areas identified as erosion hazards require
significant setbacks.
28
streams:
Recommendation L3: Support NRRI’s stream bank

vegetation studies. Silver Creek acknowledges the
importance of vegetation, especially shading and bank
supporting trees, for local streams. The Town should
support the recent stream bank restoration and preservation
and restoration efforts of the Natural Resource Research
Institute and other agencies. The Town should remain
aware of the studies and participate where appropriate.
Asset: Natural and Historical Character

o Description: The Town of Silver Creek and Castle Danger are part
of a unique and historical North Shore community.
This community includes commercial fishing,
shipping, and tourism. Historical sites in or very near
Silver Creek include Betty’s Pies, the Madiera
shipwreck, Flood Bay, and Split Rock Lighthouse.
o Threats: Development type is changing rapidly in the Town of

Silver Creek. Family style resorts are being replaced
with larger developments of condominiums and time-
share residences. These new facilities may not
project the same North Shore image as the older
buildings and building sites.
o Existing Approaches: While Lake County and the North Shore

Management Board limit building heights and sizes
as well as lot coverage, there are no design
standards for buildings. There are requirements for
vegetation on sites.

community character on Lake Superior’s shoreline:
Design Review Committees Recommendation L4: The Silver Creek Town Board
strive to protect an area’s unique
qualities. These committees should work with Lake County and the North Shore
advise the Planning Commission Management Board to form a Lake Superior Design
on design issues, often reviewing
projects first and making Review Committee for the North Shore and Ridgeline.
recommendations. The design This committee would have no power to change designs but
review process considers a wide
range of design issues, and would review all large developments and make comments
determines how building projects and suggestions to the developers.
fit in with the long-term plans of a
community.
29
Recommendation L5: The Design Review Committee
should undertake a study that will help them define the
appropriate design standards for Lake Superior
properties. This study would examine the public’s desires,
the historical designs, and the appropriate types of
development on the North Shore and would provide the
Committee with a design guide to use when examining
proposed properties.
See Recommendation E2
The North Shore Management Plan Update has three major goals. The first is to create a template for future
operations of the NSMB. The next task is to review and update all shoreland management standards in the original
plan. And the final goal is to provide land use goals, objectives, and action steps. When this process began in
September of 2003, the original NSMP was nearly 15 years old.
There were four tasks that were identified that the NSMB will strive to regularly achieve. Examine important North
Shore land use issues each year. The data that is available from federal, state, and local agencies needs to be
coordinated and determined how the NSMB can use it. Receive notice and actively engage in the agency and
government projects. Creating a meeting structure involving a quarterly NSMB meeting is necessary. The NSMP
Update also wanted to update all shoreland management standards, this involves informing and educating the local
governments about any changes or updates. The update also involved 7 land-use goals and how to achieve the
goals. The NSMB Update was a needed expansion of the previous plan and should lead to a better North Shore.
Lake Superior Basin Plan Summary

The Lake Superior Basin Plan was put together to help protect the water resources that are so important to the state.
This plan states strategies, develops priorities for the geography and programs in the area, and identifies goals for
management of the basin. One of the key goals of the Plan is to identify policy objectives as well as decide
geographic priorities for water resource management. Another aspect that the plan focused on is the monitoring of
streams. There are few streams that are being monitored on a long-term basis, but this is essential because
monitoring will help to give advanced warning when small changes have happened.
There are also several existing water management priorities that are outlined in the plan that need attention; Impaired
Waters, Lake-wide Area Management Plan, St. Louis River Remedial Action Plan, Source Water Protection, Lake
Superior Beach Program, and the Lake Superior Coastal Program. Geographic priorities include; Boundary Waters
Canoe Area Wilderness, State Parks, Scientific and Natural Areas, Superior National Forest, State Forests, County
Forests, City Forests and Parks, Trout Waters, and Wild Rice Waters. Some emerging issues that the plan
emphasized were; water exports from the Great Lakes, ATV use and trails, wild rice lakes management, wastewater
treatment, temperature impacts to cold-water fisheries, and development trends near water. Implementation is
outlined by the plan, but also understood to be very unpredictable in the measures that will need to be taken.
30
There is increasing development on the NS Ridge.
SECTION 7: NORTH SHORE RIDGELINE

