The Hubbard County Board approved the conditional use permit for McGregors’ Tree Patch RV Campground, with 10 conditions.
The Hubbard County Board approved a conditional use permit application (CUP) by Fred and Laurie McGregor.
The couple operates McGregors’ Tree Patch RV Campground on 11th Crow Wing Lake in Akeley.
The county’s planning commission recommended approval following a Dec. 16, 2024 hearing. Hubbard County Environmental Services Office (ESO) Eric Buitenwerf recapped the situation for the board at their Tuesday, Jan. 7 meeting.
He explained that the McGregors acquired a CUP in 2021, but failed to comply with its first six conditions and obtain the necessary operating permit before launching their business.
That CUP was deemed null and void after a two-year sunset clause, Buitenwerf said, “which led to them applying essentially for the same thing with a few minor tweaks.”
The MCGregors were informed in July 2024 by ESO staff that the CUP was invalid. The campground has 21 sites.
Buitenwerf said the main differences between then and now is that city water and sewer lines have been installed, along with a 28-by-34-foot concrete slab for a proposed guest bathroom/showerhouse and shelter. The concrete was poured without a permit, according to the ESO staff report.
The McGregors told the planning commission the bathroom would be installed in spring 2025. Buitenwerf noted that Akeley City Clerk Kristi Kath commented on the CUP at the December hearing. The McGregor campground adjoins the city-owned campground.
Kath said, “I just want to start by saying the city is in no way opposed to the McGregor Campground, however, we are opposed to its operation last year. It was operating without a licensure. It did not contain just RVs; it contained tents. It had no restroom or shower facilities, so those occupants were coming down to our campground and using our facilities, disrupting our campers and trying to use our docks. There didn’t appear to be any posted rules or regulations. Things that are normal in campgrounds, like quiet times, were not being addressed. It was very disruptive for our campers. The lack of facilities had some people using the woods. It was all noted by our police chief. He had to get involved and address some of the issues.”
If the CUP is granted, Kath asked that the campground meet all of its requirements prior to opening for the 2025 season.
“It should take nothing away from our campground because they offer a very different facility,” she said.
Planning commissioner Tim Johnson asked Kath if the public may swim at the lake.
Kathy replied that there is a public access. Johnson asked if the public can use the bathroom. Kath explained there is a restroom facility at the access for the public, but the city campground’s shower and restroom facilities are only for campers.
The McGregors confirmed that Akeley Police Chief Jimmy Hansen visited their campground regarding a couple staying in a tent.
Laurie said they asked the couple to leave, based on Hansen’s advice. “We don’t want people with tents there,” she said.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, Buitenwerf said, “I don’t know whether we’re going to know the whole story on that, but at least those applicants were made aware of those concerns.”
County commissioner Steve Keranen said the McGregors “had a misunderstanding of the whole process.” The planning commission reiterated to the McGregors that an operating permit is needed to legally commence their business, he added.
“I think their desire is to have seasonals,” Keranen said.
The county board approved the CUP with 10 conditions. Among the conditions are that one deck or platform, not to exceed 300 square feet in area, and one 6-by-8-foot shed are allowed at each campsite with a land use permit.
The CUP allows the campground to operate from April 1 to Nov. 1. Quiet hours are to be enforced.
In related business, the county board approved a legal services agreement with Squires, Waldspurger & Mace, P.A. on behalf of the ESO. The 2025 flat rate increased from $14,000 to $16,000. Any special projects or services done outside of the contract will be charged an hourly rate of $240 to $250 per hour, a $10 per hour increase compared to last year.
