Final Minutes
Land Committee Meeting
August 9, 1999
Kirk's Nebraskaland Restaurant
Lexington, Nebraska
Call to Order
The meeting was called order by Rhodell Jameson at 1:05 p.m.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
There were no corrections or additions to the May 27, 1999, Land Committee (LC) minutes. The minutes stand approved.
Land Component of the EIS – Schedule and Needs
Dale Strickland explained the need for documents that clearly describe the land component of the Proposed Program for the EIS. He indicated that the habitat criteria and third party impact issues can be covered in a document he referred to as a Habitat Acquisition Plan. The plan will need to consider target species needs such as the allocation of lands and priorities for acquisition by species. Thus, the plan will require coordination with the Technical Committee (TC). The TC has identified a working group to assist in this effort. The Habitat Criteria Sub-committee of the LC has discussed the proposed plan and have also identified a working group. An organizational meeting has been scheduled for August 27, 1999, in Kearney, Nebraska. The meeting will focus on a timeline and assignments for the plan. Strickland noted the plan must be approved by the Governance Committee (GC) by early October and then may be submitted to the EIS. Questions were taken with discussion following.
Second Quarter Funding
Strickland reported the contract with the Nebraska Community Foundation is in place. The Finance Committee (FC) has approved the first quarter funding agreement. The relationship with the Cooperative Agreement (CA) and the Nebraska Community Foundation is progressing well.
Cooperative Agreement Progress
Strickland presented an overview of his vision of the Proposed Program and progress toward its completion. The presentation detailed the role of each committee and sub-committee, while giving an update of where each is currently and what is foreseen in the future. Questions were taken with discussion following.
Subcommittee Reports
Mapping
No report given.
Habitat Criteria
Don Batie thoroughly explained the modifications made to the Draft Recommendation of Criteria for Program Habitat Conservation. After extensive discussion regarding the need for additional verbiage, the document was changed to read what the group reflected.
Batie moved the document be accepted by the Land Committee with the changes made. Mark Czaplewski seconded. Discussion. Motion passed, with the majority consensus of submitting the document to the GC at their upcoming meeting. One individual opposed the adoption of the plan.
It was announced that Mark Czaplewski, Central Platte NRD, will serve as co-chair of the subcommittee with current Chair Batie.
Czaplewski reported on the sub-committee's latest meeting, held August 3, 1999, and gave an outline of future deadlines. At that meeting, subcommittee contractor WEST, Inc. provided a progress report on the development of the "Habitat Management Practices" document. The production of the document is on track. Finalization of survey results is scheduled for the end of August, incorporation of literature should be reached by the end of October, and a habitat management document will be produced in mid-January. The goal of the subcommittee is to be completed by spring of 2000. The final report will provide Program habitat managers with recommendations on management practices.
Czaplewski again noted that an organizational meeting will be held in August for work on the Habitat Acquisition Plan.
Due to several comments and concerns over the topic of "buffers" in the land component of the proposed Program, a White Paper will be prepared to better define the meaning of the term.
No subcommittee meeting has been scheduled at this time, but one will be set when the need arises.
Third Party Impacts
Richard Pierce reported that the contract with Hazen and Sawyer and the EIS is scheduled to be signed within 30 days. Once the contract is signed, meeting dates will be determined. Discussion was held.
Land Ownership Entity
Paul Matson stated the draft White Paper completed by Mary Jane Graham and Marty Zeller, Conservation Partners, has been reviewed by the group. Conservation Partners is currently receiving comments on the paper prior to writing the final draft. A final copy should be received by end of August.
Two firms have been selected to submit proposals for structuring and facilitating a land entity workshop. More detailed information is requested from them by the end of August. It is anticipated that the chosen facilitator will be determined by September 1, 1999. The firm selected is scheduled to meet with the subcommittee September 20, 1999, at the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The facilitator will then conduct a workshop November 8-10, 1999, at the Quality Inn in North Platte, NE. Exact times will be determined after the final selection of the facilitator.
Other Business
Carroll Sheldon gave an update on his development of the issue of contamination and pollution by waterfowl. He stated that after interviewing several Colorado cities and surveying various farmers, many responses indicated that waterfowl have caused a considerable amount of contamination and damage to properties. Extensive discussion followed. Sheldon indicated he would provide a detailed report at the next LC meeting.
Matson thanked the Land Ownership Entity subcommittee members who were in attendance for their continued interest and dedication.
Co-Chairs Rhodell Jameson and Vernon Nelson gave appreciation to Czaplewski for agreeing to serve as co-chair with Batie for the Habitat Criteria sub-committee.
Strickland noted the effectiveness of the LC newsletter published monthly.
Upcoming Events
August 18, 1999, Governance Committee Cheyenne, Wyoming.
August 27, 1999, Habitat Acquisition Plan Kearney Chamber of Commerce 10 a.m.
September 13, 1999, Land Committee Holiday Inn, Kearney, NE 7 p.m.
September 20, 1999, Land Ownership Entity Kearney Chamber of Commerce 9 a.m.
Adjournment
Jameson adjourned the meeting at 3:10 p.m
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