Present: Malacha, Hoisington, Purfeerst, Peters, Underdahl
Pledge of Allegiance
Outside Agency: Minnesota DNR Land Acquisition in Northfield Township
- Discussion. Spokesperson from DNR, Proposed acquisition of 35 acres in Northfield Township, in bedrock bluff /prairie in NE Rice County. For preservation of land/conservation of natural heritage and flora across MN.
- Site is a dry bedrock prairie, currently owned by Diane Angel, managing land for years. (Owner approached the DNR). Has not been farmed, much biodiversity. Proposed public uses, nature study education, scientific research by permit, hiking, cross country skiing, no motorized vehicles. No hunting, fishing on this parcel. Access from SE corner, along existing easement, along 100 street. Prefers no parking on actual site, to preserve site.
- Program will reimburse counties for loss in taxes, using standard formula- approximately $2400, which in this case is more than current tax is, which is less than $1,000.
- First half of purchase agreement has been signed with property owner, so process has begun. Potential closing at end of summer, early fall.
- Community member called in regarding management (owns property to the west of the proposed site): DNR will have a site steward to insure prairie is well maintained, avoid noxious weeds, remove trash, etc.
- Underdahl and Peters concerned about parking; use of public street and avoiding private drives. DNR: post signage, work with neighbors regarding parking. Potential is there for improvements if necessary.
Environmental Services: Julie Runkel.
- Deconstruction and Building material reuse mini-grants: greater MN grant starting 2025- June 2027. Used towards education of deconstruction and reuse in construction industry, also offering mini grants to the public, for property owners in Rice County, up to $5,000 for renovation, deconstruction projects.
- County has $50,000 earmarked for this. Developing an application, modeling after Carver County which has a program in place. Draft in works.
- Underdhal: How would this be a sustainable program? Julie: main goal is to raise awareness of reuse, will have to consider the program in the long term. Press releases, notifications to the public re: program, along with the education in general. Malacha agrees, particularly about education, reducing input into the landfill. Would like to have monies set aside for sustaining the program.
- Third component of the grant involves shingle recycling.
Adjournment
