Utah Watershed Coordinating Council

A statewide collaboration dedicated to supporting locally led watershed groups

DRAFT Meeting Minutes, Richfield, Mar. 19-20, 2008

Action items in bold

Attendees Carl Adams 801-538-9215 [email protected] Jim Bowcutt 435-232-4017 [email protected] Natalie Rees 801-468-3656 [email protected] Jared Campbell 435-835-4111 x. 14 [email protected] Keith Covington 801-377-5580 x. 32 [email protected] Jay Olsen 435-283-4376 [email protected] Dave Wham 801-538-6052 [email protected] Gary Thiede 435-797-2203 [email protected] Corey Cram 435-673-3617 [email protected] Jack Wilbur 801-538-7098 [email protected] Thayne Mickelson 435-770-4862 [email protected] S. Bruce Karren 435-258-2828 [email protected] Roger Barton 435-381-2300 x. 113 [email protected] Mike Allred 801-538-6316 [email protected] Jim Webster 303-775-5242 [email protected] John Whitehead 801-538-6053 [email protected] Wally Dodds 435-676-8190 [email protected] Scott Daly 801-538-6252 [email protected] Jodi Gardberg 801-538-6021 [email protected] Amy Dickey 801-538-9190 [email protected] Kyle Jackson 801-829-3472 [email protected] Lynn Koyle 435-896-6441 x. 104 [email protected] Brendan Waterman 435-659-1448 [email protected] Dennis Gunn 435-336-2571 [email protected] Mike Reichert 801-538-6954 [email protected] Gordon Younker (435) 753-6029 x. 31 [email protected] Jim Harris 801-538-6825 [email protected]

Mike Allred – UWCC Business

At the end of this meeting we are getting close to spending remaining 319 grant, we need to pick up the pace of mini-grant fund applications and expenditures to fully utilize the Capacity Building grant (use or lose).

Request for mini-grant for Upper Bear water conference from Thayne Mickelson.

Mike Allred read Thayne’s proposal, to inform public on water quantity and quality issues, to provide information and education.

All were in favor of funding this proposal in the amount of $1,300. Mike Reichert – How 319 funds get on the ground and 2009 Targeted Solicitation

Funding has been at the same level over the last 3 years. Utah DEQ receives $1.6 million a year, roughly $1.1 million for projects and $500,000-600,000 is used to support staff in Div. of Water Quality-DWQ and Utah Dept. of Ag and Food-UDAF. Ag related projects are rolled into a single contract between DEQ and UDAF. UDAF then signs individual contracts with Utah Association of Conservation Districts-UACD. UACD then notifies individual project sponsors to develop contracts with landowners. After contracted work is completed, reimbursement requests are sent to UACD who forwards the request to UDAF. UDAF then cuts a reimbursement check to UACD who then pays the landowner. UDAF invoices DWQ quarterly.

A question was asked on how long it typically takes a landowner to be reimbursed. Thayne replied 4-6 weeks if everything is in place (e.g. contract, original receipts, signatures). Discussion ensued on the need for landowners to be reimbursed more quickly, it’s a financial strain to require landowners who have little capital to shoulder these costs for an extended period of time. How can we expedite the process? The response was that the process is about as quick as it can be on the State’s end given the steps involved in approving the request for reimbursement and administrative (bureaucratic) procedure for cutting the check. It was mentioned that in a few cases reimbursements were sent in as short as 1-2 weeks as long as everything was in place.

Another question posed was what proportion of 319 funds is used for administrative fees? The $500-600,000 for staffing and support is negotiated annually and put into DEQ’s Performance Partnership Grant with EPA. Local watershed coordinator funding comes from the remaining $1.1 million project funds. UACD administrative funds are also negotiated annually and would be discussed in more detail by Gordon Younker on Thursday morning.

