sites however the deep snow has impeded progress. Rod indicated landowners are under pressure to renegotiate cropland leases as commodity prices have

Transcription

1 Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 27, :30 a.m. Pierce County Courthouse Annex 1 st. Floor, EOC Conference Room 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members Present: DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman, Don Rohl and James Ross LCD/NRCS Staff Present: Debra Larson and Rod Webb Others Present: Chad Alberg, Greg Andrews, Andy Pichotta and Tom Stoudt Public Comment: The Land Conservation Committee will receive public comments at this time on any issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. None presented. Call to order. Jerry Kosin called the LCC meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Don Rohl moved to approve the agenda as printed. LeRoy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve December 18, 2010 Meeting Minutes. Jim Ross moved to approve the meeting minutes as printed. Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on 2010 Wildlife Damage Program Crop Prices. Chad Alberg provided LCC members with WDACP Crop Prices for Mel Pittman moved to set the (corn grain commodity) price at $4.51 per bushel which is an average of the National Agricultural Statistic Service of $3.55 per bushel and the USDA Risk Management Agency Price of $5.46 a bushel. DeWayne Benedict seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on 2010 Wildlife Damage Program Claims. Chad noted a producer filed a wildlife damage program claim for bushels of corn loss. The total claim loss amount at $4.51 is $ which is less than the $ deductible. No action necessary. Discuss/Take Action on WALCE Training Conference Attendance. M Pittman moved to approve Rod Webb and Larry Gruber to attend the WALCE Conference scheduled for March 2-4, 2011 in Wisconsin Rapids. James Ross seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Siting Requirement Exemption (Pierce County Code ) for a Manure Storage Facility located on the Tom Stoudt Property. Rod Webb presented a request to exempt Tom Stoudt from a manure storage facility siting requirement of 350 feet from property lines. LCD staff recommends the exemption as allowed in Pierce County Code as the Stoudt Farm is complying with NRCS standards thus protecting the water quality of the Plum Creek and local groundwater resources. Mel Pittman moved to approve the exemption, Jim Ross seconded. Jerry Kosin recommended that the exemption be filed with the Register of Deeds for the parcel upon which the storage facility encroaches upon. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss Revisions to Pierce County Code Manure Storage. Rod informed LCC members the current Waste Storage Ordinance language could potentially allow for non standard structures to be built under a barn. He indicated the language should be cleaned up in the ordinance. He will move forward to amend the ordinance with Brad Lawrence of Corporation Council and present to the Pierce County Board of Supervisors for review and approval. In addition, Rod noted that the waste storage permit fees will be increased from $200 to $500, as approved in the 2011 LCD budget, and language in the ordinance must reflect that change. Rod will draft the language and bring before the LCC for review and approval. Director s Report. Rod reported LWRM Plan revision is underway. The Citizens Advisory Committee and the Technical Work Group have met to review plan progress and discuss future goals. A joint meeting is scheduled for February 23 rd with a public hearing to follow in March. Partnering agencies have been challenged to assist with the planning process by submitting agency activities and indicate involvement. Rod indicated efforts to support a voluntary conservation ethic will remain and landowners will be encouraged to be involved in a resource inventory. Rod noted department technicians are surveying project

2 sites however the deep snow has impeded progress. Rod indicated landowners are under pressure to renegotiate cropland leases as commodity prices have increased. Conservation plans are being revised to reflect the new cropland leases. LCD is working with FSA to secure necessary revisions. LCD staff is working to involve both the landowner and the tenant in the planning process. Rod reported he has provided a draft PL566 Emergency Action Plan to contributing departments. Rod will bring the final draft before the LCC at February s meeting for review with recommendation to forward to county board for support and adoption. Rod indicated Nelson French, Executive Director for the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust is working with a GIS specialist to build a TMDL model to target watersheds which have high phosphorous loads. He indicated this model could most likely be utilized by the LCD. He also noted the Town of River Falls is utilizing the LESA (Land Evaluation Site Assessment) Model to help decision makers systematically assess and identify prime agricultural lands. Rod indicated staff might likely be involved in the process. Jim Ross presented a proposal to gain interest and local support for the annual Conservation Awards Banquet by moving the event closer to the Arbor Day and Earth Day celebrations in April. He offered the Flat Pennies site as a venue for the celebration. He indicated a portion of the proceeds would be given back to conservation efforts in Pierce County. He reported the Lions Club has showed interest in pursuing this venture. Mel Pittman indicated Charles Boley, expressed his concerns regarding cutting Conservation Congress Budget at the last county board meeting. Rod Webb noted that he had offered to coordinate efforts with Arby Linder to secure funding through Sportsman s Club. At present, Conservation Congress Members have not indicated any interest to do so. Rod also reminded LCC members that Corporation Council rendered the legal opinion that the Land Conservation Department has no legal obligation to support Conservation Congress. NRCS Report. Mark was not present to provide a report. FSA Report. Linda was not present to provide a report. UWEX Ag Agent Report. Greg Andrews was present to provide an Ag Agent report. Greg provided results of the Pierce County 2011 Cash Rental Survey noting preliminary results indicate producers are paying as low as $40.00 per acre and as high as $ per acre for cropland rent. He noted the final report will be available in February. Greg informed LCC members that efforts are underway to produce a multi-agency newsletter to be primarily mass distributed via . Greg reported UW Extension is offering Pesticide Training February 17 th ; Plan Commission Workshop February 23 rd ; Renting Farm Assets February 24 th ; Grain Outlook Seminar March 1 st ; and Farm Transfer Seminar March 7-8. DNR Forestry Report. Gary Zielske reported on DNR Forestry programs and activities. Gary reported timber harvesting activity increased in Pierce County in 2010; MFL practices were scheduled for completion; three Wisconsin landowners received grants through the Wisconsin Landowner Grant Program; Gary assisted Nugget Lake County Park staff in establishing an eight-acre timber sale in Nugget Lake Park; the West Central Woodland Owners Conference is scheduled for March 5 th in Eau Claire; the DNR Division of Forestry has completed Strategic Direction Draft and is seeking public input. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Manure Storage Ordinance, PL566 Emergency Action Plan, Conservation Awards Day Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time Thursday, February 24 th. 8:30 a.m. at EOC Committee will convene into closed session pursuant to (1)(c) Wis. Stats. For the purpose of considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility: LCD Director annual performance evaluation. Don Rohl moved to convene into closed session, DeWayne Benedict seconded. Roll call vote all present. Committee will return to open session and take action on closed session item if required. Mel Pittman moved to reconvene to open session, DeWayne Benedict seconded. Roll call vote all present. Mel Pittman moved to grant a favorable evaluation and grant a step increase to LCD Director, Rod Webb, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Adjournment. Don Rohl moved to adjourn. DeWayne Benedict seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.

