–The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors approved the conditional purchase agreement of land in Riverdale and Cresco townships south of Algona during their meeting Tuesday morning. The board initially considered the purchase two weeks ago, but postponed any decision until some questions could be answered after concerns were raised by neighboring property owners. The Kossuth County Conservation Board is trying to purchase the land with a grant from the state to help preserve more wildlife habitat areas. Conservation Director Kendall Stumme addressed the board and highlighted what the land can be used for once it is purchased.
The land is located along the East Fork of the Des Moines River south of Algona, and Stumme says it would make a great spot for outdoor recreation like hunting or fishing.
Some of the neighboring landowners asked if it would be possible to implement buffer zones around this area to prevent hunters from firing any weapons too close to their homes. Stumme says he talked with Kelsey Fleming from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources about buffer zones.
Stumme says regulations already restrict hunters from discharging a firearm or attempting to shoot at any game animal within 200 yards of a building unless the owner provides consent. The board unanimously approved the purchase agreement after discussing the matter and hearing comments for nearly 45 minutes. The land is accessible off of Highway 169 with a narrow grass drive, something Stumme says they may upgrade once the purchase if finalized.