A question was asked why there is a significant time lag between 319 cost share proposals in August and final contract signatures at upwards of a year afterwards. Mike agreed that it is too long and has been working on shortening the time frame between application and final contracts to allow project work to commence the following summer. For 2008 the goal is to have the contract between DEQ and UDAF in place by the end of April and to start spending these funds by the end of July. A comment was made that the process has improved dramatically from 10 years ago. Another comment was that landowners should be paid within 30 days of their reimbursement request and that the timing of fund availability should be consistent from year to year.

Jay Olsen suggested a training session for local watershed coordinators on the steps and information required for developing contracts with landowners and submitting reimbursement requests.

There was another suggestion to tie together timing of cost share applications between 319, EQIP, WHIP, etc. so that funds are available at the same time. A response was that USDA-NRCS has been pushing their application dates further and further up so right now it’s a moving target. Another issue is that NRCS is beginning to reimburse on a cost basis for practices implemented that does not require the submission of receipts but 319 still does. Coordinators must inform landowners to keep their original receipts for 319 work to get reimbursed.

Mike proceeded to discuss overall 319 grant status including 4 grants that are scheduled to terminate by Sept. 2008 (FFY 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004) some of which have several hundreds of thousands of dollars still on the books (unspent). There is increasing pressure from EPA and Congress to get this money spent. Some of the funds in the 2002 grant year were shifted between watersheds to get it on the ground. The take home message is that if you have projects that aren’t moving, get it moving or put it somewhere else. Mike wanted to clarify that these grants will likely be extended (particularly the later grant years) but it makes Utah look bad both to EPA and Congress. If there is a request to extend EPA will require a strategy for how these funds will be spent in a timely manner. Mike asked for those specific watersheds who have old money (2004 and prior) to tell Roy Gunnel ([email protected]) and Mike Reichert ([email protected]) when that money will be spent and how by May 1, 2008

Future grant awards (2008 and beyond) will have 5 year time frames that includes the submission and approval of final project reports. In other words, draft and submit final project reports immediately at the completion of the project to ensure timely and accurate reporting of results and to facilitate overall grant closure.

Mike then passed out targeted 319 solicitation information.

By April 18, 2008, Local Watershed Coordinators (with DWQ Watershed staff) will determine what projects they anticipate and 319 money’s they require for 2009. Contact Mike Reichert if you have any questions.

A question was raised regarding match, what’s an appropriate rate for volunteer hours spent at meetings? The current national rate set in 2006 is $18.77/hour from the following source: http://www.independentsector.org/programs/research/volunteer_time.html

Discussion ensued regarding the apparent confusion of some field staff on the use of 319 funds with EQIP funds. A memo from the State Conservationist’s office was circulated in March of 2006 (see following scanned image of letter and example breakdown) Mike Allred - Local Monitoring Strategies Mike gave a presentation on considerations for watershed monitoring, specifically to measure and/or characterize stressors, exposure and response of the environment to BMP implementation projects. Jodi Gardberg mentioned the availability of an EPA resource “Volunteer Monitor’s Guide to Quality Assurance” available at: www.epa.gov/ volunteer /qapp/vol_qapp.pdf

A suggestion was made to provide a training workshop on monitoring approaches appropriate for NPS projects at the November UWCC meeting.

Carl Adams – Calendar of training opportunities

Carl mentioned the upcoming training opportunities provided through NRCS that he recently circulated among the local watershed coordinators and asked for feedback on other calendar items.

NRCS Economics training – Apr.28-May 2 (tentative) Load Reduction Workshop – Salt Lake City, April 30 Utah PCD annual meeting– Ephraim, April 24 Areawide Planning – May 19-23 (organized by Barbara Carey, Uinta Headwaters RC&D [email protected]) Conservation Field Days – Tremonton, June 18-19

USDA Farm Bill Update

Lynn Koyle provided an update on the USDA Farm Bill from an E-Blast email he printed up that morning that stated a continuing resolution for the Farm Bill had been recently signed.

