2015 soil & water conservation

Wabash County Soil & Water Conservation District

29, 2015 th Annual Meeting January Mabel Courter Annex Building

68

and Election of Directors

Mt. Carmel, IL

AGENDA

Call to Order and Welcome. . . . . . . . Stanley Kelsey, Chairman Invocation DINNER

Introduction of Guests . . . . . . . . . . . . Lee Berberich, Vice President

Minutes of Last Annual Meeting . . . . . . .Liz Hoffman, Secretary/Treasurer

Treasurer’s and Audit Reports. . . . . . . . .Liz Hoffman, Secretary/Treasurer

Nominating Committee Report & Election of Directors . . . . . Nominating Committee: Jared Smith, Bernard Wallace and John Haase AWARDS

Chairman’s Comments . . . . . . . . . . . .Stanley Kelsey The Year in Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gary Zwilling and Colleen R. Kensler ADJOURNMENT & DOOR PRIZES

Friday, January 23, 2015

Page 2 - Daily Republican Register - Special Section - Friday, January 23, 2015

Larry Tedford, Mark Brines, Gary Hargett, Josh Farley, Janice Alka and Sandra Ward with the Mount Carmel Rotary Club volunteered to wrap 175 pine trees so Colleen Kensler could visit every Classroom of third graders in the county. She gave each student a eastern white pine tree and each class a 20-minute lesson on the importance of trees to us and our environment.

Congratulations on 68 Years of Service to Wabash County!

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Mr. Kissen’s class at the North Intermediate Center of Education and many other class received trees from the Wabash County Soil and Conservation District.

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Friday, January 23, 2015 - Daily Republican Register - Special Section - Page 3

Resource conservationist’s report Colleen Kensler Resource conservationist

This is going to be a short report as the resource conservationist of Wabash County Soil and Water Conservation District due to only one project being completed in the Partners for Conservation cost share program.

The project completed was for Stanley Kelsey and was 970 feet of tile and a terrace 875 feet long.

Since this used up the cost share money we received for 2013, that was all the projects we could do.

But I have learned a little something every year, and this time it was that if you do sign up for a conservation project and we get the design and specifications (specs) done for you, then you decide to go ahead and do it but without it being at the top of our list or cost shared.

There is a chance that you might still get cost share when your project is done if everyone above you bows out of their projects and I come asking if you still want to do your project.

But it did not work out that way for one of you who will not be named, as you did not do your project according to NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) specs and so we could not go ahead and cost share on it.

So we went with the next project on the list with a ready and willing participant, and we got it completed even though we had a close deadline and weather that did not want to cooperate. Only with the

you do your conservation project according to NRCS specs, that you will be able to deduct more of this project on your expenses at the end of the year on your taxes.

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great effort of the wonderful contractors we work with and the teamwork of the NRCS, landowner and SWCD staff did this project get completed on time.

Another thing that was mentioned is, if

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CONGRATULATIONS!

CONGRATULATIONS Wabash County On A Fine Soil And Water Conservation Year!

Wabash County Soil and Water Conservation District Board and Staff- Liz Hoffman, Sec./Treas., Stanley Kelsey, Chairman, Colleen Kensler, Resource Conservationist, Lee Berberich, Vice-Chairman, and Matthew Marriott, Director. Director Jordan Baumgart was not available for the photo.

So if these two items are not enough to convince you, then another thing you might think about is the specifications are for tried and true recommendations and should work. Sometimes no matter what there is a problem and adjustments need to be made for the slope and soil, but if they happen right after the project is finished or in the near future ( within 10 years), you can have a repair or try another something to fix it and get it cost shared also.

To me it seems the smart thing to do would to do it right the first time and not have to redo and also get all the perks you can while you are doing it.

Just saying, I do not like do overs, If everyone tried to do things right in the first place with everything they do, then the rest of us would not have to work so hard fixing someone else’s mistakes.

Work smarter, not harder! Good attitude at any time but most of all when you are older.

So if you sign up for cost share, try to hang in there.

I know it takes a while for us to work our way down the list but we do get there eventually and if you get impatient and we have your designs and paperwork done.

Then at least use them for your benefit and possibly it could work out to be cost shared, like it could have worked out this year.

I hope to see you all at the annual meeting on Jan. 29, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. and try to be safe and have a healthy year.

