m Missouri Department of Natural Resources 11m · several communities in northern Missouri such as Cameron and Milan, where they are seeing significant impacts due to the drought.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources MINUTES

Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission Lincoln University George Washington Carver Farm

Jefferson City, MO June 13, 2018

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: H. Ralph Gaw, Glen Cope, Jeff Lance, and Kenny Lovelace. Tim Martin and Gary Vandiver were not present.

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: CAROL S. COMER, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES: Dru Buntin; SARA PARKER PAULEY, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF CONSERVATION: Lisa Potter; CHRIS CHINN, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE: Davin Althoff; DEAN CHRISTOPHER R. DAUBERT, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI: Dr. Rob Kallenbach

ADVISORY MEMBERS PRESENT: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM (SWCP): Colleen Meredith; NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS): J. R. Flores; MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (MASWCD): Ryan Britt

SWCP STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Van Beydler, Jim Boschert, Jim Plassmeyer, Judy Stinson, Bill Wilson, Jeremy Redden, Jennifer Pellett, Leon Thompson, and Jake Wilson

OTHERS PRESENT: DISTRICTS: CASS: Tom Lampe; COLE: Peggy Lemons; HOWARD: Beverly Dometrorch; IRON: Ken Wooten, Terri Matthews; WAYNE: Sandy Beezley, Jeff Henson; OSAGE: Cindy DeOrnellis; MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES: Kurt Boeckmann, Kyra Moore; NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE: Marty Comstock; UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI: Dr. Steve Anderson; THE NATURE CONSERVANCY: Holly Neill; MISSOURI FARM BUREAU: Kelly Smith; OTHERS: Amy Conrad, Tammy White and Jennifer Eggemeyer, Heartland Seed of Mo; Matt Hill, MFA, Inc.

A. CALL TO ORDERCommissioner Gaw called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m.

B. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETINGGlen Cope made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 5, 2018, Commissionmeeting. Jeff Lance seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.Jeff Lance made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 17, 2018, meeting. GlenCope seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

B.

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NATURAL RESOURCES

MISSOURI SOIL & WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION June 13, 2018 Page 2 C. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Deputy Director Dru Buntin informed the Commission that the department is the lead agency in the drought response, and has been leading the Climate Weather Committee that makes recommendations to the department’s management, and then to the Governor and the administration about responses to the drought. The department is working with several communities in northern Missouri such as Cameron and Milan, where they are seeing significant impacts due to the drought. An emergency permit has been granted by the department to the city of Cameron. Cameron has been working with the Missouri Department of Conservation at the Pony Express Conservation Area Reservoir to put a temporary line in that reservoir to move water into a stream and then into their drinking water lake because their water supply is significantly down in the short term supply. Mr. Buntin told the Commission that the department will continue to work with communities to provide what resources they can. Due to the lack of precipitation the access to hay is becoming an issue. The department will discuss with the Commission a request to grant a variance on practices later in the meeting to alleviate dry weather impacts. He said that having gone through the 2012 drought, one lesson learned was the earlier we can respond and provide the tools needed, the better the outcome. There are no red tape reduction items on the agenda today, but there are 380 rulemakings moving forward now and 150 rescissions and some amendments. He thanked the Commission for all their help and their willingness to participate in the rulemaking process.

D. SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR’S

COMMENTS

1. FY18 Cost-Share Update Bill Wilson provided an update on the status of the FY18 cost-share funds as of June 7, 2018. He reported that $64 million dollars has been allocated and of that amount $46 million has been obligated; the highest dollars obligated are $34 million for the sheet, rill and gully erosion resource concern. As of June 7, 2018, $39.7 million in contract payments have been submitted. He reported that 9,216 contracts have been developed and that 72% of the funds that were allocated have been obligated.

2. Soil Health Assessment Center Update Dr. Steve Anderson provided an update on the University of Missouri Soil Health Assessment Center. He provided information about the cover crop cost-share program. The number of cover crop soil health samples has increased throughout the last three years: 1,732 in FY2016, 1,744 in FY2017, and 1,776 in FY2018 to date. The sample count for FY2018 is not complete and the center hopes to have around 1,800 when finished. Dr. Anderson showed a map displaying eight new counties where the cover crop program has expanded this year: Barry, Cedar, Dallas, Linn, Madison, Maries, Sullivan, and Webster. The University is continuing to gather data at the state, regional, and county levels for various soil health analyses.

MISSOURI SOIL & WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION June 13, 2018 Page 3

The University is actively searching for a new permanent director for the Soil Health Assessment Center. The position is for an Assistant Professor of Soil Health. There were 40 applicants and the interview committee asked for supplemental information from 11 of them. From the 11, eight applicants were interviewed using Zoom and then four were chosen from those 11. One of the four chosen accepted another job elsewhere. In July, the remaining three will visit the University of Missouri and the Soil Health Assessment Center for an additional interview.

3. Current Practices Committee Recommendations Jim Plassmeyer provided an update from the Current Practices Committee. He said he would be discussing items from the committee’s March meeting in his presentation as well as one follow-up item from the discussion at last year’s meeting, which was the DSL-01 Permanent Vegetative Cover Establishment. Currently the DSL-01 practice qualifies using the sheet and rill erosion requirement. Other practices such as terraces and diversions can qualify based on sheet and rill, or gully erosion. A question to the committee was could the DSL-01 seedings qualify using gully erosion as well as sheet and rill erosion. Last year when the committee was presented with the question to allow ephemeral gully erosion as a qualifying factor for the DSL-01, a majority were unsure. This was due to the uncertainty of how it could work within the NRCS Standards and Specifications for qualifying major ephemeral gullies. NRCS is supportive of this change. The Commission consideration presented was to change the DSL-01 Permanent Vegetative Cover Establishment policy to allow field qualification based on sheet and rill, or gully erosion. Kenny Lovelace made a motion to make this change to the policy. Glen Cope seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Plassmeyer then gave an update of practices reviewed at the March 6-7 meetings. Twenty-two committee members were present: six board members, 13 district employees and three partners from NRCS and MDA. Items discussed on the agenda were: Commission directed practice discussion on the N340 Cover Crop (no-till requirement and cost-share maximum) and N574 Spring Development (300 foot pipe limit); policy discussion on Group 3 Sheet/Rill and Gully Structural Practices; Grazing Systems practices; Cost-Share after CRP; and the MASWCD 2017 Resolution. The Group 3 Structural Practices that the committee was seeking comments from the districts for discussion were DSL-04 Terraces, DSL-44 Terraces with Tile, DWC-01 Water Impoundment Reservoir, DWP-03 Sod Waterway, DSL-05 Diversion, DWP-01 Sediment Retention, Erosion or Water Control Structure and N410 Drop Pipe. For reference material he stated that during their August 16, 2017, meeting, there was a lengthy discussion about the no-till requirement for the N340 Cover Crop Practice and the Commission had asked that the practices committee review this policy. In July 2017, there was a meeting with several of the partners and the NRCS Soil Health Specialists. A suggestion from that meeting was to allow establishment as


necessary with the guidance of having a STIR value of 20 or less. STIR is the Soil Tillage Intensity Rating. It is calculated using RUSLE2, based on factors determined by crop management decisions, the lower the number the less overall soil disturbance. A few examples of different types of equipment were given. A rolling harrow has a STIR value of 10; a vertical tillage tool has a STIR value of 18 as long as it has a gang angle of 0 degrees. NRCS staff provided the STIR value of additional equipment including: drill, single disk opener, STIR value of 2.4; drill, double disk opener, STIR value of 6.3; harrow, rotary, STIR value of 10; harrow, disk chain, STIR value of 20; disk tandem, secondary operation, STIR value of 33. The committee was then asked the following questions followed by percentage of yes votes: 1) Should minimal soil disturbance be allowed for establishment of cover crops; 71% yes; 2) Should the STIR value be used to determine minimal tillage, 81% yes; 3) Should there be different incentive rates based on tillage or no-till, 64% yes. Mr. Plassmeyer said for the last question that there were no proposed changes at this time. The Commission consideration was: Allow minimal soil disturbance for the establishment of cover crops. The disturbance can be done with equipment that has a STIR value of less than 20. Jeff Lance made a motion to allow minimal soil disturbance for the establishment of cover crops as long as the disturbance can be done with equipment that has a STIR value of less than 20. Glen Cope seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The last item was an update on the cover crop lifetime maximum. The committee had received comments from the districts requesting raising the lifetime maximum of cover crops to more than $20,000, which is the current policy. Mr. Plassmeyer mentioned that last year the committee voted not to increase the lifetime maximum. It was again brought before the committee this year and the vote was again not to raise the maximum. He then talked about the two types of cover regarding cover crops in the Bootheel area of the state which are cover crops on the entire field and cover crops in the row middles. He asked the Commission if they wanted to request Program Office staff to work with NRCS and Bootheel SWCDs to provide recommendations to the Commission for polices specifically for the N340 Cover Crop Practice in the Bootheel due to different farming practices. Glen Cope made the motion to adopt the consideration as stated. Kenny Lovelace seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.


