HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand & Water Conservation Resource & Education Committee 01-05-1999
~j2F,/98 MON 09:59 FAX 715 684 2666 ST CROIX CO-tiWEX/LWCD 12002
ST. CROIX COUNTY
NOTICE OF COMMITTEE MEETING
TO: Tom Dorsey, Chairman
St, Croix County Board
FROM: Art Jensen, Chairman
COMMITTEE TITLE: Land & Water Conservation/Resource & Education
Committee
DATE: January 5, 1999
TIME: 9:00 a.m,
LOCATION: dig Center, Baldwin
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
,i DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
ACTION ON PREVIOUS MINUTES
UNFINISHED BUSYNESS:
Reports: DNR
NRCS
FSA
RC&D
West Central Area
Education Activities
Farmland Preservation
Wildlife Damage Program
Legislation/Environzental Stewardship
Priority Watershed Projects
-Kinnickinnic
- Plan Draft Recommendation
-South For} of Hay River
-St. Croix Lakes Cluster
EQIP
Glen Hills Watershed
-Flood Plain Study
Baldwin Aq Building Update
Riverway Task Force
Office Priorities
WLWCA Conference
1998 Conservation Awards Dinner
NEW BUSINESS:
Animal, Waste Spreading*
Set 1999 Planning Meeting Date
Goodyear Award Application
Farmland Preservation Applications
Subdivision Review - 11:00 a.m.
Vouchers'
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE
POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING:
ADJOURNMENT (Agenda not necessarily presented it this order)
SUBMITTED BY: Charles Christenson
DATE : December 21, 1998; amended December 28, 1998
COPIES TO: COUNTY BOARD OFFICE NEWS MEDIA/NOTICE BOARD
COUNTY CLERK COMMITTEE MEMBERS
* ADDI'T'IONS/CORRECTIONS/CHANGES
ST. CROIX COUNTY
NONCE OF COMMITTEE WETING
TO, Tom Dorsey, Chairman
St. Croix County Board
FROM: Art Jensen, Chairman
COMMITTEE TITLE: Land & water Conservation/Resource & Education
Committee
DATE: January 5, 1999
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Ag Center, Baldwin
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
ACTION ON PREVIOUS MINUTES
UNFINISHED BUSINESS;
Reports: DNR
NRCS
FSA
RC&D
West Central Area
Education Activities
Farmland Preservation
Wildlife Damage Program
Legislation/Environmental Stewardship
Priority Watershed Projects
-Kinnickinnic
- Plan Draft Recommendation
-South Fork of Hay River
-St. Croix'Lakes Cluster
EQIP
Glen Hills Watershed
-Flood Plain Study
Baldwin Ag Building Update
Riverway Task Force
Office Priorities
WLW'CA Conference
1998 Conservation Awards Dinner
NEW BUSINESS;
Set 1999 Planning Meeting Date
Goodyear Award Application
Farmland Preservation Applications
Subdivision Review - 11:00 a.m.
Touchers
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE
POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING:
ADJOURNMENT (Agenda not necessarily presented in this order)
SUBMITTED BY: Charles Christenson
DATE: December 21, 1998
COPIES,TO: COUNTY BOARD OFFICE NEWS MEDIA/NOTICE BOARD
COUNTY CLERK COMMITTEE MEMBERS
} ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS/CHANGES
.
Convened: 9:00 a.m.
Adjourned: 11:50 a.m.
ST. CROIX COUNTY LAND & WATER CONSERVATION/RESOURCE
& EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Agricultural Center, Baldwin, WI
January 5, 1999
Members Present: Leon Berenschot, Chris Bethke, Lois Burri, Jim Cody, Art Jensen, Ron Raymond
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: County Conservationist-Charles Christenson, County Technician-Bob Heise,
Farmland Preservation Technician-David Sander, Lakes Cluster Project Manager-Pete Kling, South
Fork/Kinnickinnic Project Technician-Kyle Kulow, Secretary-Arlene Lier
Others Present: Jay Custer-NRCS, Dick Gade-FSA, Kathy Nelson-DNR, Roger Swanson-UW-Ext,
Dean Steines-Ayres Associates, Steve Fisher-Zoning, Wayne Loock-Rush River Town Chairman, Don
Schumacher-Rush River Town Supervisor
Meeting called to order by Chairman Art Jensen.
Berenschot made motion to adopt agenda. Bethke seconded. Carried.
Raymond made motion to approve December 1, 1998 meeting minutes. Seconded by Cody. Carried.
Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, 1999 at 9:00 a.m.
Raymond introduced the new Zoning Administrator, Steve Fisher.
