ANOKA
SOIL AND WATER SUPERVISOR
DISTRICT 1
KARLA M. KOMEC
1.
What strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
There are
several strengths I have that will be of benefit to a SWCD Board. I
have previous board experience, with 4 years on the boards of two
different non-profits. I also have a BS degree in Biology and a strong
interest in conservation issues. I am a good listener and have strong
attention to detail.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
My primary
experience has been with maintaining our own property. I have been
restoring native plants to our pond's shoreline, working on eradicating
buckthorn and removing turf grass and replacing it with flower gardens
and prairie plantings. Also, I am a member of multiple conservation
organizations and keep up with the issues by reading their publications.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I have been
trying to get more involved in conservation-related causes. I am on
our "conserve" team at work. When I found out about the opening for a
Supervisor in our district I knew this was the ideal opportunity for me
to meet like-minded people and get involved with conservation in my
neighborhood.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I think it is
important for the landowner to voluntarily take steps to improve their
land and water. That's part of the importance of the SWCDs in
providing educational opportunities and resources to enable people to do
so. There, however, has to be a certain level of regulations in place
to help us deal with cases where there is disregard for the environment.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
I currently
have no firm ideas for improvements in my district. I will come into
this position with an open mind and no set agenda.
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ANOKA
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
JIM LINDAHL
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I have a
strong professional knowledge base of environmental regulations and
regulatory interpretation. I have had the opportunity to witness the
growth and development of Anoka County since the 1970’s.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
Bachelor’s
Degree in Earth Science
• Familiar
with and have completed field work for air, water and soil sampling.
• Participated
in the Cedar Creek Watershed study (2000)
• Licensed as
an on-site septic inspector (1998-2001)
• I am
currently serving as the Vice-Chair for the City of Andover Parks
Commission. I have previously been appointed as Chair for three (3)
separate terms during my tenure on the commission (1989-present)
• Residence of
Andover since 1987
•
Self-employed as an environmental consultant since 1992
• Active
member of many wildlife/conservation groups starting with 4-H, MN Deer
Hunters Association, Pheasants Forever, MN Conservation Federation and
the Freshwater Society.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I feel that we
all have an obligation to protect the natural resources to the best of
our knowledge and ability. I want to be able to provide a clean and
healthy environment to my children and help teach them how to enjoy the
benefits of our natural surroundings without impacting others.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I think
education of landowners is ultimately the best tool available for
promoting conservation and management practices. If we can teach people
to become stewards instead of users of the properties/resources, it will
perpetuate itself to future generations. Additionally, I would look to
promote this training concept into all the local city governments,
especially the planning and zoning staff. Regulatory enforcement should
be a last resort.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
We need to
promote the upside of each of our local landscape features and the
interdependence of the features. Quality agricultural land must be
viewed as an asset and efforts should be made to keep the better quality
soil areas producing, while marginal till areas may be more suitable to
building development. Wood lots should also be cared for with limited
disruption and only clearing in specified quantifies and timeframes
(i.e. oak wilt concerns). Water quality is probably the biggest concern
we will face in the next 30 years. Anoka County has many valuable water
resources that need to be carefully monitored and cared for both for now
and future generations.
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ANOKA
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
KIM KOVICH
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I have a lot
of strengths to bring to the ACD (Anoka Conservation District) board. I
have been in a number of leadership roles in the community including
some with ACD. I have lots of experience working with the many
conservation partners that cooperate and work with the ACD. My
professional background includes education, real estate, and ecological
sciences which fit in well with the mission of the Anoka Conservation
District (ACD).
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
I have been a
supervisor with ACD for the past fourteen years. For the last twelve
years I’ve been the chairman of the board. I have been working on
conservation issues and providing answers and guidance on their
solutions for my three terms as a supervisor. I complement the
dedicated staff of the ACD in the great job they are doing in helping
the citizens of Anoka County solve their conservation issues.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
My educational
and work experiences have provided me with a lot of knowledge and
experiences that make me a good fit for the job as supervisor. That was
the reason I first ran for the position in 1994. The past fourteen
years as a supervisor has allowed me to gain the experiences and make
the relationships that I believe make me a valuable asset of the ACD.
