Lawsuit Filed After Minnesota Officials Allegedly Weaponized Zoning Laws Against Free Camping Program for Disabled Veterans

A federal civil rights lawsuit filed in Minnesota alleges that St. Louis County officials carried out a coordinated, years-long effort to shut down a nonprofit that provides free primitive camping and outdoor therapy for disabled veterans.

The 121-page complaint, filed in U.S. District Court, accuses county commissioners, planning officials, attorneys, and township leaders of systemic corruption, abuse of power, disability discrimination, and constitutional violations. Plaintiffs claim officials colluded to block the nonprofit’s lawful land use because they did not want disabled veterans on the property.

The lawsuit centers on Rough-N-It Inc., a nonprofit organization created to offer free, non-commercial camping and outdoor therapy for disabled veterans—many of whom cannot afford traditional campgrounds or resort fees and rely on outdoor recreation as part of their recovery.

According to the complaint, county staff repeatedly stated that the project provided “no public benefit,” despite being informed multiple times that the sole purpose of the land use was to serve disabled veterans. Plaintiffs allege the county never conducted the legally required Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) analysis and instead relied on stereotypes and hostility toward veterans with disabilities.

Allegations Detailed in Federal Filing

In a press release announcing the lawsuit, Rough-N-It Inc., several disabled veterans, and landowner Christine Wyrobek said St. Louis County and Beatty Township officials weaponized zoning, environmental review, and enforcement powers to shut down the nonprofit program.

The lawsuit alleges violations of the ADA, the U.S. Constitution, and Minnesota law, describing a multi-year pattern of obstruction, retaliation, and intimidation by county and township staff, planning officials, and elected leaders.

“This case was never about zoning,” Wyrobek said. “It was about power. Disabled veterans were sacrificed to protect personal agendas and institutional pride. When lawful process didn’t produce the outcome officials wanted, they abandoned the law.”

Veterans Allegedly Targeted

According to the complaint, officials ignored the nonprofit’s veterans-focused mission in official reports, claimed the program offered no public benefit, relied on disability-based stereotypes, imposed what plaintiffs describe as an illegal environmental review, and issued years of enforcement threats without issuing a single citation.

Despite public claims of violations, the county ultimately acknowledged it never found an enforceable violation, the lawsuit states.

Claims of Systemic Government Failure

The lawsuit further alleges a breakdown in separation of powers within St. Louis County, asserting that planning staff, the Planning Commission, the County Board, and the County Attorney acted as a unified, self-protective group rather than as independent checks on one another.

Plaintiffs also challenge a county resolution authorizing enforcement lawsuits based on hypothetical future conduct, calling it an abuse of enforcement authority.

“When no branch of government is willing to check another, citizens lose their rights,” Wyrobek said.

Financial Impact on Taxpayers

The complaint states that unlawful procedures, prolonged reviews, and failed mediation efforts cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, burdening both the nonprofit and taxpayers while delaying services to disabled veterans.

Board members of the nonprofit, including healthcare professionals, allegedly resigned after repeated enforcement threats created fear of professional repercussions, further chilling lawful civic participation.

What the Lawsuit Seeks

Plaintiffs say litigation became the only option after all other avenues failed.

“We didn’t choose litigation,” Wyrobek said. “We were driven to it. Under Minnesota law, there was no way to stop the harassment or obtain judicial review unless the County acted. Instead of issuing a citation, officials escalated matters to avoid court oversight.”

The lawsuit asks the federal court to declare the county and township actions unlawful, restore lawful use of the property for disabled veterans, block unconstitutional enforcement practices, and award damages.

“The true victims here are disabled veterans who lost access to free therapeutic recreation, and taxpayers who paid for a system that defended itself instead of serving the public,” Wyrobek said.

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