DNR
Kathy Nelson (Forester) reported:
Forest Management Conference is scheduled for Saturday, March 6, at the Holiday Inn-Campus Area, Eau
Claire. Topics include Rural Land Real Estate Value Trends, Managing for Diversity to Increase Future
Value, a Woodland Assessment Exercise, Hardwood Planting and Seeding Techniques, Wildlife
Management with Hardwoods, and the latest updates on other forestry topics. Registration brochure will be
available around February 1.
Cody questioned Forester Nelson about the manure spill in Parker Creek. There was an agreement between
landowner and D.A., however judge would not approve.
NRCS
Custer reported:
• Siler is attending a St. Croix River Basin Team meeting in Balsam Lake.
• CRP-Plans for shrubs and food plots gained additional environmental points.
• EQIP bills for 1998 have been submitted.
• Randy Bollum - Requested additional funds to reach 75% cost share rate.
• Tim Eisberner (Soil Conservation Technician) - Will also be working in Dunn and Chippewa Counties.
FSA
Gade reported that one of the conference rooms in the Agricultural Service and Education Center has been
leased by USDA for Karen Langfeldt, NRCS Contract Specialist for the Wetland Reserve Program. Gade
thanked the county for making the space available.
Gade indicated that the feeling in the farm community is one of uneasiness. Low commodity prices continue
and the long range forecast does not suggest higher grain prices any time soon. Pork prices are at or below
1940 prices which will certainly cause many hog producers to go out of business without some means of
relief.
FSA is still making loan deficiency payments due to the low commodity prices. More than $500,000 of
LDPs have been paid to 600 producers in St. Croix County. In addition, 71 commodity loans totaling 2.9
million dollars have been disbursed thus far. Year-end analyses are being done with farmers who have farm
loans with FSA. USDA has announced a new disaster program for those producers who have suffered crop
losses in 1998 or a multiple of 3 years since 1994. This is primarily for those areas of flooding or drought
that took place the last few years.
Suzette Sontag, a beef operator from St. Joseph Township, has been elected to the St. Croix County FSA
Committee for a three-year term.
RC&D
Berenschot reported that he attended full board/council meeting on December 14 at Eau Claire. Reviewed
plans set forth for next few years.
WEST CENTRAL AREA
Raymond asked for reports from people who attended the WLWCA annual conference.
Christenson reported on session: Alternative funding such as grants and fee schedule used in some counties.
Berenschot reported that former Governor Nelson (over 80 years of age) addressed conference. Stated,
looking at today 250-260 million population in U.S., which will double within 63 years, how can we use the
land in the future if we do not take care of it now?
Runoff for construction sites and urban runoff - How county ordinances might apply.
Bethke reported on shoreline management - 30-foot buffers on both sides where farmers do not use are
being encouraged.
Cody reported on manure spreading ordinance - How to deal with large operations.
Swanson reported:
• Approximately 500 participated in the conference.
• Adam Payne, WLWCA Executive Director, resigned effective December 10.
• 1999 conference will be held in Appleton.
• Governor Thompson proclaimed Conservation Observance Day on June 25 to be held at the recipient of
the Conservation Farmer Award (Polk County).
EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
Swanson reported on WLWCA resolution. Poster Contest schedule so Area judging is in April/May, State
judging in June which will allow time for calendar production. Added divisions: photo and computer
generated.
I
FARMLAND PRESERVATION
Sander reported that he has begun issuing zoning certificates. There have been many farm plan revisions.
WILDLIFE DAMAGE PROGRAM
Sander reported:
There will be a claim (Sam Morrow) to review next month.
• Storage shed has been cleaned out. Materials have been transferred to Burnett County.
• Turkeys will be eligible for damage claims and training on program changes will be offered within the
next few months.
• Approximately $800 was generated through private donations to prepare venison for the food banks.
LEGISLATION/ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
No report.
PRIORITY WATERSHED PROJECTS
Kinnickinnic - Kling reported for Popple. Steering committee approval of plan in late January. LWCD will
review and approve in early February or early March. Public to review middle of March, County Board in
March, and State Land & Water Conservation Board in April 1999.
South Fork of Hay River - No report.
Lakes Cluster - Kling reported the information on county held easements is not ready for presentation yet.
Recommends that county purchase county easements with DNR money. There are questions to be answered,
however, before moving forward.
About $17,000 of potential cost share money has been turned back. Future grant money can be rolled back.
Russell Strohbeen (also Gene Nelson and Vern Teske) land purchase - offer possibly in May or June.
E IP
No report.
GLEN HILLS WATERSHED
Flood Plain Study - Dean Steines-Ayres Associates gave report on dam break analysis. Have information
for DNR on structures 1,2,3 and 11. Mapping not completed for structures 7 and 8.