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Election Nominating Committee reports Page 4 - Daily Republican Register - Special Section - Friday, January 23, 2015

John Haase, Bernard Wallace, and Jared A. Smith were the nominating committee for the Wabash County Soil and Water Conservation District election and as such have contacted the directors whose terms were up this year and all have agreed to run for reelection. There

are two directors to be elected to the board for the 2015 year for a two-year term, Liz Hoffman and Jordan Baumgart.

So they have been placed on the ballot and their bios are in this annual report. John Haase representing the nominating committee will ask three times as required

by law if there are any other nominations from the floor at our annual meeting and hearing none will congratulate them on their reelection to the board. If a nomination is raised, then a paper ballot will be handed out to every landowner or occupier of Wabash County. After they

have all placed their ballots back in the ballotbox, a vote will be counted and the winners will be announced. The two with the most votes will be declared the directors of the Wabash County Soil and Water Conservation District and serve a two year term.

My name is Liz Hoffman and I am asking for your support to be elected as a Director on the Wabash County Soil and Water Conservation District Board. I have been involved with the board for the past 20 years.

The first 3 years I was an associate director. The last 17 years I have been the secretary-treasurer.

It is becoming harder each year to keep our office going with the cut backs and the delays in receiving our money.

My husband, Tom and I are both native to Wabash County and come from farm

families. We have two children, Mike Hoffman and the late Michelle Frerking and nine grandchildren.

I am a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella. In 2014 I was elected to serve on the Wabash County Committee for the Farm Service Agency.

I hope to be able to have your continued support to continue to serve on the Wabash County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.

Jordan Baumgart is married to Luke Baumgart and they live north of Mt. Carmel, near Friendsville. Her husband is a part of Baumgart Farms, where he farms with his father and grandfather.

Jordan grew up on her family farm near Mt. Carmel and graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 2007. She attended Murray State University, where she studied Agribusiness Economics and received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree in 2010.

She then studied Agricultural Economics at Purdue University and received a Master of Science in Agricultural Eco-

nomics degree in 2012.

She had experiences traveling, joining several clubs and organizations, and participating in summer internships throughout her years in college.

In October of 2012 she joined Citizens National Bank of Albion, where she is currently working as the Agricultural Lending Officer. She also enjoys helping her father, Ed Timberlake, on their family farm.

She has a passion for agriculture and plans to continue to be a part of the agriculture industry throughout her future.

Liz Hoffman

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Page 6 - Daily Republican Register - Special Section - Friday, January 23, 2015

Wabash County Soil & Water Conservation District

Profit & Loss Budget Overview

July 2015 through June 2016

Ordinary Income/Expense Income 4100 · STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT 4100.1 · District Operations 50,969.00 4100.4 · District Reimbursements 465.52 Total 4100 · STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

51,434.52 4150 · STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT- Res. 4150.1 · InterCo. Contribution Agreement 10,000.00 4150.2 · CPP Income 4110.1 · CPP Funds In 4,400.00 Total 4150.2 · CPP Income 4,400.00 Total 4150 · STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTRes. 14,400.00 4200 · LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT 4200.01 · County Board Grant 1,000.00 Total 4200 · LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

1,000.00 4300 · OTHER PUBLIC SUPPORT 0.00 4400 · SALES 4400.1 · Fish 4400.11 · Misc. Income 4400.2 · Trees 4400.4 · Flags 4400.5 · Filter Fabric 4400.7 · Copies 4400.8 · Books Total 4400 · SALES 4600 · SPECIAL EVENTS INCOME 4600.1 · Annual Meeting 4600a · Admissions and Fees 4600.1 · Annual Meeting - Other Total 4600.1 · Annual Meeting Total 4600 · SPECIAL EVENTS INCOME

2,000.00 5.00 1,200.00 85.00 600.00 10.00 25.00 3,925.00

280.00 200.00 480.00 480.00

4610 · ADVERTISING INCOME 3,150.00 4700 · RENTALS 4700.02 · Bag-a-nut Rental Income 55.00 4700.03 · Fabric Check Installer Rental 75.00 Total 4700 · RENTALS 130.00 4800 · INTEREST 4800.01 · District 17.99 4800.02 · Program 65.96 4800.03 · Operations 52.18 4800.04 · CD 676.86 Total 4800 · INTEREST

