Download June 2014 - Umatilla County SWCD

Umatilla County Soil and Water Conservation District
200 SE Hailey Ave, Suite 108-Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone 541-276-8131 or 276-8170
www.umatillacountyswcd.com
Regular BOD Meeting Minutes
Wednesday June 18th, 2014
Berk Davis, Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:13 pm.
Directors Present: Berk Davis, Tom Straughan, Gus Wahner, Tim Spratling.
Other attendees: Andrea Mann, Dan Long, Tom Demianew.
Presentation/Special Request:
Staff Reports:
Tom Demianew presented, Shanna is finishing Watershed Field Day project and sending out thank you notes to all the great help and
working on several grants.
Tom has been attending several meetings. Attended a new group, Regional Conservation Partnership Program, a new program
through USDA, it’s a meeting with multiple agencies and partners to work together. Soil projects and water projects, working on
grants together. This will potentially bring more dollars to SWCD for more projects. This can bring more specialists to assist in
SWCD. Tom reviewed how the money process works from agency to agency and how SWCD and other agencies can benefit.
Tom is submitting proposals to get the conservation on the ground, “How deep is the water?” “Where is the water?” He is also
working on other proposals. SWCD can be a facilitator for every opportunity to put a request in for a national one, a state one and a
critical area. Tom met with tribe after meeting. It is very important for all agencies to work together.
Tom Demianew spoke about solar power and there is some money available for rural energy programs. Discussed locating
producers that are interested in energy efficiency. Potato farmers are a potential target for this program.
Kim Cash will be gone for the month of July and return August 1 st.
Director’s report
Gus reported, Co-op received a small grant to get an organization going. A food co-op would bring more money into the area.
NRCS:
Andrea Mann reported as of yesterday, 62 approved Conservation Stewardship Program applications and has sent letters. Money is
slowly being given. Andrea explained the preapproval steps. EQIPS are being funded also irrigation and soil projects. Conservation
implementation strategies that were submitted and cover crop soil health have been rolled over for this year. Forestry has been rolled
over and moved to Meacham. Terrace retrofit has been put back in since there is time for this next year. EQIP is maxed out at
$30000. Irrigation in Hermiston is being reviewed and other projects. Report from Darcy Sexson No sign ups this yearbut are doing
extensions for CRP and are being extended.
USDA-ARS
Dan Long reported about oilseed. Second year in research with several different species to determine which is best. Effort is find the
best oil producer plant that works well with wheat rotation. This is a six-year study. Which plant produces the best yield vs cost.
Working with efficiency of the crops. Biologist and hydrologists are also involved in the research. Different species being discussed
and whether GMOs are being used or not. Invitation offered to board to visit the site to gather more information.
Administrative:
Candidate packet given to Berk Davis, Tim Spratling, and Colin Hemphill
Yearly audit turned in
May minutes and financials reviewed motion to approve made by Tim Spratling, seconded by Tom Straughan, and approved by board.
Computer purchase request turned in and motion to approve by Gus Wahner, seconded by Tim Spratling and board approved
Yearly work plan and yearly budget presented and explained by Tom Demianew. Motion to approve by Tom Straughan, seconded by
Gus and board approved (Outdoor school modified)
FSA monthly newsletter is in the notebooks
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm
Recorded by: Tom Demianew
The Umatilla County Soil and Water Conservation District complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.