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Missouri Department of Natural Resources MINUTES

Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission Potosi Housing Authority Meeting Room

103 West Citadel Drive Potosi, MO

October 11, 2017

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Gary Vandiver, H. Ralph Gaw, Jeff Lance, Tim Martin, and Glen Cope.

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: CAROL S. COMER, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES: Dru Buntin; SARA PARKER PAULEY, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF CONSERVATION: Christopher Kennedy; CHRIS CHINN, DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE: David Baker; DEAN CHRISTOPHER R. DAUBERT, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI: Dr. Rob Kallenbach.

ADVISORY MEMBERS PRESENT: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM (SWCP): Colleen Meredith; NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS): Marty Comstock; MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (MASWCD): Ryan Britt

SWCP STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Van Beydler, Jim Boschert, Jim Plassmeyer, Josh Poynor, Trish Rielly, Leon Thompson, Bill Wilson, and Jake Wilson.

OTHERS PRESENT: MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES: Kurt Boeckmann, Leslie Lueckenhoff; FRANKLIN SWCD: Lori Nowak, Stephen Sparks, Bernard Laune; ST. FRANCOIS SWCD: Vince Kauflin; OSAGE SWCD: Cindy DeOrnellis; WASHINGTON SWCD: Tiffany Woods; MISSOURI CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION: Darrick Steen; THE NATURE CONSERVANCY: Holly Neill, Dr. Steven Herrington; UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS: Dr. Cammy Willett; US FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICES: John Weber.

A. CALL TO ORDERCommissioner Vandiver called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.

B. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETINGGlen Cope made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 16, 2017, Commissionmeeting. Tim Martin seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

B.

MISSOURI SOIL & WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION October 11, 2017 C. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Deputy Director Dru Buntin provided an update on the Missouri Red Tape Reduction Initiative. As a part of this review, the Department is soliciting comments from citizens, organizations, and agencies that work with the Department to get an understanding of where rules do not make sense, or may be counterproductive while maintaining the role of overseeing expenditure of funds, being good stewards of state resources, and protecting the environment. Mr. Buntin said that all recommendations for modification need to be completed by the end of the year and that the Department will be accepting comments through December 15, 2017. Mr. Buntin thanked the Commission for attending the streambank tour earlier in the day. He indicated that Director Comer is very interested in working on issues regarding streambank erosion with the Commission.

He also discussed the nutrient criteria for lakes and said the state is preparing to publish an amendment to the Missouri Water Quality Standards in the Oct. 16, 2017, issue of the Missouri Register. SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS Colleen Meredith thanked Washington County SWCD Board of Supervisors and Tiffany Woods for putting the streambank tour together for the Commission. She also thanked Jake Wilson and Bill Wilson and all other program staff for all their hard work on arranging the tour.

1. Importance of Streambanks as Sources of Sediment and Nutrients in

Missouri Streams Dr. Cammy Willett from the University of Arkansas’ Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, discussed the research she had completed while attaining her master’s degree at the University of Missouri. She explained the project was in cooperation with the Iowa State University, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and the University of Missouri’s Ag Forestry Center. The study showed the importance of streambanks as significant sources of sediment and nutrients in Missouri streams. The study area was in northeast Missouri in the Central Claypan region. More information can be found at http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/nrem_pubs/169/.

2. Assessing and Fixing Eroding Streambanks Dr. Steven Herrington, Director of Freshwater Conservation-Missouri Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, provided a follow-up on the research in northeast Missouri and described several different methods for stabilizing streambanks. His discussion included traditional and bioengineering techniques that were used on the streambanks. Bioengineering allows for a majority of source material to be harvested at the site which can reduce costs for landowners installing the conservation practices.

http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/nrem_pubs/169/

MISSOURI SOIL & WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION October 11, 2017

3. Update on Blanket Reconstruction/Reseeding for Missouri Disaster

Declaration FEMA-4317-DR Jim Plassmeyer gave a brief update on practices obligated and completed to date under FEMA-4317-DR. On July 14, FEMA approved Governor Greiten’s request to expand the disaster declaration to include additional counties: Boone, Cape Girardeau, Greene, Mississippi, New Madrid, Ste. Genevieve, and Scott. To date 51 contracts have been received from 15 soil and water conservation districts. Of these, $117,278 has been obligated to contracts with $76,168 paid.

4. FY18 Cost-Share Update Bill Wilson provided a cost-share update as of October 10, 2017. He stated $48.6 million has been allocated and of that, $24.2 million obligated. The largest amount was in the sheet, rill and gully resource concern and that was a little more than $17.1 million. He added that nine percent of $4.4 million has been submitted for payment. He also discussed the supplemental allocations and as of October 11, 2017, a total of $11,049,200 had been provided to 80 counties.

5. Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts 2016 Resolutions Bill Wilson addressed the resolutions received by the program after last year’s Training Conference. Mr. Wilson reviewed a letter addressed to Ryan Britt, President of the MASWCD, from Colleen Meredith, Soil and Water Conservation Program Director, that reviewed the actions taken by the Commission and program for each of the resolutions.

