Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, December 17, 2015, 10:00 a.m., Pierce County Highway Department Conference Room 621 Cairns Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Peter Pittman, Lee Skog LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Rod Webb, Mark Biel, Jon Krauss, Debra Larson Others Present: Dennis Fritz issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be None presented. Call to order. Jerry Kosin, Chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Jerry Kosin, Chair Dale Auckland moved to approve. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve September 24, 2015 Meeting Minutes. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve the meeting minutes as presented. Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Requests. Rod Webb presented cost share requests for conservation practices. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve, Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Attendance to Wisconsin Land + Water Annual Training Conference. Rod Webb presented a request for he and Dan Sitz to attend the Wisconsin Land + Water Annual Training Conference. Jerry Kosin moved to approve Rod Webb and Dan Sitz to attend the conference. Lee Skog seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Conservation Compliance Certificates. Jon Krauss presented compliance certificates for LCC members to review and sign. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve the Thomas Sitz and Maureen Ash- Rich Purdy compliance certificates. Lee Skog seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Review Implementation Progress of Pierce County Land and Water Resource Management Plan. Rod Webb reported on LWRM plan accomplishments for 2015. Director s Report. Rod Webb 1. South Kinni Farmer-Led Watershed. Efforts continue to promote farmer-led conservation cropland management practices in the South Kinni watershed specifically, to address the sand load in the area. 2. North-West Pierce County AEA Application. Early 2016, Rod will work with townships within the AEA application area to gain support and participation USDA-NRCS Report. Mark Biel 1. CSP Updates. Staff has completed 2015 contract payments. Contract renewals offers to re-enroll land for another 5 year term are being accepted and reviewed. The regular CSP enrollment period for new entrants into the program beginning 2016 are being accepted through?. 2. EQIP Updates. The first EQIP batching period in October. 10 high contracts are being considered for funding and will be ranked and likely enough money to fund the high ranking applications. The MRBI applications of 20 are being considered for funding and ranking. All contracts are due for contract obligation. Mark reported being down one staff person in the month of February and has additional staff on request. DNR Forestry Report. Gary Zielske announced his 38 year career 23+ years in the Ellsworth Field Office has come to a close. Gary noted due to budget constraints, The Durand Field Office has been closed and neighboring counties will be responsible for the workload. Additionally, Gary reported there are a lot of proposed changes for WI DNR. He indicated the market for forest products is strong, however loggers and truckers are in shorty supply. Gary reported the Ellsworth Field Office position will like be filled in April or May. Meanwhile, he directed folks to contact Dahn Borh at the Baldwin Field Office. Gary gave recognition to the many Pierce County Agencies he has worked with throughout his tenure and indicated the excellent partnership built a good forest program in Pierce County. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Cost Share Applications. Ag Enterprise Area Resolution, Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. Friday, January 28, 2015. Adjournment. Peter Pittman moved to adjourn, Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
*AMENDED Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, December 17, 2015, 10:00 a.m. Pierce County Highway Department Conference Room 621 Cairns Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 1 Call to order Jerry Kosin, Chair 2 Adopt Agenda Jerry Kosin, Chair 3 Approve September 24, 2015 Meeting Minutes Jerry Kosin, Chair 4 Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Requests Rod Webb 5 Discuss/Take Action on Attendance to Wisconsin Land + Water Annual Rod Webb Training Conference 6 Discuss/Take Action on Conservation Compliance Certificates Jon Krauss 7 Review Implementation Progress of Pierce County Land and Water Rod Webb Resource Management Plan 8 Director s Report Rod Webb 1. South Kinni Farmer-Led Watershed 2. North-West Pierce County AEA Application 9 USDA-NRCS Report 1. CSP Updates 2. EQIP Updates Mark Biel *10 DNR Forestry Report Gary Zielske 11 Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items Jerry Kosin, Chair 12 Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time Jerry Kosin, Chair 13 Adjournment Jerry Kosin, Chair *Amended 12-14-2015
