September 2021

Minutes from the September 9, 2021 Regular Board Meeting

The meeting of the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District was held in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

The meeting was called to order by John Sonstegard at 5:00 p.m.

Members present: John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell

Members absent: Roger Krause

Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer; County Commissioner, Joe Grund; NorthRisk Partners, Mike Reishus

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the agenda as presented.  The motion was seconded by Dohmen. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the August 12th, 2021minutes.  The motion was seconded by Dohmen.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The August 2021 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the bills as listed on the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Old Business

Personnel policy waivers – continue or suspend – no action was taken

Special Reports

NorthRisk Partners, Mike Reishus – Reishus presented 2022 health insurance plan information to the board.  The provider is switching from Blue Cross to Medica for 2022.  Following his presentation, Reishus excused himself from the meeting.  

NRCS partner updates: Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – Steinhauer presented information to the board on current NRCS programs.  He also covered current COVID updates.  

New Business

Health insurance renewal

Set plan option for 2022 – a motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to offer the Medica version of the 2021 SWCD Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan option for 2022. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Establish open enrollment – a motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Sindelir, to establish the open enrollment period for SWCD employees to select their health care option as September 10th – November 30th. This time period will be set annually.  

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Forest Management Cost Share Program Application – Calvin Fadness
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to approve the Lake of the Woods Watershed Forest Stewardship Plan Cost Share Agreement with Calvin Fadness. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

BWSR 2022-2023 SWCD Programs and Operations Grant Agreement
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the FY22 and FY23 Programs and Operations Grant Agreement and authorize the chairman to sign. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Memorandum of Agreement with LOW County for the Rainy-Rapid One Watershed, One Plan 
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the memorandum of agreement with Lake of the Woods County to begin development of the Rainy-Rapid One Watershed One Plan.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Investment CDs with Multi-Bank Securities – no action was taken

Request to reserve trees for the 2022 Tree Sale Program
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize staff to reserve stock for the 2022 tree sales program. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Request to reimburse for SWCD newsletter
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize staff to pay invoices from Northland Trading Post and Arrow Printing upon receipt.  Total payments are not to exceed $1,200. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests
Stormwater Management Online Recertification – a motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize Vrtacnik’s expenses for online recertification for Construction Installer and Site Management.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.  

Committee Reports – none 

General Information and Discussion

Board packet distribution in advance of meetings 

Watch rainfall simulator

Well testing clinic summary

The next regular board meeting has been set for October 14th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Dohmen Seconded: Sindelir

Meeting adjournment time: 7:24 p.m.

BOSTIC AND ZIPPEL WATERSHED ASSESSMENT PROJECT

PROJECT:

BOSTIC AND ZIPPEL CREEKS WATERSHED ASSESSMENT PROJECT

RECENT UPDATES

The Final Report is complete.  The results of the study were presented to the public on our March 2013 Bus Tour.

VIEW THE TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT
FINAL BOSTIC AND ZIPPEL CREEK WATERSHED ASSESSMENT REPORT
BATHYMETRIC SURVEY OF BOSTIC AND ZIPPEL BAYS MEMO

KEY CONTACTS

Email tmdl@lakeofthewoodsswcd.org with your general questions. 

You may also contact one of the project managers listed below.

  • Cary Hernandez, MPCA Project Manager, cary.hernandez@state.mn.us, 218-846-8124

  • Mike Hirst, Lake of the Woods SWCD,
    mike.hirst@mn.nacdnet.net, 218-634-1842 x4

  • Julie Blackburn, RESPEC Project Manager, julie.blackburn@respec.com, 651-605-5705

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The SWCD has received Clean Water Partnership funding through the MPCA to perform monitoring and assessment for this project.  A Clean Water Fund grant for implementation has also been received to help reduce erosion and sedimentation.