I know the conservation issues Anoka County is facing and I know how to
work with the four other dedicated supervisors in finding their
solutions.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
The Anoka
Conservation District has no regulatory authority. ACD works as an
advisory district. I believe that most landowners and citizens want to
use and enjoy their land or public land with a conservation ethic in
mind. I think that when landowners are educated as to what the best
management practices for their land is that they may be inclined to
apply those practices. That information combined with resources that
may be available to help the landowner with those practices provides a
winning combination. I think that is where the Anoka Conservation
district does an outstanding job.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
Anoka County
being one of the counties making up the seven county Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area has become very urban in character. Even though we do
have some agriculture occurring in our county it is not a major user of
services of the Anoka Conservation District. Agriculture in Anoka
County is being serviced by other government agencies. I believe the
major issue threatening the natural resources of Anoka county is
development. Development when done with conservation in mind is the
best scenario for protection of our natural resources. Our increasing
population needs a place to live and prosper. However, the impacts on
our natural resources can be minimized through proper planning and wise
conservation minded decision making. I believe the Anoka Conservation
District is an important part of the proper planning side of this
solution. By working with landowners, developers, and local government
units we can achieve this goal and thus help preserve and maintain the
rich natural resources of Anoka County.
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BECKER
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
CAROLYN
ENGEBRETSON
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I look for
solutions to problems. I bring my experience of having served on the
Becker County Board of Commissioners, the MN EQB and the International
Coalition as well as the Red River Basin Commission. This has provided
me with an opportunity to listen and to question. It also required
study of the issues. I know many of the folks in the environmental
community and this is an asset. I have the time and have always been
committed to environmental issues and concerns.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
The boards on
which I have served addressed soil and water issues. On the EQB, we had
the issues of feedlots, power plants/lines, wind farms to name a few.
On the County “Board it was planning and zoning issues such as PUD’s ,
feedlots lakeshore, and ordinances dealing with land use and forestry
practices. On a personal level, I subdivided a parcel of land with lake
shore….328 acres into three parcels after I had wetlands delineated and
other concerns identified in order to lessen the human impact on this
land.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
My motto is:
Water is more precious than oil, be it on the surface or below the
surface. I take seriously the challenges facing the citizens of this
world and I want to help ensure that good environmental practices are a
number one priority. I live in a county with two major river
basins….The Red River and the Mississippi…one empties north, the other
south. We have a tremendous responsibility to be good stewards of the
land and the water.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
We need both.
If we could always count on landowners to use BMPs it would be
wonderful. We need governmental regulations as we have a responsibility
to those around us. As the Native Americans say, “Plan for the next
seven generations.”
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
The Becker
County SWCD has done a good job. We need to work closely with other
agencies such as the watershed districts, and other governmental units
as well as private organizations. The Statewide Conservation d
Protection Plan will be a good springboard for discussion, planning and
implementation of BMP. We need to study this plan to see how present
practices fall in line and we have to be open to change. The new plan
is exciting and challenging. We cannot continue to let development
practices take our critical land be it farm land, lakeshore, or
forests. Education will be a key in the process. It will take money
and that is another good reason to work together in partnerships.
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BECKER
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 5
DALE E.
LUBITZ
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
Was a farmer
all my life, so protecting the environment comes naturally.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
After 26 years
as supervisor many issues surfaced, from spray issues to lake shore
restoration to river stabilization.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
The pride of
working with nature’s issues.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I believe both
approaches may be necessary but am leaning to the voluntary approach.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
Promote the
safe use of fertilizer application in both urban and rural use. Promote
safe containment of runoff storm water in both rural and urban areas.
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BELTRAMI
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 4
JAY BACKSTROM
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
Throughout my
life, I have been actively involved in agriculture, including many years
producing a wide variety of commodities and also seed production for the
State of Minnesota Foundation Seed Department. I understand the complex
issues involved with finding a balance between land use and conservation
of resources. I own a sizeable acreage of farmland in NW Minnesota, own,
operate a marina on Lake Irving, and live on the Mississippi River.
These experiences give me daily contact with our land, lakes and rivers
and their importance in our lives.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
In my
agricultural experience, I used filter strip drainage conservation and
tree row wind break planting as well as other up-to-date farming
measures to preserve the soil and water quality. I was an innovator in
using minimum tillage for protection from soil erosion. I was involved
with the Middle River-Snake River Watershed District. At the University
of Minnesota – Crookston, I helped teaching staff give students
practical knowledge about conservation tillage practice.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I have
demonstrated a life-long commitment to soil and water stewardship. I am
interested in making a difference and protecting our future.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
Neither of
these approaches can work alone. I support using a combination of
listening to the needs and viewpoints of landowners and then
implementing workable conservation plans established by knowledgeable
government leaders and agencies.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
I expect to
listen and learn the most practical ways to protect land and water
resources for the future, being most conscious of water quality issues
on our lakes and soil and water conservation with the agricultural
community in the county.
