Opening

Attendance- David Taylor, Roger Sparenberg, Ryan Bell, Aaron Senesac and Julie Clark from SWCD were present.  Penny Titus, representing Congressman Jim Baird, Nathan Stoelting from ISDA, Amy Stewart from NRCS, Diane Scheurich from FSA were all present.  Zach Dimmich was not present. David called the meeting to order at 8:31 am. 

Monthly documents- After the board reviewed the monthly documents Aaron made a motion to approve the Minutes, APV, Funds Ledger, Bank Statement, Trust Indiana, Bank Reconciliation for July. Ryan seconded the motion, motion carries.

Partner Updates

NRCS-Amy Stewart handed out an update for what she has been doing as well as what deadlines are approaching.  Amy also mentioned about the different programs available such as RCPP among others, as well as the new mission statement for NRCS. The new motto is “Keeping Working Lands in Working Hands”. NRCS has a new Mission Statement, which is, “We deliver practical, voluntary, and locally led conservation solutions that help producers conserve natural resources, strengthen agricultural production, and keep working lands productive for generations to come.”

FSA-Diane Scheurich reported the ballots for the COC Election are completed. There will be three nominees on the ballot.  All the status reviews are returned from NRCS. There are also changes in the rules for Corporations & LLCs for Payment limitations.  All CRP re-enrolls must be signed and approved by September 30th, 2026. WHIP+ program is being reviewed, the deadline is September 25th. SDRP Stage 1&2 Application deadline changed from August 10th to September 30th. The new Farm Bill did not pass through Congress. The Federal Gov’t extended the budget to fund the USDA until December 11th. Diane informed the board she is still required to report facility person count daily. She has talked to the Lessor of the USDA Building about installing the new Flagpole again along with other building issues. There is a new pilot program that will allow farmers to certify their acres online.

ISDA-Nathan Stoelting updated the board concerning DJ Case & Associates, after evaluations in several districts there will be a report in March of 2027 to the SSCB. DJ Case is a firm hired by the SSCB to perform evaluations on how to improve districts and improve what the SSCB/ISDA does for districts. Nathan also informed the board there are updates coming out from the SBOA for districts. The CWI grant applications are due September 3rd with scoring of the grant applications to be done in October.  He also reminded the board of the Election Committee requirements that are stated in SB230. The Chairperson is a board member and then two interested citizens that are outside of the agencies staff.

Congressman Jim Baird- Penny Titus re-iterated to the board of the Farm Bill not passing.  Ryan asked what is holding it back, Penny informed it was due to the SNAP Program.  The Farm Bill is comprised of approximately 20% agriculture issues. 

New Business

Re-Election and Re-Appointed Board members- David appointed Roger to be Election Committee Chair for the 2027 Elections of the SWCD Board Member.  Ryan voiced he would like to remain on the board for another term. Zach was not present to ask if he wanted to be re-appointed, Julie will text him in the group chat to ask if he wants to be submitted for re-appointment.  The re-appointment candidate is submitted to the SSCB for their approval by October 31.

Website-RMK Creative Solutions- Julie informed the board RMK Creative Solutions will be dissolving the company.  This company has been maintaining our website as well as updating as needed at a cost to the district. Robin will be glad to train Julie on how to update and maintain the website for future use. Aaron has volunteered to help with updates to the website as well.

DJ Case Meetings- Julie informed the board of the meeting scheduled with DJ Case & Associates on August 27 at the Covington USDA Service Center.  DJ Case had reached out to Julie first; however, Lori Jordan from Fountain County SWCD and Amy South from Parke County SWCD would like to join, being one staff in each office.  There is a supervisor group listening session available on August 28th at the Purdue Extension office in Tippecanoe County from 8-10 am.

Tree Sales listing- After some discussion, Roger made a motion to schedule the tree program for the 3rd Graders in the schools. Ryan seconded the motion, motion carries. The selection of tree will be selected in the September Board meeting.

Plat Books- After some discussion Roger made a motion to agree to sponsor plat books to be created through Mapping Solutions for resale purposes. Aaron seconded the motion, motion carries. Julie will work with Mapping Solutions to supply all and any information needed along with pictures to be posted in plat books.

Letters of Support- Julie informed the board the multiple requests for letters of support from surrounding districts of Benton and Vermillion County SWCDs for Letters of Support for grants they are applying for. As well as a Letter of Support request from The Nature Conservancy (TNC).  Ryan made a motion to fully support the other districts and TNC with the grants applied for, Roger seconded the motion, motion carries.  Julie will submit all requested letters to appropriate sources.

Old Business

LWG Ranking for NRCS- There will be a meeting following the regular scheduled board meeting.

Cork N Kids program with A Better Way Co-Op- Julie informed the board of the first fishing date was August 1st, and it was determined to be a success with one family of three boys and three guides to attend.  There will be another fishing day scheduled soon depending on schedules.

Business Plan- The board will review the plan for revamping and updating the business plan in November or December.

Contractor Listing- Aaron has submitted the start of a spreadsheet for contractors to fill out after it is posted on the website.  It is a work in progress to get information listed on it. The deadline to get it complete is January of 2027 to be announced in February of 2027 at our Annual Meeting.

CWI Grant progress- Julie informed the board of the progress about the CWI and informed the board of a meeting with Nathan after the LWG Ranking meeting this day.

Dates

August 7- 23- Indiana State Fair

August 12- LWG Meeting after board meeting

August 14- Big Pine Creek Clean-up

August 18- Big Shawnee Watershed Water Sampling

August 20- Generation Workshop with IDEA-Plainfield-Cancelled

August 25- ISDA Region Meeting

September 9- SWCD Board meeting

September 10- IN Small Farms Conservation-Get the Dirt- Nobelsville-9-5

September 11- Big Pine Creek Watershed History Tour-Mostly Warren County -Moved to October 1

September 14- IDEA Directors meeting

September 15-16- Administration Model for CDP

September 21- Steering Committee meeting for Big Shawnee Watershed Group

September 22- Water testing for Big Shawnee Watershed

September 24- Pond Workshop in partnership with Fountain County