www.nicolletswcd.org
ANNUAL WORK PLAN
JANUARY 1, 2015 – DECEMBER 31, 2015
Nicollet STS Tree/Shrub Planting
Water & Sediment Control Structure
PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN
To guide the supervisors and staff of the Nicollet Soil and Water Conservation District in promoting
and implementing soil and water conservation programs and activities within Nicollet County.
MISSION STATEMENT
“To assist the landowners of Nicollet County in efficiently and effectively using the natural
resources in order to increase the productive use of the cropland, pastureland, woodland,
wildlifeland, urbanland, and recreationland, while maintaining and improving the soils base,
water quality, tree production, wildlife, and the quality of life in the county.”
The SWCD Prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age,
disability, and where applicable sex, marital status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political
beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance.
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NICOLLET SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
424 South Minnesota Ave.
ST. PETER, MN 56082
TELEPHONE (507) 931-2550
Monthly Board of Supervisors Meeting
424 South Minnesota Ave.
1st Wednesday of each month
SWCD SUPERVISORS:
SWCD STAFF
Bruce Hulke
Chairman
Kevin Ostermann
District Manager
Robby Gieseke
ViceChairman
Blake Honetschlager
District Technician
John Kral
Secretary
GREAT RIVER GREENING STAFF
Pat Pehrson
Treasurer
Karen Galles
Eldon Brown
Member
NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE:
April Sullivan
Joel Wurscher
NRCS District Conservationist
NRCS Soil Conservation Technician
ABBREVIATIONS FOUND WITHIN THIS REPORT
BMP
BWSR
CES
CRP
CREP
CSP
CY
DNR
EQIP
EWRP
FSA
FY
LGU
MASWCD
MNDOT
NACD
NRCS
PWP
RC&D
RIM
SWCD
TSI
USDA
WCA
WRP
WHIP
Best Management Practice
Board of Water and Soil Resources
County Extension Service
Conservation Reserve Program
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Conservation Security Program
Calendar Year
Department of Natural Resources
Environment Quality Incentive Program
Emergency Wetland Reserve Program
Farm Service Agency
Fiscal Year
Local Government Unit
MN Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Minnesota Department of Transportation
National Association of Conservation Districts
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Permanent Wetlands Preserve
Resource Conservation and Development
Reinvest in Minnesota
Soil and Water Conservation District
Timber Stand Improvement
United States Department of Agricultural
Wetland Conservation Act
Wetland Reserve Program
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program
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Seven Mile Creek Coordinator
Nicollet SWCD Supervisor Township Map
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2015
January 2015
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
July 2015
Payment of state, national and area dues
Close out of books for 2014
Tree day
Begin Annual Report and Annual Work Plan
Send Out Newsletter
1. County Budget for 2015
2. Tour Outstanding Conservationist
Candidates for 2015
3. Board Filing
4. Send Out Newsletter
February 2015
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
August 2015
Complete Annual Report and Annual Work Plan
Complete Final Work Plan for 319 Grant
Cut back tree inventories from nurseries
Submit E-link Report
Complete Clean Water Work Plan
March 2015
April 2015
1. Conservation practice installations
2. Surveying / Design
3. Employee evaluations
October 2015
Distribute Trees
Publicity of tree program
Survey conservation practices
Review interim budget
1. RIM/PWP sign up
2. Order trees for 2016
3. Conservation practice installations
May 2015
November 2015
1. Presentations at area Elementary schools on
importance’s of trees
4. Survey Design MNDOT projects
5. Survey Design CWF projects
6. Do RIM site inspections
1. Submit MASWCD State Convention
Registrations
2. Conservation practice installations
June 2015
1.
2.
3.
4.
Construction season starts
Site inspection for RIM are due
Select Outstanding Conservationist
Meet with County Commissioners
September 2015
1. Submit Annual Report and Annual Work Plan
2. Speak at Career Day for SPHS
3. Assist with the Children’s Water Festival
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
December 2015
Review interim Budget
Summer training session
State cost-share spot check
Compile list of possible Outstanding
Conservationist for 2015
1. Complete End of Year Books
2. MASWCD State Convention
3. Begin preparing Annual Report and
Annual Work Plan
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OBJECTIVE #1: To maintain and improve water quality through the promotion and application of
best management practices reducing soil erosion on agricultural and non-agricultural lands to tolerable
levels.
Actions Planned:
A.
