02-09-1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dakota County DAKOTA COoFlTV CXTtUl^lON A CONSERVATION CCNTES 4|(K)-220SiruM V\ . Sliilu- lOI l-anniupton. MN 55o24 V5.iy PHONK (6l?)h^M 7700 TDD (6I2)K91-77.W MK ((i|2)46T-KcH)2 WCB htip;//www.pirtenilon umn,tdu/ '•dskotp/ C.MAIW dsHoiADaxipnAlon.umn.sdu UNivhkjjiTY OF Minnesota Extension February 6,1998 TO; Brad Brcssicr, City of Orono FR: Jeremy Oeske, Extension Educator, Livestock Syste RE: Jon & Mog Pendleton’s request to keep I horse... CC: Jon & Meg Pendleton The Pendleton’s wish to keep one horse, for approximately six months of the year, on their properly. The total amount of manure production from one for half a year is relatively minor. I have recommended a few management practices that should ensure that the manure will not be a pollution problem. ❖ When building the two lots where the horse will be kept, follow city (and/or county) required / recommended setbacks from shoreland and septic system. >* Three areas of concern were the lakeshore, the septic system and the small creek that cuts across the property and empties into the lake. I'he creek is basically only a concern during spring run-off from snowmelt. Since the horse will not be kept on the property over winter, this shouldn’t be a problem. *> Maintain a vegetation cover on the horse lots if possible. > Meg A Jon have expressed their willingness to provide supplemental forage (hay) to reduce grazing pressure on the lots. I would be happy to inspect the site at the end of the first summer to evaluate the vegetative cover. > If the lots become devoid of vegetation, there arc two things I would recommend: • It would be very cosy to design a clean water diversion that would keep r\in- off from flowing over the lots. • Set up a manure composting pile. If it is deemed that a compost pile is necessary , I would be happy to work with the Pendleton's to design a system for them. Compost piles quickly and efficiently convert manure into organic matter that can readily be used as fertilizer for gardens or fields, and they are relatively odorless. We can design a system that is not in tl»e path of run-off, and by putting a fence around it, we can keep Che area aesthetically pleasing. We’ve talked about this, and they are more than witling to do whatever is necessary. 1 can provide details on how oAen the lot needs to be cleaned, the compost pile emptied, etc. I would also like to add that Jon & Meg give me every indication that they are not only willing to, but also want to manage ihcir horse in a w'ay that is healthy for the horse and safe for the environment. They have made connections with a veterinarian, other horse owners. University of Minnesota Extension staff and other professionals to assist them as they care for this horse. They clearly have the resources and the desire to do things right, and 1 see no reason to deny their request. Jon & Meg may call on me to provide information or assistance in these areas. If you hove any question.s, 1 can be reached at (612)891-7704. lhii\ i r\ii\ ofMhwcM'to. V.^ Pi piitdimu oj ulum , unit Mmm \oUi Cmmtivs Coopemtin^