812.99 Total Income 75,332.51 Cost of Goods Sold 5000 · COST OF GOODS SOLD 5000.01 · Trees 5000.02 · Fish

800.00 1,800.00

5000.05 · Filter Fabric 5000.06 · Books 5000.07 · Water Test Kits Total 5000 · COST OF GOODS SOLD Total COGS Gross Profit

450.00 120.00 120.00 3,290.00 3,290.00 72,042.51

6000.04 · Water Service 6000.06 · Gas & Electric Total 6000 · OFFICE EXPENSE 6010 · POSTAGE 6030 · DUES 6030.02 · NACD 6030.03 · Land Use Council 6030.04 · AISWCD 6030.05 · Wabash Co. Farm Bu. Total 6030 · DUES 2,530.00 6050 · TRAVEL 6050.2 · Rooms 6050.2a · RC Rooms

75.00 1,300.00 4,400.00 650.00

600.00 11 50.00 1,800.00 80.00

Expense 5100 · PAYROLL EXPENSES 5100.01 · RC Wages 5100.1b · RC Short Term Disability Ins 159.52 5100.01 · RC Wages - Other 29,101.14 1,000.00 Total 5100.01 · RC Wages 29,260.66 5100 · PAYROLL EXPENSES - Other 625.00 Total 6050.2 · Rooms

1,000.00 Total 5100 · PAYROLL EXPENSES 29,885.66 6050.4 · Mileage 5120 · PAYROLL TAXES 6050.4a · RC Mileage 1,500.00 5120.02 · Social Security 1,443.42 6050.4c · Directors Mileage 600.00 5120.04 · Medicare 337.57 Total 6050.4 · Mileage 2,100.00 5140 · State Unemployment 79.99 Total 6050 · TRAVEL 3,100.00 Total 5120 · PAYROLL TAXES 1,860.98 6051 · MEALS AND ENTERTAINMENT 5200 · CONSERVATION PROGRAM PRACTICES 6051.1 · Meals 5200.01 · CPP 8,200.00 6051.1b · RC Meals 600.00 Total 5200 · CONSERVATION PROGRAM PRACTIC6051.1c · Directors Meals 500.00 ES 8,200.00 6051.1d · Annual Meeting Meals 900.00 5250 · EDUCATION Total 6051.1 · Meals 2,000.00 5250.1 · Mat. & Sup. for School Programs 200.00 Total 6051 · MEALS AND ENTERTAINMENT 5250.2 · 4th Grade Field Trip 200.00 2,000.00

300.00 6060 · CONFERENCES/TRAINING Total 5250 · EDUCATION 700.00 6060A · RC Summer Conference 0.00 6060C · Directors Summer Conference 0.00 6060 · CONFERENCES/TRAINING - Other 0.00 5300 · INSURANCE Total 6060 · CONFERENCES/TRAINING 0.00 5300.01 · Directors & Officers Insurance 1,200.00 Total 5300 · INSURANCE 1,200.00 6100 · EQUIPMENT EXPENSES 5410 · LICENSES & FEES 50.00 6100A · REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 5420 · HONORARIA AND AWARDS 200.00 6100A1 · Office Equipment 1,500.00 5430 · Donation Expense 50.00 6100A2 · Other Equipment 5500 · PROMOTIONAL 250.00 6100A2b · 4-wheeler Expenses 300.00 5600 · SPECIAL EVENTS 6100A2c · Filter Fabric Check Installer 50.00 5600.12 · Contractors Breakfast Expense 800.00 6100A2d · Root Plow Expense 50.00 5600.01 · Annual Meeting Expenses 6100A2 · Other Equipment - Other 200.00 5600a · Advertising 180.00 Total 6100A2 · Other Equipment 600.00 5600c · Door Prizes 150.00 5600d · Miscellaneous 200.00 Total 6100A · REPAIRS/MAINTENANCE 2,100.00 5600.01 · Annual Meeting Expenses - Other 200.00 6100B · Equipment Purchases 5,635.87 Total 5600.01 · Annual Meeting Expenses 730.00 Total 6100 · EQUIPMENT EXPENSE 7,735.87 150.00 5600.08 · Wabash Valley LUC #11 100.00 6200 · RENT 5600.10 · Special Workshops for Programs 200.00 6200.1 · Building Rent 6,000.00 Total 5600 · SPECIAL EVENTS 1,980.00 Total 6200 · RENT 6,000.00 5610 · NEWSLETTER EXPENSE 1,250.00 Total Expense 72,042.51 6000 · OFFICE EXPENSE Net Ordinary Income 0.00 6000.13 · Snow Removal 375.00 6000.12 · Wireless Expense 550.00 Other Income/Expense 6000.9 · Trash 100.00 Other Expense 6000.11 · Advertising Expense 100.00 9000 · INTEREST EXPENSE 0.00 6000.01 · General Supplies 750.00 Total Other Expense 0.00 6000.02 · Printing/Copying 400.00 Net Other Income 0.00 6000.03 · Computer Supplies 750.00 Net Income 0.00

Fish ordering forms

Thank you!