DOWNLOAD OUR FACT SHEET

PUBLIC MEETINGS

JULY 21ST 2009

NEWS RELEASE
AGENDA
FULL COMMENTS

POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS

NOVEMBER, 2017 MEETING

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME
CURRENT WATERSHED ISSUES
WATERSHED ASSESSMENT PROJECT

LAKE OF THE WOODS WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION PROJECT (WRAP)

PROJECT:

LAKE OF THE WOODS WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION PROJECT (WRAP)

RECENT UPDATES

This project was concluded June 2016.

DRAFT LAKE OF THE WOODS TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD
DRAFT LAKE OF THE WOODS MAJOR WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION PROJECT

KEY CONTACTS

Email tmdl@lakeofthewoodsswcd.org with your general questions. 

You may also contact one of the project managers listed below.

  • Cary Hernandez, MPCA Project Manager, cary.hernandez@state.mn.us, 218-846-8124

  • Mike Hirst, Lake of the Woods SWCD,
    mike.hirst@mn.nacdnet.net, 218-634-1842 x4

  • Julie Blackburn, RESPEC Project Manager, julie.blackburn@respec.com, 651-605-5705

ABOUT THE WRAP

The SWCD is assisting with a project to assess the health of the Lake of the Woods Watershed.  This project is called the Lake of the Woods Watershed Restoration and Protection project (WRAP).

The Lake of the Woods WRAP is being conducted to address those waters that are known to be impaired and also to assess the state of other waters in the watershed.  The goal of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) watershed-wide design to addressing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) is to develop a comprehensive plan for managing surface water quality across the entire watershed, rather than focusing on a single waterbody at a time.  To learn more about the MPCA’s watershed approach to TMDLs, click here. 

The ultimate goal of the Lake of the Woods WRAP is to protect waters where conditions are excellent and restore waters that are impaired.

Lake of the Woods MWRPP Project Location Map

WHAT IS A WATERSHED RESTORATION AND PROTECTION PROJECT (WRAP)

The State of Minnesota has adopted a 10-year cycle for managing water quality for each of the 81 major watersheds in the state.  Every 10 years, each major watershed will undergo a Watershed Restoration and Protection project (WRAP).

An WRAP consists of three phases:
Phase I – Determine the health of the water bodies in the watershed.
Phase II – Develop strategies to protect and/or restore the watershed’s water bodies
Phase III – Conduct restoration and protection projects in the watershed

It is the goal of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to complete each WRAP within a four-year period.  The LOW Watershed is entering into its first 10-year cycle with the Phase I Intensive Watershed Monitoring (IWM) schedule to begin in 2012.

WHAT AREAS ARE COMPRISED IN THE LAKE OF THE WOODS WATERSHED STUDY?

The Lake of the Woods (LOW) Watershed, located in north central Minnesota, comprises an area of 734,783 acres.  The watershed is on the United States-Canada border, and is part of the Rainy River Basin.  The subject area of this project is the LOW watershed’s land located on the south end of the Lake of the Woods.  The LOW Watershed’s land on the north end of the lake (the Northwest Angle) is predominately undeveloped Red Lake Indian Reservation lands and is not included in the scope of this project.

WHO IS CONDUCTION THE PROJECT?

The Lake of the Woods SWCD is the local governmental unit leading the WRAP effort under contract with the MPCA.  Houston Engineering, Inc. and RMB Environmental Laboratories, Inc. are supporting the SWCD in these efforts.

IS THE PUBLIC INVOLVED?

It’s important that those who live in the Lake of the Woods Watershed are part of this project.  The project team includes a group of stakeholders that represents land owners and residents.  Anyone who is interested can join this group at any time or attend any of the public meetings associated with the project.  As the project reaches important milestones, such as completing the reports mentioned above, open houses are held to share results and discuss findings.  Upon request, the project team will also share developments with local groups.

Focus group meetings will be held throughout the process.  The intention of these meetings is to discuss on-going water quality monitoring efforts in the Lake of the Woods Watershed, and to introduce the concept of the MPCA’s Watershed Approach.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

NOVEMBER 1, 2012

Kick-off meeting for Warroad and Lake of the Woods Watershed Studies

OCTOBER 2, 2012

VIEW COMMENTS

MARCH 9, 2012

Kick-off meeting in Baudette fro Phase 1 of WRAP

REPORTS

WATERSHED CONDITIONS REPORT, SEPT. 2012
TERRAIN ANALYSIS REPORT

The full size report can be made available upon request to the SWCD.

