Pri-Ru-Ta Resource Conservation and Development Council Incorporated

Area Plan

Land Conservation

Agriculture Challenges -A high level of management on ag lands is required to maintain the very high levels of water quality found throughout the area. Small changes in peak flows and sedimentation rates can have large impacts on the biology of area streams and lakes. Resources available for technical assistance can be a limiting factor. The ability of agencies to inform individuals regarding the qualities of available incentives for best management practice (BMP) installation is limited as well.  

Forestry Challenges - The Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D Area contains over five million acres of forestland. Timber extraction and processing contributes significantly to local economies. Prominent among the area’s forest product industry problems is a lack of good timber management on privately owned lands. As non-industrial private forestland ownership fragments, the challenge presented to agencies and consultants charged with stewardship assistance increases. When forest landowners are provided with objective advice regarding proper forest stewardship, there is an increase in harvest levels, and an increase in the adoption of BMP practices to reduce sedimentation to wetlands and surface waters. The ability of agencies to inform individuals regarding forest stewardship financial and technical assistance is limited by low staffing levels.

Water Management

Ground Water Quality Challenges –The characteristics of glacial sediments and bedrock vary greatly throughout Northwestern Wisconsin. Efforts to protect resources and remediate for contamination need to be tailored to given local situations. Nitrates, bacteria, arsenic and man made chemicals have been identified as existing concerns.  Partners have identified the need for more resources to carry out well testing, data collation, research and mitigation efforts.

Surface Water Quality Challenges –The Pri-Ru-Ta area contains a high density of outstanding and exceptional resource waters. High levels of land conservation management are required to maintain these resources. Partners have identified strategies to address the following actions as keys to protecting surface water quality; control runoff and sedimentation from ag field and construction sites, repair failed residential septic systems, upgrading municipal sewage and stormwater systems, repair and prevention of streambank and shoreland erosion, promotion of proper timber harvest activities, protection and restoration of riparian buffers, conducting data collection and analysis, and  promotion of shoreland development best management practices. The resources required to carry out activities are limited.

Ag Waste Management and Utilization Challenges – Improper ag waste management poses a threat to surface water and ground water resources. Underutilization of the resource represents a missed economic opportunity for area industries. Technical and financial resources for engineering and CNMP planning are limited. Opportunities for consultants and manure hauling services are not currently being met.

Repair and Maintenance of Reservoirs Challenges – Dozens of wildlife and flood control impoundment structures installed in the area in the 1960’s and 1970’s are in need of repair or will be in need of repair soon. Interest in removing some structures exists. Financial and technical resources are limited.

Community Development

Community Infrastructure Challenges – Public interest and participation in local government affairs is strong in Northwestern Wisconsin. However, many municipalities, especially townships and small towns lack the staff and expertise to take advantage of available grants to help maintain the quality of community infrastructure.

Economic DevelopmentChallenges – Local manufacturing using locally produced products is an important part of the economic strength of Northwestern Wisconsin. Government and industry incentives are available for natural resources based business startups and retention. Activities which promote these opportunities, and provide support to interested parties, are limited. Available expertise in marketing and processing facility development is limited.

Agricultural Economy Challenges - Northwestern Wisconsin has a favorable climate for grass production, and a microclimate along the south shore of Lake Superior favorable to fruit and vegetable production. Access to markets can be problematic due to geography. There exists a need to increase efficiency in production, improve marketing, and encourage further processing of agricultural products before they leave the community.

Forest Product Challenges - Much of timber harvested in Northwestern Wisconsin leaves the area in the form of raw logs. Available expertise in forest product processing facility development is limited. Access to technology designed to increase efficiencies in harvest operation is limited as well. The species and age compositions in northern forests are evolving. There is a corresponding need for forest research to allow government and industry to plan for the future.

Recreation and Tourism Challenges – Northwestern Wisconsin’s abundant scenic natural resources encourage area recreation and tourism. There is great interest in further development of carefully chosen public accesses, well planned multiple use trails and recreation development. Upgrading and maintenance of existing facilities will be needed to meet future demands. Promotion and development of winter activities are needed to support recreation and allied retail businesses and to minimize seasonal unemployment. Resources required to carry out planning, construction and promotion are limiting factors.

Education Challenges – Community partner support for K-12, post secondary education, and environmental education is strong in Northwestern Wisconsin. Strengthening partnerships and finding ways to share resources and ideas will continue to be important to maintain the qualities that exist.

