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DNR seeks county support for state acquisitions under Heritage Forest project near Spider Lake
Summary
DNR and Division of Forestry briefed the county on proposed state acquisitions (roughly 543 acres total) near Sorensen Road and Spider Lake to expand wildlife management areas and improve habitat; the county agreed staff would consider a resolution to support the purchase.
DNR and Division of Forestry staff described a proposed set of land acquisitions tied to the Minnesota Heritage Forest Project and asked the county to prepare a resolution to proceed with purchase coordination. Joel, Backus area forest supervisor, said one of the parcels (about 265 acres north of Sorensen Road) would provide adjacency to Spider Lake and help create improved waterfowl habitat and public access.
DNR staff explained that some parcels include pine plantations that state forestry will manage for improved wildlife habitat and that the lands would be eligible for PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes). Commissioners asked about acreage (DNR staff reported about 543 total acres in the package) and whether any parcels were school trust lands; DNR said none are school trust lands and that management would focus on wildlife outcomes.
The county requested a draft resolution and staff said they will bring one forward for board action; no formal board resolution was adopted at the committee meeting.