GIS shapefiles are also available for the Terrain Analysis.  Send request to the SWCD.

Rapid River Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy

PROJECT:

Rapid River Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy

RECENT UPDATES

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KEY CONTACTS

Email tmdl@lakeofthewoodsswcd.org with your general questions. 

You may also contact one of the project managers listed below.

  • Cary Hernandez, MPCA Project Manager, cary.hernandez@state.mn.us, 218-846-8124

  • Mike Hirst, Lake of the Woods SWCD,
    mike.hirst@mn.nacdnet.net, 218-634-1842 x4

  • Julie Blackburn, RESPEC Project Manager, julie.blackburn@respec.com, 651-605-5705

RESEARCH AND REPORTS

LOCAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE RAINY AND RAPID RIVERS
A STOCHASTIC APPRAISAL FO THE ANNUAL CARBON BUDGET OF A LARGE CIRCUMBOREAL PEATLAND, RAPID RIVER WATERSHED, N. MN
GROUND WATER AND THE EVOLUTION OF PATTERNED MIRES, GLACIAL LAKE AGASSIZ PEATLANDS, NORTHERN MN
INITIAL FISHERIES STREAM SURVEY
LOWER RAINY RIVER AND RAPID RIVER WATERSHEDS MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT REPORT
RAPID RIVER WATER RESTORATION AND PROJECT STRATEGY
RAPID WATERSHED ASSESSMENT
REGIONAL GROUND WATER FLOW MODELING OF THE GLACIER LAKE AGASSIZ PEATLANDS, MN
THE GREAT DITCH EXPERIMENT
THE PATTERNED MIRES OF THE RED LAKE PEATLAND, NORTHERN MINNESOTA VEGETATION, WATER CHEMISTRY, AND LANDFORMS
WATERSHED CONTEXT REPORT
WATERSHED REPORT CARD RAPID RIVER

August 2021

Minutes from the August 12th, 2021 Regular Board Meeting

The meeting of the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District was held in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

The meeting was called to order by John Sonstegard at 5:10 p.m.

Members present: John Sonstegard, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell.  Monica Dohmen joined via Zoom but did not participate due to Open Meeting Law limitations.  

Members absent: Roger Krause

Others present: Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer; Conservation Corps intern, Abigail Fluke; County Commissioner, Joe Grund (attending remotely)

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the agenda as presented.  The motion was seconded by Dunnell. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the July 8th, 2021 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Jordan Mayer and Barb Lusardi, MN Geological Survey staff, gave a Zoom presentation at 5:15.  They covered the county geologic atlas project and next steps.  SWCD Water Resources staff, Vrtacnik, has recently completed locating wells within the county as part of Phase 1 of the project.  

The July 2021 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the bills as listed on the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Dunnell. 

Old Business

Personnel policy waivers – no action was taken

Forest management plan cost share program
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to set payment limits for the LW One Watershed One Plan cost share program.  Cost share is a $300 base payment plus $6.50 per acre with a cap of 320 acres.  Cost share cannot exceed 100% of total invoiced cost. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

 Special Reports 

Michael Steinhauer, NRCS Resource Conservationist – Steinhauer presented information on EQIP signups and current program status.  He notified the board that their office is currently taking reports of damages due to the extreme drought.  He also presented information on the most recent COVID protocols in federal buildings.  

New Business

Replenish Petty Cash Account
A motion was made by Dunnell with a second by Sindelir, to replenish the petty cash account with the amount of $77.09. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Hapka abandoned well sealing cost share request
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize Hapka Holding LLC’s abandoned well sealing cost share request in the amount of 75% or $300, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Livestock Workshop soil/manure testing reimbursement
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to expand the soil and manure testing reimbursement from the recent livestock workshop to cover three out-of-county participants who attended from outside the 5-county partner area.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Engage services of WSN Engineering for shoreline riprap
The consensus of the board is to proceed with WSN Engineering services for engineering on lakeshore projects. 

