DNR land purchase intended to help wildlife, access to land

In an effort to increase access and habitat, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asked the Lyon County Board Tuesday for approval of a land acquisition project in Lake Marshall Township.
The property is located about five miles southwest of Marshall and is adjacent to the existing Meadow Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and is 247 acres. The majority of the land is a permanent RIM (Reinvest in Minnesota) grassland easement.  Landowners Mark and Becky Doyscher of Lake Marshall Township are willing to donate if the remaining acres are purchased.
“This property is a high priority for DNR Wildlife since it would provide better access to the northwest portion of the WMA,” said Wendy Krueger DNR of Marshall.
In addition to some disapproval from area residents, the Lyon County Board wasn’t completely convinced this was a good idea. But in the end, they approved the sale of the property to the DNR.
“We probably can’t stop this, but we’ve got to do a better job of management of these acres,” said Commissioner Rick Anderson. He indicated more and more acquisition of land by the DNR means higher taxes for county residents.
“Current access is from the south or the east and is difficult due to Meadow Creek and other wetland areas,” Krueger said. “This provides better access,” Krueger added.
“This property is within an identified pheasant habitat complex. It’s already a great habitat area,” she said.
The field contains some steeper slopes and erodible soils. “We propose to restore the small wetland area to a habitat area,” said Krueger. “This would be an excellent fit for us,” she added.
She said the area would be open to hunters and others, adding, “It would be open to the public.”
“I really want to make sure it’s going to be taken care of,” said Commissioner Charlie Sanow.
“It’s going to have to be managed,” he said. “This has been in the works for awhile, and until last Tuesday, our staff knew nothing about it,” the commissioner added. “I think that’s a little disrespectful toward our staff, not giving our staff a chance to work on this,” added Commissioner Sanow.
Another comment rose from the commissioners. “I love to hunt as much as you do. But we’re going to come to a point where we say, enough is enough,” said Commissioner Rick Anderson.
“This grassland and wetland habitat complex is an excellent fit to become part of the WMA since it benefits wildlife and will provide enhanced access for hunting opportunity and wildlife management,” Krueger added.
Randy Sook, accredited farm manager for Northwestern Farm Management Company of Marshall, said the land has been for sale, without a single offer. “Probably because it’s too large,” said Sook.
He indicated the DNR is a perfect match for purchasing this land.
Commission Chairman Gary Crowley asked who would care for this land, indicating it has not been cared for well in the past.
Sook said there will be management control and that’s in the process of being contracted.
Concerns were voiced by the public, including one that said there is a serious mess and is not being well managed.
Another said the area is, “A total mess of a road … and the weeds are uncontrollable.”
“The road was totally torn up last fall. We got it back now. But they made a mess and nobody cared,” said another.
“Somebody’s got to take immediate action on the control of the weeds in that area,” was another comment.
Others indicated they were for the proposal based on the hunting potential and the potential land management.

IN OTHER action the board:
•Approved a proposal by Avera Regional Medical Center to change their jail nursing services from “clinical nursing staff,” to “home health nurses.”
•Approved an amendment for the replacement project of three bridges in Camden State Park.  Due to high river levels since July 2018, the contractor has not been able to finish the colored staining of the concrete bridges. The amendment approved by the board extends the funding term for the DNR’s allocated cash for this project. “They are piggy-backing on our paving contract this summer and have chosen to pave a campground loop and the beach parking lot. This is the reason for an additional $50,000,” said Lyon County Engineer Aaron VanMoer. The board also approved this added expense.
•Approved establishment of a Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Sheriff Eric Wallen said social media has become a popular means to assisting law enforcement.
“This would help promote various activities, provide notices and communication to the public and build community relations as well as interaction within the sheriff’s office,” said the sheriff.
•Approved hiring Barb Marron as a technical assistant II in the auditor/treasurer’s office starting June 24 at a salary of $18.50 per hour.
•Heard Jason Overby, General Manager of Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water of Lake Benton, give his annual report on the finances and project development.