E. REQUESTS 1. Dallas SWCD Request of a Variance on an N574 Spring Development Practice

Jim Plassmeyer presented a request from the Dallas SWCD asking the Commission to grant a variance to the N574 Spring Development policy for footage of pipe, and allow the board to prepare a change order for contract number SA-091-18-0040 to add 287 feet of pipe and trenching, which would add $855.39 to the contract. Ralph Gaw made a motion to allow this variance. The motion died for a lack of a second. After further discussion, Ralph Gaw made another motion to grant the variance and have the Commission policy reviewed by the Conservation Practices Committee. Jeff Lance seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.


2. Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Appointments A. Livingston SWCD Jim Plassmeyer presented a request from the Livingston SWCD to have Mr. Joseph Roberts appointed to complete the unexpired term of Mr. Chris Baker due to his resignation. Glen Cope made the motion to appoint Mr. Joseph Roberts. Tim Martin seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. B. Caldwell SWCD Jim Plassmeyer presented a request from the Caldwell SWCD to have Mr. Eric Pollard appointed to complete the unexpired term of Mr. Ron McElwee who passed away. Jeff Lance made the motion to appoint Mr. Eric Pollard. Tim Martin seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

F. APPEALS

1. Franklin SWCD Landowner Appeal for an Exemption from the Perimeter Fence Requirement on an Existing N472 Practice. Jake Wilson presented an appeal from a Franklin County landowner for an exemption from the perimeter fence requirement on an existing N472 Livestock Exclusion Practice due to a maintenance violation. Glen Cope made a motion to deny the landowner’s request and give him the option to repair or rebuild the fence, or repay the cost-share money within a 90-day time frame. Jeff Lance seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

G. REPORTS 1. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Marty Comstock, the State Conservation Engineer, reported on behalf of J. R. Flores. He discussed the progress summary for the FY17 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS has obligated approximately $30.5 million and have 1,218 contracts. That represents a five percent increase over the EQIP funds obligated during FY16. In addition, 33 percent of the FY17 funds were obligated to historically underserved participants, such as beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged individuals, and veteran farmers. In FY18 they are anticipating at least level or a slight increase in EQIP funding and the current sign up is open until November 17, 2017. He also discussed the Highly Erodible Lands and Wetland Conservation Compliance reviews that were done for FY17. He said 1,247 were completed with 150 of those being completed by remote sensing techniques done by the state and area office staff. J. R Flores had been conducting listening sessions around the state with NRCS employees in each administrative area and state office. During these meetings, information is being gathered from the employees on how to be more efficient in operating procedures. The feedback helps provide information for their strategic planning efforts.


Lastly, he discussed Conservation Client Gateway—a web based interface application for clients to contact NRCS to make application for conservation planning, let NRCS know of resource concerns, or sign up for new practices. During FY17, 300 new clients signed up to use this service. NRCS is piloting a program in 30 of their offices which includes a kiosk with a tablet where a landowner/producer can sign up and access the Conservation Client Gateway.

2. University of Missouri

Dr. Rob Kallenbach informed the Commission of the new Dean at the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri, Dr. Christopher Daubert. Dr. Kallenbach briefed the Commission regarding a Farm Bill Symposium to be held at the Bradford Farm on October 18, 2017, which will provide history and input for developing the next Farm Bill. There is still much discussion regarding Dicamba at many meetings around the state. University Extension will be offering some training on Dicamba in the near future. University Extension has just signed an agreement with NRCS for grazing systems. They are working with NRCS staff on technical services provisions assisting landowners/producers. Dr. Kallenbach reviewed strip trials going on across the state focused on soil erosion, cover crops, and other practices. If anyone is interested in participating, there is a current sign up to participate in strip trials. In closing, he discussed hiring status of three new state extension specialists: Eric Bailey started this summer as the new state beef extension specialist; Kevin Rice will join them around the first of the year as the new state entomologist extension specialist for field crops; and Kaitlyn Bissonnette will be joining them in about a month as the new state extension specialist for plant pathology in field crops.

3. Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Christopher Kennedy, Fisheries Regional Supervisor from MDC’s Cape

Girardeau Regional Office, reported for Lisa Potter. He reviewed the new Audubon Conservation Ranching Program and said it is now launched in Missouri. The program is a market-based certification program that provides an opportunity for livestock producers to sell their beef for premium market prices. The program provides a third-party certification system which verifies that a livestock producer produces their beef in conjunction with maintaining bird- friendly habitat. The program provides financial and technical assistance to producers who want to be certified in the Audubon Ranching Program. Enrollment is open until November 17, 2017.


Mr. Kennedy also mentioned the 80th Anniversary meetings MDC is holding around the state to gather input from their constituency. In closing, he reminded the Commission that MDC has biologists around the state that would be willing to help landowners with streambank erosion issues they might have.

