South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. Record of Proceedings SDACD Board of Directors September 21, 2014

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1 South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. Record of Proceedings SDACD Board of Directors September 21, 2014 Call to order: Chair Fran Fritz called the meeting to order at 1:17 pm, September 22, 2014, in Oacoma, SD. Present: Fran Fritz, Carolyn Rudebusch, Karl Jensen, Duane Schneider, Mark Snedeker, Lyle Stewart, Ken Graupmann, Yvonne Yoder, Darrell DeBoer Absent: none Also present: Angela Ehlers, SDACD executive director; Bill Smith, SD DoAg-RC&F; Jeff Zimprich, USDA-NRCS; Tina DeHaii & John Parker, SDACDE; Ken Stack, Sanborn CD For the purpose of continuity, these minutes are not necessarily in chronological order. Agenda: MOTION: Karl Jensen moved, Duane Schneider seconded, to adopt the agenda. Motion carried on a voice vote. Internal affairs: Minutes: MOTION: Mark Snedeker moved, Ken Graupmann seconded, to approve the May 30, 2014, board of director minutes. Motion carried on a voice vote. Board retreat: MOTION: Carolyn Rudebusch moved, Karl Jensen, to approve revisions of the following SDACD policies. Motion carried on a voice vote. (underline is addition, strike-out is deletion) IV. FINANCIAL POLICIES 1. General Financial Matters e. Written, computer generated or electronic financial transactions are acceptable. Checks shall originate in the Association office, either typewritten, checkwriter, or computer generated. j. An asset is depreciable when its purchase value is in excess of $1,500. An asset is depreciable when its purchase value is in excess of $ Convention a. Pre-registration: A late fee will be charged for registrations received less than three weeks prior to convention starting date. A late fee will be charged for registrations received after September 1. Spouses are charged a minimal registration fee. Non-district registration applies to anyone who is not a district supervisor, advisor, or district employee. Full payment is required with submission of registration forms. 4. Endowment Fund a. Endowment Fund contributions received three weeks prior to the convention will be acknowledged during the Association convention. Endowment Fund contributions received by September 1 of the current year will be acknowledged during the Association convention. 5. Tree Research c. The Association will fund the Haakon CD tree research proposal Species Survival vs. Site Characteristics Phase 2" at $4,000 for 3 years (2006-$1,500; 2007-$1,500; 2008-$1,000). d. The Association will fund the SDSU tree research proposal Tracking Survival, Growth & Development of Planted Ponderosa Pine on Prairie Soils in Eastern South Dakota at $4,115 for 3 years (2006-$2,085, 2007-$1,080, 2008-$950). e. The Association will fund the Brookings/Moody CDs tree research proposal Influence of Windbreaks on Farm Hydrogen Sulfide Reduction at $10,600 for 1 year. V. POLICY POSITIONS Resource Management A01.rm The Association encourages districts to develop their Long Range Plans and their Annual Plan of Work. The Association encourages districts to develop hydrologic unit plans as components of their Long Range Plans and their Annual Plan of Work. As a whole, district plans should address current objectives and resources which will aid them in seeking funding and to provide information to cooperators. A02.rm The Association urges all agencies and partners to continue efforts to develop a standard process for watershed assessments. A07.rm The Association supports strengthening legislation to discourage conversion to cropland of any Class IVe, VI, VII and VIII land currently in grass. (split into two parts - see below)

2 SDACD Board of Directors September 22, 2014 Page 2 A07a.rm The Association supports sodsaver provisions limiting crop insurance premium subsidies and crop yield guarantees on those tracts of land that have never been tilled or where the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled. The Association supports sodsaver provisions on those tracts of land that have no cropping history with the Farm Services Agency and that no USDA program benefits be available on that tract of land if converted to cropland. A08.rm The Association encourages continued cooperation between districts, SDACD, SDACDE, SDACD Auxiliary and all state and federal agencies dealing with conservation policies, problems and concerns. The Association encourages continued cooperation between districts, SDACD, SDACDE, SDACD Auxiliary and all state and federal agencies dealing with conservation policies, problems and concerns by adopting mutual agreements. A09.rm The Association supports demonstration and/or pilot projects that promote multiple on-site and off-site benefits of our natural resources. The Association supports demonstration and/or pilot projects that promote development and multiple on-site and off-site beneficial uses to our resources. B01.rm The Association believes the primary tool to achieve natural resource conservation is education of all ages. This awareness effort is best accomplished through a cooperative effort between public and private partners. The Association encourages conservation districts to develop as many partnerships as possible, utilizing such opportunities as the media; district newsletters; demonstrations; youth programs, such as FFA & 4-H; outdoor classrooms; conservation camps; judging contests; and the provision of speakers, films, and other educational materials to schools and local organizations. Conservation districts are encouraged to incorporate conservation education materials and sponsorships as line items in their budgets. The Association supports enhancement of the local efforts by such approaches as grants programs to districts, a statewide "speaker's bureau," and statewide B02.rm recognition of Arbor Day, Soil & Water Stewardship Week and Ag Day. The Association supports the institutionalization of conservation education in elementary and secondary classes and for post-secondary degrees. The Association also supports the institutionalization