---

   BACKUS—Timber sales were up in 2024, however, average price per cord was lower for all product types. Land Commissioner Mark Gossman presented the timber sale information during his annual report Tuesday, April 15, to the Cass County Board of Commissioners stating aspen continues to be the highest timber sold.

   In 2024, 44,368 cords of aspen were sold at an average of $34.77 per cord, for a total of $1,542,797. The price per cord saw a decrease over 2023 prices of approximately $2.08. The second highest timber sold was 6,075 cords of red oak for a total price of $207,975, an average of $34.23 per cord, down about $0.51 per cord. Birch was the third highest timber sold, with 3,367 cords being sold for a total of $59,548 at an average price of $17.69 per cord, down approximately $0.76 per cord. The total of all timber and pulp sales in 2024 was $2,106,666.

   Gossman also informed the board reasoning for the lack of revenue for state grant trails, by sharing this funding comes from purchases of ATV/Snowmobile/X-Ski licenses. It seems with snowfall beginning later each year, more individuals are waiting to renew their licenses, therefore, revenue for many of 2024 license renewals is being seen in January of 2025. Gossman also stated due to increasing horsepower of recreational vehicles the state is considering increasing fees to register the higher powered recreational vehicles.

   For the complete Land Department Annual Report go to www.casscountymn.gov.

   In other business, the county board:

   • Approved supporting a revolving loan fund application for a community property development application in the amount of $200,000 regarding the remodeling of the Pine River Inn and creating 33 apartments. It was stated this is the last allocation to be made from the revolving fund of the $1,000,000 earmarked for economic development projects.

   • Established a public hearing for the revocation of a segment of County Road 117 between Trunk Highway 371 and Trunk Highway 87 to Powers Township on Tuesday, May 20 during the regular meeting.

   • Approved the proposed floor plan and development costs for the new Hackensack Highway Shop.

   • Approved the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service temporary special use permit for the old County Road 151 reconstruction project.

   • Approved extending the contract with Edwards Oil Inc. in the amount of $539,625 for roadway chloride application.

   •Accepted Federal Surface Transportation Block Grant Program funds of $1 million for the County State Aid Highway 7 pavement reconditioning project slated to begin in 2029.

   • Approved the 2024 4th quarter budget amendments.

   The next meetings are as follows: Walker Ambulance Service District board meeting, 11 a.m. Friday, May 2 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker; commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 6 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker and commissioner’s board meeting and public hearing, 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 at Powers Township, 850 E Horseshoe Drive NW, Backus.

---