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, September 24, 2015 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building Lower Level Meeting Room, 412 West Kinne Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be None presented. LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Peter Pittman, Lee Skog LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Rod Webb, Mark Biel, Debra Larson Call to order. Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Dale Auckland moved to approve the agenda as printed, Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve August 27, 2015 Meeting Minutes. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve, Peter Pittman seconded, Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests. Rod Webb presented a request for Dan Sitz and Larry Gruber to attend a Manure Gas Safety Training Day scheduled for October 9, 2015, in Chippewa Falls. He also presented a request to attend the Winter County Conservationist Meeting scheduled for December 3-4, 2015, at the Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Dale Auckland moved to approve, Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action to approve Town of River Falls Lands to be Preserved Map for the Farmland Preservation Program. Rod Webb reviewed the revised Town of River Falls Land to be Preserved Map for the Farmland Preservation Program. Dean Bergseng moved to approve. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/take action on 2016 County Conservation Aids Grant Application. Rod Webb presented a project for the 2016 County Conservation Aids Program. The proposed project is a native grass prairie establishment at the Trimbelle River Area. Dale Auckland move to approve. Jerry Kosin seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. *Discuss/take action to approve staffing grant reimbursement from DATCP. Rod Webb presented a total grant reimbursement request, to DATCP, for staff for the amount of $131,532 for 2015. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve, Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. *Discuss/take action to approve LWRM Plan Five-Year Extension Request to DATCP. Rod presented a LWRM Extension request to present to DATCP in April of 2016. He indicated the plan will continue to address soil erosion and surface water degradation from nutrients as a priority. LCC members concurred. Peter Pittman moved to approve, Lee Skog seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Department Updates: Rod Webb reported the Bay City PL-566 repair has been delayed due to the especially wet season. NRCS Program Report: EQIP: Mark Biel reported Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) correspondence was mailed to over 200 Isabelle Watershed cropland owners, which has generated several contacts and applications. Additionally, the deadline for both MRBI and the general EQIP applications is October 2, 2015. Mark also reported Paul Beskar s highboy, which was used to seed cover crops, has burned and individuals that have not completed their cover crop seeding will be encouraged to seek assistance from other contractors. Mark showed a video of the hi-boy and plane seeding operations. Conservation Security Program: Mark reported over 100 CSP Enhancement and Documentation reminder letters were mailed out. Mark also noted efforts are underway to certify 12 CSP 2016 renewal contracts Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. No action items at present. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. Thursday, October 22 nd, EOC Meeting Room. 8:30 a.m. Adjournment. LeRoy Peterson moved to adjourn, Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:27 a.m.
*AMENDED Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, September 24, 2015 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building Lower Level Meeting Room 412 West Kinne Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 1 Call to order Jerry Kosin, Chair 2 Adopt Agenda Jerry Kosin, Chair 3 Approve August 27, 2015 Meeting Minutes Jerry Kosin, Chair 4. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests Rod Webb 5. Discuss/take action to approve Town of River Falls Lands to be Rod Webb Preserved Map for the Farmland Preservation Program 6. Discuss/take action on 2016 County Conservation Aids Grant Rod Webb Application *7. Discuss/take action to approve staffing grant reimbursement from Rod Webb DATCP *8. Discuss/take action to approve LWRM Plan 5 Year Extension Rod Webb Request to DATCP 9. Department Updates: Rod Webb 1. Bay City PL-566 repair 10. NRCS Program Report: 1.Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) 2.Conservation Security Program Mark Biel 11. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items Jerry Kosin, Chair 12. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time Jerry Kosin, Chair 13. Adjournment Jerry Kosin, Chair
