2016 Summer District Reports
Dean Johnson, West Central District -- The West Central District is continuing to try to hold trainings at each of our meetings to continue to refresh our skills. In March we had a 2 representatives from the Department of Safety Professional Services come out and talk to us about Commercial buildings and when we should be contacting them about possible permitting. In June, West Central met in Clark County with DNR Staff to refresh our skills on Navigability and Ordinary High Water mark Determination.
Our next meeting will be in Barron County September 8, 2016.
Andrew Baker, Southeast District -- The Southeast District would like to welcome Matt Zangl to the District. Matt was hired to fill the position that was available following Michelle Staff moving on to be the DNR Floodplain Policy Coordinator. Matt graduated in May with a Master’s Degree from Stevens Point and is looking forward to meeting everyone at the Fall Conference. For now, I am sure he is busy making sure permit files are in order for the next NFIP Community Assistance Visit with Michelle.
As for the rest of the District, we did not have a meeting this spring having decided that most, if not all, of the current topics were discussed at the Spring Conference. Like other Districts, members are busy with the construction season and working and Shoreland Zoning Ordinance updates.
CeCe Tesky, Northwest District -- The Northwest District last met on April 20 at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland. Many topcis were covered especially discussions about applying Act 55 standards. There was also discussion about the soils classes held by Ed Taylor of DSPS. It was a great opportunity for those that attended. The District worked with Lynn Markham of CLUE to host a Zoning Committee Training in Hayward on May 6. It was very well attended and well received, also. The district is hosting a Front Office Staff training on Madeline Island on June 29 with customer service, shoreland zoning and wetland training being on the agenda. We will also be going to a septic inspection. The district's next meeting will be July 22 with an outing planned on Rest Lake in Vilas County.
Jeremy Johnson, Northeast District -- NEWCCA and UWEX hosted 30 people in Vilas County for a zoning training session in May. Participants came from Iron, Menominee, Langlade, Lincoln, Vilas, Forest, Marathon and Wood Counties. The training covered various zoning concerns and topics to include property rights challenges, especially related to small business establishment. The topic that attendees rated most valuable was the updates on State shoreland zoning changes.
Adam Wiegel, Southwest District --The Southwest District met in Dodgeville on April 28. Conference Coordinator Scott Godfrey gave an update in regards to the recently held Spring Conference and a preview of the Fall Conference that will be held in Appleton. First Vice President, Dan Everson took input in regards to possible agenda items for the fall 2016 Conference and possible locations for the fall 2017 Conference. A general discussion was held in regards to NR 115, Wisconsin Fund and the siting of Large Farms (CAFO’s). The group had a lengthy discussion in regard to what the WCCA Legislative involvement should be. As a District it was decided that we should try to meet with area Legislator’s and educate them in regards to issues that affect our organization. An unsuccessful effort was made to recruit someone from the District to apply for the Vacant Secretary/Treasurer position. In a landslide vote, Adam Wiegel was officially elected as District Rep. Mike Bindle was elected as alternate. The next district meeting will be held in the fall at a possible Conference site.
Jeff Brewbaker, Central District -- On Friday, June 3, members of the Central District and one person from the DNR made the trip to the Town of Cranmoor in Wood County to participate in a cranberry farm tour. Glacial Lake Cranberry has been producing North America’s native red fruit for 143 years. The region defined by Glacial Lake Wisconsin that formed during Pleistocene has the perfect conditions for growing cranberries. Preferred conditions are slightly acidic soils, sand, and large amounts of water. These conditions exist at the former lake bed. Native cranberries were growing and being harvested in the wild for hundreds of years before traditional farming methods began. The original beds and other artifacts of the farming heritage were on display and demonstrated the progress over the years. The proper management of water and land is critical to sustain their farm. The owners were on site and gave the history lesson and tour; they are very passionate about their farm. All types of wildlife (deer, eagles nesting, turtles…) were spotted using the various reservoirs and support lands that help keep the farm sustainable. Members present were from Portage, Waushara, and Wood County.
Brian Giebel, East Central District -- The East Central Distict has not met since the winter months. No report.