www.nicolletswcd.org ANNUAL WORK PLAN …

1 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.

2 2. 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 Seven Mile Creek Coordinator Eldon Brown Member NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE: April Sullivan NRCS District Conservationist Joel Wurscher NRCS Soil Conservation Technician ABBREVIATIONS FOUND WITHIN THIS REPORT. BMP Best Management Practice BWSR Board of Water and Soil Resources CES County Extension Service CRP Conservation Reserve Program CREP Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program CSP Conservation Security Program CY Calendar Year DNR Department of Natural Resources EQIP Environment Quality Incentive Program EWRP Emergency Wetland Reserve Program FSA Farm Service Agency FY Fiscal Year LGU Local Government Unit MASWCD MN Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts MNDOT Minnesota Department of Transportation NACD National Association of Conservation Districts NRCS Natural Resource Conservation Service PWP Permanent Wetlands Preserve RC&D Resource Conservation and Development RIM Reinvest in Minnesota SWCD Soil and Water Conservation District TSI Timber Stand

3 Improvement USDA United States Department of Agricultural WCA Wetland Conservation Act WRP Wetland Reserve Program WHIP Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program 3. Nicollet SWCD Supervisor Township Map 4. CALENDAR OF EVENTS. 2015. January 2015 July 2015. 1. Payment of state, national and area dues 1. County Budget for 2015. 2. Close out of books for 2014 2. Tour Outstanding Conservationist 3. Tree day Candidates for 2015. 4. Begin ANNUAL Report and ANNUAL Work Plan 3. Board Filing 5. Send Out Newsletter 4. Send Out Newsletter February 2015 August 2015. 1. Complete ANNUAL Report and ANNUAL Work Plan 1. Construction season starts 2. Complete Final Work Plan for 319 Grant 2. Site inspection for RIM are due 3. Cut back tree inventories from nurseries 3. Select Outstanding Conservationist 4.

4 Submit E-link Report 4. Meet with County Commissioners 5. Complete Clean Water Work Plan March 2015 September 2015. 1. Submit ANNUAL Report and ANNUAL Work Plan 1. Conservation practice installations 2. Speak at Career Day for SPHS 2. Surveying / Design 3. Assist with the Children's Water Festival 3. Employee evaluations April 2015 October 2015. 1. Distribute Trees 1. RIM/PWP sign up 2. Publicity of tree program 2. Order trees for 2016. 3. Survey conservation practices 3. Conservation practice installations 4. Review interim budget May 2015 November 2015. 1. Presentations at area Elementary schools on 1. Submit MASWCD State Convention importance's of trees Registrations 4. Survey Design MNDOT projects 2. Conservation practice installations 5. Survey Design CWF projects 6.

5 Do RIM site inspections June 2015 December 2015. 1. Review interim Budget 1. Complete End of Year Books 2. Summer training session 2. MASWCD State Convention 3. State cost-share spot check 3. Begin preparing ANNUAL Report and 4. Compile list of possible Outstanding ANNUAL Work Plan Conservationist for 2015. 5. 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.

6 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. 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. 4. Assist the Nicollet County Environmental Services with the Wetland Conservation Act.

7 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. D. 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. Work closely with NRCS and FSA to process CRP contracts. E. Assist cooperators with all aspects of the Farm Bill and apply for the farm bill assistance grant for fiscal year 2015.

8 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.

9 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. 7. 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.

10 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.