Minnesota DNR navigates complex North Shore relationship on the Knife River

Shary Zoff has a dam problem.
“This area used to be a little lake,” Zoff said, gesturing toward a patch of clumpy brown grass.
As she hesitantly moves her feet, Zoff steps through pockets of grass and snow toward the cold, flowing waters of the West Branch of the Knife River. Her home is nearby, just over the ridge from this quiet piece of wilderness situated about 10 miles from Two Harbors and Lake Superior.