Friday, January 23, 2015 - Daily Republican Register - Special Section - Page 7

The Wabash County Soil and Water Conservation District would like to thank these partners, volunteers, sponsors, advertisers for their support in their last year.

Anderson Brothers Oil Company Andrews Oil Company Beall Woods State Park Borowiak’s IGA Buehler’s C. F. C. O. Clark County Supply Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. Crop Production Services, Inc. Cusick Farms Excavating Service Department of Natural Resources Farm Service Agency First Bank First National Bank of Allendale Fountain Bluff Fish Farm

Illinois Gas Company J. A. Smith Excavating LLC JULIE, Inc. Kieffer Brothers Construction Co. Litherland Excavating, Inc. Marathon Pipeline, LLC McDonald’s McLean Implement, Inc. Mike’s Excavating Service Mount Carmel Public Utility Co. Mount Carmel Rural King Natural Resource Conservation Service Peavey Grain Pro-Ag Consulting Springfield Plastics, Inc. Texas Gas Transmission, LLC Three Rivers Credit Union Wabash Community School District #348

Wabash County Farm Bureau Wabash Valley Service Company Yonaka Bulldozing

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Page 8 - Daily Republican Register - Special Section - Friday, January 23, 2015

District Conservationist Annual Report Gary Zwilling NRCS District Conservationist Lawrence & Wabash Counties

Hello everyone and the year 2014 has come and gone.

We started out with quite a bit of snow and cold weather.

The 2013- 2014 winter was more typical as far as cold and snow than some of the warmer winters we have had.

Much of the area saw the needed rainfall to produce some very good yields for both corn and soybeans as was witnessed by the long lines at the elevators during the harvest.

The fall ended up very wet with our rainfall amount for the year ending quite a bit above normal. The weather just as the 2014 Farm Bill saw changes as well.

The new 2014 Farm Bill was rolled out this past year. Some programs remained the same while others received some new titles but programs aspects were still similar. I will briefly discuss the programs here.

Some of the more common programs for these counties are still the Environmental Quality Incentives Program or better known as EQIP, the Conservation Reserve Program or CRP, the Wetland Reserve Program or WRP but the name was changed to the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easement (ACEP-WRE for short), the local Wabash County SWCD Partners for Conservation program (PFC) - formerly the Conservation Practices Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program.

Each of the above programs works independently to address various resource concerns. The EQIP program is a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) federal program that works with landowners to address multiple resource concerns on the land. These concerns can range from soil and water issues to animal waste and other water quality matters.

Additionally, the program involves working to improve soil quality on the land as well. The CRP is a Farm Service Agency program that is technically assisted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The CRP program is designed to help control erosion, improve water quality and provide for benefits for a wide variety of wildlife.

The ACEP-WRE program, another NRCS program, is

targeted to remove very marginal cropland fields that are prone to flooding.

This program is designed to create, restore or enhance wetlands and provide multiple wildlife benefits. Additionally, its’ purpose is to create habitat for migratory birds and other wetland –dependent wildlife including threatened and endangered species. The local PFC program administered by the local Wabash SWCD is intended to address soil erosion concerns specifically on cropland fields.

Another very important conservation program is entitled the Conservation Stewardship Program. This program is not as known as well in our area and we are trying to change that idea and get the word out to the producers and landowners. In fact this past year we had several partake in this program and look forward to more producers enrolling this year.

The just of the program is to pay for conservation practices and enhancements on private lands that help take care of all the natural resources. Much of the program is designed to have these enhancements or activities, which producers select from a list, to be applied to the land. Examples of enhancements include: use of cover crops, use of split nitrogen rates, plant tissue testing, or using drift reducing nozzles on sprayer units.

Another popular activity was the leaving of standing crops for wildlife food for the winter.

