Monroe County Soil And Water Conservation District

This business plan for the Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District aims to assist residents and landowners with natural resource concerns to improve soil and water quality. The plan outlines four key priorities: Soil Health & Water Quality, Invasive Species Awareness & Quality Control, Sustainable Agriculture (Urban & Small Farm), and Increasing Capacity, Partnerships, and Community Presence. Its vision is to cultivate a community that values and maintains healthy soil and water for future generations, achieved through education, technical guidance, and financial resources.

The aggregated board meeting minutes cover discussions and actions across several meetings. Key topics included the annual meeting for Lawrence County SWCD, where 2020 conservation awards were presented to Barry Cummings, Ruby Fletcher-Robertson, and Phil and Mark Bennett, and a supervisor election was held. For the Monroe County SWCD, meetings addressed approving claims and financial reports, discussing and approving partnership grants related to erosion control and invasive species management, and planning for the 2021 Partnership Grant Program. Other significant items included establishing a 2021 Nomination Committee, discussing the 2021 Stormwater Partnership Project Grant application updates, and approving budget items for advertising and projects at Detimer Farm Park. Later meetings covered the employment and subsequent resignation of a Conservation Resource Technician, the development of a Stop Check Policy for lost checks, revamping the Soil Testing Program with new fee structures, and authorizing staff to move forward with filing NOIs for watershed projects (Bean Blossom and Lower Salt Creek). Further discussions involved the 2022 board officer elections, partnership grant approvals, updates on NRCS programs (including staffing and EQIP application status), and a presentation on MS4 Plan Reviews authority.

This document reports on the Beanblossom Creek Watershed Management Plan, which aims to improve water quality and ecological health within the watershed. The plan focuses on strategic goals including the reduction of nitrate-nitrogen, total phosphorus, total suspended solids, and E. coli loadings. Key priorities also involve increasing public awareness and engagement, and improving habitat quality, floodplain connectivity, and wetland coverage. The long-term vision of the plan extends to 2056, anticipating significant environmental improvements and a more engaged community.