Commissioners sign resolution against Pres. Biden’s 30x30 plan

President Joe Biden’s executive order for protecting 30% of the United States’ land and ocean areas by 2030 did not gain any traction in Chase County April 13 when commissioners Jacci Brown, Duane Dinnel and Dennis Kunnemann signed a resolution opposing the plan.
Of Chase County’s 574,399 acres, there are only 55.1 perpetually conserved acres. The county would need to conserve 172,264.6 acres to meet Biden’s 30x30 plan.
Brendon and Bonnie Barger approached the board during the open forum to ask the commissioners to not dig a new mag and gravel pit on Bussell land adjacent to the Bargers’ property. The couple did not want the view from their house blemished by the proposed pit and offered up their own mag pit for free.
The commissioners didn’t act on the proposed lease for Bussell’s mag and gravel pit, instead, deciding to look at the lay of the land and the condition of Barger’s pit.
Joshua Shiach with Engineering International updated the board on several road projects.
Shiach said no cracks were found in the Wauneta dam, but state inspector Tim Gokie may ask for improvements to the culvert that runs under the dam.
After looking at reports and reading the inspection history of the bridge to Champion Lake, Shiach said the bridge is not worth repairing. Replacement options will be presented after a hydrologic study.
The conditional use permit three-year extension for Stromberger Farms feedlot project was approved.
With a large feedlot proposed in north central Dundy County, the commissioners also discussed how Chase County roads could be affected.
The next meeting of the commissioners will be April 27 at 8 a.m. in the courthouse.