At this time, I also wanted to keep everyone updated about the status of where the 1026 determination log currently stands. Our area wetland team continues to complete as many as possible and many determinations have been sent out to the producers in the past 3 months.

But just as the team completes the determinations more are added to the list.

We appreciate the producers’ patience as we work through these requests. Along with that thought of determinations, I still need to remind all producers and landowners in regards to keeping in compliance with the provisions of the Farm Bill. This involves many aspects - some of which may or may not be new to everyone.

For most people when they think of staying in compliance they think of their conservation plans in regards to Highly Erodible Land. But it also means staying in

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compliance with wetlands provisions as well. Now with the 2014 Farm Bill these determinations also mean staying in compliance for crop insurance. As land prices have remained somewhat steady, landowners are looking to maximize acres that are currently not in row crop production.

These areas may be fencerows, odd areas, or even old farmstead and building sites. Additionally, many farmers want to improve their land by installing a tiling system on their property. If tile is going to be installed on land, a determination must also be completed for this area to stay in compliance.

So as a reminder before bringing any areas of land into crop production or tiling a field a determination is needed on those acres. This determination may be a highly erodible determination or a wetland determination or even a determination that means it is ok to proceed with the tiling of the field. Once these determinations are made it is important to understand what may or may or may not be done on this land to stay in compliance.

As always, if there are any questions regarding these determinations please feel free to always contact the office for answers and clarifications at 618-943-2621 – Extension 3 at the Lawrenceville USDA Service Center.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex (including gender identity and expression), marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).” To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

Friday, January 23, 2015 - Daily Republican Register - Special Section - Page 9

Wabash County Soil & Water Conservation District Minutes of 67th Annual Meeting and Election

January 27, 2014 The Annual Meeting of the Wabash County Soil & Water Conservation District was held on January 27, 2014 at the Mabel Courter Annex Building in Mount Carmel, IL 62863. Registration began at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. and the meeting immediately following at 7:00 p.m. There were a total of 22 landowners/operators and 11 guests.

Directors present were Stanley Kelsey, Liz Hoffman, Lee Berberich, Matthew Marriott, and Jordan Baumgart. Staff present was Colleen R. Kensler, Gary Zwilling, Nathaniel Crawford and Brandon Rhinehart.

Chairman, Stanley Kelsey welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming, and then introduced Bernard Wallace, a former director to give the invocation before dinner.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. when everyone had finished their meal, which was prepared by the Big Jon’s Lunch Box and served by Chasy Garrett, Amanda Sias, and Krystina Bredemeier which were FFA students the Agriculture Instructor, Nina Geiling had asked to serve. The Wabash County Soil and Water Conservation District will be giving a donation for their service to the FFA Club at Mount Carmel High School. Lee Berberich, Vice-Chairman for the Wabash County SWCD introduced Trevor Irwin, Wabash & Lawrence County Farm Service Agency County Executive Director, Ben Ross, Area Economic Alliance Executive Director, Charles Sanders, Wabash County Commissioner, Nina Geiling, Mount Carmel High School Agriculture Instructor, Gary Zwilling, Wabash and Lawrence County District Conservationist and Charles Trimble, Wayne County District Conservationist.

Stanley Kelsey asked if anyone of them would like to say a few words and Nina Geiling announced the FFA’s upcoming chili supper on March 13th, 2014.

The minutes of the last Annual Meeting were in the Annual Report mailed as a supplement to the Daily Republican Register in the January 27, 2014 edition.

There were copies of this report available at each place setting for everyone to read.

Liz Hoffman, Secretary/Treasurer, asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes and agenda. After receiving none, a motion was made by Karin Kelsey to accept the minutes and agenda and was seconded by Bernard Wallace.

The motion carried unopposed.

Liz noted that the Treasurer’s report was also in the Annual Report and could be read there. There was an audit committee report included in this edition in which all accounts were checked and proclaimed in order by the audit committee.

A motion to accept the financial report as presented was made by Bernard Wallace.

Tom Hoffman seconded it and the motion carried unanimously.

Jared A. Smith, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, which included Bernard Wallace and Michael Steckler, read the Nominating Committee report. The committee had asked the three directors whose two year terms were up, Lee Berberich, Stanley Kelsey and Matthew Marriott, if they would run for reelection and all agreed. Jordan L. Baumgart had been appointed for the period before the annual meeting of January to fulfill Sally Barker’s first year of her term and was nominated to run for the year remaining.