3 Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 24, :30 a.m. Pierce County Courthouse Annex 1 st. Floor, EOC Conference Room 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members Present: DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman, Don Rohl and James Ross LCD/NRCS Staff Present: Mark Biel, Debra Larson and Rod Webb Others Present: None Public Comment: The Land Conservation Committee will receive public comments at this time on any issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. No public comment. Call to order. Jerry Kosin called the LCC meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Mel Pittman moved to adopt the agenda as printed, DeWayne Benedict seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve January 27, 2011 Meeting Minutes. Don Rohl moved to approve the meeting minutes as printed, Mel Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take Action on Training & Travel Requests. Rod presented a request to attend the County Conservationist Meeting in Steven s Point on Thursday, March 31 st and Friday, April 1 st and a request to attend a half-day meeting in Eau Claire on Wednesday, March 10 th to coordinate streambank projects with John Sauers of WI DNR. Mel Pittman moved to approve the travel requests, LeRoy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take Action on Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Amendment. LeRoy Peterson moved to authorize the continuation of the CREP Program in Pierce County, DeWayne Benedict seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action to Increase Manure Storage Ordinance Permit Fee. Rod indicated the current permit fee is $200. The permit fee covers the review costs and the cost for staff persons to complete inspections. He indicated it will not cover the cost of design. LeRoy Peterson moved to increase the increase in the Manure Storage Ordinance Permit Fee to $500, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on Conservation St. Croix MOU. Rod reported that he has become more involved with Lake St. Croix Basin project which covers approximately 5,000,000 million acres total land mass. He indicated the effort is a partnership of Wisconsin County Land and Water Conservation Departments in the Lake St. Croix Basin. Rod stated phosphorus levels were modeled on each watershed and the Kinnickinnic has the highest percent phosphorous per acre. Mel Pittman moved to approve to the MOU, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take Action on Cost Share Applications. Rod reported that DATCP recommended that counties do not enter into cost share contracts with landowners until DATCP contracts have been signed. However Rod noted that the county cost share money is available for 2011 projects. He indicated he will schedule waterway construction and berm removal under the county cost share funding program and will hold remaining projects until DATCP allocations have been made Mel Pittman moved to approve the conservation practice list, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on Conservation Awards Recipients. Rod reported the Conservation Awards Program is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, April 20 th at Flat Pennies in Bay City. He requested deserving recipient recommendations from committee members. He indicated there would be potentially three awards: The DNR Tree Farmer of the Year Award, The LIONS Soil and Water Conservation Award, and the LCD Outstanding Conservationist Award. Rod noted he will bring staff recommendations before the board at the March LCC meeting for review and selection. No action at this time.