Assist cooperators in reducing erosion by water, by installing 1000 feet of terraces, 5 to 8
water and sediment control basins, and 3 to 8 acres of waterways.
B.
Assist cooperators in controlling sedimentation to streams, ditches, and lakes by installing 8
to 10 gully control structures.
C.
Assist the County Water Coordinator on the implementation of the Nicollet County Water
Plan goals and objectives:
1.
Participate in the Rush River Clean Water Partnership
2.
Will provide technical assistance to the Water Task Force Committees.
3.
Assist 1 to 2 feedlot owners with preliminary manure storage and ag-waste utilization
plans to ensure that surface and groundwater will not be impacted by feedlot runoff.
4.
D.
a.
Will participate in the South Central Technical Service Providers Joint Powers
Board and State Revolving Loan Fund.
b.
Soil borings, analysis and consultation will be completed for earthen lagoons and
filter strips, in accordance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Criteria.
Assist the Nicollet County Environmental Services with the Wetland Conservation Act.
a.
Provide information to agricultural landowners, contractors, and engineers as to
permits required and locations where to apply.
b.
Serve on the Technical Evaluation Panel.
c.
Provide assistance in evaluating wetland replacements and the delineation of
wetlands on agricultural lands within Nicollet County.
In implementing the conservation programs and easement programs, enroll 200 acres of
marginal cropland and drained wetlands.
1.
Guide landowners thru the signup/application process.
2.
Write conservation plans with landowners.
3.
Promote Conservation Programs thru newspaper, newsletter, website and radio to inform
landowners of all the conservation programs available.
4.
E.
Work closely with NRCS and FSA to process CRP contracts.
Assist cooperators with all aspects of the Farm Bill and apply for the farm bill assistance
grant for fiscal year 2015.
1.
Assist cooperators with CRP, EWRP, WRP/RIM, EQIP, CSP, and HEL planning and
implementation.
High Priority CRP, EWRP, WRP/RIM Sites along the Minnesota River that a prone to
flooding: Belgrade Township: (James Fallenstein), Courtland Township: (Lynn Voges,
Tim Struss, David Stoering), Lafayette Township: (Ernest Sauer, Ron Gruber) Lake
Prairie Towhship: (Mark Osborne) Nicollet Towhship: (Tim Braun, Dallman Life Estate,
Wilking Properties), Oshawa (Mark Osborne), West Newton: (Greg Merkel, Larry
Carson), Ridgely: (Larry Carson, Greg Merkel, Fred Kienlen, Ambrose Noshbush, Allen
Merkel)
Staff days required = 460
OBJECTIVE #2: To reduce wind erosion to tolerable levels on all land within the District.
Actions Planned:
A.
Maintain and enhance the District Tree Program through promotion and application of tree
planting plans.
B.
Assist 6 to 8 landowners with farmstead windbreak plans on 8 acres.
C.
Assist 4 to 6 landowners with upgrading existing windbreaks.
D.
Inform landowners of the need of field windbreaks and their value, and install 200 feet of
field windbreaks.
E.
Provide a good selection of tree species for farmstead and field windbreaks. Promote the use
of plastic mulch and Tree Grow Tubes for better weed control, soil moisture and wildlife
protection.
F.
Complete the Crop Residue Transect Survey and publish the results.
G.
Promote conservation tillage practices.
Staff days required = 25
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OBJECTIVE #3: Provide drainage planning assistance to landowners to maintain efficient crop
production while enhancing the operation of good conservation practices.
Actions Planned:
A.
Assist landowners with the planning and design of tile for the operation of good conservation
practices.
B.
Assist with wetland determinations and locations.
Staff days required = 25
OBJECTIVE #4: Provide education and information to all people of Nicollet County about the
importance of our natural resources.
Actions Planned:
A.
Will provide 6 news articles on various issues pertaining to conservation programs to be
published in two (2) District newsletters. The newsletter will be distributed to all
landowners, cooperating agencies, and news media. Newsletters will be sent out in January
and July of each year.
B.
Sponsor a Tree Day to assist landowners with tree species selection and planting guidelines.
C.
Recognize an Outstanding Conservation Farmer.
D.
Recognize River Friendly Farmers.
E.
Maintain contact with legislators and inform them of soil and water conservation needs and
priorities. Attend one (1) legislative day throughout the year.
Sponsor soil and water conservation awareness programs for students including:
F.
1.
4–H Conservation Awards.
2.
