diverse and cater to both passive and active uses, as the city’s layout includes both scenic wetlands and beautiful topography. “Having a balance between the two is important so that people can get out and recreate. As Minnesotans, we get out a lot,” boasts Look. “People love it. People that who move here generally don’t leave here. It’s a unique community that when people find it, it’s kind of the best-kept secret.” Berg shares that Coon Lake, a 1,481-acre lake with a public beach and boat launch is a popular attraction that brings people into the East Bethel community. The Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, a 5,600-acre research area owned and managed by the University of Minnesota, is another draw to the area. The Reserve offers hiking and cross-country skiing, in addition to educational opportunities for local schools. He conveys, “The reserve was dedicated in 1942. They’re researching how the effects of human pressures change our planet’s ecosystems. There are three different biomes within this reserve area, a deciduous forest, a coniferous forest, and the prairie grasslands. Hiking trails and walking trails that can be accessed by the public to view how their research is being conducted and how each biome is being affected by human interaction with the environment.” THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT As East Bethel continues to leverage its ideal location along Highway 65, Berg relays, “We have the connectivity to send goods and materials, we can receive supplies, and we have land available for development. So, we’re going to continue to work toward rezoning and or honing in on the expansion of business parks so we can recruit more business and industry, capitalizing on our position.” Look echoes this focus on fostering growth, adding that low tax rates and a welcoming environment are also priorities. In summary, he asserts, “The future is sunny with a guaranteed growth of expansion opportunities. Knowing that this is coming, we want to be positioned appropriately so that we can respond efficiently and professionally, and help businesses locate here and call this place home.” 119 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 EAST BETHEL , MN
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