Those present were asked three times if there were any nominations from the floor for these positions and receiving no other nominations, the nominations were closed. Upon hearing no objections, Jared asked for a motion that these two directors be duly elected to fill the two, two year terms available. Bernard Wallace so motioned, with a second from Tom Hoffman, and both were elected to be directors of the Wabash County SWCD with no one opposed.

Colleen R. Kensler came forward to announce the 4-H Conservation Project winner, Jonas Trimble and presented him with a plaque since he had received a gift card and certificate at the Junior Fair Award Ceremony. The 2013 Wabash County Envirothon Winning team which was Team #1 from Mount Carmel High School, Emily Peters, Triston Dillard, Julie Alka, Logan Kennard, and Kayla Broster were announced, and their names will be engraved on a plaque that will hang on the wall in the Agriculture classroom of Mount Carmel High School. Julie Alka and Triston Dillard were present to accept the plaque.

Stanley Kelsey said he did not get a report prepared for the annual report but that with more work and less funding Colleen Kensler the Wabash County SWCD Resource Conservationist does a great job. Gary Zwilling does well at his job as District Conservationist for Wabash and Lawrence County and sometimes gets

chewed out for things he is not responsible for and has no control over. Brandon Rhinehart also works hard for Wabash and Lawrence Counties. But the saddest thing since he has been on the board for the Soil and Water Conservation District was receiving Sally Barker’s resignation.

He hated to see that happen and she will be sorely missed. He then went on to talk about that water is always in motion and the many affects that it has on our soil, hatching mosquitos in what little bits there are sometimes, and that it is always having consequences that everyone has to deal with. So there will always be work to do in trying to hold it where it is, repair erosion, and try to help with our areas flooding issues. Stanley then introduced Colleen Kensler to give a PowerPoint presentation about the “What did your Conservation District do for you in 2013”.

Colleen showed pictures of the many programs that are available to the public, pictures were shown of examples of some of those projects completed in the past year and some shots of some 6-7 inch rain events and the effects of various projects and things from the high water and flooding.

The new Department of Natural Resources personnel that helped with the Beall Woods Fourth Grade field trip were shown, pictures of the staff and board for this next year, and a moment in memory to Dwight Esarey, retired District Conservationist that passed away on January 15, 2014 and will be sorely missed in our area.

Our area sponsors were thanked along with everyone in attendance for supporting us by attending our meeting.

Stanley Kelsey then introduced Gary Zwilling to speak about the role of Natural Resource Conservation Service in Wabash County. He thanked Colleen for mentioning Dwight Esarey as he was a very passionate champion for conservation and would volunteer to help at many events to talk to students about conservation. He thanked the directors, Colleen, and the Wabash County folk for keeping him grounded because we need the grass roots folks to keep us grounded. He chose Gary Ritz to ask questions about the rainfall for last year and this year to make a point about the average rainfall one year and then add the next and divide to average and it came out to 45” which was the average for our area. So even if it seemed like we were getting abundance it all averages out to the amount we need in

our area. This average is what we use to calculate the amount we need to store in an area using the topology to know what can be released slowly from that storage area. Thanks to the staff, contractors, and especially the landowners who are the good stewards of the land that put the conservation practices to work for us.

37,000 feet of terraces, 35 WASCOBS, one acre of waterway and 3 structures were installed this past year.

This will help with our new concentration on Soil Health but practices like cover crops, buffers, and waterways will help in building new soil health and keeping the water with too many nutrients out of our creeks and streams. Practices for help with fence, pipeline, heavy use areas for livestock, confined livestock areas, and forestland restoration are being encouraged to help with nutrient management for our streams and healthy soil.

We have 286 acres that has been restored to wetlands, 112 acres of filter strips, and 28 acres of buffers that have been installed. The National Quality Initiative priority area in the Bonpas and Crooked Creek areas used 162,000 dollars of the chunk of funds set aside for this program and that was a large amount of the total set aside for this program. Last but not least Gary wanted to thank his wife, Dorothy for her support and attending all the meetings that they attend with his job.

Gary then introduced Nathaniel Crawford, Soil Conservationist for Wabash and Lawrence Counties to speak on the Conservation Stewardship Program. He explained all the benefits of CSP and requirements to enroll. Nate handed out brochures and worksheets so the interested parties could take them home to look over and contact them if they would like to participate.

