HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand & Water 10-07-03 K
ST. CROIX COUNTY
NOTICE OF COMMITTEE MEETING
TO: Clarence Malick, Chairman
St. Croix County Board
FROM: Art Jensen, Chairman
COMMITTEE TITLE: Land & Water Conservation /Resource & Education Committee
DATE: October 7, 2003
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Ag Center, Baldwin
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: November 4, 2003
ACTION ON PREVIOUS MINUTES
NEW BUSINESS:
South Fork Hay River - Incentive payments
Conservation Reserve Program - Update
Resolution - Prohibiting deer feeding
Resolution - To protect groundwater resources
Resolutions - West Central -WLWCA
1) RUSLE II
2) Seeking to bypass local authority on Concentrated Feeding operations
WLWCA Annual Meeting - Auction items
Subdivision Review - 10:00 a.m.
Vouchers
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Staff Reports
County budget 2004
Natural Resource Management Plan
Information & Education Report
Municipal Waste - Regional - Update
Priority Watershed Projects
Agency Reports
FSA
NRCS
DNR
RC &D
West Central Area
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE
POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING:
ADJOURNMENT (Agenda not necessarily presented in this order)
SUBMITTED BY: Robert Heise
DATE: September 24, 2003
COPIES TO: COUNTY BOARD OFFICE NEWS MEDIA /NOTICE BOARD
COUNTY CLERK COMMITTEE MEMBERS
* ADDITIONS /CORRECTIONS /CHANGES
X
UNOFFICIAL Convened: 9:00 a.m.
Adjourned: 11:50 a.m.
ST. CROIX COUNTY LAND & WATER CONSERVATION /RESOURCE
& EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Agricultural Service & Education Center, Baldwin, WI
October 7, 2003
Members Present: Leon Berenschot, Chris Bethke, Lois Burn, Jim Cody, Art Jensen, Ron Raymond
Members Absent None
Staff Present: Land Specialists -Pete Kling, Kyle Kulow, Steve Olson; Technicians- Ryan
Schaefer, Tammy Wittmer; Aleisha Troendle; Secretary - Arlene Lier
Others Present: Bob Hendrickson -FSA; John Stoffel -DNR, Julie Speer - County Board Supervisor,
Peggy Rode, Gene Nelson, Rudy Erickson, Francis Klatt, Norm Hagen, Jerry
Pfendler, Larry Johnsen, Ray Nelson, Sue Nelson, Jim Emmert, Lloyd Weber,
Laura Bishop, Richard Haines, Leon Ringstad, Victor Larson, Bonita Larson
Cody made motion to adopt agenda, seconded by Raymond, carried.
Berenschot made motion to approve the September 2, 2003 meeting minutes, seconded by Burri, carried.
Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2003 at 9:00 a.m.
Peggy Rode represented county citizens /landowners in attendance and gave the committee a printed
document indicating the concerns she and other county citizens have regarding NR -151, our Natural
Resource Management Plan, public hearing on the plan held on August 13, ATCP -50, RUSLE
II/Farmland Preservation Plans, county meeting notification to the public, and LESA. She presented
issues to the committee, which they feel affect them as county citizens /landowners.
Steve Olson informed the residents (citizens) on the new NR -151, Wis. Admin. Code. There was some
misunderstanding, interpretation, and rumors that needed correction.
SOUTH FORK HAY RIVER — INCENTIVE PAYMENTS
Kyle Kulow reported that the South Fork Hay River incentive payments for 2003 crop year are submitted.
We need to get our reimbursements to the state by November 1, in essence of why they are presented to
LWCC in October. There were no "new participants" because of our funding.
CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM — UPDATE
Hendrickson reported that 158 applications were received and 104 have been accepted. There was
excellent cooperation between agencies. Matt Bobowski, program technician, still has work to do.
Heise extends his thanks and appreciation to NRCS, FSA and LWCD staff involved on an outstanding
effort to complete the CRP contracts within a very limited timeframe. The agencies should be
commended for their cooperation and performance. It showed how our agencies can and should be able to
work together to provide efficient service to the public and promote conservation on the land.
FAIRGROUNDS — UPDATE
Kyle Kulow reported that he is working with the Fair Board to submit a plan to DNR for permit purposes
(Chapter 30). This permit (and plan) will cover grading and filling at the fair grounds along with
enhancing a wetland/pond area.
FARMLAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM — AG PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Kulow reported:
There are requirements for landowners who are out of compliance with resource standards to get into
compliance. Cost share must be provided at a 70% rate. If funds are not available, compliance issue is
irrelevant. Stated that Wisconsin DNR is the regulator with enforcement capabilities.
He made a distinction between the Farmland Preservation Program and the Natural Resource Management
Plan. Farmland Preservation is a "tax credit" program. Compliance under FLP "does" require a
landowner to have his/her land planned to "T" (Tolerable Soil Loss Level).
He explained how we receive cost share and staffing grants from the state and approximately how much
we receive on a yearly basis, in cost share dollars for 3 watersheds and the Land & Water Resource
Management Plan.
RESOLUTION - PROHIBITING DEER FEEDING
This resolution was discussed. Kulow stated that sportsmen's groups support a ban on feeding deer
countywide. LWCC decided to have this item on the November meeting agenda.
RESOLUTION — TO PROTECT GROUNDWATER RESOURCES
This resolution was drafted by Adams County and was sent to St. Croix County. The protection of our
groundwater is our #1 goal established in our Land & Water Resource Management Plan. Discussed
requiring Environmental Impact Statements rather than assessments for high capacity wells. LWCC
decided to include this resolution as an agenda item for the November meeting.
RESOLUTIONS — WEST CENTRAL -WLWCA
RUSLE II - Kulow stated that RUSLE II is a revised soil loss calculation and is currently being questioned
by county departments for its accuracy. A resolution was put forth to the committee for review. The
resolution asks for the support of a moratorium on the use of RUSLE II. Stated this is a possible agenda
item to act on at the West Central Area business meeting on October 22. Resolution will be sent to the
State WLWCA conference in December.
SEEKING TO BYPASS LOCAL AUTHORITY ON CONCENTRATED FEEDING OPERATIONS
St. Croix County Board approved this resolution a few months ago. Ron Raymond will present this
resolution for support by the West Central Area Association at the October 22' business meeting.
WLWCA ANNUAL MEETING — AUCTION ITEMS
Discussed the annual conference which will be held on December 3 -5 at the Sheraton Madison Hotel.
Berenschot, Burri, Cody and Heise plan to attend. Berenschot will be providing an auction item ($30.00
value).
VOUCHERS
Reviewed vouchers. Motion by Berenschot, seconded by Bethke, to approve Chair Jensen's signature on
the October voucher list. Carried.
SUBDIVISION REVIEW
Pete Kling presented:
RIVER HAWK RIDGE - (In the SW 1 /4 of the SE 1 /4 of Section 22, the NE %4 of the NE 1 /4, part of the NW
1 /4 of the NE 1 /4, and part of the SE 1 /4 of the NE 1 /4 all in Section 27, T3 IN-RI 9W, Town of Somerset, St.
Croix County, Wisconsin) 101 -acre development, 30 lots total. All stormwater and erosion control issues
have been resolved and a revised plan has been submitted. The storm water and erosion control plans are
acceptable for this subdivision with one condition. Raymond made motion to recommend that the plans
for this subdivision are acceptable with all conditions stated and a letter be sent to the Planning & Zoning
Committee, Berenschot seconded, carried.
COUNTY BUDGET 2004
Chair Jensen reported that he and Heise met with the Finance Committee to review the LWCD budget.
The Finance Committee approved the budget with no amendments.
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Discussed having the Natural Resource Management Plan on the December County Board agenda.
PRIORITY WATERSHED PROJECTS
Steve Olson presented to the committee some photos of the Prairie Flats North Wetland Restoration
Project. Construction is complete except for some seeding to take place.
INFORMATION & EDUCATION REPORT
Aleisha Troendle handed out an activity sheet for September- October and reported: This fall there are a
number of conservation education events that reach out to students all across the county. These include
conservation field days, water testing activities, the Conservation Speaking Contest and the Conservation
Poster Contest. Also coming up is the UWEX Family Camp, which will reach out to children and their
parents.
