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Kansas Technical Committee Minutes - September 2007
Kansas Technical Committee (KTC) Meeting
Harold L. Klaege, State Conservationist, NRCS, gave the welcome, introductions, and opening remarks at 10:00 a.m. The meeting was then turned over to Rod J. Winkler, Agricultural Programs Specialist, Farm Service Agency (FSA), Manhattan, Kansas. Those present were provided with a copy of the FSA Notice Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)-560 "State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE)" and a proposal for CRP practice CP38A, SAFE Habitat for Upland Game Birds. The proposal was submitted by a working group consisting of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), Pheasants Forever (PF), Quail Unlimited, Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF), The Nature Conservancy, and the Kansas Rural Center (KRC).
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Acrobat Reader. Rod Winkler conducted a brief review of FSA Notice CRP-560. Then Cherrie A. Nolden, KDWP, reviewed the SAFE proposal with the group. The following discussion items ensued when reviewing page 3, technical SAFE requirements of the proposal: Under Bullet Number 2:It was pointed out that NRCS standards and specifications will not allow for a reduction of 50 percent of the recommended seeding rate. The proposal (page 2, second bullet from bottom) describes required cover and grass seed mixes. The group discussed the language that a mix "must not contain less than five percent invasive introduced grasses." Harold Klaege suggested the species with invasive potential be stated more specifically. It was also suggested that five forbs and five native grasses in the grass mix is not adequate. Discussion was held on mid-contract management requirements. Rod Winkler reviewed current requirements for managed haying and grazing under CRP. Due to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) lawsuit, Kansas producers can currently manage graze and manage hay CRP one out of every 10 years. Ron Klataske, Audubon of Kansas, expressed concern that there may be significant overlap with the 35,000 acres already offered under practice CP33, Habitat for Upland Birds. He believes the CP38 proposal is good as written, but needs to complement CP33. He stated concerns with farming around the strips of CRP within a field and was disappointed with being omitted from the development of this practice. Mr. Klataske would like to see the project focus on the Lesser and Greater Prairie Chicken with blocks of 2-40 acres rather than strips as these species prefer "open areas" away from fences, trees etc. The strips are not conducive with the nesting and brood rearing habitat needed for Prairie Chickens. Other KTC members mentioned that the large number of CRP acres enrolled in Kansas has helped the Lesser Prairie Chicken. Part of the problem with Prairie Chicken management is the poor management of native grasslands. Rod Winkler reminded the group the deadline for submitting the SAFE proposal to the Kansas State FSA Committee is October 22, 2007, which is hardly enough time to revamp the proposal. Ron Brown, State Association of Kansas Resource Conservation and Development (SAKRCD), mentioned they are having a hard time "selling" buffer projects in Southeast Kansas. It was agreed that with the high commodity prices it may be difficult to get producers to commit to another buffer practice. Herb Bartel, KRC, stated he was very much in favor of this project. Steve Sorensen, KWF, thought the project should be adopted with adjustments made to meet USDA specifications. As a whole, the KTC recommended submitting the proposal to the FSA State Committee with suggested changes. Harold Klaege said the working group needs to meet with NRCS personnel regarding the technical issues in the proposal. Harold Klaege adjourned the meeting at 12:05 p.m. Attendees
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