Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884
Sept. 3
Crook County Natural Resource District (CCNRD)
September 3rd Regular Board Meeting
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 12:24 pm by Chairman Wayne Garman at the USDA Service Center, 117 South 21st Street, Sundance, Wyoming.
ATTENDANCE
Board: Wayne Garman, Ted Parsons, Wanda Burget, Lily Altaffer, Jennifer Hinkhouse
Employees: Sarah Anderson, Bridget Helms, Carmen Horne-McIntyre (Call-in)
Guests: NRCS District Conservationist Keela Deaton
OPEN ISSUES TO DISCUSS
NRCS Update- Ms. Deaton reported that two cover crop contracts were signed. End of year numbers for NRCS; total of 31 contracts, over 1.2 million dollars of federal money into the county. Active contracts 74; over 4.4 million dollars currently.
FSA Update- Ms. Hanlon was not able to attend but reminded the Board of her workshop on Friday September 6th.
Water Quality by Ms. McIntyre
Ms. McIntyre provided an update on data collected through the end of August and general trends for the season thus far.
Microbial Source Tracking Ms. McIntyre has approached several producers requesting permission to collect water samples this fall to look at the genetic materials of the E. coli bacteria present in streams. Identifying the source of the E. coli present will help the office determine what practices to secure funding for (i.e. septic remediation or range and water quality improvement projects).
Sediment Study Ms. McIntyre has been in contact with SDSU about conducting a one-year stream sediment bacteria pilot study. Details and logistics are still being discussed.
BMP Projects 13 projects are to be completed between now and the end of the year; 3 were recently completed. Two have been canceled. A motion to approve two contracts for payment was made by Mr. Parsons. Ms. Burget seconded. Motion carried. Motion to approve the first project was made by Ms. Burget. Ms. Altaffer seconded. Motion carried.
Ms. Hinkhouse moves to approve the second project. Ms. Burget seconded. Motion carried.
Mr. Parsons made a motion amending cost assistance on current septic contracts at 50% of the total cost, up to $4,000. Ms. Burget seconded. Motion carried.
Forest Health by Ms. Anderson
Jeremy Dedic (Wyoming State Forestry) invited the board to the Forest Management Field Day on September 27 at the Chuck Pearson Ranch called “Oak in the Pines.” The Good Neighbor Authority meeting is September 10; Ms. Hinkhouse and Mr. Garman plan to attend.
Hazardous fuel reduction projects are underway. Wrapping up projects under the mountain pine beetle grant is priority as it expires this December. The USFS is interested in doing another fuels reduction/wildland urban interface project with the District.
Bark beetle Ms. Anderson is applying for funding now and letters of support are coming in for the proposal which is due September 30, 2019.
Financials
Discussion was held regarding line item changes presented by Ms. Helms via a budget resolution. Ms. Hinkhouse made a motion to approve the Budget Resolution. Ms. Burget seconded. Motion carried.
Financial Voucher Ms. Burget made a motion to pay the bills as presented and verify correspondence with the financial voucher for August expenses. Ms. Altaffer seconded the motion. Motion carried. All checks were signed.
Reconciliation Report Mr. Parsons made a motion to approve the bank reconciliation report. Ms. Altaffer seconded. Motion carried.
Approve Minutes
Ms. Altaffer made a motion to approve the August 6, 2019 meeting minutes. Mr. Parsons seconded. Motion carried.
E-Cycling Event Set up times and volunteers for each event were discussed.
Elected Officials Meeting Tabled
Convention Nov 13-15 Buffalo Eight rooms are reserved. Three board members plan to attend.
NEW ISSUES TO DISCUSS
Grant funds reimbursements Staff reminded the Board that with multiples projects slated for completion by year’s end, much of the District’s funds are through reimbursable grant agreements. Staff will be especially diligent in requesting more frequent reimbursements for approved project expenses.
MOU with NRCS This will be discussed further at the Area 1 Meeting.
Legislative updates from WACD were discussed. No actions were taken.
OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. McIntyre requested to attend a NRCS soil health training in Buffalo. The Board approved.
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ms. Burget at 2:44 pm
Office Manager Signature:
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Chairman Signature:
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