Columbia County Local Work Group Meeting
March 14, 2013St. Helens USDA Service Center
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Don Mehlhoff at 1:05 p.m. Self-introductions followed. Those in attendance were:
Don Mehlhoff, NRCSRandy Bergman, Columbia SWCD
Roslyn Gray, NRCSRon Raney, NRCS
Chas McCoy, Scappoose Bay WCJim Brick, ODFW
Margaret Magruder, Lower Col. River WCGail Stinnett, FSA
Kari Hollander, Columbia SWCDGary Bailey, Landowner
Malyssa Page, Columbia SWCDKC VanNatta, Columbia SWCD
Chip Bubl, OSU ExtensionTim Keranen, Landowner
Duane Meissner, Columbia SWCD A.D.Lona Pierce, Columbia SWCD
Dee Robinson, NRCSTeresa Alcock, ODF
John & Julie Hemstreet, TSP ForestersJeff Walton, Landowner
Don welcomed everyone to the meeting, and stated that the purpose of this meeting is to provide a forum for partners, farm, ranch, and forestry representatives and conservation groups to share conservation activities and discuss natural resource problems that should be prioritized. The group assists in guiding NRCS where to use farm bill funds for technical and financial assistance in the future. Don stated his appreciation of everyone in attendance for coming and volunteering their time to participate.
Hispanic Women Discrimination Claims Filing – March 25, 2013, deadline. If you feel that you have been discriminated against or denied program participation by the USDA, you may file a claim. There is an on-line claim form that needs to be filed by March 25, 2013. Contact your local FSA office for further information.
Don presented a PowerPoint presentation explaining the Local Work Group process, and showcased conservation practices that have been implemented throughout the county through NRCS Programs.
Farm Bill Programs in Columbia County include EQIP, CSP, CRP/CREP.
Don provided copies of the 2013 NRCS CIS for Columbia County to everyone in the group to review. This document explains where our conservation efforts have been targeted during the 2013 contracting year.
Don showed pictures of practices being implemented in the county, among which were: Seasonal High Tunnel through the EQIP program; Fleming Pond, Birkenfeld - livestock water facility and also provides emergency water source for the Birkenfeld Fire District; Forest Access Road to reduce erosion; Dry Storage Facility and Heavy Use area; Use Exclusion on sensitive wetland area near Columbia River; Heavy Use Area installed for Horse Operation; Purple Martin Nest Boxes; Compost Bedded Pack installed to improve water quality, along with Heavy Use Area; Cross-Fencing to improve grazing distribution; Pre-Commercial Thinning on a young Doug Fir site and Red Alder stand; Pollinator Habitat Enhancement through the CSP program; Grass seeding to improve water quality; Livestock Walkway to reduce mud and manure during winter confinement; Riparian Fencing; Tree Planting; Water Facility/troughs; Spring development; Manure agitator; Manure management; Fish Passage Culvert install; Conyers Creek culvert replacement for fish passage; Streambank stabilization project; Wetland reserve restoration; WRP permanent easement fence for water buffalo; CREP tree planting; and a Riparian Forest Buffer.
Overview of NRCS Strategic Planning Process - This process is happening state-wide within NRCS, and focusing on developing long range plans that will address local-based issues that are identified by partners and landowners so we can all work collaboratively to get the most conservation on the ground.
Summary of Program interest in Columbia County:
2009 – We received 22 EQIP applications, funded 19.
2 for comprehensive nutrient management plans
7 for livestock water quality issues
5 for the development of forest management plans
1 for an organic operation
2 for forestry activities
1 for cropland issues
1 for streambank erosion
2010 – Received 30 applications, funded 28.
15 were for CSP
6 for EQIP forest management plan development
5 for forestry activities
2 for organic operations
2011 – Received 70 applications, funded 59.
2 for comprehensive nutrient management plan development
3 for T&E species resource issues
2 for CSP contracts
1 for livestock water quality related issues
3 for forestry activities
48 for forest management plan development
2012 – Received 57 applications, funded 47.
1 was for CSP
42 for EQIP forest management plan development
2 for seasonal high tunnels
2 for organic operations
2013 – Received 30 EQIP applications, with majority being on forest land.
2 EQIP applications are for creating energy plans through the National Energy Initiative
1 for a Seasonal High Tunnel
2 for forest management plan development
25 for forest diversity practices within the conservation implementation strategy target area
The priority resource concern for the forest diversity initiative is: Improve the structure and composition of young monoculture, even-aged forest stands with closed canopies, trying to take these stands to the next levels – understory vegetation and mixed age stands.
Identify Partnership Efforts/Project Efforts to Address Resource Problems in Columbia County –
Strategic Plan Resource Priorities –
Degraded Plant Condition- Inadequate Structure and Composition
Degraded Plant Condition – Wildfire Hazard
Water Quality – Excessive Sediment in Surface Waters from Road Erosion
Water Quality Degradation – Excess Nutrients and Organics in Surface and Ground Waters from Small Animal Feeding Operations
Discussion about Specific Resource Problems in Columbia County –
Streambank Erosion
Forest Road Erosion
Overgrazing
Mud/Manure
Manure Organic runoff
Soil Mass Movement
Stream Habitat Condition – livestock management
Noxious Weeds/Brush – Scotch Broom beginning to crop up – catch it early. English Holly also coming to become a problem. Blackberry is also an issue in the county.
Forest Diversity is dwindling due to elk and deer population – trilliums and lilies.
Jon Hemstreet, TSP Forester who has completed multiple Forest Management Plans in the county, was asked what were the recurring resource problems on forestland that he was noticing. He stated that noxious weeds were probably the number one issue. A discussion began about noxious weeds on all land uses.
Gary Bailey and K.C. VanNatta suggested limited grazing on forestland to reduce noxious weeds.
T&E Species and Columbian White Tail Deer - Jim suggested incorporating the T&E species and Wildlife habitat within the Forest Strategic Health Strategies rather than a stand-alone strategy.
Tim Keranen – Mud management greatest concern. All lowland diked land.
Duane Meissner stated that he was very impressed with the forest diversity initiative provided to the group.
Lona Pierce shared her findings on forestland health from her research in the Scappoose Drainage District.
Discussion about the lack of resources/staff available to provide conservation technical assistance or conservation planning for local landowners. Agencies are now so program driven that conservation planning on the ground (CTA) is suffering.
Randy suggested that we make sure we request time from technical specialists within NRCS, i.e. geomorphologists, soils scientists, etc.
Are we going in the right direction? Comments from group:
Forest Diversity Initiative – excellent
Diked land – wet conditions – need to grow crops in wet areas rather than always draining.
Unfortunate that NRCS is getting so limited with the resource strategic areas and issues – was better when NRCS could provide assistance to more diverse resource concerns and landowners. Local folks suggested that State Legislators need to be made aware of these issues and to make those suggestions, and to at least appoint a percentage of program funding for discretionary concerns. Nothing can be done at the local level.
Jeff Walton re-emphasized the importance of getting planning and technical assistance. Jeff is a new operator in the county and looking for information and guidance on how best to operate his farm in the best manner to protect resources.
Future Direction –
Continued Interest in continuing with the Forest Diversity Strategy
Columbian White-Tail Deer Strategy for habitat improvement
Small Livestock, Water Quality Issues – Identifying target areas with livestock inventory
Meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.
Dee Robinson
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