Opening

Attendance-David Taylor, Aaron Senesac, Ryan Bell, Julie Clark from SWCD and Diane Scheurich from FSA present.  Roger Sparenberg and Zach Dimmich from SWCD and Amy Stewart from NRCS not present. David opened the meeting at 8:31 a.m.

Monthly documents- Ryan made a motion to approve monthly documents with a second from Aaron, all approved.

Partner Updates

NRCS – Amy emailed the July update for the schedule for NRCS since she was unable to be present at the board meeting.

FSA- Diane informed the board, there is still no new farm bill, she has to maintain daily headcount for the office space reporting to national.  Diane also reported rain totals for the county are required in the COC minutes.  She also stated information on disaster programs and if Warren County becomes a disaster area, there are programs available to assist landowners and producers.

New Business

LWG Ranking for NRCS-The board decided to hold the LWG for NRCS Ranking sheet on August 12th, Julie will need to advertise appropriately and the proper places along with invites to partners and residents to attend.

Cork N Kids program with A Better Way Co-Op-Julie informed the board of a new pilot program starting in partnership with A Better Way Co-Op. Aaron made a motion to support this new program, Ryan seconded the motion, all approved.

Senate Bill 230- Julie discussed with the board of what this means for them.  It requires all the board to attend a specific number of trainings annually. Aaron discussed the possibilities of the board getting more involved with events and items needed to be done for the district.

Business Plan- Julie handed out the business plan as it comes up for renewal in 2027.  She asked for each one to focus on the goals and structure of plan.

Parks Program- Julie has scheduled with Melissa Jernegan to participate in the parks program again this year.  Melissa has scheduled Julie for July 16th. Julie will talk about wildlife management and demonstrate the different animals we have in our area. Aaron might be able to make it but will have check schedule.

Master Gardeners Field Day Event- Aaron was contacted by Cheney Moses with Master Gardeners of Warren and Fountain Counties about a field day potentially July 28th, 30th, or 31st that will showcase three different types of conservation efforts put forth in Warren County.

Vermillion County applying for IDEM Grant for Jordan Creek South Watershed-Aaron made amotion to support the Vermillion County SWCD in work needed to be done for the Southern part of Jordan Creek Watershed. Ryan seconded the motion, all approved.

Old Business

Monitor- Ryan made a motion to take the purchase of a monitor off the agenda due to funding availability.  Aaron seconded the motion, all approved.

CWI Grant progress- Julie discussed with the board the progress of the CWI Grant.  Julie has met with Sharon Hutchison to get some tips and pointers for making the grant flow and intend to meet again after Julie writes the grant and answers the rubric questions from the ISDA-DSS’s on Grant Guidance.

Contractor listing- Aaron discussed with the board about taking on the listing for contractors that would come to or are in Warren County to help Julie with getting information and creating a spreadsheet for the website.

Board Leadership Program- Julie informed the board the importance put out by ISDA for all board members to attend any board leadership programs for trainings and refreshing the mindset of board members.  

Warren County 4-H Fair- The board discussed the success at the fair booth and enjoyed being there to represent Warren County SWCD.  The raffle of a rain barrel was a great draw for the booth. There was a lot of information and goody bags given out.  The set up may need to be revised for next year due to the same people coming up and taking tote bags multiple times without asking or talking to us. 

Drill repairs- Julie informed the board Jerimiah Sprague is going to pick the drill up from Glasscock’s to use the drill on his property.

Dates

July 10- Creek Stomp with Grace/RITA and NICHES at Wright Rock Nature Preserve site 11-2

July 13-15- Julie on vacation

July 16 - Parks Program

July 17- Big Pine Watershed Cover Crop Demo at Benton County Fairgrounds-2 pm?

July 21- Big Shawnee Water Testing

July 23 -24 -Julie on vacation

August 5 -7- Julie on vacation

August 12- SWCD August Board Meeting

August 12- LWG Meeting after board meeting

August 13- Education Workshop in Plainfield-IDEA

August 14- Big Pine Creek Clean up

Aaron made a motion to adjourn the meeting after no more business needed to be discussed, Ryan seconded the motion, all approved.  Meeting adjourned at 10:24 a.m.