The Osceola County Board of Supervisors reviewed a draft maintenance agreement for a proposed pumped wetland project and voted to send the draft to the county conservation board for final review before the board considers formal approval.

County staff described the project as a wetland development west of Harris within Drainage District 64. The draft agreement was prepared by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and establishes responsibilities between the landowner (the county) and the local Soil and Water Conservation District for a 20‑year maintenance period once the practice is certified.

Staff explained that the county’s principal ongoing obligation is to preserve the wetland as built and to maintain prairie vegetation and vegetation control; IDALS would handle major repairs or replacements except where damage resulted from unauthorized county actions. The agreement also clarifies that, if IDALS later declines to reinvest in a pumped system, the site would naturally revert to its prior drained condition.

County conservation staff had previously given preliminary support but asked to review the final agreement text before committing to maintenance responsibilities. Supervisors followed that recommendation: Supervisor Helmers moved and Supervisor Loring seconded a motion to have final consideration by the county conservation board before the supervisors take action; the motion passed on voice vote.

County staff said they will send the draft agreement to the conservation board and return to the supervisors with a final version and any remaining questions or edits.