HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Conservation Committee - Minutes - 8/25/2017Bayfield 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
August 25, 2017 (to be approved)
Present: Bill Bussey; Larry Fickbohm; Fred Strand; Peter Tetzner
Staff: Ben Dufford; Travis Tulowitzky; Arianna Austin; Andrew Teal
Absent:Becky Anderson; Dennis Pocernich;
Attendance:Mike Mlynarek, USFWS; Tony Janisch, BRWA; Dave Schultz, WDP; Jeff Silbert, County
Board; Jeff Wilson, USFWS
1)Call to order: Meeting was called to order at 9:02 am
2)MOTION: Approval of Minutes (February 17, 2017 and June 9, 2017) – Tetzner / Stand - carried
3)Public Comment: Mike Mlynarek introduced Jeff Wilson, who will be helping until the end of
September as the youth coordinator.
4)Agency Staff / Partners Reports:
a.NRCS Update – Ben gave a brief update. Gary just returned from a temporary leave. LWCD is
working together on several projects.
b.USFWS Update – Mike shared streambank project on Whittlesey Creek went very well. Iron River
easement project is also going well. The youth program will be suspended in 2018 after having
been lead for over a decade.
c.WDNR Update - none
d.SRWA Update – Tony shared the new name Superior Rivers Watershed Association. The
organization hosted a celebration recently. The new name reflects the expansion of the working
area, beyond the Bad River watershed. Current projects include culvert replacement to better
facilitate water and fish movement. East Altamont Road project quote came back significantly
higher than expected, so that project may be delayed until next year.
e.WDP Update - reviewed, on file
f.Others - None
5)Discussion / Possible Action: Renew 5-Year Plan of Administration for Bayfield County’s
Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program Dave gave a summary of changes from the
previous plan. MOTION: Strand / Fickbolm - carried
6)Discussion / Possible Action: 2018 WDP Budget Discussion and Approval Dave highlights
slight changes in the 2018 budget. MOTION: Strand / Tetzner - carried
7)Discussion / Possible Action: Recommend approval of FY2017 Budget Adjustments /
Amendments as presented, and move to full county board for approval Ben reviewed the
adjustments required to update the 2017 budget, based on actual spending from 2016, with the
addition of an overpayment from 2015. Fred asked if there is hope for additional funding for NCWMA
grants and other invasive species grants. Ben stated that the NCWMA committee will pursue
additional funding and will rehire the coordinator position once substantial funding is acquired. AIS
funding will also be changing MOTION: Strand / Tetzner - carried
8)Discussion / Possible Action: 2018 LWCD Budget Discussion and Approval Fred asked about
the increase in Cost-Share, which Ben explained is due to the state recommendation to increase
SEG requests. Larry noted the importance of nutrient management plans due to the damage that
CAFOs and other large farms can do on water sources. Ben noted the clerk position vacancy and
potential impact to position benefits. Several capital expenses have been reallocated to operating
expenses. Additional grant opportunities may be available in 2018. Budget amendments would be
required if additional funding is acquired. Fred asked if any movement has happened on field edge
monitoring. Ben stated that progress should be made this fall. MOTION: Fickbolm / Strand - carried
9)Discussion / Possible Action: Updates to Countywide Manure Storage Ordinance Ben noted
the two modifications based off the prior discussion, both obsolete definitions that have been
removed. MOTION: Tetzner / Fickbolm - carried
10)2017 Grant Updates: Ben and Tony shared progress on East Altamont Road. Ben stated that Fish
Creek landowner permission has been obtained after three years of attempts. The new site is further
west than original site. Trees and rip rap will be used in stabilization of the creek bluff.
11)2017 Project Updates: Farmland Preservation funds will be spent in full in 2018. Bill stated that
Bayfield County has an exemplary reputation for trying new approaches to issues, as well as
working in coordination with other agencies.
12)LWCD Staff Reports:
Our Mission: To assist the public in protecting, enhancing, and restoring the natural resources of Bayfield County
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.
13)Other business as authorized by law: None
14)Next meeting date: fall tour tentatively scheduled for 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Friday, October 6. Short
meeting if necessary at 9:00, otherwise, meet in the parking lot.
15)Adjourn: Meeting adjourned at 10:32 am
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