2024 Turtle Creek Watershed District annual report

Rena Langowski

Isaac White

Jeff Brinkman

Rena Langowski

2024 Board of Managers (Left to right)

James Fett

Nancy Finley

Administrator

Recording Secretary

Jeff Ravenhorst

Michelle O’Connor

Jon Erichson

Manager

Chair

Treasurer

Pete Van Erkel

Dave Vanderploeg

Secretary

Vice President

TURTLE CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT 1408 21st Ave NW, Ste. #2

Austin, MN 55912

(507) 434-2603, ext. 5

www.turtlecreekwd.org

Turtle Creek Watershed District Established:

November 14th, 1968

Mailing Address

1408 21st Ave NW Suite 2 Austin, Mn. 55912

Meeting Date:

3rd Tuesday of each month 5:00 PM City of Hollandale and Riceland Township Government Center Hollandale, Mn. 56045

Attorney:

John Kolb—Rinke-Noonan 1015 W. St. Germain St. Suite 300 PO Box 1497 St. Cloud, Mn. 56302 320-251-6700 email: johnkolb@rinkenoonan.com

Recording Secretary

Nancy K. Finley 24701 515th Ave Austin, Mn. 55912 507-438-4473 email: nancykfinley@gmail.com

Terms:

3 years

Michelle O’Connor

28933 872nd Ave Austin, Mn. 55912 507-438-1939 email: shellanno@icloud.com

Freeborn 11-13-27

Jeff Ravenhorst

82329 290th St. Hollandale, Mn 56045 507-383-6428 email: jeffRaven@hotmail.com

Freeborn 11-13-26

Jon Erichson

911 18th St. SW Austin, Mn. 55912 507-438-2339 email: jerichson@harter.net

Mower 11-13-25

Dave Vanderploeg

28674 810th Ave Hollandale, Mn. 56045 507-383-4981 email: daveandkarenvp@gmail.com

Freeborn 11-13-25

Peter H. VanErkel

503 Hague Ave South Hollandale, Mn. 56045 507-383-3079 email: phvanerk@gmail.com

Freeborn 11-13-26

The following Officers for 2025 were elected: Chairperson Vice Chairman Treasurer Secretary Manager

Michelle O’Connor Dave Vanderploeg Jon Erichson Peter Van Erkel Jeff Ravenhorst

Turtle Creek Watershed District Advisory Committee elected March 2021: Allan Ravenhorst Brad Edwards Dean Reed Mike DenHerder Arlen Schamber

Hollandale, Mn. 56045 Hollandale, Mn 56045 Hollandale, Mn. 56045 Hollandale, Mn 56045 Austin Mn 55912

507-383-6893 507-383-9445 507-402-0403 507-383-1078 507-993-3985

The Turtle Creek Watershed Board of Managers held 12 regular meetings during the 2024 year and provided Zoom access to those meetings. Also holding one workshop for goals for the year and accomplishments from the previous year, and one Joint meeting with SWCD, CRWD, and TCWD. The following were permit applications approved by the Managers during the year: 21 tiling applications, 1 Wetland application, 1 pump station, 2 clean waterways.

The budget for 2025 was set as follows: 1. Attorney Fees (Rinke Noonan ) 2. Recording Secretary /Expenses 3. Managers 4. Administrative Services (Mower SWCD) 5. Audit and Monthly Financial Services 6. Viewers Association and MAWD Dues 7. Insurance 8. Advertising and Postage 9. Rent 10. Water Monitoring and Water Plan 11. Incentives, Cost Sharing, Conservation 12. Tree Removal 13. Beaver Tails 14. Clean Water Legacy Total

$10,000.00 $ 7500.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 19,000.00 $ 7,000.00 $ 3,500.00 $ 2,200.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 800.00 $ 6000.00 $ 22,900.00 $ 15,000.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 117,400.00

In January 2024 the joint meeting for the annual planning workshop for Turtle Creek Watershed and the Citizens advisory committee was held at the Government Center in Hollandale, Mn at 3:30 PM. Nancy distributed copies of the 2023 Annual report she has prepared for review and James distributed copies of the 2024 work plan that itemizes the goals and achievements from the previous year, what projects are ongoing and what the Managers feel is priority for the coming year including discussion to Maintain and Improve the integrity of Watershed Ditch systems.

James also done a slide show with photos and interesting finds of news articles.

Following adjournment, the regular January meeting continued with discussion including Rules/Permitting violation, CD#8 Improvement and crop damage report.

At the January 2024 meeting Steve Penkava distributed copies of the 2024 crop damage report as follows: It is the policy of Freeborn County to set a rate of pay for crop damages that may occur due to repair, improvement, or construction projects. This is done at the beginning of the year for the entire year.

The yield is determined by using a three-year average yield for Freeborn County from data received from the USDA. (National Agricultural Statistics Services) The sale price is determined by using an average sale price for “new crop” corn and beans from three local elevators on November 28,2023.

