DATE: December 13, 2007
Meeting called to order by Chair Wiese at 9:35 a.m. It was certified that the requirements of the open meeting law have been met. Present were Zowin, Lehman, Wiese, Borleske, Cassity, and Prem from the Committee; Brereton-NRCS; Van Berkel and Pohle-LCD; Peterson-WDS.
Adopt agenda: Motion by Zowin/Cassity to adopt the agenda. Motion carried, all in favor.
Adopt minutes of previous meeting: Motion by Cassity/Lehman to adopt the minutes of the regular LCC meeting and public hearing held on November 14. Motion carried, all in favor.
Public comment: There were none.
Communications : One WLWCA Thursday Note was received by the LCC at their homes.
Zowin stated that the state stewardship funds for the Mirror Lake State Park dredging project were approved and are being finalized.
Legislative updates: Nothing to report.
Reports: NRCS received 27 applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) signup amounting to $213,669. There were a wide range of practices approved. All applications will be funded.
Review and approval of training events: There were none.
There was discussion regarding registering LCC members for conferences and then not being able to attend. It was recommended to notify the LCD if not attending in order to try and get a conference registration refund.
Review and approval of vouchers: Voucher summaries were distributed to the Committee members. Motion by Zowin/Borleske to approve 2007 and 2008 bills in the amount of $31,430.56. Motion carried, all in favor.
It was agreed that the LCC will meet at Health Care Center after the snow is gone this spring and then tour the farm. The 2008 crop rental is contracted out, but the LCC will need to address the 2009 rental contract sometime next year.
There was a discussion regarding the LCD's efforts to provide outdoor education to the county's youth and the importance and benefits of exposing them to outdoors.
Set Wildlife Damage 90% harvest deadline: Peterson stated that the LCC needs to set the 90% harvest deadline date. The date is used as a cutoff for the damage assessments from wildlife for claims payments. Motion by Borleske/Lehman to set the 90% harvest deadline date at December 15. Motion carried, all in favor.
Establish 2007 crop damage assessment rates: Peterson reported that the averages are as follows: Alfalfa-$90/ton, alfalfa mix-$54/ton, corn-$3.46/bushel, soybeans-$7.22/bushel. Motion by Lehman/Borleske to approve the crop damage assessment rates as follows: Alfalfa-$110/ton, alfalfa mix-$74/ton, corn-$3.76/bushel, soybeans-$9.22/bushel. Motion carried, all in favor. Peterson informed the Committee that Brian Woodbury, Area Wildlife Manager, has moved to a different DNR position, and the DNR is working to refill this position.
Update on LWCB review of LWRM Plan: Van Berkel informed the LCC that the Land and Water Conservation Board approved the department's Land and Water Resource Management Plan and congratulated the county on the extent of the Plan. The Board had questions regarding the Purchase of Development Rights, protection of the Baraboo Bluffs, and the future of the Badger Army Ammunition Plant. The Plan will be presented to the County Board in January and up for adoption in February. There is no deadline on our end for their approval.
Report on WLWCA Conference and resolutions: Wiese reported that there were good sessions and the keynote speaker was Buddy Huffaker. The livestock siting rules were addressed, and Van Berkel noted that they will be discussed by our ag advisory committee.
Establish next meeting date: The next meeting will be held on January 10 at 9:30 a.m.
Tour of technology use in LCD office-Suite 232: Committee toured office to view the use of various technologies in planning and design of conservation plans and practices.
Motion to adjourn by Borleske/Cassity at 11:58 a.m. Motion carried, all in favor.
Kathy Zowin, Secretary