WAUPACA COUNTY

LAND & WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

                                                                                                                                                Dec. 10, 2012

                        Courthouse, Waupaca

Chair Federwitz called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

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

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

Federwitz gave the open meeting statement.

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

Motion by Craig, seconded by Handrich to approve the minutes of November 5, 2012.  Motion carried.

Federwitz noted that this was Eisentraut’s last meeting and wanted to thank her for serving on the Committee.

Heideman reported that there will be a new representative to the Land & Water Conservation Committee.  One member will be selected as the representative at the organizational meeting that will take place on Jan. 22.  FSA newsletters and program reminders will now be sent by way of e-mail called GovDelivery.  An information sheet was provided on how to sign up for GovDelivery.

Neuenfeldt reported they are working with the producers who have Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts to check over and track the conservation activities that they completed this year.  After this is done we complete the paperwork to process the payments.  The Waupaca office has 52 active CSP contracts and each contract averages two conservation activities.  Neuenfeldt noted they are working with LWCD staff to survey upcoming projects and layout practices that may be built this month and completing wetland determinations for Outagamie County (Separation of Duties) and working with one producer to complete a wetland restoration which came about due to a violation.

Neuenfeldt stated that although there is no Farm Bill, the Continuing Resolution has provided Wis NRCS with some funding, and we will hold an Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) sign-up until January 18.  We don’t yet know how much funding will be available for this program.  EQIP is the program that funds most of the conservation practices that producers install.  This year, around 100 different types of practices are offered.  Our staff will be working closely with the LWCD to assist producers in signing up for practices that address a resource concern on their farms.

Haase reported that he and Supervisor Ellis attended the Golden Sands RC&D council meeting on November 15^th.  Haase reported that Ellis had brought up discussion at that meeting regarding how DNR treats the Waupaca Chain O Lakes for permit purposes.

Shannon Rhode, (Project Manager – Central Wisconsin Windshed Partnership) updated the Committee on Windshed activities addressing wind erosion in an eight county area, the central sands.  Rhode explained their goal is to plant 15.5 miles of windbreakers each year.  In 2012 they planted 18.4 miles.  The plantings are monitored for a 3 year period, with plant loss replacement.  Discussion occurred on the impacts of the drought, cost sharing, and seeding.

Federwitz thanked Rhode for the update.

Haase reported that he and Ryan Brown are continuing to meet with townships interested in Farmland Preservation.  They are mainly working on mapping eligible areas within each township.

Holman reported that working with Human Resources they now have a clarification that the Conservation/GIS Tech is to work 20 hours per week, not 22.  This clarification will be presented to the Human Resources Committee.

Holman reported that interviews have been set for the part-time Clerk position.  The plan is to fill the position for Jan. 2 start date.

Haase reported that he and County Conservationists from Marquette and Adams counties have hired an Agronomist/Nutrient Management Specialist through Golden Sands RC&D.  Walter Sedlar has started working with Waupaca County farmers already in 2012 and will begin with the other counties in 2013.  Walter will be assisting county farmers with nutrient management planning to meet program requirements and related state laws.  Walter has taught conservation and nutrient management for FVTC in the past and was also formerly employed by Glacier Land RC&D to do Managed Grazing plans.

Holman reported the Management Team is working on the 2014 budget, CIP, and evaluations.

Holman stated he is attending a workshop on using social media in government.

Haase reported that construction season has about come to an end for the LWCD due to winter weather.

The next meeting was set for Jan. 7, 9:00 a.m. at the Courthouse.

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

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

                                                                                                Submitted by,

                                                                                                Roger G. Holman

                                                                                                Recording Secretary