Soil and Water Commission reports program growth, warns funding and staffing pressures; two reappointments introduced

The Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission on Thursday told the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee that statewide conservation programs expanded in fiscal 2024 but that funding and staff recruitment remain the commission’s top constraints.

Delwyn Trefts, administrator of the Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, presented the commission’s fiscal year 2024 annual and performance report, saying the agency delivered technical and financial assistance to local conservation districts while administering programs including the Resource Conservation and Rangeland Development Program (RCRDP) and the state’s partnership in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).

The report matters because the commission distributes state match funding to 50 locally governed conservation districts, administers a loan program, provides technical staff to districts, and manages state investments in water- and soil-related projects that affect agriculture, water quality and local infrastructure across Idaho.

Trefts told the committee the commission’s FY2024 revenues were approximately $3.95 million and expenditures just over $7.9 million. Commission staff recorded 11,986 hours assisting districts and provided an additional 2,771 staff hours for CREP participants. The RCRDP loan program financed conservation projects on 8,221 privately owned acres, and staff supported the enrollment of about 49,705 acres in CREP, the administrator said.

Trefts said the commission produced two total maximum daily load (TMDL) implementation plans during the year and is expanding tracking of both water-savings and pollutant-load reductions. “We accomplish this most effectively when we coordinate our efforts with those of the conservation districts and their political voice the IASCD and the various partner entities,” Trefts told the committee.

A major focus of the presentation was WACPA, the commission-administered water-quality program that provides cost-share assistance for projects designed to conserve water quality and quantity. Trefts said state general fund appropriations in recent years revived the program and that demand has far exceeded available funding. According to the presentation, roughly $10 million was appropriated to WACPA for the 2022–2024 period; in fiscal 2024, $5 million in state funds were available, districts submitted 80 proposals and 50 projects were selected for funding. Commission materials say the $5 million in FY2024 combined with landowner and other funds to implement projects with a total cost of $17.7 million — about $3.54 in total conservation value for each state dollar invested.

Committee members pressed staff on measurement of water savings from WACPA and related projects. Trefts said the commission has not consistently tracked year-by-year water-savings in the past but has begun compiling that information and expects more complete metrics in next year’s report.

Reappointments: two nominees described priorities and conflicts

Two gubernatorial reappointments for the commission appeared before the committee but were not voted on; the committee said it will take the nominations up at a later meeting.

Eric Olson introduced himself as a generational farmer from Bonner’s Ferry who has served on the commission and local conservation boards. Asked about the commission’s greatest near‑term challenge, Olson said: “I would say funding would be the biggest challenge,” adding that retaining qualified staff also ties back to funding.

Karen Sharpenack (listed in committee materials as Karen Jakomowski Sharpenack) sought reappointment and described her background as an elected supervisor for the Wood River Soil and Water Conservation District and as commission secretary. Sharpenack told the committee she brings organizational and nonprofit management experience and that she “abstain[s]” on matters involving CREP because her husband is employed as a CREP manager with the commission; she said she has previously recused herself on CREP matters and would do so again.

Local districts and association perspective

Devin Fielding, representing the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (IASCD), told the committee the 50 locally elected conservation districts provide locally led, voluntary, non‑regulatory conservation and that state match and operating allocations help districts leverage county and federal funds. Fielding highlighted the districts’ role in youth education and in helping producers adopt practices that conserve water and reduce erosion and pollutants.

Funding and staffing emerged repeatedly in committee discussion. Trefts and other speakers said the commission’s staff are spread across large geographies — each natural resources conservationist covers multiple districts — and that recruitment of engineers and technical staff is a continuing need.

What the commission asked from the legislature

The administrator’s report thanked the legislature for recent appropriations to WACPA and for match support to districts. Trefts’ materials referenced allocation rules under IDAPA 60.05.01 (rules for allocation of funds to conservation districts) and cited House Bill 352 (2023) as the statutory vehicle for a recent distribution of state funds to districts and match calculations.

Looking ahead

Trefts said the commission will continue to develop metrics for water savings and pollutant reductions, work to fill vacant field staff positions, and coordinate with conservation districts, NRCS and partner organizations. Committee members thanked Trefts for his service; Trefts said he plans to retire and described the transition as “bittersweet.”

The committee did not vote on the two reappointments at the hearing; both nominees were asked to return at the committee’s next meeting for a confirmation vote.

Speakers and documents

The committee record included written fiscal year 2024 performance materials and the administrator’s slide packet. Trefts and other presenters credited local districts, the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and private landowners as partners in district projects.

Provenance

topicintro evidence: "Next on our agenda, we have 2 gubernatorial, 1 reappointment and 1 appointment... Eric Olson is here for a reappointment for the state Soil and Water Conservation Commission to serve commencing July first of 20 24..." (transcript block starting 680.805, excerpted)

topfinish evidence: "Thank you, Mr. Fielding, for your presentation and information. Committee is there any questions for Mr. Fielding? ... Thank you so much, Mr. Fielding. We really appreciate you being here for your presentation." (transcript block starting 3424.57, excerpted)