HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Conservation Committee - Minutes - 4/8/2011
MINUTES
April 8, 2011
Present: Bucky Jardine, Chair, Marco Bichanich, Vice-Chair, Bill Bussey, Patti Rantala, Peter Tetzner
Absent: Loretta Skaj, FSA Rep.
Staff: Ben Dufford, Dave Schultz, Jeremy Bates, Travis Tulowitzky, Jennifer Schierman
Partners: Brian Kloster, NRCS, Matt Hudson, Bad River Watershed Assoc.
Public Attendance: None
1) Called to order by: Bucky Jardine, Chair (9:02 am)
2) Introduction of Jeremy Bates, AIS Coord. –Jeremy introduced himself and talked about his background.
3) Approval of Minutes (February 23, 2011); Motion to approve February 23, 2011 LCC meeting minutes by
Bichanich/Bussey – carried
4) Public Comment(s) - NONE
5) Agency Staff / Partners Reports:
a) NRCS Update: BK – Provided a summary of the current program sign-ups in Bayfield County. A total of 8
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Grants which are 5-year contracts for incentives to improve
management were awarded (2 – Ag, 6 – Forestry). Overall there were 11 CSP’s in ABDI, Bayfield had most.
There were 25 contracts (Bayfield County) for EQIP (single practice) totaling $60,000.
b) USFWS Update: See item #11
c) WDNR Update: NONE
d) Wildlife Damage Update: DS - on file
e) BRWA Update: MH – BRWA continue to work on the action plan that will be looking for a Resolution of
Support from Bayfield County (once completed). They hope to send the plan to the EPA for approval by the
end of August 2011. The plan is necessary to access funds.
f) Others - NONE
6) Discussion/Possible Action: Discuss and Set 2011 Fee Schedule: BD - Requesting increases are to more accurately
cover costs associated with completing mitigations. Plans are time consuming and sometimes require several site
visits, more interest from property owners, and the last time increased was Dec. 2008. LWCD reviews NR-135
(Non-Metallic Mining Reclemation) plans in order for Zoning to issue permits. Motion to approve 2011 fee
schedule increases as presented by Bussey/ Bichanich – carried
7) Discussion/Possible Action: MOU between LWCD’s in St. Croix Watershed Basin: BD – The MOU is a unified
and cooperative effort by LWCD’s and had the greatest likelihood of success in implementing the Lake St. Croix
Basin Phosphorus TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) and other conservation efforts, along with helping to
secure funding for projects. The MOU is on file, and can be canceled anytime with written notice. Motion to
sign the MOU between WI County LWCD’s in the Lake St. Croix Basin as presented by
Bichanich/Rantala – carried
8) Discussion/Possible Action: Spending Limits on Cost-Share Practices: BD – The LWCD has received several
project requests for fencing cost-share. Fencing can be costly (grazing plans are required). The concern is due to
limited cost-share funds and how to prioritize practices. No motion necessary, the LCC wants prioritization
options (including shoreline, fencing, etc.) for review at next meeting.
9) WLWCA/WALCE merger update: BD – Provided a brief background of for the potential merge and indicated it
has been a topic for several years. Information sheet on file.
Continued:
LCC MINUTES (04-08-11)
Page 2
10) LWCD/Zoning Shoreline Mitigation Discussion/Update: BD – Zoning created and maintains a database to help
prioritize follow-up mitigations for compliance. Ideally, the dept’s would like to schedule joint follow-up visits (2
days/mo.). PR – Suggested sending cards in envelopes notifying landowners.
11) Update - Ashland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office Possible funding source – GLRI / Task Orders: BD –
Spoke on behalf of FWS. Both Ashland & Whittlesey branches continue to have BC oversee several agreements.
The agreements help FWS get projects on the ground faster and get paid quicker. FWS is looking to capture up to
5% for Bayfield LWCD Grant Admin.
12) LWCD Staff Reports:
a) Jeremy Bates, AIS Coordinator – on file
b) Jennifer Schierman, Clerk I – on file
c) Travis Tulowitzky, Land Use Specialist – on file
d) Ben Dufford, County Conservationist – on file
13) Other business as authorized by law - NONE
14) Next meeting date: Friday, June 10, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in the E.O.C.
15) Adjourn: 11:20 a.m.