Utah PCD Update – Jack Wilbur

Jack provided an overview of Utah PCD in that it is made up of 16 agencies and organizations involved in resource conservation. A few of the key initiatives include the Watershed Restoration Initiative, Grazinglands Improvement Program and Threatened, Endangered and Species of Concern issues. He has been involved in the communications aspect of the group, serving as chair. They have recently developed a logo for the group and are working on a web site. A new initiative of the group is the Cheatgrass initiative which recently obtained $2 million dollars in one-time funds from the State legislature to fight cheatgrass infestation. Proposals to combat cheatgrass will be considered and approved by the Utah Conservation Commission.

Jack also mentioned the dates for the upcoming Nonpoint Source Conference, Sept. 17-19 this year in Cedar City. Slots are still available for presentations with a deadline for abstracts by May 9th.

Jack distributed an outline for a mini-grant program delivered through UDAF and USU Extension to help local watershed committees develop a strategic public outreach campaign. Additional information will be sent to Carl Adams who will distribute it to the local watershed coordinators.

Spawn Creek Studies – Gary Theide A copy of the presentation is available from Mike Allred. The study evaluated the effects of riparian fencing on vegetation growth, stream temperature and whirling disease.

Price River Watershed Update – Roger Barton

Prior to providing a very informative update on watershed improvement activities occurring throughout the West Colorado Watershed Management Unit including Scofield Reservoir, Price River, San Rafael River and Muddy Creek Roger penned and performed a couple original tunes. All in attendance were thoroughly impressed with his wit and musical talent.

Training for the Trainers Report – Brendan Waterman

Brendan attended a training workshop last December in the State of Washington put on by the River Network. 30-40 people from all over the country attended. Brendan participated in the Community Health Hazards and Source Water Protection sections that were each 1 ½ day long. The Health Hazards section included causes and sources of environmental hazards, reviewed toxic chemical fact sheets and how to conduct public health surveys. A case study included the human health risks associated with fish consumption.

The same group, River Network, hosts an annual River Rally that will be held the first weekend in May in Ohio. This would be a good opportunity for local coordinators to see first hand other watershed initiatives occurring throughout the nation. Travel costs could be covered by the Capacity Building Grant received by the UWCC.

The discussion turned to effective approaches for developing a working relationship with unwilling landowners. One suggestion was to develop a relationship with the landowner prior to approaching them for project work. Mike Reichert discussed the Chalk Creek example where a local leader provided the incentive for others to participate through example. Jay Olsen stated that they started with an open forum where landowners that participated in demonstration projects shared their positive experience and now they have potential projects lined up but lack the engineering assistance to get them planned. Gordon Younkers mentioned if Kerry Van Dyke (435 637-0041) UACD Civil Engineer is unavailable, Alane Boyd (801-580-9692) with Desert Rose Environmental, a private environmental engineering firm can help.

Natalie Rees mentioned a recent bill that passed the Utah Legislature that requires counties to establish in ordinance Source Water Protection Zones by 2010.

Brendan was asked whether there was any information provided at the workshop on endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals. There was not but he is aware that Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation Facility in Summit County is currently conducting studies to determine treatment options and concentrations in fish.

UACD Grant Administration/Match – Gordon Younker

Gordon discussed car insurance requirements for Conservation District employees who drive NRCS vehicles. UACD has worked out several options with a couple insurance carriers. The District is required to carry liability insurance, riders on the employee’s personal policy are no longer allowed. Minimal coverage costs $250 while total coverage costs $1,800.

Gordon then passed out updated 319 contract forms. Contracts now require a conflict of interest disclosure. If Board or Committee members or their family participate there needs to be documentation in the meeting minutes. The minimum requirement is disclosure, whether or not the individual decides to abstain from voting, participate in the discussion, etc. is up to the individual.

Jay suggested Van Christensen or someone from the Attorney General’s office come and speak to us regarding this issue (conflict of interest disclosure).