LAND USE
The ridgeline that lines the entire North

Shore is an area that is vital to the Town of
Silver Creek. The view shed of the ridgeline
paired with the rugged shoreline makes for
an incredible experience for visitors and a
valuable asset for residents. Maintaining a
clean and scenic ridgeline is very important
to the sustainability of the area. The Town
needs to guide developments that encroach
on the ridgeline. A few poorly placed buildings, roads, or timber harvest could
destroy an entire view shed and the Town of Silver Creek would be heavily
affected.
Asset: Viewsheds
o Description: The Town of Silver Creek is home to many sweeping
views of the North Shore Ridge, particularly those
views from Trunk Highway 61. The views are
especially nice during the fall color season.
o Threats: Increased development pressures are being placed

on the North Shore Ridge. These pressures are not
as intense as on the Lake Superior Coast, but it is
generally expected as the preferable sites on Lake
Superior are developed, that developers will turn
towards the Ridge even more. Development could
mean clearing of trees and the building of homes that
are elevated to take advantage of their lake views.
o Existing Approaches: Lake County restricts the heights of

buildings in all of its residential districts. Generally
the western half of Ridge in the Town of Silver Creek
is zoned at a five-acre minimum while the east half is
at 10-acres.

recommending the following actions regarding Ridge
development:
Recommendation RL1: Support and Participate in the

North Shore Management Board’s study to identify the
critical viewsheds of the North Shore Ridge. The NSMB
will be undertaking an effort to use Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) and field review to identify and map the most
31
critical viewsheds of the Ridge from the perspective of
Highway 61. Once these areas are identified, policies can
be formed to preserve those viewsheds. These policies
could address clear cutting, building size and heights,
communications towers, building colors and materials, and
building on slopes.
See Recommendations L4 and L5
32
SECTION 8: INLAND FOREST LAND USE
The inland area of Silver Creek has always

been known as a rural and quiet setting.
Historically the properties have been
scattered and rather undeveloped, with
large lot sizes. While more people are
coming to Silver Creek to live, the area is
becoming somewhat more densely The Inland Forest of Silver Creek
developed. Many residents still feel,
however, that inland lakes and streams are
one of Silver Creek’s best-kept secrets. However, these areas are beginning to
be threatened by dense populations as well. Septic systems and increased
development can become a threat to the fish and wildlife populations in this area.
By keeping properties larger and less developed the area will continue to keep
the country feel. The Town of Silver Creek needs to take action to protect its
inland water bodies so they remain healthy and serve their purpose.
Asset: Rural Setting

o Description: The Silver Creek Visioning Project identified that
citizens like the rural setting of the Town and their
lack of close neighbors.
o Threats: Development of residences is occurring at a relatively

high rate in the inland forests of the Town, and most
lots are only 300 feet wide.
o Existing Approaches: Lake County primarily zones the inland

forests at 10-acre minimums. Areas around primary
roads and close to the City of Two Harbors are often
zoned at five-acre minimums

recommending the following actions regarding rural
settings:
Recommendation IF1: Create a zoning district in northern

Silver Creek that has a 40-acre development minimum.
The Town of Silver Creek should take steps to develop a
zoning district with a 40-acre minimum, rather than the
current 10-acre minimum. Initial explorations of this idea
should be in the form of discussions with Lake County. This
plan recommends that lands with the FR zoning designation
that are north of County Highway 3 be rezoned from 10-acre
minimums to 40-acre minimums. That area was chosen
33
because it has less existing infrastructure (roads), more
public lands, and the average private parcel in the area is
already 40 acres or larger. Moving to a 40-acre minimum
will promote forest continuity, provide more timber for
industry, enhance recreation, and decrease the need for
future infrastructure.
If the recommendation was implemented, it would affect

about 121,000 acres of land, of which 22,500 (about 19
percent) is privately owned.
34 Figure 4: Recommended 40 acre zoning area is shown in red.