4. Livestock Exclusion Variance to State Cost-Share Practices due to Weather Impacts Jim Plassmeyer gave a report regarding drought response and weather impacts. He told the Commission that currently there are six practices containing policies on livestock exclusion or limited grazing. Those six practices include: DFR-5 Woodland Protection through Livestock Exclusion, DWC-01 Water Impoundment Reservoir, N386 Field Border, N393 Filter Strip, N472 Use Exclusion, and WQ10 Stream Protection. Five of these six practices have a 10-year maintenance life. The Commission allowed grazing in livestock exclusion areas during the 2012 drought. Mr. Plassmeyer explained that if the Commission approves grazing for these practices that the Program Office will send a memo to all the soil and water conservation districts who will be responsible for contacting the landowners that have exclusion practices in their county. This variance will be allowed on a statewide basis. Glen Cope made a motion to provide a variance to allow immediate grazing in any of the livestock excluded areas until September 1, 2018, provided the area is established in forage that can withstand grazing (practices in the first year of establishment should be evaluated carefully). Jeff Lance seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

5. Discussion of Additional Conservation Practices

Colleen Meredith introduced Marty Comstock, NRCS State Conservation Engineer, to provide an overview of Denitrifying Bioreactors and Saturated Buffers, which are practices that have been used in surrounding states. The Commission may want to consider adding these to their current list of approved practices. Both practices are used to treat resource concerns related to nutrient reduction and water quality. Mr. Comstock gave an overview of how the practices are constructed, showed schematics of the water flow and how nutrients are reduced by the practices, reviewed costs and showed photos of practices being installed. Ms. Meredith said the Program Office will draft some new practice policies and solicit comments and input from the districts and bring that information back at a future Commission meeting.

6. Discussion of C650 Streambank Practice Payment Maximum Colleen Meredith said that there are districts and other groups that are interested in asking the Commission to look at the streambank practices once again and consider raising the cap to $25,000. She explained that if the Commission is interested, the Program Office will draft some new practice polices, look at different types of streambank practices, get input from the districts and bring that information back to the next Commission meeting. Ralph Gaw made a motion to have the Program Office put some information together and present it at the August meeting. Glen Cope seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

MISSOURI SOIL & WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION June 13, 2018 Page 6 E. REQUESTS

1. Wayne SWCD—Request for a DSP 3.2 Grazing System Water Development to Replace Tanks in a Grazing System no Longer Under Maintenance

Jim Boschert presented a request from the Wayne County SWCD to approve a contract for a DSP 3.2 Grazing System Water Development to replace tanks in a grazing system no longer under maintenance. The landowner provided information to the Commission. It is a grazing system under the older DSP-3 practice policy that had a $13,500 maximum and was built in 2002. The landowner is having trouble finding parts for the tanks and some of the tanks are damaged. The rest of the system is in good shape.

2. Iron SWCD—Request for a DSP 3.2 Grazing System Water Development and

DSP 3.3 Grazing System Fence to Modify a Grazing System no Longer Under Maintenance

Leon Thompson presented a request from the Iron County SWCD to approve a contract for a DSP 3.2 Grazing System Water Development and DSP 3.3 Grazing System Fence to modify a grazing system no longer under maintenance. District staff discussed that a new landowner obtained the property that had a state cost-share grazing system in place. The new landowner wants to convert the system, which had originally been built for cattle and then switched to goats, to one for cattle which would involve replacing fence and adding water tanks.

Mr. Boschert combined the discussion of both requests as they are both grazing

systems that are no longer under maintenance agreement. He provided a history and background for the grazing system practices and reviewed a memo regarding when the DSP-3 Grazing System Practices were first developed. Grazing systems are considered demonstration practices because they are exempt from erosion requirements. The memo indicated that since grazing systems are considered a demonstration practice there is no need for additional incentive after they are installed.

After much discussion regarding both requests, Jeff Lance made a motion to direct Program Office staff to look into a per acre maximum or an equal solution to bring back to the Commission at their next meeting. Glen Cope seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

3. Howell SWCD—Request for a Variance to Approve the Reconstruction of

DFR-05 Woodland Protection and N472 Livestock Exclusion Fence Damaged in April of 2017 (FEMA 4317-DR)

Leon Thompson presented a request from the Howell County SWCD for approval to create an N472 contract under FEMA 4317-DR to pay for repaired fence which was damaged due to the flooding event in April 2017. Background was provided for the disaster declaration assistance approved by the Commission at their May 9, 2017, meeting, and the deadline the Commission established for contract approval by the board of supervisors was December 31, 2017. The landowner contacted the Howell FSA office for assistance with repairs on May 10, 2017. FSA completed the initial


farm visit on June 23, 2017, and recorded which fences were damaged. At the time of site visits, landowners were informed that any cost-share fencing under maintenance through the state cost-share program was not eligible for FSA cost-share.

The landowner received assistance on fence from the FSA but did not contact the district until April 2, 2018, for the state cost-share fence, which was past the deadline of December 31, 2017. In a summary of the SWCDs that were eligible for assistance under FEMA 4317-DR, 18 districts had contracts. There were 60 contracts which included 10 different practices, and Howell County SWCD had 20 of those contracts. The Commission consideration was to provide a variance and support the board’s request to pay a FEMA 4317-DR contract after the deadline for the landowner in the amount of $1,552.95. No motion was made by the Commission, so the issue fails due to lack of a motion.

4. Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Appointments A. Crawford SWCD

Jake Wilson presented a request from the Crawford SWCD to appoint Mr. Barry West to complete the unexpired term of Mr. Robert Baker due to his resignation. Glen Cope made the motion to appoint Mr. Barry West. Kenny Lovelace seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

B. Gentry SWCD Jeremy Redden presented a request from the Gentry SWCD to appoint Mr. Raymond

Schmitz to complete the unexpired term of Mr. Kenneth Kent Jr. due to his death. Glen Cope made a motion to appoint Mr. Raymond Schmitz. Kenny Lovelace seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

C. Jefferson SWCD Jake Wilson presented a request from the Jefferson County SWCD to appoint

Mr. Ray Lindwedel to complete the unexpired term of Mr. George Engelbach due to his resignation. Glen Cope made a motion to appointment Mr. Ray Lindwedel. Kenny Lovelace seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

F. APPEALS

G. NEW BUSINESS

MISSOURI SOIL & WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION June 13, 2018 Page 8 H. REPORTS

1. Missouri Department of Agriculture Davin Althoff, Division Director of the Ag Business Development Division, provided an update to the Commission. In regard to the Red Tape Reduction Initiative, the Department of Agriculture has approximately 340 rules that govern how they conduct business and of those, 161 will be amended or rescinded. He informed the Commission that there is a link on their webpage that can be used to make comments on these rules. He told the Commission that Dicamba is another challenging issue the department is working on. They are continuing to do outreach with their partners, stakeholders, and industry folks and have provided training to 2,500 private applicators and over 500 commercial applicators. Mr. Althoff discussed a few bills that were successful in getting passed this year. HB1872 establishes a grant program for the installation of broadband internet and provides infrastructure for assistance to rural areas in Missouri. HB1880 provides protection for electric cooperatives with potential lawsuits regarding easements. He said they are also working very closely with the Department of Economic Development, who is in the process of hiring a broadband manager, and the goal is to have this person on board by the end of June. He encouraged and invited everyone to visit their website to keep up with things that are happing at the Department of Agriculture. They are monitoring the situation with the drought conditions as they are already receiving phone calls regarding this.

