FERGUS FALLS -- County commissioners, on April 14, discussed a petition and subsequent plans for a new outlet at Nelson Lake, west of Parkers Prairie. Nelson Lake is a landlocked lake.
Original plans called for making use of current Ditch 45. However, at a public meeting in September, it was determined this was not a viable option. In preceding months high water has adversely affected Highway 6 near the north side of Nelson Lake. Flooding of nearby croplands also has taken place.
On April 14 County Ditch Inspector Kevin Fellbaum reviewed the petition for a new outlet that would run southward from Nelson Lake to nearby Fish Lake.
The corridor for the new outlet system, in order to lower the water level at Nelson Lake, would affect properties owned by five landowners.
County commissioners formally accepted the petition. The next steps will involve landowner approval, preliminary studies by Houston Engineering and a public meeting to be held in late summer or early fall in 2020.
ADVERTISEMENT
If the new drainage system is approved, costs for the project would be assessed to area property owners who would benefit from the new drainage system.
The new drainage system, according to the petitioners, would not have a detrimental effect on wetlands, water quality, fish or wildlife.
