DATE: August 12, 2005
PLACE:
UW-Extension ETN
West Square Building
Meeting called to order by Chair Wiese at 9:04 a.m. It was certified that the requirements of the open meeting law have been met. Present were Lehman, Wiese, Cassity, and Joe Prem (acting as FSA representative) from the Land Conservation Committee; Stearns-Forestry; Van Berkel and Pohle-LCD. Susan Tatar was also present. Zowin, Borleske, and Cummings were absent.
Motion by Lehman/Cassity to adopt the agenda.
Motion carried,
all in favor.
Sue Tatar addressed the Committee with her concerns regarding the potential ATV trail near Spring Green. At a recent meeting regarding the trail, there was a request that the Land Conservation Department investigate the potential for erosion issues relating to the trail and she was wondering if that request had been made. Ms. Tatar stated that she is trying to become more informed regarding local government operations and suggested that the county hold hearings, etc. on this proposed trail.
Motion by Cassity/Lehman to adopt
the minutes of the regular LCC meeting on July 14.
Motion
carried, all in favor.
Motion by Cassity/Lehman to approve the list of training
events.
Motion carried, all in favor.
Bill summaries were distributed to the Committee members. Motion
by Cassity/Prem to approve bills in the amount of $87,548.41.
Motion carried, all in favor.
Van Berkel discussed the two latest Thursday Notes.
Van Berkel reported on an update received on the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Sauk County ranks seventh in the state in payments distributed to property owners through the program.
Stearns informed the LCC that the foresters are starting a pilot project with the Sauk County Highway Department to allow washing of timber harvesting equipment at the three highway shops across the county. This service is being provided on a pay-as-you-wash basis. This project is an attempt to avoid the spread of invasives. If this program is successful, Cassity suggested also allowing the washing of custom harvest farm equipment when exposed to thistle infested fields.
Stearns noted that the Baraboo DNR Foresters, along with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), are helping to organize a field tour of the Baraboo Hills for the National Association of State Foresters Conference to be held in Madison in October. The tour emphasizes the Baraboo Hills’ significance and the excellent cooperation which occurs between various conservation groups working to protect the Baraboo Hills.
The DNR will be sponsoring a number of Invasive Plant Identification and Control workshops at various locations across the state in September and October. Emphasis of the workshops will be field identification of common invasive species and their control.
Stearns updated the Committee on the recent changes to the Managed Forest Law (MFL) Program. Beginning with 2007 entries, all management plans will be written by professional foresters that are recognized as certified plan writers. Currently the state is developing a list of certified plan writers. Plans can be also be written by DNR foresters for the same cost as charged by private foresters.
Stearns stated they will again have three fall direct seeding projects. Also, the foresters will be conducting a timber stand improvement course for the Woodland School the first weekend in November and a conference for private landowners in February in Madison.
Prem reported that only one application (Randy Puttkamer) has been received for the FSA Committee opening.
Pohle reported on the Youth Conservation Camp held in June. She shared the Baraboo News Republic article and the photos taken by the two Sauk County youth during camp.
Van Berkel briefed the LCC on the proposed
LCD budget. The levy request for the 2006 LCD budget is increased
by $5,976 over 2005, making the total request $455,938. He also highlighted
the fact that this is a small increase considering the proposal includes:
an increase of .33 FTE of staff time, a $10,000 outlay request needed to
replace the total station survey instrument, tree sale revenues have dropped,
and salary and fringe costs increased $14,000 on existing staff. He explained
that the Department received some additional grants to keep the county
cost down. There still could be a few more grants that come in. The total
staffing level for 2006 is proposed to be 9.41 FTE’s. Cassity suggested the
possibility of incorporating the landfill closure operation into the Department
responsibilities along with the transfer of the present landfill staff
position. The position would then spend time on landfill closure while
developing skills in land conservation work. Motion by Lehman/Cassity to
approve the budget as presented.
Motion carried, all in favor.
Van Berkel stated that there was originally talk about proposing revisions of the by-laws for review at this meeting. However, upon investigation they found that there was a specified committee structure required to develop these revisions. That committee requires the LCC Chair to serve or designate a replacement. Wiese will check for attendance against his calendar and let Van Berkel know, but does plan to attend. County LCC’s can also submit individual resolutions regarding by-law changes.
Van
Berkel noted that Doug Marshall, Farm Training Instructor,
will present a nutrient management planning class in September at the Reedsburg
Campus of MATC. Three classes are offered for a total cost of $80.50. Van
Berkel suggested offering scholarships for up to ten participants. A portion
of the cost could be from money available from the teacher scholarships
account that was not used. In 2008 everyone who applies fertilizer will
have to have a nutrient management plan. Attendance at this course will
help operators to better understand these plans and even develop their
own plan if desired. Motion by Lehman/Wiese to authorize up to ten scholarships
for the fall nutrient management classes in Reedsburg.
Motion carried,
all in favor.
Van
Berkel informed the LCC that one of the NRCS contracted computer
specialist positions is being cut, and there is talk about cutting another
position that serves Sauk County. This is a very important position to
assist staff working to meet conservation planning requirements. Motion
by Cassity/Prem to send a letter of support to NRCS for continuation of
the computer specialist position.
Motion carried, all in favor.
Van Berkel reported on the completion
of the White Mound Dam Rehabilitation Project. After all
payments were made and revenues received, there is still $28,448.35 of
available funds in the dam rehabilitation account. Van Berkel recommended
retaining this money for future dam repairs. Motion by Lehman/Cassity to
support maintaining these funds in a non-lapsing account for future dam
repair projects.
Motion carried, all in favor.
Completion of Groundwater Report: Van Berkel stated that the county had contracted with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey for completion of a county groundwater report. This report has now been completed and is available to the Department as well as county, town and municipal officials for use in the planning and review of future projects that may impact groundwater.
Review and Approval of Farmland Preservation Agreements-Tammy R. Bass & Brenda
(Jean) Bass, David L. & Tammy Bauer, William Klemm, Litscher Family
Ltd. Partnership : Van Berkel stated that all these landowners had been
enrolled and their previous contracts are expiring. Motion by Lehman/Cassity
to approve Farmland Preservation Agreements for Tammy R. Bass & Brenda
(Jean) Bass, David L. & Tammy Bauer, William Klemm, and Litscher Family
Ltd. Partnership.
Motion carried, all in favor.
Motion to adjourn until September 8 at 9:00 a.m. by Lehman/Wiese at 11:23
a.m.
Motion carried, all in favor.
Respecfully submitted: Kathy Zowin, Secretary