2. MASWCD Ryan Britt thanked the program staff and Commissioners for all their hard work getting the Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS) passed this year. He said it was on the Governor’s desk waiting for his signature. Another issue that has recently come up is donations to the districts. Mr. Britt said the association may want to do a resolution on this at the fall Training Conference this year. He said that many districts receive local and private donations that allow districts to help provide salaries for staff and pay for equipment. The particular issue is the higher dollar amount donations from private donors that could influence use of state funds. The issue has been brought forward by a soil and water conservation board member and Farm Bureau. He stated it was important to preserve the integrity of the Soil and Water Program and the good image it has and he appreciated Farm Bureau’s respect for the image of the program.


3. NRCS J.R. Flores thanked the Commission for their attendance at the State Technical Committee Meeting earlier that day and welcomed Kenny Lovelace. NRCS, FSA, and Risk Management Agency are beneath the same Under Secretary in a new division called FPAC—Farm Production and Conservation and are looking at ways to work more closely together. One thing that they will all be focusing on will be customer service. He provided an update on the Farm Bill passed today and it looks favorable toward conservation.

4. University of Missouri Dr. Rob Kallenbach reported that MU Extension recently set up a new drought website and have been getting thousands of hits daily. They are trying to warn farmers about fire ants from hay being brought in from other states. If anyone has questions regarding the needs assessment he discussed at the State Technical Committee Meeting earlier that day he will be happy to address them.

5. Department of Conservation Lisa Potter informed the Commission that Mike Hubbard is their new Deputy Director. He is replacing Tom Draper, who has retired. Their department director, Sara Pauley, has a new strategic plan called the Missouri Conservation Design for the Future. It is a plan that will guide the decisions made by the department for the next three to five years. It is available online at the department’s website. Beginning July 1, the department will expand the ban on deer feeding in seven additional counties. Those counties are: Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Grundy, Madison, McDonald, Mercer, and Perry. This brings the total number of counties under the ban to 48. Spring turkey season harvest was down by 17% this year even though there were still almost 36,000 birds killed.

I. PUBLIC COMMENTS Beverly Dometrorch, MASWCD Area 4 Director from Howard County brought some questions to the Commission that had been asked to her by district staff:

1. What committees are still in operation, what are they accomplishing and why

is nothing being put out for the districts to see about what they are doing? Colleen Meredith responded that there are two committees still in operation. Those are the Current Conservation Practices Committee and the Program Delivery and Operations Committee. She said there are no minutes taken during the meetings, but information regarding the committees’ discussions is presented


at the Commission meetings. The slides that everyone sees at the Commission meetings are those used in the committee meetings. There is always a Commissioner at each of the committee meetings to hear the discussion first hand. Recommendations from the committees are brought to the Commission for their consideration. Ralph Gaw added that there is no action taken at the meetings, it is all information and discussions to develop recommendations. 2. Is there going to be a level 5 on progression ladder? Colleen responded that it one of the items that the Program Delivery and Operations Committee has been talking about. 3. Can sick leave hours be shared and donated from one district to another? Jim Boschert responded that there has been discussion about this question before, and after checking with the department’s Human Resources (HR) Office they said it could not be done since the staff have different employers. Colleen Meredith said that they would go back to HR and ask about a state-wide share pool but that this would be something that all the boards would have to vote on. 4. Will there be more technicians provided to the FOSAs? Colleen Meredith responded that there will not be any more new technicians. There is one shared technician per FOSA and that’s all there will be at this time.

J. SUGGESTED DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on August 2, 2018, in Jefferson City, MO. This is due to the rulemaking timeline and will be an important meeting to attend.

K. ADJOURNMENT Glen Cope made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:16 p.m. seconded by Kenny Lovelace and the motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted, Colleen Meredith, Director Soil and Water Conservation Program

Approved by: Gary Vandiver, Chairman Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

MINUTES Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission

TELEPHONE CONFERNCE CALL Lewis and Clark State Office Building

Jefferson City, MO Manitou Bluffs Conference Room

July 27, 2018

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT VIA TELEPHONE: Gary Vandiver, Jeff Lance, Tim Martin, Glen Cope, and Kenny Lovelace. H. Ralph Gaw was not present. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: CAROL S. COMER, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES: Dru Buntin; SARA PARKER PAULEY, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF CONSERVATION: Lisa Potter via telephone; CHRIS CHINN, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE: David Baker via telephone; DEAN CHRISTOPHER R. DAUBERT, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI: Dr. Rob Kallenbach via telephone. ADVISORY MEMBERS PRESENT: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM (SWCP): Colleen Meredith; NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS): J R Flores via telephone; MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (MASWCD): Ryan Britt via telephone SWCP STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Boschert, Jake Wilson, Bill Wilson, Judy Stinson, Jeremy Redden, and Tammy Cody. OTHERS PRESENT: DISTRICTS: BOONE: Ethan Miller, Kevin Monckton, Neil Monnig, Jeff DeShon via telephone; CALLAWAY: Lucas McCray, Matt Blansett via telephone; CHARITON: Carrie Henry via telephone; HOWARD: Beverly Dometrorch via telephone; LEWIS: Audrey Rayl via telephone; MACON: Mark Collins via telephone; MARIES: Sandy Stratman, Amy Neier via telephone; NEWTON/MCDONALD: Andrew Molder, Tracy White via telephone; NODAWAY: Dalton Crabs, Colton Coffelt via telephone; OREGON: Sarah Stubbs, Aminta Combs via telephone; SCHUYLER: Sydney Beeler via telephone; VERNON: Anthony Wolfe, Kayla Leavell via telephone; MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES: Susan Bloomer, Kurt Boeckmann. A. CALL TO ORDER

Commissioner Vandiver called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

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Deputy Director Dru Buntin briefed the Commission on the state level drought response. He said the Climate and Weather Committee met on July 13, 2018, and made recommendations to the Governor to move to the next phase of the drought plan. On July 18, 2018, the Governor responded with Executive Order 18-05. This declared a drought alert for the counties of Adair, Andrew, Audrain, Barry, Barton, Boone, Buchanan, Caldwell, Callaway, Carroll, Chariton, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Dade, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, Knox, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lewis, Linn, Livingston, Macon, McDonald, Mercer, Moniteau, Monroe, Newton, Nodaway, Platte, Putnam, Randolph, Ray, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Sullivan, and Worth. Mr. Buntin explained that Executive Order 18-05 also directed that as other counties enter severe, extreme, or exceptional drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, they shall be added to the drought alert. He said the Governor also directed the Director of the Department of Natural Resources to activate and designate a chairperson for the Drought Assessment Committee and request that all Missouri and federal agencies participate as needed. The next Drought Assessment Committee meeting will be held on August 8, 2018, with the full committee to discuss a state-wide response to the drought. There has been emergency funding from the Department for four public water systems that were low due to the drought conditions.

C. RESPONSE TO DROUGHT Program Director Colleen Meredith presented the following Commission considerations:

1. Require Soil and Water Conservation Districts to move landowners completing

“drought” practices to the top of waiting lists (the drought practices are those discussed today, and will only be available in the D2 and D3 drought designated counties). Jeff Lance made a motion to adopt the Commission consideration as stated. Glen Cope seconded the motion. Based on a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.

2. Defer the Grazing School Requirement for 12 months after contract approval for the

Water Development (DSP 3.1) and Water Distribution (DSP 3.2) Grazing System practice. The Water Development contracts will consist only of pipeline from the water source, and one watering tank. The rest of the system can be designed and installed after the landowner has completed an approved grazing school. It is important that producers understand managed grazing prior to designing their systems.

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Jeff Lance made a motion to defer the Grazing School Requirement. Kenny Lovelace seconded the motion. Based on a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.

3. Implement a pond cleanout program. The sediment in the pond must be completely removed. A flat rate of $1,000 per half acre (up to 2 acres) will be paid. The maximum cost-share provided will be $4,000 regardless of the size of the pond. A 10-year maintenance commitment for the pond will be reinstated from the date of payment. This cleanout program is available only for state cost-share ponds currently under maintenance and those out of maintenance. Glen Cope made a motion to implement a pond cleanout program. Jeff Lance seconded the motion. Based on a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.

4. A variance will be provided to raise the N340 Cover Crop Practice maximum to $30,000 from the current $20,000 lifetime limit, and to allow cover crops to be hayed at termination to provide additional forage. Landowners over the $20,000 maximum will receive $30 per acre for any additional acres enrolled. The seeding rates and mixtures the Natural Resources Conservation Service developed for their drought program must be used. Other requirements in the policy still apply. Colleen Meredith then provided additional information to the Commission in regard to this variance. It is as follows: Landowners not having reached their $20,000 maximum will continue to follow current policy which allows a $30 per acre payment for a one to two species cover crop mix, and a $40 per acre payment for mixes with three or more cover crop species. Grazing is allowed under current policy. Cover crop soil health tests prior to planting are still required. Kenny Lovelace made a motion to provide the variance. Glen Cope seconded the motion. Based on roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.