Permission to pay AC Water Analysis invoice in advance of September board meeting
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize payment of the AC Water Analysis well testing clinic invoice upon receipt. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Adrian’s Resort/Ney abandoned well sealing cost share payment request

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize final payment to Adrian’s Resort for two abandoned well sealings.  Total approved payment is $300 per well, for a total of $600.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Request to purchase supplies for buckthorn removal

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize up to $250 for the purchase of buckthorn removal equipment and supplies. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests -none

Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.  

Committee Reports -none

General Information and Discussion

Outstanding Conservationist Nomination – the Outstanding Conservationist Program is underway for 2021.  Staff are looking for local submissions. 

Pens and promotional items for SWCD – staff will provide options to the board at an upcoming board meeting. 

Livestock producer workshop summary of attendee evaluations – see attachment to the August board packet. The workshop was very well received overall.  

Soil and manure test kits – cost share

A motion was made by Dunnel, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize a 75% cost share program for livestock producers in Lake of the Woods County for soil and manure testing through AgVise. 

  • Cost share will cover 75% of the cost of a test for Soil-C (phosphorus, pH, soluble sales and organic matter) and Manure-M3 Partial (moisture, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).  
  • Shipping is not covered by cost share. 
  • Participants must have either land or cattle in Lake of the Woods County.  
  • Participants would be eligible for one suite of tests (both soil and manure) per year.     

Funding will cover a total of 30 tests.  Funding for the cost share program will come from the MPCA Feedlot Program funds.  

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Preview of SWCD website – presentation of draft SWCD website design

Area VIII Meeting and Tour, September 23rd and 24th in Walker – all supervisors and staff wishing to attend may register.  

Campaign finance – review contact information 

The next regular board meeting has been set for September 9th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Dunnell Seconded: Sindelir

Meeting adjournment time: 7:15 pm

Lake of the Woods Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)

PROJECT:

Lake of the Woods Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)

RECENT UPDATES

View the March 8th, 2018 Progress Report presentation from the Lake of the Woods Water Quality Forum.

MARCH 8TH PROGRESS REPORT

The Load Allocation Table has been updated. The draft results are update to date as of February 19th, 2018.

LOAD ALLOCATION TABLE

KEY CONTACTS

Email tmdl@lakeofthewoodsswcd.org with your general questions. 

You may also contact one of the project managers listed below.

  • Cary Hernandez, MPCA Project Manager, cary.hernandez@state.mn.us, 218-846-8124

  • Mike Hirst, Lake of the Woods SWCD,
    mike.hirst@mn.nacdnet.net, 218-634-1842 x4

  • Julie Blackburn, RESPEC Project Manager, julie.blackburn@respec.com, 651-605-5705

ABOUT THE LOW TMDL

A TMDL study calculates the maximum amount of a pollutant a waterbody can withstand.  It also identifies necessary reductions and allocates them to one or more sources. 

The end goal of a TMDL study is to develop a plan and potential starting point for restoration or protection activities. 

This project, which began in July 2015, builds on and makes use of existing data and research, and will result in a study document available for public review and comment prior to submission to the United States Environmental Protection Agency for approval.

CURRENT RESEARCH ON LAKE OF THE WOODS

For more information on some of the current research, check out these articles from the St. Croix Watershed Research Station:

“Buoyed By New Clues to Lake of the Woods” – Field Notes, August 2015

“Unlocking Lake of the Woods” – Field Notes, March 2015

Sub Basin Drainage map within Lake of the Woods Basin
DOWNLOAD OUR FACT SHEET

PUBLIC MEETINGS

OCTOBER 31, 2016 MEETING

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION
VIEW RESULTS OF THE SURVEY

OCTOBER 15, 2016 MEETING

PRESENTATION DOCUMENTS

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)

NOVEMBER, 2017 MEETING

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION

REPORTS

HYDRODYNAMIC WATER....
PALEOLIMNOLOGY...
DIFFUSIVE PHOSPHORUS FLUX...
NUTRIENT MASS BALANCE
ESTIMATION OF INTERNAL PHOSPHORUS...

