2002-04-18_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

BWSR Meeting Minutes January 23, 2002 Page Eleven ** 02-10 Char reported that St. Peter is looking to find ways to reduce the nitrate levels otherwise the city will have to go to a reverse osmosis filtration system which, is very expensive. if we can help with education of landowners and best management practices being utilized and maybe a farm bill that encourages more diversification in the rotation, would solve this problem without high technology as a solution. Moved by Victor Ormsby, seconded by Char Kahler, to approve the Nicollet County Comprehensive Water Plan and the Sibley County Comprehensive Water Plan. Motion passed on a voice vote. "Present-Day Agriculture in Southern Minnesota - Is it Sustainable?" Gyles Randall, Soil Scientist and Professor, presented information regarding what is causing the increased erosion problems occurring in the state? Discussion followed. Chair Coe thanked Dr. Randall for his interesting and thought provoking presentation. Landscape Buffer Initiative -Lower Mississippi River Basin in Minnesota -Victor Ormsby submitted aone-page summary with information that will be presented at the next Board meeting. This buffer initiative is a collaborative effort of the LGU's and agencies in southeastern Minnesota. The Basin Alliance of the Lower Mississippi in Minnesota (BALMM) is comprised of several watersheds. Advisory Comments LeAnn Buck, MASWCD, reported that MASWCD is supporting $14M for RIM and doubling the Governor's recommendation. The districts are concerned about the budget cuts and funding that they get from their county allocations, are they going to get hit by the state also. We have met with Representative Colin Peterson regarding the Conservation Security Act and will meet with Representafrve Gutknecht on Friday on the same issue. The SWCD's are picking up Gyles Randall's message as well. There's a concern regarding alfalfa, how can we get more alfalfa back into southeastern Minnesota. MASWCD will be taking a delegation to Washington in March. The MASWCD "Legislative Day at the Capitol" is February 25-26 at the Holiday Inn East, St. Paul. LeAnn and Judy Erickson will meet tomorrow and put MASWCD's legislative agenda together. LeAnn has explained the general service grant and cost-share issues to MASWCD as they look at the proposed budget cuts, they realize it is a one time cut and that MASWCD needs to do their part and they appreciate that responsibility. Upcoming Meetings ^ The next BWSR meeting will be held on February 27, 2002 in St. Paul. ^ The Dispute Resolution Committee is meeting on February 6, 2002. A meet-me- call will be set up to discuss the Schunk petition. Date has not been determined. ^ BWSR retreat, Wednesday, May 22"d and Thursday, May 23~d at the Riverwood Conference Center in Monticello. The Board will be setting the agenda for the biennial budget.