Congratulations to Dave, Cindy, Ryan and Amanda Migler who were select-ed for the 2016 Pierce County Soil Conservation District 2016 Achieve-ment Award for their accomplishments and their contribution to conservation. The Migler’s operate a 4th

generation farm and ranch southwest of Rugby. The Migler’s have used the EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Pro-gram) to plant cropland back to grass, installed fences, and water systems with solar to develop several rotational graz-ing systems. They use residue management techniques on all cropland acres. Dave and Ryan have also planted 9,000 linear feet of additional windbreaks. Ryan and Amanda have 4 chil-

dren: Miryilan, Ayla, Jared, and Aubryn. The Pierce County SCD congratulates the Miglers on their good work!

2016 Achievement Award Winner

Winter 2016

FUTURE BOARD

MEETINGS

January 10th

February 14th

March 14th

Meetings are at 8:30

a.m. and are held in

the USDA conference

room and are open to

the public.

Pierce County Soil

Conservation District Find us on the web:

www.piercecountyscd.org

www.facebook.com/piercecountyscd

District Staff

Kodi Harmel

-District Clerk -

Crystal Martodam

-District Technician-

SCD Board

Supervisors

Kevin Heilman

Dan B Brossart

Deb Hauser

Curtis Roerick

James Teigen

Inside this issue:

Tom Gibson 2

District Services 2

2017 Hand plant

Order Form 3

Winter Fish Kill off 4

Ice Fishing 5

Help Wanted 6

NDSU Extension

Office 7

NRCS 8

New Employee 9

Upcoming Events 9

On The Web! 9

On Tuesday, October 18th, Tom Gibson gave presentations about tree’s and the environ-

ment to Ely Elementary, and Little Flower. At Ely he did the “Sam Ting” presentation, he

gave two presentations at Little Flower, one being “Sam Ting”, the other being “Lewis and

Clark”. On Tuesday October 25th, at Wolford he gave one presentation to the elementary

on “Pete Bogg and the amazing water machine”, he also did “Common Cents– A game

show” for the High School students.

Tom Gibson Tree Presentations

District Services

2017 DISTRICT SERVICES AVAILABLE (Prices subject to change)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tree planting $ 25.00 per 100 linear feet $ 200.00 minimum charge (Conventional planter for tilled or no-till sites)

Hand plants Bare Root stock $1.50 per tree ($1.50/tree at tree sale) 25 Ct. Bundle $30.00/per bundle/same species Fabric Weed Barrier $ 55.00 per 100 linear feet $ 250.00 minimum charge $ 200.00 per 6’ roll $ 100.00 per 4’ roll A six-foot wide strip of synthetic barrier applied after the trees are planted $1.00 per foot (6’ wide) (+tax) $0.50 per foot (4’ wide) (+ tax) Tree Tube Protectors $ 2.50 each (2’ protector) (+ tax) $ 4.50 each (4’-6’ protector) (+ tax) Tree Mats (available upon request) $ 4.00 ea. (6’ x 6’ / 8 staples) (+ tax) Tree Spade (moving trees) (Plus $4.00 / mile) $ 45.00 each /move 1 tree $ 40.00 each / 2 – 10 trees $ 35.00 each / 11 or more Plantskydd Deer/Rodent Repellant 1 lb. Soluble Powder Concentrate $29.95 (+ TAX) 1 Qt Pre-mixed Spray $21.95 1lb Shaker $14.95 1.32 gal Pre-mix jug $59.95 Rain Barrels 55 gallon barrel, water saver kit, spigot $53.50

(+ Tax) 55 gallon barrel, water saver kit $42.80 Water saver kit only $26.75

Fertilizer Packets $1.00/each packet (+ tax)

Fabric Staples $0.10/Staple or $45.00/box of 500(+tax)

Stock Tank Ramp w/o straps $63.00 for one

Page 2 Pierce County Soil Conservation District

Page 3

* Tall Stock may not be available in some species*

North Dakota’s shallow prairie lakes are fertile grounds for fish, with good food sources and little competition resulting in jumbo perch and fast-growing walleye. Unfortunately, they are also more susceptible to winter fish kills. Winter fish kills typically result from low dissolved oxygen levels and are the most common type of fish kill. They can devastate a lake’s fish population with recovery tak-

ing years. When it comes to dissolved oxygen, not all fish have the same requirements. Trout require the most oxygen and start to stress at oxygen levels below 5 parts per mil-lion (ppm). Bluegill and largemouth bass also are moderately sensitive to lower oxy-gen levels. Walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, common carp and crappie species have intermediate tolerances down to about 2 ppm. Bullheads and fathead minnows are the most tolerant of low oxygen.