4 Director s Report. Rod reported the joint LWRM Joint Citizen s Advisory & Technical Work Group met to review the final draft work plan. He noted the next step is to forward the draft to DATCP for review and approval. Rod also reported a Contractors Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 17 th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the EOC Meeting Room. Rod indicated he will be assisting Greg Andrews with a portion of the UW Extension Farm Assets meeting at Joe s Valley later this morning. PL566 Structures Plum Creek 2 and 3 are scheduled for inspection this year. He noted he is working with USDA Area Office Engineer to assist with the inspections to eliminate inspection costs. The department has received final notice that there will be no funding available for any federal earmarks, through 2012, which includes the internship program. The department has also received an increase in the number of manure storage assistance requests. Rod reported site visits and soil investigations are being conducted and businesses are being contacted to complete cost estimates. Rod informed LCC members he attended the West Central Area Meeting. He indicated Tom Stoltz, from the League of Conservation Voters, highlighted legislative efforts which will be promoted in Madison this year. This includes the Children s Conservation Bill of Rights as well as re-establishment of the Conservation Corp, in efforts to promote youth to participate in outdoor activities. NRCS Report. Mark reported the application deadline for EQIP was January 14 th. He reported there are two local ranking pools which include cropland and pastureland. Farmsteads, beginning farmers, ranchers and speciality crops will be evaluated for the area pool and Manure storage will be evaluated for the state pool. Five manure storage requests were received through the EQIP application process. The majority of the CSP and CSTP payments have been processed. A few payments have been delayed because of financial institution changes or contract modifications. He indicated there being two cancellations due to health and foreclosure. A final contract cancellation was due to poor health. The CSTP contract application process continues for 14 potential contract holders as they complete the necessary paperwork. Mark reported an excess of applicants in Wisconsin this year. Office Automation Clerk, Katie Hartman has been selected to fill the Soil Conservationist position in Clark county. She will report to Neillsville midmarch. Efforts are underway to fill the clerk position in Pierce County. Mark reported NRCS continues to work under a continuing resolution as a 2011 budget has not been passed thus far.. FSA Report. Linda Paul was not present to provide a FSA report. Rod presented on her behalf. He noted a CRP contract application period has been announced for March 14 th through April 15 th, He reported currently there are? contracts covering? acres that will expire in 2011 that will be eligible for reenrollment. The SURE disaster program is accepting signups through July 29 th, 2011 which will cover loss on 2009 corn quality and moisture. He indicated you must have at least a 10% loss to qualify for a payment. Linda will be hosting an information meeting in regards to the SURE program. Additionally, Linda organized a fire training session for the burning of CRP native grasses. The session was well attended by local agency members as well as most of the major fire departments in Pierce County, including Ellsworth, Prescott, River Falls and Spring Valley. UWEX Ag Agent Report. Greg was not present to provide a report. DNR Forestry Report. Gary was not present to provide a report. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Conservation Award Recipients, LWRM Public Hearing, Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. Thursday, March 24 th, 8:30 a.m., EOC Meeting Room. Adjournment. LeRoy moved to adjourn. Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Meeting adjourned 9:28 a.m.

5 Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 24, :30 a.m. Pierce County Courthouse Annex 1 st. Floor, EOC Conference Room 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members Present: DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman, Don Rohl and James Ross LCD/NRCS Staff Present: Debra Larson and Rod Webb Others Present: None Public Comment: The Land Conservation Committee will receive public comments at this time on any issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. None received. Call to order. Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Jim Ross moved to adopt the agenda. Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve February 24, 2011 Meeting Minutes. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve, Mel Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on cost share applications. Rod presented one cost share request for Robert Fenske for a sinkhole with a grassed waterway. Total estimated total cost of $6,000 with 70% cost share at $4,200. Mel Pittman moved to approve, Jim Ross seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on Outstanding Conservationist Award Nomination. Rod presented potential candidates for Outstanding Conservationist Award Winner. Don Rohl moved to approve David Johnson, seconded by Mel Pittman to approve David Johnson as the Outstanding Conservationist Award Winner. Motion carried with all in favor. Jim reported on Lions Club involvement and working towards a new development of the program. Mel agreed with Jim that the scope of Conservation Award winners should serve the whole county not just the Ellsworth area. Conservation Observance Day is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20 th at Flat Pennies from 10:00 to 3:00 p.m. Discuss/take action on 2012 SWRM Grant Application. Rod reviewed the SWRM Grant Application Objectives with LCC members. Rod explained Pierce County Land Conservation Department could request up to $232,800 per the funding formula, request $128,000 for cost share projects including $28,000 in SEG funds for Nutrient Management. Finally, Rod is proposing to write a TRM grant of $80,500 for a manure storage project. Mel Pittman moved to approve the grant application as presented, Don Rohl seconded, Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on training & travel requests. None presented. Director s Report. Rod reported the LWRM plan revision will be sent to DATCP, DNR and FSA for comments in the next few days. He indicated nine contractors attended the contractors meeting last week. Rod informed LCC members that he and Larry attended the WALCE Annual Conference and that the Standards Prohibitions and Tracking System training was positive. Conservation Plans and project design work is near completion. Rod, Mark and Linda met for a CAC meeting earlier this week and noted that the agencies will promote CRP through media coverage of CRP conservation buffers. Rod reported County Conservationists will have a chance to meet and discuss the vision of LCDs with DATCP Secretary Ben Brancel. Discussion to merge WLWCA and WALCE continue. Finally LCC members discussed WLWCA dues and requested a breakdown of how dues are spent. NRCS Report. Mark Biel was not present to provide a report. FSA Report. Linda Paul reported on FSA programs and activities. In addition FSA secured a signed lease agreement for FSA and NRCS through the county. Linda discussed plans for proposed FSA cuts and noted FSA will change the way they have been doing business in regards to paper distribution. UWEX Ag Agent Report. Greg Andrews was not present to provide a report. Rod reported on his behalf. The Farm Asset training was well attended. Greg continues to work with farm sales financial planning,

6 farm law updates and CRP related questions. Additionally, Greg assisted with updating ag statistics for LWRM plan revision. Over 100 applicators attended the Pesticide Certification training. There is a 25 th Dairy Promotion planning meeting scheduled at Fetzer Farms. The Pierce County Dairy Breakfast is scheduled for May 21 st. Other training sessions include topics such as high commodities, OSHA risk, skidster safety, and insurance audits. DNR Forestry Report. Gary Zielske was not present to provide a report. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items next meeting. WLWCA disbursement of annual charges. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. April 28 th, 8:30 a.m. EOC Meeting Room. Adjournment. Mel Pittman moved to adjourn, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.