Asset: Inland Waterways
o Description: The Town of Silver Creek is home to several inland
waterways that offer scenic beauty and recreation
opportunities. These waterways include the Langley
River, Cloquet River, Split Rock River, Gooseberry
River, Silver Creek, Stewart River, Kane Lake, Marble
Lake, Cloquet Lake and Katherine Lake. These
waterways are generally clean and offer fishing
opportunities. The lakes also offer canoeing and
boating opportunities.
o Threats: There is intense development on all the inland lakes.

The quality of these lakes could suffer from septic
failure and poor shoreline management practices. As
the “baby boomer” generation retires, seasonal
cabins may be improved and increased in size to
become full-time residences. This increases
pressures on septic systems and shorelines.
The inland rivers offer wade fishing opportunities and

scenic beauty, particularly their many waterfalls as
they near Lake Superior. Residential development
abutting these rivers may cause rises in water
temperature (limiting trout development), and
increasing runoff.
o Existing Approaches: Inland lakes are subject to the

Minnesota’s DNR’s minimum shoreline standards,
which Lake County follows. Many properties have
buildings that were “grandfathered”, which allows
them to exist at a closer lake setback or at higher
density than new developments.
Lake County zoning requires setbacks of 150-200 feet

depending on the class of the river. The ordinance
also calls for the limitation of vegetation removal, but
that limitation is fairly undefined.

recommending the following actions regarding inland
waterways:
Recommendation IF2: Work with Lake County to

strengthen vegetation removal ordinance language. The
ordinance should be defined and enforceable.
35
36
SECTION 9: COMMUNITY LIFE
Silver Creek has a close-knit community

that is interested and responsible for the
future of the Town. By continuing to be
active, the residents can ensure that their
town is going toward their vision.
Annexation of part of the Town by the City
Silver Creek Town Hall
of Two Harbors is a threat to the
community. Also, the town needs to decide
how they want to utilize and equip their Town Hall so that it can continue to be a
valuable asset.
Asset: Tax Base

o Description: The residents and businesses in the Town of Silver
Creek provide the taxes that the Town uses to
administer its services. That tax is reasonable, and
much needed.
o Threats: Annexation of property by neighboring entities will

remove that property from the Town’s tax base.
o Existing Approaches: The Town of Silver Creek has no

documented stance on annexation.

annexation:
Recommendation C1: The Town of Silver Creek should

adopt an annexation policy statement. This statement will
define the Town’s approach to annexations. Please see
appendix A for more information.
Asset: Community Center

o Description: The Town of Silver Creek has a large Town Hall that
is administered by the Town Board. The building was
built in 1914 and now contains a small meeting room,
a kitchen, and a large meeting room. It has a large,
unpaved parking lot. The Town Hall is available for
rent. The Town also owns the small chapel that is
next door, which is also available for use by the
public. The Town operates the nearby cemetery and
creates an ice rink near the Town Hall each winter.
37
o Threats: The Town Hall complex is quite old. The small
meeting room is very small. The heating system also
quite old. There is little rental demand on either the
Town Hall or Chapel. The ice skating rink is the only
recreational facility provided.
o Existing Approaches: The use of the Town Hall is promoted

through word-of-mouth and the Town Newsletter.

recommending the following actions regarding a
Community Center:

form a community center committee that would promote
the use of the Town Hall and develop a plan for long-
term improvements to the Community Center complex.
The long-term plan could involve structural improvements,
the creation of new recreation facilities, the development of a
Town gathering/festival, and more. The goal of the
committee should be to enhance the community’s cohesion
through building improvements and Town-wide events.
Asset: Comprehensive Plan

o Description: This Comprehensive Plan provides a solid base for
the Town of Silver Creek to move into the future, but
it needs to be review and updated on a regular basis.
o Threats: Lack of implementation.
o Existing Approaches: An implementation checklist is provided

with this document.

