A major highlight of the meeting was the discussion about recent flood mitigation success in St. Charles. Board members were informed about the reconstruction of a tributary of the Whitewater River, which had been strategically altered to prevent erosion and manage floodwaters more effectively. Notably, the board reported that despite a recent heavy rain event, there was no significant erosion or damage, thanks to the innovative design of the stream banks. Excavators had installed root balls of trees along the banks to help stabilize them and slow down water flow. This strategic approach, coupled with the meandering design modifications, proved to be more effective than previous methods.

Another topic of interest was the ongoing conversation around cover crops and their funding. The board discussed the challenges related to the funding of cover crops, particularly due to pressure from cash crop grain producers who are operating below the cost of production. There was a focus on prioritizing first-time applicants for funding, which has caused some controversy among landowners who have previously participated in cover crop programs and are seeking further assistance. The board emphasized the need to educate farmers on the long-term benefits of cover crops, with a gradual approach to adoption being seen as more sustainable.

The meeting also delved into the topic of deer hunting practices in Winona County. A board member provided insights into the legal harvesting of deer, a practice ongoing for the past 10 to 15 years, aimed at mitigating damage to local farms. The board member detailed how a rental farm had experienced significant deer damage, prompting them to apply for deer depredation tags from the Department of Natural Resources. These permits allowed them to harvest 18 deer over the summer months, with the use of rifles being highlighted as both accurate and safe. The speaker compared Minnesota’s regulations on rifle use to those in Wisconsin, noting similar safety records between the states. This topic brought to light the ongoing need to balance wildlife management with agricultural interests, particularly in light of declining hunter participation rates.

Financial updates were also on the agenda, with the board reviewing the financial situation over the past three months. The total funds increased from $118,900 at the end of May to $129,260 in June, primarily due to a grant payment. An audit revealed a recording issue with a $16,921.75 grant payment related to the Whitewater Drinking Water Protection Grant.

Another discussion focused on well sealing grants, which are set to conclude at the end of the year. The board is considering extending the grant deadline to the end of 2026 to ensure ongoing projects can be completed without delay. The average cost for sealing wells varies, with some projects requiring more extensive work due to unforeseen conditions. This extension aims to facilitate quicker responses to requests and prevent landowners from incurring unexpected expenses.

Lastly, the board touched on the management of crop diseases such as Southern Rust and tar spot. The unpredictable nature of these diseases and their impact on yields were highlighted, with the timing of their appearance being important to minimizing damage. The board noted that timely fungicide applications are essential, although rising input costs and fluctuating commodity prices pose challenges for farmers. Additionally, the meeting addressed the ongoing efforts to manage the spongy moth population, with confirmation that spraying would proceed despite earlier funding concerns.