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BENTON
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 5
CHUCK RAU
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I have
connections with many businesses and environmental sportsman’s groups in
the district. I hope to help these groups work together to support the
SWCD.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
I have
implemental management practices on my own land and have participated
with sportsman’s groups to manage their land projects.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
A keen
interest in ground water issues in Benton county, particularly the
clean-up of Little Rock Lake.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I feel both
need to be brought into play to insure proper execution of well designed
plans.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
Education and
support of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) throughout the district.
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BIG STONE
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 3
MIKE
JORGENSON
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I have a
strong educational background and hold a degree from the University of
Minnesota in Agronomy and Plant Genetics. I have developed
communications skills that I think would serve me well in an SWCD
position. I have a strong commitment to making sure that the farming
lifestyle that we enjoy is sustainable and that we as farmers are able
to utilize management practices that protect our environment while
providing us our livelihood.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
Before
recently moving back to the farm I was employed as the environmental
manager for a construction firm in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. This
position gave me vast experience with water and soil conservation
issues. I think that this experience coupled with my farming background
qualify me to be an effective SWCD Supervisor.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
The SWCD
allows me the opportunity to be involved in improving and protecting our
environment at a grassroots level. My past experience as a dairy farmer
and my recent experience as an environmental manager in the
Minneapolis/St. Paul area give me a unique perspective on the challenges
that local farmers face in Big Stone County.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I feel that
voluntary adoption of BMP’s will be the most effective approach to
protecting our soil and water resources. In today’s intensively managed
agricultural production systems, BMP’s need to be constantly modified
and refined to meet the needs of farmers while continuing to protect the
environment.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
I think that
most (if not all) farmers in our area try hard to be good stewards of
their land. I think that education programs that show the value of
alternative sustainable farming practices that protect our soil resource
could be very valuable. For example, the use of cover crops and crop
rotations have been proven to not only protect our soil and water, but
also to improve water and nutrient holding capacity of the soil.
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BIG STONE
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 4
IRVIN ADELMAN
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I am real
interested in our natural resources, soil and water and air. We are
only here to use them good and leave it for the next generations as good
or better as we got them.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
I farmed all
my life and I used many conservation practices. Put in contour
terraces, grassed waterways and lately the cut and fill terraces, grass
turn strips and some C.R.P. and planted a farmstead windbreak.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I have been a
SWCD supervisor for 31 years in Lac Qui Parle and now that I am winding
down from farming and live in Big Stone County, I have the time to
promote conservation.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I would like
to see more voluntary adoption of practices, along with a little
government help.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
We have to
educate the farmers of the long term effect of conservation. I know the
top dollar in return is a high priority, but somehow we have to change
that.
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BLUE EARTH
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 1
RYAN SWAFFORD
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
As a current
employee of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency working as a
Pollution Control Specialist in Waste Water and as an 8 year combat
veteran of the Iraq War and Kosovo Force Protection missions, I still
serve as a staff Environmental Scientist with the Minnesota National
Guard, so soil and water conservation are my daily business. With my
deployments, education and experience I bring a wealth of institutional
knowledge in regards to the rulemaking process, compliance and
enforcement of soil and water environmental regulations, and process
negotiation.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
Everyday as a
function of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency I work with
homeowners, communities and business owners in efforts to improve the
water quality, sustainable development and the enhancement of natural
resources in the Minnesota River Basin, as well as the state if
Minnesota.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I am motivated
to try and further help the local communities, landowners and business
owners in Blue Earth County to strive for active innovative reform to
water quality initiatives in the Minnesota River Basin and to educate
constituents on the structure, function and value of our states
wetlands, nature resources and wildlife areas. Through education,
passion and action we can improve, preserve and maintain our backdoor
treasures.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
Protecting,
improving and managing natural resources is part of our environmental
stewardship towards the environment, our neighbors and our children. We
have an obligation to our children’s grandchildren to leave the
environment in a better or sustained condition than from which we have
found it. It is our duty as US citizens and Blue Earth County residents
to do everything in our power to fulfill that obligation.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
Increased
knowledge of new and innovative techniques, tactics and procedures is
imperative to the future of our environment. We as the environmental
stewards must meet the increasing environmental and natural resource
demands of the 21st and 22nd Century. We have to use new ideas to
maintain, manage and preserve local sustainability of all agriculture
and natural resource on our land. This new focused implementation will
guide Blue Earth County to the future and beyond for sustainable
development and growth.
