HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Conservation Committee - Minutes - 6/9/2017Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Department
615 2nd Ave. East; PO Box 126
Washburn, WI 54891
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Phone: (715) 373-6167 FAX: (715) 373-6127 Website: www.bayfieldcounty.org
Our Mission: To assist the public in protecting, enhancing, and restoring the natural resources of Bayfield County
MINUTES
June 9, 2017 (to be approved)
Present: Bill Bussey; Larry Fickbohm; Fred Strand
Staff: Ben Dufford; Arianna Austin; Andrew Teal
Absent:Becky Anderson; Travis Tulowitzky; Peter Tetzner; Dennis Pocernich;
Attendance:Tony Janisch, BRWA; Dave Schultz, WDP
1)Call to order: Meeting was called to order at 9:05 am
2)Approval of Minutes (February 17, 2017) – no committee quorum, motion will be added to the next
committee agenda
3)Public Comment: NONE
4)Agency Staff / Partners Reports:
a.NRCS Update - None
b.USFWS Update - None
c.WDNR Update - None
d.BRWA Update – Tony gave updates on Bayfield County activities, insect collection delayed due
to recent rains, progress being made on a bluff in the Town of Lincoln, received a RAC grant to
complete the erosion/log jam/planting project, signed contracts and landowner agreements in
progress, work to begin in July/August. Anniversary celebration planned for August 19, 1-5pm at
Freehand Farm. After 2016 flooding, culvert survivability study was conducted and found a nine-
mile section with 30 culverts. Computer modeling was done to study factors. Found that
elevation, land cover (field versus forested), and the larger the basin, the proportionately smaller
the flow.
e.Wildlife Damage Program Update - reviewed, on file
f.Others - None
5)Discussion / Possible Action: Updates to Countywide Manure Storage Ordinance
Ben provided updates, including definitions in comparative county ordinances. Bill suggested that if
the Bayfield County ordinance does not include specified terms, then the definitions should not be
included. Technical amendments were encouraged to bring the draft up to state standards. Ben will
provide an updated ordinance at the next committee meeting.
6)Discussion / Possible Action: 2018 LWCD Budget Discussion and Preparation
Ben discussed the recent county budget survey results, in that water, health and environment were
highly rated. Bill asked about status of well closures. Ben stated that well closures typically happen
in early fall, with six in the works, with the likelihood with a few more being closed as well. Bill asked
for a field edge monitoring update, but the project is at a standstill. Ben and Jason Fishbach are
exploring grant opportunities with the Joyce Foundation. Bill reminded the committee that funds are
budgeted contingent upon obtaining grant funding. Bill stated that he thinks the project is worth
obtaining funding. Tony noted that he may have access to contact information at the Joyce
Foundation to share with Ben. Fred thinks that well closures and field edge monitoring should be
included in the 2018 budget. DATCP funding has been applied for, but the final allocation has not
been announced. Nutrient Management funding has the potential for increased funding in 2018. Bill
and Ben testified at the Joint Finance Committee, in attempt to retain supplemental funding for
staffing grant. Larry inquired if the Farmland Preservation Committee needs additional members.
Ben said that interested individuals can contact him.
7)Discussion / Possible Action: Renew 5-Year Plan of Administration for Bayfield County’s
Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program Dave explained that the dates and change of
auditor are the only changes since the plan was last signed five years ago. Fred asked about the
farm no-till involvement. Dave stated that involvement has decreased slightly from five years ago.
Erosion prevention is the primary goal of the practice. Larry asked if cost was a factor in the
declining use of the no-till planters. Dave agreed that cost is a factor but the program is not making
money as is, so costs cannot be further reduced. No committee quorum, item will be added to the
next committee agenda.
8)2017 Grant Updates: Ben stated that a new bluff sight has been selected on North Fish Creek. The
site is on state DNR land. Work to begin in August. Grant extension was approved through this year.
Pond work will also continue in North Fish as long as funding is available.
Our Mission: To assist the public in protecting, enhancing, and restoring the natural resources of Bayfield County
9)2017 Project Updates: Ben gave updates on several farm projects. Many previous farmers are
continuing to work with LWCD on new projects this year. Some new projects are also in progress.
There is a large project load this year. Funding is being sorted between LWCD and NRCS for
multiple projects.
10)LWCD Staff Reports:
a.Andy Teal, AIS Coordinator - reviewed, on file.
b.Arianna Austin, Clerk I - reviewed, on file.
c.Travis Tulowitzky, Conservation Technician - reviewed, on file.
d.Ben Dufford, County Conservationist - reviewed, on file.
11)Other business as authorized by law: None
12)Next meeting date: tentatively scheduled for 9:00 am Friday, August 25, 2017
13)Adjourn: Meeting adjourned at 10:13 am
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