HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Conservation Committee - Minutes - 2/26/2021 (2)
Our Mission: To assist the public in protecting, enhancing, and restoring the natural resources of Bayfield County
Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Department
615 2nd Ave. East; PO Box 126
Washburn, WI 54891
___________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: (715) 373-6167 Website: www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov
MINUTES
February 26th, 2021 (to be approved)
Present: Fred Strand-Chairperson; Marty Milanowski-Vice-chairperson; David Zepczyk-Co
Board of Supervisor; Charly Ray-Co Board of Supervisor; Pete Tetzner-Citizen
Rep.; Greg Tetzner-FSA Rep; Dave Schultz-Wildlife Damage Specialist; Ben
Dufford-Co. Conservationist; Melissa Kraft-LWCD Asst; Andrew Teal-AIS Coord.;
Travis Tulowitzky-Cons. Tech., and Ken Lundberg-Vice President of /Brule River
Sportsmen’s Club, David Johnson-Citizen, Gary Haughn-NRCS; Clyde ?-Orienta,
Garret Sanora-NRCS, Larry Fickbolm-County Board Supervisor
Absent: Ted Kohler-USFWS; Ramona Shackleford-NCWMA Coordinator; Patrick Beringer-
WDNR
The meeting was called to order by Fred Strand-Chairperson, at 9:00 a.m.
Introductions round table.
Discussion/Possible Action- Approval of Greg Tetzner as FSA Representative. USDA
appointed Greg Tetzner as FSA Representative for the Land Conservation Committee (LCC).
MOTION: To approve Greg Tetzner as FSA Representative for the Bayfield County Land and
Water Conservation Committee– Marty Milanowski/Dave Zepczyk – motion carried.
Iron River Fish Passage Presentation by Ken Lundberg: Introduction of Ken who is with the
Brule River Sportsman Club. Ken gave a brief history of his involvement and his goal to get an in
depth study going again to see if the passage should be restored as he believes it’s a valuable
resource and that the fish passage should be restored. Ken coordinated a resolution with the WI
Wildlife Federation. He believes that there is wide support in doing the study. Ken is asking the
committee to support the resolution that has was provided to the LCC. Iron River Fish Hatchery
has to be protected and block fish access to hatchery so disease is not introduced, and the
lamprey barrier must be maintained as he fully believes they should be kept out, and the water
source needs to stay safe. Ken answered questions and gave his opinions on pros and cons.
Discussion on expense of operating the possible passage for maintenance.
Ken provided a video presentation about the Lamprey Barrier on the Iron River and provided
information regarding the fish passage. It was constructed after the Orienta dam failed in 1989.
There is interest and growing support for researching and possibly future construction of a fish
ladder while maintaining the lamprey barrier.
There is record the dam was initially built in 1923, however may have been prior to that.
Ken noted there is a Federal Fish Hatchery above the dam. Ken also noted that some fish were
able to get up provided the conditions were met, possible low water, rocks, etc.
Our Mission: To assist the public in protecting, enhancing, and restoring the natural resources of Bayfield County
Discussion/Possible Action on Resolution of Support for Creation of a Fish Passage Ladder
at the Lamprey Barrier on the Iron River:
The committee was asked to review the provided resolution for: Request to Support the Creation of
a Fish Passage Ladder at the Lamprey Barrier on the Iron River. The resolution details some of
the following points: the brief history of the Orienta Dam, the lamprey barrier, studies, goals
outlined in the 2020 Lake Superior Fishery Management Plan relating to restoring fish passage for
potadromous fish, alteration of lamprey barrier, fish migration and populations.
Further, the resolution requests the DNR work with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the US
Fish and Wildlife Service, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Commission, local units of
governments, stakeholders, and interested and concerned citizens to restore fish passage for
migratory (lake run) fish to the Iron River in Bayfield County. Also, that the resolution be sent to
Governor Evers, DNR Secretary Cole, Representative Meyers, Senator Bewley, Representative
Tiffany, and Senators Johnson and Baldwin to request their support for and encouragement of the
State and Federal agencies to restore fish passage for migratory fish to the Iron River in Bayfield
County.
Dave Johnson, citizen, discussed his opinion. American eel is a big concern along with the
lamprey. He passed around various handouts including a picture of a portion of the dam, invasive
fish, misc. correspondence. He explained he lives near the dam and his brother took care of dam.
Dave believes there should be an extensive study before anything is done.
MOTION: To approve the Resolution of Support for Creation of a Fish Passage Ladder at the
Lamprey Barrier on the Iron River, as presented, and to forward to the County Board of
Supervisors – Charlie Ray noting the resolution addresses issue of maintain lamprey barrier and
protection of fish hatchery. Charly Ray/Dave Zepczyk – motion carried. Will be on the next
County Board meeting.
