2014 ANNUAL PLAN January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014
WEST OTTER TAIL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ANNUAL PLAN 2014 West Otter Tail SWCD Mission Statement Because our natural resources; soil, water, and air are so fragile and easily degraded, it is the mission of the West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District to promote the wise and proper use of all natural resources within the District for the economic, environmental, and aesthetic betterment of all. Introduction This is the Annual Plan of the West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District at Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It covers January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. The purpose of the annual plan is to review the long range plan and determine what part of that will be accomplished during the coming year. It lists the objectives, goals, and what steps will be taken to accomplish those goals. Goals will be addressed according to resource concern and are listed in a priority order with the most important first and the least important last.
WEST OTTER TAIL SWCD ANNUAL WORK PLAN SCHEDULE JANUARY Regular Board Meeting Plan Tree Week Organize Pomme de Terre Mailing for Manure Pits Mail Out Tree Order Forms Local Radio Program Spot Attend Ag Water Quality Certification Meetings Board Meeting Times And Dates posted on the website Update Yearly Forms Together With East Otter Tail SWCD, Give Year In Review To County Commissioners elink Reporting Attend Stalk Nitrate Sampling Workshop Send Out and Receive Township Surveys from the 2013 Weed Season FEBRUARY Regular Board Meeting Crop Show Start Local Water Plan Update Revision Advertise for Tree Sales in Newspapers/Newsletter Host Tree Week Attend MN Ag Water Quality Certification Meeting Create Tree Planting Plans for Spring Start Encumbering State Cost Share Funds Local Radio Program MASWCD Legislative Day At The Capitol Seed Sampling with Jeff Siira Conservation Days Planning Meeting Attend Bi-annual Area Ag inspector meeting in Mahnomen End Of Year Report Due MARCH Regular Board Meeting Area I Meeting Local Radio Program Ag Water Quality Certification Meeting Long Lake Conservation Camp Send Out Rain Monitoring Packets Update website for BWSR Compliance Complete Tree Plans Spring Administrative Session Participate in Local MN Prairie Plan Technical Meeting Host Annual Township Meetings for Ag Inspector Fergus Falls River Walk Project Initial Buckthorn Removal
Develop Native Grass Seed Mix for Conservation Plantings Host Ag Inspector meeting with OTC highway department Contact a speaker for Annual big township meeting Work with Jeff Haverland on spring engineering projects Attend MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program Open House APRIL Regular Board Meeting Local Radio Program Begin Otter Tail County Buffer Initiative Phase I Distribute Soil Stewardship Material Send Out Postcards To Tree Customers For Tree Pick-Up Hire Additional Seasonal Labor if Needed Pick Up Trees From Nursery Attend MN AWQCP Meeting Choose Children To Attend Conservation Camp Review Cost Share Program Make Contacts For No-till Drill Deposits Make Contacts For Tree Fabric Installation Distribute Trees To Customers MAY Walker Lake Conservation Days Regular Board Meeting Local Radio Program Send Out Letters For Programs Available in the PDT, Mustinka and Buffalo Red River Watersheds Report On Tree Planting Operations Work On Proposed Budget For 2015 Begin Selection Of Conservation Farmer Envirothon Tree Planting Completed Tree Matting Completed Begin Planting Native Grass JUNE Regular Board Meeting Newsletter Local Radio Program Meet With County Commissioners On Budget Native Grass Planting Completed Report On Tree Sales And Plantings
Final Paperwork On Cost Share Program Final Selection On Conservation Farmer Plan Display For County Fair Booth Work With Easement Landowners To Get Native Prairie Seeded Work With Shoreline Specialist to Complete Shoreline Restorations JULY Regular Board Meeting Local Radio Program Area I Meeting Contact Children Who Attended Long Lake Conservation Camp To Attend August Board Meeting Display Booth At The County Fair Tree Matting Installation Complete Review Annual Plan Begin Conservation Practice Designs Mowing of Grass Plantings if Needed Conduct RIM and CRP status reviews AUGUST Regular Board Meeting Long Lake Conservation Camp Children To Report At Board Mtg Local Radio Program Prioritize Proposed Projects For Cost-Share Direct Landowners To Signup For Cost-Share Assistance Start Construction of sediment basins Conduct Site Visits for New Native Grass Plantings Programs, EQIP Or State Cost-Share Dollars SEPTEMBER Regular Board Meeting Local Radio program Newsletter Survey and Design for Conservation Practices Underway Order Sign For Conservation Farmer & Plaque Receive Cost Share Allocation Finish Writing Conservation Plans for CRP Grant writing for 2015 clean water funds Order Trees For 2015
