DNR proposes 33 corrections to Douglas County public‑waters inventory; county to review before June public meeting

Land and Resource staff informed the board that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provided preliminary corrections to the county's Public Waters Inventory, proposing 33 changes (26 additions and seven removals) and opening a 60‑day public comment period.

David Rush said the DNR's letter arrived and that the county would have an opportunity to comment. He explained the agency proposes 26 additions to the inventory and 7 removals and that the DNR will host a public meeting at 6 p.m. on June 3 at the Douglas County Public Works facility. The county's public comment window runs May 19 through July 18.

Rush proposed that Land and Resource, Public Works and the Soil and Water Conservation District review the proposed corrections internally and suggested appointing two commissioners to participate in the inventory process and attend the DNR public meeting. Commissioners discussed timing for a work session and whether to invite DNR staff to brief the board; the chair recommended inviting DNR to a May 19 work session or to the regular meeting so the board can be informed before public comment closes.

Commissioners Jerry and Charlie were nominated to serve as the two commissioners involved in the county's review process. Staff said they would coordinate and could request a DNR presentation to the board.

The board did not take a formal position on any specific inventory correction at the meeting; the matter was set up for department review and public participation in the DNR comment period.