WAUPACA COUNTY

LAND & WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

                                                                                                                                                Nov. 5, 2012

                        Courthouse, Waupaca

Chair Federwitz called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

Present:           Bob Ellis, DuWayne Federwitz, Lee Much, Ardyce Eisentraut, Pat Craig, and Darrell Handrich.

Also present:   Jennifer Glad and Kaycie Stushek (Golden Sands RC&D), Lisa Neuenfeldt, Brian Haase, Roger Holman and Dave Heideman.

Federwitz gave the open meeting statement.

Motion by Craig, seconded by Handrich to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Motion by Ellis, seconded by Much to approve the minutes of October 1, 2012.  Motion carried.

Handrich & Haase reported on the LWCWLA Fall meeting.  The meeting was held in Marquette County and consisted of reports from representatives from all the state and federal agencies that we work with.  The conservation poster judging contest was also held.

Heideman reported that FSA County Committee ballots have gone out.  The election is to replace Ardyce Eisentraut, who has served for 9 years and can no longer serve.  The area covered is Iola, Scandinavia, Farmington, Waupaca, Dayton, and Lind Townships.  The candidates are Craig Nelson and James Nygaard.  The fall crop reporting deadline for insured farmers and fall seeded small grain crops is Nov. 15.  Hispanic and women farmers that were improperly denied loan benefits can submit an application until March 25, 2013.

Neuenfeldt reported that Patricia Leavenworth retired as Wis. NRCS State Conservationist on Oct. 31, 2012.  Leavenworth served as State Conservationist for 16 years.  Until the position is filled, Colleen Oestrich from Minnesota will be acting State Conservationist.  Neuenfeldt stated they are expecting EQIP sign-up soon with payment rates for all practices needing to match those of Minnesota and Michigan for the first time, meaning rates will change.  All EQIP practices will have to be designed prior to a person signing up.  There is a backlog of sign-ups from last year meaning more work for NRCS and County staff.  Conservation Stewardship payments are being paid soon with 53 contracts in Waupaca County.  No farm bill has been signed yet, with no more CSP sign-up or no new continuous or CREP sign-ups with applicants waiting for sign-up.

Federwitz thanked Heideman and Neuenfeldt for their reports.

Glad reported on the Waupaca County 5^th grade Conservation Field Day.  There were 425 5^th graders from 20 classrooms and 6 schools who participated.  There were 21 stations providing opportunities for the student to get a hands-on experience in various areas of conservation along with exploring different areas in the conservation field.  Glad explained that the presenters are all professionals in the Conservation and Agricultural fields and the students received an excellent opportunity to learn about conservation in an outdoor setting.  Glad stated the cost to the County is $2000.00 with the rest of the support coming from local businesses.

Stushek reviewed all the activities that have occurred in Waupaca County addressing the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).  The field work included purple loosestrife biological control, signage at boat landings, AIS surveys at various lakes and streams, erosion water milfoil/AIS hand-pulling, coordination of volunteers, Japanese Knotweed removal, Clean Boats/Clean Water program, Waupaca County Conservation Field Day, Conservation Speaking Contest judging, Weyauwega/Fremont High School conservation class, State-wide bait shop education program, and the writing of the Waupaca County AIS plan.

Federwitz thanked Glad and Stushek for their reports and excellent work.

Haase updated the Committee on the Farmland Preservation Plan process.  Ryan Brown and Haase have been meeting with Townships to review their options.  They will continue to do this until all participating towns have an acceptable map created.

Haase reported that interviews are being conducted on Thursday, Nov. 8 for the Agronomist.  Haase noted they got a lot of good candidates.

Holman reported that they are waiting for review of the JDQ for the part-time secretarial position in order to move forward with filling the position.  Holman stated he would contact Welch to get an update.

The next meeting was set for Nov. 5 at 10:00 a.m.

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

The meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

                                                                                                Submitted by,

                                                                                                Roger G. Holman

                                                                                                Recording Secretary