4. Department of Agriculture David Baker informed the Commission that the Department, led by Director Chinn and Deputy Director Hawkins, have been working hard to complete their rules and regulations review as part of the Red Tape Reduction Initiative. The Department may hold another listening session before the end of the year but comments can still be sent to the Department. The focus now is on reviewing all the Departments’ rules and regulations and any comments and input received. The goal is to complete this phase of the process by the end of the year. He reported The Governor’s Conference on Agriculture will not exist in its traditional format this year. The Department of Ag MORE team will be going to its clientele by attending the annual meetings of all the different farm organizations and commodity groups. The focus will be to provide everyone in attendance with an update on the Department and the Future of Missouri Agriculture. In addition they will be gathering information on topics important to producers and to frame the future direction of the Governors’ Conferences. The team will be attending and offering a session at the Soil and Water Training Conference. He reported that the Department, to date, has received more than 311 Dicamba complaints. He indicated that there could be major label changes in FY18. Changes could be restricting who can purchase and apply, and training requirements. The Department is still waiting on the final label from the Environmental Protection Agency. A new employee, Davin Althoff is the Division Director for the Ag Business program. Under Davin’s leadership, and with the support of the Director and Deputy Director, he looks for the department and division to reinvent this division into a big, bold and responsive new division and program with addition details to come.

5. MASWCD Ryan Britt thanked the Commission for the invitation to join the tour today and thought it was very educational. He said that he agreed with the comments on the resolutions the association had brought forward and appreciated the great partner working relationships. He said the association’s main priority for this year will be the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (MoLAGERS) issue and making it a possibility for those districts that want to use it. He said progress has already begun by talking to the legislators to get things put in motion.


He discussed the National Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts receiving a grant from NRCS to help with the backlog of EQIP work. He said these applications will need to go through the association and channeled through the districts. He mentioned that he will be sitting on a panel at the conservation round table along with Holly Neill from The Nature Conservancy and others at the Farm Bill Meeting that will be held on October 18, 2017, that was mentioned earlier by Dr. Kallenbach. He reported plans for the Training Conference are well underway and online registration is now open. He extended an invitation to everyone to attend.

H. PUBLIC COMMENTS

I. SUGGESTED DATE OF NEXT MEETING November 27, 2017, at Tan-Tar-A Resort J. ADJOURNMENT

Jeff Lance made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:00 p.m. seconded by Tim Martin and the motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted, Colleen Meredith, Director Soil and Water Conservation Program

Approved by: Gary Vandiver, Chairman Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission

D. 3.

Master Fund Status Summary

!!. Contract °/., Contract # Contract District Allocated Obligated %Obligated Contracts Payment Payment ~ Pending

Fund Cocle:R Project:A WM - AN]MAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

$3,780,750.00 $944,663.97 24.99% 36 $65,052.36 l.72'Yo 4 $117,805.91

,FY: 2018 Fund Code:R Project:BDSP-31 - BUFFER SINKHOLE IMPROVEMENT

$16,500.00 $0.00 0.00% 0 S0.00 0.00% 0 S0.00

fY: 2018 Fund Code:R Project:GM - GRAZING Mt\NAGEMENT

$6,338,960.58 $3,394,157.81 53.54% 941 $817,777.28 12.90% 242 $581,557.42

;FY: 2018 Fund Code:R Project:TM - IRRIGA TfON MANA~EMENT $1,811,128.92 Sl,134,383.24 62.63% 186 $369,851.89 20.42% 71 $20,742.48

;FY: 2018 Fund Code:R Project:NP - NUTRIENT & PEST MANAGEMENT $1,542,161.00 $876,523.20 56.84%, 986 $307,442.80 19.94% 346 -$14,357.00

;FY: 2018 Fund Code:R Proj~ct:SA - SENSITIVE AREAS $3,674,497.75 $1,472,832.66 40.08% 260 $224,677.19 6.11% 72 $138,596.25

;FY: 2018 Fund Code:R Project:SGE - SHEET AND RlLL / GULLY EROSION

$33,263,673.00 $22,738,025.22 68.36% 4965 $6,281,920.45 18.89% 895 Sl,222,899.36

;FY: 2018 Fund Code:R Project:WE - WOODJ;,AND EROSION $2, I 05,096.03 $659,344.22 31.32% 205 $160,478.36 7.62% 54 $49,864.01

Subtotal for R $52,532,767.28 $31,219,930.32 59.43% 7579 $8,227,200.33 15.66% 1684 $2,117,108.43

11/1 5/2017 12:35:22PM Page I of 2

Master Fund Status Summary

Master Fund Status Summary (2018)

Subtotal for R I $52,532,767.28 $31,219,930.32 59.43%

Report Totals I $52,532,767.28 $31,219,930.32 59.43%

11/15/2017 12:35:22PM

-7579 $8,227,200.33 15.66% 1684 $2, l•l 7, I 08.43

7579 $8,227,200.33 15.66% 1684 $2,117,10!1.43

Page 2 of2

D. 4.

Animal Waste Management Resource Concern

N312 Beef and Small Ruminant Waste Management

Purpose Manage waste from agricultural production in a manner that prevents or minimizes degradation of soil and water resources. Such systems are planned to preclude discharge of pollutants to surface or ground water and to recycle waste through correct soil application to agricultural land.

