In old business the OCCB exploration of acquiring additional ground around Douma Park ended. The board decided at its March 9 meeting to purchase only enough ground to square up one corner of its property. The board will no longer pursue the purchase of the entire just over 37 acres adjacent to the park.
OCCB also approved a proposal to the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee. The proposal offers to transfer Habitat Stamp Fund restrictions, currently imposed on 160 acres known as Hannibal Waterman Wildlife Area next to the Prairie Heritage Center, onto a 160 acre tract of land expected to go to auction in August 2023. The transfer of restrictions is dependent upon the county acquiring land comparable in water, plant and animal life, which board members believe is true of the land possibly at auction. The proposal included a description of both properties and a timeline of work.
Lindsey Craig was offered the Naturalist position at $41,000 per year. She is a graduate of Northwestern College in Orange City and comes highly recommended from by the Sioux County Naturalist. She starts on March 27th.