UACD Administrative fees – administrative fees are required to cover the cost of staff time in reviewing and tracking contracts and preparing for financial audits. For contracts solely administered by UACD, without staff costs included in the contract, DWQ, UDAF and UACD have agreed to a 5% administrative fee.

Thayne suggested a training session for contracting and report preparation. Gordon requested that contracts with landowners, project rankings, commitments, and the like be sent to UACD so they have an idea of the status of the project and funds before they get requests for reimbursement. If the request for reimbursement (application for payment) is accompanied by original receipts, a summary of receipts (particularly if there are several funding sources), match documentation and everything is in line with the contract, check will be mailed within 30 days. All originals are sent to UACD, copies are kept by coordinator. Thayne has developed a spreadsheet that will help in tracking project budgets that will be distributed to the coordinators.

It was suggested that if a landowner backs out of a project to get a letter from them or have them sign a letter indicating such so there aren’t any surprises later on if the landowner forgets and wants to know where there money is.

Mini-grant development exercise – Jim Webster

Jim is looking for unique ideas - outside the box. The Council needs to identify $40,000 in mini-grant projects to fund by the Summer and Fall meetings. Every coordinator should be submitting proposals. The Council is in a unique position to be able to provide these seed funds, take advantage of it! All mini-grant projects must be complete by Aug. 31, 2009.

Jim provided a brief outline to facilitate proposals / develop a story: 1) Establish the setting (location, time) 2) Who are the characters (community, interest groups, etc.) 3) Problem statement, what is the issue you want to address 4) Lay out an action plan to address the problem 5) How will the plan resolve the issue 6) Budget, the more detail provided the better for those reviewing it

Roundtable

Roger Barton – June 15-20 Tamarisk removal along Price River, 1000 volunteer Boy Scouts. Roger is looking for volunteers, please contact him if available (435-749-2169 cell).

Natalie Rees – The draft plan for the Jordan River has been completed and is currently being presented to the cities and councils throughout Salt Lake Valley. Stream assessments were completed last summer and multiple restoration projects are planned for this year. The Emigration Creek TMDL for E. coli is ongoing employing microbial source tracking to help identify relative contributions from sources (humans, pets, wildlife). On the legislative front, Salt Lake City recently passed an ordinance limiting development within 100’ of streams and a State bill passed allowing the lease of instream flows to improve fisheries.

Kyle Jackson – Kyle is the new coordinator for the lower Weber River watershed. He’s currently getting familiarized with the watershed. He’s currently involved in the Ogden River cleanup below Pineview and working with UACD and Districts on an areawide plan. The group is struggling with whether to focus on a particular topic/problem throughout the watershed or on a specific area which Kyle prefers as it will likely be more manageable.

Brendan Waterman – Projects are continuing this summer on the Swaner Nature Preserve in the Upper Weber River watershed, including noxious weed control and stream reconstruction using Army Corps mitigation and DWR funds. Juniper revetment and willow plantings will continue this summer as well. NEPA analysis is almost complete for the $300,000 earmark money received and he will be focused on getting it spent in short order. Next Brendan passed around a couple flyers geared towards dog owners in the East Canyon Creek watershed. The flyers are the result of a directed social marketing campaign for the local community and culture of Park City. Plans are in the works for a storm water awareness campaign and BMP education for developers and contractors. Other summer activities include the Summit Water Fair and a Watershed / Nature festival in June. On the horizon, Summit Conservation District is looking at options for pressurizing irrigation systems between Rockport and Echo Reservoirs.

Jared Campbell – 3 stream projects on the San Pitch River have been designed as well as several irrigation efficiency projects. Coming up there are Education Days planned for local 4th and 8th graders as well as a community involvement project replanting prior project sites. Jared also mentioned as an update to the 12 Mile slide project that an engineering consulting firm has been hired (Jones and DeMille).

