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Fort Branch tube projects complete; county officials discuss beaver-dam removals, fence payment
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Summary
Staff reported the Fort Branch tube projects are finished and inspected; officials discussed recent beaver-trapping, removal of six dams, contractor video evidence, payment of half a fence repair to the town of Fort Branch from a commissioner’s fund, and upcoming tree- and debris-removal work across local ditches.
A staff member reported that the tube projects at Fort Branch are finished and inspected, and that a contractor has posted video of the completed work. "That project is, is done," the staff member said, calling the footage "pretty impressive."
The group discussed ongoing beaver activity and recent removals. The Chair said a nuisance trapper from East Gibson captured several beavers and that he himself rented an excavator last week and removed six dams and a lodge. "We caught 6," the Chair said, noting the excavator work cleared multiple dams and associated debris.
Officials confirmed two Sandy Creek tube projects are also complete and have been inspected. The staff member said both projects have passed inspection and that the contractor’s drone footage shows the finished work. Committee members who visited the field described the results positively.
The Chair said he had agreed to pay for half the cost of a fence project in cooperation with the town of Fort Branch and proposed issuing a check accompanied by a letter explaining the work remains within the 75-foot right-of-way and that any future maintenance or repairs may require the fence to be moved or removed. The staff member advised that drainage-ditch funds could not be used and recommended referencing the drainage code in the letter; the Chair said payment would come from his commissioner’s fund.
Staff described tree-removal and debris-work planned on several ditches, including a tree-removal project on Miller Ditch near 850 East (north of the river boat ramp) and contractor scheduling for sections of the Clay Miner and Miller Creek laterals where fallen trees and beaver activity have narrowed channels. The staff member said contractors are moving into those areas as weather permits and that county trucks assisted in removing debris after coordinating with contractors.
Looking ahead, staff said plans will begin for the next section of tube work between Route 64 and Angle Bridge, likely next fall. No formal vote was recorded on the fence reimbursement or the work schedule; officials described coordination steps and next actions, including issuing the reimbursement check and having Fort Branch coordinate with the fencing contractor for reinstallation.
The meeting closed after routine business; staff expect field work to continue as weather allows.
