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County awards road‑grading contracts for forest roads; timber auction, trail openings noted
Summary
The Natural Resources/Forestry presenter recommended and the board approved low quotes to grade county forest roads: North Central Excavating (south portion) at $96/mile and Dirt Service (north portion) at $107/mile. The board was reminded of an April 14 timber auction and discussed trail opening timing.
Natural Resources staff recommended awarding annual road‑grading contracts for forest roads and the board approved the recommended low bids. North Central Excavating of Akeley won the southern roads contract at $96 per mile; Dirt Service of Bemidji will perform northern road grading at $107 per mile.
The presenter said the county moved from grading three times per year to a once‑a‑month schedule (May–September), with additional work performed as needed after washouts. The board discussed contract frequency and the ability to add gravel or culverts for spots that need them; staff said such additional work would be paid as extras under the contracts.
Staff also reminded commissioners that the county’s timber auction is scheduled for April 14 and said trails will likely open in a few weeks, dependent on frost and weather conditions. Natural Resources noted that staff respond to frequent public inquiries about trail openings and that operations will be affected by continuing snow and rain.
The motion to approve both low quotes passed without recorded opposition in the meeting transcript.
