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Murray County approves ditch bills, orders ditch inspections; commissioners discuss $75 beaver bounty
Summary
The board approved $2,789.75 in drainage authority bills, ordered repairs after ditch inspections across multiple petitions, and discussed the county’s $75 per‑beaver bounty paid to trappers (matching DNR rates).
The Murray County Board of Commissioners on April 28 approved payment of drainage authority bills totaling $2,789.75 and accepted a ditch inspection report that led the board to order necessary repairs for several county and judicial ditch petitions.
A detailed invoice list in the packet shows payments to Ankrum Excavating and legal work by Rinke Noonan for multiple ditch projects. Commissioner Dennis Welgraven moved to approve the bills and confirmed the ditch inspector had examined affected systems; Commissioner Roger Zins seconded and the motion passed.
During the discussion Commissioner Loy Woelber asked about beaver‑bounty procedures. The board indicated the county pays $75 per beaver—matching the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rate—and that three parties currently trap beaver on the county ditch system. Commissioners noted that if beaver are in a road ditch, the Highway Department will cover the bounty. Several commissioners observed local beaver populations are growing and encouraged more trappers to participate where needed to protect ditch infrastructure.
The board also recorded petitions 2026‑008 (CD 38, Lowville Township) through 2026‑015 (JD 19, Cameron Township) for follow‑up and ordered repairs as recommended by the ditch inspector. County staff advised that copies of the invoices and inspection reports are available upon request.
