Minutes from the May 14th, 2026 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 Nancy Dunnell at 5:00 p.m.
Members present: Monica Dohmen, Nancy Dunnell, John Sopkowiak Members absent: John Sonstegard, Roger Krause
Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the agenda. Affirmative: Dohmen, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
A motion was made by Sopkowiak, with a second by Dunnel, to approve the April 9th, 2026 minutes. Affirmative: Dohmen, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
The April 2026 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak to approve the bills as listed on the agenda. Affirmative: Dohmen, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Old Business
Strategic Planning – tabled until more supervisors are present
Special Reports – none
New Business Reinvestment of maturing CD with Multi-Bank Securities A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the reinvestment of the maturing $125,000 CD with Multi-Bank Securities per manager’s approval. Affirmative: Dohmen, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Larsen 2025-01 FMP-RR cost share extension request A motion was made by Sopkowiak, with a second by Dohmen, to approve Larsen’s 2025-01 FMP-RR cost share extension request until September 30th, 2026. Affirmative: Dohmen, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Local Work Group Meeting 2026 A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to hold the Local Work Group Meeting on June 11th at 4:30 p.m. Affirmative: Dohmen, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
We Are Water Exhibit
The board consensus is to pursue the We Are Water Exhibit for 2027.
Brauch abandoned well sealing cost share application
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve Brauch’s abandoned well sealing cost share application in the amount of $1,000.00 or 100% of the total cost, whichever is less. Affirmative: Dohmen, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Koochiching SWCD drone services agreement
A motion was made by Sopkowiak, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the contract with Koochiching SWCD for drone services. Affirmative: Dohmen, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Friesner abandoned well sealing cost share application
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve Friesner’s abandoned well sealing cost share application in the amount of $1,000.00 or 100% of the total cost, whichever is less. Affirmative: Dohmen, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Shoreline Cleanup Insurance Coverage
A motion was made by Sopkowiak, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the 2026 Volunteer Agreement between Jared Martinson and the SWCD for boat transportation during the shoreline cleanup. Affirmative: Dohmen, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. Superior Forestry Services Master Contract A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the Master Contract with Superior Forestry Services. Affirmative: Dohmen, Sopkowiak, 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
Peterson Company LTD – 2025 Audit Planning Letter
2026 MASWCD Resolution updates
2026 Tree Sale Report
The next regular board meeting has been set for June 11th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center. **time change due to local work group meeting prior
Minutes from the April 9th, 2026 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, Roger Krause, Nancy Dunnell, John Sopkowiak
Members absent: None
Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; NRCS Team Lead, Jody Peek; County Commissioner, Joe Grund
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the agenda. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the March 12th, 2026 minutes. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
The March 2026 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.
The First Quarter Budget vs Actual reports were reviewed.
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the bills as listed on the agenda. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Old Business
Letter to International Lake of the Woods Control Board A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the joint letter to the International Lake of the Woods Control Board from the SWCD and the County Board and to allow for minor changes if any are requested by the County Board. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Letter regarding USDA staffing levels A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the joint letter regarding USDA Staffing Levels from the SWCD and the County Board and to allow for minor changes if any are requested by the County Board. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
MGLCA – agreement update and request A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to approve an additional contribution of $100 to the MN Grazing Lands Association for a total of $800 per mentor/mentee pair in 2026. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Strategic Planning – mini session – goal review This agenda item was tabled.
Special Reports
NRCS partner updates – Jody Peek, NRCS Team Lead, informed the board that the staff for the 5-county team is down one more, leading to fewer hours which will be allocated to Lake of the Woods and Koochiching producers. There are no EQIP contracts in LW County. Staff is currently completing CSP assessment and ranking, and there are eight applications.
New Business Keep it Clean Donation Request A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to approve a $500 donation to the the Lake of the Woods Take a Kid Fishing Program from the Keep it Clean Account in exchange for the KIC logo to be included on tshirts. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Request to purchase pin flags A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve $316.50 from the tree program to the purchase of pin flags for resale Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Tree Program payments A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize payment of invoices from nursery suppliers upon delivery of tree seedlings. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Grant fund transfer request A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the transfer of MidPoint Assessment Grant payments from the SWCD to the LOW Joint Powers Board immediately upon receipt from the State. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Load Monitoring purchase request
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the purchase of a pH sensor in the amount of $225.00 through the Load Program contract. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Drone services
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to approve utilizing Koochiching SWCD for drone services to complete a seeding for the living snowfence project. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Summer internship
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to approve a summer intern position at the SWCD in a possible partnership with the County Public Works Department. Affirmative: Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Sonstegard abstained. Motion carried.
Levasseur forest management plan cost share final payment A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the final payment for Levasseur’s 2026-02 FMP-RR contract in the amount of $531.00 upon receipt of all required documentation. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Training and Travel Requests – none
Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.
