(Orleans)– A public informational meeting to gather public input on the possibility of a boat gas-concession at Templar Park Lagoon on the northwest side of Big Spirit Lake is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31st at the Dickinson County Community Building in Spirit Lake.
John Maehl, DNR District Supervisor, tells KUOO news it’s the result of inquiries the DNR has been getting from Big Spirit residents and others who would like to see a gas dock service available.
The last gas dock, at Vergie’s South Side Resort, closed when the resort went out of business several years ago. It’s forced those who boat on Big Spirit to haul their own gasoline.
Under the proposal, Maehl says the DNR would contact with a private individual or firm to operate the gas dock/concession business under a lease or profit-sharing arrangement. He says the DNR already has similar arrangements in place at some state parks and on some lakes, such as Storm Lake.
Maehl says without the state’s involvement, the gas dock/concession operation probably wouldn’t happen because property values on Big Spirit Lake are too high, making it a losing proposition to have such an operation on private property.
Those who cannot attend the May 31st meeting who would like to provide some comment may do so in writing. Comments can be e-mailed to john.maehler.@dnr.iowa.gov.
