Carver Soil and Water Conservation District and - Carver County

2010 Annual Report
2011 Annual Plan of Work
11360 Hwy 212 Suite 6
Cologne, MN 55322
Phone: 952-466-5230 FAX: 952-466-2070
http://www.co.carver.mn.us/swcd
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I. INTRODUCTION
The mission of the Carver Soil and Water Conservation District is to provide high quality assistance
to land managers and citizens of Carver County for the protection of land and water resources.
The Carver Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) was organized by local farmers for the
purpose of promoting the science of good land use and to assist landowners and operators in
planning and applying the soil and water conservation practices needed to protect and improve
their land and water resources. The District is a legal subdivision of the State of Minnesota,
operating under a charter issued by the Secretary of State on November 12, 1946. The Carver Soil
and Water Conservation District is one of 89 District’s in the state.
The Carver SWCD has over 60 years history in providing technical assistance and financial
assistance to landowners, land operators, municipalities, townships, counties and businesses for
the improvement of their natural resources. The continued success of the SWCD is, in part, due to
listening to its constituents, adjusting or expanding its technical capabilities and providing
leadership in emerging land use and conservation issues.
The purpose of this annual report and annual plan is to summarize the major accomplishments of
last year and to identify needs for the upcoming year. It should be noted that not every activity can
be captured by this report, but the reader should get an overall idea of the District’s activities.
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CARVER SWCD BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The SWCD is governed
by a five member
Board of Supervisors.
The Board is elected
by general ballot and
is charged with
developing policies
and employing staff to
fulfill the mission of
the SWCD. The Board
meets the third
Thursday of each
month at 8:30 a.m. in
the Cologne Public
Works Headquarters,
conference room #4.
• District I
Ted Beise, Chair
Term expires 2012
• District II
Harlan Dobratz
Term expires 2012
• District III
Bill Bohnen, Vice
Chair
Term expires 2012
• District IV
Mark Zabel
Term expires 2014
• District V
Robert Burandt,
Secretary/Treasurer
Term expires 2014
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CARVER SWCD STAFF (Left to right)
Program Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
District Manager
District Technician
Conservation Technician
Urban Conservation Technician
Greg Graczyk
Felicia Brockoff
Mike Wanous
Terry Meiller
Chip Hentges
Will Forbord
NRCS STAFF
219 East Frontage Road | Waconia, MN 55387 | P: 952-442-2106
Soil Conservation Technician
District Conservationist
Cindy Hoffmann
Keith Kloubec
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II. Annual Objectives and Actions
Agriculture Conservation Practices
The goal of this program is to work with private landowners to minimize negative impacts of agriculture
activities on natural resources. It is also important to assist landowners with technical assistance that will
enable them to build soil quality for future generations.
The Agriculture Conservation Practices can be broken into two categories, traditional Ag Best Management
Practices (BMP’s), and feedlots.
Traditional Ag BMP’s
The SWCD has provided technical assistance and cost share assistance for traditional Ag BMP’s for over 60
years. Examples of this type of practice include but are not limited to: grass waterways, water and sediment
control basins, residue management, grade stabilization structures, contour strips, nutrient management,
critical area planting, rock inlets, buffer strips, tree and shrub establishment. The SWCD will continue to
promote the use of BMP’s on a county wide basis. Special focus will now take place in the sub-watershed’s
that have been identified as priorities from Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies, as well as those
identified in the Carver County Water Management Plan. The SWCD continued its agreement with the
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to promote BMP’s within the Carver County portion of their
watershed.
Accomplishments for 2010
• Completed installation of 1 water and sediment basin.
• Completed installation of 1 grade stabilization structure.
• Installation of 3 grass waterways.
• Assisted with the design and installation of 1 side inlet control structure.
• Installation of 1 critical area planting.
• Completed the installation of 2 clean water diversions.