Committee Reports
TSA8 Committee meeting Area 8 Remote Meeting
General Information and Discussion
Southern Shore Barrier Island Erosion Investigation presentation from AMI Engineering
State Climatology Office Annual Summary 2025
Artificial Intelligence Usage policy
2026 Elections reminder
Resolutions
Rainy-Rapid WBIF update
The next regular board meeting has been set for May 14th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
Minutes from the March 12th, 2026 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 Sonstegard at 5:00 p.m.
Members present: John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Nancy Dunnell, John Sopkowiak. Roger Krause attended remotely. Votes were taken by roll call.
Members absent: none
Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; NRCS District Conservationist, Jody Peek (virtual)
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the agenda as presented. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the February 12th, 2026 minutes. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
The February 2026 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.
A motion was made by Sopkowiak, with a second by Dunnell to approve the bills as listed on the agenda. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Old Business
Review Items from Strategic Planning The board discussed the vision statement and three options for the mission statement. The board was in consensus regarding the vision statement and agreed that the mission statement should be similar to option B, with the possible edits of:
The Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District isserves as a vital connection between landowners and agency partners to conserve and enhance natural resources.
The board reviewed the sorting and renaming of the goals and actions. The board will review one goal per monthly meeting for the next 5 SWCD Board Meetings. No action was taken.
Correction to Petty cash A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve amending the February 12th, 2026 motion for petty cash from $70.01 to $72.01. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Special Reports
NRCS partner updates – Jody Peek provided an update regarding NRCS activities. The office is busy with deadlines including an EQIP deadline for April 24th. Jody attended an operational meeting on February 25-26, where state leadership discussed hiring statewide. The outlook sounded grim with the likelihood that for every 4 employees that leave the NRCS only one can be hired. There is still a hiring freeze. In order for the DC position in Baudette to be filled, the position has to be opened up and then would only be filled with someone that already works for the NRCS. Another employee in the Bemidji Team has resigned leaving Jody and four planners left in the Team. CRP general sign up deadlines are approaching. Continuous CRP enrollment opens Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. FSA will batch Continuous CRP offers on a first-come, first-serve basis. The first Continuous CRP batching period ends March 20, 2026. If acreage remains available, FSA will consider offers submitted after this date in subsequent batching periods. General CRP enrollment opens March 9 through April 17, 2026.
The board discussed sending a letter to federal legislators regarding hiring NRCS staff to service the county.
New Business BWSR Soil Health Grant Agreement A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the Board Chair to sign the P26-0827 BWSR Soil Health Grant Agreement. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
MPCA Agreement for Lake Monitoring A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sopkowiak, to authorize the Lake of the Woods SWCD Monitoring Agreement with MPCA and authorize the District Manager to sign it in SWIFT once it is finalized. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
DNR Agreement for Peatland Monitoring
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the Joint Powers Agreement with the DNR for Phase 3 Monitoring and to authorize the District Manager to sign it via SWIFT. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. 2025 Rain Gauge Volunteer Recognition A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to approve $340 towards gift certificates as recognition for Rain Gauge volunteers. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Ravndalen R-R Forest Management Plan cost share final payment A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve Ravndalen’s 2025-01-FMP-LW Forest management plan cost share final payment in the amount of $2,380.00. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. Arnesen Abandoned Well Sealing final payment A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve Arnesen’s 2019-18-SP abandoned well sealing cost share final payment in the amount of $1,000.00. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Blanch Abandoned Well Sealing final payment A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to approve Blanch’s 2025-08-SP abandoned well sealing cost share final payment in the amount of $1,000.00. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Extension – Orcutt forest management plan cost share contract A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to approve Orcutt’s 2025-02-FMP-LW Forest Management Plan contract amendment to extend the contract until June 30, 2026. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Clean Water Fund Grant Fund Work Order – CCMI – LOW Shoreline Cleanup A motion was made by Sopkowiak, with a second by Dohmen, to approve Clean Water Fund Grant Fund Work Order – CCMI – LOW Shoreline Cleanup and authorize Hirst to sign the contract. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Clean Water Fund Grant Fund Work Order – CCMI – Living Snow Fence A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to approve Clean Water Fund Grant Fund Work Order – CCMI – Living Snow Fence and authorize Trask to sign the contract. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Aitchison forest management plan cost share application A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve funding for Terry Aitchison’s Lake of the Woods Forest Management Plan cost share application for 120 acres in the amount of $1,125.00. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
VanDeHey forest management plan cost share application A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to approve funding for Justin VanDeHey’s Lake of the Woods Forest Management Plan cost share application for 63 acres in the amount of $697.50. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Training and Travel Requests IJC Semi-Annual Meeting – Hirst A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to approve Hirst’s attendance at the IJC’s semi-annual meeting in Washington DC the week of April 20th. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.
