03-21-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--March 21, 2005 2874 Mr. Wagner said he received a letter today dated March 8, 2005, from the Chairman of the Stanley Township Board, indicating they discussed the hunting issue and on a 3-1 vote, decided not to allow hunting on property in Forest River owned by Stanley Township, which is about 17 acres of the 50-acre tract being discussed. It was Mr. Wagner's intention to relay information to the township after the committee presented their recommendations to the county board today. He had hoped to provide Stanley Township with further information himself, before they made a decision on the hunting issue; however, he said Mr. Pawluk was asked by a member of the Stanley Township Board to send out information to them on the draft hunting ordinance, minutes of the committee's meetings, and resident surveys. As a member of the hunting committee, Mr. Pawluk said he felt a reasonable compromise was reached that balanced the issue of the people concerned about safety and those who have an interest in hunting. He supports the recommendation to proceed with an ordinance to allow bow hunting on county property with the proper permits, establishing appropriate safety zone(s) and the program being experimental in nature. The draft ordinance prepared by the state's attorney's office includes language whereby the program may be terminated at any time by the Cass County Commission. Mr. Bennett inquired about the corresponding commission policy, 37.10, which would need to be revised since it indicates hunting will not be allowed on county-owned land. He wondered if that policy referenced firearms only and if it applies to all county-owned property, such as the Brewer Lake recreation area. Birch Burdick, State's Attorney, said his interpretation would be that policy 37.10 applies to county-owned flood lots because it is titled, "Hazard Mitigation Land Acquisition." Committee member Brian Johnson was also present and told the board he has lived in the Forest River area since 1976 and hunting has been taking place without incidence. He does not feel safety is an issue because bow hunters have a short range of 15-20 yards. Richard Thomas, 404 River Drive South, addressed the board at this time and presented two petitions containing 42 names of Forest River residents indicating their opposition to hunting on the Forest River peninsula. He cited safety concerns and said the residents use the area for other recreational purposes, such as nature walks, kids spending time in the wooded area, and teenagers playing paint ball. He said one of the concerns of Stanley Township is they do not feel hunting is compatible with the other recreational uses. Mr. Wagner said he had hoped for further dialogue with Stanley Township members before they made their decision because he wanted them to have an opportunity to talk with law enforcement and with North Dakota Game and Fish representatives on hunting issues. He said it appears the options for the county commission today include denying hunting, allow hunting on county-owned lots, or asking Stanley Township if they would reconsider their action with additional input on the matter. Mrs. Sorum agreed that further dialogue is needed with Stanley Township. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded that the chairman of the county board send a letter to the Stanley Township Board of Supervisors asking them if they would reconsider their vote on the Forest River bow hunting issue in order to hear the input of law enforcement and State Game and Fish. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.