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Drainage Board to investigate culverts and sediment at Lake of the Woods after resident complaint
Summary
Property owner Robert Guo reported sand and sediment accumulating in a canal at Lake of the Woods; the board authorized staff to get options and cost estimates to cap or remove two private culverts that appear to restrict flow.
A Lake of the Woods property owner told the Marshall County Drainage Board on Jan. 13 that two metal culverts of unknown origin are causing sand and sediment to build up in a canal behind his property and limiting recreational access.
Robert Guo said the channel quickly filled with vegetation and mud after a dam opened last year. Drainage staff and nearby landowners said they could not determine the original owner or the reason the pipes were installed, and a representative from Lake of the Woods had earlier suggested the pipes were intended to improve flow but staff said they might be restricting the ditch outlet.
Board attorney and staff advised that the drainage board can remove obstructions to a county ditch or cap private crossings if the board determines they obstruct ditch flow, but noted that private crossings require owner permission unless the board exercises its removal authority.
After discussion the board voted to authorize staff to obtain cost estimates and options for capping or otherwise addressing the two culverts, with a recommendation to try the least costly option first (capping) and to bring proposals and estimated costs back to the board for a future vote. The minutes note that funds are available in the ditch fund for initial work. The motion to seek options and costs and return with recommendations carried by voice vote.
The board directed staff to gather prices and return at a subsequent meeting; Craig (drainage staff) will coordinate inspections and estimates.