7 Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Thursday, May 26, :30 a.m. Pierce County Courthouse Annex 1 st. Floor, EOC Conference Room 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members Present: DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman and Don Rohl LCD/NRCS Staff Present: Mark Biel, Debra Larson and Rod Webb Public Comment. No comments brought forth. Call to order. Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Don Rohl moved to approve the agenda, LeRoy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve March 24, 2011 Meeting Minutes. Mel Pittman moved to approve, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Public Hearing on 2011 Revisions to Pierce County Land and Water Resource Management Plan. Jerry Kosin opened the public hearing. Rod reported the 10-year plan revision is ready for DATCP approval. He noted the plan identified how staff would address compliance and NR 151 rules. The revision will be presented to DATCP Land and Water Board in August via video conferencing. Upon DATCP approval, the plan will be forwarded to Pierce County Board of Supervisors for approval in August or September. Jerry Kosin closed the public hearing at 8:38 a.m. Discuss/take action on cost share applications. Rod presented a well-decommissioning request for an abandoned uncased well for Kenneth Langer Sr. of Prescott. Mel Pittman moved to approve, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. *Discuss/take action on amendment to USDA-NRCS Memorandum of Understanding Vehicle Use Policy. Mel Pittman moved to approve the amendment to the MOU as presented--allowing LCD staff to operate NRCS vehicles. LeRoy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss Development of Pierce County Conservation Alliance to Support Conservation Congress Delegate Activities. Rod indicated that the LCD is no longer funding Conservation Congress. He proposed sending a letter to five area sportsman s clubs to generate funding for Congress activities. LCC members concurred. Discuss PL566 Inspections Report. Rod reported Michael O Shea NRCS Agricultural Engineer fulfilled the DNR PL566 inspection requirements on Plum Creek 2 and 3. FEMA documentation is being completed on Nugget Lake Structure 2 and Rod continues to coordinate emergency notification system efforts with the City Watch system. The Emergency Action Plan was sent to Emergency Management Director, Gary Brown and Pierce County Sheriff, Nancy Hove for review and comments. Upon their review, Rod will present to the Finance and Personnel Committee for review and approval. Plans to address pipe separation and channel clearing the Bay City Structure #2 are underway. Plum Creek Structure #3 may need some repairs also. Director s Report. Rod informed LCC members that LCD had displays at the educational tent at the Pierce County Dairy Breakfast hosted by Fetzer Farms. Mel Pittman indicated approximately 1500 were in attendance. Rod visited with Senator Sheila Harsdorf in regards to the Working Lands Initiative Program and DATCP Staffing Grants. They discussed their concerns regarding the elimination of the conversion fee. He reported the Farmland Preservation Plan update must be completed by Rod and Andy will seek input from township board members and Plan Commissions. Rod reported the Conservation Awards program was cancelled due to inclement weather. Efforts are underway to present the Award at the Pierce County Fair in conjunction with the Century Farm Award. Rod noted the Pepin County Conservation Tour is scheduled for Thursday, June 9 th. NRCS Report. Mark reported NRCS staff completed obligations for 13 new CStP contracts this year. He indicated he spent one day at the Barron County Field Office fulfilling CStP duties--meeting with some of their contract holders, obtaining signatures, and answering questions. Mark reported one large EQIP contracts has been funded which he hopes can be funded by slippage from other states yet this year. Construction is following the variable weather patterns. Mark reported Conservation Compliance Status Review notification letters have been mailed out. Office Automation Clerk, Kathleen Hartman was promoted to a Soil Conservationist position at the Neilsville Field Office. UWRF graduate, Anne Wodarczyk, was hired to fill the position. FSA Report. Linda Paul was not present to provide a report. UWEX Ag Agent Report. Greg Andrews was not present to provide a report. DNR Forestry Report. Gary Zielske was not present to provide a report. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. PL566 repair. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. June 23 rd, 8:30 a.m. EOC meeting. Adjournment. Mel Pittman moved to adjourn, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.

