By Reed Anfinson
Publisher
Swift County Monitor-News
A perpetual easement for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Benson Township was approved by Swift County’s Board of Commissioners at their Feb. 4 meeting.
It includes about 32 acres of the property in Section 17 of Benson Township. Derek and Tom VanderWeyst were at the meeting representing the land’s owners. It is just northeast of Lake John on the south side of Swift County Road 22.
This easement allows him to hay the property after July 15, but the property has to maintain the vegetative cover and the wetland is protected. It has historically been a pasture with some agricultural uses, Blake Knisley, real estate specialist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, told commissioners.
The landowner will retain primary responsibility for weed control, recreational use, access, and will continue to be responsible for the payment of property taxes...