Study was initiated because of dam safety concerns. Study will produce maps for downstream zoning. Plans
to prevent people from building in that area. Zoning can help maintain low hazard rating. Inspection of each
dam was done in August to determine condition of each dam and downstream location of possible problems.
Noted pipe separation on #2 which has now all been repaired. Survey work was done to: (1) Establish
elevations, (2) Collect data at bridges and roads, (3) Locate buildings downstream of dams. Will develop
maps for background of flood delineation which will be used for zoning. Hydrology computation - Will
give all flood elevations needed. DNR requires use of studies. that were already done (hydrology). Uses 100
year flood (24 hour - 6 inch) rainfall. DNR has 3 hazard ratings: #1 High (Hazard to life in flood situation,
whether structures are in place or not), #2 Significant (Life threatening situation during 100 year storm), #3
Low (No downstream hazard situations).
Map will show 100 year flood with no dam, 100 year flood with dam - no breach, 100 year flood with
breach. Map will show hydraulic shadow of downstream area.
Engineer report - The house located right below structure #2. Options: (1) Recommendation is to buy out.
(2) Upgrade - Build dikes around. (3) Remove dam - Very expensive. Consider all options from a cost
standpoint.
Reports to be submitted to DNR with review completion by June 1.
AG BUILDING UPDATE
No report.
FARMLAND PRESERVATION APPLICATIONS
None.
RIVERWAY TASK FORCE
No report.
OFFICE PRIORITIES
Will discuss at 1999 planning meeting.
1998 CONSERVATION AWARDS DINNER
Lier reported that plans are being made for the dinner to be held February 16 at the Hammond Hotel.
ANIMAL WASTE SPREADING
Wayne Loock (Rush River Town Chair) stated that he has already discussed issue with Heise and Sander.
He and Town Supervisor Schumacher indicated their concerns about the large dairy operations. Farmers are
contacted for spreading manure on their land. At times manure is spread so thick that it runs into the ditches.
There is concern about surface and groundwater. Area has shallow wells. Even though wells are monitored,
it takes a while to get into the groundwater table.
Heise stated that our involvement with the large facilities is to review 590 nutrient management plans to
determine if they have enough land to spread manure on. No follow up?
1,000 animal units (about 700 cows) - State permit to discharge into state waters (similar to village sewer
systems).
Loock stated that Doorninks have spread on weekends when offices are closed. Who has line of authority?
Animal waste ordinance spells out rights for farmers and residential landowners. Our ordinance was
modeled from the state ordinance. Doorninks should be invited to meeting to discuss need for follow-up
when changes are made. Should have yearly plan review with large operations. Possibility of an annual fee?
Would there be resistance to try and fine someone for compliance?
Jensen asked for staff recommendation. Need support from county board for a plan. Have official complaint
(groundwater concern) from the town of Rush River. NRCS standard (590 plan) - Staff will make
recommendations on this one problem. If there is a deaf ear, will go on from there.
Compliance program should be looked at. Gade stated that FSA does spot checks on various programs.
County has no active program going on. Jensen asked that everything be documented. Be assured that
something will be done. Christenson reported that Barb Nelson (Public Health Nurse) called regarding
concern about the large operation planned in Town of Emerald.
SET 1999 PLANNING MEETING DATE
Planning meeting set for Friday, January 22 at 9:00 a.m.
IF _
SUBDIVISION REVIEW
Pond View Meadows (Sec. 22 - Town of Richmond) - Heise presented stormwater and erosion control plans
for the Pond View Meadows subdivision. Berenschot made motion to recommend that the plans are
acceptable and a letter be forwarded to the Planning & Development Committee. Cody seconded. Carried.
Fox Valley Farm (Sec. 23 - Town of Hudson) - Heise presented stormwater and erosion control plans for
the Fox Valley Farm subdivision.. He reported that all items have been resolved. Berenschot made motion
to recommend that the plans are acceptable and a letter be sent to Planning & Development Committee.
Bethke seconded. Carried.
Deer Vallev (Town of Troy) - Heise presented stormwater and erosion control plans for the Deer Valley
subdivision for discussion.
VOUCHERS
Reviewed vouchers. Berenschot made motion to approve vouchers including additional vouchers yet to be
prepared for South Fork Watershed incentive payments totaling $22,830. Seconded by Bethke. Carried.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Wisconsin Soil & Water Conservation Society will meet on February 5 at Holiday Inn, Stevens Point.
This year's theme is "Dairy Expansion in Wisconsin".
Raymond made motion to adjourn meeting at 11:50 a.m. Berenschot seconded. Carried. Wv\
ti m Cody
Secretary
By Arlene Lier