• 15,000 trees sold to 166 landowners
• In 2010, the SWCD and NRCS assisted in enrolling 608 acres of new CRP practices with 39
participants. These new CRP acres had to be in sensitive areas to qualify for the CRP program. Most
of these will be seeded in 2011. Carver County currently has over 350 active CRP contracts, totaling
approximately 4,000 acres.
• Provided Truax Drill rental to 21 landowners for 275 acres.
Actions for 2011
1. Promote the installation and maintenance of BMP’s in the TMDL selected sub-watersheds portions
of Carver County.
2. Seek financial assistance in the form of State Cost Share and federal EQIP for the installation of
BMP’s.
3. Work cooperatively with the USDA NRCS and FSA to promote and implement the federal USDA
programs such as EQIP, CRP, CCRP, and WHIP.
4. Work cooperatively with the Carver County Land and Water Services division to encourage
compliance with County and WMO rules and regulations.
5. Secure funding to complete projects in Carver County’s Water Plan
Approximately 1,900 staff hours are needed for this program.
This work is to be completed by the District Technician and Program Coordinator.
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Feedlots
Carver County has been delegated the feedlot duties from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
The SWCD provides technical assistance to livestock producers and to the Carver County Environmental
Services Department. The SWCD conducts site investigations and runs a computer model (MINNFARM) to
determine if the site has potential for pollution. When a pollution problem is detected, the SWCD provides
options for getting the site into compliance by completing topographic survey work and developing a design.
Several government programs exist to help offset the costs of getting a site into compliance. The SWCD
works with landowners to apply for these funds.
Accomplishments in 2010
• Provided technical assistance to 27 feedlot owners
• Conducted 10 feedlot ratings using the MINNFARM software
• Technical assistance with the reconstruction and certification of one Ag waste system
• Assisted NRCS staff with program delivery
Reconstruction of an Ag waste system
Actions for 2011
1. Assist the County Feedlot Officer with site evaluations, planning, design, and overall general
technical assistance on the feedlot operations within Carver County.
2. Complete MINNFARM evaluations for potential pollution problems as needed.
3. Assist with the design and installation of 6 milk-house waste fixes.
4. Inspect previously completed feedlot fixes for compliance.
Approximately 600 hours are needed for this task.
This work is to be completed by the District Technician and Program Coordinator.
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Urban Conservation
Since the adoption of the Carver County WMO water management plan in 2001, the SWCD has assisted with
the protection and enhancement of natural resources in the developing areas. Staff assists with the
implementation of the water plan by performing site inspections on construction activities, and providing
technical assistance with the installation of urban BMP’s. In the Carver WMO portions of the County, staff
works extensively with WMO staff to ensure that projects are installed according to plan and in compliance
with all applicable water management rules.
In 2010, the SWCD also began work completing a detailed sub-watershed analysis of the Burandt Lake area in
Waconia. This detailed analysis identifies the best areas to install BMP’s in the most cost efficient manner.
Several areas have been identified for potential projects in 2011.
Accomplishments for 2010
• Completed 128 site inspections for CSEC
• There were 93 active construction sites in 2010 according to the MPCA permitting website.
• Inspections were completed as follows:
o Carver - Carver Sanitary Sewer Interceptor – 6 reports
o Chanhassen – 38 reports
o Audubon Street Reconstruction – 6 reports
o Erie Ave Street Reconstruction – 12 reports
o Lakeside 4 th Addition – 4 reports
o Pioneer Pass – 6 reports
o SW Transit Station – 10 reports
o Chaska – 32 reports
o 212 Medical Center – 6 reports
o Hazeltine Golf Course – 5 reports
o Hundermark Road Reconstruction – 2 reports
o North Meadow Reconstruct – 2 reports
o Beckman Coulter – 2 reports
o Lake Regions Medical – 2 reports
o MnDot Truck Shop – 7 reports
o West Chaska Creek Development – 6 reports
o Norwood-Young America – 17 reports
o Central Elementary – 4 reports
o NYA WTF – 4 reports
o Oak Grove Redevelopment – 9 reports
o Waconia – 8 reports
o Pinehill – 2 reports
o TH 284 and CSAH 10 – 3 reports
o Waterford – 2 reports
o Legacy Village – 1 report
o Watertown – 27 reports
o CSAH 20 – 13 reports
o Kugler Eco Site – 4 reports
o TH 25 and CSAH 10 – 4 reports
o Forest Hills – 3 reports
o Oxford Ave – 1 report
o Verizon Cell Tower – 2 reports
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• Staff assisted with 13 of the above sites that needed a filtration/infiltration component
• Provided technical assistance to 29 landowners with raingarden questions
• Assisted with 6 raingarden installations
• Provided technical assistance to 29 landowners with shoreline restoration questions
One of the curb cut raingardens installed in 2010.
