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County conservationist outlines prairie planting plan at county farm; department reports net revenue for month
Summary
The county's conservation staff presented a prairie planting plan for the county farm with a partner providing seed and said planting would begin the week of May 5 pending buildings-and-facilities approval. Staff also reviewed monthly Land and Water department finances, reporting revenues exceeding expenses for the month.
David, Vernon County's county conservationist, told the Land and Water Committee that most of the county farm will be planted to prairie this spring and that the BSN Valley Stewardship Network will provide prairie seed for roughly 10 acres.
David said the planting work is planned to begin the week of May 5, pending approval of funding by Buildings and Facilities for part of the work. The department plans to use a new no-till seed drill on most areas; one parcel labeled 4b may require broadcast seeding because of rough ground and remaining honeysuckle.
Staff explained one grass-waterway area was adjusted to about 2 acres and will be planted with a native cool-season grass mix rather than full prairie seed to suit hydrologic conditions. David said the prairie mix used is similar to the mix used by the local stewardship group and is formulated to have at least three species flowering across the June'September window as it matures.
On department finances, the committee heard that total expenses for the month were $42,220.18 and March reimbursements and other revenue totaled $74,809.87, leaving revenue exceeding expenses for the period. Staff identified a metallic-mining fee line as a recurring revenue source tied to annual renewals for quarries and mining operations; a portion of those fees is remitted to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Committee members asked whether tree plantings for a requested windbreak (to shelter a highway shop) required a formal motion; staff said no formal vote was required unless county funds were being spent beyond already budgeted amounts and that buildings-and-facilities purchasing the trees would clarify funding sources.
Next steps: staff will circulate the prairie seed mix composition to committee members, proceed with site preparation and begin planting when funding approvals and site readiness are confirmed.
