01-20-1998 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minnesota Extension Service University of Minnesota Dakota County 4100 220th Street West Farmington MN 55024-9539 (612) 891-7700 TDD: (612) 891-7749 FAX: (612)463-8002 E-mail: dakota@mes.umn edu .Sent. 8, 1997 TO; Mr. & Mrs. Pendleton FR: Jeremy Geske, Extension Educator sr~". RE: Sept. 5 farm visit I wasn’t sure who to address this to, so I'll send it to you along with a copy for you to forward to the appropriate people. As I understand it, the Pendletons are hoping to build a small pasture and a riding arena (which could also serve as a second pasture) to keep their one horse during the summer months (approx. 6-7 months, April- Nov.). The horse would be boarded over winter. Currently, the horse is boarded year round. I assume the reason I was asked to inspect the site is because of the concern over manure, considering the proximity of the lake, a small creek and a septic system. I’m not familiar with the local setbacks for these regions, but the Pendletons will comply with regulations and build their fences accordingly. The plan would be for both the pasture and riding arena to maintain a cover of vegetation, which greatly reduces the potential for run-off to carry manure into the lake. In addition, one horse w ill not produce manure in large enough quantity to be a major concern. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from the manure should be utilized by the existing vegetation. Their are plans for the lot to be cleaned occasionally, and the manure composted. 1 can’t see manure building up in significant quantity to become a pollution hazard. If I understand correctly, there are about 4 and 1/2 acres of land; however, 1 would like to know how many acres will be available after the setbacks are taken into consideration. This would help us determine if supplemental feeding would be necessary. The amount of horse traffic on land also has an impact on the vegetation. Having two pastures, so the horse could be rotated every so often, would relieve some of this pressure. The Pendletons indicated that they have a very good working relationship with a veterinarian, and with the family that sold the horse to them. They have given me every indication that the have the desire and the resources to take care of the horse, and are very anxious to comply with all regulations. Based on our visit and the inspection of the land, I do not see any reason to deny the permit. If the permit is granted, I would like to visit the site late next summer to see if the pastures have maintained the vegetation. If the pressure from grazing and horse traffic reduces the vegetation too much, one could simply board the horse at another site. Since the horse is boarded part of the year an>'way, this shouldn’t be a problem. When selecting a site for composting the manure, choose one that is not in the path of runoff, and preferably out of view from the public. If necessary, we could also look at diverting clean water runoff away from the pastures. I hope this letter meets your needs for this permit process. Don’t hesitate to call me at 891-7704 if f can be of further assistance. I would be glad to provide information on such things as composting manure or horse management. f UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA. U S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. AND MINNESOTA COUNTIES COOPERATING