Chippewa East Mackinac Conservation District
Board Meeting Minutes
October 9, 2008
Attendees: Forbes McDonald, Richard Serfass, Orv Kabat, Tom Allan, Johanna Nugent, Will Bomier, Dusty King, Pat Carr. Guest Jim Pawlowicz- Mi Dept of Agriculture
Minutes and financial statements for September were presented. Approved on a motion by Kabat and second by Serfass. Treasurer's reports were then presented.
Emerald Ash Borer project in Moran report was made by Wagoner. Maps were distributed showing ash borer findings. Also Wagoner reported that there has been emerald ash borer found in the garden peninsula. Pawlowicz reports that there has been positive feed back from the state office about our handling of the this project. "It bodes well for other types of projects being funded through the Districts."
Groundwater Stewardship program was reported on by Pawlowicz. There is no cost share for the new year- carry over of funds from last year is allowed. There will be a meeting for the steering committee on Nov 7 in Newberry. The new contract will ask that 24% of the deliverables for the grant come from the NRCS Contribution Agreement list.
The MDNR private lands forestry consultant was temporarily reassigned last year and now if looks as if this position may be eliminated. Stevenson was a valuable technical resource and is needed. Board to draft a letter supporting this position within the DNR.
Farmland Preservation- counties are being encouraged to set up committees to oversee the purchase or donation of farm acres to this state program. There are also provisions for farmland preservation in the farm bill. Board is interested n filling this role for Chippewa County. King to set a meeting with the County controller to attend a board meeting to discuss this. King to learn more about this program.
Discussion followed concerning the role the District could play with an alternative fuel production company coming to Kinross area. Kabat to get contact information for a representative for this company (Mascoma)
The 2008-09 plan of work was reviewed and then approved on a motion by Kabat and second by Serfass.
The MSU Extension Experiment Station in Chatham is looking for a site to do some trials in Chippewa County. King to meet with them to look at the District property for this project.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) report was presented by Bomier. There will be a Farm bill rollout meeting at Bruce Twp Hall on Oct 23 at 7 pm. New process for Wetland Reserve Program will have the title search done before the ranking to eliminate work on sites not eligible for the program. McDonald notes that the search could be done here by the landowner prior to applying. There will be a change in the appraisal process for the program as well. For this area the price paid for an easement will be $1100 per acre.
Projects reports were presented by Carr.
Fall Tree Sale is October 24. King will not being driving downstate to pick up trees but will have them shipped due to cost of fuel.
King requests that the Board retain Houle and Associates as auditor for this year's audit. King to negotiate cost. Moved by Serfass and seconded by Kabat that this is not to exceed $4,000.00. Carried.
Meeting adjourned. Members then visited the District equipment at Skinner's rental yard.