Quarterly Meeting Minutes

January 23rd, 2009

Lewistown, MT

General:

Chairman Jim Beck opened the meeting at 10:00 A.M. Council Members present were: Vice Chairman Rick Anderson representing the Chouteau County CD; John Chase representing the Cascade County CD; Paul Gies representing the Fergus CD; Curt McCann representing the Blaine County CD; Buzz Mattelin representing the Roosevelt County CD; Ron Garwood representing the Valley County CD; Tom Ruffatto representing the Richland County CD; Dean Rogge and Nicole Downs representing the Garfield County CD; Steve Granzow representing the Lewis & Clark CD; Dana Darlington representing the Big Sandy CD; Nick Schultz representing the Petroleum County CD; Steve Hedstrom, MACD President; and Karl Christians representing DNRC. See attached sign-in roster for others present.

The meeting opened with introductions and a presentation on the trans-Canada pipeline by Mary Anderson with Keystone Pipeline. The presentation included information on the proposed location, length, and river crossings of the pipeline as well as pump stations, right-of-way easements, costs and tax revenues.

Chairman Beck recognized the following guests:

Don Pfau with the Fort Peck Advisory Committee discussed the committee’s efforts on the Fort Peck reservoir. Montana produces 75% of the water for the Missouri River but gets little out of it. For example, he noted that power generation is down to 50% of its capacity and receding water levels have caused problems for livestock and recreation. He noted that recreation in the upper basin generates $85 million while navigation, which requires water from the upper basin, generates $6 million. The reservoir level is 18-feet lower than the desired elevation of 2227-feet. At 2227-feet, the boat ramp at Crooked Creek (which the Council toured in 2006) would become useable. Don asked the Council to support legislation by Sen. Dorgan to study the use of the river and the cost benefits.

Stan Benes, Lewistown BLM Field Office Manager, introduced Gary Slagel and Chad Krause. Gary stated that the Monument Record of Decision on the Resource Management Plan was released and an appeal period would end on February 9th. He distributed six copies of the ROD to the Council and noted that there were only minor changes from the draft, one being that there would be no collection of invertebrate fossils and petrified wood for individual use. Additionally, Gary explained the NRST assessment and workshop held last September and the resulting four projects: large exclosure at Ford Bottom, a newsletter specific to the Monument, increased weed work, and work with the Bureau of Reclamation on increasing spring flows from the Marias River. Responding to questions from the Council, Gary noted that there is no formal MOU in place for the weed work; the permitee at the exclosure site is involved in the baseline assessment and monitoring; the exclosure would be located on an outside bend to alleviate ice-associated problems for woody vegetation; a power-point presentation is available showing improvements made at 13-14 exclosures and other areas where grazing has been modified. The Council noted that a cheaper way to protect riparian habitat is to modify the grazing season rather than construct fence. Chad Krause added that a comparison of current vegetation to records from the 1890 Missouri River Commission shows that there are more trees now, probably due to the one-time growth after the dams were put in and left some new dry areas. Stan also noted that the benefit of the NRST work was that it brought people together. Stan also distributed copies of the "Pride and Perseverance" movie, noting that Rick and Dana’s families are a big part of the video.

David Cobb from Sen. Max Baucus’ office discussed the stimulus bill, noting that 80% of the funding would go into the economy within 18 months. He noted the concerns with MRRIC travel funding and explained that a possible fix might be funding through the USDA.

The meeting minutes from the November 18th, 2008 Quarterly meeting were reviewed. Rick noted line 5 in paragraph #2 on page 2 beginning with "Rick noted…." should be changed to read "Rick noted that the intent of the exclosure should be clearly identified." Buzz noted that the last sentence in paragraph #3 on page 2 should read "The Missouri’s riverbed has degraded about 10-feet in the Kansas City area, causing….". John moved to accept the minutes with the two changes noted above, Curt seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Regarding the next meeting date, Steve Granzow noted that the Lewis & Clark CD is planning a "Burger and beer" event for legislators in April and asked the Council to consider meeting that same day and joining the social.

The Executive Committee reported that since the last full Council meeting, they have approved appointment of Larry Mires to serve as Vicki’s alternate on the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC) and drafted and reviewed the quarterly meeting agenda and arrangements. Additionally, they plan to review potential changes to the Council’s fiscal sponsorship and advertising efforts in tourism brochures.

The financial report was presented and discussed. Buzz moved to approve payment of $362 to MACD for the legislative social, Curt seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Vicki noted that the 223 grant for MRRIC travel was for $15,000 and so far $6,366.35 has been spent. Rick moved to approve the Financial Report, Curt seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Correspondence received and sent since the last meeting was presented and reviewed.

Coordinator’s Report: Vicki referenced her monthly reports and noted that she has been working on drafting and promoting the Joint Resolution dealing with the CMR Comprehensive Conservation Planning process. RSVPs for the legislative social and executive committee ballots were gathered.

