Otter Tail County Focuses on Preserving Lakes, Rivers and Land

County officials work to balance environmental protection and customer service

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Otter Tail County in Minnesota is taking steps to preserve its natural resources, including lakes, rivers and land, through shoreland management ordinances, septic system regulations, and partnerships with state agencies. The county's Land and Resource Director, Chris LeClair, emphasizes the need to balance environmental protection with positive customer service when working with residents on these issues.

Why it matters

Uncontrolled land use can negatively impact the health, safety and well-being of the public, so Otter Tail County is proactively implementing laws and ordinances to ensure the long-term viability of its natural resources. This helps protect the environment and quality of life for both residents and visitors to the area.

The details

Otter Tail County works with the state of Minnesota to enforce shoreland management ordinances and septic system regulations. The county's Land and Resource office provides loans to property owners to replace non-compliant septic systems, which improves water quality. The Otter Tail Water Management District, founded in 1981, also has a board of directors responsible for land use planning, flood control and protecting natural resources in the region.

  • On February 10, 2026, Otter Tail County Land and Resource Director Chris LeClair spoke to the county board about the department's work.
  • In recent years, the Minnesota Clean Water Partnership and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency have awarded Otter Tail County grants to provide low-interest loans for septic system replacements.

The players

Chris LeClair

The director of the Otter Tail County Land and Resource office, who emphasizes the need to balance environmental protection with positive customer service.

Otter Tail Water Management District (OTWMD)

A district founded by the Otter Tail County board in 1981, with a board of directors responsible for land use planning, flood control and protecting natural resources in the region.

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What they’re saying

“We work to provide for the wise subdivision, use and orderly development of shorelands of public waters.”

— Chris LeClair, Otter Tail County Land and Resource Director

“At the same time, we in the County Land and Resource office strive to provide positive customer service. My staff members are dedicated and do great work for the well-being of county residents.”

— Chris LeClair, Otter Tail County Land and Resource Director

“We are in the business of oftentimes needing to say no, but even though we can't control the response we can control the message. We strive to address county residents with the utmost respect.”

— Chris LeClair, Otter Tail County Land and Resource Director

What’s next

The Otter Tail County Land and Resource office will continue to work with state agencies and local residents to implement shoreland management ordinances and septic system regulations, with the goal of preserving the county's natural resources.

The takeaway

Otter Tail County's proactive approach to environmental protection, combined with its commitment to positive customer service, demonstrates how local governments can balance the needs of residents and the long-term health of their communities' natural assets.