of conservation education in courses for elementary and secondary classes education degrees and for general agriculture post-secondary degrees. B03.rm The Association supports promoting agriculture practices that are sustainable and appropriate for the soil and climatic conditions in which the producer operates. The Association believes conservation districts should promote agriculture practices that are sustainable and appropriate for the soil and climatic conditions in which the producer operates. Such promotion may include demonstrations, news media, newsletters, tillage plots, and signs. C01.rm The Association believes tree planting is an environmental and economic benefit to South Dakota and recommends the development of total tree management program information. The Association believes tree planting is an environmental and economic benefit to South Dakota. Trees trap nutrients in water runoff, reduce floods and erosion, provide shade and natural beauty, store excess water runoff, provide recreation opportunities, increase crop yields, provide specialty crops, retain top soil and moisture, protect winter crops, lower home heating costs, reduce noise, trap air pollutants, provide livestock shelter, raise property values, provide homes for wildlife, moderate microclimates, provide oxygen, improve aesthetics, and increase safety by preventing or reducing blowing snow. The Association encourages all South Dakotans to learn more about the stewardship of trees and recommends the development of total tree management program information. D01.rm D02.rm E02.rm The Association supports pressure applied to managers of public and private lands to control noxious weeds. The Association supports pressure applied in the federal and state levels and on non-participating landowners to control noxious weeds. The Association will work with the SD Weed & Pest Commission in promoting and enhancing weed and pest control, including biological and management practices. The Association will work with the SD Weed & Pest Commission in promoting and enhancing weed and pest control. The Association recommends the State-owned lands not be increased without holding a public hearing in the affected county to show the need and feasibility of such an increase. The Association recommends the land area in any SD State Park not be increased without holding a public hearing in the affected county to show the need and feasibility of such an increase.

3 SDACD Board of Directors September 22, 2014 Page 3 E04.rm F01.rm F02.rm G02.rm H01.rm J02.rm J05.rm A04.pi B01.pi C01.pi The Association opposes the establishment of new or the enlargement of current wilderness areas in South Dakota due to its limitations on locally-led management options. The Association opposes the establishment of new or the enlargement of current wilderness areas in South Dakota. The Association supports the implementation of the 2003 South Dakota black-tailed prairie dog management plan that protects the long term health, viability and survival of the blacktailed prairie dog population and prevents the listing of the species as threatened or endangered. The Association supports the development of a South Dakota black-tailed prairie dog management plan that protects the long term health, viability and survival of the black-tailed prairie dog population and prevents the listing of the species as threatened or endangered. Such a plan should 1) develop management activities based on a scientific inventory of prairie dogs and acres containing prairie dogs; 2) integrate related issues that exist on tribal, federal, and state lands; 3) contain provisions to control and contain disease in the event of an outbreak; 4) protect landowners private property rights and their ability to control prairie dog populations; 5) involve tribes, conservation districts and local governments in the plan s development and implementation; 6) include citizens with grassroots knowledge in the plan s implementation; and 7) avoid landowner incentive payments and focus areas. The Association opposes the 2011 concept paper entitled, From Liability to Asset: A Cooperative Conservation Initiative for Ranching and Wildlife on Prairie Dog Occupied Rangeland. The Association supports an effort to resolve drainage issues within the Big Sioux, James, and Vermillion Rivers through facilitation of joint powers agreements between affected counties, conservation districts, water development districts and other governmental units. The Association supports field offices staffed with adequate levels of appropriate technical positions to assist the conservation district and NRCS constituency in addressing their conservation needs. The Association supports working with all federal, state, and local partners to determine current and future staffing requirements. The Association and its members will work with NRCS to continue to evaluate needs at the field office level and to seek additional personnel to meet new and unfilled requirements in order that the conservation goals identified in the workload analysis are achieved. The Association is concerned by the trend of replacing NRCS field office technical staff with professional/ administrative level staff. This shift of emphasis undermines the ability of the partners to meet their common objective of assisting people in their efforts to utilize and manage natural resources in accordance with the capabilities and needs for protection and improvement as outlined in the Mutual Agreement between each conservation district and the US Secretary of Agriculture. The Association supports reversing that trend so that field offices are staffed with adequate levels of appropriate technical positions to assist the conservation district and NRCS constituency in addressing their conservation needs. The Association supports working with all federal, state, and local partners to determine current and future staffing requirements. The Association and its members will work with NRCS to continue to evaluate needs at the field office level and to seek additional personnel to meet new and unfilled requirements in order