Actions for 2011
1. Conduct 150 construction site erosion control inspections.
2. Participate in educational efforts to raise awareness of the impacts of storm water and CSEC on
water quality.
3. Provide technical assistance to LGU’s, citizens, and contractors for the best use of storm water
BMP’s.
4. Assist the WMO and other LGU’s with the implementation of rain gardens, bio-retention, shoreline
restorations, and other forms of low impact development practices.
5. Follow through with the installation of projects identified in the sub-watershed analysis.
6. Increase technical capacity with the latest water quality treatment devices.
Approximately 1,800 hours are needed for this task.
This work is to be completed by the Urban Conservation Technician and the Conservation Technician.
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TMDL Implementation
The list of “impaired waters” that do not meet state standards continues to grow. Currently, Carver County
has approved TMDL implementation plans for Carver, Bevens, and Silver Creeks, and for Burandt Lake and
Reitz Lake. The Carver SWCD works closely with the WMO and County staff to promote and install BMP’s in
areas that will enhance and protect water quality.
The TMDL areas along with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District were the areas of focus for promoting
BMP’s in 2010. For the upcoming year, that area will be expanded to include the Reitz Lake watershed.
Accomplishment for 2010
• Direct contact with 75 landowners to promote BMP’s
• Harvestable buffer payments to 13 landowners
• CRP incentive buffer payments to 6 landowners (several more are pending for 2011 installations)
• Direct mailings sent to all landowners of 5 acres or more in all TMDL sub-watersheds
• Focused efforts in the Reitz Lake, Benton Lake, and Silver Creek sub-watersheds
• Promoted and assisted with installation of stormwater BMP’s around Burandt Lake
Actions for 2011
1. Contact landowners in the selected sub-watersheds to educate them on the available programs.
2. Assist the WMO and County staff with implementing the Reitz Lake IP and get projects on the
ground within that watershed.
3. Work cooperatively with other LGU’s to protect and enhance surface water quality in Carver County.
4. Seek grant opportunities that will benefit residents of Carver County.
5. Strengthen the SWCD’s knowledge and technical ability in the field of shoreline restorations,
rainwater gardens, and other new innovative approaches such as sand/iron filters.
6. Use the public meeting process to inform County citizens of the importance of our natural
resources, and the SWCD’s role in protecting water quality.
Approximately 1,800 hours are needed for this task.
This work is to be completed by the Marketing Technician and District Manager.
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Wetland Protection and Restoration
The SWCD provides technical assistance for the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. Wetlands serve
multiple functions and are an important part of the Carver County landscape. The SWCD assists landowners
that wish to explore options for restoring wetlands on their property.
The RIM/WRP program is a prime example of a program that landowners can apply for in order to receive
compensation for restoring previously drained wetlands. Other programs include CRP, wetland banking,
and partners for wildlife.
