The discussion on the Great River Bluff State Park land acquisition was initiated by John Holder, the unit supervisor for the park, who explained the necessity of incorporating the 20-acre parcel into the park’s boundary to enable the DNR’s purchase offer. The presentation led to a examination of the maps provided, with commissioners seeking clarity on the proposed additions. Concerns were voiced about the financial implications, specifically the payments in lieu of taxes that would follow state land ownership. A commissioner expressed skepticism, noting that these payments often fall short of compensating the county for lost tax revenue. Despite these concerns, there was support from some commissioners who cited personal use of the park and its value to the community, favoring the proposal as a beneficial legacy from the landowner.

Simultaneously, another major topic of discussion was the potential repeal of the shotgun-only hunting zone in Winona County. This issue was revisited upon the request of several commissioners and drew significant input from public safety officials, including the Sheriff, who shared insights on public safety concerns related to firearm use. The Sheriff emphasized that the responsibility for safe shooting practices lies with hunters, regardless of whether rifles or shotguns are used. He referenced Wisconsin’s experience, where allowing rifles since 2013 did not lead to an increase in hunting accidents.

The commissioners considered holding a public hearing to gather more community input on the potential repeal, recognizing the importance of understanding perspectives from neighboring counties. Concerns were raised about the enforcement of any new regulations, with the Sheriff clarifying that existing laws would still apply and any new rules would need to be enforceable without additional resources. The discussion also touched on the cultural shifts in hunting practices, with commissioners observing a move from traditional family-oriented hunting to a focus on trophy hunting.

The meeting also delved into the complex planning for a joint Law Enforcement Center (LEC) project involving both city and county governments. Updates were provided on the progress of the project, with the city council having decided to proceed with pre-design work at a central school site, contingent on city funding. There was an acknowledgment of potential funding challenges, with the city resubmitting grant applications for the 2026 legislative session to support law enforcement facilities.

Further complicating the meeting’s agenda was a discussion on the potential annexation and management of Apple Blossom Park. The dialogue underscored concerns about how such discussions could lead to broader annexation talks between the city of La Crescent and Dresbach Township. Despite these complexities, there was a shared interest in maintaining the park’s primitive nature and enhancing its public utility. Representatives from La Crescent expressed willingness to engage in discussions about shared maintenance responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of preserving the park’s original intent.