July 2021

Minutes from the July 8, 2021 Regular Board Meeting

The meeting of the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District was held in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

The meeting was called to order by John Sonstegard at 5:00 p.m.  

Members present: John Sonstegard, Frank Sindelir, Nancy Dunnell. Roger Krause joined remote via Zoom and votes were taken via roll call.  Monica Dohmen joined the meeting after Drain Stencil Event 2021 under New Business

Members absent: none

Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer, Conservation Corps Intern, Abbey Fluke

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the agenda as amended.  The motion was seconded by Dunnell. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Dunnell to approve the June 10, 2021 minutes.  The motion was seconded by Krause.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

The June 2021 Treasurer’s Report and 2nd quarter budget vs actual reports were reviewed. 

The 2nd quarter supervisor expense reports were reviewed. 

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the bills as listed on the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Krause. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Old Business

Personnel policy waivers – no action was taken 

PRAP wrap-up – no comments were received for the BWSR Performance Review report. 

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – see attachment to the July 8 agenda for a copy of Steinhauer’s report

New Business

Authorize funds for 2021 well testing clinic 

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize $750 for well test kits for the 2021 well testing clinic to be held on August 13th. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Starry Trek 2021

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $193 for expenses for the 2021 Starry Trek event. Funds will come from the AIS program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.   

Drain Stencil Event 2021    

A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize $225 for the Drain Stencil event. Funds will come from the Local Capacity program.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.

Dahlen cost share payment    

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the cost share payment for Rosie Dahlen’s 2021-01-1W1P contract.  Total final payment is $6,411.77.  Payment is contingent upon receiving engineering certification. 

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell, Dohmen Opposed: None Motion carried.

Horter cost share payment  

A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize final payment for the Horter 2020-10-LC cost share contract from Local Capacity Funds.  Final payment is not to exceed 75% or $15,000, whichever is less.  Payment is contingent upon receiving the final invoice and engineering certification.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell, Dohmen Opposed: None Motion carried.

Ditch 1 cost share 

This item was tabled. 

Forest management plan cost share program  

This item was tabled.  The board requested a review of potential maximum cost share amount per landowner.  

Plantskydd inventory and purchase request   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the purchase of one case of ready to use and one case of powder concentrate Plantskydd for resale. 

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell, Dohmen Opposed: None Motion carried.

Close postage petty cash 

A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the closing of the postage petty cash account and use the regular petty cash account for postage.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell, Dohmen Opposed: None Motion carried.

Keep It Clean sign purchases   

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the purchase of 30 Keep it Clean signs for $1,050 plus shipping. Funding will come from the Keep it Clean program (10%) and the One Watershed One Plan implementation funds (90%). 

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell, Dohmen Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Fee for appeal of noncompliance notice

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to set a $500 fee for the appeal of noncompliance notices sent by the County to landowners as part of the State of MN Buffer Law.  Once paid, the fee is refundable only in the event that the landowner is successful in their appeal and is found in compliance.   

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell, Dohmen Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Gunderson cost share payment 

A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize final payment for the Gunderson 2020-08-LC cost share contract.  Final payment is approved in the amount of $7,500 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less.  Payment is contingent upon receiving the final invoice and engineering certification.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir, Dunnell, Dohmen Opposed: None Motion carried. 

Training and Travel Requests – none

Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.  

Committee Reports 

Lake of the Woods Control Board – the board reviewed the current water level graph.  Levels are about 1-1.5 feet below the normal range. 

Area VIII Meeting – Stromlund gave an update to the board on the meeting that he attended remotely.  Resolution discussion was the main part of the meeting.  

General Information and Discussion

Open Meeting Law and end of Governor’s Emergency Powers on July 1  – the board reviewed MCIT’s guidance on open meeting law requirements and the changes that will be implemented at SWCD board meetings effective July 1 in order to be in compliance with OML. 

