www.nicolletswcd.org

ANNUAL WORK PLAN

JANUARY 1, 2015 – DECEMBER 31, 2015

Nicollet STS Tree/Shrub Planting

Water & Sediment Control Structure

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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 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 Improvement

USDA United States Department of Agricultural

WCA Wetland Conservation Act

WRP Wetland Reserve Program

WHIP Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program

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Nicollet SWCD Supervisor Township Map

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2015

January 2015 1. Payment of state, national and area dues

2. Close out of books for 2014

3. Tree day

4. Begin Annual Report and Annual Work Plan

5. Send Out Newsletter

July 2015 1. County Budget for 2015

2. Tour Outstanding Conservationist

Candidates for 2015

3. Board Filing

4. Send Out Newsletter

February 2015

1. Complete Annual Report and Annual Work Plan

2. Complete Final Work Plan for 319 Grant

3. Cut back tree inventories from nurseries

4. Submit E-link Report

5. Complete Clean Water Work Plan

August 2015

1. Construction season starts

2. Site inspection for RIM are due

3. Select Outstanding Conservationist

4. Meet with County Commissioners

March 2015 1. Submit Annual Report and Annual Work Plan

2. Speak at Career Day for SPHS

3. Assist with the Children’s Water Festival

September 2015

1. Conservation practice installations

2. Surveying / Design

3. Employee evaluations

April 2015 1. Distribute Trees

2. Publicity of tree program

3. Survey conservation practices

4. Review interim budget

October 2015

1. RIM/PWP sign up

2. Order trees for 2016

3. Conservation practice installations

May 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

November 2015

1. Submit MASWCD State Convention

Registrations

2. Conservation practice installations

June 2015 1. Review interim Budget

2. Summer training session

3. State cost-share spot check

4. Compile list of possible Outstanding

Conservationist for 2015

December 2015

1. Complete End of Year Books

2. MASWCD State Convention

3. Begin preparing Annual Report and

Annual Work Plan

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

F. Sponsor soil and water conservation awareness programs for students including:

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 Days

Needed

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.

460

Objective #2 To reduce wind erosion to tolerable levels on all land within the District. 25

Objective #3 Provide drainage planning assistance to landowners to maintain efficient

crop production while enhancing the operation of good conservation

practices.

25

Objective #4 Provide education and information to all people of Nicollet County about

the importance of our natural resources.

50

Objective #5 To increase woodland and wildlife production so that wildlife populations

exist for recreational enjoyment.

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.

100

Objective #7 To maintain and enhance the State Cost Share Program. 65

Objective #8 To improve District operations. 50

Objective #9 Targeted Watershed Grant 300

Objective #10 Seven Mile Creek Watershed Clean Water Grant 50

Total 1140

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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 $147,500.00

District Operation - Other Services & Charges $ 40,850.00

District Rent $ 8,375.00

District Operation - Supplies $ 700.00

Project Expense District $ 22,500.00

Project Expense State $ 12,545.00

Total Expenditures $232,470.00

Revenues

Internal Government -- County $ 121,427.00

Internal Government State $ 35,766.00

Chargers for Services $ 28,000.00

Districts Reserves $ 46,477.00

Interest $ 800.00

Total Revenues $232,470.00

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