Land Management

Energy Challenges – Energy development opportunities in the Pri-Ru-Ta area include: wind, solar, biomass, and methane. Opportunities exist for energy conservation on livestock farms. Industry and government are interested in this issue and provide incentives for individuals and groups whom would like to develop a project. Resources which promote these opportunities, and provide support to interested parties, are limited.

Farmland Protection Challenges – Between 1982 and 1997 the Pri-Ru-Ta area saw a 19 percent reduction in farmland acreage. Farmers can take part in the federal FPP and GRP easement programs. Property tax incentives and zoning rules are also used effectively to preserve farmland and avoid conflicts. The ability to promote the programs, incentives and rules is limited in some cases. In addition to individual incentives, actions need to be taken which promote a profitable farm economy in order for farmland to be preserved. There exists a need to increase efficiency in production, improve marketing, and encourage further local processing of agricultural products.

Fish and Wildlife HabitatChallenges - Diverse habitats and high water quality are common in Northwestern Wisconsin. This quality brings travelers and dollars into the area. Many organizations and agencies are devoted to maintaining and improving the condition of these resources. Threats to the resource include; ecologically invasive exotic species encroachment, improperly managed shoreland development, aging rural and urban sewer systems, habitat fragmentation, wetland conversion, and wildlife damage. Technical and financial assistance, and public outreach and education for preservation, restoration and research are limited.

Shoreland ManagementChallenges – Shorelands are considered prime residential building areas because of their scenic beauty. Area towns were sited on shorelands for industrial and transportation advantages. Livestock operations are located on shorelands to facilitate livestock watering. Shoreland use can have negative impacts on water quality, and aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Incentives and technologies are available to preserve and restore shorelands, and to mitigate the impacts of existing activities. However, resources for technical, financial and outreach assistance are limited.

Soil Survey Challenges –Commitment on the part of the partners and advances in technology have resulted in soil mapping being scheduled for completion in the          Pri-Ru-Ta area by the end of 2005. Considerable resources will need to be devoted to this effort in order for this to happen. As the soil mapping is completed, the challenge will be to get the information out to the public in a format that is useable for a given group. The challenges will be both technological and promotional in nature.

Council Assistance Opportunities

     There are a great number of individuals, organizations and agencies working toward to goal of maintaining a sustainable natural resources base for future generations in Northwestern Wisconsin. The Council’s opportunities to assist these partners lie in its ability to help partners more effectively access available financial and technical resources. The Council’s general objective in providing this support is to facilitate improvement in resource conservation and resource development, e.g., environmental protection, agriculture and forestry research, community development, marketing assistance, community education, and value added processing.

     The Council will maintain and improve its familiarity with area needs and corresponding funding opportunities, and develop the contacts with funding organizations necessary to help partners meet their goals. Where appropriate, the Council will promote grant opportunities, assist with grant writing and administration, coordinate technical assistance, hire employees, and assist in education, outreach, fundraising, and research activities. Detail regarding specific assistance activities is found in the strategy section of this document.

Note: Activities carried out to complete the above summary of challenges and opportunities included: interviews with area individuals, organizations and agencies (see appendix A), and a review of previous resource concern identification efforts (see Appendix B) .

Objective 2.  Project Development

General Strategy:

The Staff and the Council will provide assistance and leadership as requested by partners in order to; plan projects, and locate and secure technical and financial resources, contribute to community education efforts, hire and contract personnel, and assist in fundraising efforts to meet regional challenges.

Discipline Specific Strategies:

1.   Land Conservation

In the area of land conservation the Council and staff will work with organizations and appropriate agencies to facilitate the effective implementation of; USDA Farm Bill activities (CRP, CSP, ECP, EQIP, EWP, FIP, FLP, TSP, WHIP, and WRP), Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program Grants, USDA CSREES Small Farm Program Grants, WIDNR Forest Stewardship Fund Grants, and Binational, Federal, and State Coastal Management Program opportunities.

2.   Water Management

In the area of water management the Council and staff will work with organizations and appropriate agencies to facilitate the effective implementation of; USDA Farm Bill activities (see above), Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, EPA Non-point Source Pollution Control Program Grants, and WIDNR River Protection Planning Grants.