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BLUE EARTH
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
JOHN SHANAHAN
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I farmed and
managed a farm operation for 40 years.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
Have owned
land along a river. Have land in CREP program. Have dealt with soil
conservation SCS on waterways and filter strip
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I am
interested in the program. I am interested in the area watershed and its
affects on area streams.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I think a
combination of both if it was just left to landowners they would look
out for there best interest which is human nature.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
I think if we
are to allow so much drainage tile to be installed we have to take a
long look at how it is affecting our rivers. I see much erosion of
river banks and rivers changing course. I think we have to improve the
quality and flow of these channels. Sometimes just minor little changes
can do so much like clear a tree or remove some obstruction from the
channel. A also think CREP and CRP land should not come out of these
programs. They have done so much good for conservation and wildlife. I
love what I see in these programs and it’s to bad when I see them plowed
up.
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CARVER
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
HARLAN
DOBRATZ
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
Life long farm
operator and experience in local government.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
I have grass
waterways and land in CRP for wildlife and water quality improvement.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
Working
together with other landowners to improve land and water for the future
generations.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
Sometimes
landowners need a little nudge from the government to see the benefits
of SWCD programs.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
As we see less
livestock, (hence less grass and alfalfa) we will need more water control
structures.
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CASS
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 3
JAMES E.
BALLENTHIN
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
vision,
purpose, and goal orientation.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
Trustee, Great
Lake Forest Alliance; Minnesota Forestry Association; volunteer for
shoreland ordinance development in Cass County; facilitated conservation
design development ordinance in Cass County.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
To encourage
responsible conservation for sustainable use of resources.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
Both are
needed in a balance to achieve long term sustainable use of resources.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
ability to do
this is very restricted by limited funding by state and federal
governments; SWCD’s provide voluntary services with incentives through
public funding; would like to see increased funding for wetland
protection and preservation, conservation easements for shoreland,
forest and marginal lands, mandatory buffer areas to protect watersheds,
updated ground water resource information related especially to
increasing use of irrigation and water for ethanol production, more
emphasis on the “conservation” role of SWCD’s.
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CHIPPEWA
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 3
STEVEN
SUNDERLAND
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I have 20
years of experience as a local supervisor. 12 years as an officer at
some level within the organization. I am also a graduate of the MASWCD
leadership program. I take very seriously my elected position as a
supervisor and have worked to promote conservation, strengthen districts
and support MASWCD.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
As a past Area
director I helped carry district resolutions to strengthen conservation
programs. As a State board member I represented districts at numerous
legislative meeting. I chaired the local TSA “technical Service Area”
committee, the county water planning committee and the local SWCD
board. When I was the vice-president of the MASWCD I testified before a
MN. Legislative committee on the districts ability to deliver local
conservation.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
As a farmer it
would be very short sited to not care for the land and water we use.
This land was handed down through 4 generations of my family and I am
committed to passing it along better able to sustain future generations.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
Government may
or may not set certain standards we should reach in conservation
practices. The way to reach these goals works much better if people
understand and believe they are bettering our soils and water. This
takes education and examples so people voluntarily adopt the best
practices for their areas. The takes more time but has much better
results when people believe in what they do.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
Many of the
basic ideas for sustainability of agriculture are already here. Our
natural resources are being strained more everyday by supplying a
growing demand here and abroad. The basics of conservation work, but we
must always be willing to watch for “new ways and new science” and allow
for change. It’s the way we adapt that changes the world.
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CLAY
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
CAROL J.
SCHOFF
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
The strengths
I will bring to the SWCD board is friendship and cooperation with staff,
knowledge of programs that are being used in Clay SWCD district.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
The experience
with conservation issues that qualify me to be an SWCD supervisor is
solving water drainage problem that created soil erosion, promoted and
created wildlife habitat.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
My motivation
for being an SWCD supervisor is to utilize conservation planning,
continue to be informed about programs, participate at Area meeting,
other educational meetings also to assist staff.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
The most
effective approach to protecting our natural resources both voluntary
adoption of best management practices with landowners and government
regulations as guide.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
To ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in Clay county,
erosion by water both over land flooding and river bank erosion.
Preventing wind erosion by encouraging practices such as no till, crop
rotation, tree planting, etc.