8 Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Thursday, July 28, :30 a.m. Pierce County Courthouse Annex 1 st. Floor, EOC Conference Room 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members Present: DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman, Don Rohl and James Ross LCD/NRCS Staff Present: Mark Biel, Debra Larson and Rod Webb Other Agency Members: Chad Alberg, Gary Zielske Public Comment. No comments brought forth. Call to order. Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Jim Ross moved to approve the agenda, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve May 26, 2011 Meeting Minutes. Mel Pittman moved to approve, LeRoy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on USDA-NRCS Contribution Agreement for Conservation Reserve Program Assistance. Rod reported LCD was offered the opportunity to enter into a contribution agreement to provide assistance with CRP program contracting. He indicated LCD will receive $7,964 for contracting assistance. Mel Pittman moved to approve, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on cost share applications. None presented Discuss/take action on approval of Land and Water Resource Management Plan. Jim Ross moved to approve the LWRM Plan, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on Wildlife Damage Program Permanent Woven Wire Fence Request. Chad Alberg explained the request for a permanent woven wire fence. Mel Pittman moved to approve the request as presented, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. USDA-APHIS Wildlife Damage Report. Chad Alberg reported 15 landowners are enrolled in the program and that he is in the process of completing field checks. Director s Report. Rod reported the West Central Area Meeting is scheduled for August 25 9:00 a.m. Rod noted that he is coordinating efforts with USDA NRCS to apply for a Mississippi Initiative Basin River Grant. Rod indicated the likelihood of targeting the Rush River Vermillion watershed as the Transect Survey highlights natural resource concerns in that area. Rod reported he is working with Scott Schoepp to provide engineering assistance at Nugget Lake. He also noted the department will receive reimbursement for Larry Gruber s technical assistance with a rip rap project on Big River. Rod indicated the department is completing a subdivision storm water and erosion control review for Diamond Ridge. LCC members discussed Lyle Johnson s request in regards to controlling the noxious weeds and terrestrials throughout Pierce County. Rod reported that DATCP will not be releasing the preliminary allocation next week. Rod noted allocations will not be released until as early as October and as late as January. Rod indicated WALCE and WLWCA merger discussions continue. Rod informed committee members that the department will host a booth west of the round barn at the county fair this year. In addition, a Conservation Farmer of the Year award will be presented on Sunday in conjunction with the Century Farm Awards. Rod noted he has requested the first half of this years reimbursement for staffing and support. Rod indicated the Pierce County Waste Storage Ordinance has been reviewed by Corporation Counsel and then will go to Finance & Personnel and then to the County Board. Rod informed LCC members that Administrative Coordinator, Paul Barkla assigned Corporation Counsel, Brad Lawrence to draft a letter to Chuck Boley noting that Pierce County does not have the authority to reimburse him for Conservation Congress expenses. Mel Pittman questioned if efforts were underway to solicit funding from local conservation groups. Rod Webb reported Conservation Congress Chairman, Chuck Boley, indicated the congress had no interest in working with the Conservation Department and that they would find their own sources of funding. NRCS Report. Charles Schwartz provided a report in Mark s absence. Charles reported NRCS has completed three waterways, a sinkhole, a critical area treatment and that construction of a grade stabilization structure and manure pit are underway. Charles noted quarterly contract reviews are being completed--which includes primarily nutrient management review. Charles indicated an EQIP Local Work Group meeting is scheduled directly following next months meeting on August 24 th. FSA Report. Rod Webb provided a report in Linda s absence. He informed LCC members that the Livestock Incentive Program is available for those who suffered cattle loss from heat. Also, Rod Webb noted that Diane Jennings has announced her retirement and will be leaving in August. UWEX Ag Agent Report. Greg Andrews was not present to provide a report.

9 DNR Forestry Report. Gary Zielske reported on MFL enrollment and program activities. He indicated of the applications he received half were re-enrollments into the program. Gary indicated that MFL tax rates have risen slightly from $1.57 per closed acre per year to $1.84 per closed acre per year. Gary indicated Mike and Ray Farley, 2010 Tree Farmers of the Year will not be present for recognition at the Pierce County Fair. He noted that Rod Webb and LCC Chair, Jerry Kosin presented the award certificate and plaque to the Farley s at their farm. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. USDA NRCS Local Work Group Meeting. LCD Budget Adjournment. Don Rohl moved to adjourn, Mel Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.

10 Pierce County Land Conservation Meeting Thursday, August 25, :30 a.m. Pierce County Courthouse Annex 1 st. Floor, EOC Conference Room 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members Present: DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman and Don Rohl LCD/NRCS Staff Present: Mark Biel, Debra Larson and Rod Webb Other Agency Members: Greg Andrews, Linda Paul and Gary Zielske Public Comment: The Land Conservation Committee will receive public comments at this time on any issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. No comments brought forward. Call to order. Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order. Adopt Agenda. Mel Pittman moved to approve agenda as printed. LeRoy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve July 28, 2011 Meeting Minutes. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve the meeting minutes. Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on Proposed 2012 Land Conservation, Wildlife Damage Program, and Fish & Game Program Budgets. Rod Webb presented a Land Conservation Budget Summary including a 2012 Expenditure Budget Worksheet. Rod noted changes in the budget line items--personnel and the capital improvement line item. Rod indicated there have been no firm numbers confirmed from the state agencies but counties have been informed to prepare for a 10% cut in staff and support. Rod noted health insurance rates decreased 8.1% and employee retirement benefits were changed due to state law changes. Additionally, he also noted the capital improvement line item reflects $25,000 for the purchase of a work truck for the department. LCC directed Rod to research new vehicle rebates and incentives as well as to review how the Highway Department purchases vehicles. Mel Pittman reiterated that departments are asked to submit a zero-based budget. As the Land Conservation Department budget reflected a $5, increase over last year, LCC members requested the budget be reduced to adhere to the zero-based budget requirement. Rod indicated he would adjust the capital improvement line item to $19, with the understanding at final budget hearing time; the committee would support a transfer-in of funds to support the cost of a work truck. Jerry Kosin noted to allow for vehicle trade-in allowance will almost offset the difference. Mel Pittman commended Rod for a budget which reflected a balanced tax revenue and levy. Mel Pittman moved to approve the budget with the reduction of $5, in Capital Line Item. DeWayne seconded motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on cost share applications. No requests brought forward. Director s Report. Rod reported CRP Plans are completed with only two determined ineligible. He presented an erosion concern in sections 26 and 35 of River Falls noting the farmland had recently come out of CRP. Rod indicated the Land and Water Resource Management Plan presentation via skype was successful. The plan will be forwarded to Finance and Personnel in September and then forwarded to County Board for approval. The Waste Storage Ordinance amendment will be forwarded to the County Board. The Land Conservation Department had a cropland erosion display at the County Fair and the Outstanding Conservation Award was presented to David G Johnson of Ellsworth Township. Gary Zielske presented the Tree Farmer to Mike and Rae Farley of Martel Township. Brad Roy is developing the Farmland Preservation revision. Plans are underway to meet with township boards to discuss future farmland preservation. The Emergency Action Plan for PL566 structures is near completion and the Sheriff s department is working to tie the plan in with City Watch. NRCS Report. Mark Biel reported due to budget restrictions and staffing reductions at the national level, an early-out retirement has been offered by NRCS. He indicated soil conservationist (Jay Custer) shared with St. Croix County, accepted the early-out offer. Efforts are underway to fill that field position. Soil loss calculations are near completion for 2011 compliance checks. Mark indicated one individual will be determined non-compliant and one or two individuals are close to non-compliant. Mark noted staff will