OCTOBER Regular Board Meeting Local Radio Program Attend BWSR Academy Survey and Design of Conservation Practices Continued Winterize and Store Equipment In Shed NOVEMBER Regular Board Meeting Area I Meeting Annual Plan For 2015 Budget 2015 Revise If Needed Attend Bi-annual area Ag inspector meeting Local Radio Program Completion Of Conservation Practices Order End-Of-Year Forms DECEMBER Regular Board Meeting Employee Annual Evaluation Attend MASWCD State Convention Conservation Awards Program Newsletter Local Radio Program Re-Organization Of Board For 2015
WEST OTTER TAIL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ANNUAL PLAN DISTRICT SUPERVISORS District IV John Walkup Chairman District V Richard Viger Vice Chairman District I Julian Sjostrom Secretary District III Rod Wenstrom Treasurer District II Rick Drevlow Public Relations District Staff NRCS Staff Brad Mergens District Manager Joe Jirik District Technician Penny Doty District Conservationist Ryan Haspel Soil Conservation Technician Aaron Larsen- Farm Bill Technician Mary Jensen Office Administrator Pheasants Forever Staff Casey Gwost Farm Bill Biologist
ACRONYMS USED THROUGHOUT THE ANNUAL PLAN Ag BMP - Agricultural Best management Practice BWSR - Board of Water & Soil Resources CLWM - Comprehensive Local Water Management CCRP - Continuous Conservation Reserve Program CFO - County Feed Lot Officer CWL - Clean Water Legacy CWF - Clean Water Funding CRP - Conservation Reserve Program DNR - Department of Natural Resources EEO - Equal Employment Opportunity EQIP - Environmental Quality Incentive Program FSA - Farm Service Agency GIS - Geographic Information Systems HEL - Highly Erodible Land LGU - Local Government Unit MAWQCP - Minnesota Agricultural Water Certification Program MACDE - Minnesota Association of Conservation District Employees MASWCD - Minnesota Assoc. of Soil & Water Conservation Districts NRBG - Natural Resources Block Grant NRCS - Natural Resources Conservation Service NWI - National Wetlands Inventory PDT - Pomme de Terre River Watershed RIM - Reinvest-In-Minnesota SWCD - Soil and Water Conservation District TMDL - Total Maximum Daily Loads USFWS - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WCA - Wetland Conservation Act WRP - Wetland Reserve Program
ANNUAL PLAN OBJECTIVES AND GOALS Priority #1 - SURFACE AND GROUND WATER QUALITY GOAL: To promote and monitor conservation practices that will protect our sensitive surface and ground water. OBJECTIVES: Promote the installation of waste management systems where feasible. Promote BMPs when and where applicable. Promote the sealing of abandoned wells. Well-sealing, erosion structures, tillage practices, and many other practices through the EQIP cost share program. Promote filter strips and buffer strips through the CRP programs and the Otter Tail County Buffer Initiative. Promote lake shore and stream bank stabilization. Promote the Native Buffer Cost-Share program for planting native buffers near water sources. Promote BMPs in the 4 Clean Water Legacy Grant areas. IMPLEMENTATION OF OBJECTIVES: Assist landowners with the MAWQCP Devote space in quarterly newsletters to the prevention of water contamination and pollution. Use of other local media to get message out on water pollution and its effects on our water supply. West Ottertail SWCD will be working with land owners to create CWF Buffer Strip Easements along designated streams and water bodies within three catchment areas in Western Otter Tail County. Promote state and federal cost share programs. Promote landowners to sign up for EQIP practices, sign up in December and January. Promote, Continuous CRP, RIM, WRP and other conservation easement programs by sending letters to landowners throughout the District. Improve water quality in the 3 Clean Water Legacy Grant areas through implementation of BMPs. o Implement the fourth round of funding through the Pomme de Terre Watershed and third round of funding through the Mustinka Watershed. o Design and Install Sediment and Control Basins throughout the Mustinka, Pomme de Terre and Buffalo Red River Watershed Districts.