Committee Reports Lake of the Woods Control Board Hirst and Dohmen updated the board with the regulation activities of the Lake of the Woods Control Board and provided an update on spring water level forecasts from the LWCB meeting on 3/5/2026.
General Information and Discussion – None
The next regular board meeting has been set for April 9th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
Minutes from the February 12th, 2026 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 5:05 p.m.
Members present: John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Nancy Dunnell, John Sopkowiak. Roger Krause attended remotely. Votes were taken by roll call.
Members absent: none
Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask; County Commissioner, Joe Grund
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the agenda as presented. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the January 8th, 2026 minutes. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
The January Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.
A motion was made by Sopkowiak, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the bills as listed on the agenda. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Old Business – none
Special Reports – none
New Business Always There Staffing Agreement A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the 2026 Agreement with Always There Staffing, Inc for recruiting and hiring Aquatic Invasive Species Inspectors. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
MN Grazing Lands Conservation Association A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the 2026 Grazing Mentorship Program Partnership Agreement with the MN Grazing Lands Conservation Association in the amount not to exceed $1,400. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Peterson Company LTD 2025 audit bid A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the 2025 audit bid from Peterson Company LTD in the amount of $5,300. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Replenish Petty Cash Account. A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve replenishing the petty cash account with $70.01, bringing the total to $100. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Reinvestment of maturing CD with Multi-Bank Securities A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the District Manager to reinvest the maturing $125,000 CD with Multi-Bank Securities for a term of up to two years. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Keep it Clean Donation A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to accept a donation to the Keep it Clean Program in the amount of $720.00 from the Sporting Journal Radio. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Envirothon
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to approve a contribution to the Envirothon program in the amount of $300, payable to Clearwater SWCD. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Dodds FMP-RR cost share application
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to approve funding for John Dodd’s Rainy Rapid Forest Management Plan cost share application in the amount of $2,625.00 Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Levasseur FMP-RR cost share application A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to approve funding for Steve Levasseur’s Rainy Rapid Forest Management Plan cost share application in the amount of $735.00 Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Mehmel FMP-RR cost share application A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve funding for Gretchen Mehmel’s Rainy Rapid Forest Management Plan cost share application in the amount of $2,625.00 Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Colbert FMP-RR cost share application A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve funding for Kyle Colbert’s Rainy Rapid Forest Management Plan cost share application in the amount of $1,552.50 Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, 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
Strategic Planning
Giziibii RC&D Correspondence
The next regular board meeting has been set for March 12th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
Minutes from the January 8th, 2026 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 Nancy Dunnell at 5:00 p.m.
Members present: John Sonstegard, Monica Dohmen, Roger Krause, Nancy Dunnell, John Sopkowiak
Members absent: none
Others present: Land and Water Planning Director, Josh Stromlund; Resource Conservationist, Mike Hirst; Resource Conservationist, Corryn Trask
A motion was made by Sonstegard, with a second by Krause, to approve the agenda as presented. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Annual Business Meeting
Officer Elections A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to nominate John Sonstegard as Chair. A call for further nominations was made three times. No further nominations were made.
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to nominate Nancy Dunnell as Vice Chair. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to nominate Monica Dohmen, Treasurer; John Sopkowiak, Secretary; Roger Krause, Public Relations. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Monthly meeting date, time and location A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Sopkowiak, to set the SWCD regular monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 5:00 p.m. in the boardroom of the County Government Center. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Official depositories A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to set the official depositories as Border Bank of Baudette and Multi-Bank Securities, Inc. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Check signing authority A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve check signing authority for Josh Stromlund, Corryn Trask, Mike Hirst and Nancy Dunnell. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Supervisor compensation rates A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Krause, to set the Supervisor compensation rates at $125 per meeting. This rate is per day, regardless of the number of meetings attended. Supervisors may receive a per-diem for travel days necessary for attending out of town meetings. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Mileage Rates, Meal Allowances and Spending Limits A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the following:
The 2026 mileage rate will reflect the most current IRS mileage rate. Meal allowance for supervisors and employees is set at $75 per day. District staff have permission to pay all District related bills prior to the next board meeting, including: payroll, payroll liabilities, fuel account at Northdale, Marco copier, or invoices not exceeding $200. Invoices for emergency vehicle repairs or other emergency items exceeding $200 may be paid upon authorization by the Board Chair or SWCD Manager.
Official Newspaper A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to designate the official newspaper as the Northern Light Region. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Membership Dues A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to approve the annual membership dues as follows: Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts $5,564.17
MASWCD North Central Area (VIII) pending
Minnesota Association of Conservation District Employees $ 25/employee
C/C/OGA Membership Dues $ 84.00
Minnesota Association of County Feedlot Officers $ 150.00
National Association of Conservation Districts $ 775.00
Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried. Committee Assignments A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to approve 2026 Committee Assignments as follows:
Committee
Board
Staff
Mtgs/yr (approx.)
