Lake Shebandowan accessible camp patrons petition to keep site open

Superior Morning10:07Saving Wilderness Discovery Resort

We hear why a Minnesota man has started on on-line petition to save the Wilderness Discovery Resort on lake Shebandowan. Kevin Johnson says the land should not be soldSupport for keeping an accessible camping facility at Lake Shebandowan open is now coming from the United States.

Kevin Johnson and his wife care for a paralyzed U.S. Navy veteran. The southern Minnesota couple have started an online petition to stop the closure of the Wilderness Discovery facility run by HAGI Community Services.

Johnson said they have taken the veteran on several trips there in the past few years.

We started coming once a year and now, because of what it is, and because it is such a great place, he loves it more than just about anything, Johnson said.

So weve increased it to twice a season, and we plan on coming up twice a year for the rest of our lives.

They usually go for about eight days at a time.

The camps future is uncertain because the province is looking to sell the land its built on for more than HAGI can afford.

'Priceless' spot

Johnson said the camp provides inclusion, as many of the participants don't get the opportunity to spend time outdoors.

"It could be an investment, he continued.

If the Ontario government were to donate that land to HAGI, then HAGI wouldn't have to worry about that anymore. They wouldn't have this popping up in their budget every fiscal year to fiscal year. They could maybe fund other programs."

Johnson said he's heard of people from several other states that travel to the Lake Shebandowan facility.

Everything is accessible at the camp, such as roll-in showers and other appropriate accommodations. The camp has many other amenities, like satellite TV, Wi-Fi, a pontoon boat and great caretakers. Johnson said the camp is even better than staying at hotels in the US.

"It's like they thought of everything already... they are keenly aware of what this place means to families like ours that stay there, he said.

That's priceless, to not have to worry about that. And to have that kind of people looking out for you is awesome.

He hopes his petition catches politicians' eyes, "so they get a good look at this, and know just how important this is not only to the people that live in that area, but also to the people that travel to that area."