o Continue to work with landowners in each watershed to install BMPs Continue to explore potential grant areas in Otter Tail County where funding is available. Begin Phase I of the Otter Tail County Buffer Initiative PRIORITY #2 WATER EROSION Water erosion is a high priority problem and is considered a problem when occurring in excess of two tons per acre per year. GOAL: To reduce to T* or less on 7800 acres of cropland. OBJECTIVES: Construct terraces 800 feet Construct structures 25 units Write/revise CRP/CREP contracts - CRP (New) 200 contracts - CRP (Revise) 50 contracts Status review CRP and RIM 75 plans Promote residue management - Promote conservation tillage 8500 acres - Promote no-till farming 5500 acres - Promote strip-till farming 350 acres -Promote Soil Health 500 acres IMPLEMENTATION OF OBJECTIVES: Personal contact with landowners Quarterly newsletter articles devoted to solving water erosion problems Assist with completing conservation plans On site investigation of problem areas Promote the District's no-till drill program Radio program announcing programs available Assist FSA with CRP signup The use of Cost-Share and EQIP and other programs to implement the practices listed above Promote buffer strip programs
PRIOTITY #3 WETLAND PRESERVATION Preserving existing wetlands is a high priority to maintain wildlife habitat and protect sensitive water quality in our pristine environment. GOAL: OBJECTIVES: To preserve those remaining wetlands for groundwater recharge, wildlife habitat and flood control. Discourage the further drainage and or filling of wetlands through WCA. Promote the retaining of wetlands for environmental purposes. Prioritize wetland restorations in the MN Prairie Plan corridor Promote CRP, RIM, and WRP IMPLEMENTATION OF OBJECTIVES: Use of District newsletter to promote the Continuous CRP, RIM, WRP, and FWP. Direct contact with landowners having wetlands on their property. Assist in the implementation of the Wetland Conservation Act, and maintain a no-net-loss philosophy toward wetlands. Complete RIM and RIM/WRP easements. Evaluate potential RIM and RIM/WRP sign-ups. Review of wetland information on water and wetland projects. Buffer areas near wetlands by using CRP and RIM Priority #4 EDUCATION AND INFORMATION Because of the increasing awareness concerning water quality, the District has taken a strong and active stand on water quality education in West Otter Tail County. GOAL: To educate the general public, particularly to the younger generation, on water quality and water pollution. OBJECTIVE: Promote established education programs designed for students and landowners in West Otter Tail County showing how water becomes polluted and how to protect water from pollution. Inform the general public of various programs such as RIM, WRP, Continuous CRP, CRP, and other programs. Educate landowners within the 3 clean water legacy work grant areas on the benefits of applying conservation practices. Post an informational sign along the Fergus Falls River Walk Project Post signs along highly visible SWCD projects
IMPLEMENTATION OF OBJECTIVES: Utilize public lakescaping through our joint county lake shore specialist in East Otter Tail. Use the District's Enviroscape and Groundwater Model as an educational tool to show how surface and ground water become polluted. Use slide presentations, videos, printed material as an educational tool. Hold seminars for other segments of the population on water pollution. Follow up on all presentations with an evaluation form on the value of the presentation. Conservation Days for all 5th graders at Walker Lake. Promote education at the Crop Show and County Fair by having a display and an employee or supervisor present for answering questions and making comments. MAWQCP radio adds Supervisors go to State Capitol to promote districts and inform Legislators of some of our projects and programs. News media, newspaper, and radio ads and notices such as Envirothon, tree information, drill ad, crop show, conservation days and other