recommending the following actions regarding its
Comprehensive Plan:

regularly review and update the Comprehensive Plan.
Every year, prior to the Town's annual meeting, the Town
Board should review each recommendation and determine
its status. The Board should then update the checklist and
make it available to the public at the annual meeting. The
Town Board should consider completing a full update of the
plan whenever the bulk of the recommendations are either
completed or no longer relevant.
38
APPENDIX A: CURRENT PLANNING AND ZONING
Zoning in the Town of Silver Creek is impacted by three entities: The Town of
Silver Creek, Lake County, and the North Shore Management Board.
Castle Danger
The Town of Silver Creek administers zoning for only a small area of the Town.
Knows as Castle Danger. Castle Danger is located on Lake Superior in the
southeast quadrant of Silver
Creek. Castle Danger is the
most highly developed area of
the Town. It has nearly 120
residences (45 full-time
residents) and 6 businesses Figure 5: Castle Danger Zoning
in an approximate 1044-acre and Sewer District Delineation
area. Many of those
residences and business are
participants in a cluster-type
wastewater treatment system
that allows the higher density
development to occur without
pollution from individual
sewage treatment systems
that were hard to place in this
area of minimal and poor
soils.
Lake County
Lake County administers the bulk of the zoning for the Town of Silver Creek.
The County recently updated their Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances
in 2006.
Lake County Zoning Districts in Silver Creek include the following:
FR - - Forest Recreation
The FR designation promotes remote residences, timber management, and
recreation. The minimum acreage for development is 10 acres. A 300-foot wide
lot is required. Developments can only have 10 percent lot coverage unless a
surface water plan is submitted (then 50 percent). Fifty-foot setbacks are
required. There are many permitted uses. Prohibited uses are any uses that
require urban level public services.
R-1 - - Residential District

This district promotes low density residential that does not require public water
and sewer. Requirements include 10 acres for development, minimum 300-foot
lot widths, less than 10 percent lot coverage (unless a surface water plan is
submitted, then 50 percent), and 25-foot setbacks. There are many allowed
uses. Prohibited uses are any uses that require urban level public services.
39
This district allows higher densities than Zone Total Acres Percentage
R-1 and livestock operations are not CR 15.8 0.0
permitted. Minimum acreage is 5 acres FR 148813.1 78.9
with a 200-foot lot width and 20-foot M 137.1 0.1
setbacks. PC 2535.1 1.3
R-1 28930.1 15.3
R-3 - - Residential District R-2 1195.1 0.6
This district has even higher densities R-3 2250.6 1.2
and may have public water and sewer. R-4 3070.2 1.6
It is designed for properties “on the RC 908.3 0.5
urban edge.” It requires 2.5-acre lots, RR 802.3 0.4
200-foot widths, less than 10 percent lot Table 2: Lake County Zoning Districts in Silver Creek
coverage (unless a surface water plan is
submitted, then 50 percent), and 20-foot
setbacks. Livestock, kennels, and aggregate pits are not allowed.

This is a high-density district with 1-acre minimums, 200-foot lot widths, less than
10 percent lot coverage (unless a surface water plan is submitted, then 50
percent), and 20-foot setbacks. Conditional uses include Bed and Breakfasts,
Residential Planned Unit Developments, and communication towers. Livestock,
kennels, and aggregate pits are not allowed.
RR - - Residential-Recreational District
This district promotes homes or recreation services. This is a high-density
district with 1-acre minimums, 200-foot lot widths, less than 10 percent lot
coverage (unless a surface water plan is submitted, then 50 percent), and 20-foot
setbacks. Farms, livestock, kennels, and aggregate pits are not allowed.
CR - - Commercial Rural
Commercial Rural is designated for residences and low to medium intensity
commercial properties. This is a high-density district with 1-acre minimums, 200-
foot lot widths, less than 10 percent lot coverage (unless a surface water plan is
submitted, then 50 percent), and 20-foot setbacks. Conditional uses include:
Residential Planned Unit Developments; Commercial Planned Unit
Developments; eating and drinking establishments; grocery stores; gas stations;
auto repair; retail; wholesale (in buildings); water-oriented commercial; service
oriented activities; recreational camping; and communication towers. Farms,
livestock, kennels, and aggregate pits are not allowed.
RC - - Resort Commercial District