MISSOURI SOIL & WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION July 27, 2018 Page 4 D. ADJOURNMENT

Glen Cope made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:48 p.m. seconded by Kenny Lovelace. Based on a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.



Missouri Department of Natural Resources

MINUTES Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission

TELEPHONE CONFERNCE CALL Department of Natural Resources Conference Center

Jefferson City, MO Bennett Springs Conference Room

August 2, 2018

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT VIA TELEPHONE: Gary Vandiver, Jeff Lance, Glen Cope. Present at the meeting was Kenny Lovelace. H. Ralph Gaw and Tim Martin were not present. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: CAROL S. COMER, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES: Dru Buntin; SARA PARKER PAULEY, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF CONSERVATION: Lisa Potter via telephone; CHRIS CHINN, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE: David Baker via telephone; DEAN CHRISTOPHER R. DAUBERT, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI: Dr. Rob Kallenbach via telephone. ADVISORY MEMBERS PRESENT: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM (SWCP): Colleen Meredith; NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS): Chris Hamilton via telephone; MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (MASWCD): Ryan Britt via telephone SWCP STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Walker, Tammy Cody, Van Beydler and Bill Wilson. OTHERS PRESENT: DISTRICTS: CLARK: Melissa Pitford and Jacky Martin via telephone; COOPER: David Glaskey via telephone; HOLT: Regina Young via telephone; HOWARD: Beverly Dometrorch via telephone; LEWIS: Audrey Rayl via telephone; NODAWAY: Colton Coffelt via telephone; SALINE: Carol Benedick, Mike Reynolds and Cliff Lackland via telephone; SCHUYLER: Sydney Beeler and Abbey Wheeler via telephone; MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES: Kurt Boeckmann; MO SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION: John Knudsen. A. CALL TO ORDER

Commissioner Vandiver called the meeting to order 12:30 p.m. He stated the intent of the conference call today was to go over the rulemaking portion of the Red Tape Reduction initiative and to allow more public comment regarding these rules.

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Deputy Director Dru Buntin stated that this is the end of public comment period and is the opportunity for the Commission to hear comments on the amendments to the Commission’s rules that were initiated under Executive Order 17-03, Red Tape Reduction. Mr. Buntin also said the Ag Impact Team from the Drought Assessment Committee had met and there were a few items that came up in the course of that discussion that were added to this agenda, which will be up for discussion later.

C. SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS 1. Compliance with Executive Order 17-03 Red Tape Reduction

Program Director Colleen Meredith welcomed everyone and then introduced Steve Walker to present the information on the rulemaking changes for Executive Order 17-03, which requires each department to review every regulation under its jurisdiction within the Code of State Regulations.

Mr. Walker told the Commission that as part of our continuing Red Tape Reduction efforts, we are requesting public comments on the proposed amendments to Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Commission’s rules today. He said a total of 11 rules were proposed to be amended in the following chapters: Chapter 2—Referendums, Chapter 3—Formation of Subdistrict, Chapter 4—Definitions, Chapter 5—State Funded Cost-Share Program, and Chapter 6—Tax Levy Referendums.

He continued that written comments have been solicited from the soil and water conservation districts and the public during the last 30 days. The meeting packet contains copy of the memo sent to the districts on July 2, 2018, that solicited comments on the proposed amendments and announced today’s meeting to receive public comments. In addition, following the public meeting today, written comments will be accepted for an additional seven days until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 9. Mr. Walker said those comments could be submitted to the soil and water conservation program email address (soil&[email protected] or by regular mail to the Soil and Water Districts Commission, P. O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

At this time he turned the meeting back over to Commissioner Vandiver, who serves as the officer for today’s public meeting to request comments on the proposed amendments. Commissioner Vandiver read the following:

Good afternoon. My name is Gary Vandiver and I am the Chair of the Soil and Water Districts Commission. I will be serving as the officer for this public meeting on the proposed rulemaking for amending chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and the associated 11 rules. Section 278.080, RSMo, provides the authority for the Soil and Water Districts

mailto:soil&[email protected]

MISSOURI SOIL & WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION August 2, 2018 Page 3

Commission to carry out this rulemaking.

Mr. Walker then stated that the purpose of this portion of the meeting is to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments to Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 which include the following 11 rules. 10 CSR 70-2.010 Conduct of Referendums; 10 CSR 70-2.020 Conduct of Supervisor Elections; 10 CSR 70-3.010 Formation of Soil and Water Conservation Subdistricts; 10 CSR 70-4.010 Definitions; 10 CSR 70-5.010 Apportionment of Funds; 10 CSR 70-5.020 Application and Eligibility for Funds; 10 CSR 70-5.030 Design, Layout and Construction of Proposed Practices; Operation

and Maintenance; 10 CSR 70-5.040 Cost-Share Rates and Reimbursement Procedures; 10 CSR 70-5.050 District Administration of the Cost-Share Program; 10 CSR 70-5.060 Commission Administration of the Cost-Share Program; and 10 CSR 70-6.010 Watershed Subdistrict Tax Levy Referendums

Commissioner Vandiver then explained that this portion of the meeting was not a forum for debate or resolution of issues. He asked for those presenting comments, to please state their name for the record, speak clearly, and describe any exhibits. If they have a business card or any handouts, please provide these to the Commission’s staff. He continued with saying, in addition to today’s opportunity to comment, written comments will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 9, 2018. Information for sending written comments is provided in the “Notice of Public Meeting and Notice to Submit Comments” published with the proposed rule amendments. He then asked if anyone wished to make comments on the proposed rulemaking. Ryan Britt, MASWCD President, addressed the Commission saying that the association had submitted some comments. Colleen Meredith thanked him for the comments, which had been received, and stated that all comments will be responded to in writing.

Mr. Walker asked if there were any questions about today’s public meeting, the submittal of written comments, or the status of the Red Tape Reductions efforts. There were no questions asked.

2. Response to Drought Follow-Up Colleen Meredith stated that she had provided the Commission some emails in advance for Commission considerations. Several people from the Department had been to meetings regarding the drought and there had been suggestions to bring to the Commission.


The first suggestion is to extend the deadline from September 1, 2018 to December 1, 2018, for the variance to allow livestock grazing in exclusion areas for the: DFR-5 Woodland Protection through Livestock Exclusion, DWC-01 Water Impoundment Reservoir, N386 Field Border, N393 Filter Strip, N472 Use Exclusion, and WQ10 Stream Protection. DFR-5, DWC-01, N386, N393, N472, and WQ10 that were approved at the June 13, 2018, meeting. This date would coincide to end the same day as the Executive Order 18-05. Jeff Lance made a motion to accept the suggestion to extend the deadline variance. Glen Cope seconded the motion. Based on a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. The second suggestion was to require districts in the D2 and higher drought areas to move only cover crop contracts that are intended to be used for haying and grazing up on their waiting lists and to manage the other cover crop practices within their regular work load. Glen Cope made a motion to adopt the proposed second suggestion. Kenny Lovelace seconded the motion. Based on a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. The third suggestion was to adopt a revised motion to the one made at the July 27, 2018, Commission Meeting. Below is the motion that was made at the meeting.