activities. Information booklets, videos, and posters available at the office. Work with MPCA to recruit public volunteers to monitor stream water quality through the citizen stream water monitoring program in the OTC watershed. Sponsor area kids to attend Long Lake Conservation Camp. Maintain a website and Facebook page for the District with the following: a district tree order form; links to associated agencies such as NRCS, FSA, DNR, US F&WS, and BWSR; and links to information on Conservation Programs. FSA newsletter, insert. Provide various informational media for the 4 clean water legacy grants in West Otter Tail including: o Landowner meetings o Town Hall Meeting o Information radio segments o Newspaper articles o Individual Mailings Pomme de Terre and lakeshore specialist aquatic invasive group Activey promote CRP and assist landowners with CRP. Host annual Township meetings about new noxious weeds
Priority #5 WIND EROSION Wind erosion tends to be a seasonal problem in Otter Tail County. Wind erosion is considered a problem when occurring in excess of T tons per acre per year. GOAL: To reduce to 2T or less on 10,000 acres of cropland. OBJECTIVES: Promote no-till farming where possible. Promote soil health Promote conservation tillage. Promote field windbreaks of 18,500 feet. Promote residue management on 25.450 acres. IMPLEMENTATION OF OBJECTIVES: Tree order forms will be sent upon request. Continue to work with NRCS on conservation plans. Devote quarterly newsletters to the effects of wind erosion on various soils. Notice of no-till drill rental in local papers. Assist with conservation planning. Tree plantings for Continuous CRP program. The District is working with the MN Department of Transportation (DOT), FSA, and NRCS, Townships and Otter Tail County in promoting and installing Living Snow Fences along highways. Use of district Tree Fabric Laying machine to aid in tree growth and survival. District offering no-till seeding of grasses and forbs on program acres. District offering custom mowing on program acres to aid in the establishment of native prairie and cool-season grass plantings. Work closely with NRCS on EQIP and WHIP practices. PRIORITY #6 OTHER ACTIVITIES AND CONCERNS: Other activities need time and money allocated to them. These include loss of prime farmland, wildlife habitat and forestry management, pasture rotation and management, promotional activities, training and developing management items such as long range plans, annual plans, etc. We also monitor ground water levels with 7 observation wells. We also have a rain monitoring program, where 20 individuals monitor the amount of rainfall throughout the season. OBJECTIVES: Because of the broad range of activities, each activity will have it's own objective and goals. IMPLEMENTATION OF OBJECTIVES AND GOALS: Quarterly newsletters will be devoted to these concerns on a space available basis. Work directly with landowners and operators requesting assistance with conservation practices. Cooperate with other agencies to implement programs.
Work with local media to notify public of concerns and programs. With an increase in Federal EQIP funding, many more conservation practices can be completed. EEO & CIVIL RIGHTS EEO and Civil Rights implementation is of high priority to ensure that everybody has knowledge and access to all County, State and Federal programs. GOAL: To implement EEO and Civil Rights responsibilities in the County. IMPLEMENTATION OF OBJECTECTIVES: Include nondiscrimination statements on information to the public. Maintain the Civil Rights case file. Review policies and encourage equal representation of minorities, women and handicapped on local program boards, councils and committees. Quarterly review status of data by race and sex with assistance by NRCS, through PRMS Program, to check for deficiencies. Document corrections of disparities in the civil rights case file. Work with MCIT to implement work place safety. Explore opportunities to assist Otter Tail County with the Ag Inspector program. Staffing Days Needed Staffing Days Available Administrative Technical Clerical District Manager 140 90 15 District Technician 25 210 10 District Secretary 75 15 155 Farm Bill Technician 25 210 10 NRCS Staff 100 310 80 Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist 25 210 10 TOTAL 390 1045 280 Staff Days Needed District Manager 240 155 40 District Technician 33 350 15 District Secretary 90 15 220 Farm Bill Technician 34 350 15