This district promotes resorts and the orderly growth of existing resorts where
physical features allow. This is a high-density district with 1-acre minimums,
200-foot lot widths, less than 10 percent lot coverage (unless a surface water
plan is submitted, then 30 percent), and 20-foot setbacks. It allows lodging units
with four or less units (one unit per acre). Conditional uses include: Residential
40
Planned Unit Developments; Commercial Planned Unit Developments; eating
and drinking establishments; grocery stores; retail; gas stations; auto repair;
retail; wholesale (in buildings); water-oriented commercial; service oriented
activities; recreational camping; and communication towers. Kennels are
prohibited.
PC - - Public-Commercial District
Designated for publicly controlled natural resources and environmentally
sensitive recreational development. This district has a 5-acre minimum, 300-foot
lot widths, less than five percent lot coverage (unless a surface water plan is
submitted, then 50 percent), and 50-foot setbacks. It allows lodging units with
four or less units (one unit per acre). Permitted uses include parks, interpretive
centers, overlooks, history/archeological sites, and accessory buildings.
Conditional uses include harbors, marinas, gift shops, recreational camping,
lodging with less than four units, Commercial Planned Unit Developments, and
residential. Kennels are prohibited.
M - - Manufacturing
This district is designated for manufacturing (that doesn’t affect nearby uses). It
requires one acre lots, 200-foot lot widths, less than 25 percent lot coverage
(unless there is a surface water plan), fire lanes, and 10-foot setbacks.
Residential and institutional uses are prohibited.
Other Items
Lake County only allows one off-premise sign and it must be located within 10
miles of a business.
A map of Lake County zoning districts within Silver Creek is shown on the
following page.
41
Figure 6: Lake County Zoning for Silver Creek
42
North Shore Management Board
The North Shore Management Board (NSMB) is a joint powers board between
the active zoning entities of the North Shore between the northern city limits of
Duluth and the Grand Portage Reservation. The purpose of the NSMB is to
develop the minimum shoreland zoning standards for properties within 1,000 feet
of Lake Superior or from Lake Superior to 300 feet inland from the centerline of
Trunk Highway 61, whichever is greater. Participating entities include Lake
County and the Town of Silver Creek.
The NSMB finished an update of is minimums in 2004. As of September 2006,

Silver Creek has fully implemented the new minimums for its Castle Danger area
and Lake County has nearly fully done so. Lake County has submitted a
flexibility request for a specific type of business to the NSMB. If granted, Lake
County will have fully implemented the new standards.
The new 2004 standards of the NSMB require two acres of land for every unit of
development. Additional units can be constructed if criteria involving wastewater
and impermeable surfaces can be met. Other types of standards discussed in
the new document include access management, building heights, shoreland
setbacks, and other shoreland issues. A full copy of the June 2004 North Shore
Management Plan Update can be found at www.ardc.org.
43
44
APPENDIX B: TOWN OF SILVER CREEK ANNEXATION STATEMENT
This appendix will be added at a later date.
45
46
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC INPUT
Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan
Public Meeting
September 21, 2006 Silver Creek Town Hall 7:00 p.m.

Summary
1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Williams welcomed the public and called the meeting to
order.
2. Comprehensive Plan Presentation

Hubley gave a presentation on the draft comprehensive plan that
the Steering Committee has put together. Hubley went though
each chapter of the presentation describing the assets and threats
of the themes. The chapters include; transportation, recreation,
wastewater, economics, land-use (shoreland, ridgeline, and inland),
and community life. Hubley also gave the recommendations that
the Steering Committee had so far and explained that the
recommendations were not final and could be changed. Then
public comments, questions, and concerns were asked for.
3. Public Comment
How do I get a copy of the plan?
We need a lower speed limit in Castle Danger.
Can you define inaccessible lands?
Would existing areas under 40 acres be grandfathered in?
We need an Affordable Housing Plan.
What is the current zoning for the township?
NSMB densities (flexibility requests).
Is the NSSD made up of elected officials?
Semi trailers are a problem on Hwy 3.
There are kids/pedestrians on Hwy 3, could there be a trail along
the road?
Can you expand on vegetation removal?
Could you explain design review committee?
47
48
APPENDIX D: INTERGOVERNMENTAL MEETING SUMMARY
This appendix will be completed at a later date.
49
50
APPENDIX E: PROJECT PARTNERS
What is ARDC?
The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) is a multi-

