Drainage board approves clearing Crane Pond to full 75-foot easement to protect tile

The Grant County Drainage Board voted to clear trees and vegetation to the full 75-foot easement at Crane Pond, a step board members said is intended to stop tree roots from damaging drainage tile and to allow ongoing maintenance.

The issue arose after landowner and attendee Jeffrey Kilgore told the board he had flagged 50 feet north and south of the drain centerline and offered an inventory of trees; Kilgore said removing trees had been discussed previously and suggested phased removal tied to available funds. A nearby resident and several board members said loggers who inspected the site declined because the timber value was too low, and a state forester identified a USDA-funded timber-stand improvement program that could pay for herbicide to kill undesirable trees.

Board members debated whether to kill trees in place with herbicide or remove them and noted concerns that killing standing trees might not stop root problems. After discussion, Gordon Gull moved and a colleague seconded a motion to clear the corridor to 75 feet from the top bank — the full recorded easement — to permit mowing and regular maintenance and to prevent future root intrusion into the tile. The motion passed on a voice vote.

The board directed staff to obtain a written cost estimate for the work and asked that it be returned to the board before any spending. Board members emphasized that the decision was to clear the full easement; the timeline and budget for removal will depend on the forthcoming estimate and available fund balances.

The board moved on to other agenda items after confirming the motion and requesting the estimate.