MEMBERS PRESENT: Doug Dewing, Charlie Peterson, Jim Engelhart, Duane Johnson

OTHERS PRESENT: Dave Ferris, Tom Fredrickson, Paul Cook, Ann Lane, Cheryl Bursik

CALL TO ORDER: 9:35 a.m. by Doug Dewing

MINUTES APPROVAL: Motion by Charlie Peterson/2nd Jim Engelhart to approve minutes as presented.
Motion carried.

FINANCE REPORT APPROVAL: Motion by Duane Johnson/2nd Charlie Peterson to approve minutes as presented. Motion carried.

AGENDA:

NRCS – Tom Fredrickson

*EQIP - $53,000 anticipated to fund practices for 2004 (cost share rate cut back from 75% to 50% on some practices)
*Progress update on programs: Wetland Reserve Program; CRP; St Croix Tribal Big Sand Lake project
*NRCS will be relocating to Spooner with the FSA sometime in 2004 (between June and October) in order to consolidate the offices into 1 location. We would like to make arrangements to keep the files and a “workspace” available here in order to service our clientele.
**Motion made by Doug Dewing/2nd Jim Englehart to allow the LWCD to pursue securing the vacating FSA office space for the LWCD due to cramped conditions. Motion carried.
**Motion made by Duane Johnson/2nd Charlie Peterson to provide at a cost work/storage space for the NRCS to provide services to Burnett County residents contingent on securing additional office space if/when vacated by FSA and granted to the LWCD. Motion carried.

WILDLIFE DAMAGE PROGRAM – Dave Ferris

*Need to set closing date for Burnett County Wildlife damage claims.
**Motion made by Charlie Peterson/2nd Duane Johnson to set the closing date for Burnett County wildlife damage claims as December 31, 2003. Motion carried.

BIG WOOD LAKE – Paul Cook

*Expense recap of cost share activities for 2003 in the watershed
*Recap of upcoming projects
*Idea given the go ahead by the committee to advertise availability of cost share dollars in local newspapers in 2004.

LAKE ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER - Dave Ferris

*Currently BCLRA & UWEX work to publish the Lakelines newsletter. Committee has give the ok to work with UWEX and aid them to publish “Lakelines” utilizing some funding form the LWCD education line.

SHORELINE DEVELOPMENTAL GUIDE – Dave Ferris

*Would like to get a reprint of 500 to 1000 additional copies at a cost of approximately $1.00 per copy, to be financed in conjunction with Zoning. Ok to proceed given by the committee.
*Disk to put it on the web???

SIP FUNDING – Dave Ferris/Cheryl Bursik

*Motion made by Charlie Peterson/2nd Duane Johnson to continue to explore securing funds from any and all sources that reasonably tie into the Shoreline Incentive Program conservation needs of Burnett County. Motion carried.

LWRMP – Cheryl Bursik

*Recap of progress on update of management plan. Was done in 1999, but new state runoff rules done in 2002 require a plan update. We are on track to get the update to DATCP in early 2004 (extension granted to 4/04). Plan will be approved for 4 years vs. 5 years to compensate for late submission.
*Will need to have a public hearing and go through the County Board for approval.

OTHER BUSINESS – Dave Ferris

*Woodland Seminar handout
*Polk County update –
*Water Quality Specialist technician was eliminated. Duties will shift to the Watershed Manager and the contracted Shoreland Consultant.
*Conservation Planner position was reduced in hours. May go to 50% here – details still not solidified.
*Stewardship Books – Motion made by Jim Engelhart/2nd Charlie Peterson to order the books and educator guides for all 2nd and 5th grade students in Burnett County. Motion carried.
*Tree sale program – OK to run ad again to advertise availability of trees, shrubs and wildflowers.

NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, January 7, 2004

MOTION TO ADJOURN: Duane Johnson/2nd Doug Dewing. Motion carried.