The Superior Common Council on June 6 received and filed city staff correspondence about the temporary gate across Moccasin Mike Road, which restricts vehicle access to Schaeffer's Beach and Dutchman's Creek to protect piping plover nesting habitat.

The Saint Louis River Alliance told the council the gate has meaningfully reduced illegal activity and disturbances on the beach this nesting season. "This year, the significance of the gate being across the road... the amount of disturbances that are on the beach is significantly less," said Chris Eiler of the Saint Louis River Alliance. "In a normal day last year... we might see 5 to 10 dogs running loose on the beach, numerous piles of garbage, people camping, remnants of huge bonfires, tents, and fireworks left on the beach. This year... I have no reported sites of tents or fireworks or bonfires."

The alliance noted federal and state agencies have invested in habitat protection nearby. "U.S. Fish and Wildlife and many other agencies... [and] Wisconsin DNR has put into this up to date, close to $250,000 in that area, to renovate, restore, and keep maintaining that beach," Eiler said. He asked the council to allow the gate to remain in place for the remaining two weeks of the nesting season, or longer if a nest of national interest is found: "We would ask that... we can leave the gate in that location for the next 2 weeks, unless there is a nest occurring, which would be of significant national interest. Then it would be extended... to I think it was August 15."

Councilors and staff described a range of views about leaving the gate closed and how to handle longer-term placement. A councilor representing the area urged caution about removing the gate before nests are confirmed and noted the matter may return to the Land and Development Committee if the gate remains closed beyond June 15. Mary Morgan, Parks and Recreation and Forestry director, provided background on the differing opinions and the administrative path for decisions. One councilor said the prior approval of related actions appeared in the consent agenda and characterized receiving and filing the item as confirming that earlier action.

After discussion, a councilor moved to "receive and file" the staff memo regarding Moccasin Mike Road; another councilor seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote. The mayor later thanked the River Alliance and city staff for their work and said the council "stand[s] behind you."

Discussion only: councilors debated leaving the gate in place for the remainder of the nesting season, possible impacts on access and county committees that may have differing recommendations, and next steps for a more formal decision in coming committee meetings. Directional next steps stated on the record included the Land and Development Committee expecting to review any extension of the gate beyond June 15 and staff continuing to coordinate with county committees and agencies.

The council did not adopt a new ordinance or binding prohibition at the meeting; the formal action recorded in the minutes was to receive and file the staff memo about the gate and related correspondence.

The Saint Louis River Alliance asked the council to work on a long-term procedure for gate placement next year to address both habitat protection and public access.

The matter may return to committee if the gate remains closed beyond the current nesting period; the Land and Development Committee was cited as the next forum for further consideration.