Brevard Soil and Water Conservation District

Brevard Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

Business Meeting Minutes

The Brevard Soil and Water Conservation District met in a regular public session on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., at UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County, at 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, FL.

Board members present:        

Brian Fleming, Vice Chair

Jim Fletcher, Supervisor

Billy Kempfer, Secretary

Staff members present:          

Derrick Wyle, USDA NRCS, District Conservationist

Joe Walter, UF IFAS Brevard County Agricultural Agent

 Anna Moore, UF IFAS  Brevard County Agricultural Program Assistant

 Adrienne Adams, UF IFAS Brevard County Administrative Secretary

Guests present:                          

Sheila L. Theus, Director Real Estate Services Program SJRWMD

Presented Documents

·         Written Minutes for August 2023

·         Intergovernmental Agreement Brevard Soil and Water Conservation contract

The meeting was called to order at 4:06 p.m. by Jim F.

Review and Approval of the Current Treasurer’s Report

Chris M. was not at the meeting.  He provided his report by email, which Joe W. relayed to the board. There are no changes or activity from last month, and the current balance stayed at $50,051.87.

Review and Approval of Minutes for the prior Board of Supervisors meeting.

No changes to the minutes for this month. Motion to Approve Minutes – Billy K; Motion Approved – Brian F. Motion Carried.

New Business

a.  Introducing Anna Moore, the new UF IFAS Brevard County Agricultural Program Assistant. Graduated UF in August with a degree in plant science.

District Conversationist Update

Wrapping up the federal fiscal year. Farm Bill expires September 30, 2023; no new one has been completed as of this meeting.

An email was sent out to gauge interest in participating in the Conservation Innovation Grant with virtual training available.

The Association of Florida Conservation Districts annually sends out surveys for Local Working Groups to answer; at this time, the survey has not been sent out for this year. It should be sent out in the near future. The Local Working Group meeting will take place at the October meeting. If the survey has not been received by that time, the LWG meeting might be postponed.

NRCS is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), climate-smart practices through EQIP and CSP funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Apply by November 17.

Old Business

a.       Canaveral Marsh Lease – Motion to approve moving into a discussion of the lease – Billy K.; Seconded – Brian F.  Motion Carried.  Beth S., Gus K., and Anna M. visited the site to address issues raised in the last meeting.  Litter was minimal, and there was no evidence of inappropriate behavior at that time (pictures were taken and presented at the meeting).  The Board/IFAS will be responsible for the entryway to about 50 feet in. The agreement includes hosting four educational outreach programs per year, as well as plans to monitor trash and debris cleanup. The Board voted unanimously to sign the agreement, and it will take effect starting on October 1, 2023.  Graham Williams is the custodian for the area.

b.       Long Range Plan – tabled until next meeting.

New Business

a.       AFCD Annual Fall Meeting – Anna M. will be attending to learn about Streamline, the new company updating the Board’s website.  Motion to approve her attending – Billy K; Seconded – Brian F.  Motion Carried.

b.       Open Discussion: Derrick W. brought up the idea of reaching out to Brevard County schools to get involved with soil judging; possibly with 4-H judges to give kids the opportunity to learn about soils. Ideas were also discussed on how to introduce more agriculture education opportunities to elementary schools, such as the development of hoop houses or school teaching gardens. The schools would likely have to partner with the NRCS to construct and fund projects such as these.

c.       Billy K. has a meeting coming up with the Brevard County School Board on October 4 to talk about getting ag programs in the schools. A representative from the school board may possibly attend the next SWCD meeting in October.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:53 p.m. by Jim F.  

Minutes submitted by Adrienne Adams and Anna Moore.