Houston County adopts resolution opposing DNR trout‑stream expansion without county input

The Houston County Board of Commissioners on a voice vote adopted Resolution 26‑11 opposing proposed expansions of trout‑stream designations by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources unless Houston County can be an active participant in the process.

The resolution, introduced by the chair, directs county staff to send a letter to the DNR detailing the county's request to be included in the review and rulemaking process. Staff said the DNR's effort is at an early stage focused on gathering landowner input and then developing proposals that would proceed through public notice and formal rulemaking.

Planning staff noted that some landowners had raised concerns after learning they were on DNR lists; several commissioners said farmers were upset and worried the designations could change how land can be used. "There are some people that are downright very upset," one commissioner said, adding that farmers could lose use of certain lands if the designation expands. Another speaker observed the DNR process may show some miles already classified as public water and that the total mileage figure cited by staff was not exact.

Supporters of the resolution argued the county should receive formal notice and have an opportunity to provide local context—such as potential impacts on building permits, feed lots and buffer rules—before the DNR advances a proposal. Staff described a planned DNR website and additional public input steps as the agency moves the project forward.

The board approved the resolution without recorded roll‑call votes and instructed staff to transmit the county's comments to the appropriate DNR contact.