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Morrison County approves USDA agreement to allow wolf and beaver control on county property
Summary
County commissioners approved a work‑initiation document allowing USDA Wildlife Services to perform wolf depredation control and beaver removal on Morrison County‑owned land; the agreement does not permit work on privately owned land without owner permission and can be terminated by either party at any time.
Morrison County commissioners voted Dec. 12 to authorize a work‑initiation document (WID) with USDA Wildlife Services that gives the federal agency permission to perform wolf depredation control and beaver removal on county‑owned property.
The board heard from a USDA representative, identified in the meeting as Pete, who said the WID mirrors agreements the agency signed with counties in the past and is intended to remove administrative bottlenecks when animals damage county infrastructure or private property adjacent to county land. Pete told the board the WID covers work on county property, including county‑owned ditches, but does not allow USDA to operate on privately owned land held under easement without a separate agreement or owner permission.
Commissioners asked for operational details. Pete said USDA responds after an investigation confirms depredation — typically damage to domestic animals — and that the agency uses foothold traps for wolves in depredation situations (wolves are dispatched in those cases) and body‑gripping traps for beavers, which are generally quick‑kill traps. He added that coyotes are included on the agency’s list only when incidentally trapped during wolf operations. Pete also said either party can terminate the WID at any time.
Some commissioners raised concerns about federal involvement on county land. Commissioner Winter said he was concerned about potential federal overreach and noted that local officials and the county engineer have previously handled beaver and ditch issues. Pete responded that USDA personnel are federal employees and that several Minnesota counties contract with USDA for these services; he said USDA’s participation is meant to supplement local capacity and to act quickly when damage occurs.
Commissioner Blaine moved to approve the agreement and Commissioner Moran seconded. The roll call recorded one nay and the motion carried. Chair announced the WID was approved and thanked the USDA representative.
The board’s vote authorizes the county to allow USDA work on county property under the terms described; it does not create any standing authority for USDA to work on private land without owner permission. The approved WID can be ended by either side, per the presenter’s explanation.