Applicability Practice applies on farms where: 1. Wastes are generated by agricultural production. 2. Soil, water and plant resources are adequate to properly manage the waste.

Erosion Requirements Practice has no erosion requirements.

Specifications The completed practice must meet the NRCS Standards and Specifications for Waste Storage Facility (313), Critical Area Planting (342), Vegetation Establishment, Herbaceous Seeding (723), Roofs and Covers (367), Nutrient Management (590), and Heavy Use Area Protection (561) contained in the Field Office Technical Guide.

Policies 1. The intent of this practice is to store animal waste. Therefore, a signed "N3 12 Operation and

Maintenance Statement" (which can be found in the Appendix) must be completed prior to the contract's board approval. Only contracts for lagoons are exempt from the form requirement.

2. All nutrients applied must be in accordance to the Nutrient Management (590) standard. A Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CMNP) must be completed and signed by the producer prior to developing a contract for a N312 practice.

3. Design plans must be scanned into MoSWIMS as a document type of "Design Plans" prior to submission for contract approval.

4. Cost-share is authorized for: a. 75% cost-share for:

1) Floor space utilized to store dry waste from paved feedlot. 2) Roof to cover dry storage area. The square footage of the roofing must equal the

square footage of floor space, as specified above. 3) Wall necessary to enclose dry storage area. 4) Collection gutter or basin from feedlot to storage area.

b. 50% cost-share for: 1) Area of the floor utilized for collection of waste in feeding and travel areas.

c. Critical Area Seeding. Permanent vegetative cover based on the Critical Area Seeding component.

5. Cost-share is not authorized for: a. Permitted animal waste systems, under the conditions listed in Section V, subsection J.

V-76 September 20 16

b. Any components of the animal waste system above the minimum and necessary for the number of animals at the time of application.

c. Isolated structures not considered a component of a waste management system. d. Bedding and bunk feeding areas, including roof. e. Costs incurred to develop or implement a comprehensive nutrient management plan. f. Mobile agitation, pumping, and related equipment.

Maximum State Cost-Share 1. Assistance is limited to 75% of the county average cost, not to exceed the state average cost. 2. Not to exceed $50,000 per cooperator.

Map Requirements A legible, aerial photography map that shows the completed practice must be scanned and attached as document type "Map" in MoSWIMS prior to contract payment submission. The map must have the following:

• Landowner name and locational data (section/township/range or coordinates) • Farm perimeter • Field numbers, field boundaries, and field acres • Any other features that may affect the contract payment • If multiples of the same practice are shown on the map, clearly identify which practice is

associated with the contract payment

Technical Responsibilities Technical staff has the responsibility for determining the need for the practice, for design of the practice based upon the minimum extent necessary, and to certify that the completed practice meets NRCS standards and specifications within commission policy.

Acres Served Acreage is equal to zero.

Extent Installed Animal Units.

Maintenance Life 10 years.

Y-77 September 2016

Nutrient and Pest Management Resource Concern

N595 Pest Management

Purpose . To minimize entry of chemical contaminants in ground and surface water by following a pest management plan. The pest management plan will assist the operator in determining whether, when, and how an application of pesticides (herbicide, fungicide, insecticide) should occur for the crop. The definition of operator for the purpose of this practice is any individual farming the land that incurred the farm operating expenditures. The operator's name should also be listed on file with FSA as the operator of such land. The contract must contain the name of the legal owner.

Applicability Applies to cropland/hay land/pastureland where pesticides have been inappropriately managed.

Erosion Requirements Practice has no erosion requirements.

Specifications 1. The completed practice must meet NRCS Standards and Specifications for the Integrated

Pest Management (595) contained in the Field Office Technical Guide. 2. Items for Contract Payment

a. Receipts for the pesticide applied. The corresponding field numbers must be shown on the receipts.

b. Signed copies of the Pest Management Check sheet contained in the Appendix of the Cost-Share Handbook must be scanned and attached to the contract payment.

Policies 1. Contracts must be board approved between January 1- April 15, prior to application of any

treatments. Contract payments can be issued after October 31. 2. If the operator is not the legal landowner, an Operator Authorization Form must be

completed in place of the Landowner Authorization for State Cost-Share form and scanned into MoSWIMS as a document type of "Landowner/Operator Authorization" prior to submission of the contract payment.

3. Spraying of fence rows is not eligible for payment. 4. All acres of the field included in the pest management plan are eligible for incentive when

spot treatments are applied on at least 75% of the field. 5. A pesticide application on the crop/forage must be planned in order to qualify for the Pest

Management incentive. Biological controls are not considered pesticide treatments. 6. N590 Nutrient Management and N595 Pest Management can be utilized on the same fields in

the same year.