MUNICIPAL WASTE - REGIONAL - UPDATE
Tammy Wittmer reported:
Summary of DNR Comments for the Central St Croix Sewerage Commission Facility Plan Amendment:
Overall the comments from the DNR reflect the general concerns of the public, local associations and the
local governments. They addressed many of the similar issues in addition to many other topics. This
letter was well written and should give the consulting firm and the sewerage commission a better focus on
future work. This summary does not summarize every topic covered in the letter, but rather an overview
of discussion points.
• The concerns regarding the amount of fine materials contained in the soils met the DNR requirements
and in statue the effluent would not need additional treatment; however, the facility plan contained
information regarding the use of additional treatment. This performance goal was supported by the
DNR.
• The DNR stated that they'll need more time to comment on the possible discharge to Twin Lakes.
• In regards to the mounding and plume movement, the DNR requested that modeling be completed to
see the effects to local ponds and wetlands that are influenced by groundwater. In addition, data
should be collected in regards to current groundwater quality in the surrounding area and have a long-
term groundwater- monitoring program established.
• There were also concerns regarding the projected costs of the project. The DNR requested that they
address how the maintenance and operation costs will increase over time. In addition, it was stated
that additional research would need to be completed to determine if having a joint plant is cost -
effective.
• This project is considered to be a Type 2 action under NR150, which requires an Environment
Assessment to be completed for the proposed project.
FSA
Robert Hendrickson reported:
• CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) activity continues.
• CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) 2003 annual rental payments are being mailed out.
• CRP contracts have been signed and loaded from the last signup. This would not have happened
without the exceptional teamwork between LWCD, NRCS and FSA. GREAT JOB BY ALL
INVOLVED!!!
• Today's Marketing Assistance Loan on 2002 Corn loans is $1.81 or .05 cents. Today's LDP rate is
$1.81 for corn or .04 cents. There are no other commodities with an LDP rate today.
• DCP (Direct and Counter Cyclical Program) - We will soon start making the "final" 2003 direct
payments of .14 cents/Bu. Sign up for 2004 is starting and we can make 2004 "advance" payments for
that of. 14 cents/Bu. after December first. No word yet on a FINAL COUNTER- CYCLICAL payment
for 2002. The national target price for 2002 would have to have been lower than $2.32 for corn in
order to have the CCP.
• There is no MILC (Milk Income Loss Contract) payment for September.
• The Interest rates for our facility loans are 3.875 %, which is up slightly. This again is a seven -year
program and is for most grain facilities.
• Most of the Crop Disaster program (CDP) applications for the years 2001 or 2002 have been
submitted and paid for. No word yet on sign up deadline.
• No word yet on CDP for 2003.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
John Stoffel, Air Management Engineer, reported on the status of the proposed Wheeler ethanol plant.
They will be applying for permits. If approved, it will begin operation next spring.
Emerald Dairy is pursuing effort with Ecofuels to develop a different process to create ethanol. They re-
applied for a permit 12 days ago.
Beginning September 8, the customer service hours at the Baldwin Service Center were reduced as a part
of agency budget reduction efforts. The office is closed to telephone inquiries and walk -in service for
licenses and other matters on Mondays. They are open Tuesday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
and from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
RC &D
Berenschot reported:
• RC &D is 100% funded on rotational grazing. Received federal dollars ($550,000) to continue grazing
for the 12 counties. Funding will be used for technical and office help.
• The State RC &D meeting will be held at Siren, WI on October 15 -17. The president of the North
Central Region will be attending the meeting.
• He is scheduled to go to a meeting in Madison on October 22.
WEST CENTRAL AREA
West Central Area Fall Business Meeting & Speaking Contest will be held Wednesday, October 22 at the
Plaza Hotel & Suites in Eau Claire. Bethke, Burri, Cody, Jensen, and Raymond plan to attend.
MISCELLANEOUS
Report on Well Abandonment Project
Ryan Schaefer updated committee on the progress of the "well abandonment project' headed by Ed
Thurman of Public Health. Compared amount of wells decommissioned to date with the amount of
potential abandonments following the letter sent out by Public Health following the windshield survey.
Stated that mini -grants were being pursued in order to conduct an inventory of wells in the eastern portion
of the county in order to abandon as many unused wells as possible.
Bethke made motion to adjourn meeting at 11:50 a.m., seconded by Raymond, carried.
Jim Cody
Secretary
Arlene Lier
Recording Secretary