Murray County board approves DNR purchase of 8.87‑acre parcel for Wildlife Management Area, 4–1

Bill Schuna, representing the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, presented a proposed purchase of an 8.87‑acre parcel described as the south half of the northwest quarter of Section 26, Township 106 North, Range 41 West (Hiram C. Southwick WMA00015) to be added to an existing Wildlife Management Area.

Schuna said the tract will be seeded to native pollinators or possibly oak savannah and will be managed as a Wildlife Management Area that is open to public hunting, trapping and wildlife viewing. "This parcel will be managed as Wildlife Management Area and will be open to public hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and other forms of wildlife‑oriented recreation," Schuna said.

Commissioner Dennis Welgraven asked about changes to assessed values and tax payments if farmland converts to grassland. County Assessor Chad Benda told the board that a conversion from cropland to grassland could reduce per‑acre assessed value substantially (discussion referenced an example drop from a tillable valuation to a lower grassland valuation). The board also heard that the state makes an In‑Lieu‑of‑Tax payment estimated at $801.00 for the parcel until it is reassessed.

After discussion about how the transaction was initiated (the property owner approached the DNR) and whether a county resolution was required for the state to proceed, the board passed Resolution 2026‑05‑05‑01 DNR Land Acquisition Hiram C. Southwick WMA Addition by a 4–1 roll‑call vote (motion by Commissioner Meier; seconded by Commissioner Carlson). Commissioner Welgraven cast the lone dissenting vote.

The resolution approved the draft land description as provided and staff were asked to supply additional supporting information on assessments and tax implications after the meeting.