By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

County commissioners, on Feb. 10, took note of community residents, service organizations, businesses and church groups who offer to donate items or gift cards to Otter Tail County Human Services to assist in meeting the needs of people served by

human services programs.

Minnesota Statute allows a county to accept gifts by resolution with the stipulation that the donations be for the sole purpose of assisting people receiving services from Otter Tail County Human Services. This is done to meet needs that are otherwise not covered.

“Acceptance of the items or gift cards is in accordance with the donor’s terms and in the best interest of Otter Tail County,” said County Board Chairman Bob Lahman of Parkers Prairie.

The county board, on Feb. 10, officially agreed to accept the above-described donations in upcoming months from community members, service organizations, businesses and church groups. “We extend our sincere appreciation,” added County Board Chairman Lahman.

Easements certification

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representatives appeared before the county board and requested certification of two waterfowl management rights easements. Documentation was previously submitted regarding the requests. 

A motion by Commissioner Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood and seconded by Commissioner Sean Sullivan of Fergus Falls was unanimously carried to approve certification for the fish and wildlife service to secure the two easements.

One easement is located in northeastern Otter Tail County and the other is located in the southeastern section of the county.

A wetland easement is a legal agreement signed with the United States of America, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, that pays landowners to permanently protect wetlands. 

If approved, landowners in Otter Tail County will retain primary responsibility for weed control, recreational use, access and will continue to be responsible for the payment of property taxes.

Landowners who sell a wetland easement agree that wetlands protected by an easement cannot be drained, filled, leveled or burned. If these wetlands dry up naturally, they can be farmed, grazed or hayed. 

Wetlands covered by an easement are mapped, and a copy of the easement and maps is provided to the landowner. Property subject to a wetland easement remains on local tax rolls. 

By selling easements, landowners receive funds to pay down debt, reinvest in capital improvements or buy other lands to maintain and/or expand working lands.