Area VIII Meetings
All supervisors
All staff
3 – Bemidji
North Central MN TSA 8
Nancy Dunnell
Josh Stromlund, Alternate: Corryn Trask
2 – Bemidji
Personnel Committee
John Sonstegard, Nancy Dunnell
Minimum 1
International Multi-Agency Technical Advisory Committee
n/a
Mike Hirst
3
Lake of the Woods Control Board
Monica Dohmen
Mike Hirst
3
International Rainy Lake of the Woods Watershed Board
n/a
Mike Hirst
10
Rainy-Rapid One Watershed One Plan Policy Committee
Monica Dohmen, John Sonstegard
6
School Forest Committee
n/a
Corryn Trask
8
Lake of the Woods Watershed Joint Powers Board
Nancy Dunnell Alternates: John Sonstegard
4 – Warroad
AIS/Keep it Clean Committee
John Sopkowiak
Mike Hirst
6
AIS/Keep it Clean Committee (at large member) – $75 per diem
Fixed asset list -no items were presented for removal
The housekeeping items listed on the agenda were reviewed.
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the December 11th, 2025 minutes. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
The December 2025 Treasurer’s Report was reviewed.
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen to approve the bills as listed on the agenda. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Old Business– none
New Business
UMN Extension Contract Agreement
A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the agreement with the UMN Extension for strategic planning services.
Jody Horntvedt, MN Extension met with the board and worked through strategic planning items in preparation for the upcoming workshop. Chad Severts, BWSR, participated remotely.
Special Reports NRCS partner updates – Jody Peek, NRCS District Conservationist Team Lead, joined the meeting remotely to provide updates to the board. She announced two retirements which will impact Lake of the Woods County including Steve Cole, Assistant State Conservationist along with the Area Engineer. Local funding pools have now been established for EQIP funds, which should make the work of the local workgroup more impactful. CSP and EQIP application periods are still open.
New Business Strategic Planning Session A motion was made by Sopkowiak, with a second by Dunnell, to set the strategic planning session for January 28th from 8:00-10:00 at the Baudette Ambulance Garage. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Check reorder request A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the request to order 500 SWCD checks. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Mollberg abandoned well sealing cost share payment request
A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Krause, to approve Mollberg’s 2025-07SP abandoned well sealing cost share final payment in the amount of $1,000.00. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Beltrami County SWCD Keep It Clean Wheelhouse Rental Agreement A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to approve the rental agreement for the Keep it Clean fishhouse, along with a $250 rental fee and $5,000 damage deposit. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Correction to October Minutes A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to change all instances of Sindelir to Sopkowiak in the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Williams Creek Settlement agreement amendment and supplemental agreement A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dohmen, to authorize the board chair to sign the revised Williams Creek Settlement Agreement and supplemental agreement. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
WPLMN Draft Work Plan / Contract with MPCA A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Dunnell, to authorize the District Manager to sign the pending amendment to the Watershed Pollution Load Monitoring Network grant to extend the grant until 6/30/28 and add two additional seasons of water monitoring. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Rainy-Rapid WBIF Cooperative Agreements A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Krause, to approve the Rainy Rapid Cooperative Agreements for the implementation of the FY26 Rainy-Rapid Watershed Based Implementation Funding. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Sustainable Farming Association Agreement A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the 2026-2027 Professional Services Agreement for agriculture workshops, field tours and producer coaching services from the Sustainable Farming Association not to exceed $20,000. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Event Services Contract with Sustainable Farming Association A motion was made by Krause, with a second by Dunnell, to approve the Event Services Contract with the Sustainable Farming Association in the amount of $3,000. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
2026 Buffer Law Implementation Grant Agreement
A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Sopkowiak, to approve the P26-0143 2026 Buffer Law Implementation Grant Agreement with the Board of Water and Soil Resources. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Northdale gas card for house charges
The board was in agreement to allow the staff to make an internal decision on retaining a Northdale Oil charge account and obtaining charge cards.
Training and Travel Requests Rainy-LOW Watershed Forum A motion was made by Dunnell, with a second by Krause, to authorize staff and supervisors attendance at the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum in International Falls. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
Staff Reports – the board reviewed staff reports as presented with the agenda.
Committee Reports – none
General Information and Discussion
Election memo from BWSR/MASWCD
MASWCD milestones report
Memo – Peterson CPA
County Board Resolution Drainage Exemption Language A motion was made by Dohmen, with a second by Krause, to support the county board resolution #25-12-07, in support of the reinstatement of statutory language removing cropping history as a factor in determining eligibility for drainage practices. Affirmative: Sonstegard, Dohmen, Krause, Sopkowiak, Dunnell Opposed: None Motion carried.
The next regular board meeting has been set for February 12th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the County Government Center.
