07.a Public Comments_Dochterman and Popemail
From: Deidre Pope <
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2022 7:01 PM
To: mail
Subject: letter in opposition to the IUP for 16315 209th Street
ROBYN DOCHTERMAN and DEIDRE POPE
16277 Quality Trail North, Scandia, MN 55073
December 1, 2022
To the City of Scandia:
We are writing regarding the proposed Interim Use Permit for livestock at 16315 209th Street North in Scandia.
We have owned and lived at 16277 Quality Trail North for 18 years. The back side of our property abuts the
Lorentz property.
We DO NOT support the request to allow 20 livestock on this 6 -acre property. By the City of Scandia's laws, a
minimum of 5 acres is required to own 1 animal per 2 acres of property. Accordingly, the Lorentz property is
appropriately sized for no more than 3 animals.
We understand that the owner is planning to raise Dexter cattle, which are smaller than many other breeds of
cattle. We have seen recommendations online from Dexter organizations suggesting 1/z to 1 acre per animal.
With five grazeable acres, the Lorentz property could successfully support, at the very highest end, 10 head.
Dexters produce 1.5 - 2.5 gallons of manure per day, per cow. 15 cows would produce an average of 30 gallons
of manure each day, or about 10,950 gallons a year. Liquid manure weighs approximately 8.5 pounds per gallon
resulting in a herd of 15 Dexters producing well over 45 tons of manure per year.
The grazing area is situated on a significant slope that drains to the St. Croix River, creating the risk of manure
and silt run off into the river and contamination of a treasured public and wildlife resource.
Additionally, an operation of the proposed size would infringe on our (and other neighbors) ability to use our
own property due to potential smell and insect activity.
We sought out this neighborhood because it offered privacy and the opportunity to enjoy our surroundings. We
cannot support an operation that jeopardizes that — and compromises property values — and we question why the
City of Scandia would allow an operation that goes contrary to its own good guidelines that are already in place.
Approving an IUP for 6x the number of legally allowed animals sets a dangerous precedent in this wooded,
residential neighborhood and could significantly change its character. If this IUP is passed, on what basis will
Scandia prevent every 6 acre parcel owner from keeping many more than the approved number of
livestock? We request that the City of Scandia deny this permit.
Robyn Dochterman and Deidre Pope