County board members have approved two wildlife habitat protection easements and three waterfowl management easements.
The requests came from representatives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These easement requests will now be considered by the State Land Exchange Board.
Owners of habitat and management properties in Otter Tail County continue to be responsible for maintenance and taxes on the properties.
West Central Initiative provides county snapshot
Representatives of West Central Initiative, which includes Otter Tail County and eight other counties in west central Minnesota, met with county board members on July 24.
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WCI invests resources in area communities.
Greg Wagner, WCI director of business and economic development, said that economic needs for the region include growing the workforce, identifying roles, increasing wages, improving broadband accessibility and improving availability of child care.
Tom McSparron, WCI director of community philanthropy, briefed the county board about WCI programs and grant opportunities. He addressed community issues that affect community change.
The WCI mission is "serving to improve west central Minnesota through funding, programs and technical assistance."
U of M program helps kids in Otter Tail County
Troy Schrupp, University of Minnesota extension program coordinator, is working with Otter Tail County's Community Services Division in response to increasing numbers of children needing out-of-home placement.
A six-month position status report titled "4-H Community Youth Development" was submitted to the county board.
Schrupp is currently working with at risk kids in four different programs.
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"The greatest challenge," he said, "is making the connections to identify children at risk and filtering them into the programs."
He is working with school districts, county human services, the Salvation Army and 4-H leaders to get kids involved in healthy activities.
County commissioners suggested that Schrupp be part of the Family Services Collaborative and attend meetings. This group is focused on youth development and success.
Veterans' van purchase
Otter Tail County Veterans Service Officer Charlie Kampa reported to county board members that about $21,700 has been raised for purchase of a new van to provide transportation for veterans.
A motion by commissioner and military veteran Roger Froemming of Parkers Prairie and seconded by Commissioner Doug Huebsch of Perham was unanimously carried.
The approved motion authorizes Kampa to purchase a van through the state bid system for transporting veterans to required appointments.