Corn damage rate 208.0 bushels @ $ 4.63 = $963 per acre Bean damage rate 59.6 bushels @ $12.23 = $729 per acre Freeborn County Crop Damage Rate for 2023 (Not planted) It is the policy of Freeborn County to set a rate of pay for crop damage that may occur due to repair, improvement, or construction projects. This is done at the beginning of the year for the entire year.

In anticipation of an upcoming project the County may occasionally ask a landowner not to plant the area to be worked on. This gives the Contractor more time to complete projects and may also result in better quotes.

The rate of pay for not planted acres is $660. Per acre. This rate is based off from an average annual rental rate of approximately $375.

The first year the unplanted acres would have no yield The second-year yield reduction would be approximately 50% because the soil has been disturbed.

The third-year yield reduction would be approximately 25% because the soil has been disturbed The fourth year the yield should be back to normal.

These two documents have been signed by 3 Drainage Ditch Viewers and Kelly Hendrikson Freeborn County Auditor-Treasure.

Jeff made a motion to accept these reports seconded by Jon and carried.

In February 2024 Turtle Creek Watershed Board was invited to join the SWCD/CRWD meeting with at the Hormel Nature Center followed by the regular TCWD meeting.

In February Chad Billat gave an update regarding the Angell Restoration design.

Also, at the February meeting Jeanine Vorland was unable to attend but, sent the following update on Geneva Lake: Plans for winter drawdown were cancelled due to lack of sufficient winter conditions to help induce winterkill. The primary objective of winter dewatering is to control undesirable fishes. Since winter drawdowns do carry some downside for non-target species we decided to cancel plans given the likelihood of failure to achieve the main objective. We plan to initiate a growing season drawdown in spring in order to regenerate vegetation.

In March 2024 the CD#8 public hearing was held.

Rules/Permitting Violation was discussed, Also, in March a motion was made to transfer $50,000.00 from the checking account to the Money Market at Home Federal for audit purposes and FDIC guidelines.

In March James met on site with NRCS and BWSR engineers along with Jeanine Vorland and Chad Bilat and other representatives from the 3 agencies on Friday March 1st 2024 regarding flood storage where all parties agree to design the 30+ acre basin to allow 6 inches of bounce with rain events with one foot of absolute maximum bounce. BWSR is starting the design process. James will continue to work with all parties involved to see if he can work more changes into the design to incorporate more storage and larger and deeper basin.

In April 2024 the continued hearing began at 5:15 P.M. regarding the Preliminary Survey Report prepared for the petition of the Improvement of County Ditch #8 in Freeborn County, Mn. At the April meeting James reported CRWD staff started collecting water samples at the four Turtle Creek sites on April 10th for Water Quality Monitoring. They will attempt for a total of 10 samples at all four sites this year as in the past.

In the May 2024 meeting Nancy’s internet issues were addressed as well as Mark Behrends reported for the ditch viewers that planting is wrapping up so the board is able to set up the public hearing for CD#31 Redetermination of Benefits.

Jeanine attended the meeting in June 2024 and reports Geneva Lake levels increased quite a bit with the recent rains. The lake level is currently about 7 inches over the normal runout for the dam. All stop logs are in place.

James reported in June the Wo Wacintanka Wildlife Management Area wetland project area plans are being worked on by Board of Soil and Water Wetland Restoration team. The water levels in the proposed restoration area wetland adjacent to private land are planned to provide as much storage as possible. More than one restoration area is planned. Draft plans will be shared with the district as they are being developed. Steve Penkava noted there is a beaver dam on the Deer Creek ditch on the wildlife area that is planned to be removed.

Om July 2024 Jon presented the draft copies of the financial audit and pointed out the most important pages, after discussion Pete made a motion to accept the audit seconded by Jon and carried. James will obtain the final copies and Nancy will forward a copy to BWSR. Jon presented the proposed administrative budget for 2025. After discussion Pete made a motion to set the hearing date for August 20th 2024 at the Government Center in Hollandale, Mn at 5:30 P.M. for $117,400.00. Nancy will publish the hearing notice in the Austin Dailly Herald—Mower County and Albert Lea Tribune-Freeborn County.

Also, in July Cody & Noelle Viktora attended the meeting to request advice regarding a private crossing culvert on their property.

After discussion the Board directed Steve Penkava to monitor FEMA to see if they qualify for any assistance.

The Cedar – Wapsipinicon Watershed will be holding a Conservation Tour to showcase upcoming conservation projects, projects that are under construction, and projects that have been completed using Minnesota’s Watershed Based Implementation Funding (WBIF) within the Cedar – Wapsipinicon Watershed.

We will be leaving from the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in Austin (1304 21st St. N.E. Austin, MN 55912) on Wednesday, August 07, 2024 at 9:00 am, and will return about 12:00 noon with a lunch to be served. Please wear appropriate attire as we will be in the field and walking to some of the project sites.

In August 2024 the Public hearing for CD#31 Redetermination of Benefits was held. Also, the public hearing for the 2025 Proposed Administrative budget/Levy was held.

Steve gave a bid estimate for brush control from B & W Brush control of 419,000.00.