that the conservation goals identified in the workload analysis are achieved. The Association will contact the SD Departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Agriculture with the intent to re-visit South Dakota water quality standards with regard to fecal coliform counts, acknowledging those strains to fecal coliform actually hazardous to human health and to revise those standards to be based on e-coli rather than general fecal coliform standards. The Association opposes implementation of EPA s proposed NPDES CAFO reporting rules. South Dakota s conservation districts support legislation to use the annual formula to identify the amount of eligible nonhighway agriculture gas tax refunds that go unclaimed and to eliminate the inaccurate percentage. The Association supports changing federal historical and archeological survey requirements which are inhibiting implementation of conservation practices, especially during declared emergencies. The Association supports the completion of conservation cost-share contracts in the shortest possible time to avoid increased contract costs and modifications. The Association supports the completion of conservation cost-share contracts in the shortest

4 SDACD Board of Directors September 22, 2014 Page 4 possible time to avoid increased contract costs and modifications due to inflation. C05.pi The Association will research the opportunity to sponsor a state sediment management plan as authorized in Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act as amended. D02.pi The Association supports the current provisions (as of October 8, 1996) of SDCL and affirms the intent of the Association is that conservation districts be the only eligible recipients of the Coordinated Natural Resources Conservation Grants Fund. The Association supports the current provisions (as of October 8, 1996) of SDCL and affirms the intent of the Association is that conservation districts be the only eligible recipients of the Coordinated Soil & Water Conservation Grants Fund. D03.pi The Association supports competitive grants from the Coordinated Natural Resources Conservation Fund for projects, not normal conservation district operations, that carry out the goals established in the South Dakota Coordinated Plan for Natural Resources Conservation. The Association supports competitive grants from the Coordinated Soil and Water Conservation Fund for projects that carry out the goals established in the South Dakota Coordinated Plan for Natural Resources Conservation. The Coordinated Fund should not be used to fund normal conservation district operations. D04.pi The Association will work with conservation partners to establish a process for assessing and evaluating the accomplishments of the goals and objectives set forth in the South Dakota Coordinated Plan for Natural Resources Conservation and to provide guidance for complete implementation of the Plan. D06.pi The Association supports the following criteria be set for conservation district performance standards to qualify for permanent statewide funding: to qualify for base funding: a) attendance by one or more supervisor(s) at area meetings, SDACD convention and leadership conference; b) attendance by one or more supervisor(s) at area supervisor training; c) district is 100% dues paying of SDACD; d) district has a current annual plan of work; e) district has a current long-range plan; f) district is meeting the financial standards as set in law; g) district is meeting the reporting standards as defined by the Conservation Commission. To qualify for grant funding, in addition to requirements for base funding: 1) district is involved in at least one locally-led project; 2) 25% minimum local cash and/or inkind match. The Association supports the following criteria be set for conservation district performance standards to qualify for permanent statewide funding: to qualify for base funding: a) attendance by one or more supervisor(s) at area meetings, SDACD convention and leadership conference; b) attendance by one or more supervisor(s) at area supervisor training; c) district is 100% dues paying of SDACD; d) district has a current annual plan of work; e) district has a current long-range plan; f) district is meeting the financial standards as set in law; g) district is meeting the reporting standards as defined by the Conservation Commission. To qualify for grant funding, in addition to requirements for base funding: 1) district is involved in at least one locally-led project; 2) 25% minimum local cash and/or inkind match. F02.pi The Association encourages the pursuit of consistent interpretations across state lines that comply with the national Food Security Act Manual. F03.pi The Association requests USDA more precisely define the concept of "hydrology" when used to determine wetlands delineations. F04.pi The Association recommends management of the Conservation Reserve Program by prescribed burning, haying, or grazing to maintain habitat value and desirable plant communities and reduce the fire hazard during the length of the contract. F05.pi The Association will seek changes in the FSA CRP docket to allow cost-share for weed control through fabric installation and/or cultivation for CP-4D (Wildlife Habitat Practices). F06.pi The Association supports extension of the Conservation Reserve Program Continuous Signup and Signup Enhancements which include a Signing Incentive Payment, a Practice Incentive Payment, and more realistic rental rates for certain marginal pastureland. F07.pi The Association supports eligibility for taxpayer-funded crop insurance premium subsidies be linked to conservation compliance for the Farm Bill. G01.pi The Association encourages economic research on tax depreciation schedules for installed practices such as terraces, diversions, irrigation systems and conservation tillage equipment and distribution of the results of such research. G02.pi The Association encourages research on the effect of soil erosion on land productivity over a long term period. G03.pi The Association supports continued natural resources research at SDSU in Brookings, SD.

