Jackson County Board approves resolution demanding help from state mitigating elk damage

BLACK RIVER FALLS - The Jackson County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution during its December 16 meeting at the county government center demanding help from the state for mitigation and reimbursement of damage to crops from the elk populations in Jackson County.

Elk were reintroduced into the county in 2015. Since that time it was reported to the county board that some 330 acres of farmland and crops have been damaged by elk causing increasing concern as the elk population grows. The USDA's Wildlife Services has verified elk damage to crops. The resolution unanimously passed by the Board asks the Department of Natural Resources “… that the management plan will contain appropriate measures to minimize the risks to agricultural interests and control herd distribution".

A resolution to deny approval to changes in recommended revisions to Jackson County Chapter 22 on Animal Waste and Manure Management Ordinance and Jackson County Chapter 23 – Livestock and Animal Facility Licensing Ordinances was voted down 13-6. The motion to approved these revisions was approved 14-5.

The Board also approved updates to the county's personnel code and ordinances along with approving the design for the proposed new Highway Department facility, approved a request $45,000 from the Ho-Chunk Nation funds to offset the reduction in grant funds, approved the contractor list with the county's Dept. of Health and Human Services, approved exploring potential litigation against Kuehn Forest Products, LLC to enforce the County's contractual rights under timber sale contract, changes to Chapter 11, Private Water Systems and approved the contract account between Jackson County and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

The Board granted a rezoning request in the Town of Cleveland to change 1.5 Acres of the Official Zoning Map from the A2 (Agricultural) District to the R2 (Residential) District for the construction of a single-family home

Jackson County Board of Supervisors acknowledge and honor the 32 years of distinguished service from Shari Marg, as the Jackson County Register of Deeds. acknowledge and honor the 38 1/2 years of distinguished service from Lori Domenosky.