disciplined planning and development organization whose jurisdiction
encompasses the Northeast Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca,
Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis.
In accordance with the Minnesota Regional Development Act, the Commission

serves as an advocate for local governments in Northeast Minnesota, provides
leadership in the development of projects that benefit the Arrowhead Region and
serves as a catalyst to identify needs and seek solutions to issues of regional
significance. This role is especially important with regard to problems and
opportunities that are multi-jurisdictional in scope or impact. Throughout its
existence, ARDC has developed numerous planning and implementation
programs aimed at meeting the needs of the Arrowhead Region.
ARDC also serves as an umbrella

agency for a wide variety of local, state,
and federal initiatives. These programs
include services to aging, human
services, transit transportation,
metropolitan planning, economic
development, community development,
and natural resources. Other
responsibilities of ARDC include the
development and maintenance of
resource data to support the preparation
of comprehensive development plans
for units of government.
ARDC holds many public forums each year
What is the Lake Superior Coastal Zone Grant Program?
Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program (MLSCP) annually offers federal

matching funds for the purpose of undertaking projects that address coastal
issues. Grants are offered on a competitive basis to eligible applicants. These
matching grant funds are available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
(OCRM), pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. In Minnesota,
the program is implemented as pass-through grants to local units of government,
other public entities and nonprofits. The Department of Natural Resources-
Waters administers the program, with offices in Two Harbors, on the north shore
of Lake Superior.
51
To assist in the implementation of MLSCP, a Governor’s
Council on Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program was
appointed by Governor Ventura in December 1999 and
convened on January 21, 2000. The thirty-one eligible local
units of government within the coastal boundary and the
public at-large nominate council members. Fifteen members
make up the council with three members coming from each
of the four eligible counties (Carlton, St. Louis, Lake and
Cook) and three at-large members. The Council establishes
the grant program priorities, selects projects for funding,
reviews the program's non-project budget and reviews the
Coastal Program every two years. All projects must receive
final approval from NOAA before proceeding.
The goal of Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program is to

