Jain Young

The meeting included discussions and revisions of the annual meeting agenda, updates on ongoing projects and grants such as the CRP Contribution Agreement with NRCS, NACD Contribution Agreement TA #5, NRCS Contribution Agreement for Urban / Small Farms, Soil Carbon Research Project with IUPUI, Development of SWCD Mobile Education Trailer and Displays, USGS-GLRI Project, Auglaize Watershed, Agricultural Nutrient Resource Recovery Project, H2Ohio Technology Advancement Project, and Fertilizer Production Expansion Project. Partner reports included updates from ISDA, MRBC, UMWA, Save Maumee, SJRWI, MWA, NRCS, Purdue Extension, and FW Parks Dept. New business included sponsorship of Going Green for Ag and Soil Health Field Day events and hosting a Native Plant Sale. Additional items covered establishing an audit committee, reducing the price of plat books, moving money into a CD, CWI funding, and honorarium for the next Coffee and.... speaker.

The Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District Board meeting included the election of officers and appointment of a fiscal officer. The board discussed the annual meeting's success and future plans, as well as updates on IASWCD CWI Funding and Watershed Improvement Commission legislation. Ongoing projects and grants were reviewed, including CRP Contribution Agreements, NACD Contribution Agreement TA #5, NRCS Contribution Agreement for Urban / Small Farms, and the Soil Carbon Research Project with IUPUI. The development of an SWCD Mobile Education Trailer and Displays was also discussed. New business included a proposed update of the county's Drainage Book and hosting a Native Plant Sale. Additionally, a presentation was given on implementing native planting in FWCS to reduce flooding, and the potential for increased funding through the inflation reduction act was discussed.

The meeting addressed old business, including hiring a district-funded employee, opening a CD at 1st Source Bank, reviewing the 2024 budget, and employee reviews. Recaps of the 2024 IASWCD Annual Meeting and Farm Show were discussed. The board agreed to advertise additional SWCD equipment for sale at auction with a minimum sale price and made plans for the 2024 SWCD Annual Meeting. Ongoing projects and grants were reviewed, including NACD and NRCS contribution agreements, updates on outreach efforts, and various watershed projects. Other reports included updates from the WLEB Livestock Group, IJC Manure Nutrient Management Collaborative, and partner reports. New business included a MOU with Allen County CISMA, internal controls revisions, support for the Pay Dirt event, designation of depository, establishment of a financial review committee, discussion of the Watershed Development Commission Bill, and approval for attendance at a Grazing Conference.

The meeting addressed old business, including the final draft of the SWCD Strategic Plan, the Demonstration Farm Contribution Agreement with NRCS, and a review of the SBOA Audit Exit Meeting. The board discussed SWCD support for the CISMA project in Allen County and recapped the Soil Health Field Day. Ongoing projects and grants were reviewed, such as the CRP Contribution Agreement with NRCS, the NACD Contribution Agreement, and the NRCS Contribution Agreement for Urban / Small Farms. Other reports included updates on the IJC Manure Nutrient Management Collaborative and partner reports from ISDA, MRBC UMWA, SJRWI, MWA, and NRCS. New business included 2024 Farm Show plans and participation in the JA Job Spark event. The board also discussed annual conference registration, the potential for an additional county employee, and interest in acquiring a cover crop roller crimper. An election committee and appointed supervisor were addressed, and upcoming events were announced.

The meeting addressed various topics, including updates on IASWCD's CWI funding request and the availability of IRA funds for the district. Discussions covered Watershed Improvement Commission legislation, the Native Plant Sale, and ongoing projects such as the CRP Contribution Agreement with NRCS. The board also discussed the H2Ohio Technology Advancement Project, Fertilizer Production Expansion Project, and the IJC Manure Nutrient Management Collaborative. Other business included a demonstration farm contribution agreement with NRCS, investment of district funds, internal controls training, and a 319 Grant.