Janet Smude

The agenda for the meeting included standard items such as calling the meeting to order, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the agenda, review of minutes, the treasurer's report, and a review of checks written. Key discussion topics included an introduction of Brett Arne, BWSR Board Conservationist. Old Business focused on an AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) Discussion regarding a revised agreement. New Business involved setting the 2026 Dues for Area III and NACD, reviewing the 2025 Audit Agreement with Peterson Company, addressing bills over $3000 (Morrison SWCD and Todd SWCD), and planning for the photo contest and outreach activities. Reports were also scheduled from various staff members regarding Snake River, District Management, AIS, and Watershed Management.

Key discussions included the Farm Bill Biologist report, updates on the implementation of the Paid Family Medical Leave Act requiring Personnel Policy revisions, and discussions regarding the AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) Committee's path forward, including a planned meeting with the County Administrator. The board addressed several grant reports and reviewed cost-share project payments for Minnewawa parcels and the City of Cromwell. Other topics involved evaluating repair versus replacement options for the Truax drill, reporting on riparian buffers and culvert inventory, and finalizing the 2026 Wage and Benefit request. The board also noted the upcoming retirement of Steve Kohl from NRCS and discussed a future public hearing concerning the DNR Public Water Inventory.

This document outlines the agendas for several consecutive board meetings held between January and December 2025. Key recurring and unique discussion topics include personnel matters such as the Project Coordinator position, District Technician position, and staff changes; financial matters like the Treasurer's Report, review of large bills (over $3000), 2025 annual dues, and the 2026 Wage & Benefit Request; project-related discussions including various 1W1P (One Watershed One Plan) implementations (e.g., Kettle River/Upper St Croix, Rum River), project proposals and reimbursements involving specific lakes (e.g., Lake Minnewawa, Big Sandy), and managing costs related to construction and personnel. Other significant items included election of officers, designating bank and newspaper, reviewing audit bids, updating personnel policies, discussions on AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species), and planning for events like the Envirothon and the MASWCD Annual Convention. The board also addressed governmental affairs such as an audit review, County Administrator input, and the Paid Family Medical Leave Act.

The Board of Supervisors meeting agenda was approved. Key discussions included the review of the October financial statement and approval of checks written. An agreement concerning Paid Family Medical Leave was entered into, with premiums set at $2802 annually pending state review. The upcoming MASWCD Annual Convention was discussed. The board approved the payment of $4245 to Tidholm Productions and scheduled a meeting with county administration to discuss the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program, scheduling the topic for the December agenda. Cost-share proposals were reviewed, leading to the approval of a cost-share contract with Morrison Township for a Culvert Restoration/Stormwater Practice, not to exceed $23,589.80. Payments were approved for cost-share projects involving Richard Anderson, Shamrock Township, and Weinand. Updates were provided regarding One Watershed One Plan, the Big Sandy Watershed, staff activities including site visits, and various training sessions such as the BWSR Academy. Reports also covered landowner site visits, FY26 timeline changes due to a government shutdown affecting landowner payments, and planning for future events and materials.

This plan serves as a roadmap to protect and restore the natural resources of the Mississippi River - Brainerd Watershed, ensuring their enjoyment for future generations and supporting a healthy local economy. It addresses critical issues such as altered hydrology, nutrient pollution, stormwater runoff, groundwater contamination, and habitat degradation. The plan outlines seven measurable goals: protecting forest cover and water resources, implementing agricultural best management practices, reducing phosphorus loading in lakes, developing urban stormwater management data, safeguarding drinking water, restoring shorelands, and enhancing water retention. The intended outcomes include significant improvements in surface water quality, expanded habitat, and increased climate resiliency through water and carbon storage over a 10-year implementation period.