A variance will be provided to raise the N340 Cover Crop Practice maximum to $30,000 from the current $20,000 lifetime limit, and to allow cover crops to be hayed at termination to provide additional forage. Landowners over the $20,000 maximum will receive $30 per acre for any additional acres enrolled. The seeding rates and mixtures the Natural Resources Conservation Service developed for their drought program must be used. Other requirements in the policy still apply. The revised motion would be removing one line from the original motion. “The seeding rates and mixtures the Natural Resources Conservation Service developed for their drought program must be used.” The revised motion would be as follows: A variance will be provided to raise the N340 Cover Crop Practice maximum to $30,000 from the current $20,000 lifetime limit, and to allow cover crops to be hayed at termination to provide additional forage. Landowners over the $20,000 maximum will receive $30 per acre for any additional acres enrolled. Other requirements in the policy still apply. Glen Cope made a motion to adopt the revised motion. Jeff Lance seconded the motion. Based on a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. The fourth suggestion was to change one word in a previous motion that was made at the July 27, 2018, Commission Meeting. That word change was contract approval to contract payment. The original motion was as follows:


Defer the Grazing School Requirement for 12 months after contract approval for the Water Development (DSP 3.1) and Water Distribution (DSP 3.2) Grazing System practice. The Water Development contracts will consist only of pipeline from the water source, and one watering tank. The rest of the system can be designed and installed after the landowner has completed an approved grazing school. It is important that producers understand managed grazing prior to designing their systems. The revised motion would be as follows: Defer the Grazing School Requirement for 12 months after contract payment for the Water Development (DSP 3.1) and Water Distribution (DSP 3.2) Grazing System practice. The Water Development contracts will consist only of pipeline from the water source, and one watering tank. The rest of the system can be designed and installed after the landowner has completed an approved grazing school. It is important that producers understand managed grazing prior to designing their systems. Jeff Lance made a motion to change the wording from contract approval to contract payment. Kenny Lovelace seconded the motion. Based on a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. The fifth suggestion was the pond cleanout policy. Colleen Meredith told the Commission that this was a new practice and that Jim Plassmeyer would go through the practice with them at this time and the consideration for the Commission would be as follows: Approve the DWC-02 pond cleanout practice for drought counties affected by Executive Order 18-05. Allow program office staff, working with NRCS, to make changes as needed for technical and administrative issues that may need to be worked out as the drought program is implemented. Jim Plassmeyer told the Commission that the program office is proposing a practice called the DWC-02 Water Impoundment Reservoir Cleanout, rather than modifying the DWC-01 Water Impoundment Reservoir practice. This will be different from the DWC-01 so that it can be tracked, and have different policies related to this practice. The outcome of this practice will be to remove accumulated sediment from state cost-share assisted water impoundment structures. General policies of the practice were reviewed. This practice will apply to any DWC-01 practice that the program has provided state cost-share on, whether in maintenance or not. It does not have any erosion requirements. The goal is to increase the volume of the water storage available by doing this practice. The cost-share assistance will be what the Commission approved at the July 27, 2018, meeting: A flat rate of $1,000 per half acre (up to 2 acres). The maximum cost-share provided will be $4,000 regardless of the size of the pond. A 10-year maintenance commitment for the pond will be reinstated from the date of the payment.


Other items being proposed in the policy are for impoundments needed for livestock watering, but not currently set up for that. The policy will allow landowners to install a limited access watering point on the pond so cattle can have access to water, or the landowner can put in a permanent siphon pipeline. The siphon pipeline cannot cross the dam but will tie into a tank below the pond area. Any siphon pipeline will have to go to NRCS for their approval prior to installing it. Another option is if there is already a pipeline available, cost-share is allowable for a tank that can be hooked up to the original pipeline construction of the pond. If livestock are adjacent to or using a pond, the pond must be fenced and cost-share is available for fencing. Critical area seeding is also available for cost-share if needed to help stabilize the side slopes. Mr. Plassmeyer told the Commission that the items that would not be cost-shared on would be repairs or modifications to the dam or to replace the spillway pipe. He said the structure has to be available to provide water to livestock to be eligible for cost-share for cleanout.

Glen Cope made a motion to approve the DWC-02 pond cleanout practice for drought counties affected by Executive Order 18-05. Allow program office staff, working with NRCS, to make changes as needed for technical and administrative issues that may need to be worked out as the drought program is implemented. Kenny Lovelace seconded the motion. Based on a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.

D. DATE OF NEXT MEETING September 12, 2018, in Jefferson City, MO. At this meeting the Commission will vote to approve the amendments to their rules.

E. ADJOURNMENT Kenny Lovelace made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:18 p.m. seconded by Glen Cope. Based on a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.



D.3.

RESOLUTIONS 2017 Training Conference

Resolution #2017-01 Proposed by Ozark County

Whereas, the N595 Pest Management practice has a $10.00 per acre per year cap; and Whereas, the lifetime maximum an operator can receive from this practice is $5,000; and Whereas, for the large landowners the $5000 cap per landowner is not enough to get them started. Most species require multiple years to get a kill. The $10.00 per acre is not enough to pay for fuel in applying pesticide/herbicide; and Whereas, with invasive species coming in landowners need to be encouraged to keep good conservation practices. The cap is restrictive for the large landowners. Therefore, be it resolved: that the Ozark County SWCD would like to see the cap on the N595 Pest Management practice raised from $5000.00 per landowner to $20,000 per landowner. Supported by: Texas, Howell, Bollinger and Dent SWCD Resolution Passed 43-0

Floor Resolution #2017-02 Proposed by Lafayette County

Whereas, The Program Office will only honor a stipend request for the next upcoming quarter following a district employee qualifying for an increase in their stipend; and Whereas, this decision is adverse to our mission statement and budget; and. Whereas, The Lafayette County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisors view the retention of our District employees as a necessity to assisting landowners with their conservation needs and the Program Office Policy of withholding salary increases from employees as detriment not only to our district employees, but also to our local budgets. Therefore be it Resolved, The Lafayette County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisors urge the Program Office to approve stipend increases the day an employee is eligible so that district employees received their earned salary increases without delay. Vote to Bring from the Floor – 42 - 0

D.3. Resolution Passed 39-0 Additional Information (see Memo-2016-015) Many district employees are not receiving their earned salary increases coinciding with their hiring date and must wait up to six pay periods before receiving their earned raises; Our district employees deserve to receive their pay increases in a timely manner, which is why the Lafayette County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisors felt it was their responsibility to use local funds to pay the increase in salary for our employee from $14.42 to $15.45 from the hiring date of Nov. 6th through January 1, 2018 when the next upcoming quarterly allocation is received including the additional funds for the employee’s salary. We are sure that this situation has arisen in many counties across the State of Missouri and that many of those counties did not have the available funds to make up for the loss of State of Missouri funds. Districts can easily include the earned stipend dates in the quarterly report so salaries can be paid to coincide with the correct earned date.

Master Fund Status Summary

Pending# Contract Payments

% Contract Payment

Contract Payment

# Contracts%ObligatedAllocatedDistrict Obligated

FY: 2019 Fund Code:R Project:AWM - ANIMAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

$3,185,111.34 $585,513.44 27 $144,348.92 5 $161,459.47 18.38% 4.53%

FY: 2019 Fund Code:R Project:BDSP-31 - BUFFER SINKHOLE IMPROVEMENT

$16,800.00 $0.00 0 $0.00 0 $0.00 0.00% 0.00%

FY: 2019 Fund Code:R Project:GM - GRAZING MANAGEMENT

$6,919,972.70 $3,205,108.99 768 $673,905.97 143 $606,567.13 46.32% 9.74%

FY: 2019 Fund Code:R Project:IM - IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT

$1,712,474.73 $772,370.88 126 $339,895.03 50 $58,701.95 45.10% 19.85%

FY: 2019 Fund Code:R Project:NP - NUTRIENT & PEST MANAGEMENT

$1,678,959.00 $983,740.60 1148 $23,153.00 34 $25,378.20 58.59% 1.38%

FY: 2019 Fund Code:R Project:SA - SENSITIVE AREAS

$3,576,228.27 $1,143,790.96 194 $253,036.42 40 $257,632.07 31.98% 7.08%

FY: 2019 Fund Code:R Project:SGE - SHEET AND RILL / GULLY EROSION

$32,083,573.22 $17,538,607.74 4934 $3,913,939.30 650 $2,599,014.22 54.67% 12.20%

FY: 2019 Fund Code:R Project:WE - WOODLAND EROSION

$1,999,797.51 $487,582.97 150 $73,109.10 26 $82,072.92 24.38% 3.66%

Subtotal for R $51,172,916.77 $24,716,715.58 7347 $5,421,387.74 948 $3,790,825.96 10.59% 48.30%

Page 1 of 209/07/2018 1:09:16PM

D.4.

Master Fund Status Summary

Master Fund Status Summary (2019)Subtotal for R $51,172,916.77 $24,716,715.58 7347 $5,421,387.74 948 $3,790,825.96 10.59% 48.30%

$51,172,916.77 $24,716,715.58 7347 $5,421,387.74 948 $3,790,825.96Report Totals 48.30% 10.59%

Page 2 of 209/07/2018 1:09:16PM

I I I

D.6.

C650 Streambank Stabilization

Purpose 1. Protect streambanks from accelerated erosion. 2. Provide adequate streambank vegetation. 3. Improve water quality.