5 SDACD Board of Directors September 22, 2014 Page 5 The Association supports the continued operation of the Northern Plains Bio-Stress Lab at SDSU in Brookings, SD. G04.pi The Association supports a new research project addressing the factors limiting tree survivability in the Northern Plains be established and funded to an adequate level at the Mandan Research Station. G05.pi The Association supports the position of Range Extension Specialist at SDSU. G06.pi The Association supports re-establishment of certified soils testing, plant tissue testing, and biochemical testing laboratories within the land grant university system of South Dakota. (2013) H01.pi The Association supports a federal RC&D funding level equal to the recommendation of NACD. H02.pi The Association supports all local conservation districts having input on RC&D projects by including the entire state in RC&D areas to provide local leadership and RC&D opportunities. K01.pi The Association supports the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative for Private Grazing Lands (GLCI). The Association supports the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative for Private Grazing Lands (GLCI). The GLCI promotes voluntary action and respects property rights, strengthens partnerships between grassland managers and other individuals and groups, improves water quality, encourages voluntary diversification, and educates the public through dissemination of scientific knowledge on the conservation and management of grazing lands. M01.pi The Association will work with partners to fund and provide other support for the development of a small acreage brochure providing information and tips to small acreage owners within the urban/rural interface. M03.pi The Association supports the development of the Earth View Living Soil concept to help communicate the importance of healthy resources soil, water, air, plants, animals, and humans. O01.pi The Association opposes climate change legislation. B03.oa The Association will assist the conservation districts to implement a media information blitz to inform legislators and the public before and during the SD Legislative Session of district accomplishments in resource conservation; to enlist the Executive branch s support for local government units, in particular conservation districts; to work to defeat or revamp any proposed water management district legislation; and, as a final option to counter such legislation, to propose alternative legislation preserving existing conservation district structure. B04.oa The Association encourages district supervisors to continue an effective working relationship with county commissioners. The Association encourages district supervisors to develop an effective working relationship with county commissioners. B05.oa The Association requests the SD Association of County Commissioners allow the Association to present or distribute a report at the SD Association of County Commissioners annual meeting. D01.oa The Association encourages close cooperation between SDACD and SDACDE in updating personnel management policies and programs. The Association encourages close cooperation between SDACD and SDACDE in developing complete personnel management policies and programs. D02.oa The Association encourages conservation district boards to support employee workshops. The Association encourages district boards to support employee workshops. D04.oa The Association will work with the SD DoAg-Division of Resource Conservation & Forestry to adopt the conservation district accreditation program using the NACD District Official Accreditation 15 training elements. D05.oa The Association recognizes the Management Policy Guidelines as a recommended source of personnel management policies and programs. F01.oa The Association will pursue, with partners, public outreach on local conservation efforts. The Association supports a SDACD information management specialist, as funds permit, to increase communications of conservation programs. F02.oa The Association will pursue grant and match funds to hire a public relations director to assist those conservation districts participating in the effort. G01.oa The Association recognizes Sammy Soil Saver and Wendy Water as the official mascots of the Association. The Association recognizes Sammy Soil Saver as the official mascot of