What Causes a Winter Fish Kill? When dissolved oxygen in water is depleted, the aquatic life (e.g., fish) that live in that water can suffocate. The amount of oxygen in the water depends on three variables: (1) the rate of oxygen production by plants, (2) the amount of mixing with air above the lake, and (3) the rate of oxygen consumption by aquatic organisms. Factors that can cause dissolved oxygen levels to drop during the winter months include: · Excess snow cover. The build-up of snow on the ice blocks the sunlight needed by aquatic plants

that produce oxygen, a by-product of photosynthesis. · Excess amount and duration of ice cover. Oxygen levels in lakes are replenished by wave action. Pro-

longed ice cover prevents this from occurring, keeping oxygen levels low. · Excess nutrient loading. Nutrient enrichment (phosphorus, nitrogen) increases plant growth which

is the primary source of organic matter in lakes. Lakes which have a low oxygen storage capacity and high rate of oxygen consumption from the decomposition of this organic matter are vulnerable to fish kills. This is especially a concern for shallow prairie lakes which are naturally productive.

In addition to depleted oxygen, the decomposition of organic material by bacteria can release gases like hydrogen sulfide (recognized by its “rotten egg” odor) and methane. These gases build up when ice prevents their escape, and they can be lethal to fish. Short-Term Solutions Aeration is the typical Band-Aid approach used to prevent a winter fish kill. A fan or pump is used to circulate water or diffuse oxygen into the lower levels of the lake, much like what is used for an aquarium. In northern climates, however, aeration can create safety concerns by weakening ice po-tentially causing accidents. Another solution is dredging. Dredging removes organic material that will decompose, and it deepens the water body thereby lessening the chance of a winter kill. It should be noted, however, that dredging, if done effectively can be very costly. While effective short term solutions, neither aeration nor dredging addresses the real problem, i.e., WHY is the oxygen level low? To know the answer to this question, water quality samples should be taken to determine the amount of nutrients present, as well as measure oxygen levels and tempera-tures throughout the year. As stated earlier, excess nutrients lead to excessive plant growth. When the plants die they sink to the bottom of the lake. Decomposition begins, using up oxygen which is especially critical for aquatic life during the winter months.

Winter fish kill off by Jim Collins Jr.

Page 4 Pierce County Soil Conservation District

Page 5

Winter fish kill off by Jim Collins Jr. Contd.

Long-Term Solutions The best way to avoid winter fish kills is to prevent excess nutrients from entering our lakes. Some nutrient management techniques for homeowners include: 1. If you live near a lake, do not use fertilizers containing phosphorus on your lawn. 2. Make sure your septic systems are in proper functioning condition. 3. Keep leaves, grass clippings and other organic matter out of storm sewers and ditches that flow to

lakes and rivers. 4. Pick up pet waste and litter. 5. Do not mow to the edge of a river or lake, leaving a buffer to prevent nutrients from reaching the

water body. Nutrient management techniques for farmers and ranchers include: 1. When farming near water bodies, leave a buffer of deep-rooted plants to filter sediment and nu-

trients from runoff. 2. Manage nutrients so crops utilize what is added, increasing efficiency and profit. 3. Remove marginal land from production and/or convert to water retention areas. 4. Manage livestock waste to prevent runoff. 5. Limit the direct access of livestock to lakes and rivers.

If everyone does their part, we can help prevent winter kills from spoiling some of our favorite “secret” fishing holes. During this North Dakota winter, pay special attention to the lakes you visit. If you are drilling holes to fish and the water has a “rotten egg” odor, notify the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) so it can be determined if water quality monitoring is necessary. If you notice dead fish in the spring, notify the North Dakota Game and Fish Department or the NDDoH. For more information about fish kills, please contact the NDDoH - Division of Water Quality at 701-328-5210.

Ice Fishing By Jim Collins Jr. As temperatures start dropping, a portion of the state’s population starts smiling in anticipation of the formation of ice on lakes. Ice means ice fishing and those who are “hooked,” are hooked for life. Most ice anglers will agree that there is something therapeutic about watching a little bobber circle the hole then slowly disappear under the water’s surface. And it is much cheaper than a therapists couch. However, there can be a cost to water quality. The Problems Ice fishing, like other outdoor activities, can impact our water quality. Sources of impacts include; · Using anti-freeze to keep holes from icing over · Gas/oil mixes leaking from ice augers, ATVs, and vehicles · Human and pet waste · Litter including food scraps, cigarette butts, paper, and small propane tanks · Disposal of live bait The Solutions · Never use anti-freeze or fertilizers to keep holes free of ice. An ice scoop with a long handle is

best. · Make sure your ice auger and vehicles are serviced regularly. Fix leaks before you head out to your

favorite lake. · If you have to “go,” do not go on the ice or down a hole in the ice. Human waste contains pathogens

that are harmful to other humans and animals. Take along a portable toilet or locate nearby bath-rooms to take care of business.

· Take a trash bag to pick up litter before you leave the ice. If you see others leave trash behind, please pick up theirs too. It’s the right thing to do.

