CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OF IOWA (CDI)
Region 8 Spring Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2014
The meeting was called to order by CDI Executive Director, Clare Lindahl at 10:15 a.m. at
the Lenox Community Center in Lenox, Iowa. Forty seven people attended and Kelsey
Kinyon took minutes.
Clare Lindahl gave a presentation was on “Bonding, Fundraising, Educating and More: The
successes and challenges of Iowa’s SWCDs”. Some topics of discussion were SWCD
bonding, education, outreach, funding, activities, and Soil & Water Conservation Week
(April 27-May 4). Lindahl’s PowerPoint presentation will be available for review on the CDI
Website.
Vince Sitzmann, Division of Soil Conservation (DSC) Field Services Bureau Chief, presented
“State Cost Share Funding: From in FARMs to on the farm.” The State cost-share program
started in 1973 and has implemented $254 million. A handout showing 4
Recommendations for Timely Use of State Cost Share Funds was presented and discussed.
Main recommendation topics were; approve & use funds in 1 year or less, utilize Summer
Construction Incentive, Use up to 30% of cost-share funds for Management Practices, and
consider increasing self-imposed cost share limits per applicant.
Doug Davenport, Taylor and Adams County District Conservationist, presented a
PowerPoint highlighting Taylor County’s accomplishments in promoting conservation.
Tyler Folkerts, DSC Summer Intern 2013, organized and hosted a Cover Crop Field Day. 3040 types of seed were used to produce different blends that farmers could utilize. Blockton
Watershed was built in the 1960’s as a PL566 structure. Sand’s Timber Lake was the last to
be built with PL566 funds. WIRB and REAP funding is currently being used. Every year the
District sponsors Bedford and Lenox (sometimes) Schools 6th Graders on an overnight trip
to Springbrook. For most children this may be the first time they are out of the County.
Bedford Students give a thank you presentation to the District.
Duane Sand, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, spoke about his Flood Probability
Modeling which can be used to help protect against floods. Maps are available for 100-500
year floods. When there is enough funding, this will be available to the public. If any
Districts would like to do an informational meeting let him know.
Lunch
Ruth Bolinger, Experience Works, formerly Green Thumb talked about expanding your
workforce with senior employment. Taylor, Clarke, Madison, and Union currently have
openings to fill.
Jane Weber, CDI President, talked about resolution process, CDI/NACD activities, Soil
Conservation Week, and Partnership Day at the Capitol.
Stan Buman, Agren conservation planning tools for ponds, waterways, basins and wetlands.
They are working on an agreement with DSC. The Soil Loss Calculator will be available to
all Districts.
Kelly Tobin, State Soil Conservation Committee. Tobin reminded the Districts the Iowa
Farm & Environmental Leader Award and Conservation Farmer of the Year Awards close
June 15, 2014. This year there is an added bonus of the use of a new Tractor for 12 months
or 200 hours to the winner of the Conservation Farmer of the Year Award. No-Interest
Loan Program changed in July to be allowed to pair with other cost-share projects and the
maximum is now up to $20,000.
Jim Gillespie, Director of Department of Soil Conservation, reviewed the budget. Gillespie
spoke about budget, staffing numbers, funding opportunities, and change of Chapter 10
Rules; Notice of Intended Action. Gillespie Congratulated the Districts as all 100
participated in the Water Quality Initiative Program last fall.
Vince Sitzmann, DSC Field Services Bureau Chief, stated the WIRB grants are due on March
31, and Water Protection due on April 1. State Auditor is recommending some changes be
made in District Operations. Concerns of changing the treasurer duties for the districts
back to the secretaries is not a possibility.
Jon Hubbert, Assistant State Conservationist, introduced himself. A new Farm bill was
signed February 7, 2014. EQIP and WIP will be one program, easements are drastically
combined, conservation compliance will be linked to crop insurance, and EQIP cap will be
$300,000-$450,000. Hubbert respects the strengths of Agren but their designs do not meet
specs yet. It is a valuable tool for cost-estimate.
Rachel Glaza, DNR talked about partnering with SWCD/DSC, lake restoration program,
Clean Water Act and program goals.
Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
_________________________
Kelsey Kinyon, Secretary