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Board certifies eight U.S. Fish and Wildlife easements; agency says funding not affected by federal lapse
Summary
The county certified seven habitat easements and one wetland easement presented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which said the projects are funded from migratory bird (duck stamp) revenues and are not subject to the federal appropriation lapse.
The Otter Tail County Board on Oct. 14 certified eight easements presented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: seven habitat easements and one wetland easement.
A Fish and Wildlife representative identified in the meeting as Neil told commissioners the certification is required by a state‑level agreement and that the Service’s realty function is funded from the migratory bird fund — primarily duck stamp sales and certain import duties — so those easement transactions are not halted by the federal appropriation lapse. “We’re funded from the migratory bird fund, which is a sale of the duck stamp and some import duties on arms and ammo,” Neil said.
Commissioners asked about drainage and potential impacts to neighbors for a Parkers Ferry property (Lenzen). Neil said onsite surveys and field work typically identify ditches and tile; proposed wetland restorations do not block natural streams and would be designed to avoid upstream flooding.
Commissioner Mortenson moved to certify the seven habitat easements and the one wetland easement included in the packet; the board seconded and approved the certification by voice vote.
Staff will transmit electronic certification forms to Fish and Wildlife as requested.
