LMF staff provided an update on fund balances, active projects and staffing during the meeting’s business session.

Financial position and interest allocations

LMF staff presented spreadsheets showing interest and gift balances and how interest earnings have been allocated across programs and projects. Staff reported approximately $1.7 million in allocated interest available (staff presented the figure as an approximate total), with portions allocated to capital projects, farmland programs and other accounts. Staff noted a carry‑forward of funds for active projects and a pipeline of about 36 projects currently active or queued for closing before the next board meeting in July.

Staffing and hiring uncertainty

Staff reported that two NOAA‑funded limited‑term positions were in hiring limbo because federal guidance temporarily prevented onboarding for those limited‑period roles. Staff said funding remains in the budget through November and that the board could consider making these limited positions permanent to avoid recurring staffing gaps, but staff urged caution and said they would return with options.

Legislation: LB1072

Staff said LB1072 — an omnibus bill that included changes to the conservation easement registry, housekeeping updates to the LMF statute and a proposed option to purchase at agricultural value — encountered a fiscal‑note problem that currently jeopardizes the bill. Staff said they were working to salvage portions of the bill and continue conversations with legislative staff.

Project pipeline and scoring guidance

Staff displayed the active project list and a slide outlining scoring and consensus guidelines for the forthcoming project presentations and scoring session: board members were asked to score proposals during presentations, deliver scores to staff, and prepare for a consensus discussion at a separate scoring meeting. Staff reminded members that proposals are confidential until scored and that board members should not discuss individual proposals with applicants or the public during the scoring period.

What happens next

Staff asked board members to submit their scores to Jason by the end of the day and to participate in a qualitative consensus scoring session later in the week. Staff said they would bring back the draft hunting/trapping guidance and any legislative follow‑up as items for future board review.