preserve, protect, develop and where possible restore or
enhance coastal resources along Minnesota's North Shore
of Lake Superior.
52
APPENDIX F: ACTION STEPS
Recommendations Responsible Parties Town's Action Steps Deadline Status
Town Board should stay informed regarding reconstruction progress and write
T1 Support Recon TH 61 Mn/DOT Ongoing Ongoing
letters of support for funding when appropriate.
Town Board should write a letter to Lake County and Two Harbors advocating for March 31, 2007 or 1 month after
T2 Support reliever route Lake County/Two Harbors Incomplete
the road's develoment. adoption of Comp Plan
T3 Pursue Bypass Lanes by Sup. Town Board should write a letter to Mn/DOT (copy Superior Shores) and formally March 31, 2007 or 1 month after
Mn/DOT Incomplete
Shores/Burlington Rd request that bypass lanes be installed. adoption of Comp Plan
Town Board shoud research facts about deer/car collisions and share them with
T4 Discourage feeding of deer Town of Silver Creek the Town's citizens in the newsletter. The article should state that the Town June 30, 2007 Incomplete
strongly discourages deer feeding near roadways.
The Town Board should become aware of when the County's Five-year roadway
T5 Participate in Lake Cty 5-year
Town of Silver Creek/Lake County improvement plan is drafted and should review it and make comments when Ongoing Ongoing
construction plan
necessary.
The Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Highway Department
T6 Support 4-ft shoulders on CSAHs Lake County December 31, 2006 Incomplete
outlining the Town's transportation recommendations that involve the County.
T7 Support no-parking on CSAH2 by high The Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Highway Department
Lake County December 31, 2006 Incomplete
school outlining the Town's transportation recommendations that involve the County.
T8 Support center left-turn lane from Two The Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Highway Department
Harbors to High School on Hwy 2 outlining the Town's transportation recommendations that involve the County.
T9 Seek maintenance exchanges for
Town/Lake County/Two Harbors The Town Maintenance Department should remain alert for these opportunities. Ongoing Ongoing
dead-heading
T10 Discourage heavy truck traffic on The Town Maintenance Department should remain alert for problems that arise and
Town of Silver Creek Ongoing Ongoing
township roads then work with truck drivers and enforcement officials to alleviate the concern.
Town of Silver Creek should advocate for the enlargement of the North Shore Trail
T11 Support development of more Town of Silver Creek, Mn/DNR, March 31, 2007 or 1 month after
parking lot on the Alger Grade just off of CSAH 2. The Town should also sign the Incomplete
parking at Alger Grade Snowmobile Clubs adoption of Comp Plan
Alger Grade as only allowing parking on one side of the road.
The Town Board should develop a project scope of work, then seek grants to help November 30, 2006 (Grant) and
R1 Develop a town-wide rec plan Town of Silver Creek Incomplete
fund the hiring of a consultant to complete the planning process. June 30, 2008 (Plan)
The Town Board should contact the Minnesota Extensions Service and schedule,
W1 Conduct a septic education session Town of Silver Creek promote, and hold a homeowner septic maintainance workshop. This should be June 30, 2007 and then Ongoing Incomplete
done every 3 years.
The Town Board should participate in the Wastewater Forum being held in the
W2 Participate in discussions with
Town of Silver Creek Spring of 2007 that is sponsored by the NSMB and should also continue to April 30, 2007 Incomplete
NSMB
participate in future wastewater coordination discussions.
W3 Monitor Castle Danger system, plan
Town of Silver Creek The Town Board should continually monitor the system and its capacity. Ongoing Ongoing
long-term
The Town Board should be aware of the NSSD Council and its efforts on TH 61,
E1 Support NSSDC Town of Silver Creek Ongoing Ongoing
and write letters of support for the Council when appropriate.
E2 Letter of support for Lake County flex
No Longer Needed No Longer Needed No Longer Needed No Longer Needed
request
E3 Advocate for expansion of camping The Town Board should advocate for additional camping facilities at existing State
Mn/DNR Ongoing Ongoing
facilities Parks
This Recommendation should be examined as part of the Recreation Plan November 30, 2006 (Grant) and
E4 Explore a town campground Town of Silver Creek Incomplete
(Recommendation R1) June 30, 2008 (Plan)
E5 Encourage the continuation of logging The Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Zoning Department
properties outlining the Town's land use recommendations that involve the County.
E6 Develop a 40-acre minimum-zoning The Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Zoning Department
district north of CSAH 3 outlining the Town's land use recommendations that involve the County.
E7 Support home businesses/disallow The Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Zoning Department
impact business outlining the Town's land use recommendations that involve the County.
53
Recommendations Responsible Party Town's Action Steps Deadline Status
L1 Support NSSD Council See E1 See E1 See E1 See E1
The Town of Silver Creek should continue to participate on the North Shore
L2 Uphold NSMP Update Town of Silver Creek Management Boad and should continue to follow the Board's Management Ongoing Ongoing
Standards in the Castle Danger area.
The Town should support the recent stream bank restoration and preservation and
L3 Support NRRI's Stream Bank Studies Town of Silver Creek restoration efforts of the Natural Resource Research Institute and other agencies. December 31, 2007 Ongoing
The Town should remain aware of the studies and participate where appropriate.
The Town of Silver Creek should initially present the idea of the Design Committee
L4 Form a Lake Superior Design Review
NSMB/Town of Silver Creek as part of the NSMB. If the NSMB does not explore the idea, Silver Creek should June 30, 2007 Incomplete
Committee
explore the idea of implementing it just in the Town.
The Town of Silver Creek should initially present the idea of the Design Committee
L5 Design Review Committee should do
NSMB/Town of Silver Creek as part of the NSMB. If the NSMB does not explore the idea, Silver Creek should June 30, 2008 Incomplete
a historical review study
explore the idea of implementing it just in the Town.
RL1 Support NSMB critical viewshed The Town of Silver Creek should participate in the NSMB's Critical Viewshed
North Shore Management Board June 30, 2007 Incomplete
study Study when given the opportunity
IF1 Create zoning district for 40-acre