Cost share violation – the staff discussed multiple requests to install boat ramps or lake accesses where current cost share projects are in existence, including one violation.  Staff are currently collecting information on the sites and trying to determine the best course of action.  

Abandoned well sealing cost share rate review – the policy on cost share rates for abandoned well sealing will be reviewed during the next budget cycle.  

Proclamation of new Federal holiday and personnel policy – clarification of the employee leave policy and observed federal holidays will be reviewed during the next budget cycle.  

MASWCD Legislative updates – the MASWCD legislative updates were reviewed.  

The next regular board meeting has been set for August 12th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Dohmen

Meeting adjournment time: 8:00 pm

June 2021

Minutes from the June 10, 2021 Regular Board Meeting

The meeting of the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District was held in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  Due to the COVID-19 Emergency declared by MN Governor Walz, board members and members of the public were allowed to join via Zoom conferencing.  All votes were taken via roll call.

The meeting was called to order by John Sonstegard at 5:00 p.m.

Members present: In person – John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Frank Sindelir. Joining remotely – Roger Krause

Members absent: Nancy Dunnell

Others present: In-person – Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Resource Conservationist, Michael Steinhauer, MCC Intern Abigail Fluke.  Joining remotely – Jody Peek, NRCS District Conservationist; Brett Arne, BWSR PRAP Coordinator

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Krause. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the May 13, 2021 minutes, seconded by Dohmen.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

The May 2021 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

A motion was made by Dohmen to approve the bills as listed on the agenda, seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Old Business

Personnel policy waivers – no action was taken 

Dahlen cost share contract approval – a motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the conservation contract for Rosie Dahlen in the amount of $6,411.77 or 50% of the total project cost, whichever is less.  Total proposed project cost is $12,823.55.  Construction must be completed by December 31, 2021. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

DNR Fisheries Update
The date and time for the DNR Fisheries update from Phil Talmage, Fisheries Supervisor, is June 30th at 5:00 p.m. Location to be determined.

Website for SWCD
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to enter into a contract for website development services with SandPieper Design.  Total proposed project cost is $3,800. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Special Reports

PRAP – Brett Arne, BWSR – Arne presented the performance review of the SWCD.  The overall review was favorable.  

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist and Jody Peek, District Conservationist.  See attachment to the June 10, 2021 board packet for a copy of the report.  

New Business

LOW County Fair Booth  

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the rental contract for a fair booth space at the LW County Fair in the amount of $75.00.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Keep It Clean Purchases   
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the purchase of Keep it Clean promotional items as listed in the board packet.  Total approximate cost is $3,466.53. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Geoff Slick abandoned well sealing final payment request
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize the final payment for Slick’s abandoned well sealing.  Total payment authorized is $300.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Return of unspent funds to BWSR – Disaster Recovery Grant   
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the return of unspent funds for the MN Flood Relief Grant Phase 3A in the amount of $42,477.14. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Conservation Corps monthly invoices
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize staff to pay the monthly invoices for the Conservation Corps upon receipt. Total contracted cost is not to exceed $6,600. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Livestock producer workshop budget request 
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize a total budget not to exceed $3,300 from Feedlot Program funds for a livestock producer workshop at Tom Olson’s farm.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

AIS Digital Marketing Campaign Request
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to authorize $1,500 for a digital AIS marketing campaign that will target boaters on Lake of the Woods.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Olson abandoned well sealing final payment request

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize final payment for Olson’s abandoned well sealing project in the amount of $300. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Agreement with Roseau SWCD and 1W1P JPP for implementation of structural and nonstructural conservation practices

A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to enter into an agreement with the Roseau SWCD and Lake of the Woods 1W1P JPB for the implementation of a cost share program for structural and nonstructural conservation practices. 

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Vail abandoned well sealing cost share application
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the abandoned well sealing cost share application for Colleen Vail.  Cost share is not to exceed $300 or 75% of the total cost, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests – None

Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.  

