Bennett Uhler

The board meeting agenda covers a wide range of topics, including a soil health update, permit discussions, and various project management items such as the Deerhorn Creek Basin land request, Turtle Lake Outlet maintenance, Stony Creek restoration, and Whiskey Creek restoration. Other business includes the review of construction agreements for Clay County Ditch No. 33, MS4 and TMDL comments, the 2027 budget request from River Keepers, monitoring program requests, staff benefit reviews, office maintenance, and banking considerations including positive pay and CDARs.

The Board of Managers held a final hearing regarding the establishment of a restoration project for Whisky Creek and the rerouting of Clay County Ditch No. 34. Key discussion topics included project design, which involves creating a two-stage channel, installing rock riffle structures, and implementing expanded buffers to improve water quality and drainage. The Board reviewed estimated project costs, funding sources through the Outdoor Heritage Fund, and the acquisition of easements. Public comments focused on potential impacts to road infrastructure and culverts, water retention and drainage concerns, the efficacy of previous projects, and potential effects on property values and land use.

The board meeting focused on several key infrastructure and administrative matters. These included the approval of an engineer's report and findings regarding the Clay County Ditch No. 34/Whisky Creek restoration project, alongside the authorization of associated damages and benefits payments. The board also addressed drainage repair recommendations for Clay County Ditch No. 40, hired a new Administrative Assistant-Accounting Specialist, and authorized a grant agreement for the Buffalo-Red River Watershed-based Implementation 2026 grant. Furthermore, the board discussed ditch mowing policies with local city representatives and authorized assistance to C-W Valley Coop regarding concerns over the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion project.

The board discussed and approved several permit applications for tiling, utility installations, and land development projects. Significant focus was placed on the Whiskey Creek Enhancement Project, including the approval of a water quality monitoring work plan and an associated proposal from the International Water Institute. The board also addressed project timelines, easement boundaries, and a petition to reroute Clay County Ditch No. 34, including the appointment of an engineer for the reroute investigation. Furthermore, the board authorized a mid-point evaluation for the Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan, approved grant applications for the Watershed Based Implementation Fund, and approved various contracts and agreements related to water quality monitoring, stream gaging, and educational programs.

The Board of Managers addressed several key agenda items, including a hearing regarding the use of Clay County Ditch No. 11 as an outlet, which was subsequently approved. Multiple permit applications were reviewed, with approvals granted for tiling and utility installations, and a denial issued for a culvert and ditch regrading project due to flood concerns. Repair recommendations were approved for the Oakport Flood Mitigation project and the 50th Ave S. ditch. Additionally, the Board discussed land acquisition for the Whisky Creek and South Tributary restoration, authorized hunting on Oakport land, approved updates to the Employee Handbook regarding paid leave, and appointed delegates for an upcoming annual conference.