MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Peterson, Jim Engelhart, Wayne Burmeister, Duane Johnson

MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Briggs

OTHERS PRESENT: Dave Ferris, Ann Lane, Cindy Blonk, Tom Fredrickson

CALL TO ORDER: 9:40 a.m. by Charlie Peterson

MINUTES APPROVAL: Motion by Jim Engelhart/2nd Wayne Burmeister to approve the minutes as presented.
Motion carried.

FINANCE REPORT APPROVAL: Motion by Duane Johnson/2nd Jim Engelhart to approve the finance report
as presented. Motion carried.

AGENDA:

NRCS - TOM FREDRICKSON

o Reviewed response to 2005 EQIP sign-up. We currently have more requests than dollars allotted, but are working to see if more funding will become available.
o Received 1 application for a manure pit installation in 2006.

WILDLIFE DAMAGE PROGRAM - CINDY BLONK

o While reviewing the closing grain prices for 2005 crop damage, we overlooked setting a price for a beef calf that was lost due to bear. The pricing is usually base on the Fall price for the calf which would be $600.00.
o Cindy reviewed all the damage claims for Burnett County, including eligible and recommended denials. Motion by Wayne Burmeister/2nd Duane Johnson to approve the pricing for the beef calf and to follow the DNR and County recommendation for approval and denial of claims as presented with a contingency for the Melin permit #05-07-03 to be approved only after receipt of outstanding paperwork. Motion carried. (List of all claims attached.)
o Cindy discussed AB166 which allows farmers to get shooting permits and not be required to open their land to public hunting provided they do not receive any crop damage payments. Cindy will keep us posted as the bill moves through the Legislature.

FSA - DUANE JOHNSON

o Duane reviewed the 2005 Annual Report from FSA and discussed some of those results and contributing factors.

TREE DONATIONS - ANN LANE

o We received 1 request from Relay for Life for a charitable donation of tree seedlings. The trees will be used to honor cancer survivors and their caregivers at a dinner on 5/1/06. Motion by Jim Engelhart/2nd Duane Johnson to donate all 100 trees to the Burnett County Relay for Life as request in their letter. Motion carried.

STATUS OF INK JET PRINTER - DAVE FERRIS & PAUL COOK

o Dave & Paul reviewed with the committee the sad state of our ink jet printer; our steps so far to try to replace it; and the financial cost that replacing this printer would incur.

STATE LEGISLATIVE ISSUES - DAVE FERRIS

o Dave reviewed several Assembly Bills now working their way through the system.
o Dave explained the movement to make the Totogatic River part of the "Outstanding and Exceptional Waters" program. Motion by Wayne Burmeister/2nd Duane Johnson to write a letter supporting such designation. Motion carried.

COUNTY SMOKING POLICY - DAVE FERRIS

o Reviewed the current version of the proposed Burnett County Clean Air policy and how it will effect the dams, boat landings, parks, etc…

COUNTY CONSERVATIONIST REPORT - DAVE FERRIS

o Dave gave a synopsis of the two shoreline talks he'll be giving in MN in February and March.
o Dave recapped the Sportsmens' Family Day events. Eldon Freese attended and would like to have them do a presentation for the entire County Board.
o WALCE & WAL both have conferences coming up shortly. Motion by Jim Engelhart/2nd Wayne Burmeister to have Dave attend both conferences. Motion carried.
o Dave gave a recap of the CC/ZA meeting held earlier this week.
o Washburn County had their comprehensive plan turned down twice.
o Wetland filling has become a hot button in all counties.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, March 9, 2006, 9:30 a.m.

MOTION TO ADJOURN: 11:30a.m. Duane Johnson/2nd Jim Engelhart. Motion carried.