WALCE ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
Lakewoods Lodge February 15, 2001

Board Members Present: Troy Kuphal, Dale Olson, Kathy Knapp, Marcia Hartwig, Gaylord Olson, Amy Fohey, Pat Sutter, Dale Konkol, Mark Jenks, Paul Tollard, Bob Kaner, Greg Baneck and Dan O’Connell

Board Members Excused: Don Houtman

Advisors present: Rebecca Baumann, Pat Murphy, Andy Yencha and Gordon Stevenson

The meeting was called to order by President Troy Kuphal at 8:05 AM.  Board members introduced  themselves.  Kuphal noted revisions to the original mailed agenda, pointing to the addition of a resolution for the Wisconsin Grazing Initiative and moving the President’s address after Strategic Plan Issues. 

Minutes: Troy Kuphal called for a motion to accept January 18, 2001 board minutes. Paul Tollard motioned; Dale Konkol seconded To approve the January minutes as submitted.  MOTION PASSED ON A VOICE VOTE.

Treasurer Report: Marcia Hartwig reviewed the cash flow and register reports. MOTION To approve the treasurer report by Jim McCaulley; seconded by Jean Schomisch.  MOTION PASSED ON A VOICE VOTE.  Marcia reviewed 2001 proposed budget.

1.      Pointing out that though it included deficit spending (to maintain non-profit status) WALCE would still have over $10,000 in cash reserves - including the CD and carryover from 2000.

2.      MOTION Establish a Don Aaron NACD memorial scholarship challenge grant up to $1,000 for year 2001 to be added to the WALCE budget by Jean Schomisch; Dale Olson seconded.  MOTION PASSED ON A VOICE VOTE.

3.      MOTION To increase conference registration line in proposed WALCE budget by $1,000 by Don Franke; Dave Ferris seconded. MOTION PASSED ON A VOICE VOTE.

4.      MOTION To approve the WALCE 2001 Budget with the two amendments by Jean Schomisch; Chuck Handy, seconded.  MOTION PASSED ON A VOICE VOTE.

Resolution – Wisconsin Grazing Initiative Paul Daigle, Marathon County reviewed the resolution as stated in the conference packet.

1.      Discussion on proper notification according to the by-laws.  Kuphal informed the membership that Paul had contacted him prior to the thirty-day deadline and that the Board had already visited this issue in August.  Though proper notification requirements were not technically met, Troy considered adequate circumstances existed to allow consideration on the floor without 2/3 approval

2.      MOTION To call for 2/3 majorities vote to bring Wisconsin Grazing Initiative resolution to the floor by Tony Smith; Jim McCaulley seconded. MOTION PASSED BY A SHOW OF HANDS VOTE.

3.      Discussion followed concerning the resolution and future funding ramifications.

4.      MOTION To approve the amended Wisconsin Grazing Initiative resolution strategy support contingent on the Land and Water Resource Management plans being fully funded by Chuck Handy; Phil Hahn seconded  MOTION FAILED ON A VOICE VOTE.

5.      MOTION To approve Resolution: Grant for Funding the Wisconsin Grazing Initiative as presented by Dale Konkol; Paul Sebo seconded MOTION FAILED ON A VOICE VOTE. 

MOTION to have WALCE draft a letter of support of the Wisconsin Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, by Jean Schomisch; Greg Leonard seconded  MOTION PASSED ON A VOICE VOTE.

Strategic Plan Status Report

Kuphal reviewed WALCE Communication Policy.  Identified issues were;

1.      Board Communication Network

2.      Using Email as the preferred method for circulating information and getting feedback.

3.      Employees’ Newsletter WALCE will publish an electronic newsletter on a trail basis through 2001.

4.      Official WALCE Correspondence, to help ensure accurate representation of the WALCE board, formal correspondence made by the President on behalf of the organization will be reviewed with all other Board members prior to being sent out. If time does not allow for a full review, copies of such correspondence after the fact.

5.      Annual membership brochures.  Each year the Board will update membership application forms.

6.      Annual Survey.  Area representatives are strongly encouraged to conduct a brief, annual survey of their constituents.

