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County OKs resolution supporting DNR land acquisition for new Picnic Rock Wildlife Management Area
Summary
Blue Earth County commissioners approved a resolution in support of Minnesota DNR's acquisition of land along Highways 169 and 60 for a new Picnic Rock Wildlife Management Area; commissioners asked about Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) implications.
Blue Earth County commissioners on March 25 approved a resolution supporting a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources land acquisition to create the Picnic Rock Wildlife Management Area along Highway 169 and Highway 60.
Stein Invere, area wildlife supervisor with the Minnesota DNR, presented the request and said the acquisition includes river frontage and restorable lands near a state park. He asked the board to adopt a resolution in support of the acquisition.
Commissioners asked how that change in ownership would affect county property tax revenue if Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding from the state is reduced. One commissioner said recent governor's budget proposals raised concerns about PILT reductions and the effect on county levies. Invere said PILT is paid from the state general fund, not the DNR or Fish & Wildlife budgets, and that the DNR's lands and minerals staff could provide a more detailed explanation; he added that his calculation for this property showed the PILT estimate would be about $1,000 more than the current tax levy for 2025'26 and that state legislative willingness historically has been strong to fund PILT.
After discussion and a motion, the board voted by voice to adopt the resolution supporting the acquisition; the chair recorded the ayes and declared the motion carried.
Ending: Commissioners approved the resolution supporting the DNR acquisition; staff said DNR lands and minerals staff would follow up with more detailed PILT information if requested.
