Doug Covington

The committee discussed the status of various funds from NRCS and DCR, noting the current state of CREP funding commitments. Additionally, the committee reviewed and approved revisions for stream protection practices, including specific updates to WP-2 and LE-2 regarding buffer area requirements and streambank protection.

The Subcommittee held an electronic meeting to discuss and certify the necessity of conducting business electronically due to COVID-19 restrictions. Key agenda items included a review of the 2019 audit results for Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which addressed common concerns such as tax exemptions and financial documentation, as well as specific audit findings for the Clinch Valley and Mountain Castles districts. The Subcommittee approved a directive for the Department to issue letters to districts regarding deficiencies, with specific requirements for follow-up and potential future performance improvement plans for Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District.

The committee reviewed several programmatic matrix items. Discussions included the eligibility of cost-share funding for operations, where a motion to table the proposal passed. A new definition for highly managed hayland was drafted and approved to clarify nitrogen application specifications. Regarding Class A biosolids, the committee determined no further clarification was needed and voted to table the item pending further information. Additionally, the committee supported expanding variance eligibility for certain conservation practices, passing a motion to allow bundled variance requests subject to local board approval.

The committee discussed updates to technical guidelines, including revisions to nutrient management practices, stream protection, cover crop specifications, and animal waste storage. Discussions included the legality of requirements for structures beyond their lifespan, proposed modifications to engineering practice specifications, and agency reports from the Department of Forestry, DCR, and other agricultural associations.

The board discussed several items including the Director's report, agricultural stewardship plan appeals, and briefing on cost share program funding for the 2008 fiscal year. The meeting addressed district director resignations and appointments, revisions to financial assistance policies for districts, and updates on the Erosion and Sediment Control program. Other topics included the status of various dam safety certificates and permits, updates on regulatory reviews for stormwater management, and reports from partner agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service.