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, August 27, 2015 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building Lower Level Meeting Room, 412 West Kinne Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 issue not on the regular agenda. Discussion by committee members may take place, but no action will be taken on any item raised. Jerome Rodewald was present to discuss the current and proposed Lands to be Preserved Map for the Town of River Falls. Jerome indicated he has been working with Land Management to correct errors on the current map. A final revised map will be presented to both the Land Conservation Committee and Land Management Committees for review and approval. LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Peter Pittman, Lee Skog. LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Rod Webb, Mark Biel, Debra Larson. Public Present: Jerome Rodewald Call to order. Chairman, Jerry Kosin called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve the agenda as printed. Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve July 23, 2015 Meeting Minutes. Dale Auckland move to approve the minutes as presented, LeRoy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests. Rod Webb presented a request to attend a WI Nutrient Management Implementation Work Group meeting on Thursday, September 3 rd in Eau Claire. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve, Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action to approve USDA-NRCS Contribution Agreement for the Mississippi River Basin Initiative. Rod presented the USDA-NRCS Contribution Agreement for LCC members to review and approve. Rod reported the agreement is for $67,170 for LCD work in the MRBI area. Dean Bergseng moved to approve, Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action to Approve 2016 budgets for Land Conservation, PL-566 Program, Wildlife Damage Program and Fish and Game. Rod Webb presented LCC members with a proposed 2016 Land Conservation Department Budget. Rod noted the overall operating costs, other than increased personnel costs for insurance and step increases, remained the same or decreased. Rod noted Pierce County was awarded an additional $20,000 for cost sharing. Lee Skog moved to approve the budget as presented. Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Department Updates: Efforts to Address Excessive Erosion Issues. Rod Webb informed LCC members an article addressing excessive erosion was printed in the Pierce County Herald. LCC members discussed other statewide/group efforts to curb erosion and protect groundwater within Pierce County. NRCS Program Report: Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) Mark Biel presented an update on MRBI. He reported over 5,000 acres through the EQIP and CSP Program will be planted in cover crops this year. Mark reported NRCS EQIP batching deadline for applications is October 2, 2015. Mark also reported he is working with landowners who have received a Whistleblowers Complaint, to meet conservation compliance requirements. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Lands to be Preserved Map Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. Thursday, 8:30 a.m., September 24, 2015, LL PCOB. Adjournment. Dean Bergseng moved to approve, Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m.
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, August 27, 2015 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building Lower Level Meeting Room 412 West Kinne Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 1 Call to order Jerry Kosin, Chair 2 Adopt Agenda Jerry Kosin, Chair 3 Approve July 23, 2015 Meeting Minutes Jerry Kosin, Chair 4. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests Rod Webb 5. Discuss/Take Action to approve USDA-NRCS Contribution Rod Webb Agreement for the Mississippi River Basin Initiative 6. Discuss/Take Action to Approve 2016 budgets for Land Conservation, PL-566 Program, Wildlife Damage Program and Fish and Game Rod Webb 7. Department Updates: 1. Efforts to Address Excessive Erosion Issues 8. NRCS Program Report: 1.Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) 2.Consevation Security Program Rod Webb Mark Biel 9. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items Jerry Kosin, Chair 10. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time Jerry Kosin, Chair 11. Adjournment Jerry Kosin, Chair
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 23, 2015 Pierce County Annex, EOC Room, 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Pete Pittman, Lee Skog LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Mark Biel, Jon Krauss, Rod Webb None presented Call to order. Jerry Kosin, Chair called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Dean Bergseng moved to adopt the agenda. Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve June 18, 2015, Meeting Minutes. Dean Bergseng moved to approve. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests. Rod presented a request for Dan Sitz to attend an engineering technician meeting in Eau Claire. Dale Auckland moved to approve. Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Requests. Rod presented 2 cost share requests for well decommissioning. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve. Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Conservation Compliance Certificates for Farmland Preservation Program Participants. Jon Krauss reviewed compliance certificates for the following landowners: Bruce Thompson, Charles & Linda Morrow, Hilton & Charlene Fiedler, Lawrence & Sharon McCormack, Peter & Ruth Stern, Anderson Irrevocable Trust, and Anderson Family Trust. All farms are currently meeting the requirements of the Farmland Preservation Program according to Krauss. Dean Bergseng moved to approve. Leroy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss 2016 Land Conservation Department Budget Priorities. Rod discussed the budget guidance received from administration. Additional revenues are being pursued to meet the budget guidance. Proposed 2016 budget will be presented at the August meeting of LCC Director s Report: Rod reviewed items that were discussed at the recent County Conservationist meeting which included phosphorus trading programs that may be developed in the next couple of years. Also new ideas to encourage compliance with conservation standards that were presented. USDA NRCS Report 1. EQIP Cost Share Funding. Mark updated the LCC on the federal funds that will be contracted with landowners to cost share the planting of cover crops. Mark also spoke on the joint efforts with LCD to assist landowners in getting bids for aerial and high clearance machine seeding of cover crops. 2. Conservation Security Program. Mark reviewed the latest numbers of participants in this program. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. 2016 Land Conservation, Fish & Game, Wildlife Damage Program and PL-566 Watershed Protection budgets. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. 8:30 a.m., Thursday, August 27, 2015 PCOB LL Meeting Room Adjournment. Peter Pittman moved to approve. Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, July 23, 2015 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Annex, EOC Room 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 1 Call to order Jerry Kosin, Chair 2 Adopt Agenda Jerry Kosin, Chair 3 Approve June 18, 2015 Meeting Minutes Jerry Kosin, Chair 4. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests Rod Webb 5. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Applications Rod Webb 6. Discuss/Take Action on Conservation Compliance Certificates for Jon Krauss Farmland Preservation Program Participants 6. Discuss 2015 Land Conservation Budget Priorities Rod Webb 7. Department Updates: Rod Webb 8. NRCS Program Report: 1.EQIP Cost Share Funding 2.Consevation Security Program Mark Biel 9. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items Jerry Kosin, Chair 10. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time Jerry Kosin, Chair 11. Adjournment Jerry Kosin, Chair
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 18, 2015, 10:00 a.m., Pierce County Highway Department Conference Room 621 Cairns Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, Leroy Peterson, Peter Pittman, Lee Skog LCD/NRCS Staff Present: Rod Webb, Debra Larson, Mark Biel Others Present: Jerome Rodewald None presented. Call to order. Jerry Kosin, Chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Dale Auckland moved to approve the agenda as printed. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve May 21, 2015 Meeting Minutes. Leroy Peterson moved to approve the meeting minutes. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Approval of Amended Farmland Preservation Map for the Town of River Falls. Rod Webb reported the Town of River Falls has requested that Pierce County amend its Farmland Preservation Plan Map to include an updated map of lands within the Town that are suitable for preservation. The criteria that the Town used to generate the map revision include: Land outside the Sewer Service Boundary of the City of River Falls; Land currently zoned A-1 Exclusive Agriculture or having a Farmland Preservation Contract; Parcels of land of contiguous common ownership 35 acres or larger; and Land containing 50% or more Productive Farmland based on soil type. Dean Bergseng moved to amend the Farmland Preservation map for the Town of River Falls. Leroy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Proposed North-West Pierce County Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA) to be located in portions of the Towns of Clifton, River Falls and Martell. Leroy Peterson moved to support the North West Pierce County AEA designation and forward to F and P for consideration and approval. Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Director s Report. Rod Webb provided a RUSLE II soil loss summary for townships in Pierce County. He noted the average county-wide RUSLE2 soil loss is 3.0 tons/acre/year based on 764 observations from 764 active points for 2015. He noted the average soil loss for Eau Galle, Isabelle, Oak Grove and Rush River are above the average. Additionally, Rod reported these four townships are part of the Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) and staff is currently targeting that area. Dan Sitz will be representing the South Kinni Farmer Led Council at the Dairy Breakfast at the Peterson Family Farms on Saturday, June 20 th. USDA-NRCS Report. CSP Updates. Mark reported NRCS is completing contracts for newly accepted CSP applications for 2015 as well as processing applications for CSP contract renewals for contracts that are expiring this year. Mark indicated, unlike new contracts, contract renewals will not be competing for funds. EQIP Updates. Mark reported several applications were received during the EQIP cover crop signup which closed June 5 th. He reported additional cover crop signups were received through the MRBI application signup period which ends June 19 th. Mark noted there are a few contractors in the county who are available for seeding cover crops later this year. Status Review Update. Mark reported the 9 tracts which were turned into FSA as 569s will be included with the random status reviews. He noted he and staff will walk the farms, note areas of concern and meet with landowners to address erosions concerns. