County water planning takes on a new form

Water planning has taken on a new form. Previously, water plans were adopted on a county basis every 10 years. Now, the One Watershed, One Plan concept takes water planning to a watershed basin level.

The Lyon County Water Plan expires in 2019. Planning and Zoning Director John Biren asked the board Tuesday to extend the plan, “To allow us to focus on the One Watershed, One Plan process.”

The Yellow Medicine Watershed has adopted the plan. The Des Moines, Redwood and Cottonwood Rivers are working on the WRAPS (Water Restoration and Protection Strategies).

“Once the WRAPS are completed, the water planning process will occur on a Watershed basis.” When all the plans are complete, the Watershed One Plans for these watersheds will also supersede Lyon County’s Water Management Plan. The extension will be from 2019 to 2023.

The main goal of the Lyon County Water Management Plan has been to create a 10-year plan to identify existing and potential problems and opportunities for development of water resources.

IN OTHER action the board: •Approved the appointment of Earl DeWilde and Randy Krause to four year terms on the Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water System.

Glen Grant was appointed to replace Ken Buysse on the board. Buysse, of Minneota, recently announcement his retirement from the board. •Gave permission to seek quotes for gravel hauling to the landfill this year. The County Highway Department is unable to haul the gravel. Landfill needs are anticipated at 15,000 cubic yards of gravel.