3. Community Development

In the area of community development the Council and staff will work with organizations and appropriate agencies to facilitate the effective implementation of; USDA Rural Development (RD) Community Facilities Program Grants and Rural Business Opportunity and Enterprise Grants, US Forest Service Community Assistance Program Grants, Wood in Transportation Grants, and Urban and Community Forest Program Grants. SARE Program Grants, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program Grants and Wholesale and Alternative Markets Program Grants, Small Business Administration Microloan and Small Business Development Center Programs, US Dept. of Transportation (USDOT) Transportation Enhancement Act Grants, Wisconsin Environmental Education Board (WEEB) general environmental education, forestry education, and school forest grants, WI Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grants, Forward Wisconsin’s Rural Economic Development Program Grants, WI Dept. of Tourism’s Coop Direct Marketing Program Grants, Dept. of Transportation’s Transportation Economic Assistance Grants, WIDNR Recreational Boating Facilities and Recreational Trails Program Grants, and the National Park Service River Trails and Conservation Assistance Program.

4.   Land Management

In the area of land management the Council and staff will work with organizations and appropriate agencies to facilitate the effective implementation of; USDA Farm Bill Programs including the Farmland Protection Program and Renewable Energy Grants, Binational, Federal, and State Coastal Management Grants, Wisconsin Division of Energy Business Incentive Grants, DATCP Agriculture Development and Diversity Grants, WEEB energy education grants, and the WIDNR’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Council and staff will assist county and state agencies to further the goals of DATCP50 and NR151.

Objective 3.  Project Implementation

The Staff and the Council will provide assistance and leadership to partners to complete approved projects.

      Strategies:

1.     Complete 12 projects on average per year for the next five years

2.     Council will develop a system for the awarding of Pri-Ru-Ta grants to partners.

3.     Council will develop a prioritization protocol for project adoption when necessary.

4.     Council and staff will improve abilities to secure funding from private foundations

Goal 2.  Develop Skills as a Council

Develop and utilize internal expertise to better provide assistance and leadership to community partners.

Objective 1.  Grant Skills

Council and Staff will further develop grant writing and administration expertise to better provide assistance to partners.

      Strategies

1.      Staff will initiate grant writing and administration training for staff and area partners.

2.      Staff will work with experienced partners in writing grants.

Objective 2.  Staffing Skills

Council and Staff will further develop expertise in staffing potentials, hiring, personnel and payroll issues. Council and staff will provide information to partners regarding the Council’s abilities in this area.

Strategies

1.      Staff will discuss issues with other RC&D Coordinators and discuss findings with the Council.

2.      Council and staff will develop an understanding of applicable IRS rules..

3.      Staff will determine potential for location of additional staff in new office location.

4.      Staff will discuss potential for interns and work study students with partners and UW representatives.

Objective 3.  Public Participation Skills

Staff will further develop expertise in Area wide planning, education and outreach, and facilitation activities (workshops, seminars etc.). Staff will identify and make contact with partners who have skills and interest in this area.

Strategies

1.      Staff will work with experienced partners on workshop type projects.

2.      Staff will participate in activities that will have the benefit of helping them become more familiar with the cultural issues involved when working with the Amish, Hispanic, Mennonite and Ojibwe communities.

3.      Council and Staff will organize and host 2003 WI State Association of RC&D Councils Annual Conference.

Objective 4.  Accountability Skills

Staff and Council will further develop expertise in financial and tax reporting obligations, budgeting and ethics.

Strategies

1.      Council and staff will develop a comprehensive understanding of uniform administrative requirements for grants and agreements, and cost principles for non-profit organizations.

2.      Staff will develop project budgets with the help of experienced partners.

3.      Coordinator will work with council to fulfill annual tax reporting obligations.

Goal 3.  Corporate Development

Develop organizational effectiveness as a council and as a business in order to expand our abilities to provide assistance and leadership to community partners.

Objective 1.  Staffing

Staff will take steps towards securing foundation and grant funding necessary to meet technical staff needs as defined by partners.

Strategies

1.      Staff will discuss with partners the appropriateness of funding sources for specialists in the area of grant writing, forestry and grazing.

2.      Staff will discuss with NRCS representatives, opportunities for the Council to act as a third party contractor to provide Farm Bill funded services to the USDA clients.

Objective 2.  Fund Raising

Council will develop fundraising skills.

Strategies

1.      Council will develop skills necessary to carry out fund raising activities to support project development and council operations e.g., income producing ventures and capital campaigns.

2.      Council will develop pertinent accounting skills

3.      Staff will discuss with partners the appropriateness of, and the potential for fundraising activities.

Objective 3.  Information Management

Staff will develop information management systems which will serve as; follow up mechanisms for projects, resources for partners, and marketing tools for the Council.

