_08062026-1709
Calumet County · Calumet County · meeting of Aug 6, 2026 · Minutes
Open the original document More from Calumet County
Text
Extracted automatically from the original. Tables and formatting may not survive; the original document is authoritative.
206 Court Street
Chilton, WI 53014
Office: (920) 849-1442
Toll Free: (833) 620-2730
Fax: (920) 849-1481
Land and Water Conservation
www.calumetcounty.org
CALUMET COUNTY
LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
THESE MINUTES HAVE BEEN APPROVED
Date: August 6, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Calumet County Courthouse, Room 015
1. Meeting Announcement and Posting
The meeting was properly announced and posted. Chairperson Hofberger called the meeting to order at 10:30
a.m.
2. Roll Call
Committee Members Present: Hofberger, Kesler, Hansen, McCann, Wayne, Lowey
Staff Members Present: Reali, Bonlander, Tollard
Others Present: Joe Smedberg, Abby Adams, Ryan Rice
3. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
4. Approval of Agenda
Motion by Lowey, second by Hansen to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Approval of Minutes from June 4, 2026 Committee Meeting
Motion made by Lowey, second by McCann to approve the minutes from the June 4, 2026 Committee Meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. Public Participation (if requested by Committee Chair)
None
7. Agency and Association Reports
• Natural Resources Conservation Service Report (NRCS)
Smedberg reported on the two primary federal funding programs used for funding Calumet County.
o Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Focuses on protecting natural resources of local
land. There are currently contracts totaling 1.95 million covering 3,777 acres.
o Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Provides $410,000 in rewards to reward local farmers for
good stewardship practices across 1,300 acres.
Adams introduced herself. Adams is a Soil Conservationist for Glacierland Resource Conservation &
Development and is contracted to work for NRCS for 4 years.
Discussion followed.
• Glacierland Resource, Conservation & Development Report
Adams reported on the upcoming Snapshot Day, August 8, 2026. The day is spent monitoring Aquatic
Invasive Species at 20+ locations in Wisconsin.
8. Communications
• Land & Water Monthly; July 2026 & August 2026
Reali reviewed the August issue with the committee.
• WI Land & Water; Membership Renewal Notice
Reali provided an overview of the services that WI Land and Water provides to the county. The upcoming
annual 3-day conference was highlighted as highly beneficial.
9. Items for Action or Discussion
• Paul Tollard; Land Resource Specialist; Introduction
Tollard recapped his professional background, highlighting past service in Fond du Lac County and his recent
work in Kenosha County. His primary focus areas with Calumet County will be Nutrient Management and
Farmland Preservation.
• Discussion on 2027 Budget
Reali presented the information he compiled for the department’s 2027 budget.
• Resolution Authorizing Clean Boats Clean Water Grant application (Action Needed)
Reali presented a $4,000 grant opportunity to fund their internship position. The grant allows for 250 hours
of service, and the county also contributes 100 hours to the intern.
Motion by Kesler to forward the resolution to the County Board, second by Lowey. Motion carried
unanimously.
• WI Land & Water Land Conservation Committee Handbook
Handbooks were distributed to the Committee Members. Reali requested to review them prior to a group
discussion at the next meeting.
10. Report of Department
• Staff Reports on activities over the past month
• Water Resource Specialist
1. Private Well Testing Day – August 17 – Bottle Pickup August 10, 12 & 13
• Conservation Technicians
1. Design and construction project update
2. Training Update
3. Advancing Markets for Producers/Projects
4. Waste Storage and Transfer Permits
• Program Assistant
1. Maintenance projects out for bid
2. Updates to Planning & Zoning website for ADA compliance
• Land Resource Specialist
1. NR 151 Progress & Resource Analysis (NPRA)
• Erosion Control & Stormwater Specialist
1. Survey and design for conservation projects
2. Standards Oversight Council – Construction Erosion Control & Soil Loss
3. Erosion & Drainage Complaints
• Soil Health Specialist/Agricultural Educator
1. Gabriel Huitema to start August 11
11. Report of Committee Members
McCann shared that he recently dropped off a television at the County’s Electronics Recycling event. He shared
his appreciation for seeing fellow department members out volunteering and helping community members at
the event.
Hansen left the meeting at 11:40 a.m.
12. Set Next Meeting Date; September 3, 2026; 10:00 a.m.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for September 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will include tours of
conservation practices. Discussion followed.
13. Consideration of Additional Agenda Items for next Committee Metting
None noted.
14. Adjourn
Hofberger adjourned the meeting at 11:54 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jennifer Bonlander, Recorder
Source: Calumet County website. First collected Oct 10, 2026.