In Citizens air their opinions, Karen Reisner reports for the Fillmore County Journal:
Todd Froberg, DNR, updated the board on the efforts to control CWD in Fillmore County.Twenty dumpsters are located in southeast Minnesota for depositing deer parts in an effort to reduce the risk presented by CWD-infected carcasses remaining on the landscape. Twenty-eight taxidermists in CWD zones agreed to collect samples for testing (seven positives to date).
The disease is persisting in Fillmore County, especially in the Preston/Lanesboro area. Fifty-eight percent of the positives have been found in this core area. Disease has also been found in Winona and Houston Counties.
The DNR will work with land owners interested in hunting on their property on a case by case basis. USDA-Wildlife Services will conduct additional culling in high risk areas on private land with the written permission of the landowner or on state owned lands. Froberg said USDA-Wildlife is very effective taking deer in positive/cluster areas.
Landowners who want information or want to get permits in focus areas can call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or call Todd Froberg at (507) 206-2836.
Reisner also reports that
Froberg said it is not an understatement that “CWD is one of the most dire wildlife diseases in our time.”
Mike Simpson, Holt Township, used his time during Citizens Input to speak on this subject. He said it is bad news that we have CWD here, but there is good news as it is not too late to address it. He encouraged the board to support the DNR in their effort to contain the disease. We are in the hot spot, we just can’t wait and see what happens. He suggested there be more public meetings to encourage people to get involved.
The board passed a resolution to allow DNR access to two fields of county land from January 15 through March 31. Lentz voted no.
Reisner also reported:
Seven citizens encouraged the board to consent to refugee resettlement. . . .
. . . All seven citizens spoke in favor of consent to refugee resettlement. Three were pastors of local churches and one was a retired pastor. Pastor Pam Seebach, Newburg Township, insisted “everyone brings something to improve the fabric of our lives.” Pastor David Stoeger, Wykoff, said refugees risk their lives to seek a new life in a new place; “open the door rather than slam it shut.” Pastor Kay Wold (retired), Lanesboro, urged commissioners to accept refugees. Pastor Dean Safe, Canton, stated we can be “a beacon for those looking for a new place to call home.” Nancy Bratrud described her immigrant ancestry, adding she believed immigrants contribute significantly to our society. George Spangler, Chatfield, urged the commissioners to follow Governor Walz’s example and welcome refugees. Bonita Underbakke, Holt Township, encouraged commissioners to consent to refugee resettlement, after describing her experience observing discrimination while in her youth in the south.
The board approved a motion to send a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, which says, “We consent to initial refugee resettlement in Fillmore County.” The motion passed 4-1; commissioner Mitch Lentz voted no, maintaining he was opposed to the resolution, not to having the doors open.
Given the misinformation that floats around both CWD and refugee resettlement, it sounds like both Fillmore County citizens and board members are keeping calm and responding with sound policy.
Photo: A white-tailed buck.
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