Clay County residents press board for help after DNR adds 'protected waters' to maps; county offers staff assistance

Several Clay County residents urged the Board of Commissioners to help them navigate a state Department of Natural Resources mapping process that recently added "protected waters" designations to private land.

"It's a rotten deal," resident Greg Silmer told the board, saying his family and others in Hagan Township found waterways placed on county maps without clear notice. Silmer said multiple agencies have pointed at each other when he asked how the designations originated and invoked the Fifth Amendment in arguing that private property should not be taken without just compensation.

Commissioners acknowledged prior county involvement in related reviews and encouraged site visits so staff could see the land in person. The board asked planning staff to assist and directed GIS and communications staff to help residents complete the multi-step DNR comment process. "We'll make sure and connect you with staff," the board chair said.

Other residents described similar experiences. Daryl Moore said the designation appeared "all of a sudden" on the map for land his ancestors paid taxes on for generations. David Schneiderman said a mapped waterway that appears in Clay County flows into and out of neighboring Norman County and questioned why protections would apply in one county but not the other.

Commissioner Bair reminded residents the DNR comment window ends Feb. 20 and urged timely submissions. Sen. Rob Kupak told the board he would look into the matter and facilitate contact with the DNR if needed. "If I'm hearing that the DNR is somehow expanding this, that may be in their rules, but I am more than happy to dig in on that," Kupak said.

What happens next: County staff will meet individually with affected landowners, offer mapping help, and forward technical questions to DNR staff; residents were advised to submit comments before the Feb. 20 deadline.