2002-01-31_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

BWSR Meeting. Minutes December 19, 2001 Page Eleven land and its people; and to promote itself as "Minnesota's Blue Collar Conservationists" Chair Coe thanked Tim for his report. Richard Zupp, President, Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD), reported that MASWCD will hold a retreat in January to become educated. MASWCD is planning their legislative trip to Washington, D.C. in March. LeAnn Buck stated that MASWCD is strategizing with. the legislature for RIM and the shoreland easement protection program. LeAnn commented on the Star Tribune articles written by Dennis Anderson that proclaim negative comments regarding conservation issues. LeAnn suggested working collectively to get the word out that good things are happening, and we need to work together to let the Legislature become aware of this. Ginny Imholte reported that Dean Oleson, Buffalo Creek Watershed District, is the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts (MAWD) new president. Ginny stated that MAW D will meet on January 11. Jerome Deal reported that President Bush signed PL566. The Red River Valley in 2001 had ditch damages; FEMA said they weren't eligible for federal funding due to taxing authorities. The congressional delegation is currently working on this. Jerome reported that the Red River Water Management Board (RRWMB) is the pass through agency on the "River Watch Program" -which is a very successful program; school children will present this program to the Legislature. Tim Koehler, Natural Resources Conservation Service, reported that Bill Hunt wants to make continued commitments to BWSR with NRCS representatives attending BWSR meetings. Tim will be attending, if he is unable to attend Roger Mussetter or Paul Flynn will represent NRCS. Tim stated that implementation is the next step to the continuous CRP contracts. Tim reported that NRCS received their 2002 budget; it looks tolerable, they are able to maintain their current staff. Tim reported that $6M in funding has been received for completion of project construction on the Snake River in Warren; and a $7M allocation for wetland reserves. Chair Coe thanked board members for their assistance during his first year as chair. Chair Coe thanked staff for their responsive, professional, and high quality work. Jerome Deal also thanked staff for their work and attendance at annual meetings. The Board. commended staff on a job well done. Upcoming Meetings The next BWSR meeting will be held January 23 in St. Paul. Ron Harnack stated that the Board is looking at having a retreat in May, replacing the May meeting. Specific topics will be BWSR priorities, biennial legislation, etc.