WAUPACA COUNTY

LAND & WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

                March 19, 2012

                                Courthouse, Waupaca

Chair Peterson called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.

Present:  Bob Ellis, Darrell Handrich, Don Peterson, Ardyce Eisentraut, and James Boyer,

Also present:         Lisa Neuenfeldt, Dave Heideman, Roger Holman and Brian Haase.

Peterson gave the open meeting statement.

Motion by Ellis, seconded by Eisentraut to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Motion by Boyer, seconded by Ellis to approve the minutes of December 15, 2011.  Motion carried.

Motion by Boyer, seconded Handrich to open the public hearing on the 2012-2021 Land & Water Resources Management Plan.  Motion carried.

Haase reviewed the plan and changes that have been made.

Peterson called for public comment 3 times.

Motion by Boyer, seconded by Ellis to close the public hearing on the 2012-2021 Land & Water Resources Management Plan.  Motion carried.

Motion by Boyer, seconded by Ellis to recommend the adoption of the 2012-2021 Waupaca County Land & Water Resources Management Plan.  Motion carried.

Haase presented a quote for the purchase of a GPS survey equipment for $26,000.  Discussion followed on the use of the equipment by other departments and what the equipment can do.

Motion by Handrich, seconded by Eisentraut to purchase the Trimble R8GSS GPS survey equipment from Seiler Instrument for $26,000.  Motion carried.

 Holman handed out and reviewed the proposed purchases and other funding uses for the 2011 non-lapsing funds.

Holman & Haase updated the Committee on the vacant Secretary I position.  Holman stated they are looking at hiring a part-time secretary and with the savings look at hiring a part-time Agronomist.  Haase explained what the Agronomist would be doing.

Haase updated the Committee on County easements and the P.A.C.E. process.

Heideman updated the Committee on work going on at the FSA Office. Sign up continues for DCP through June 1, CRP through May, and continued sign-up for pollinators, wetlands, and upland bird habitat.

Neuenfeldt reported on activities at the NRCS Office.  The EQIP program has to date received funding of $262,434 with $727,133 requested, with practice funding including season high tunnels wetland creation, manure storage, cover crop and water and sediment control basins.  The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has 738 statewide applications with 9 in Waupaca County and 46 current CSP contracts in Waupaca.  In 2012 there have been 32 requests for HEL/Wetland Determination which is a record request for 2012.  Neuenfeldt explained that she is reviewing the Nutrient Management Plan.

Haase reported that WALCE and WCWLA are merging into one organization.  Working with Melinda Osterberg they are holding Farmland Preservation cluster meetings on March 27 and 28 to explain the program to landowners and Town Boards.

Motion by Handrich, seconded by Ellis to adjourn.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.

Submitted by,

Roger G. Holman

Director