V-92 September 2016

7. Cropland - * A crop needs to be planted to participate in this incentive. a. As a minimum, crop scouting will require field visits and written reports by a trained

individual (preferably a Ce11ified Crop Advisor, CCA) during critical periods such as preplant, post-plant, mid-season, high risk pest infestation periods, and post-season. ALL crop fields receiving payment must be scouted a minimum of four times.

b. To be eligible for the pest management incentive, the pest management plan must indicate that a chemical application is planned for the crop or pasture. If proper scouting indicates that an application does not need to be made, the operator is still eligible for the incentive.

c. Incentive payments are not authorized when only mechanical or biological pest control practices are planned.

8. Grassland/Hay Land a. To be eligible for participation in the Pest Management incentive, the Cool Season and

Warm Season Grass fields must meet either the Forage and Biomass Harvest Management (511) or the Prescribed Grazing (528) specification in the Field Office Technical Guide.

b. A pest (weeds, fungus , insects etc.) inventory from the previous crop should be available before the pest management plan is developed.

c. May be used in conjunction with a grazing system during the maintenance life of the practice.

d. A pest inventory must be done pre and post chemical application. 9. Cost-share is authorized for:

a. Incentive payments, following one complete growing season of an established pest management plan. This period begins with the board approval of the contract and continues through the growing season. For the purpose of cost-share, at a minimum the growing season will encompass the timeframe of April 15 - October 31. Example: A contract must be approved by the board by April 15, and the contract payment cannot be approved prior to October 31 of the same calendar year.

10. Cost-share is not authorized for: a. Utilization of any cost-share program to re-establish legumes in cool season or warm

season grass fields receiving the pest management incentive. The operator should be informed that he or she would incur the entire expense to reestablish legumes in their cool season or warm season grass stands.

Maximum State Cost-Share 1. Incentive Payments

a. Not to exceed $10 per acre per year. The lifetime maximum an operator can receive from this practice is $5,000.

b. The operator does not have to pai1icipate in consecutive years. District boards should consider limiting operators to pai1icipation for multiple years. The definition of operator for the purpose of this practice is any individual farming the land (listed as the operator in the FSA office) and incurring the expense if pesticides need to be applied.

2. Utilize the Practice Limits Detail repo11 in MoSWIMS to ensure compliance with applicable maximums.

V-93 September 2016

Map Requirements A legible, aerial photography map that shows the completed practice must be scanned and attached as document type "Map" in MoSWIMS prior to contract payment submission. The map must have the following:


associated with the contract payment

Technical Responsibilities Technical staff has the responsibility for determining the need for the practice, for design of the practice based upon the minimum extent necessary, and to ce1iify that the completed practice meets NRCS standards and specifications within commission policy.

Acres Served Acreage treated by the pest management plan.

Extent Installed Acreage treated by the pest management plan.

Maintenance Life This practice is completed upon contract payment therefore will not have a maintenance life.

Y-94 September 20 I 6

11/15/2017

1

Mo Corn & Soybean Environmental

Stewardship Programs

Ensuring farmers continue to enjoy the freedom to operate well into the future means taking proactive steps now, including giving agriculture a voice at the table for conversations on protecting and preserving natural resources.

Mo Corn and Soybean Environmental Programs

A partnership of Missouri Corn and Soybean Merchandising Councils

Our Goals:• Be a proactive voice and resource for Missouri corn and soybean farmers.• Advance leadership on environmental and sustainability issues for farmers.• Promote sustainable practices that add value to farmers and support their bottom line.

Three strategic program areas guide our efforts:1. Advocate for public policies that support farmers’ freedom to operate.2. Invest in on-farm research and promote sustainable and profitable practices.3. Create partnerships with others to leverage collective strength.

These strategic areas come together in projects to better define, promote and advance agricultural stewardship and sustainability, while ensuring that profitability is part of the equation.

Brought to you by Missouri corn & soybean farmers and their checkoff.

D. 8.

11/15/2017

2

Agricultural Water Quality

Monitoring ProgramSoil Health Partnership

www.soilhealthpartnership.org

With funding support from:MonsantoNRCSThe Walton Family FoundationMidwest Row Crop CollaborativeThe General Mills Foundation

A project to make agriculture more productive and sustainable through improved soil health.

With technical support from:Environmental Defense FundThe Nature Conservancy

A project equipping Missouri farmers with on-farm data -to document successes and guide future improvements.

11/15/2017

3

Agricultural Water Quality Monitoring Program

Program objectives & outcomes –

measure water quality parameters on ag fields to:

1. evaluate the effectiveness/impact of conservation practices.

2. document benefit/gains from investments in voluntary conservation.

3. document production/practice efficiencies & reductions in environmental losses.

4. better calibrate field-scale models

5. improve the performance of cropping systems in Missouri.

results can help identify and answer important questions like:

• key time periods that influence nutrient/sediment loss in runoff.

• key field conditions that are influencing loss.

• key cropping system activities (in-field crop management) influencing loss.

• impact from stacking conservation practices in a field (ex. terraces, waterways & cover crops).

Brought to you by Missouri corn &

soybean farmers and their checkoff.

11/15/2017

4

WQ Monitoring Approach/Design

Designed for robust operation and high quality data -

• paired field monitoring….treatment vs. control.

• DNR/NRCS approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

• using proven monitoring technology w/ automated equipment.

