Rhode Island State Technical Team (STT) Meeting notes

June 6, 2007
USDA Conference Room
Warwick, RI

Attending: Rob Swanson, Rosemary Edwards, FSA; Michael Moorman, Timothy Pindell, Michael Kenyon, J. Eric Scherer, RI NRCS; Chris Modisette, RI RC&D; Ken Ayars, RI DEM Division of Agriculture; Michael Pezza, State Committee, FSA; Tom Sandham, Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District; Elizabeth Scott, RI  DEM Office of Water Resources; Gregg Cassidy, RI DEM, Office of Sustainable Watersheds; Caitlin Chaffee, CRMC; Rick Pace, EccoAssets Markets; Kristine Stuart, Environmental Council of RI and SRICD.

Introductions, Review Agenda, and Opening Comments

Eric Scherer, SRC welcomed everyone on behalf of Roylene Rides at the Door, NRCS-RI State Conservationist, who was on travel.  He then asked that the attendees introduce themselves.

Conservation Reserve Program Updates

Rosemary Edwards, FSA provided a PowerPoint presentation (handout attached) to the Team for an update on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) - 560 State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program.  This new initiative is a cooperative conservation effort based on locally-developed conservation proposals. After the presentation Ms. Edwards requested the Team to look over the recommended conservation practices in the Handouts she provided for their recommendations for inclusion in a Rhode Island issued announcement of the program to the public.  She also presented to the Team a copy of a letter (attached), dated March 23, 2007 from the national NRCS office on this cooperative conservation effort, a copy (attached) of a Public Announcement of the program as well as a number of handouts on the SAFE program under notice CRP-560 (attached).  The Team reviewed the eligible practices for recommendations for inclusion in the RI announcement.    It was agreed to recommend all listed Conservation Practices on the list provided except for CP 38D, Longleaf Pine.  It was also agreed that NRCS staff would work with FSA staff to review the list of CRP-560 practices with the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide list of practices to correlate practices and ensure that all NRCS conservation practice standards were applicable to the SAFE conservation practice list.

ACTION ITEM: Tim Pindell, Resource Conservationist will work with Rosemary to review the list and provide a summary table of CRP-560 practice list with NRCS conservation practice standards to compare the lists and have that list reviewed and concurred with by FSA.

The Team had a number of questions on the applicability of the program, on how it is to be offered, administered and eligibility requirements.  Ms. Edwards and Rob Swanson agreed to take questions and obtain answers and provide additional feed back to the Team via an email.  Rosemary also reviewed the schedule for the public roll out of the program.  It is anticipated to have questions answered and an update on the program at the next STT meeting.

Fiscal Year 07 Budget and Farm Bill  Updates

EQIP/WHIP

Michael Moorman, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, provided updates on the FY 07 EQIP and WHIP ranking and contract awards.  He reviewed with the Team two handouts (attached) with the results of the 07 application process.  He made a correction to the EQIP handout, stating that only 44 of the 84 applications met the cut off limit for funding (vs 70 of 84).  Of the approximately $3.5 million allocated for EQIP over $2.3 million was allocated.

Mr. Moorman presented the WHIP summary sheet and indicated that of the 42 applications, 29 were above the cut off mark and 10 were funded, expending approximately all of the $2.5 million allocation.

Several members of the team questioned the differences in the EQIP funds actually allocated vs the amount of funds available to applications above the ranking (leaving $1.2 million vs. $400 thousand respectively).  It was explained that a number of clients were not fiscally ready at the last minute to commit to the large amount of funding their cost share portion (several contracts fell out that were in the $300 K or larger amount) and staff believes that the liquidated damages provisions in the contract also had some impact on final decision for some clients to with draw.  Mr. Moorman announced the second State CIG request for proposals.  Only one was received in the first announcement.  The second announcement deadline is July 7^th and the information can be found on FedGrants website.  He mentioned that NRCS has signed an agreement with the State Conservation Committee to administer the State CIG process.  This year there is $178,000 available for the State CIG, with a maximum of $75,000 cost share per application (this is a 50/50 match).

GRP

Mike indicated that NRCS is in the final stages completing a Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) agreement for an easement.  The appraisal and survey of the property have been contracted for.  The Farm Service Agency holds the funds for this program.

WRP

Mr. Moorman indicated that the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) has one application this year.  The FY allocation to RI was for $650,000.  The application received came via a Coastal Resource Management Council contact and the agency appreciates the partnership in this effort in identifying qualified lands (Mike briefly land eligibility for WRP).  NRCS has until August 1^st to have appraisals and a contract accepted.  The cost estimate is approximately $115,000 for the easement and $320,000 for the restoration of the site.  Mike explained that due to more recent interpretations of the language of WRP, riparian corridors are also eligible land for WRP.

FRPP

Mr. Moorman provided an update on the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) to the members.  This year’s allocations for FRPP were $2.89 million. Two applications were accepted for a total of four parcels.  Total requested funds amounted to around $4.5 million. The program is undergoing tighter scrutiny and those applications accepted must be closed within an 18 month time frame.  It is anticipated that ranking of applications will be next week and agreements will be signed by the end of June.
 

Farm Viability

Ken Ayars, Chief, RI DEM, DoA asked if the topic could be tabled due to the time limits so that the discussion on Canadian Geese issue cold be discussed. It was agreed to table discussion.

Field Office Technical Guide

Tim Pindell informed the group about new tools to assist the field planners develop Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP’s) more efficiently using the Manure Management Planner (MMP) program, in addition to improvements to the RI Phosphorus Index (RIPI).  The RIPI is an assessment tool to quickly summarize those fields that have a high P source risk and a high P transport risk for phosphorus movement to a water body. Also, a hand-out was provided on the most recent conservation practice standard activities for the Field Office Technical Guide (attached).  In an effort to save time he suggested members review the handout and contact him directly with questions or look at the standards on line at the web site on the handout.

Canadian Geese Issue

Tom Sandham, District Manager for ERICD, presented the background behind the Canadian geese issue, including damage to cover crops, higher soil erosion rates resulting and the pollution of water from sediments and goose droppings.  Tom stated that there will be a proposal submitted to the State CIG addressing the issue with the use of new technology.

Liz Scott mentioned that in those areas where TMDL water quality assessments have been conducted, waterfowl in one of the key problems being brought to their attention. It was suggested that these areas with know problems be priority areas to look at for addressing the problem.  

It was agreed to establish an Ad hoc committee on the issue to help develop a statewide strategy for the issue. Members of the STT were invited to be a member. The committee will be comprised of Ken Ayars (chair), Liz Scott, Brian Tefft (invited), Tom Sandham and Tim Pindell.

Eric also made mention of the on-going effort in the state that will be working with coyotes and the need for a state-wide strategy for this species as well as for deer. This will be address at the next STT meeting in more depth.

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