WAUPACA COUNTY

LAND & WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

 

                                                                                                                                    April 7, 2014

                                                                                                                                    Courthouse, Waupaca

 

Chair Federwitz called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

 

Present:           DuWayne Fedewitz, Pat Craig, Bob Ellis, Lee Much, Darrell Handrich, and Walter Strebe

 

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

 

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

 

Motion by Ellis, seconded by Much to approve the March 6, 2014 minutes.  Motion carried.

 

Federwitz opened the meeting for public comment.  There was none.

 

Neuenfeldt reported that NRCS is waiting to hear about funding for the FY14 EQIP signup, which ended 12/21/13.  Working from the original allocation that was listed in December, we will get a good number of farmstead practices funded, but very few cropland and pasture.  Neuenfeldt suggested that the LWCD may want to consider funding these practices.

 

NRCS had their first ever “Honey Bee Initiative” signup from mid-February through March 20th.  The Waupaca office received a lot of inquires with 16 signups.  With only $600,000 available for the whole state, it will be interesting to see how Waupaca County ranks and what level of funding will be received.  The program will pay for practices that will supply protective food and habitat for bees/apiaries that spend the summer in the upper Midwest.

 

Neuenfeldt updated the Committee on the Pigeon Lake Natural Water Quality Initiative.  The FY14 signup runs until May 16th, with a direct mailing to agricultural landowners in the watershed.  Neuenfeldt gave a special thank you to Andrea Moore for her assistance with the mailing.  Construction/ installation of many practices from last year’s signup will started as soon as weather permits.

 

Discussion occurred on the NRCS annual report which Federwitz noted was very good, NRCS involvement (if any) in Loon Nesting, how funding is spent in Waupaca County and impact of delay in the funding from NRCS.

 

Heideman handed out information on signup for the USDA FSA Electronic Wisconsin FSA Newsletter.  He also noted that along with getting the Newsletter you can also sign up for other reports and information.

 

Heideman handed out and reviewed the “2014 Farm Bill Highlights.”  Discussion occurred on the different programs and how the public is made aware of the programs. 

 

Much reported on the nitrogen presentation he attended at the WLWCA Conference. Federwitz noted that Waupaca County had good representation at the conference and Strebe discussed the Farm Land Presentation he attended.

 

Haase presented an abbreviated version of a PowerPoint presentation from DATCP reviewing the 2015 SWRM grant process, requirements, and purpose as well as Nutrient Management Planning requirements.  DATCP has redefined the rules and qualifications for which staff positions are eligible and what types of job duties they can be doing.  DATCP is also actively encouraging Land & Water Conservation Committees to be appropriately active in the duties set forth in Chapter 92 of the state statutes. 

 

Discussion occurred on the requirement for a nutrient management plan, why the plan is required and the ramifications of not having a plan.  Haase explained how he and Neuenfeldt send out joint letters to remind those that are required to submit a plan to do so each year.  Currently Waupaca County requires over 93 plans totaling over 45,000 acres to be submitted.  A second reminder will go out later this month.

 

Haase reviewed the 2015 SWRM grant application paperwork.

 

Motion by Craig, seconded by Handrich to approve the 2015 SWRM Grant application.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by Craig seconded by Much to designate the County Conservationist as the SWRM/LWRM Grant Coordinator for Waupaca County. Motion carried.

 

Haase provided the Committee with an update of the Farmland Preservation process.  Haase and Ryan Brown are currently attending town board and planning commission meetings and public hearings.  One town has completed the process and the other seven are scheduled between now and May 20th to pass their Comprehensive Plan and Zoning amendments.  After that the county will take up the same process with a target date of July to pass County Board.  Haase and Brown anticipate a joint LWCC and P&Z meeting to forward the resolution.

 

Haase briefly reported on the upcoming construction season and reminded members that this coming Friday is the LWLWCA Area meeting in Waushara County.

 

The next meeting was set for April 29 at 9:00 a.m.

 

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

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.

 

Submitted by,

 

 

 

Roger G.  Holman

Recording Secretary