Applicability 1. Applies to agricultural land along streams where significant streambank erosion problems

exist. 2. A district must v,ork ••vith the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and NRCS staff

to determine eligibility and whether technical assistance can be provided Eligibility will be determined bv the appropriate technical authority. NRCS is able to offer technical assistance in federally funded partnership projects. MDC is able to offer technical assistance within priority watersheds. A private. Missouri licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with significant streambank stabilization experience may also be used for technical assistance.

Erosion Requirements Practice has no erosion requirements.

Specifications The completed practice must meet MDC Policies and Procedures for MDC 650 Streambank restoration if MDC staff is the technical authority; and NRCS Standards and Specifications for Fence (382), livestock exclusion under Access Control (472), Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (490), Streambank and Shoreline Protection (580), aHEl-Tree/Shrub Establishment (612). and Riparian Herbaceous Cover (390) contained in the Field Office Technical Guide.

Policies 1 .. Plantings will be protected from fire and livestock throughout the life of the practice. 2. Stabilization structures will remain in place until sufficient vegetation is present to sustain

bank stability. This will be determined by MDC or NRCS technical staff for the life of the practice. Cost-share for reconstruction will not be available.

3. A vegetated buffer area must be maintained for a minimum of 50 feet from the top of the stream bank.

~- Cost-share is authorized/or: a. Components necessary for cedar tree revetments, rock riprap, and bioengineering

materials. b. Seedling or other plantings needed to stabilize the constructed area. c. Exclusion fence. Corridor 1,vidth must be a minimum distance of 50 feet from the top of

the streambank. d. - Grading and shaping. e. Hourly engineering incentive if a private PE is used. Engineering incentive is $3,000 for

up to 29 hours. $4,000 for 30-39 hours and $5.000 for 40 or more hours. Engineering incentive component mav not exceed $5.000 per site.

2_. Cost-share is not authorized for: a. Any stream with substantial watershed or in-channel problems, such as channelization or

excessive streambank erosion. b. Planting of trees for commercial production. c. Fence that does not serve the purpose of excluding livestock, such as property lines,

rights-of-way, or farm road boundaries. d. Clearing of rocks or other obstructions from the areas to be treated. . e. Labor, material, and equipment supplied at no charge by any agency or organization.

Maximum State Cost-Share 1. Not to exceed $25,000 ~ per landovmer and/or farm . distinct project site. 2. Utilize the Practice Limits Detail Repo1i in MoSVnMS to ensure compliance 1vvith applicable

maximums.

Map Requirements A legible, aerial photography map that shows the completed practice must be scanned and attached as document type "Map" in MoSWIMS prior to contract payment submission. The map must have the following:

• Landowner name and locational data (section/township/range or coordinates) • Farm perimeter • Field numbers, field boundaries, and field acres • Any other features that may affect the contract payment • If multiples of the same practice are shown on the map, clearly identify which practice is

associated with the contract payment

Technical Responsibilities MDC.,_ er NRCS technical staff, SWCD Engineer or a private Missouri licensed PE has the responsibility for determining the need for the practice, for design of the practice based upon the minimum extent necessary, and to ce1tify that the completed practice meets NRCS standards and specifications within commission policy.

Acres Served Acreage is equal to zero.

Extent Installed Linear feet of stream treated.

Maintenance Life 10 years.

D.7.

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World Soil Day 5 D<.-ccmbct-

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Visit MO DIRT at

modirt.missouriepscor.org

to find out about our programs,

training sessions, data portal,

and eventsl

MISSOURI

MISSOURI TRANSECT EPSG,·R

DONALD DANFORTH

PLANT SCIENCE CENTER DISCOVERY I COIIMUNITY I INPACI

Science Education and Outreach

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

975 N Warson Rd.

St. Louis, MO 63132

Phone: 314-587-1436

Fax: 314-587-1536

E-mail: [email protected]

Educating citizens on soil health and the reciprocal

soik:limate interactions across the state

MO DIRT Missourians Doing Impact Research Together

MO DIRT f issourians Doing Impact

Research Together, is a state-wide program of the

Missouri Transect, aimed at educating citizens on

soil health and working with them to assess a

distinct set of soil properties and how these

properties are influenced by microclimate and

climate in the state.

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The Missouri Transect project was established

through a $20 million National Science Foundation

EPSCoR grant in 2014 (www.epscormissouri.org;

award IIA-1355406). This project aims to study and

predict the impact of climate change on agricultural

productivity and natural habitats in Missouri, and

how communities are likely to be affected by and

respond to the challenges of a changing climate. The lead institution of this project is the University

of Missouri-Columbia with the following partners: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis Science Center, Saint Louis University, Lincoln

University, Washington University, the University of

Missouri at Kansas City and St. Louis, and the

University of Missouri Science and Technology.

I SPECIFIC GOALS

To ed'ucate citizens on soil science, soil-climate

interactions and the soil-plant interface

To train citizens on data collection, analysis, and I

reporting of soil properties

• To corduct soil surveys with particular emphasis on soil respiration

To mJintain a web-based portal for MO DIRT data

• To cohtribute valuable data to scientists involved in Miss6uri Transect research.

To create public awareness of soil threats and

conservation actions

Soil Science Curriculum I

A school curriculum includes hands-on activities for K-12 stud~nts on soil properties, soil organisms, soil

health, knd soil-climate interactions. Teachers have I access to manuals with ·

background information,

protocols; worksheets and

other resources.

Cltizj Science Soil Health Surveys High school students, landowners, farmers[ science clubs, life-long

learnerl and all citizens

commit~ed to research are invited

to conduct soil surveys to collect

and conf ribute data that will help scientists understand how soil

health a1nd soil-climate interactions

are affected in the state.

I

High School Scientists High school students

specifically are invited to

conduct independent

research projects related to

soil-climate interactions with

the guidance of mentors.

Enrichment Activities Soil science activities are offered at agricultural

educational field days, Earth Day events, summer

camps, schools, etc. These activities are

designed to promote the "living soil", the

"breathing soil", MO DIRT, and World Soil Day.

Welrbased Portal A Web-Based Portal is

available to access

educational and training

materials, to post

experiences with MO DIRT

and to enter and download

research data.

Citizens monitoring soil health and soil-climate interactions


Missourians Doing Impact Research Together To educate citizens on the importance of healthy soils, and engage them in examining the current properties of state soils and how these are being influenced by land use and climate change.

Join MO DIRT to help monitor soil health I Soil health surveys are conducted by volunteer citizens working as individuals or in small teams. They measure physical, chemical, and biological indicators of soil health in sites that are representative of natural systems (prairie, forest, woodland) or anthropogenic systems (grassland, crop fields, pastures). The sites are monitored monthly between February and November for at least one year. Participants can join anytime.

What about the data? The data generated from the soil surveys provides baseline information that is shared through an open access online website (http://modirt.missouriepscor. org/soilhealthsurveys/search-data) . This information gives participants the opportunity to learn about data management. The data is also used by educators for teaching purposes, land owners for management decisions, and scientists to better understand the health status of Missouri soils with changing weather patterns leading to climate change.

Learn more at: modirt.missouriepscor.org

[email protected]

Ph. 314.587.1412

For future training opportunities visit

modirt.missouriepscor.org/events_page

MISSOURI TRANSECT

MISSOURI

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NUMBERS OF SOIL ORCiANISMS

• One cup of soi( Wlay ho(d as Many bacteria as there are peop(e on Earth. Over 6 biUion. What is a biUion in the US? 1..000.000.000 (A l. foUow by q .zeros!).

• The weight of aU the bacteria in l. acre of soi( ( about the siz.e of a footba(( fie(d) can equa( the weight of one or two cows.

• A te·aspoonfu( of forest soi( May ho(d More than l-0 Mites of funga( hyphae.

• Over 1-000 species of invertebrates May be found in a sing(e square Meter of forest ~~ , .

COOL SOIL ORCiANISMS

• Soi( contains the organisM with the (argest area. A sing(e cofony of the hon.ey fungus,, Arm/Ilaria ostogae,, can cover about q square kif oMeters or S.6 square Mites.

• The SMeU of hea(thy soi( has a sweet and earthy aroMa. This is the scent of geosMin,, a byproduct of soi( Microbes caUed actinoMycetes.

• CifoMafin is a protein produce by fungi that act as a "soi( g(ue" that he(ps keeping soif particfes together. The forMation of soi( aggregates he( ps Maintain pores and channe(s in the soi( for water and air to enter and Move through the soif.