Assist with the State Envirothon put on by the Minnesota Association of Conservation
District Employees for High School Students.
3.
Present to local high school students during the SPHS Career Day, held at South Central
Technical College.
Staff days required = 50
OBJECTIVE #5: To increase woodland and wildlife production so that wildlife populations exist
for recreational enjoyment.
Actions Planned:
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A.
Promote the establishment of wildlife habitat areas through talks with individuals, groups,
and school programs.
B.
Encourage landowners to plant native grasses, trees, and food plots on CRP, WRP, CREP,
and RIM land.
C.
Inform landowners about programs that are offered through the DNR Forestry and Wildlife
Departments as well as the Swan Lake Conservation Club.
Staff days required = 15
OBJECTIVE #6: To work with other Units of Government, agencies, organizations, and private
industries to increase awareness of local resource problems and research solutions to address them.
Actions Planned:
A.
Assist Planning and Zoning Departments of the County and Cities in the orderly expansion
and development of urban areas, especially into prime agricultural areas.
B.
Assist the Minnesota Department of Transportation on placement of erosion control
structures along Highway 169 to reduce sedimentation into culverts.
C.
Review and process DNR permits.
D.
Provide technical information and plans for erosion and sediment control to landowners /
users who have new or active quarries and to those that are interested in restoring a quarry.
Staff days required = 100
OBJECTIVE #7: To maintain and enhance the State Cost Share Program.
Actions Planned:
A.
Assist landowners with erosion problems on their farms.
B.
Apply for Clean Water Fund (CWP) funding for high priority areas and watersheds.
C.
Administer and implement the state cost share program following program rules and
administrative guidelines.
D.
Write two (2) newsletters promoting the state cost share program.
Staff days required = 65
OBJECTIVE #8: To improve and maintain District operations.
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Actions Planned:
A.
Update CRP & RIM fields in Arc View.
B.
Gather data and enter into Arc View for planning purposes.
C.
Maintain and update landowner files.
D.
Maintain the District website, .
E.
Develop budget, annual plan of work, annual financial report, eLink report, WCA Report.
Staff days required = 50
OBJECTIVE #9: Targeted Watershed Grant
Actions Planned:
A.
Install 20 erosion control structures, 20 side inlet control structures on ditches, and
installation of buffers around these structures when feasible.
B.
Increase the adoption of Best Management Practices that reduce sediment loading, phosphate
loading while reducing the peak discharge to the Minnesota River.
C.
Increase aquatic recreation opportunities in the watershed.
D.
Continue to foster watershed stewardship and community pride in clean water that achieves a
legacy beyond this implementation grant.
E.
Install Intake Alternatives (Rock Tile Inlets, Etc.).
F.
Establish Vegetative Buffers where feasible.
G.
Develop budget, annual plan of work, and annual financial reports.
Staff days required = 300
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OBJECTIVE #10: Seven Mile Creek Watershed Clean Water Grant
Actions Planned:
A.
Install 10 erosion control structures, 10 side inlet control structures on ditches, and
installation of buffers around these structures when feasible.
B.
Increase the adoption of Best Management Practices, within the Seven Mile Creek
Watershed, to reduce sediment loading, phosphate loading and reducing the peak flow
discharge to the Minnesota River.
C.
Increase aquatic recreation opportunities in the watershed.
D.
Continue to inform landowners of programs available to assist with the installation of BMP’s
as they become available within the watershed.
E.
Establish Vegetative Buffers around practice installation sites.
F.
Develop budget, annual plan of work, and annual financial reports.
Staff days required = 50
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STAFFING PLAN
To achieve these objectives will require the continuation of the existing staff, which includes one
District Manager, one District Technician, one NRCS District Conservationist, one NRCS
Technician, 1/5th time NRCS Engineering Technician and one Great River Greening Seven Mile
Creek Coordinator. Currently, staff are not capable of carrying out the programs and goals that
have been outlined in this plan of work. As additional programs are created, the district then would
need to evaluate the workload to determine if additional staff is needed.
Staff Days Available
SWCD Staff
Available for Work
Paid Annual Leave
Holidays
Total
District Manager
226
24
10
260
District Technician
235
15
10
260
7-Mile Coordinator
238
12
10
260
Total
699
51
30
780
Objectives Planned for 2014
Objective #1
Objective #2
Objective #3
Objective #4
Objective #5
Objective #6
Objective #7
Objective #8
Objective #9
Objective #10
Total
To maintain and improve water quality through the promotion and
application of best management practices reducing soil erosion on
agricultural and non-agricultural lands to tolerable levels.
