DATE: February 10, 2005
Meeting called to order by Chair Wiese at 9:08 a.m. It was certified that the requirements of the open meeting law have been met. Present were Lehman, Wiese, and Borleske from the Committee; Stearns-DNR Forestry; Brereton-NRCS; Van Berkel and Pohle-LCD. Zowin, Cassity, and Craker were absent.
Adopt Agenda: Motion by Borleske/Lehman to adopt the agenda. Motion carried, all in favor.
Appearances: There were none.
Adopt Minutes of Previous Meeting: Motion by Borleske/Lehman to adopt the minutes of the regular LCC meeting on January 13. Motion carried, all in favor.
Training events: Motion by Lehman/Borleske to approve the list of training events. Motion carried, all in favor.
Bills: Bill summaries were distributed to the Committee members. Motion by Borleske/Lehman to approve bills in the amount of $7,539.31. Motion carried, all in favor.
Correspondence: Van Berkel distributed copies of the latest Thursday Notes. There was some discussion regarding the Livestock Facility Siting Rules. Van Berkel distributed the 2003 Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Annual Progress Report which summarizes Wisconsin's achievements in reducing polluted runoff and conserving land and water resources.
Reports: Brereton informed the LCC that NRCS is taking applications for Sauk County EQIP until March 25. About $150,000 is available for contracts this year. They are also taking applications until the end of April for the state-wide waste storage signup. EQIP is limited to ag producers this year. There is a new EQIP signup for apple and cherry producers to implement pest management to reduce their chemical applications.
Stearns discussed a DNR proposal to attain forest certification on properties enrolled in the Managed Forest Law program. Properties would require third party certification that the woodland was managed and harvested in a sustainable manner. This certification would qualify harvested wood to be used to fill needs of large purchasers looking to purchase certified materials. Certification could bring price premiums and would also help educate people about the benefits of sustainable forestry.
Stearns reported that under the Governor's budget proposal the DNR would be losing a number of positions. Private forestry assistance would be hard hit by this proposal losing a possible 34 positions throughout the state.
Stearns informed the LCC that as of today 137,000 trees have been ordered for the spring DNR tree order.
Stearns furnished a copy of a Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine article featuring a conversation among past and present DNR foresters who worked in Sauk County. The foresters compared the forestry efforts of the 1950's to the work being performed today.
Van Berkel informed the LCC that Pheasants Forever will be presented their Conservation Leadership Award at the February County Board.
Van Berkel stated that he spoke with Steve Kohlstedt at Richland County UWEX. The sprayer to control multiflora rose was a joint project they had with the Seneca Coop. It is a custom sprayer that you can rent out through the Coop. Van Berkel suggested doing a presentation at a farm that needs multiflora rose control in Sauk County, and then go to Richland County and see a farm that has been treated in the past year or two. Dietmann will help coordinate such an event, and the Grazing Network could possibly cosponsor it. Lehman will check with the landowner of the land his son rents near Cazenovia to see if it could be held there.
Consideration of Public Comments Regarding Farmland Preservation Program Standards: Van Berkel reported that there were no major objections expressed at the FPP annual meetings and most landowners were aware of it.
Adoption of Revised Farmland Preservation Program Standards: Van Berkel noted that Sauk County's FPP standards included the State's minimum standards and added the requirement to address gully erosion. Motion by Borleske/Lehman to adopt the revised Farmland Preservation Program Standards. Motion carried, all in favor.
Update on WLWCA Reorganization, Relationship with Wisconsin Association of Land Conservation Employees (WALCE) and Lobbying Efforts: Van Berkel updated the Committee on the possible Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association (WLWCA) reorganization and by-laws changes. At the WLWCA Annual Conference, there was a resolution to form a steering committee to address the concerns being brought forth regarding WLWCA. The WLWCA Board felt there should be county conservationists participating as members of this steering committee. Van Berkel has agreed to be the western area staff representative. The by-law changes are a controversial issue. No action required at present.
Year of Land and Water Conservation Planning: Van Berkel discussed the "White Paper" - a brochure to be used as a tool for explaining to legislators and other organizations why increased funding for land conservation departments is critical to address the goals of the nonpoint rules. WLWCA is looking for local events to highlight the importance of conservation. Van Berkel requested that the Committee start to think about hosting an event-possibly to celebrate the completion of the Narrows Creek Watershed Project or the dam removal on the Baraboo River. A tour could combine a watershed farm and the Health Care Center and its wetland restoration project. Van Berkel has also suggested to Gene Wiegand a possible County Board tour featuring some of these items.
Van Berkel will attend the lobbying day set up by the League of Conservation Voters on February 16. The "Briefing Book" put together for the group set priorities for the next year. Their number one priority is getting funds to cost-share cropland practices with farmers and to help fund staff for counties to enforce the nonpoint rules. Van Berkel will be meeting that day with Olson, Albers, Schultz and Hines.
Van Berkel distributed copies of the Wisconsin Wildlife Phenology calendars to the LCC.
Motion to adjourn until March 10 at 9:00 a.m. by Lehman/Borleske at 10:35 a.m. Motion carried, all in favor.
Kathy Zowin, Secretary