County Signs Off on Wetland Project

County signs off on wetland project
By Ryan Brinks (November 28, 2008)
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The Jackson County Board of Commissioners weighed more concerns from neighbors but ultimately gave permission for landowner Dan Ruby to turn 60 acres of farmland on his property into a private wetland area.

The approval came Tuesday, two weeks after the proposal was first brought before the board and after modifications were made to settle some of the neighbors’ concerns.

A buffer between an earthen berm holding back water and property lines was increased from 20 to 60 feet and further calculations were presented to reassure both the board and neighbors that the project would benefit water drainage upstream and downstream.

Concerns persisted about tax implications from taking farmland off tax rolls, the condition of the century-old tile downstream and the possibility of pest problems.

“Being in production agriculture, we’re all managing risk,” said neighbor Tom Resch, who went on to add that while more information was offered on the drainage risk, not much was talked about regarding pests. “… If there are problems, we will be back looking for them to be corrected.”

What Ruby’s consultants, Chuck Brandel and Brooke Hacker of I and S Group, did offer was advice from Randy Markel, a Department of Natural Resources wildlife management specialist, who they say noted that a 50-foot buffer of tall grasses would keep Canadian geese from walking through and that the DNR offers up to $500 for fencing to help contain geese or other wildlife.

“Where you see problems with geese is with areas of mowed grass” added Brian Nyborg, manager of the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District, who said he has not heard complaints following projects that changed drainage systems in his 14 years. “… If there’s a problem (around Ruby’s project), it’ll be minimal.”

The four commissioners present voted unanimously to allow the tile system to be opened in order to create the wetland project’s three basins. Board chair Bob Ferguson was absent.

Ruby anticipates work on the improvements to begin later next year.