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Farmland Preservation Compliance Certificates. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. Thursday, July 23 rd ; 8:30 a.m. EOC Meeting Room, Courthouse Annex. Adjournment. Dean Bergseng moved to adjourn. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, June 18, 2015, 10:00 a.m. Pierce County Highway Department Conference Room 621 Cairns Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 1 Call to order Jerry Kosin, Chair 2 Adopt Agenda Jerry Kosin, Chair 3 Approve May 21, 2015 Meeting Minutes Jerry Kosin, Chair 4 Discuss/Take Action on Approval of Amended Farmland Preservation Map Rod Webb for the Town of River Falls 5 Discuss/Take Action on Proposed North-West Pierce County Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA) to be located in portions of the Towns of Clifton, River Falls and Martell Rod Webb 6 Director s Report Rod Webb 7 USDA-NRCS Report Mark Biel 1. CSP Updates 2. EQIP Updates 8 Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items Jerry Kosin, Chair 9 Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time Jerry Kosin, Chair 10 Adjournment Jerry Kosin, Chair
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 28, 2015 8:30 a.m., Pierce County Office Building Lower Level Meeting Room 412 West Kinne Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 LCC Members Present: Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin LeRoy Peterson, Peter Pittman, Lee Skog LCD/NRCS Staff Present: Rod Webb, Debra Larson, Mark Biel Others Present: Greg Andrews, Chad Alberg None presented. Approve March 26, 2015 Meeting Minutes. Leroy Peterson moved to approve, Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests. Rod Webb presented a request for Dan Sitz to travel to Rice Lake for training. Leroy Peterson moved to approve the training request. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Cost Share Applications. Rod presented cost share requests for Gail Johnson for a well abandonment for $1,740 and for Janet Feuerhelm for a well abandonment for $1.720. Leroy Peterson moved to approve. Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss Excessive Cropland Erosion in Pierce County and Potential Committee Actions to Address the Issue. LCC members and agency members deliberated over ways to address landowners who have managed crop land poorly and have had repeated incidents of excessive soil erosion in Pierce County. LCC members agreed the excessive erosion decreases the productivity of the soils, that it negatively impacts neighbors downstream and that it is costly for townships to clean out culverts and clean up roadways. LCC members concurred a news release, with photos, should be submitted to local newspapers to address soil erosion concerns in the county. Additionally LCC members agreed a letter should be mailed out to operators in the county. Wildlife Damage Report. Chad Alberg presented a Wisconsin Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program Update of Program Participants and Abatement. Chad noted a participant is in breach of contract and will work with participant to become compliant. Department Updates: 1. Farmland Preservation Program, Agricultural Enterprise Area Proposal. Pierce County submitted an AEA farmland preservation proposal late April. LCD/LMC will hold a public meeting to address the changes in the ag enterprise area in River Falls Township. 2. State Budget Actions Pertaining to LCD Funding. Rod reported he, Dean Bergseng, LeRoy Peterson, and Dale Hines met with Senator Sheila Harsdorf to gain support for conservation funding. Rod indicated Senator Harsdorf was instrumental in restoring $675,000 of the proposed $815,000 cut to statewide funding for conservation staff. 3. Conservation Field Day. Conservation field day is scheduled for June 1, 11:30 a.m., at the Dale Krass Farm and Maiden Rock Town Hall. 4. West Central Area Tour. June 18 th, Buffalo County. NRCS Program Report: 1. Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI). Mark reported $1.5 million has been allocated for a four-year period for the MRBI Initiative which incorporates five small subwatersheds near Rush River. 2. Conservation Security Program. Mark reported new applications are ready to go to contract and participants with contracts expiring this year will be automatically offered a contract renewal. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Public hearing for farmland preservation changes. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. Thursday, June 18 th, Highway Meeting Room,10:00 a.m. Adjournment. Dean Bergseng moved to adjourn, Leroy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, May 28, 2015 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Office Building Lower Level Meeting Room 412 West Kinne Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 1 Call to order Jerry Kosin, Chair 2 Adopt Agenda Jerry Kosin, Chair 3 Approve March 26, 2015 Meeting Minutes Jerry Kosin, Chair 4. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests Rod Webb 5. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Cost Share Applications Rod Webb 6. Discuss Excessive Cropland Erosion in Pierce County and Rod Webb Potential Committee Actions to Address the Issue 7. Wildlife Damage Report Chad Alberg 8. Department Updates: 1. Farmland Preservation Program, Agricultural Enterprise Area Proposal 2. State Budget Actions Pertaining to LCD Funding 3. Conservation Field Day 4. West Central Area Tour Rod Webb 9. NRCS Program Report: 1.Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) 2.Consevation Security Program Mark Biel 10. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items Jerry Kosin, Chair 11. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time Jerry Kosin, Chair 12. Adjournment Jerry Kosin, Chair
