Conversations continue about future of Snake River Fur Post

Conversations are continuing regarding the future of the Snake River Fur Post.

In September, the Snake River Fur Post made changes to its programming as part of the state historical society’s efforts to address a structural deficit.

According to the MNHS, the site shifted its focus to "free, self-guided outdoor interpretive experiences and occasional special programming."

At the Pine County board meeting on Feb. 17, commissioner Steve Hallan said the Minnesota Historical Society is willing to partner with a group of community stakeholders to reopen the Fur Post.

"I've come to really appreciate the predicament they were in, that they are in, and their willingness to want to be a partner with us, with a group," Hallan said.

County administrator Kelly Schroeder said the state historical society is "still willing to put in funds with a local partner."

Hallan said more meetings are scheduled to continue developing a plan.

"I think we'll have a really good product coming out of this by the next couple of months," Hallan said.

At Pine City's Feb. 18 council meeting, mayor Kent Bombard reported "strong interest" from a couple of organizations to be the lead on the initiative.

Bombard explained that Pine City would likely not be the sponsoring party for the effort.

"It sounds like it would either be the county or another organization," he said.

Bombard added that he and city administrator Marcy Peterson will continue attending monthly meetings to "see if there's any aid the city can provide this process."

"It seems like things are moving a lot quicker than we anticipated, I guess I would say," he said.