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CLAY
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
MARVIN
BLAKEWAY
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
My strengths
that I would bring to the SWCD Board are that I have farmed most of my
life all of it being in Clay County. I am familiar with the soil types,
terrain and water shed in the townships I live near.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
My past
experiences with the conservation issues are that I have used many
methods of tillage systems. First using the moldboard plow to
conservation tillage using the chisel plow to the no till that I am
currently using. I have planted trees as field windbreaks and farmstead
shelterbelts. In my CRP acres I have restored some wetlands and
installed grassed waterways.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
My motivation
for being an SWCD Supervisor is that I have always been interested in
conservation and protecting the environment. For the past 46 years I
have received the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine and still to
this day enjoy reading the articles. Clay County is projected to
increase in population by 25% by the year 2035. This increase in
population will put more demand on all our natural resources including
water and land use. We need to protect our prime farmland for production
and the more marginal land from erosion. Whether it be for farming or
future development. Most everyone enjoys wildlife and nature and for our
own benefit we must also ensure it survives in our community.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I feel the
most effective approach to protecting our natural resources are stopping
soil erosion and protecting both surface and groundwater. I think people
are becoming better educated in regards to conservation and protecting
our natural resources and many are doing it on their own. I still think
we need government regulations. The government at whatever level is the
people and elected officials should listen to and consider the input of
the people in the area they represent.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
The
conservation ideas and changes I have would be to use more buffer strips
around wetlands, waterways and the restoration of previously drained
wetlands to slow the flow of water and filter it at the same time.
Compensation should be made to the landowners who are doing this. To me
this would be better than taking large areas of prime farmland out of
production to use as temporary holding areas. It would also create a
habitat for wildlife.
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CLAY
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 5
DUANE JANSSEN
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I have applied
many of the practices promoted through the SWCD on my own farm. I also
have been an SWCD Supervisor since 1995.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
I have been
the SWCD’s representative to the WesMin Resource Conservation &
Development (RC&D) Council for over 20 years. I’ve used No-Till,
Ridge-Till, and Minimum-Till on my farm. Also, I’ve enrolled land in
the CRP to reduce erosion on my farm and create wildlife habitat.
Presently, I’m signed up to plant 2 wildlife food plots on my CRP.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I’ve always
been interested in conservation and preserving our natural resources. I
enjoy working with the excellent SWCD Board and Staff in making
decisions affecting the natural resources in Clay County.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
Voluntary.
Educating the public on available programs and through demonstration
projects (i.e. Districts No-Till Drill rental program, SWCD Conservation
Tours, etc.)
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
Continue to
Work with programs available to conserve soil, maintain air and water
quality.
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CLEARWATER
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 1
ROBERT A.
BILDEN
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I have been a
SWCD supervisor for 37 and half years. I will simply continue to serve
my district in the best ways that I can.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
Over the
period of time I have served as a supervisor, I have been involved with
a good number of both conservation issues and corrective follow-ups; and
with co-operator projects.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I believe in
wise use of land and water.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I would prefer
voluntary adoption of BMP’s where possible and do not like
over-regulation by government. Sadly, land owners and businesses by
violating principles of good land and water conservation, invite
government regulation.
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CLEARWATER
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
HARLAN
STRANDLIEN
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
As a present
SWCD board member, I am well acquainted with the programs we
administer. I have served on the Lake Bemidji Watershed Committee and
the Giziibii Resource, Conservation and Development Board. I have
farmed all my life. I enjoy working with landowners, lake associations
and cities.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
I have been a
SWCD supervisor for a number of years and I have learned a lot about the
programs we administer and promote. I enjoy seeing conservation
practices that we have assisted with, such as stream bank protection,
lake shore restoration, filter strips, tree planting etc.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I enjoy being
a SWCD supervisor, working with the staff and other agencies, county
commissioners, local property owners and SWCDs from other areas.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I believe most
landowners are good stewards and voluntary best management practices are
a natural part of their life.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
We need to
continue supporting and cost sharing on programs that protect our lakes,
rivers and streams from run-off from feed lots, fertilizer from fields,
etc. This could be accomplished with filter strips, use of wetlands as
filters, and when necessary, holding ponds. Windbreaks, shelterbelts
and living snow fences are also good practices.
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CLEARWATER
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
JAMES MICHEL
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
Experience as
a government employee, experience in labor/management, dispute
resolution, business experience.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
Served on
Clearwater County Water Plan Task Force.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I would like a
proactive role in dealing with the issues in the future.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I believe in a
combination of education and enforcement in protecting the future.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
I would strive
for continuing education for land owners relating to the advantages of
following the rules of best management practices.
