Hubbard County Board Backs DNR Use of RIM Funding to Acquire Select Parcels; PILT Concerns Raised

The Hubbard County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a resolution supporting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) planned use of Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Critical Habitat Program funds to acquire selected parcels formerly owned by Potlatch and being transitioned to public ownership.

Christine, representing the DNR project team, told the board the acquisition is in final stages and that state rules for RIM require a county resolution approving the use of those funds in the county. "That is, that requires us to obtain a resolution of approval, which has been attached," Christine said.

County natural-resources staff described the targeted parcels as isolated 40- and 80-acre tracts adjacent to state-managed forestland and said the acquisitions are intended to improve management contiguity, protect watersheds and trails, and reduce access and management complications when a private 40-acre parcel sits within larger public ownership. The county emphasized the selected parcels are remote and unlikely to be developed.

Several commissioners raised long-standing concerns about Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and whether county officials should have additional authority when public funds are used to acquire land that could otherwise generate private tax capacity. "I will add to that because I literally asked a couple of our legislatures to put a bill for that ' that county should have a say about how land is developed when it affects the taxpayer," one commissioner said during discussion.

After debate the board voted to approve the resolution by voice vote. The transcript records a motion to approve, a second, and the chair calling "All those in favor? Aye."