Accomplishments for 2010
• Provided technical assistance to 65 landowners with WCA related questions
• Attended 18 TEP meetings
• Processed 3 applicants for the Wetland Reserve Program totaling 103 acres
• Identified 12 drained wetland basins to promote WRP
• Continued work efforts on the sod farm wetland restoration site near Lake Waconia, closing of the
easement took place on 12/22/2010
• Continued working with landowners on the Crane Creek wetland restoration
• Assisted BWSR with two potential Road Bank sites
• Partnered with Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to identify and promote wetland restorations
in Laketown Township
Wetland restoration after spring snowmelt
Actions for 2011
1. Stay updated with changes to the MN WCA laws.
2. Continue to be part of the TEP’s for WCA projects.
3. Understand and promote the wetland restorations programs available through state and federal
programs including WRP, RIM, private and public banking, CREP, CRP, CCRP, and USFWS programs.
4. Assist the USDA with the wetlands provisions within the Farm Bill Program, including Swampbuster
and 1026 drainage requests.
5. Seek to prevent wetland losses by educating landowners of the state and federal wetland protection
laws.
Approximately 1,800 hours are needed for this task.
This work is to be completed by the Program Coordinator and the Conservation Technician.
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Ditches and Drainage
The Carver SWCD has an agreement with the Carver County Ditch Authority to assist the County Auditor in
cleanout requests and develop a process for effective long-term management of the County ditch systems.
There are 14 public ditch systems in Carver County. The SWCD provides ditch inspections and technical
assistance for maintenance of these ditch systems. The SWCD is also a point of contact for other drainage
related questions.
Accomplishments for 2010
• Completed ditch inspections of 6 sections of public drainage ditches
• Assisted with repair procedures on 5 ditch systems
• Continued work with viewers completing a redetermination of benefits on CD#4A
• Worked with townships and private citizens on drainage questions and complaints
Carver County Public Ditches
Actions for 2011
1. Respond to requests for repair of public drainage systems
2. Assist Carver County and landowners with the processes of MN Drainage Law 103.E
3. Promote the installation and maintenance of grass buffer strips and rock inlets to keep sediment out
of the ditch systems
4. Educate landowners about BMP’s
5. Explore opportunities to include water quality projects with drainage repairs
6. Continue to work with the County Auditor and Ditch Authority on improving the processes related
to the Carver County Public Ditch Program.
Approximately 500 hours are needed for this task.
This work is to be completed by the District Manager and the District Technician.
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Education and Outreach
The SWCD is the host agency for two large youth education events – the Junior Envirothon, and the Senior
Envirothon. The Envirothons are held at the MN Landscape Arboretum and tests students knowledge of
several natural resources topics. The SWCD is also involved in a sixth grade environmental education
program called the World of Wetlands. Staff present conservation based material to various student
conservation clubs, and 4-H groups in the County. The District also sends out a spring and fall newsletter
and other press releases as needed throughout the year.
Accomplishments for 2010
• Hosted 105 students for the Senior Envirothon
• Hosted 80 students for the Junior Envirothon
• Presented to 190 students that are part of local conservation clubs or 4-H groups
• Assisted with the New Germany 4-H girls wildlife group that placed 5 th in the nation
• Presented at the 6 th grade wetland educations days and Children’s Water Festival
• Sent a spring and fall newsletter to 3,000 citizens
2010 Metro Area Senior Envirothon – Aquatics Station
Actions for 2011
1. Coordinate the Senior and Junior Envirothon’s for Metro Area. Assist with State Envirothon
Coordination
2. Assist in the World of Wetlands program (6 th grade conservation day)
3. Continue Carver County education efforts at the classroom, conservation club and 4-H level
4. Provide updates to the District website to keep citizens informed of programs and activities of the
District
5. Develop and distribute District Newsletters
6. Assist the Environmental Coordinator with education and outreach activities, including hosting the
Metro Area Children’s Water Festival through the Metro Joint Powers Board
7. Provide education to citizens of Carver County as they relate to the SWCD programs
8. Assist Carver County with the educational components of the County Water Plan
Approximately 800 hours are needed for this task.
This work will be completed by the Administrative Assistant with assistance from other staff as needed.
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Financial Stability
The Carver SWCD does not have taxing authority and relies on cooperation with other agencies to balance
its expenditures and revenues. The current economic situation has been a challenge to keep the District’s
budget balanced.
