Resort Owners on Lake Kabetogama Hit with Devastating Weather

LAKE KABETOGAMA - Twenty four hours ago at Pine tree Cove a dock was fully attached but now it’s nothing but floating debris. In another part of the dock it was completely dry but is now covered in several inches of water and a cabin is being threatened by being washed away. Pine Tree Cover Owner Phil Hart said “It was like a hurricane here. Everything was flopping all over. Waves were just washing up into our cabins.” Heavy rains brought the water level on Lake Kabetogama within flood range at Pine Tree Cove, but 4 extra inches of rain Thursday was too much for the lake side resort. “I got a call from when I was at work from our manager the care taker here and he said I think we are loosing the docks,” said Hart. High winds created massive waves which destroyed the docks of multiple lake side resorts, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Hart said, “It’s about a $50,000 rebuild job, we can’t shut down. I mean we have to, it takes a long time to recover that.” Driftwood Lodge manager, Dawn Keeler said, “Right now we are looking at probably about $100,000 for this harbor alone.” But this is about more than just money, these resorts mean everything to these people. Keeler said, “Well to be honest we were all pretty sick to our stomachs when we watched it happen." After opening late due to a frozen lake, seeing the destruction brought Phil to tears. “Mother nature, worst winter we’ve ever gone through and now ugh…just shocked.” All but one guest packed up and left Pine Tree after the storm, but both resorts say they’ve had no cancellations. Keeler said, “We’ve called everybody that’s coming this coming week and Saturday and let them know you know what’s happening, and they’ve all been very understanding.” Hart said, “They know what they’re headed into and we’ve called them, next week's customers. A week after that we’ll have to wait and see.” However, now there is an added danger. A dock washed up at Pine Tree from who knows where meaning the lake is filled with debris. Keeler said, “With the wind change coming if that stuff starts floating back out there it’s going to make it real hazardous for boaters.” The resorts are determined not to let this ruin them. Hart said, “So we’ll rebuild. I mean we’ll get it back, it’s just hard.” The water level has steadily rose during the day Friday and with and inch and a half of rain predicted for lake Kabetogama, the resorts are fearing that the worst may be yet to come.  The resort owners will not be able to rebuild their harbors  until the winter when the waters recede, but for now they will still be able to launch boats from temporary landings.