Wally Dodds – Lots of activity in continuing within the Upper Sevier River watershed, Wally mentioned reseeding and bare root planting projects with the help of the dedicated hunter program and 6 new projects are planned for the coming year. On May 1st the Upper Sevier River Tour is planned to view sage grouse leks and on May 19th Natural Resource Days will be held for K-6th graders. Wally is open to ideas for presenters (volunteers needed).

Thayne Mickelson – Thayne mentioned the possibility of several water quality related projects within western Box Elder County. On the Upper Bear in Rich County there has been several animal waste management projects implemented including the relocation of feedlots. There is a new project that includes re-aligning allotment boundaries, stream restoration and providing off-stream watering using a combination of 319 and Grazing Improvement Program (GIP) funds. Work is continuing on animal waste management projects throughout the Middle Bear (Cache Valley) and sediment problems are an issue on the Lower Bear (from Cutler Res. to the Great Salt Lake). Return flows from field drains and surface runoff are creating deep headcuts that deliver sediment directly to the river. Tamarisk is showing up around Bear Lake, control has begun with mapping and development of a plan. Upcoming for the summer a free fishing day is planned for June 6th and in the fall a Natural Resources Field Day for 4th and 5th graders is planned over the course of two weeks. Also the Conservation Field Day (June 18th – 19th) is planned for Box Elder County this year and will include a Conservation Fair with upwards of 1,000 attendees. Thayne suggested UWCC set up a table to highlight watershed planning and restoration efforts throughout the state.

Craig Poulsen – Craig mentioned the TMDL water studies underway in the Uinta Basin including Red Fleet, Steinaker and Brough Reservoirs. A major concern is the Merkley Drop, a feature on the Ouray Valley Canal that feeds Brough that is at risk of failing and initiating a massive headcut. Work is planned for a fencing project funded in part with 319 funds along the Upper Strawberry River in cooperation with the permitees and the Heber Ranger District. Watershed Initiative funding is not likely at this point but GIP funds are still a possibility. Quagga mussels, an invasive clam, are a new concern in Strawberry Reservoir. The 3rd and final phase of the Strawberry project led by the USFS is set to begin this summer. Craig is also working on getting the Oil and Gas Initiative moving that will educate drill pad owners and operators on appropriate BMPs.

Corey Cram – Corey has been very busy with educational and implementation activities in the Virgin River Watershed. Activities include the 3rd Annual Stream Restoration Workshop held last fall, a Water Fair, establishment of a willow farm, completion of a master plan for the basin and an update of the Source Water Protection Plan. Planned activities include establishing a safe harbor agreement with USFWS for the willow flycatcher that will include an improved riparian corridor demonstration project and the potential for pumping water to Pah Tempe Hot Springs to provide additional fish habitat, repairs to the trail along the Santa Clara River in cooperation with BLM, efforts to maintain instream flow by converting flood irrigation to sprinkler, implementation of the management and tamarisk removal plan for St. George, and finally cheatgrass control within Zion NP.

Lynn Koyle – The Watershed Management Plan for the Middle and Lower Sevier River is progressing and nearing completion. Two river restoration projects are complete and another is planned in Marysvale up the canyon. Another 3 projects are online for implementation this summer or fall. Lynn is looking to expand his efforts into the Otter Creek watershed where a variety of NPS projects focused on uplands were completed in the 80’s. Lynn was successful in obtaining a $40,000 earmark to perform a video reconnaissance flight of the Sevier River to identify problem areas and potential project sites. He is also looking at potential projects along the Sevier in Joseph that’s choked with tamarisk. Sevier County is currently working with NRCS using Emergency Watershed Program funds to rebuild structures that were damaged in previous year’s flooding.

Monte Turner – Monte provided an update on a major project along the Fremont River that include willow poles, rock barbs and toe protection (rip rap) spanning from below Bicknell Bottoms to Grover.

The final issue discussed was recommendations for the summer tour. Suggestions include:

Fremont River San Rafael/Muddy Rivers Beetle bio-control of tamarisk along Colorado River Bear River refuge/Box Elder Conservation Field Day/Snowville projects

End of minutes