HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Hill County Park Board held their monthly meeting at the Beaver Lodge in Camp Kiwanis Monday, June 1.
During the meeting the board warmly welcomed two new members, Shawn Keeley and Nick Siebrass who are set to serve three-year terms.
The board then appointed a new Chairman and Vice Chairman who will serve for one-year terms. Tony Reum was appointed as Chairman and Nick Siebrass was appointed as Vice Chair.
After these proceedings, the board discussed some old business including a folf course. This course is still in progress, but they hope to have more information at their next meeting. They also talked about the park entry kiosk, but they decided to put this business item on hold as their budget has changed due to COVID-19.
The board then turned to new business which included discussing credit card machines, paying permit vendors, and beaver management.
With their new website scheduled to be up and running by the end of June, the board wanted the community to not only have the ability to pay online but in person as well. Due to this, the board approved the purchase of a $300 credit card machine that will allow the public to pay with credit cards online and in person at the park.
After this, the board approved paying permit vendors $1 for every written permit starting July 1. This costs the board about $500 a year but they all felt it was well worth it.
Lastly, Beaver management was touched on. This has been a hot topic at the board’s meetings this year, with past discussions revolving around whether or not to use beaver deceivers at the park. At this month’s meeting, the board was given a pamphlet containing options for beaver management
Board member Diane Mclean said, “There is not current policy written. There is historical procedures… but there is not a set written down policy. I don’t know how wise it would be to tie ourselves to a written document…we have really not seen something presented to use that would really manage the beaver population.”
After some back and forth and deep consideration of the topic at hand, the board decided to continue with trapping until they find something that better fits Beaver Creek Park.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 6.