District Conservationist 120 110 40 Soil Conservation Technician 25 240 10 Pheasants forever Farm Bill Biologist 23 340 20 Area Office Assistance (NRCS) 0 15 0 TOTAL 565 1575 360 Staff Days Available 390 1045 280 Staff Days Needed 565 1575 360 Difference (Unfavorable) 175 530 80 Above Staffing Needs include 3 weeks for employee vacation and sick leave. WEST OTTER TAIL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT REVENUE PROPOSED BUDGET JANUARY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2014 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RIM/WRP/RIM EASEMENT DELIVERY 24000.00 FEDERAL/CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT 5000.00 STATE BWSR SERVICE GRANTS 60750.00 BWSR WORK GRANTS (COST SHARE) 16500.00 OTHER STATE INCOME (WELL MONITOR) 900.00 CLEAN WATER FUNDING 59637.00 COUNTY COUNTY APPROPRIATION 71413.00 WETLAND CONSERVATION ACT 15600.00 WATER PLAN 10500.00 COUNTY AG INSPECTOR 36000.00 CHARGES FOR SERVICES TREES 25000.00
PLANTING 2500.00 NO-TILL DRILL RENTAL 2000.00 FABRIC INSTALLATION PROGRAM 15000.00 CUSTOM SEEDING 6250.00 OTHER CHARGES FOR SERVICES 2500.00 CUSTOM MOWING 7500.00 MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE INTEREST 400.00 SEED 27500.00 OTHER TOTAL REVENUE $388,950.00 EXPENDITURES PROPOSED BUDGET - 2014 DISTRICT OPERATIONS PERSONNEL SERVICES SUPERVISOR COMPENSATION 10000.00 EMPLOYEE SALARY 217300.00 PAYROLL EXPENSES/CONTRIBUTIONS/MILEAGE 34400.00 OTHER SERVICES AND CHARGES SHORELINE SPECIALIST 5000.00 MEETING/MEALS 6000.00 TELEPHONE 1800.00 POSTAGE 1500.00 RENT 12700.00 INSURANCE/WORK COMP 3000.00 GAS AND OIL 11000.00 VEHICLE REPAIRS/MAINTENANCE 3000.00 TRACTOR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE 500.00 FEES AND DUES 5000.00 AUDIT EXPENSE 2200.00 CONSERVATION FARMER 1000.00 NEWSLETTER 300.00 FAIR, BOOTH, DISPLAYS 250.00 OFFICE, EXPENSE/MAINTENANCE 1500.00 EDUCATION 500.00 CONSERVATION CAMP 500.00 PROMOTION EXPENSE 500.00 MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE 500.00 DISTRICT OPERATION SUPPLIES OFFICE SUPPLIES 1500.00 FIELD SUPPLIES 2000.00 PROJECT EXPENSE STATE COST SHARE 16500.00 PROJECT EXPENSE DISTRICT TREES 18000.00
PLANTING 500.00 NO-TILL DRILL 500.00 FABRIC 5000.00 MISCELLANEOUS PROJECT EXPENSE 500.00 MOWER 1000.00 SEED 25000.00 TOTAL EXPENSES $388,950.00 COST SHARE GRANT USAGE FOR THE YEAR 2012 THE DISTRICT PLANS TO USE THE COST SHARE GRANT AS FOLLOWS: 20% ADMINISTRATION 30% WATER AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PRACTICE 40% FIELD WINDBREAKS 10% CRITICAL AREA STABILIZATION The SWCD will be conducting annual site inspection with previous installed State Cost Share projects. These annual inspections will remind landowners of their Operation and Maintenance requirements for their conservation practice. Programs and Partners of the West Otter Tail SWCD Clean Water Funding Pomme de Terre- The West Otter Tail SWCD is involved in clean water grants through multiple partnerships. The WOT SWCD is part of the Pomme de Terre River watershed program in which the watershed received 250,000 for fiscal year 2014. Multiple sediment basin projects are being planned for the fall of 2014 using the Pomme de Terre Clean Water Funding. The WOT SWCD plans to target abandoned manure pits in the Pomme de Terre the upcoming year to prevent pollution of surface and groundwater. Mustinka- The WOT SWCD is involved in is the Mustika River Watershed. Funds from this grant also allow us to implement projects in our part of the Mustinka River Watershed. A project with a potential of 8 sediment basins is on schedule for installation in the spring of 2014.