11 work with individuals to reach tolerable soil loss levels. All non-compliant USDA participants will be forwarded to FSA for review and action. End-of-the-fiscal-year CSP and EQIP contract audit and modification maintenance are near completion. Mark reported contracts with 12 or more months of inactivity are automatically scheduled for an audit. Mark informed LCC members that Pierce County ranked number one in Wisconsin with 67 CSP contracts under the 2002 Farm Bill, total value of $4.1 million (average size of 477 acres). Due to the very large, average size per contract, approximately 40% of Pierce County s cropland base is enrolled in the CSP program. FSA Report. Linda reported Diane Jennings, only one of FSA staff members eligible for early-out retirement, accepted the offer. She reported workload was reassigned to remaining staff. Linda will be facilitating farm facility loans with St. Croix. St Croix will provide administrative assistance to Pierce County. Linda informed LCC members that FSA is piloting a shelf, crop-reporting software which will eliminate duplication of efforts where crop reporting is concerned. Linda also noted as a cost-saving measure, FSA will be using a web-based payment limitation system for eligibility forms and that newsletters will be disbursed via . She reported as the 56 Wisconsin FSA offices are working with 20 less individuals, work is being reassigned and staff is limited. She noted any backfilling is through the agency and not outside of the agency. She indicated a willingness to accept volunteer assistance for those wishing to gain program experience. Greg Andrews directed her to the federal Ameri-Corp Vista Program. Finally, Linda reported she has approximately 15 applications of farmers reporting heated-related livestock loss. UWEX Ag Agent Report. Greg Andrews reported UW Extension is hosting a Pierce, Polk and St. Croix County Leadership Academy. Greg reported Brown Seed Corn has invited the public to a 100 th anniversary celebration and the Dairy Recognition Banquet is scheduled for Thursday, October 13 th at the Elmwood Auditorium. Greg indicated he is also working with Brad Roy to provide statistics for the Farmland Preservation update. Greg also reported the necessity for poultry ordinances is imminent. He directed LCC members to review the Dane County Ordinance DNR Forestry Report. Gary Zielske was present to report on a walnut plantation thinning. He also reported efforts are underway to conduct ash yellow samplings. He indicated a pilot enterprise agency--the first one in the state-- gives DNR increased flexibility to streamline efficiencies with environmental permits for water quality as well as to streamline supervision. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. September 22, 2011, 8:30 a.m. EOC Meeting Room Adjournment. Mel Pittman moved to adjourn, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.