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, April 23, 2015 Pierce County Office Building, LL Meeting Room 412 West Kinne Street Ellsworth, WI 54011 1 Call to order Chair 2 Adopt agenda Chair 3 Approval of May 24, 2014 meeting minutes Chair 4 Department Updates: Rod Webb 5 Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items Chair 6 Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time Chair 7 Adjournment Chair
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 26, 2015 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Board Room 414 West Main Street Ellsworth, WI 54011 LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, Jerry Kosin, Leroy Peterson, Lee Skog LCD/LMD/NRCS Staff Present: Rod Webb, Andy Pichotta, Debra Larson, Mark Biel Public Comment: None presented. Call to order. Jerry Kosin, Chair called the meeting to order at 8:32 Adopt Agenda. Dale Auckland moved to adopt the agenda, Leroy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve February 26, 2015 Meeting Minutes. Leroy Peterson moved to approve the meeting minutes, Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Travel/Training Requests. Rod presented requests for Larry Gruber and Dan Sitz to attend Auto Cad Training in Eau Claire on April 8 th. Leroy Peterson moved to approve requests, Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Bids for Replacing Pickup Truck for Land Conservation Department. Rod reported he extended an invite to local dealerships to bid a fleet vehicle to replace the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. The sole bidder, Ellsworth Ford presented a bid which fell within budgeted line item. Leroy Peterson moved to accept the bid with the V8 engine. Dale Auckland seconded. LCC members concurred to purchase a fiberglass topper at a later date. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on 2016 DATCP Soil & Water Resource Management Grant Application. Rod reviewed the 2016 SWRM Grant application with LCC members. Rod reported he is requesting $241,638 in staffing grants, $100,000 bond funds for cost sharing projects and $20,000 in Segregated Environmental Funds (SEG) for nutrient management. Rod noted it is predicted grant awards will be reduced 10% if the proposed budget is passed. Rod also noted the 2016 application is due April 15 th and all supporting documentation has been submitted. Leroy Peterson moved to approve the application. Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Director s Report. Rod presented a 2015 State Budget Conservation Concerns including a 9.2% reduction in staff budget and the inclusion of all entities to compete for funding for producer-led conservation efforts. The concern is there is no oversight agency to ensure that all participating entities meet state performance standards. Rod reminded LCC members that two years ago LCC members Mel Pittman and Leroy Peterson organized a public meeting which included Senator Sheila Harsdorf-- Joint Committee of Finance member--to encourage support for conservation funding and appropriations. Senator Harsdorf, later, was instrumental in restoring funding for conservation efforts in Wisconsin. Leroy Peterson agreed to contact Harsdorf to set up such a meeting again. USDA-NRCS Report. Mark reported the Ellsworth Field Office request for additional EQIP funds in the Rush River area watershed is pending. Mark also reported the Ellsworth Field office will house a career intern for 640 hours this year. Mark noted the internship is a school-to-work process and the intern could be selected for a permanent position with NRCS. Mark also reported EQIP and CSP funding is pending. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. Thursday, April 23, 8:30 a.m., Pierce County Office Building, Lower Level Meeting Room. Committee will convene into closed session pursuant to 19.85 (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. Leroy Peterson moved to go into closed session. Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Reconvene into open session and take action on closed session item, if required. Dale Auckland moved to go into open session. Jerry Kosin seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Dale moved to give a favorable evaluation and recommended a step increase. Leroy seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Adjournment. Leroy moved to adjourn. Dale seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. provides technical assistance to protect and enhance the soil and water resources of the county.