7.      Board meeting agendas are sent out at least 7 days prior to board meetings.

8.      Annual progress report.  During each annual meeting, the President will give an annual report to the membership.

Kuphal discussed Internal Issues committee, why and how it was formed, Jan 10th and 11th meeting proceedings and its final recommendation to form a joint WALCE/WLWCA Committee to explore options which improve the effectiveness and accountability of both organizations through the joining of resources.  Kuphal called for comments.  Dale Olson stated that WALCE membership on the joint committee would not have to be limited to members of the Internal Issues Committee.  Kuphal concurred.

President’s Address Troy Kuphal reviewed accomplishments for 2000 and looked ahead to the year 2001.

1.      Looking back over the year 2000 accomplishments

a.      Gaining a better understanding and definition of what WALCE is and can do.

b.      Implementing the Strategic Plan particularly in the area of communication, membership diversity and legislative activity

c.       Legislative Issues, including influence on LWCB and input on DNR and DATCP Administrative rules

2.      Looking ahead

a.      Continue to follow the Strategic Plan communication policy

b.      Raise greater awareness of Land Conservation Departments and support policies that enhance the departments’ effectiveness and accountabilty.

c.       Continue work of internal issues committee recommendations (ways to join resources with WLWCA) and develop training geared more towards duplicating locally successful programs.

WLWCA Executive Director Report Rebecca Baumann, Executive Director WLWCA provided a background of herself and outlined future goals.

1.      Stronger ties with legislatures in Washington to identify our positions.

2.      Support for DNR and DATCP biennial budget requests

3.      Value of working with WLWCA lobbyist Curt Pawlisch.

4.      Concerns of state involve urban, forest, water as well as agricultural issues.

5.      In the process of hiring SOC coordinator.

6.      Introduced staff members Gina Kaminski Operations Administrator, Christine Schlutt QST/ Information & Education, Aleise Oyen and Ann Opgenorth Information Support Specialists.

Agency Reports

UW Extension  Andy Yencha presented the extension report

1.      Construction erosion control spring workshops are planned.

2.      Basin educators will be holding GMU partnership meetings.

3.      Multi agency educational grants are available.  Three areas identified are: open category, conservation practice assessment, and nutrient management.

4.      The last Basin educator’s position is filled.

5.      The WAV coordinator is hired.

DNR Report  Gordon Stevenson reported change of DNR Secretary is now Darrell Bazzell.

1.      Non-point redesign, changes have been made since the last public hearings.

2.      Non-point redesign changes in non-agriculture performance standards.

3.      Second round of public hearings, ten hearings in six locations.  Final draft is expected to go to the Natural Resources Board in June 2001, Legislative action between July and October 2001, and promulgation in November or December 2001.

DATCP No report

NRCS report. Pat Murphy reported a meeting on February 12th at DATCP concerning the CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program).  Funding will not be available until the Biennium budget is approved.

1.      March 15th is the deadline to identify state and local reporting.  These numbers will be used in the formulation of federal funds in the budget.

2.      3,000 computers purchased and will be distributed to non co-located county offices.

Other Issues/Business  Jean Schomisch asked what would happen to the Secretary position with Kathy Knapp leaving. Troy Kuphal noted that Kathy Knapp, Secretary will be resigning her position as WALCE Secretary due to a job change.  She will be working for DATCP, beginning February 26, with the Land and Water Resource Management plans.  Kuphal presented Knapp with a WALCE denim shirt.  Knapp shared her views that the LCD’s are the leaders in conservation.  “What better department to identify our individual priority areas? We know the issues, we know who plays well together and who doesn’t.  Not only are we leaders in the nation with conservation application, more importantly we are leaders in our own communities.  My experiences will go with me in my new position.”  Kuphal called for anyone interested in the Secretary’s position to contact a board member. Phil Hahn noted there would be a PL 566 state funding strategy meeting at 4:30 in the Lodge.

Motion To adjourn the meeting by Dave Ferris; second by Greg Leonard.  MOTION PASSED ON A VOICE VOTE.  Meeting adjourned at 10:35 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Knapp
WALCE Secretary