To reduce wind erosion to tolerable levels on all land within the District.
Provide drainage planning assistance to landowners to maintain efficient
crop production while enhancing the operation of good conservation
practices.
Provide education and information to all people of Nicollet County about
the importance of our natural resources.
To increase woodland and wildlife production so that wildlife populations
exist for recreational enjoyment.
To work with other Units of Government, agencies, organizations, and
private industries to increase awareness of local resource problems and
research solutions to address them.
To maintain and enhance the State Cost Share Program.
To improve District operations.
Targeted Watershed Grant
Seven Mile Creek Watershed Clean Water Grant
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Days
Needed
460
25
25
50
15
100
65
50
300
50
1140
Cost-Share Program
The state cost-share program was established in 1977 to share the cost of best management
practices for erosion and sedimentation or water quality improvement that are designed to protect
and improve soil and water resources. The District will provide technical, administrative, and
financial assistance to landowners for erosion control and water quality projects. The state cost
share program handbook is found in the Nicollet SWCD office located at 424 South Minnesota
Ave. St. Peter.
A.
High Priority Erosion Problems:
“High priority erosion problems” means areas where erosion from wind or water is occurring equal
to, or in excess of, 2 x T tons per acre per year or is occurring on any area that exhibits active gully
erosion or is identified as high priority in the comprehensive local water plan or the conservation
districts comprehensive plan.
High Priority Erosion:
We have determined that $150,000 of Cost-Share money will be needed for projects in this high
priority erosion area. (The following maps indicate the areas of Nicollet County, which have
potential for severe erosion. Attachment A)
B.
High Priority Water Quality Problems:
“High priority water quality problems” means areas where sediment, nutrients, chemicals, or other
pollutants discharge to Department of Natural Resources designated protected waters or to any high
priority waters as identified in a comprehensive local water plan or the conservation district’s
comprehensive plan, or discharge to a sinkhole or groundwater. The pollutant delivery rate to the
water source is in amounts that will impair the quality or usefulness of the water resource.
1.)
High Priority Sedimentation’s:
We have determined that $1,300,000 of Cost-Share money will be needed for projects in
this high priority sedimentation area. (See copy of map for location of High Priority
Sedimentation Areas. Attachment B)
2.)
High Priority Feedlots:
Those feedlots where the pollution potential rating (from the Ag Waste Model) is
greater than or equal to one and is discharging pollutants to Minnesota DNR designated
protected waters or wetlands; to a sinkhole; to a stream; or within 150 feet of a water
well.” There are about 130 feedlots in this High Priority Area. In conjunction with the
NRCS EQIP program, a goal of two feedlots will be financially assisted, $50,000 will
be set aside for this program.
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COST-SHARE FISCAL YEAR 2015
The Soil and Water Conservation District considers high priority projects for cost-share. The
SWCD cost-shares up to 75% of the total cost of a project; amount to be determined by the District
Board of Supervisors. The District would need a total of $450,000 for the cost-share program. The
District would take 20% of that amount $90,000, for technical and administrative, leaving
$360,000 for conservation projects in FY 2015. The money to be encumbered will be for high
priority projects:
SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDING
As cost share dollars run out the District will continue to submit applications for Clean Water
funding.
Clean Water Fund
The District received Clean Water Grants to fund erosion control, water quality and watershed
health practices throughout 7-Mile Creek. In collaboration with Great River Greening, Nicollet
SWCD has a full time Watershed coordinator position responsible for implementation of this grant.
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (MDOT) FUNDING
The District secured funding from MNDOT for erosion control structures along State Highway 169
to reduce sedimentation into the culverts that run underneath the Highway. Multiple areas of
concern have been established and District Staff will contact landowners to carry out project
installation.
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BUDGET
Following is a proposed budget for CY 2015
Expenditures
District Operation - Personal Services
District Operation - Other Services & Charges
District Rent
District Operation - Supplies
Project Expense District
Project Expense State
$147,500.00
$ 40,850.00
$ 8,375.00
$
700.00
$ 22,500.00
$ 12,545.00
Total Expenditures
$232,470.00
Revenues
Internal Government -- County
Internal Government State
Chargers for Services
Districts Reserves
Interest
$ 121,427.00
$ 35,766.00
$ 28,000.00
$ 46,477.00
$
800.00
Total Revenues
$232,470.00
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