• adhering to strict data quality specs & approved lab methods.

• collecting data for a minimum of five years.

• using trained and experienced water quality professionals.

Paired monitoring of 2 fields

WQ Monitoring Site Locations

Currently 10 monitored

field sites.

• All employ a paired design.

• 5 paired sites.

Located across 4 counties:

• Cooper

• Marion

• Shelby

• Livingston

F. 1.

Mr. Gary Vandiver Soil and Water Conservation Program PO Box 176 Jefferson City, Missouri 65102

Dear Mr. Vandiver,

RECEiVED

AUG 24 2017 Alan Allmon 924 South Carr Avenue Sedalia, Missouri 65301 8-23-2017

I own a farm in Benton County MO. After buying this farm in 2013, I put in five terraces and improved a natural waterway at my own expense. In 2016, I put in four additional terraces and drains with assistance from the state cost share program. Unfortunately, the farmer that farms for me crossed three of the terraces during planting two years in a row. Charley Hardy, the farmer, was reminded two years in a row about the need to farm on contour. Unfortunately, the person in the tractor pulling the planter made the mistake and Benton County wants $10,278.37 in funds returned. I would like to appeal this decision for several reasons. The main reason is that the man doing the planting will be making up the lost funds to me which he has agreed to do. However, he has a wife and 2 children and I do not want to burden him with this financial responsibility. I would like to point out that I think there has been no significant damage to the terraces crossed or any significant soil loss because of the mistake. I also have other things that I would like to discuss with the board concerning soil loss and contour farming and farming in the Cherokee Prairie region of Missouri.

Sincerely,

Alan Allmon

Benton County oil and Water Conservation District

535 N. Hwy. 65

July 1, 2016

Alan A Allmon Tru t 924 S Carr Ave Sedalia MO 65301

Dear Mr. Allmon:

Lincoln, Missouri 65338 Phone 660/547-2351, Ext. 3

On a drive by spot eek of terraces that were built in December of 201 5 with the State Cost Share funds throug our office, it was noted that the terraces have been farmed over, rather than parallel to as per th maintenance agreement, signed and dated by you on November 5, 2015. (Copy Attached)

It is a requirement hen receiving state cost share for this practice that the farming be completed parallel with the ter aces and not altered or removed and maintained, as built, for 10 years according to the m tenance agreement.

The above inspectio findings were brought before the board at our board meeting on, June 22, 2016.

Our Board wants to remind you that with the 10 year maintenance on cost shared terraces, you must follow the agr ement of maintaining and keeping the requirements of the parallel farming. Due to the nature o your violation, you will be spot checked after your next planting which could be wheat this all or your next springs planting to make sure you are following policy. If wheat is planted thi fall, please notify our office, so the check can be completed at that time. If corrections have no been made, the State Soil and Water Commission will be notified for further action.

In addition, your n e is on our scheduling list for further cost share assistance, however, as per board policy, if a miintenance violation bas been found, no further cost share assistance will be provided until that iolation bas been corrected. Therefore, your name will remain on our list until that time.

Thank you for your ime and attention to this matter. If you have any questions in regards to the above, please call d talk to the office staff.

Sincerely,

Chester Schlesselm Chairman, Benton o. SWCD

CS:TD

Jte Cost Share Assist nee Contract co11tains a "Condition of Payment for State Cost Share Funds" that says tha if a practice is removed, altered, or nwdified so as to lessen its effectiveness 1,vithout c nsent of the Soil and rVater Conservation District Board of Supervisors for a period of 10 yea,! after the date of receiving payment, the landowner shall refund to the Missouri Soil and Wat r Districts Commission the state cost share funds used for this practice. The cooperator(s) th . t received the cost share paynzent remains responsible for the maintenance of tire I ractice upon change of ownership unless (he responsibility is transferred with the de d for the property.

Right of ingress and e ress for the purpose if inspecting construction and maintenance of a practice cost shared wi h state funds is hereby granted by the cooperator.

The cooperator will e notified of any maintenance violation and the board 1A.Jil! give a reasonable amount of fne to correct the problem(s). If the vfolation is not corrected within the specified time, the m tter will be referred to the Soil and Water Districts Commission for further action.

DSL-44 ES WITI-l TILE OUTLETS 10 year life

Mainten ce for the DSL-44 would include farming parallel to the terraces and not altering of removing them or the tiles and outlets for the 10-year life span. This time begi s from the date of receiving payment. All cost share maintenance agreeme ts are the responsibility of the landowner 1~eceiving the cost share dollars. **See the bold section at the top.**

Reviewed and agreed by.- Al~~e~~ _____ L_a_n_d_o_w-r2 n_e_r_s+-~-rn-1-a~tu_r_e ____ _

Date: / - J-- / .)-

----.,1S::iUUKI I t:t'AK I rvrc:1'11 vr I'll"\, v,"'"'.._, ,._.._..,_,.._.., ,...., _...., SOIL AND ~TER DISTRICTS COMMISSION COST-SH RE ASSISTANCE CONTRACT

ALAN A AL MON TRUST

~=======~ 924 SCARR A VE SEDALIA, 0 6530 I

Legal Owne : ALAN A ALLMON TRUST

I PRACTICE: DSL-44 TE0qcE SYSTEM WITH TILE

I RESOURCE CONCERN: SHEET ~ND RILL / GULLY E 2016

:,J:, NUK I N NW r 0.)