Buffalo Red- The WOT SWCD is involved with the Buffalo red river watershed. Funds from this grant helped us to implement 9 sediment basins in 2013. Funds are also used in contacting landowners for installing more sediment basins in the watershed. Otter Tail River Watershed- The WOT SWCD applied for clean water funding in 2014 but was unsuccessful. The WOT SWCD plans to apply again for funding in 2015 proposing plans to install BMPs throughout the watershed to prevent pollution of water sources. East Otter Tail Community Partners Grant- The East Otter Tail SWCD was successful in receiving grant funding through a community partners grant. This grant provided us with funding to restore the Fergus Falls River Walk. The project involves removal of invasive buckthorn followed by treatments by chemicals to the new shoots. There will also be 2 native buffers planted along the River Walk. Programs County Agricultural Inspector- The WOT and EOT SWCDs have taken over the role of the County Ag Inspector. Both SWCDs have a designated employee that works with this program. The program works closely with Townships and other landowners in the county to enforce the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law. The Ag inspector is also responsible for seed sampling and pesticide applicator certification. Otter Tail County Buffer Initiative- Both East and West Otter Tail SWCDs are working together to implement the Otter Tail County Buffer Ordinance. In the next few years we plan to contact landowners informing them of the required 50 ft. permanent buffer along all DNR protected waters and assist them in enrollment of conservation programs. Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program- The WOT SWCD is working with partners in the Whisky Creek Watershed to implement the MN Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. AWQCP has 4 pilot areas throughout the state of Minnesota. The program works to certify producers in each pilot watershed to exempt them from clean water laws that may come up in the future. Producers are given a score on each field based on tillage, chemical application, rotation and the presence of BMPs. Walk in Access- The WOT SWCD will work in partnership with the MN DNR to contact landowners about the WIA program. This program offers landowners a payment to allow people to use their land for hunting.
RIM- The WOT SWCD will promote RIM easements throughout the county through the Buffer Initiative and the MN Prairie Plan. Pheasants Forever- The WOT SWCD continues to partner with PF with the position of Farm Bill Biologist. The PF Farm Bill Biologist works under the supervision of the district and works with landowners to promote CRP and other conservation programs. Soil Health Initiative- The WOT SWCD will work with NRCS to promote soil health by developing and monitoring a test plot. HIGH PRIORITY DEFINITIONS HIGH PRIORITY EROSION: High priority erosion is defined as: "Areas where erosion from wind or water is occurring on class I-IV soils equal to or in excess of 2 X T tons per acre per year." Cost share funds will be used in the design and construction of terraces, water and sediment control structures, diversions and grassed waterways. These units will be used to control water erosion wherever it occurs in the District. Required cost share funds needed: HIGH PRIORITY FEEDLOTS: High priority feedlots are defined as: "Feedlots where there is high pollution potential from the Annualized runoff Model (MinnFARM) based on a single 25yr 24 hour event. MinnFarm model predicts whether the feedlot is likely in compliance with Minnesota Pollution Agency water quality standards. The districts desire and encouragement to hire a feed lot office and technician too implement MPCA feedlot regulations. Grants are used for feedlots located in a feedlot-related impaired watershed. HIGH PRIORITY SEDIMENTATION: Sedimentation is defined as: "Areas within 300 feet of a water course or 1,000 feet of a water basin or wetland where the water erosion rate exceeds three tons per acre per year or areas where sediment delivery occurs from a watershed or direct conveyance structure such as a storm sewer or paved outlet channel discharging to these waters." West Otter Tail County has over 1500 protected bodies of water which are susceptible to sedimentation. It is the goal of the District to prevent this from happening through a variety of conservation practices such as terraces, grassed waterways, water control structures, residue management, and contour farming. Cost share money for High Priority Erosion problems will cover this area.