· Live bait can carry pathogens that are dangerous to aquatic life. Never dump bait on the ice or down a hole. Carry it off the lake and dispose of it in the trash.

Always remember, if you

Pack It In ...Pack It Out!

*Tree Planters Wanted*

*No Experience is necessary* *Beginning: end of April-June/

July*

-Must have valid driver’s license

-Flexible days

-Flexible hours (usually 8-4:30)

Skills to perform the job, but not limited to:

-Ride tree planter to plant tree’s

-Lift fabric rolls

-Cut fabric

-Drive tractor

Must be at least 16 years of age or older

For more information contact the SCD office at 776-

2207 ext.3

Page 6 Pierce County Soil Conservation District

Page 7

Annie’s Project – Education for Farm Women Coming to Rugby!

The NDSU Extension Service – Pierce County office plans to offer Annie’s Project – Education for

Farm Women (APEFW) to Rugby later this winter!

For those not familiar with Annie’s Project, it is a program specifically designed for rural women

to strengthen women’s roles in the modern farm enterprise. Women who participate in Annie’s

Project are empowered to become better business owners and partners by managing agricultur-

al risks and bringing greater financial security and well-being to their families.

The six educational sessions of the workshop include topics from the five risk areas. As Annie’s

Project has been localized to meet the needs of farm and ranch women across the country, top-

ics or emphases may vary by location but all five of the following risk areas are covered:

Financial Risk – women and money, basic financial documentation, interpreting financial

statements, enterprise analysis, USDA programs, and record keeping systems

Human Resource Risk – communication and management styles, insurance needs, and suc-

cession planning

Legal Risk – estate planning, farmland leasing, and employee management

Market Risk – access to market information and grain or livestock marketing

Production Risk – Natural Resources Conservation Service, web soil survey, and crop insur-

ance

Dates for the six session workshop will be February 8, 22, March 8, 22, and April 5, 19. If a ses-

sion needs to be postponed due to weather we use April 26 as a make-up day.

Course size will be limited to the first 25 participants. Course fee is $125.

For more information contact the Pierce County Extension Office at 776-6234 ext. 5.

Upcoming Local & NDSU Extension Events

January 3-4: Lake Region Round-Up – Devils Lake

January 19: Buying Bulls by the Numbers – Rugby

January 23: Café Talk: Alternative Integrated Crop & Livestock Management Methods – Rug-

by

January 25: North Central Livestock Update – Bisbee

February 1: Drake Breeder’s Classic – Drake

February 3: North Central Ag Show - Rugby

NDSU Extension Office

Page 8

Conservation Stewardship Program The Conservation Stewardship Program-CSP- is the largest conservation

program in the United States. Through CSP, agricultural producers and for-

est landowners earn payments for actively managing, maintaining, and ex-

panding conservation activities like cover crops, rotational grazing, ecolog-

ically-based pest management, buffer strips, and pollinator and beneficial

insect habitat- all while maintaining active agricultural production on their

land. Crop producers, ranchers, dairy farmers, forest landowners, poultry

producers, organic farmers, and specialty crop farmers all participate in

the program.

CSP is Unique CSP participants voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them

enhance natural resources and improve their business operations- provid-

ing food, fiber, and energy. Participants enroll their entire Ag operation in

the program under a 5-year contract, with the option to renew for another

5 years. NRCS helps producers maintain or improve the existing conserva-

tion activities on their operation and adopt new ones. The program offers

greater incentives for producers who want to kick their conservation up a

notch with bundles of enhancements with higher payment rates.

An application needs to be signed by February 3rd 2017

NRCS

Pierce County Soil Conservation

District

126 2nd Ave SW Suite 104

Rugby, ND 58368

Phone: 701-776-2207 x3

Email: kodi.harmel@nd.nacdnet.net

Or:

crystal.martodam@nd.nacdnet.net

Next Board Meeting: January 10th at 8:30

a.m.

February 3rd: Ag Show

Watch For: Nip it in the Bud: Tree Workshop

Watch For: Cattle, Crops, and Coffee

Dates the Office is Closed:

Dec.26th: Christmas Day Observed

Jan. 2nd: New Years Day Observed

Jan. 16th: Martin Luther King Jr Day

Feb 20th: George Washington's Birthday

...Upcoming Events

Find us on the web!

www.piercecountyscd.org

www.facebook/piercecountyscd

New Employee: Crystal Martodam– District Technician

I began working with the Pierce County soil Conservation as the Dis-

trict Technician on December 5th and have been getting ready and

learning planned tree plantings and producers since. Previously I’ve

worked for NDSU Extension as an agent and before that the Rolette

County Soil Conservation. Along with my 4 children, Cole, Kasey, Ash-

ley and Lane we live near Mylo and operate The Pony Express. I look

forward to meeting more producers from Pierce County and hope to

work with you in the future!