Citizen voices concern about rented watershed land, bid process

By Anna Jauhola
Kris Folland, of Karlstad, addressed the Kittson County Commissioners during public comment on Tuesday, March 17.
He brought up a concern regarding the Two Rivers Watershed District’s approval of a recreational land lease. Folland had previously served on the watershed district’s board, and noted that because the commissioners appoint those board members, his complaint falls under their jurisdiction.
“So they have some land that they rented out for hunting, and this is simply an issue with the watershed,” Folland said. “The people renting it, I consider them good friends. Imagine my surprise after being told by the administrator and board members they’re not going to rent land out for hunting,” Folland said.
He said a neighboring landowner also asked about renting the land, but was also told the watershed was not going to rent the land out for hunting. He expressed his concern that public bids were not taken for renting this land. He said he’d rather not file a claim with the state attorney general, but instead keep the conversation and decisions with local entities.
“I do believe it should be opened back up for bids. And it’s not just for me, it’s for other landowners, taxpayers, whatever,” Folland said.

To read the whole story, see the March 25, 2026, edition of the Kittson County Enterprise