Ken Lundberg, David Johnson, and Clyde C. left the meeting.
Discussion on Approval of Minutes from August 21st meeting and notes from October 9,
2020 meeting-note-no quorum at Oct 9th meeting):
MOTION: Approval of Minutes (August 21st, 2020) – Marty Milanowski/Dave Zepczyk – motion
carried. Approval of Meeting notes (no quorum)-October 9, 2020 - Marty Milanowski/Dave
Zepczyk – motion carried.
Public Comment: Fred asked if there is anyone who would like to address the committee. None.
Fred closed public comment.
Agency Staff/Partners Reports:
a. NRCS Update: Gary Haughn reported that Paul Johnson retired last year in August.
Mid-February new technician has been hired, Garrett Santora. Gary noted they are
currently working from their office and anyone can call and schedule and appointment
which may be meeting outside the building with social distance, mask, etc. Brief update
on Farm bill which is good until 2025. Cost-share dollars come from the Farm Bill. The
Farm Service Agency has been busy with Covid relief dollar assistance. Brief
discussion on wildlife and high tunnels.
Our Mission: To assist the public in protecting, enhancing, and restoring the natural resources of Bayfield County
Garrett Santora introduced himself. He is from Dabuke, Iowa. Spent last 7 years
working as third party contractor for NRCS in Iowa and also worked in WI area before
being recruited with NRCS here.
b. USFWS Update: Wetland joint projects in the works with USFWS. They are still
working remotely.
c. WDNR Update: Patrick Beringer was unable to attend meeting.
d. WDAP Update: Dave Schultz provided an update report which is on file for committee
members to review.
Discussion/Possible Action: Wildlife Damage – Set 2020 Crop Damage Claim Prices: The
committee heard from Dave Schultz, the 4-county wildlife damage coordinator, about the 2020
wildlife damage claims regarding setting the per bushel claim price for corn. Schultz reported that
quotes in late October had Synergy of Ashland at $4.09 per bushel and Mix Rite of Kennan at
$3.99 per bushel giving an average of $4.04/bu. The price set is a delivered price per bushel in
semi load lots to replace corn lost from bear damage. He noted that in 2020, there were two bear
damage claims in Bayfield County, with only one meeting the $500 deductible. The committee
was given the opportunity to ask questions and decide whether to approve and/or modify the
claims.
MOTION: To approve to set the 2020 Crop Damage Claim Prices at $4.04/bu., being the average
per bushel price from quoted prices received as presented, and to forward to the County Board of
Supervisors – Marty Milanowski/Charly Ray – motion carried.
Discussion/Possible Action: Wildlife Damage – Approval for 2021 Bear Relocation
Contract with USDA-APHIS-WS for Bayfield County: The committee heard from the 4-
county wildlife damage coordinator, Dave Schultz, and reviewed the proposed 2021 APHIS
bear damage contract to decide whether to approve, and/or modify the contract. The work plan
consisted of costs estimated at $2,800 Personnel Compensation, $436 Vehicle costs, $120
Supplies & Material, $120 Equipment, $561.37 Indirect Costs, for a total of $4,037.37.
MOTION: To approve the 2021 Bear Relocation Contract with USDA-APHIS-WS for Bayfield
County as presented and to forward to the County Board of Supervisors– Pete Tetzner/Marty
Milanowski – motion carried.
South Fish Manure ordinance update: Update on discussion with DATCP staff regarding
resubmittal of the South Fish Creek Manure storage ordinance. To resubmit an ordinance to the
state ag committee with more restrictive provisions would be difficult to obtain support from the
state at that level. Charly Ray proposed discussion at a future meeting regarding the possibility of
a county wide ordinance for consideration. Ben noted concerns with the initial document regarding
storage capacity issues and that it would have to be changed if making it a county wide ordinance.
Ben will reach out to Jason Fiscbach and also the state ag contact to see what their position might
be if that were proposed. Further discussion on difficulty regarding spreading windows and
availability of idle land. Discussion on targeting river areas/different watersheds instead of county
wide. Ben noted Kewanee County is the only county that has a more restrictive ordinance due to
water contamination due to cafo spreading. Dave suggested checking with other counties to see
what they are doing to encourage safe practices. Ben will update the committee with what he finds
out on manure storage ordinance options.
Discussion/Possible Action on Resolution of Support in State Budget for County
Conservation Staff Funding : Discussion on the Resolution of support in State budget for
County Conservation Staff Funding that was provided to the committee for review and approval.