12 Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 27, :30 a.m. Pierce County Courthouse Annex 1 st. Floor EOC Conference Room, 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members Present: DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman, Don Rohl and Jim Ross LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Debra Larson and Rod Webb Other Agency Members: Chad Alberg and Ron Bartels Public Comment: Jim Ross recommended partnering agency reports be scheduled alternately or on an as-needed basis. Call to order. Jerry called the meeting to order at 8:31 am. Adopt Agenda. Jim moved to approve the agenda as printed. Don seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve August 25, 2011 Meeting Minutes. Mel moved to approve the meeting minutes as presented. LeRoy seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on 2012 Wildlife Damage Program Budget. Chad presented the Pierce County USDA APHIS Budget Financial Plan. He explained that the Land Conservation Department serves basically as a banker for this program and that all funds are funneled through a pass-through account. Mel Pittman moved to approve the budget, Jim Ross seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on County Conservation Aids Program Resolution. Rod presented an updated resolution to authorize a specific person to act on behalf of the county for the grant program. The grant of $1, is matched by the county. Rod reviewed potential Conservation Aid projects in Pierce County. Mel moved to appoint Rod to act as the administering authority for the County Conservation Aids Program. DeWayne seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association Annual Meeting Attendance The annual conference is scheduled for December 8 th and 9 th at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Mel moved to approve Rod and LCC members attendance at the WLWCA Annual Meeting. Don seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on 2011 National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) dues. Rod noted NACD annual dues are $ He indicated NACD gathers input from member districts and states across the nation each year to identify priority issues of concern. NACD then provides a unified voice (in Washington) and secures federal funding for programs such as CSP, CRP, EQIP, etc. through legislation for natural resource conservation. Mel requested additional information and moved to table the discussion until November. Jim seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss WLWCA and WALCE Merger. A vote to merge WLWCA with WALCE will take place December 9 at the 2012 WLWCA Annual Conference. Rod reviewed some of the benefits of the merger including expanded expertise and improved policy influence. WLWCA Executive Director Julian Zelazny has resigned from his position to accept a position in Chilliwarck, British Columbia. All officials and employees of the newly merged organization (WLWCA) will be on equal ground and have equal voices. Wildlife Damage Program Report. Chad Alberg informed LCC members of 2011 claims in Pierce County. He indicated he will work with UW Extension to determine crop values. Director s Report. Rod reported construction season is going strong and all projects planned for 2011 should be completed this year. He has completed PL566 construction inspections and reported the Bay City Structure will be scheduled for repair for the Spring of He noted his research indicates the channel has changed and he will make efforts to correct the change. Additionally, the Plum Creek structure on the Meyer property will require some maintenance as well. The remaining two structures are functioning well. Contact will be made with the new owners of Structure 19 site to discuss removal of a Ferguson tractor from the outlet. Rod reported the future of 2012 DATCP grants is still unknown, however an allocation plan is expected to be delivered to counties in December and counties should expect a 10% reduction. Rod reported he continues to work on a trout habitat project which would go through several properties in the Village of Elmwood. He indicated John Sours of DNR will assist with work on the river. Rod recognized contributions of about $100,000 have been made by the Fish America Foundation, the Elmwood and Eau Galle Rod & Gun Sportsmans Clubs, and DNR grant monies. Rod will meet with Countryside Cooperative to solicit support and discuss the scope of the project. Rod indicated private landowners have signed public access for fishing easements which is an objective of the Conservation Aids program. Rod reported contributions will help to cover the cost of construction materials. NRCS Report. Mark Biel was not present to provide a report. FSA Report. Linda Paul was not present to provide a report. UWEX Ag Agent Report. Greg Andrews was not present to provide a report. DNR Forestry Report. Gary Zielske was not present to provide a report. Future Agenda Items. NACD dues and funding, WLWCA resolutions, WALCE/WLWCA merger. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. 10:00 a.m., Thursday November 17, 2011 and Thursday December 15, 2011 at the Highway Conference Center. Adjourn. LeRoy Peterson moved to adjourn, Mel Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Meeting adjourned 9:36 a.m.

13 Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Thursday, November 17, :00 a.m. Pierce County Highway Office Conference Room, 621 Cairns Street, Ellsworth, WI LCC Members: DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman, Don Rohl and Jim Ross LCD/NRCS Staff Members: Mark Biel, Debra Larson and Rod Webb Other: Linda Paul and Gary Zielske Public Comment: None presented. Call to order. Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Jim Ross moved to adopt, Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve October 27, 2011 Meeting Minutes. Don Rohl moved to approve the meeting minutes. Mel Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take action on Cost Share Requests. Rod presented three cost share requests a well decommissioning for Ed Brenner of Maiden Rock; well decommissioning for Lyle Hofacker and nutrient management planning for Bergseng Farms. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve the cost share requests as presented. Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action WLWCA resolutions. Resolution #1 Regarding reduction of agricultural phosphorus loading to Green Bay and Lake Michigan (Support). Resolution #2 Retaining agricultural tax classification on lands enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (Support). Resolution #3 Requesting increased resources be directed to prevent Asian carp from spreading to inland watersheds through the St. Croix and Wisconsin Rivers (Support ). Resolution #4 Requesting changes be made to conservation practice standards incorporating recommended adaptations for climate change (Support?). Resolution #5 Supporting WLWCA with WALCE merge repealing and re-creating of the WLWCA bylaws (Support). Discuss/take action on NACD dues payment. As a follow-up to the discussion regarding payment of membership dues to NACD at last month s LCC meeting, Rod reported WLWCA pays an annual dues fee of $775 to NACD. Mel Pittman moved to decline support, Jim Ross seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on WLWCA/WALCE Merger. Details of the merger were discussed. Mel Pittman moved to support the merger, DeWayne Benedict seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on 2012 Conservation Aids Grant Application. Rod presented a stream bank restoration project on the Trimbelle River as a potential project for the 2012 Conservation Aids Grant application to DNR. He indicated the project is estimated at $25,000 and would include cooperation with Trout Unlimited and DNR Trout Stamp funds. The LCD budget includes the required 50% matching funds of $1559. Mel Pittman moved to support the Conservation Aids application. Jerry Kosin seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Director s Report. Rod Web reported office staff is wrapping up final constructions projects for the 2011 construction year. He reported the final project a sinkhole treatment is in the works. Field staff are in the process of evaluating and ranking next years projects. He indicated evaluations include stream corridor projects. Rod reported the Land Conservation Department has not received its preliminary allocation plan from DATCP, but indicated he is preparing for a 10% cut as forewarned. Rod noted he will contact State Senator, Sheila Harsdorf, to discuss DATCP funding cuts to LCD staffing grants. Rod will keep LCC members apprised when he receives a firm commitment from DATCP. Rod addressed soil erosion concerns in Pierce County and questioned LCC members how the department might encourage landowners to consider the long term losses to soil productivity over the perceived short term gains in profits from conventional tillage practices. LCC members agreed to engage in future discussions on ways to address the issue. NRCS Report. Mark Biel reported Charles Schwartz, Conservation Engineering Technician was awarded a promotion and will be relocating to Wausau. He indicated the vacant position will be filled as a soil conservation position with technical experience. Mark reported NRCS staff members are processing the Conservation Stewardship Program, noting that 10% of contract holders will be spot-checked. Mark indicated the National Resource Inventory reports soil losses are on the rise. Mark also recognized soil erosion concerns in the county and agreed that staff must pursue action to decrease soil losses. He informed LCC members that eligibility for programs such as EQIP is influenced by a ranking question which addresses soil loss. Mark reported the 2012 preliminary projections for program funding look good. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. WLWCA Conference Report. USDA- DCP program requirements. Forestry and FSA Report. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. Thursday, December 15, 10:00 a.m. PC High Conference Room. Adjournment. LeRoy Peterson moved to adjourn. Don Rohl seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.

