Iron County forestry committee is recommending a land swap

While the future of the Saxon Harbor campground remains uncertain, the Iron County forestry committee is recommending a land swap if the decision is to made to proceed with its construction.  The committee voted Tuesday to send the proposed land exchange to the full county board for approval.  The proposed exchange would allow the county to acquire land south of its existing property where the campground is proposed that is currently owned by Neil Gilbertson. In exchange for that land, Iron County would give up a strip of property in the wooded area behind the old campground near Gilbertson’s house.  While the design for the campground is continuing to be refined to keep costs down, the most recent versions called for excavating a hill across County A from the Harbor Lights bar. The hill continues to the south, and the county would either have to build a retaining wall or shrink the campground footprint if the property isn’t acquired.  The total amount of land being exchanged is still being determined.  Gilbertson is working with the county regarding the amount being exchanged.