Strategies

1.      Staff will collect pertinent ten county GIS data layers.

2.      Staff will create GIS project base map for Pri-Ru-Ta area.

3.      Staff will develop and implement administrative filing system for office.

4.      Staff will develop website content.

5.      Staff will investigate means of disseminating digital soils maps and data to the public.

6.      Staff will refine mailing lists and develop listserves to disseminate information.

Objective 4.  Council Functions and Duties

Council will develop strategies to become a more effective non-profit business.

Strategies

1.      Council and Staff will formulate and approve Area Plan. This is the five-year strategic planning document for the Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D Council Inc.

2.      Council and Staff will evaluate the benefits of developing a business plan.

3.      Staff will research basic templates for business plan.

4.      Council will receive training on 501(c)3 organizations.

5.      Council will consider the appropriateness of forming committees.

6.      Council and staff will discuss development of At-Large expertise.

Objective 5.  Public Relations

Staff and Council will develop and carry out activities to improve public awareness of the roles and functions of the Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D Council, Incorporated.

Strategies

1.      Listen to partners and work with them to determine how Pri-Ru-Ta can help them meet their resource conservation and development goals.

2.      Deliver a meaningful product to partners.

3.      Council will take the actions necessary to be recognized by the National Assoc. of RC&D Councils’ “Standards of Excellence Program”.

4.      Council and Staff will develop promotional materials.

5.      Staff will obtain signage for car and office.

6.      Staff will develop AV presentations that explain Pri-Ru-Ta’s priorities and functions.

7.      Staff will create a mailing list for area print, radio and television outlets.

8.      Staff will develop contact list of elected officials.

9.      Staff will work with Taylor County Farm Service Agency to develop Pri-Ru-Ta’s website.

Objective 6.  Civil Rights and Outreach

As the Council and Staff work toward accomplishing all three stated goals, they will take actions to develop a deeper level of understanding between Pri-Ru-Ta and traditionally underserved groups.

Strategies

1.   Staff will meet with Hispanic community leaders in Taylor County to strengthen common understanding.

2.   Council will determine specific needs and actions based on the objective to be incorporated into Annual Plan of Work and Area Plan.

3.   Staff will meet with Ojibwe community leaders to strengthen common understanding.

4.   Staff and Council will analyze activities to assess progress and opportunities.

5.   Staff will assess opportunities to meet with Amish and Mennonite community leaders.

Appendix A - Partners Interviewed

LCD County Conservationists – Pri-Ru-Ta Area

NRCS District Conservationists – Pri-Ru-Ta Area

UWEX Community Development Specialists – Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, Price, Rusk, and Taylor.

UWEX Agricultural Agents – Bayfield, Price, and Taylor.

RD Community Development Specialist – North

Basin Educators – Upper Chippewa and Lake Superior Basins.

USFS State and Private Forestry – Steve Bratkovich.

County Planning, Zoning, and Forestry Departments – Douglas, Price, and Rusk.

Bad River Tribal Planning and Highway Department Representatives

Area Business People; Dairy Farmers, Fruit Producers and Processing Industry Representatives.

Northern Food and Farmer Initiative Board.

Appendix B – Issue Identification Documents Summarized

Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D Council 1999 – 2003 Strategic Plan.

Land Conservation Department Land and Water Resource Management Plans for all ten counties.

Northwest Regional Planning Commission 2002 Economic Development Strategy.

Wisconsin DNR Water Quality Basin Management Plans (St. Croix, Upper Chippewa, Lake Superior.)

Chequamegon National Forest Management Plan Draft.

County Farmland Preservation Plans.

Area Plan Signature Page

The Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D Council Inc. agrees that the RC&D Program will be conducted in compliance with the nondiscrimination provisions as contained in Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-259) and other nondiscrimination statutes; namely, Section 504, of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and in accordance with the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture (7CFR-15, Subparts A and B) that provide that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, or handicap/disability be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial (or technical) assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any agency thereof.

The Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D Council Inc. agrees that the signing of this document constitutes agreement to comply with Federal laws concerning restrictions on lobbying, a drug-free workplace, and responsibilities for nonprocurement, suspension, and debarment, and State review.

The Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D Council Inc. hereby adopts this RC&D Area Plan and agrees to use effectively the assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to realize the goals and objectives outlined herein.