Land and Water staff report: nutrient-management class attendance up; two manure-spreading complaints resolved

Kewaunee County Land and Water staff reported on routine conservation work, education and compliance activity at the committee's March 11 meeting.

A staff member briefed the committee that two manure-spreading complaints were investigated and found to be in compliance with setbacks and rules; both incidents were described as legal. The staff member said: "They were both legal. All setbacks were made, and they were on greater than 20 feet to buttock, so they were allowed." The committee discussed winter spreading rules and that there is no spreading closer than 20 feet until April in certain cases.

Staff said a three-day nutrient management farmer education class in mid-February drew the highest attendance on record for their program, with "over 46" participants and additional one-on-one sessions for farmers who prefer not to use computers. The update also listed four new conservation plans prepared for landowners: Kean, Stotz, Florida Open and Swindellske (staff provided names at the meeting). Sanitary work included three soil inspections, three permit applications and three house number-related items; no well-testing updates were reported.

Staff reported that Paul, Travis, Sam and another staff member attended the Wisconsin Land and Water Conference in Green Bay and found useful sessions and networking opportunities. Committee members and staff also noted emerging manure-application technologies, including new application equipment that can apply nutrients during the growing season; committee discussion described such equipment as an application tool rather than a mitigation technology.

No formal committee action was recorded on these updates; they were provided for committee information and follow-up as needed.