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BWSR Meeting Minutes December 19, 2001 Page Four Ron and Jim Lemmerman, BWSR forester, met with DNR forestry to discuss -the role of SWCDs in forestry. Jim Lemmerman will be working with DNR and SWCDs to build a strategy and define issues and suggest options to address the issues. There is not a clear understanding of the landowner's request for assistance and the ability of the existing system to accommodate those requests in a timely manner. Ron met with the FSA state committee. Ron reported that Elton Redalen is the new chair of the FSA state committee. Mr. Redalen is very interested in maintaining a strong working relationship with BWSR in delivering conservation to farmers. Ron will distribute a list of the new committee to board members. Ron attended the Minnesota. Agri-Growth meeting on December 17, and listened to Congressmen Gutknect and Kennedy; representatives from Senators Wellstone and Dayton talk about the Farm Bill issues. Although there was strong support for getting the Farm Bill done this year, there was not a lot of optimism that the Senate would be able to move the bill forward. They all agreed that if the Farm Bill did not pass this year, there would likely be less funding available next year for farm programs. Ron attended the Red River Basin Board (R2B2) meeting on December 13 in Grand Forks. The R2B2 adopted a concept of a three-state Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). R2B2 will coordinate with the interests in the three states to develop a proposal for submission to USDA. Ron stated that the Minnesota River CREP is making strides. We will meet the goal of 100,000 acres by April. Ron commended SWCDs, BWSR staff, DNR, NRCS~, and FSA for their continued efforts with CREP. Ron reported that the budget situation is the big issue in the coming months. This will be discussed on the agenda later today. Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) -Jim Haertel reported that there are presently nine appeals pending. All nine appeals. involve WCA. This is the most appeals BWSR has ever had pending at one time. This year there have been more appeals filed than in any previous year. The most recenf appeal is of an exemption determination in Hennepin County. The appeal involves a horse barn that is already built. The main issue is whether or not the training and boarding of horses qualifies for the agricultural exemption. No decision has been made on accepting the appeal.