Reports:

Upper Reach: John noted that the Whitmore Ravine Cooperative Conservation Committee agreed on "alternative 7" as a fix for the stormwater drainage problem. Alternative 7 includes a 60" pipeline down the ravine’s west fork, a 16" pipeline down the middle fork, and possibly a follow-on project to slope the sides of the ravine. More than $2 million would be spent on the base to improve their stormwater collection system. The off-base portion, including the pipelines, is estimated at $7 million. The Cascade County CD is requesting stimulus money and federal appropriations through the Congressional offices. Dana moved to support the CCCD request for funding, Rick seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Middle Reach: Paul noted that he has been working with Rob Hazelwood and the Knox family on a potential project in the Monument, but the program seemed to be stalled at FSA. It was noted that Vicki should check on the annual CREP review meeting and request one be scheduled if it hasn’t been already. Regarding the Riparian work in the Monument following the NRST workshop, the Council noted the need to have the Districts in that area find willing landowners to participate on the 4 project committees that Gary Slagel discussed earlier in the meeting. Curt moved to have Vicki be a contact person to receive and distribute information on the 4 committees but not be obligated to attend all meetings, Paul seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Regarding the video event, Buzz noted that the film shows the value of good land management and working together. Curt moved to have Vicki investigate the expense of a video event and have the Executive Committee commit funds as appropriate, John seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Reservoir Reach: Ron noted that the fish hatchery was operating well and the lake elevation was up about 10-feet. The discharges from the dam were about 5,800 cfs, which is similar to last year and much lower than in previous years. Ron also noted that the XL Pipeline comments were due by March 6th. It was agreed to get an update on the pipeline from Ron at the next Council meeting. Regarding the CMR CCP, some Council members had met with Barron earlier that morning (Ron, Jim, Paul, and Curt) and it was noted that Barron was unhappy with the proposed joint resolution through the state legislature but seemed open to discussing an MOU. David Cobb noted that a joint resolution from the legislature would garner attention from the Congressional offices. The draft management alternatives and their impact on grazing, predators, and private land management were discussed. It was noted that the Council’s comment letter dated October 31, 2008 did not receive a written response from the USFWS. It was agreed that the Council should send another letter, specifically asking for a response to the first six comments. If no response is received, then the Council should approach the Congressional offices to request a response.

Lower Reach: Buzz reported on the recent MRRIC meetings. The purpose of MRRIC is to give recommendations to the Corps on MRRP (current recovery program) and the MRERP (study and future recovery actions). Buzz explained that one element of MRRP is a program that Montana FWP is interested in where landowners would be paid to allow their banks to slough into the river instead of installing riprap. Buzz noted that easements would be preferable to land acquisition. MRERP is beginning to draft a purpose and needs statement for a 5-year process that will study and guide future long-range projects. Additionally, Buzz visited with Henry Maddux MRRIC member from the USFWS Denver regional office. Henry is supportive of MOUs between regional USFWS offices and state CD associations. Regarding MRRIC, it was noted that the third meeting is next week and they will be hiring a facilitator. Additionally, the $60,000 grant for the LoMoCRM coordinator cannot go through the Corps and Buzz is working to have the funding passed through the USFWS in Bismarck as a grant to the LoMoCRM.

MACD: Steve Hedstrom noted that Jeff Tiberi is busy with the legislature and could not attend the Council meeting. He noted that MACD has requested that the Council be an associate member at a cost of $100 per year. Paul moved to pay the $100 for an associate membership, John seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

DNRC: Karl reported that Steve Schmitz retired and his position will not be filled immediately.

NRCS: None

New Business:

Election of Chairman: Paul nominated Dana, no other nominations were made. Curt moved to close the nominations, Ron seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Rick moved to elect Dana by acclamation, Ron seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Potential Multi-Watershed group meeting: Jim noted a discussion he had with DNRC Director Mary Sexton about the three big watershed groups (YRCDC, MRCDC, and Clark Fork) meeting with the Montana Water Center facilitating. Inclusion of MACD and MWCC was also discussed. Additionally, it was noted that MWCC may be planning another Watershed Symposium for 2009 or 2010 that would provide a forum for multi-watershed coordination.

Legislative Updates: Sen. Tester’s Cooperative Watershed Management Act was discussed and it was noted that MACD was forwarding a resolution to NACD for the inclusion of CDs in the funding process. Additionally, CDs could ensure that stimulus money goes to on-the-ground conservation.

Old Business:

Grocery bag project: No update, but the need to improve the message on the bags was discussed.

Flood photo archive update: No update, but the need to determine high-water marker locations was discussed.

Hotel promotional products update: No update.

Public Comment:

Noxious weed issues on public land were discussed. It was noted that it is important for landowners to become involved and ensure that infestations, such as spotted knapweed, are not allowed to spread off of public onto private land.

Next Meetings:

April: It was noted that Vicki should follow-up with the Lewis & Clark CD to schedule the next Council meeting in conjunction with their Legislative social.

With no other business coming before the Council, Curt moved to adjourn the meeting, John seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Approved by unanimous vote on April 17th, 2009:

_____________________

Dana Darlington, Chairman

Submitted by:

_____________________

Vicki Marquis, Coordinator