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CLEARWATER
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 3
VIC THOMPSON
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
Through
supervising men on an aircraft carrier in the navy ('66-'69), training
police officers ('71-'91), and running my own business as a location
manager on movie sets in Los Angeles ('91-'00), I have learned to work
with the public, which would help me in the job of district supervisor.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
The experience
I have with conservation issues is personal. As a land owner and past
farmer of a homesteaded century farm, I am extremely concerned for
maintaining the land in a condition that will promote healthy trees, be
a safe home for wildlife, and will keep the water in the brook clean for
fish to live.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I am motivated
to become an SWCD supervisor because of a strong desire to manage our
land in a way that secures the needs of our farmers, at the same time
preserving our environment.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
As a third
generation landowner I believe in the sovereign ownership of my land,
and therefore believe in voluntary management practices.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
The first task
that I feel would be helpful would be to find out which landowners are
interested in preserving the natural resources on their land, and then
individually or in group meetings to discuss the different ways to
accomplish the cattle, crop, and logging industries to coincide with the
preservation of the land owners' natural resources.
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CLEARWATER
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 5
CAROL KLEPPE
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I will bring
to the SWCB Board creativity and problem solving skills. I am willing
to listen and look at both sides of an issue with an open mind and have
the ability to focus on the center of an issue and address the core
issue of the problem. As a farmer I know that we need to balance our
ability to use the land in a profitable manner with the need to conserve
our natural resources. I firmly believe that by being good stewards of
our natural resources we will ultimately maximize both our long term
profitability and our enjoyment of life.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
Arne and I are
self employed by our dairy farm. Managing this farm, which is by Stony
Lake, we have implemented many soil and water conserving practices such
as rotational grazing, windbreaks, water run off diversions, proper
manure and crop nutrient management, buffers around the lake, and
wildlife and forest plantings. Some of these have been implemented
using our own resources and research; we have also used various
technical and cost share assistance programs.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
It is
necessary that we are good stewards of the natural resources of our
community. Good conservation practices, profitable agricultural
practices, and recreational land use projects must be implemented and
should be a winning situation for everyone. I would like to be a part
of the effort to help our community make the most efficient,
environmentally friendly, and practical use of our natural resources
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
People will
respond with more interest and personal involvement by voluntarily
protecting our natural resources. Educating and demonstrating that best
management practices can be beneficial both for the resource and the
landowner; encouraging landowners to voluntarily adopt best management
practices because it is a benefit to them either financially or by
getting greater recreational enjoyment through the wise use of the
resource will ensure that the landowner feels ownership in the
conservation practice. True conservation is not a one-time program but
a mind set that should endure for a life time.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
We need to
encourage landowner buy in to various programs by allowing greater
flexibility and creativity in how projects are planned and implemented.
Each project needs to consider the needs and expectations of the
landowner as well as the overall benefit to our community and society
from the improved stewardship of our natural resources. Original ideas
and practices should be allowed and encouraged as well as proven
practices, often solutions come from looking ‘outside of the box’. We
need programs that will draw people into the idea of conservation and
make it a life time endeavor.
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CLEARWATER
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 5
JOHN
GUNVALSON
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I have a
technical degree in soil, water and civil engineering from the
University of Minnesota, Crookston and also a Bachelor of Science degree
in soils from NDSU. I have essentially the same educational background
as most NRCS conservationists.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
I've been on
the advisory board for the Red Lake Watershed the past several years and
was part of the task force that developed a ten year flood plan for the
Red River Basin. Jay Huseby, under the supervision of Dr. Daniel
Suedarsky of UMC obtained his doctorate in wildlife management doing a
study on our wild rice farm.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I've had a
deep commitment to natural resource conservation from a very young age
and want to continue to contribute to making Clearwater County a good
place to live while being fair to farmers.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
Voluntary
adoption is certainly to be encouraged and over time landowners can be
educated as to their moral responsibility to protect tour natural
resources for future generations, however some government regulation is
in the public interest to prevent those that would plunder the earth for
short term gain.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
Encourage good
farm management practices such as crop rotation, minimum tillage,
improving wildlife habitat and keeping our water clean.
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CLEARWATER
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 5
NOLAN ECK
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I grew up in
Clearwater county. I know the people, and I know the area. I was born
and grew up on a farm, and I am actively farming myself. In 2004 I
graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a BS in
Forest Management. I feel that my experiences as both a farmer and a
land manager will be helpful in my role as a SWCD supervisor.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
I have been
employed by the Red Lake DNR for the past 3 years, and deal with
numerous conservation issues as a Timber Sale Forester. I have also
been directly involved in tree planting and CRP projects on my families
farm. The education I received at UWSP has exposed me to many of the
conservation issues that we face today in Clearwater county.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I have enjoyed
fishing, hunting, and trapping throughout the county. I want to ensure
that future generations have the same business and recreational
opportunities that I have been given.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I believe that
voluntary adoption of Best Management Practices is always the most
effective approach to protecting our natural resources. I believe
government should be limited in its regulatory role, and focus more on
making information and education available to private landowners. Most
landowners want to protect the resource and are capable of doing so when
provided with good information.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
I don’t see
any major problems or the need for major change in current management.