A motion to adjourn was made by Bernard Wallace and Tom Hoffman seconded it. The motion carried with none opposed and the meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

A various array of door prizes and the flowers that graced the tables were awarded by drawing out tickets that were signed on the back upon admittance. ____ Submitted by Colleen R. Kensler WCSWCD Administrative Coordinator & Resource Conservationist

Page 10 - Daily Republican Register - Special Section - Friday, January 23, 2015

Wabash County Soil & Water Conservation District

Treasurer’s Report As of June 30, 2014

Debit Credit 1000 · UNRESTRICTED CASH:1001 · District Checking 2,748.66 1000 · UNRESTRICTED CASH:1002 · IL Funds Operations Account 102,597.17 1000 · UNRESTRICTED CASH:1009 · Petty Cash 25.00 1000 · UNRESTRICTED CASH:1030 · Certificate of Deposit

31,419.95 1100 · RESTRICTED CASH:1101 · Illinois Funds Program Account

2,226.64 1100 · RESTRICTED CASH:1101 · Illinois Funds Program Account:1101.1 · CPP

11,270.00 2050 · CREDIT CARDS:2050.02 · VISA - First National Bank:2050.A · VISA - FNB - Colleen 313.95 2100 · PAYROLL LIABILITIES:2120 · FEDERAL PAYROLL DEPOSIT:2120.01 · Federal Withholding

186.00 2100 · PAYROLL LIABILITIES:2120 · FEDERAL PAYROLL DEPOSIT:2120.02 · Social Security - District

118.15 2100 · PAYROLL LIABILITIES:2120 · FEDERAL PAYROLL DEPOSIT:2120.03 · Social Security - Employee

118.15 2100 · PAYROLL LIABILITIES:2120 · FEDERAL PAYROLL DEPOSIT:2120.04 · Medicare - District

27.64 2100 · PAYROLL LIABILITIES:2120 · FEDERAL PAYROLL DEPOSIT:2120.05 · Medicare - Employee

27.64 2100 · PAYROLL LIABILITIES:2120 · FEDERAL PAYROLL DEPOSIT:2130 · Illinois State Withholding

521.82 2100 · PAYROLL LIABILITIES:2120 · FEDERAL PAYROLL DEPOSIT:2140 · State Unemployment

35.72 2100 · PAYROLL LIABILITIES:2150 · EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:2150.04 · RC Deferred Compensation 25.00 2100 · PAYROLL LIABILITIES:2150 · EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:2150.06 · RC Section 105 Medical Reimburs

14.09 3900 · Fund Balance 144,948.03 4100 · STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT:4100.1 · District Operations 50,969.00 4100 · STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT:4100.4 · District Reimbursements 259.78 4150 · STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT- Res.:4150.2 · CPP Income:4110.1 · CPP Funds In 4,400.00 4300 · OTHER PUBLIC SUPPORT 648.72 4400 · SALES:4400.1 · Fish 2,640.70 4400 · SALES:4400.11 · Misc. Income 115.30 4400 · SALES:4400.2 · Trees 1,700.00 4400 · SALES:4400.4 · Flags 7.20 4400 · SALES:4400.5 · Filter Fabric 187.50 4400 · SALES:4400.7 · Copies 15.75 4400 · SALES:4400.8 · Books 12.00 4600 · SPECIAL EVENTS INCOME:4600.1 · Annual Meeting 25.00 4600 · SPECIAL EVENTS INCOME:4600.1 · Annual Meeting:4600a · Admissions and Fees 213.00 4700 · RENTALS:4700.02 · Bag-a-nut Rental Income 25.00 4800 · INTEREST:4800.01 · District 15.47 4800 · INTEREST:4800.02 · Program 2.17 4800 · INTEREST:4800.03 · Operations 15.64 4800 · INTEREST:4800.04 · CD 141.00 5000 · COST OF GOODS SOLD:5000.01 · Trees 1,652.79 5000 · COST OF GOODS SOLD:5000.02 · Fish 2,176.90 5000 · COST OF GOODS SOLD:5000.05 · Filter Fabric 420.00 5100 · PAYROLL EXPENSES 650.00 5100 · PAYROLL EXPENSES:5100.01 · RC Wages 28,881.82 5100 · PAYROLL EXPENSES:5100.01 · RC Wages:5100.1b · RC Short Term Disability Ins 156.76 5120 · PAYROLL TAXES:5120.02 · Social Security 1,589.17 5120 · PAYROLL TAXES:5120.04 · Medicare 371.66 5120 · PAYROLL TAXES:5140 · State Unemployment 70.03 5200 · CONSERVATION PROGRAM PRACTICES:5200.01 · CPP 3,800.00 5250 · EDUCATION:5250.2 · 4th Grade Field Trip 180.49 5250 · EDUCATION:5250.4 · Envirothon 271.24 5300 · INSURANCE:5300.01 · Directors & Officers Insurance 1,154.00 5410 · LICENSES & FEES 11.77 5420 · HONORARIA AND AWARDS 106.56 5430 · Donation Expense 50.00 5600 · SPECIAL EVENTS:5600.12 · Contractors Breakfast Expense 648.75 5600 · SPECIAL EVENTS:5600.01 · Annual Meeting Expenses 95.00 5600 · SPECIAL EVENTS:5600.01 · Annual Meeting Expenses:5600a · Advertising 29.25 5600 · SPECIAL EVENTS:5600.01 · Annual Meeting Expenses:5600c · Door Prizes 9.46 5600 · SPECIAL EVENTS:5600.01 · Annual Meeting Expenses:5600d · Miscellaneous 20.49