14 Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Thursday, December 15, 2011, 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Highway Office Conference Room, 621 Cairns Street, Ellsworth, WI Public Comment: The Land Conservation Committee will receive public comments at this time on any issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. None presented. LCC Members Present: DeWayne Benedict, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman, Don Rohl and James Ross LCD/NRCS Staff Members: Mark Biel, Debra Larson and Rod Webb. Others Present: Gary Zielske Call to order. Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Jim Ross moved to adopt the agenda. LeRoy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve November 17, 2011 Meeting Minutes. Jim Ross moved to approve the meeting minutes, Mel Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Requests. Rod presented a cost share request for Mark Larson for Nutrient Management SEG funds for a one-time payment of $28 per acre of acres. Mel Pittman moved to approve. DeWayne Benedict seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Review 2011 LWRM Plan Accomplishments. Rod reported on Conservation Practices Designed and Installed; Planning and Technical Assistance; Information and Education; and Monitoring and Evaluation WLWCA Conference Report. Jim Ross, LeRoy Peterson, Mel Pittman and Rod Webb reported on the WLWCA Conference including Combating Communication, Manure Digesting, PL566 Dam Structures, Frac Sand Mining, Environmental Speaking Contestants, WLWCA and WALCE Merger, Working Lands Initiative, PACE Program, County Farmland Preservation Plan. FSA Report on DCP Program Requirements. Rod reported conservation compliance requirements are not a part of federal crop insurance eligibility. DNR Forestry Report. Gary Zielske reported the Gypsy Moth and Emerald Ash Borer populations in Pierce County. He noted the new yield tax for harvested timber from harvest of Managed Forest Law land goes into effect November of each year. Gary indicated the American Forest and Paper Association determined that Wisconsin is number one among states in forestry jobs, as well as for economic value of wood and paper products shipped. He also noted forest-based tourism is an important component of Wisconsin s economy. Gary indicated, to date, the DNR Nursery Program tree sales exceeds last years total. He reported four landowners received WFLGP Grants for MFL Plan assistance for Gary stated Pierce County DNR field work for timber sales on the Islands Wildlife Management Area, Nugget Lake Park, and Bay City Sand Mine Scientific and Natural area are completed or near completion and will be advertised early 2012 along with several small private land timber sales. Gary indicated the DNR Division of Forestry released a proposed operation plan which identifies goals, the division s role in achieving goals and how the division intends to maintain or reshape the work of the division to achieve the goals. NCRS Report. Mark reported CSP Payments are being disbursed though the first of He indicated modifications of contracts have delayed some payments. CSP Program sign-up deadline is January 13, 2012 and EQIP application deadline is February 3, The National Resource Inventory (NRI) inventory is near completion. The USDA NRCS budget has been passed and NRCS programs have been approved and funded. Mark indicated one non-compliant individual has taken initial steps to become compliant. A second individual is seeking a variance to address soil loss. Director s Report. Rod presented a letter addressed to State Senator Sheila Harsdorf requesting she address the $1.1 million lapse in GPR funds from the Soil and Water Resource Management Grants Program with the Joint Finance Committee. Rod noted he met with Dean Berseng to promote the Working Lands Initiative through the Farm Bureau. A tentative meeting, including DATCP, is being planned in early Rod reported that the Rush Vermillion Watershed has been determined a potential project area for the Mississippi River Basin Initiative Grant. He indicated approximately ½ to 1 million may be requested through the grant application to cover to fund practices as promoted through the federal EQIP program. Rod indicated he will present a proposal before the LCC Committee which will target the most sensitive areas of cropland such as field edges, etc. to get out of production and into grass to trap sediments and filter run off. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. January 26, 2012, 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Building Lower Level Meeting Room. Adjournment. Mel Pittman moved to adjourn. LeRoy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.