6 SDACD Board of Directors September 22, 2014 Page 6 Association and encourages all districts to utilize the Sammy Soil Saver costume. H01.oa The Association supports state contests to recognize district involvement and achievement and promote conservation awareness. Among the contests supported by the Association are Izaak Walton Wildlife Habitat Award, Wildlife Cooperator of the Year, and FFA State Soil & Water Proficiency Award. H03.oa The National Association of Conservation Districts photo contest rules shall govern the South Dakota contest. H05.oa The Association will seek other partners to participate in the Farmer/Rancher Short Course with the intent to make the Short Course an annual event. The Association will seek other partners to share the Soil & Moisture Clinic with in order to pick up more interested parties with the intent that more participation could make the Clinic an annual event. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES 6. Farmer & Rancher Short Course a. Awards shall be sent to districts for local distribution. b. Fee charged is $275 (dependent on actual costs) to attend Clinic. Districts may send one or more persons to the Clinic. Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) of the registration fee will be non-refundable to offset administrative costs. Fees charged are: $50 for plaque & certificate; $275 to attend Clinic. Districts may send one or more persons to the Clinic. Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) of the registration fee will be non-refundable to offset administrative costs. The board reviewed the draft template of potential deliverables for the CD/NRCS/RC&F Cooperative Working Agreement. They also viewed a demonstration of the re-built web site. Grants/cooperative assistance: A new NRCS contribution agreement will continue past activities plus add soil health activities. Tree research request for proposals: MOTION: Karl Jensen moved, Mark Snedeker seconded, to issue a request for tree research proposals with approximately $7,000 available and a closing date of November 15, Motion carried on a voice vote. State issues: SDACD resolutions: The board reviewed resolutions submitted for consideration at the Association s business meeting. Watershed Advisory Task Force: Angela Ehlers provided information on the discussion a subcommittee held on creating natural resources basin councils. Discussion was held on some election procedures. Ag Property Valuation Task Force: On Oct. 27, the Task Force will consider a proposal to support research to compare actual use vs highest and best use. Pheasant habitat working group: The working group submitted 8 recommendations to the Governor. Discussion was held on several of the recommendations, including the dedicated conservation fund. Locally-led priority setting and local work groups: About 2/3 of the conservation districts submitted their local priorities and local work group recommendations. Jeff Zimprich indicated NRCS plans to place priority on conservation planning based on local priorities. Customer impression of offices: Discussion held on the desirability that a customer receive a positive, professional impression of the offices and staff. A suggestion was made that 2016 leadership conference include information on marketing yourself and making a good first impression. Current & future NRCS/CD partnerships: About 50% of the conservation districts indicated desire to enter into an individual contribution agreement with NRCS. National issues: Proposed waters of the US rule: Several items within the proposed rule were identified for possible comment: wetlands definition, watershed definition, neighboring/adjacent definition, wetlands in and out of floodplain, wet lands vs. wetlands, and Corps of Engineers lack of involvement in comment period. Conferences and meetings: 2017 convention: An RFP was distributed, responses were received from the Aberdeen Ramkota,

7 SDACD Board of Directors September 22, 2014 Page 7 Deadwood Lodge, Huron Crossroads, Mitchell Highlands Center, Sioux Falls Ramkota, Sioux Falls Sheraton & Convention Center, Spearfish Holiday Inn, and Watertown Ramkota. Responses were not received from Aberdeen Dakota Event Center. Aberdeen Ramada, Oacoma Cedar Shore, Rapid City Ramkota, Rapid City Rushmore Plaza, and Sioux Falls Holiday Inn City Centre. Motion: Mark Snedeker moved, Karl Jensen seconded, to accept the Sioux Falls Ramkota proposal for $91.99 single/double and $ suite with no meeting room fee if 100 rooms booked per night (Sun & Mon). Motion carried on a voice vote convention: The board selected a convention Endowment honoree leadership conference: Conference will be held January 7-8, 2015, at the Chamberlain AmericInn. Dave White, previous USDA-NRCS chief, will be main speaker Farmer/Rancher Short Course: Event will be held Feb. 8-10, 2015 at either McCrory Gardens or Brookings Nature Center with proposed theme of Sustainably bridging theproduction gap between where we are and where we could/must/need be. Angela Ehlers proposed offering scholarships to a leader of a potential partner in order to acquaint them with the program and increase their organization s interest NACD convention: Discussion held on potential recipient of convention scholarship, if offered. Adjourn: Chair Fritz adjourned the meeting at 5:41 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Angela Ehlers, Executive Director