Friday, January 23, 2015 - Daily Republican Register - Special Section - Page 11

Wabash County Soil & Water Conservation District

Treasurer’s Report (continued)

Debit 5600 · SPECIAL EVENTS:5600.02 · Open House Expens 6.42 5600 · SPECIAL EVENTS:5600.08 · Wabash Valley LUC #11 89.18 5610 · NEWSLETTER EXPENSE 943.24 6000 · OFFICE EXPENSE:6000.13 · Snow Removal 144.41 6000 · OFFICE EXPENSE:6000.12 · Wireless Expense 624.41 6000 · OFFICE EXPENSE:6000.9 · Trash 36.90 6000 · OFFICE EXPENSE:6000.11 · Advertising Expense 62.48 6000 · OFFICE EXPENSE:6000.01 · General Supplies 299.92 6000 · OFFICE EXPENSE:6000.02 · Printing/Copying 49.21 6000 · OFFICE EXPENSE:6000.03 · Computer Supplies 551.40 6000 · OFFICE EXPENSE:6000.04 · Water Service 51.55 6000 · OFFICE EXPENSE:6000.06 · Gas & Electric 802.67 6010 · POSTAGE 387.24 6030 · DUES:6030.02 · NACD 870.89 6030 · DUES:6030.03 · Land Use Council 11 50.00 6030 · DUES:6030.04 · AISWCD 1,870.14 6050 · TRAVEL:6050.2 · Rooms:6050.2a · RC Rooms 156.80 6050 · TRAVEL:6050.4 · Mileage:6050.4a · RC Mileage 1,328.74 6051 · MEALS AND ENTERTAINMENT:6051.1 · Meals:6051.1b · RC Meals 43.88 6051 · MEALS AND ENTERTAINMENT:6051.1 · Meals:6051.1d · Annual Meeting Meals 425.65 6060 · CONFERENCES/TRAINING 30.00 6060 · CONFERENCES/TRAINING:6060A · RC Summer Conference 102.00 6060 · CONFERENCES/TRAINING:6060C · Directors Summer Conference 126.00 6100 · EQUIPMENT EXPENSES:6100A · REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE:6100A1 · Office Equipment 214.73 6100 · EQUIPMENT EXPENSES:6100A · REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE:6100A2 · Other Equipment:6100A2b · 4-wheeler Expenses 375.52 6200 · RENT:6200.1 · Building Rent 5,400.00 9000 · INTEREST EXPENSE 12.48

TOTAL

A bit about trees...

Jacque Cullison of Beall Woods State Park is shown talking about the trees of Illinois in her Forestry session of the Fourth Grade Field Trip

207,714.42

Credit

207,714.42

...And snakes John Bunnel from the Department of Natural Resources showing native nonpoisonous snakes to the fourth graders at Beall Woods during one session of the Wabash County Soil and Water Conservation District Fourth Grade Field Trip on Sept. 12, 2014.

Page 12 - Daily Republican Register - Special Section - Friday, January 23, 2015

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