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, March 26, 2015 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Board Room 414 West Main Street Ellsworth, WI 54011 1 Call to order Jerry Kosin, Chair 2 Adopt Agenda Jerry Kosin, Chair 3 Approve February 26, 2015 Meeting Minutes Jerry Kosin, Chair 4 Discuss/Take Action on Travel/Training Requests Rod Webb 5 Discuss/Take Action on Bids for Replacing Pickup Truck for Land Rod Webb Conservation Department 6 Discuss/Take Action on 2016 DATCP Soil & Water Resource Management Rod Webb Grant Application 7 Director s Report 1. 2015 State Budget Concerns Rod Webb 8 USDA-NRCS Report Mark Biel 1. Program Updates 9 Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items Jerry Kosin, Chair 10 Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time Jerry Kosin, Chair 11 Committee will convene into closed session pursuant to 19.85 (1)(c) Members 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 12 Reconvene into open session and take action on closed session item, if Jerry Kosin, Chair required 13 Adjournment Jerry Kosin, Chair
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 26, 2015 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Courthouse EOC Conference Room, 414 West Main Street Ellsworth, WI 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: Dale Auckland, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Peter Pittman, Lee Skog LCD/NRCS/Other Staff Members Present: Rod Webb, Debra Larson, Mark Biel, Chad Alberg Call to order. Jerry Kosin, Chair called the meeting to order at 8 30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Jerry Kosin, Chair. Dale Auckland moved to adopt agenda, Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve January 22, 2015 Meeting Minutes. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve meeting minutes. Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Requests. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve requests as presented. Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Travel/Training Requests. Dale Auckland moved to approve the training requests. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Bid Notice for Bay City Structure #1 Repairs. Rod Webb noted the Bay City Structure pipes have separated and will require repair this year. He estimates the cost to be $5,000 - $7,000 and funds are available in a non-lapsing account watershed repair. Rod noted bid packages will be sent out to area contractors for bids. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve. Dale seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Land Conservation Department Truck Bid Specifications. Rod Webb informed LCC members that the Land Conservation Department has budgeted $25,000, this year, to replace the 2002 Chevrolet. Peter Pittman moved to advertise for bids for a truck. LeRoy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on 2014 Wildlife Damage Program Commodity Prices. Chad Alberg presented 2014 WDACP Orchard Crop Prices in West Central Area. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on 2014 Wildlife Damage Program Claims. Chad Alberg presented a claim damage for participant with orchard crop with an appraised crop of 31.7 bushels for $1,589.20 less $500 standard deductible. LCC members concurred the participant had not met the objectives of the program and therefore Dale Auckland moved to deny the claim. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Review Wisconsin Land + Water Association Annual Conference Resolutions. Rod noted annual conference resolutions are being edited and not available for review and consideration. LCC members granted authority to Jerry Kosin and LeRoy Peterson to vote on the resolutions at the annual conference. No action taken. Director s Report. Eau Galle River Watershed Initiative is a targeted approach watershed by watershed. Rod Webb. Rod reported approximately 165 letters were mailed out to landowners in the Eau Galle River Watershed. Larry is in charge of that watershed. Larry is creating a list of farms he will be meeting with as soon as the snow melts. Dan Sitz is working in the Kinnickinnic River Watershed. USDA-NRCS Report. Mark Biel provided program updates: CSP Program: Almost all of the 2014 payments have been disbursed. Application deadline for new CSP contracts has been extended to March 13 th. A potential of 11 renewals from 2011 contracts are pending. EQIP Program: The Ellsworth field office awaits EQIP funding for 2015 fiscal year. Pierce County was selected to apply for Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) EQIP funding which includes 5 sub-watersheds including Brush Creek, Lost Creek, Isabelle Creek, Cave Creek and Salem-Rush River. The initial draft proposal is for $800,000 over 4 years. Mark handed out a Cover Crop Survey Analysis. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. Bay City structure repair bids and truck purchase. Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. Thursday, March 26, County Board Room. Adjournment. LeRoy Peterson moved to adjourn. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Meeting adjourned 9:50 a.m.