See E6 See E6 See E6 See E6
develop minimum
IF2 Work with Lake County to strengthen The Town Board should write a Memo to the Lake County Zoning Department
Lake County March 31, 2007
veg removal outlining the Town's land use recommendations that involve the County.
The Town Board should develop an appendix to the Comprehensive Plan that
C1 Adopt an annexation statement Town of Silver Creek December 31, 2006 Incomplete
outlines the reasons the Town would be for or againse annexation.
The Town Board should use the newsletter to promote the formation of a
Community Life Committee and then ask that committee to develop
C2 Form a community center committee Town of Silver Creek June 30, 2007 Incomplete
recommendations for activities and physical improvements the Town should
undertake as part of the Community.
Every year, prior to the Town's annual meeting, the Town Board should review
C3 Review Comp Plan recommendations
Town of Silver Creek each recommendation and determine its status. The Board should then update Ongoing Ongoing
regularly
this checklist and make it available to the public at the annual meeting.
54
Digital copies of this plan can be found on ARDC’s website
(www.arrowheadplanning.org).
For more information contact:
ARDC
221 West First Street
Duluth, MN 55802
Or call toll free-

1-800-232-0707
55

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Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program MLSCP Project No.

Project Title: Town of Silver Creek Comprehensive Plan

Project Start Date: August 25, 2005

Name and Title of Person Completing Report: Wendy Langanki, Clerk

Developed by the Town of Silver Creek with

2006 Town Board of Supervisors:

Section 1: Introduction .....................................................................1

Section 2: Transportation .................................................................7

Section 4: Wastewater .....................................................................15

Section 6: Lake Superior Land Use .................................................23

Section 7: North Shore Ridgeline Land Use ....................................25

Section 8: Inland Land Use ..............................................................29

Section 9: Community Life ...............................................................33

Appendix A: Current Planning and Zoning.......................................39

Appendix B: Annexation Statement .................................................45

Appendix C: Public Input..................................................................47

Appendix D: Intergovernmental Meeting Summary .........................49

Appendix E: What is ARDC? What is the Coastal Program?..........51

Appendix F: Implementation Checklist.............................................53

Figure 1: Map of the Town of Silver Creek...........................6

Table 1: Demographic Data .................................................4

In the spring of 2005 the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC-

A Brief History of Silver Creek

[Note: Sometimes there is inflation, sometimes not. In 1905 an attorney was

The actual numbers are as follows:

1970 1980 1990 2000 Actual Percent

If one looks at employment, the majority of people travel to work at some

The transportation system in Silver Creek

Along with these great assets to the Town of Silver

With several specific improvements to the area,

Assets, Threats, and Recommendations

Asset: Trunk Highway 61

o Threats: Trunk Highway 61 does have safety concerns,

Other threats to the highway include the proliferation

In addition to the tourist and residential traffic, the

Safety issues are a threat to the Town due to the

o Existing Approaches: Currently Mn/DOT does place a high

Recommendation T1: Support the reconstruction of

Recommendation T2: Support the development of a

Asset: Lake County Roads and Highways

County Roads are roads that are administered and

o Threats: County Roads and Highways have only a few

Another concern is the use of these roads by

o Existing Approaches: Currently Lake County develops a five-

o Recommended Actions: The Town of Silver Creek is

Recommendation T5: Participate in the Lake County Five-

Recommendation T8: Support the development of a

Asset: Township Roads

o Existing Approaches: Currently the Town of Silver Creek has

o Recommended Actions: The Town of Silver Creek is

Recommendation T9: Actively seek additional

Recommendation T10: Continue to discourage heavy

Recommendation T11: Support the development of a

The Town of Silver Creek thrives on

Assets, Threats, and Recommendations

Asset: The Variety of Recreational Activities in the Town of Silver Creek

o Threats: A number of recreation locations and types are

o Existing Approaches: Currently the Mn/DNR is the primary

Currently the Superior Hiking Trail’s western terminus

The Mn/DNR is exploring the idea of allowing All-

The Gitchi Gami Trail is continuing to construct their

Gooseberry and Flood Bay State Parks are fairly

o Recommended Actions: The Town of Silver Creek is

Recommendation R1: Develop a town-wide recreation