LINCOLN, MO 65338 (660)547-2351 EXT: 3

Contract Number SGE 095-16-0033

Landowner TIN: XXX-XX-4877

I (we), the undersigned, do he eby request cost-share assistance to help defray the cost of installing the TERRACE SYSTEM WITH TILE as listed above. tis understood and agreed that:

I. The TERRACE SYSTEM ITH TILE installed with cost-share assistance shall be properly maintained.

2. The cooperator acknowled es that to receive payment a Vendor lnput Form and Vendor ACH/EFT Application are required and that a I 099-G w II be issued at the end of the calendar year. The cooperator also acknowledges that payment will be received in the fonn o a direct deposit.

3. Condition of Payment of S te Cost-Share Funds: If a practice is removed, altered, or modified so as to lessen its effectiveness without prior c nsent of the Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors for a period of IO years after the date of receiving pa ment, ALAN A ALLMON TRUST shall refund to the Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission the state cost-sh e funds used for the practice. The cooperator(s) that rece ived the cost-share payment remains responsible for the maintena ce of the practice upon change of ownership unless the responsibility is transferred with the deed for the property.

4. Right of ingress and egres for the purpose of inspecting construction and maintenance of a practice cost-shared with state funds is hereby granted by cooperator(s).

5. The cooperator(s) will be otified of any maintenance violation and the board will give a reasonable and fair estimate of time to correct the problem( . If the violation is not corrected within the specified time, the matter will be referred to the Soil and Water Districts Co, mission for further action.

6. Should this contract be ap roved by BENTON SWCD, the Cooperator(s) will be notified by the district. If the cooperator (s) accepts cost-share assista ce, the cooperator(s) will not start the practice prior to board approval of this contract.

7. Providing false informati non documents in an effort to receive state cost-share funds is a criminal offense, punishable by fines and/or jai I sentences. iscovery of such an offense is prosecutable by the Missouri Attorney General's Office or the local county prosecutor.

COOPERATOR: INITIALS u DA TE I/ ·,fl:- / S-

ALAN A ALLMON TRUST SGE 095-16-003:

l 2:52:34PM - Thursday, Novem er 5 , 20 15 Page I of :

June 21, 2017

Alan A. Allmon Trust

924 S Carr Ave

Sedalia MO 65301

Dear M r. Allmon:

Benton Count ru

oil and Water Conserva ~

. . os a erv,ce CERTIFIED MA:~®-R-ECEIPT Domestic Mail Only

3 L/'l SEOAhI A--Z O' f 301

5 5 N. Hwy. 65 f=,n;jiedii~:-:-::~~~....!:......:~:.__~..!........~-_J • LI') fCel'l,fied Mail Fee

Lincoln, Missouri 65 ::r s Phone 660/547-2351 I~ tt~~ __ :.;;;;;;_ ;;;;-r;&r--::-,.,_=:7.l>o,.:;:--'.-=, .. ~~~ , ...--Reoolpl~ $ •

,...:i ORell.mRoc:w,x~ s SO 00 CJ D Cortl!led MooJ -..S Dllwty s $ 0 , OQ CJ 0Ad"11 S'-1\Jro Raqlftd S ~£t.-eB-CJ D Adult Sign.-_.., Dllwty s •

Postage CJ s $0. ~9 4 L, ::r -n, Total Ost.age and F11os CJ s ~6 . 59 L:.Slo

0629 01

Here

06/22/2017

~ =~9£-... .e~ll.~::Jr.~........ . .. ~ Ciiy,-§riJ-· ~·- •• ~ ••• Lo.CC.~~: .......................... -........... .

. L:,S3C/

Per the enclosed letter dat1d July 1, 2016 a spot check was completed on the planting in the field where terraces

were constructed and cost shared on in Decern ber of 2015.

The spot check showed t:1 same as last year, with the terraces being farmed over, rather than parallel to. Please refer to the attached signe and dated maintenance agreement.

Due to this being the 2°d olation, the State Soil and Water Program Office has been contacted and, accordi ng

to our policy, the following action is to be taken. A prorated amount of the funds paid out is to be paid back to

the Missouri Department fNatural Resources Soi l and Water Conservation Program.

As per full dfacussion of is violation at today's board meeting, the Board of Supervisors chose to make the

payback effect as of today s date, June 21 , 2017, rather than the date of the 151 violation notice of July J, 2016.

With that being the case, ere are 103 months remaining of the 120 months (10 years) maintenance on this

contract. $11,975.38 was[aid to you on this contract.