• In a hea(thy soi(,, earthworM popu(ations consuMe 2 tons of dry Matter per acre per year,, part(y digesting and Mixing it with soi(.

• Mature trees can have as Many as s MiUion active root tips in the soi(.

• The rhi.zosphere is an energy-rich .zone around the root hairs where the plants re(ease exudates froM the roots that MicroorganisW\S use.

• Many of the wor( d's terrestrial insect species are soif dweUers for at (east so Me stage of their fife-cyc(e.

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EPSO.iR

SOIL BREATHES! Soil respiration is the carbon dioxide {CO2) flux from soils to the atmosphere that results from cell respiration carried out by soil organisms {Figure 1). Heterotrophic soil respiration is due to the biological activity of microorganisms {bacteria, fungi, protists, etc.) and animals {worms, insects, nematodes, etc.). Autotrophic soil respiration is due to the biological activity of roots.

Soil respiration is a critical indicator of soil health as it denotes biological activity. A healthy soil should have a good representation of the community of organisms that can perform the functions of a healthy soil. ·A major biological activity of soil organisms is the decomposition of organic matter.

Soil (2JOO}

Soil carbon respiration and decomposition

h, ... -. il pool (10,00(H

Figure 2. Simplify terrestrial carbon cycle, Numbers are Gigatons of carbon/year. Red indicates carbon human emissions. Source: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science

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Figure 1 Photosynthesis

Soil Respiration Soll Respiration

Mlcroor11nlsms Root tip

(bacteria, 1rch1ea, funal) _....,.. ••

Decomposition of organic matter in the soil begins with the physical breakdown of dead plants and animals into smaller organic compounds by soil animals. It continues with the chemical breakdown of these compounds by microbes into simpler organic and inorganic compounds.

Decomposition and soil respiration are tightly linked to carbon cycle processes. Decomposition provides microbes with the carbon compounds for energy source and to build cells and tissues. Microbes are the food source for other soil organisms. Soil respiration is the major pathway of carbon transfer from the soil to the atmosphere. These processes make soil a carbon sink with more carbpn stored than the atmosphere and the plant biomass {Figure 2).

A carbon balance is critical for human well-being and for the environment. Decomposition and soil respiration are temperature- and water-dependent. Therefore, changes in climate will alter their rates, and consequently the carbon cycle. Extreme climatic events {droughts, floods, etc.) are influenced by agricultural practices and other human activities. For example, tillage practices destroy organic matter, release CO2 into the atmosphere, destroy soil structure, and make soil more susceptible to erosion. Consequently, how we treat the soi l can affect climate and vice versa. Climate and soil affect each other reciprocally. This means that maintaining a healthy soil through good agricultural practices is essential.

SOIL BREATHES!

There are different methods to measure soil respiration in the field and in the laboratory. Some methods are very complex and provide accurate quantitative results, while others are simpler and provide good estimates of soil respiration.

In the field

The LI-COR soil gas flux system is a closed system that deploys a chamber on the soil surface for a short period of time. The system circulates air from a chamber (white) to a gas analyzer (yellow), and then back to the chamber. CO2 flux is calculated from the rate that the CO2

concentration increases inside the chamber.

The Draeger-Tube® method consists of using a colorimetric gas detector tube filled with a chemical reagent that changes color in the presence of CO2• A calibrated sampled soilrespired air is drawn through the tube. The length of the purple color change indicates the measured CO2 concentration.

In the lab

The Solvita® method is a visual color measurement system to estimate soil respiration {CO2 soil emissions pound/acre/day). It uses a thin-gel technology to assess carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from soil primarily due to microbial respiration.

Soil testing laboratories use a multi-channel soil respiration measuring system. The system can be programmed to test up to 24 soil samples for a desired period of time. The CO2 concentration is measured using an infra red gas analyzer similar to that used with the LI-COR system.

MI SSO URI

EPSCt>R 0 H N "- t II II .\ N I O I 1 II

!' LAST S C.: l l; /',:t; '. t': C t: NTEk DI UG\' lll \ WfUD111T l llilU,tl


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Newton County Soil 8l Water Conservation District

/900 South Hwy 71 Neosho; Mo 64850 Office Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday Phone: [417)451-/007 ext. 3

8 August 2018

MDNR,

The Newton County SWCD would like to appoint Bill Reiboldt to complete the unexpiredterm of Ronald Gunlock, who unexpectedly passed away, Area I.

Bill Reiboldt and the board chairman, Norman Kelley, have signed the Verification ofSupervisor Eligibility form to verify that the qualifying criteria are met.

Mr. Reiboldt is a longtime resident of the Neosho area, located within Area I of NewtonCounty. He is active in the agricultural community having attended our grazing school andthe family farm has participated in cost-share. We believe he demonstrates the ability to beactive, thorough, and make well rounded decisions.

Thank you for your consideration.

Norman Kelle�L .:", ..- � � ,

Board Chairman

Newton County SWCD

E.1.a.

VERIFICA TJON OF SUPERVlSOR ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for office, according to Missouri's Code of State Regulations, 10 CSR 70-2.020, Conduct of Supervisor Elections, a candidate shall:

I) Be a land representative a defined by "The owner. or representative authorized by power of

attorney. of any farm lying within the soil and water conservation district (SWCD): provided,however, that any land representative must be a taxpayer of the county within which the SWCD

is located:' and

2) Be a resident taxpaying citizen within that SWCD for two (2) years preceding the appointmentto the District Board of Supervisors by the Commission. and

3) Be a cooperator of the SWCD defined as ··A person who is actively involved in farming andpractices conservation activities related to agriculture.'· and

4) Reside in or own a farm lying in the same territory where the board position is vacant.

The undersigned certify that the candidate meets all of the above stated eligibility requirements to serve as a supervisor for the Newton County Soil and Water Conservation District.

IX-17 31 Jan2018tcgw

E.1.b.

Maries County Soil & Water Conservation District 105 Parkway, Vienna, MO 65582

Phone (573) 422-3342 Fax (573) 422-3590

August 21, 2018

Soil & Water Conservation Program P. 0. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102

Dear Commissioners:

Due to the death of Board Supervisor, Larry J. Kleffner, the Maries County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors would like to appoint Glen Rowden to fill the remaining term of Mr. Kleffner.

Mr. Rowden's address is 12367 Highway 63 South, Vienna, MO 65582. The completed Verification of Supervisor Eligibility form is attached. Your approval of Mr. Rowden's appointment at your next meeting would be very much appreciated.

Jan koul:i , Maries County SWCD Chair

ss

Enclosure

VERIFICATION OF SUPERVISOR ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for office, according to Missouri's Code of State Regulations, 10 CSR 70-2.020, Conduct of Supervisor Elections, a candidate shall:

1) Be a land representative as defined by "The owner, or representative authorized by power of attorney, of any farm lying within the soil and water conservation district (SWCD); provided,

however, that any land representative must be a taxpayer of the county within which the SWCD is located," and

2) Be a resident taxpaying citizen within that SWCD for two (2) years preceding the appointment to the District Board of Supervisors by the Commission, and

3) Be a cooperator of the SWCD defined as "A person who is actively involved in farming and practices conservation activities related to agriculture," and

4) Reside in or own a farm lying in the same territory where the board position is vacant.

The undersigned certify that the candidate meets all of the above stated eligibility requirements to serve as a supervisor for the Maries County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Chairperson (or acting) Signature: '% /;ii /;y '

Candidate Signature: ~ Date: 5-- "L-/-11"' --=-=-----'- ~------- --

IX-15 05/01/20 I I

E.2.

Ray Soll and Water Conservation District 500 Wojlard Bo~levatO • Richmond. MO 64085 Phone (816) TTS-7063

8-13-2018

Dear Commissioners,

Due to the 2018 drought we are receiving a lot of interest in the Cover Crop N340

practice. The exception in policy for haying this year is being well received. The livestock

producers in our area have cut many acres of corn for silage to provide feed. Several of these

acres are continuous silage fields. The continuous silage fields do not qualify for the N340 Cover

Crop practice because they are not in a two species production crop rotation. Forage and hay

are in short supply and allowing cover crop in these fields would lessen the impact. We are

asking that the commission to also make an exception to the two species policy for this year due

to the severe drought.

Ray County SWCD

JMW,~ Chairman

F.1.