Committee Reports
AIS and Keep it Clean – actions for purchases and outreach taken during the board meeting were a result of the recent committee meeting.  

General Information and Discussion

Keep it Clean Report – Abbey Fluke, Conservation Corps Intern – see attachment to the June board meeting for a copy of the report that Abbey prepared and presented.  Spiny Water Flea refrigerator magnets were distributed to local resorts. 

2021 Summer SWCD newsletter – Trask notified the board that she would begin drafting the SWCD newsletter for a late summer distribution. 

Thank you to Jill and Jared Martinson for assisting with the Shoreline Cleanup effort – Martinsons were recognized for their contribution of ferrying the crew to and from Pine Island via their boat.  They provided transportation services for the entire day. 

The next regular board meeting has been set for July 8th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Dohmen Seconded: Krause

Meeting adjournment time: 7:28 p.m.

May 2021

Minutes from the May 13, 2021 Regular Board Meeting

The meeting of the Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District was held in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  Due to the COVID-19 Emergency declared by MN Governor Walz, board members and members of the public were allowed to join via Zoom conferencing.  All votes were taken via roll call.

The meeting was called to order by John Sonstegard at 5:00 p.m.

Members present: In-person: John Sonstegard, Frank Sindelir.  Remote: Roger Krause
Members absent: Nancy Dunnell, Monica Dohmen
Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; Remote: Michael Steinhauer, NRCS Resource Conservationist

A motion was made by Krause to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Sindelir. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

A motion was made by Sindelir to approve the April 8th, 2021 minutes, seconded by Krause.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

The April 2021 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.  

A motion was made by Krause to approve the bills as listed on the agenda, seconded by Sindelir.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Old Business

Personnel policy waivers – continue or suspend – no action was taken. 

Special Reports

NRCS partner updates – Michael Steinhauer, Resource Conservationist – Steinhauer reported on approved EQIP contracts, CSP applications and the current staffing and masking requirements due to the COVID pandemic.

New Business
Dahlen shoreline protection cost share application
No action was taken.  This item was tabled until the June meeting.  

Olson Abandoned well sealing cost share application
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the Olson abandoned well sealing cost share contract in the amount of $300 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Ellis Abandoned well sealing cost share application
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize the Ellis abandoned well sealing cost share contract in the amount of $300 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Clean Water Fund Grant Work Order for the shoreline cleanup
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the Conservation Corps Clean Water Fund Grant Work Order for the shoreline cleanup with Hirst as the authorized representative.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Dodge air conditioning
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize the repair of the Dodge air conditioning at Wherley Motors. 
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Tree Program pending invoices
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sindelir, to authorize final payment of DNR State Forest Nursery invoice upon receiving the invoice and verifying the accuracy.
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Replenish Petty Cash Account 
A motion was made by Sindelir, with a second by Krause, to authorize a check for cash in the amount of $48.35 to replenish the petty cash account.  

Affirmative: Sonstegard, Krause, Sindelir Opposed: None Motion carried.

Training and Travel Requests – None

Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.  

Committee Reports
International Rainy – Lake of the Woods Watershed Board update – see attachment to the board packet. 

General Information and Discussion

  • Website for SWCD – the board reviewed possible website hosting options for the new SWCD website and provided recommendations for seeking and evaluating additional quotes.
  • Community sewer system needs and options study – the concept for strategic planning for community sewer system was discussed.  Stromlund has been reaching out to possible partners and the staff is looking into building support for, and funding the development of, a strategic plan.  
  • Rainy-Rapid – One Watershed One Plan Discussion – the staff notified the board that the application for planning grants are now being accepted. Through discussions with partnering entities, it has been decided that LW SWCD will pursue a grant on behalf of the group.     
  • Livestock Producer Workshop July 30th – see attachment to the board packet. 
  • 2021 Tree Program Report – see attachment to the board packet.

The next regular board meeting has been set for June 10, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.  

Adjourn: Krause Seconded: Sindelir Meeting adjournment time: 7:03 p.m.