The Governor’s 2021-2023 proposed budget calls for an additional $3.7 million in funding for local
land conservation department staffing needs. In Wisconsin, state statutes currently state that
Our Mission: To assist the public in protecting, enhancing, and restoring the natural resources of Bayfield County
funding should support an average of three staff per county at 100/70/50 percent. This has been
underfunded for decades, however, there is now bipartisan support for increased funding for
departments across the state.
MOTION: To approve the Resolution of Support in State budget for County Conservation Staff
funding, as presented, and to forward to the County Board of Supervisors for the March County
Board meeting – Marty Milanowski/Dave Zepczyk – motion carried.
2022 and beyond budget reduction discussion: Bayfield county departments were asked to
consider budget reductions for 2022 and beyond (2/5/7%). The operating budget for the Land &
Water Conservation Department (LWCD) was reduced in 2021 in various budget accounts which
leaves no room for further budget cuts since we are heavily grant funded. The committee was
asked for feedback from the LCC if they support further budget cuts in the LWCD. At the minimum
2% would be $10,000 would hit us hard.
CWD 2020 Prevention Program Report/Update: The final report from the CWD 2020 prevention
program was provided to the committee for review. Matt Bolen came back again for the program.
Overall, the program was very successful and met the sampling requirement goals of the DNR.
The total number of samples over the 2-yr period that the DNR received from Bayfield County was
344 (300 was the target number). The samples received were all negative for CWD. Further, the
surrounding counties samples including Ashland, Sawyer, Douglas and Iron had zero positive
CWD cases as well.
The Adopt-A-Dumpster program designed to reduce the risk of spread of CWD in infected animals
was successful. Four dumpsters were placed at business locations; Ashalnd DNR Service Center,
Timber Ghost Taxidermy Iron River, PJ’s Cabin Store in Barnes, and Grandview General Store in
Grandview, from November 9th through December 9th, for carcass disposal. The total deer carcass
weight collected was 6 tons (12,000 lbs.) with PJ’s Cabin Store in Barnes seeing the most usage.
Feedback that we received for possible changes were to have the dumpsters out earlier and keep
them out longer. New this year, we created a Facebook page and posted many informational
CWD posts.
The cost of the program was $5,524, less the donations ($1900) & WIDNR grant ($500) received,
brings the total cost to $3,074.
MOTION: To receive and place report on file and will be given to the full county board. Dave
Zepczyk/Marty Milanowski-motion carried.
Antler Ridge cervid farm update: Discussion on various issues from the inspections of the
Antler Ridge deer farm in the Town of Eileen, regarding the owners failure to repair fencing at the
location and the animals that are supposed to be confined are escaping. Fences at the location
have been out of compliance for years. Since last summer the department, in conjunction with the
DNR, have been conducting fence inspections and the owner given a specified period of time to
complete the repairs but still remain non-compliant. Bayfield County filed a Summons and
Complaint against the owner for zoning, permitting, and fencing issues. The owners licensing is up
for renewal as well by March 15th with DATCP. Discussion on animals that have escaped the
fence.
2021 Project/Grant Updates: Ben discussed dollars that may be available for a sediment and
nutrient reduction project.
Our Mission: To assist the public in protecting, enhancing, and restoring the natural resources of Bayfield County
LWCD Staff Reports: Discussed and on file.
Andy: CAD has been installed at his workstation to help with surface water/mitigation projects.
March 9th presenting via online for Wi Water Week on a decontamination ordinance.
Travis: Shoreline stabilization brochure has been completed and some copies will be printed and
available online on the WI Land+Water website. The document is geared to inland water
homeowners and a good way to showcase what the landowner can do for shoreline stabilization
practices.
Travis has been working with DATCP Engineer for the Delta Dump Site. A modification has been
submitted. FEMA has requested specific dollar amounts which make it difficult unless it’s put out
for bid.
Travis briefly described upcoming projects he has been working on for 2021. Also, partnering with
NRCS on a number of projects including a large culvert project, a roof covered barnyard,
Gary Haughn thanked Travis for all his help after Paul Johnson retired.
Larry Fickbolm left meeting at 11:25 a.m.
Dave Schultz finishing up his claims. Changes coming with the bear trapping. Dave announced
that the DNR will be taking over the APHIS program so Dave’s position will be eliminated this
summer. Dave announced that he will be retiring in August. He is not sure who will complete the
program.
Ben reported a lot of TEAMS and Zoom meetings, survey work. Update on reclamation claims and
noted more discussion will be coming in the future. NR 135 vs. zoning ordinance.
Next meeting date: May 21st, 2021, at 9:00 AM.
Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m. MARTY MILANOWSKI/PETE TETZNER
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