I do believe it will become more challenging in the coming years to
protect our resources with agricultural practices becoming more
intensive, and development increasing exponentially.
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COOK
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 3
THOMAS ALVIN
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I am a good
listener. I like researching an issue and am willing to make decisions
based on facts and without making political considerations.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
I have been
involved in lake associations, lake monitoring programs. I was in law
enforcement for 28 years and was involved in ordinance compliance and
investigations.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I want to
contribute back to this unique Cook County area.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I would choose
both. Voluntary compliance ideal but not always possible. Voluntary
adoption is often the result of education. That said, there are
occasions where the only choice is enforcement.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
In Cook County
agriculture is limited. So, I see stream, lakeshore and "runoff" issues
as paramount. Conservation education should be a priority.
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COTTONWOOD
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
VERLYN NICKEL
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
Thirty one
years of experience with a life long interest in soil and water issues.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
Dealing with
the public, office staffing issues and legislature concerns. Strongly
promotes getting conservation on the land, education and water quality.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
To take care
of the earth.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
Best practice
management with the financial support of the government.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
Continue to
use best management practices on all lands.
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CROW WING
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 5
ROBERT
ALBRECHT
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
ability to
learn and adapt
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
Hunter -
fisherman - boyscout - landowner
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
To help people
achieve the land goals
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
Voluntary
because landowner makes the choice
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
performance
standards regarding storm water and nutrient runoff on property
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DAKOTA
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
MARIAN BROWN
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I have served
on the SWCD board for four years. I took the orientation session in
which we learned how the SWCD works and what is expected of a
supervisor. I am also a graduate of the Leadership Institute. This
year-long series led by University of Minnesota professors and also
taught by experts in the field took me to various parts of the state in
order to understand the diversity of agricultural, forestry, and
conservation concerns in Minnesota. We studied topics such as ethical
leadership, working together as a team with our many partners. On the
trip to Washington, D.C. we met with our Congressional Delegation and
Senators, and some of the highest officials in the Department of
Agricultural and related agencies. I know my larger district well as I
have served on the Metro Association and am secretary-treasurer of the
Area Association.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
I grew up in a
family that was concerned about conservation. We grew much of our own
vegetables and fruit, planted Soil Conservation Service trees to protect
the property. Later my family ran a nursery and taught many new
residents to our area the importance of trees to the environment. I have
a minor in biology with major interest in botany. As a member of the
SWCD Board, I have had the opportunity to tour many conservation sites
and visit with many concerned citizens about both their rural and urban
practices.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
My family
taught me the importance of volunteering. My many years as a 4-H leader
led me to seek a position in the community where I could be of service
to a larger population. I live in a suburb and many people don't
understand the importance of conservation.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
For any
program to be effective people have to want to participate; therefore, I
believe that voluntary adoption of new and better practices is most
effective. On some occasions government regulation may be necessary to
provide the most good to the population as a whole but voluntary
participation should always come first.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
Education is
the most important practice in the suburban area in which I serve. We
need more understanding of both the citizens and the governing bodies of
the cities and growing townships of the dangers of the huge areas of
impervious surfaces and large tracts of meticulously kept lawns which
send gallons of water into our waste water systems and use more gallons
of water to keep the short rooted grasses green. I want to continue and
expand the Blue Thumb program in our district which helps people build
rain gardens, native plantings, and shoreline stabilization. We need to
continue our work with feedlots and gully improvement and protection. I
would like to see more work with schools at all levels including the
private and home-based education programs.
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DAKOTA
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
SCOTT NORSTAD
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
Have been
involved within natural resources since an early age which included
course studies. An environmentalist with a strong ethic and open minded
to understanding of conversation issues and introducing practices.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
A combination
of soil and water conservation measures of land issues. Keeping rain
water under control from the time the rain fell to which then emptied
into river. Building issues and how these practices can change the
natural flow of soil & water.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
Believe in
community involvement - building a strong educational responsive program
that would provide customer service within the community. would allow
ideas to be shared - discussed which would include budgeted conversation
plans.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
Property
voluntary approach to water & soil conservation can go above and beyond
environmental regulations when commitments are made to improve
management programs. Environmental programs Strategies - that would
help maintain improve the community district for both rural and urban
as the main focus.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
Community -
conservation - natural resources can promote and encourage awareness
within our districts which everyone can have a part in. Looking at past
projects - allocation of funds - educational resources - would bring
benefit to the district.
