Crook County Natural Resource District (CCNRD)

Crook County Natural Resource District (CCNRD)

March 1st Regular Board Meeting Minutes

CALL MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Wayne Garman at 12:10 pm, at the Sundance USDA Service Center.

ATTENDANCE

Board: Wayne Garman, Lily Altaffer, Kim Fundaun, Wanda Burget

Employees: Sarah Anderson, Bridget Helms, Call in: Carmen Horne-McIntyre

Guests: Keela Deaton, NRCS District Conservationist, Staci Steiner, FSA County Executive Director

OPEN ISSUES TO DISCUSS

NRCS Update Ms. Deaton updated the board on her office’s activities. For this year only 8 applications were funded- 3 high tunnels, 1 range project, 4 forestry projects. Due to price increases, the cost share rate is close to 75% and the dollars are not going as far. Applications for RCPP will be accepted until March 11.

FSA Update FSA is still accepting applications for a temporary full-time employee.

Water Quality Program Update Ms. McIntyre has been preparing with Cheyenne in Campbell County for the joint board meeting next week. She submitted the supplemental lab funds request. She will be meeting with Ms. Deaton and Plank Stewardship Initiative about cover crop funds for this year. She is preparing for the WDA water quality grant application that will be released soon. The NACD priority funding request is open now and due March 31. Ms. McIntyre is working with WACD and DEQ for watershed conference speakers. She has been spending time listening to legislative sessions and employee training. The Sampling Analysis Plan is due today and she will get it submitted.

Forestry Program Update Ms. Anderson reported that the Mule Deer Foundation grant request was denied. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation meets next week to review proposals and the WWNRT grant has made it through the third reading and was introduced to the Senate yesterday. We will receive a $75,000 grant from Game and Fish for wildlife projects. We still have not heard on the WUI proposal from last year. Ms. Anderson will attend the Black Hills Forest Resiliency Meeting on March 10 in Rapid City.

Office Manager Update Ms. Helms has been destroying old files according to the retention schedules. Last week she attended the WACD employee certification training. She presented to the 1st and 2nd grade classes in February. She received and responded to two public records requests.

Financials A motion to pay the bills was made by Ms. Altaffer and seconded by Mr. Fundaun. Motion carried. All checks were signed. The bank statement was opened by Ms. Burget and the QuickBooks reconciliation report prepared by Bridget was reviewed and signed.

Approve February 1st Minutes A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Ms. Altaffer, seconded by Mr. Fundaun. Motion carried.

Board Vacancy an urban vacancy remains on the Board, a candidate is being sought.

Tree Program Ms. Anderson answered questions on pot sizes and tree sizes. There have been 152 trees sold so far. Last week the flyers went out in the paper and the radio ads began.

Local Working group meeting will be held April 20th from 10 am until 2 pm. We will host the meeting in Sundance, a location will be secured, and lunch will be provided.

NEW ISSUES TO DISCUSS

Commissioner’s budget request We are planning to invite the Commissioner’s to our May 3 meeting to discuss programs.

Legislative updates Ms. McIntyre has been following and monitoring the legislative sessions for areas of interest: ARPA, WWNRT grant, House Bill 56, omnibus water bill.

Reschedule April meeting Due to Employee Training the April meeting needs to be rescheduled to April 4th.

OTHER BUSINESS

Jessica Halverson will start in the office on April 4, 2022.

Time off requests for employees were approved.

MOTION TO ADJOURN was made by Ms. Burget at 1:45 pm.

Office Manager Signature:

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Chairman Signature:

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