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, February 26, 2015 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Courthouse Annex 1st. Floor, EOC Conference Room 414 West Main Street Ellsworth, WI 54011 1 Call to order Jerry Kosin, Chair 2 Adopt Agenda Jerry Kosin, Chair 3 Approve January 22, 2015 Meeting Minutes Jerry Kosin, Chair 4 Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Requests Rod Webb 5 Discuss/Take Action on Travel/Training Requests Rod Webb 6 Discuss/Take Action on Bid Notice for Bay City Structure #1 Repairs Rod Webb 7 Discuss/Take Action on Land Conservation Department Truck Bid Rod Webb Specifications 8 Discuss/Take Action on 2014 Wildlife Damage Program Commodity Prices Chad Alberg 9 Discuss/Take Action on 2014 Wildlife Damage Program Claims Chad Alberg 10 Review Wisconsin Land + Water Association Annual Conference Members Resolutions 11 Director s Report Rod Webb 1. Eau Galle River Watershed Initiative 12 USDA-NRCS Report Mark Biel 1. Program Updates 13 Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items Jerry Kosin, Chair 14 Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time Jerry Kosin, Chair 15 Adjournment Jerry Kosin, Chair
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 22, 2015 Pierce County Annex, EOC Room, 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011 LCC Members Present: Dale Auckland, Dean Bergseng, Jerry Kosin, LeRoy Peterson, Pete Pittman, Lee Skog LCD/NRCS Staff Members Present: Mark Biel, Debra Larson, Rod Webb None presented Call to order. Jerry Kosin, Chair called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Adopt Agenda. Dale Auckland moved to approve. Dean Bergseng seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Approve December 18, Meeting Minutes. Leroy Peterson moved to approve. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Requests. Rod presented cost share requests for 2015 applicants for waterway systems, sinkhole, well abandonment, streambank stabilization, roof run off control, critical area stabilization and grade stabilization. LeRoy Peterson moved to approve. Dale Auckland seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action to Approve Travel/Training Requests. Rod presented a request for he, Larry Gruber and Dan Sitz to attend the annual WI Land &Water Conservation Conference, March 9-11, 2015 at the Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, WI. Dean Bergseng moved to approve. LeRoy Peterson seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Discuss/Take Action on 2015 WLWCA Membership Dues. Dale Auckland moved to approve. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor. Director s Report: 1. North-West Pierce County AEA Application. Rod reported an AEA application for the Town(s) of Clifton, Martell and River Falls will be submitted to DATCP in April. Participants could sign agreements as early as 2016. Rod will continue to promote AEA in other townships. 2. Farmer-Led Initiative Expansion. Rod reported plans are underway to expand the Rocky Branch Farmer Led Initiative to the South Fork of the Kinnickinnic. 3. Cover Crop Education Working Group. Farmer-Led Initiative participants are working to promote a Cover Crop Program. They are considering methods of application and availability of local contractors and local airports. USDA NRCS Report 1. Conservation Stewardship Program. Mark reported office staff completed approximately 50 renewals for CSP participants whose contracts through the 2008 Farm Bill had expired. In addition, staff processed approximately 130 payments for CSP participants 2. EQIP Program. Mark explained the EQIP screening tool to rank applications. 3. Intermittent Staff. Mark reported Bethann Mahle will start as intermittent office staff next week. Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items. LCD Director annual evaluation, cost share applications, Wildlife Damage Report, Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time. 8:30 a.m., Thursday, February 26 EOC Meeting Room Adjournment. Dean Bergseng moved to approve. Peter Pittman seconded. Motion carried with all in favor.
Pierce County Land Conservation Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, January 22, 2015 8:30 a.m. Pierce County Courthouse Annex 1st. Floor, EOC Conference Room 414 West Main Street Ellsworth, WI 54011 1 Call to order Jerry Kosin, Chair 2 Adopt Agenda Jerry Kosin, Chair 3 Approve December 18, 2014 Meeting Minutes Jerry Kosin, Chair 4 Discuss/Take Action on Cost Share Requests Rod Webb 5 Discuss/Take Action on Travel/Training Requests Rod Webb 6 Discuss/Take Action on 2015 WLWCA Membership Dues Rod Webb 7 Director s Report Rod Webb 1. North-West Pierce County AEA Application 2. Farmer-Led Initiative Expansion 3. Cover Crop Education Working Group 8 USDA-NRCS Report 1. Conservation Stewardship Program 2. EQIP Program Mark Biel 9 Discussion Regarding Future Agenda Items Jerry Kosin, Chair 10 Discuss Next Meeting Place, Date and Time Jerry Kosin, Chair 11 Adjournment Jerry Kosin, Chair