Accomplishments for 2010
• Worked with the County Public Health & Environment Division to prepare a conservative 2011
budget request
• Completed the first full year of office re-location at the County Public Works Headquarters in
Cologne to save approximately $40,000 annually in rent and expenses
• Continued the grant agreement with Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to promote Ag BMP’s
within the Carver County portion of their watershed
Actions for 2011
1. Continue to be fiscally responsible while still providing a quality service to Carver County citizens
2. Work with Carver County to ensure the County General Levy adequately supports conservation
efforts and addresses citizens needs
3. Continue to work closely with the Carver WMO to implement the County Water Plan and County
Water Rules, assist with grant implementation
4. Seek grant opportunities that fit into the Districts short term and long term goals
5. Develop relationships with the WMO, LGU’s and watershed districts and seek opportunities to
partner on programs
Approximately 800 hours are needed for this task.
This work will be completed by the District Manager and the Administrative Assistant.
STAFFING NEEDS
In order for the SWCD to accomplish all of the above objectives, the following staffing needs are required:
1 FTE District Manager – Mike Wanous
1 FTE Administrative Assistant – Felicia Brockoff
1 FTE Conservation Technician – Chip Hentges
1 FTE Program Coordinator – Greg Graczyk
1 FTE District Technician – Terry Meiller
1 FTE Urban Conservation Technician – Will Forbord
1 FTE Marketing Technician – Vacant
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III. COST-SHARE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
A. High Priority Erosion Problems
Whenever possible, state cost-share dollars will be used to provide additional funding to projects that
have already received 50% cost-share from the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program
(EQIP). This approach will provide applicants with cost-sharing up to 75% of the total project cost.
These are practices that meet NRCS practice standards and specifications. These practices are very
beneficial on Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and in areas with active gullies. The SWCD and NRCS utilize a
Local Work Group process to identify what practices and areas are the highest priority.
B. High Priority Water Quality Problems
A map of Carver County and the impaired waters appears on the next page.
The Carver SWCD works closely with the Carver County Land and Water Services Division to identify and
target sub-watersheds with water quality concerns. The Bevens and Carver Fecal TMDL’s identify subwatersheds
with the highest priority. Sub-watersheds will be selected in order to direct marketing of
BMP’s to landowners. Burandt Lake in Waconia will also be a priority in 2010. Burandt Lake has an
approved TMDL and funding has been secured to improve the water quality in the lake. Minnehaha
Creek Watershed District has identified the six-mile creek sub-watershed as a priority. The SWCD will
work with the MCWD staff to promote and install BMP’s within this watershed.
C. Special Projects
Special projects that do not easily fit under one of the approved practices that are listed in the NRCS
handbook or State Cost Share Manual, may be considered by the Board for technical and/or financial
assistance. If State Cost Share dollars are to be used, the practice must meet the minimum criteria as
identified in the BWSR State Cost Share Manual.
A grant request was recently approved through the clean water legacy amendment funding to complete
storm water retention basins around Reitz Lake. SWCD staff identified several areas around the lake
that would make good sites for treating runoff prior to entering the lake.
A grant request was also received to install a sediment basin along County Ditch #4 near
Norwood/Young America. The intent of the sediment basin is to provide a spot for water to slow down
and drop out sediment prior to entering Bevens Creek.
