Soil & Water Conservation District
Jan 7, 2026
The lede
- Board approved staff participation on regional stormwater technical committee and chairman participation on policy committee, with first meeting expected late February
- Total district funds across all accounts: $523,370.94 (checking, savings, and Illinois Funds)
- NRCS application deadline for CSP and EQIP programs is January 15th
- District reviewing NRI policy and fees; updates expected at next meeting
Decisions & votes
- December meeting minutes approved (moved by Mike Frank, seconded by Todd Aves)
- Finance report approved unanimously (moved by Jack Ratcliffe, seconded by Aaron Brahmstedt) - Total funds: $243,065.72 in Midland checking, $15,060.35 in Midland savings, $265,244.87 in Illinois Funds
- Staff participation on regional stormwater technical committee and Chairman Bill Hall participation on Stormwater Committee (policy) approved unanimously (moved by Jack Ratcliffe, seconded by Todd Aves)
- Meeting adjourned (moved by Mike Frank, seconded by Todd Aves)
Discussion items
- Regional stormwater committee: First technical committee meeting scheduled for late February
- Wind energy projects: Directors discussed wind project solicitations occurring in southern and northern Boone County
- Tree planter: District’s co-owned tree planter currently stored at county highway yard
- PFC cost share programs: Updates provided on CPRG and NRCS administrative agreement work for USDA programs
- NRCS programs: Staff working on CSP payments and CRP site visits for renewals in Boone and Stephenson counties
- New Regenerative Ag program: USDA program to be carried out via EQIP and CSP, requires extended soil testing and minimum 5-year contract
- IDOA Conservation Planner vacancy: No updates on filling the position; NRCS will inquire
Financial / operational notes
- Jack Ratcliffe approved timesheets
- NRI (Natural Resources Inventory) policy and fees under review; fee updates to be presented at next board meeting
- Application deadline for CSP and EQIP: January 15th