WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- The Codington County Commissioners met for the regular Tuesday meeting and to discuss a proposal regarding grassland easements in the county, presented by Chad Carlson of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) out of the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge located in Columbia, SD, north of Aberdeen, SD.

Carlson explained that grassland easements are agreements between landowners and the Wildlife Service.

The primary funding source for these easements is the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which is derived from federal duck stamp sales.

However, the USFWS is exploring using another funding source, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

The new administration is requesting that the USFWS contact local communities to determine any objections before using LWCF funds for these easements. Carlson clarified that they are not seeking a letter of support but only confirmation of no objection, which could be recorded in the meeting minutes.

Commissioner Tyler McElhany inquired about the existing grassland easements in Codington County, the application process (which is managed at the federal level), and their permanent nature. Carlson confirmed that the easements do not affect the tax base, as landowners retain ownership. He also explained that easement values are determined based on soil types and market value assessment.

The LWCF funding would allow the USFWS to work with landowners who may not have qualified under the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund’s focus on waterfowl habitat.

Ultimately, the commissioners voted to proceed with no objection to using Land and Water Conservation Funds for grassland easements in Codington County.