February 12, 2007 meeting minutes

--The minutes of the January meeting were handed out.  Jason Gillis mentioned that his comments on buffer strips be included in the minutes of the January meeting.

Motion by John Stencil to accept the minutes as amended.   Seconded by Kathleen Seilheimer.  Motion passed.

--Jena from the Flambeau Mine discussed the mine from start to finish. Topics included were:

          -Acid neutralization (lime) mixed with pit back-fill rock

          -High Iron levels in DNR well

          -Volatile organic substance in water at mine house.

          -Water sampling and results of heavy metals tested at mine site.

          -Ground water drains toward the Flambeau River.

          -Certificate of completion for the Flambeau Mine.

Committee members asked questions:

-John Stencil asked how far upstream the mine tested the Flambeau River water.  Near Blueberry lane road was the farthest upstream from the mine site.  About ¼ mile.

-It was observed by Bob Wiltrout that in the sampling Graph high spikes in heavy metals could have come from Ladysmith spring runoff into the Flambeau River.

-Maps of Rusk County we’re handed out.

-The possibility of using Powerline money to buy conservation easements was discussed.

-Mike Russell discussed better informing the general public of the lake classification process.

-John Stencil questioned how the decisions the committee makes effects property owners.

-Tom Metnik mentioned that location of property and water quality effect cost and value of waterfront property.

-Jason Gillis questioned the need for a 2-Mile campground/installation buffer if Rusk County is going to classify Rusk county waters.

-John Styczinski mentioned that he had the idea of a two-mile restriction for campgrounds and after very little discussion it passed.

-Bob Wiltrout discussed the possibility of smaller lot sizes having larger buffer strips and set back of structures.

-Bob Lorkowski had questions about Amacoy lake and where it would fit into the classification scheme.  General Development --- %factor of development and Density of development.

-Jason asked Bob how many people on Lake Amacoy have a vegetative buffer in place.  About 50% was the best estimate.

-The possibility of a tax incentive was discussed, in order to get more people to restore the shoreline were it has already been altered from its natural state.

-It was generally agreed that enforcement of the buffer strip is lacking in the county.  Slow encroachment and cutting cannot be effectively controlled.

-The tax assessor may be the best rout to restore buffers in the county.