$11 ,975.38 divided by 12 months = $99.79 per month. $99.79 X 103 months remaining = $10,278.37. This

amount is required for patack and wil l release these terraces from their current maintenance agreement. ,. .. ---

The check should be mad, payable to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Soil and Water USI

Conservation Program in care of the Benton Co. SWCD at the address above. 1111 Thank you for your attenjon to this matter. If you have further questions, in regards to this issue, please call

and talk to Tina Dulaban, istrict Manager at the Benton Co. SWCD office. o 9402

Sincerely:

Chester Schlesselman

Chairman, Benton Co. S

CS:TD

d States ~ Service

USDA

-

Legend

Case PLUs

World Imagery

Low Resol tion 15m Imagery

High Resoltion 60cm Imagery

High Resoltion 30cm Imagery

Citations

Prepared with assistance from USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

190 0 190 380 570 760

Feet - - -

N

Allmon Photo Sites

I

Benton County oil and Water Conservation District

535 N. Hwy. 65 Lincoln, Missomi 65338

Phone 660/547-2351, Ext. 3

Alan A Allmon T t

924 S Carr Ave Sedalia MO 65301

Dear Mr. Allmon:

Thank you for taki g time to come in and visit with our District Board today regarding the

maintenance viola on on your State Cost Shared terrace system.

We appreciate yol words and awareness of soil conservation.

However, after revf wing all state and local policies, the Board still holds true to maintenance

violation findings, n your terrace system and denies your request for exemption under the

Cherokee Prairie R gion exception.

State cost share ds payback in the amount of $10,278.37 is requested within 30 days from the

date of this letter.

lfyou would like t . make an appeal to the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, that

request must be m e within this 30 day period, in writing, for review at the next regularly

scheduled commis ion meeting. You may be present at this meeting, have someone represent on

your behalf, or pre ent the argument in writing.

Once again, thank ou for your time and attention to this matter. If you have further questions or

need State Soil and Water Conservation Commission meeting information, please feel free to ager, Tina Dulaban for request information.

Sincerely:

Chester Schlessel an, Chairman

Benton Co. SWCD

CS:TD . I

V-15 September 2016

Sheet and Rill/Gully Erosion Resource Concern DSL-44 Terrace System with Tile Purpose Reduce soil erosion. Applicability Applies to cropland where: 1. Soil erosion by water is a problem. 2. Soils and topography are such that terraces can be constructed and farmed with reasonable

effort. 3. Suitable outlet can be provided. 4. Excess runoff is a problem. Erosion Requirements Practice is eligible for cost-share based on sheet and rill erosion or gully erosion. To qualify based on sheet and rill erosion, erosion rates must be in excess of tolerable soil loss; and post-installation erosion rates must be less than pre-installation erosion rates. To qualify based on gully erosion, post-installation erosion rates must be less than pre-installation erosion rates. Sheet & Rill Erosion Checks: PRE-INSTALL > POST-INSTALL PRE-INSTALL > T Gully Erosion Checks: PRE-INSTALL > POST-INSTALL Specifications The completed practice must meet the NRCS Standards and Specifications for Critical Area Planting (342), Vegetation Establishment, Herbaceous Seeding (723), Terrace (600), and Underground Outlet (620) contained in the Field Office Technical Guide. Policies 1. A protective outlet or waterway installed solely as an outlet for the terrace system with no

other conservation purpose should be entered under this practice. A protective outlet or waterway that solely solves a conservation problem and serves as an outlet for the terrace system should be cost-shared under the practice of DWP-01 Sediment Retention, Erosion, or Water Control Structures or DWP-03 Sod Waterway.

2. Farming operations must be parallel to terraces, with the exception of the Cherokee Prairie region of the state when the slope is 3% or less and the soil loss can be reduced to permissible soil loss (T). Farming over terraces may be allowed in the Cherokee Prairie region if it is acceptable to technical staff, and with board approval of the method of farming (should be determined on a case by case basis).

V-16 September 2016

3. Cost-share is authorized for: a. Terraces and necessary leveling/filling to permit installation of an effective system. b. Removal of stone walls or hedgerows only when absolutely necessary to permit

installation of an effective system. c. Materials and installation of underground pipe outlets and other mechanical outlets. d. Critical Area Seeding. Permanent vegetative cover based on the Critical Area Seeding

component. e. Conversion of existing system, if not serving the intended conservation purpose. f. Topsoil, when required to meet NRCS standards and specifications. g. Reconstruction, under the conditions listed in Section V, subsection F.

4. Cost-share is not authorized for: a. Maintenance or conversion of an existing system to accommodate changes in cropping

patterns or equipment use.

Maximum State Cost-Share Assistance is limited to 75% of the county average cost, not to exceed the state average cost. Map Requirements A legible, aerial photography map that shows the completed practice must be scanned and attached as document type “Map” in MoSWIMS prior to contract payment submission. The map must have the following:


associated with the contract payment Technical Responsibilities Technical staff has the responsibility for determining the need for the practice, for design of the practice based upon the minimum extent necessary, and to certify that the completed practice meets NRCS standards and specifications within commission policy. Acres Served Acreage draining into the system. Extent Installed Linear feet of terrace system. Maintenance Life 10 years.

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