4551 HIGHWAY T, AUGUSTA, MD 63332

September 4, 2018

Department of Natural Resources

Soil and Water Conservation Program

Soil and Water Districts Commission

PO Box 176

Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0176

Dear SWCP Commissions,

On behalf of BCR Farms LLC, I am contacting you as an equal share holder of this entity to inquire about a policy revision request or exception for St Charles County SWCP Cover Crop Program.

As policy N340 Bullet #2 states "Contracted acres must currently be in a minimum of 2 species production crop rotation".

My request is that multiple Soybean on Soybean yearly rotation be allowed and accepted as an eligible cover crop participant. The farms in question have a very bad weed problem, especially Johnson Grass which limits my crop rotation since any grass crop would be overcome and no way to control it. I farm in several contiguous counties and they accept this rotation with no issues since a wheat cover crop is breaking the rotati_on and holding the soil during the winter months. I kill my cover crop roughly a month prior to wheat harvest, so really the only difference is I don't

harvest the crop and the plant gets killed a month sooner.

In conclusion, I am requesting that either an exception is made or an actual revising of the policy be made to accommodate my situation as well as several others in the community. The main takeaway is I want to preserve the soil and add extra organic matter, but without the Cover Crop payment no-till producers cannot afford to participate with the current 'ommodity prices. Thank you for your time.

/i

i~ Nicholas R Barron Owner

Lucky Shot Farms LLC BCR Farms LLC

/

✓

Sheet and Rill/Gully Erosion Resource Concern

N340 Cover Crops

Purpose Provide operators an incentive to encourage the adoption of cover crops for reducing soil erosion, improving water quality and soil health.

The definition of operator for the purpose of this practice is any individual farming the land, who has incurred the expenses for the cover crops. The operator' s name should also be listed on file with FSA as the operator of such land.

Applicabilitv Applies to cropland acres where row crops are grown and soil erosion needs to be prevented or water quality and soil health improved.

Erosion Requirements Practice has no erosion requirements to qualify. However, pre and post erosion rates need to be recorded in MO SWIMS to capture the erosion benefits of the practice.

Specifications The completed components of the practice must meet the NRCS Standards and Specifications for Conservation Crop Rotation (328), and Cover Crop (340) contained in the Field Office Technical Guide.

Policies

1. The contract must contain the name of the legal owner. If an operator is participating, the

landowner must complete an "Operator Authorization" form.

2. Contracted acres must currently be in a minimum of a 2 species production crop ro ation.

3. Cover crop must be no-tilled or broadcast seeded with either ground equipment or aerial.

4. Production crop following the cover crop must be planted using a no-till system on the

contrncted acres. No-till is defined as per standard 329 for Residue and Tillage

Management No-Till.

5. Payment can be issued after no-till planting of the production crop into the (tenninated)

cover crop or after May 25 if the production crop has not yet been planted.

F.2.From: Jeff Cole Sent: Wednesday, To: Wilson, Jake Subject: Jeff Cole's pond reimbursement

Gentlemen, I am writing to request a increase in the amount of cost share assistance for the pond that I had build in 2017. When I inquired about the cost share program your technical in St. Francoi9 county told me that I would be reimbursed at 75% of the total cost with a maximum of $15,000. After the pond was finished and I paid the contractor I was told the reimbursement was figured cubic yards of material moved and state wide average of the cost of material for water line and spillway pipe. I paid over $21,000 for my pond and material and was reimbursed $6362.77. Gentlemen I would not have have had the pond built if I had known this was the amount I would receive for a $21,000 expense. I am asking the Commission to increase the amount to 75% or $15,000 of my cost. thank you. Jeff Cole

F.3.7/10/18

To Program Office:

RECEIVED JUL '13 20H1

I am writing in regards to the erosion problems on my 1990

cost share large pond. I am very concerned about the erosion

problems on the front side of the dam. I have tried very hard to

practice good maintenance on the pond and surrounding area .

The wind and large 5- or 6-inch rains have taken its toll through

the years.

The property has been used by church groups, boy scouts, and

family picnics. The pond is also stocked with fish. I am 79 years

old and wouldn't like to lose such a beautiful pond as so many

people have enjoyed it through the years.

I am asking the Commission for an exception to the rules

governing Rip-Rap to the structure of the pond on a cost share

basis. Pictures of the erosion of the pond are enclosed.

D q q- ~ o- I bS

D-~ C - l

if>~~oo .oo

Thank you for your consideration.

Byron Fisher

One event had a big emotional impact on me this summer.

It started with a knock at my door late one evening. I recognized the .man at the door, but I was curious when he asked me to step outside to talk. The man sat on the steps of my porch and told me how he had recently lost his wife after many years of marriage, and how he was alone for the first time in a long time.

He had been doing some thinking and wondered if I would help him put on a fishing day for children at the lake on his farm. We decided on a day, and he announced it at his church and spread the word among others that we were going fishing and all you had to do was show up. This was one of those events that you just don't know what you'll get.

I arrived with the fishing poles and immediately grew concerned because there were lots of children, very few with poles, and even more adults. The gentleman assembled the anxious group of anglers and asked if I would talk to them about fishing first. I made a short presentation for the kids. I had a few extra poles that I equipped with casting plugs. I then challenged the adults to try casting into several buckets we set up.

Some people built a fire and began cooking hotdogs. Children began catching fish . It was all I could do to keep up with the tangles and snagged hooks.

At one point I looked up and saw the man responsible for all this fun. The same man that sat on my porch a week earlier wiping tears from his eyes was now smiling and laughing and having a big time.

Anyone that questions the power of the outdoors and fishing, for putting your stress and worries behind you, should have been there that day. It has sure stuck with me:'-Steven Nichols

-MISSOURI CONSERVATIONIST

B, \\ Brown pt'ov,ded -\-r~nSpo,ctQ:'hon -to, .friei'd~ C\M -t<ki'l\~ l~ -\-o ~e+ -to +\'\e +,s~, ~ ~. 3oh'"'

d r·, vec- i-Qo.

·,

May 14, 2012

Byron Fisher 15880Hwy HH

l Platte County Soil & wa✓ • Conservation District 11209 Branch Street - P.O. Box 1220

Platte City, MO 64079 816/431-5476 ext. 3 or Fax: 816/431-2091

Platte city, MO 64079

Dear Byron Fisher:

The Platte County Soil and Water Conservation District Board members carefully reviewed your situation and with regret are not able to help with maintenance issues. The Board and the Program's District Coordinator, Jeremy Redden, are not aware of any components, funds or programs that would be available or eligible for wave erosion. Exceptions to the rules were considered as a precedent with many others requesting an exception for maintenance and wave erosion. Platte County's allocations have been devoted towards the County's primary issues of controlling gully, sheet and rill erosion practices such as terraces and other practices that are set up within the State's Cost-share Program.

Once again we regret we cannot be of service. The Platte SWCD appreciates your concerns and past involvement with controlling soil erosion and hope you will not be deterred from any future assistance that are available within the Programs intended use.

Sincerely,

i~ Lori Rhodes District Program Specialist II

August 29, 2018

RE: Request a variance for cleaning out of pond.

Thank you for considering our request for funding toward having our pond cleaned so that it will again contain full measure of water for our cattle operation. Our request was denied at our local USDA office, Kirksville, MO. We along with ASCS (FSA) built this pond sometime 1974-1978, Larry Harper with the ASCS office staked the layout for this 3 acre pond which was dug by Gayle Scott, Leroy Scott (dozer operators) and myself using a tractor pulled scraper.

We have talked with Rogers Construction Co. regarding cleaning out this pond and he is willing to provide the work if this request is approved. The pond was approximately 18' deep originally and now only contains about 6' to 8' water. We immediately fenced around the pond after it was built so cattle has never been allowed in the pond area. There is at least 10' sediment that needs to be cleaned out to bring the pond back to it's original status.

We start calving 82 cows in mid September in this pasture/pond area but this year we are going to have to calve them elsewhere. We hate to do so as they will be more vulnerable to coyotes killing the calves due to brush, hills and surrounding area, as well as not having a place to assist with calving a difficult birth if needed. We have been feeding hay to all our livestock for over a month due to drought and shortage of pasture. We had to hire a cattle company to wean our calves in early August as our setup where we always wean them uses this pond for water piped to their water fountains.

We would appreciate your approval of our request for funding to clean this pond out so that we can have water in future years for calving our cows and weaning our calves.

Sincerely.

Gary Grubrich

Beverly Grubrich

F.4.

m Missouri Department of Natural Resources 11m · several communities in northern Missouri such as Cameron and Milan, where they are seeing significant impacts due to the drought.

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