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IV. BUDGET REQUIREMENTS
2011 EXPENSES (anticipated) 2011 REVENUES (anticipated)
District Operations
Charges for Services
Advertising $ 100 Aerial CD Sales/Flags/Maps/Book $ 75
Communications $ 4,000 Envirothon Coordination $ 4,000
Dues $ 4,325 Tree Sales $ 22,500
Education, Newsletters & Promotion $ 4,500 Truax Drill Rental Charges $ 3,000
Employee Expenses $ 4,500 WCA Services $ 100
Equipment Repairs $ 500 Subtotal - Charges for Services $ 29,675
Liability Insurance & Bonding $ 5,000
Mileage $ 3,000
Office/Computer Expenses & Maint. $ 1,000 County Misc. Revenues
Postage $ 2,000 Annual Allocation $ 388,276
Professional Services $ 2,000 Ditches Revenue $ 5,000
Rent $ 0 Other Grants (MLCCS, PCA, CWL) $ 105,000
Supervisors Expenses - Local $ 2,500 Small Projects Grant $ 1,500
Supervisors Expenses - Out of State $ 2,500 WCA Funds & Misc. Reimb. $ 10,000
Truax Drill Expenses $ 250 Subtotal - County $ 509,798
Vehicle Expenses $ 8,500
Subtotal SWCD Operations $ 44,675 State Revenues
BWSR Project Grants (C/S) $ 30,000
District Operations - Supplies BWSR Service Grants $ 35,000
Field Supplies $ 800 Special Projects Grants $ 10,000
Office Supplies $ 400 Subtotal - State $ 75,000
Subtotal Supplies $ 1,200
Local Revenues
Equipment Purchases $ 2,000 City Contracts $ 15,000
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District $ 25,000
Subtotal - Local $ 40,000
District Project Expenses
Federal Revenues
Carver WMO Expenses $ 2,500 Farm Bill Contribution Agreement $ -
CWL Grant (Employee, incentives) $ 65,000 USFW Grants $ -
Ditch Expenses $ 1,500 Subtotal - Federal $ -
Lakescaping Position & MEP Grant $ 10,000
Small Projects Grant $ 1,500 Interest & Misc. Revenue $ 15,000
Tree Expenses $ 17,500
Cost-Share Projects $ 30,000 SUBTOTAL - ALL REVENUES $ 669,473
Subtotal $ 128,000
Amount to be spent from Reserves $ 22,652
Personnel Services
Employee Salary $ 378,356
Supervisors Compensation $ 12,500
Flex Plan $ 78
Direct Deposit Fees $ 298
SWCD - FICA/Medicare $ 29,900
SWCD - Medical Ins. & LT Disability $ 69,895
SWCD - PERA/DCP $ 25,201
Subtotal Personnel $ 516,228
2011 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 692,103 2011 TOTAL REVENUES $ 692,103
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Carver SWCD 2011 Work Plan Projects List – A Punch List For 2011
- Wetland restoration on RIM/WRP sod farm near Waconia
o Easement #10-01-08-02
o Easement #10-02-08-02
- Installation of up to 8 Burandt Lake rain gardens
o 1633 Woodlawn Circle
o 1617 Woodlawn Circle
o 1625 Woodlawn Circle
o 1641 Woodlawn Circle
o 1640 Waterbury
o 1302 Dunsmore Drive
o 1303 Dunsmore Drive
o 1300 Woodlawn Circle
- Barnes Lake outlet structure installation
- CD#4A repair and sediment pond installation
- Complete RIM buffer easements with 10 landowners
o Easement #10-01-10-09
o Easement #10-02-10-09
o Easement #10-03-10-09
o Easement #10-05-10-09
o Easement #10-06-10-09
o Easement #10-07-10-09
o Easement #10-09-10-09
o Easement #10-10-10-09
o Easement #10-11-10-09
o Easement #10-12-10-09
- Complete Cologne community rain garden
- Design and installation of 6 milk house waste treatment systems
- Design and installation of 4 grassed waterways
- Conduct 150 construction site erosion control inspections
- Begin work on Reitz Lake BMP’s
o North pond and bio-retention system
o East pond and wetland enhancement
o Up to 10 rain water gardens and shoreland restorations
- Yetzer wetland restoration and CRP planting
- Complete the Crane Creek project
- WMO Storm water workshop participation
- Coordinate metro area Sr. & Jr. Envirothons
- Lake Lucy, Ann, Susan sub-watershed analysis
- Process 12 RIM/WRP Floodplain applications, easement process with successful applicants
- Work with eligible landowners on RIM/WRP wetland restoration applications
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