Att’y Kolb presented information related the initiation of redetermination of benefits proceedings from Freeborn County Ditches 30 and 81. The Board initially considered and initiated actions for the redeterminations at is May meeting. Att’y Kolb presented the Board with formal findings and orders initiating the redeterminations of benefits and the secretary’s orders directing the appointed viewers to qualify and execute their oaths. Pete moved, seconded by Dave to adopt the initiating orders as presented. Motion carried by unanimous vote.

Jeanine Vorland attended the meeting and reports Geneva Lake water levels have returned to near normal for the summer. The water clarity is poor due to green algae, but overall, the lake is supporting good vegetation. Submersed vegetation including Important wildlife food plants such as sago pondweed and wild celery is common with dense stands found in many places across the lake. These plants are important food for waterfowl, cover for small fish and invertebrates, and help to stabilize the lake bottom and protect shoreline areas from wave action and erosion. This is good news considering the stormy June and flooding in late spring and early summer. Flooding conditions in the first part of the growing season can have significant negative impacts on these habitats. Emergent vegetation such as rushes and cattails has died back to near the minimum amount observed on the lake over the years.

Steve gave a FEMA report stating they have 6 projects at this time. Steve attended a FEMA disaster fund meeting and learned we would have to report damages on Mower County’s disaster relief application since the tree are down in Mower County, he will continue to work with FEMA and monitor the sites.

At the September 2024 meeting Steve distributed copies of the Repair Levy showing the balance as of 08/31/24 including current payable and planned Fall repairs After discussion Jon made a motion to set the 2025 proposed repair fund levy at $125,000.00 seconded by Pete and carried. Nancy will forward copies to both County Auditor-Treasures.

Also, in September Pete made a motion to increase the Rules Violation fine to $1000.00 from the current one of $500.00 seconded by Jeff and carried.

Continued from the July meeting James updated the Managers on the Viktora crossing. Steve invited Cody and Noelle to attend this meeting to further discuss their driveway crossing. They were not present at the meeting. After discussion Jon made a motion to not provide cost share for the replacement of the culvert. However, if requested by the landowner the Board would investigate possible financing options provided by Freeborn County, Pete seconded the motion and carried.

In October 2024 Jeanine Vorland attended the meeting to discuss the Wacintanka Wetland Restoration. Jeanine Vorland asked the board for both administrative and financial assistance with wetland restorations in the Wo Wacintanka Wildlife Management Area located a few miles SW of Blooming Prairie in the headwaters of the Deer Creek Watershed. Most of the funding has been secured, but there may be a need for more depending on bids. The board directed James to look into watershed-based implementation funding and asked Jeanine for specifics and a contract regarding administrative assistance.

Jeanine provided an update on the status of Lake Geneva saying that the lake will be drawn down this winter to hopefully induce a winterkill to set back undesirable fish species. This effort would help emergent and submergent aquatic vegetation establish in the lake that would improve water quality and waterfowl habitat.

In November 2024 James reports he has requested a Federal UE1# from the IRS in order to get paid for FEMA disaster funds.

Also, in November James reported he is working with Cody Fox and Adam King (Dodge SWCD District Manager) who are involved both 1W1P committees and they both are in favor of the DNR submitting an application for WBif funding. James is waiting for a final cost estimate and flow reduction numbers from BWSR so he is able to make a Contract to seek approval through TCWD.

At the December 2024 meeting Jon stated he met with the financial person at Alerus (formerly Home Federal Savings) and explained the rate of interest difference between the money market and a CD. After discussion Dave made a motion to

authorize Jon to transfer $5,000.00 from the checking account to the money market account and open a CD which renews every 7 months seconded by Pete and carried.

Jon will also add James’s name to the account so there are two names on the account.

James reports he applied for a new Tax ID number and getting UEI#(formerly DUNS) and then registered an account in the SAM US government grant system. We can now get reimbursed from FEMA. James also registered in the SWIFT system for state dollars disbursements for if we decide to move forward with the WO Wacintanka JPA. James provided a copy of the TCWD rules/Policy to each Manager to review as they need to be updated. Att’y Kolb informed the Board they need to review our rules and policy to determine why we have them and if any modifications are necessary. The Managers will schedule a 2 hour workshop which Att’y Kolb will help lead the discussion.

Pete made a motion to set the date and time for the annual workshop at 3:30 PM on January 21st, 2025 at the Hollandale Government center before the regular monthly meeting seconded by Jeff and carried. James will invite the Citizens advisory committee to attend this workshop. Dave will be unavailable in January; Jon will plan to attend remotely.

The TCWD Board has been invited to attend the joint meeting with Mower SWCD /CRWD/TCWD in February. Date and time to be determined. James will notify everyone when Cody sets the date.

Jon made a motion to increase the Managers per Diem according to MN statue to $125.00 per meeting beginning at the January 2025 meeting seconded by Dave and carried.

Other main topics discussed at the meetings during 2024 included brush control, tree removal and cleanup, grass strip maintenance, tiling issues, culvert issues, water monitoring and permit applications and County Board reports with the Commissioners.

This concludes the 2024 annual report for the Turtle Creek Watershed District.

Respectfully Submitted, Nancy K. Finley Recording Secretary