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DAKOTA
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2
VICTORIA A.
DVORAK
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I am an
outgoing individual with a passion for preserving the environment for
future generations. I am comfortable as a team member and leader having
served on several committees. I have fifteen years experience in the
environmental industry dividing my time equally between the office and
the field. I work well with a diverse cross section of people with
different levels of responsibility. I am a member of the Minnesota
Erosion Control Association. I am certified as an Erosion/Sediment
Control Specialist through the University of Minnesota.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
In my present
position at JM Waller as a contractor for the US Army Reserve, I am
Water Program Manager for a six state region with 180 facilities. Job
duties include identifying point source and non-point source pollution,
developing Best Management Practices (BMP) to prevent sediment and other
erosion items from reaching the waterways. I have updated and
implemented storm water (SW) management plans, long term SW pond
maintenance plans for facilities as a BMP. Budget and project
management for SW repair construction projects throughout the six states
are my responsibility. I planned and organized a group of volunteers to
eradicate garlic mustard plants, remove buckthorn and collect rubbish
throughout the Fort Snelling Park. In addition, I’ve volunteered to
remove invasive plants at the Minnesota Wildlife Sanctuary and planted
wild flowers and native plants along the Mississippi River bottom.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
In the
seventeen years residing within Dakota County I’ve observed an increase
of pollution in our waters and land. It is my wish to help make a
difference by improving the water and soil quality for all residents of
Dakota County. I believe we need to collaboratively develop an
education partnership with the residents, agricultural and businesses
within Dakota County to help improve the conditions of the water and
soil to work towards sustainability for future generations.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
Both
approaches are equally important to protecting our natural resources.
Voluntary adoption of BMP by land owners and businesses would be my
preferred approach to implement pollution prevention ideas that would
provide information regarding sustainability attributes to plan for
future generations with land and water usage. If the voluntary BMP
approach fails, and a land or business owner intentionally or
unintentionally pollutes, then government regulations will be necessary
to persuade the offenders to change course and meet compliance
requirements. Policies are in place but not always understood by all
land and business owners. It is the government’s responsibility to
educate residents and business within Dakota County so they can
cooperatively protect our natural resources.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
I would
promote farmer’s markets and local sustainable agricultural Co-ops by
advertising to the residents with regard to where and when the events
take place. Implement a program for people who are sentenced to serve
to donate time to help with conservation projects throughout the county
in lieu of fines. Synchronize energy solutions between farmers,
residents and businesses. Develop a program to eradicate invasive
species from our soils and waters within the county.
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DAKOTA
SOIL AND
WATER SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 4
PETER THOMAS
SCHAFFER
1. What
strengths would you bring to the SWCD Board?
I am a
Supervisor on the Castle Rock Township Board, Commissioner on the
Vermillion River Watershed Planning Commission, Representative on the
North Cannon River Watershed & Chub Creek Advisory and a Representative
on the Vermillion Watershed. I have dealt with a wide range of
conservation issues and believe I will bring that experience to the SWCD
board.
2. Tell us
about your past experience with conservation issues that make you
qualified to be an SWCD Supervisor.
I grew up on a
large dairy family farm where we used sustainable farming practices. I
currently own 55 acres next to a creek that I have in the CRP program to
protect the water, land and wildlife habitat.
3. What is
your motivation for being an SWCD Supervisor?
I have six
children and want to leave the land better for them and for all future
generations.
4. What do
you feel is the most effective approach to protecting our natural
resources: voluntary adoption of best management practices by
landowners or use of government regulation?
I believe in a
blend. Voluntary adoption of best management practices by landowners
but with the education to the landowners of the importance of
implementing these practices. Where it comes to bodies of water, I
believe if the government mandates of buffer zones should be implemented
with compensation to landowners.
5. What
conservation ideas or changes would you implement to ensure the
sustainability of agriculture and natural resources in your district?
I would
implement buffer zones around bodies of water to filtrate and protect
water quality. We also need to look at programs to enhance and protect
small tracts or unusual pieces of highly erodible areas in the county.
Finally, I want to say the SWCD has done a great job and has a good
history of working with local sportsman/citizens groups and I would like
to see that continued.
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