2001-08-23_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

BWSR Meeting Minutes May 23, 2001 Page Five ** 01-36 has determined that EIS was not necessary. This will be addressed at a future meeting. Rod thanked Ron Harnack for doing an excellent job before the conference committee on feedlot issues. Rod stated that agencies need to maintain strong communication/cooperation/coordination as the feedlot funding elements come - _ together in the remaining legislative days. New Business Partnerships Between BWSR and MES - H.H. Chang, Head of the University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water and Climate, stated that he looks forward to the new soils staffing relationship with BWSR. He stated that Greg Larson is now officed in the Department of Soil, Water and Climate. He was also pleased with the successes of the other partnerships that they have with BWSR. Ron Harnack stated that Greg Carson's education, experience, training, expertise and professional credibility makes him uniquely suited to this role as States Soils Specialist. This relationship is tailored after the successful State Climatologist position developed in the early 80's. Moved by Dwain Otte, seconded by Victor Ormsby, to approve the two-year agreement that BWSR and the Department of Soil, Water and Climate at the University of Minnesota will establish a "State Soils Office". The intent of this agreement is to build upon an established relationship by sharing resources and expertise to better serve both the Board and the Department. Motion passed on a voice vote. The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Ron Harnack and H.H. Chang. Jim Anderson reported on the three education positions with BWSR/MES: Kamal Alsharif in Duluth; Ron Struss in metro, and Derek Fisher in New Ulm. Jim stated that Derek is in Mankato today working with nutrient management software plans and presenting how that works; Ron Struss' leadership in water quality education and Kamal's leadership. in the State Envirothon as well as his work on grazing lands in the northern part of the state illustrates the good cooperative working partnerships. BWSR/MES recognize those relationships/partnerships by sharing the cost of salaries and office space. Ron Harnack stated that Steve Taff has worked with BWSR on various agricultural economist issues; and the Red River mediation with MES has been very helpful. Ron stated that these partnerships need to be kept flexible, focusing on the unique areas and diversity in the state. Jim stated that the evolving partnerships include timeframes, struggles with prioritizing challenges, building on the direction for the future. Rod Massey publicly thanked the Minnesota Extension Service for their education on feedlots. Vic Ormsby thanked MES for the Rural Cooperators Program. Jerome Deal thanked MES for their assistance on facilitation of watershed district meetings.. There is room for a coordinated approach as MES and BWSR put. things in place as we look at long-term priorities. Chair Coe thanked everyone for their involvement..