As extreme weather events grow in frequency and intensity, counties across Wisconsin are responding locally driven strategies that reflect their unique challenges, demographics, and priorities. This session will highlight the innovative efforts of Monroe and Ashland counties in building a more resilient landscape.
Wisconsin’s agricultural landscapes are shaped not only by the farmers who work the land but also by the partnerships that support them. The Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant Program (PLWPG)—administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)—is a prime example of how state support, local leadership, and county’s technical expertise can come together to improve soil health and water quality through farmer-driven conservation. This session will highlight how the PLWPG has enhanced conservation implementation efforts in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin’s conservation delivery system stands out nationally for its unique structure—placing the responsibility for technical conservation services at the county level rather than through conservation districts. This model helps strengthen the connection between local efforts and state-level goals. This session will share how the state nonpoint rule that sets agricultural performance standards and prohibitions are integrated to county land and water conservation department implementation responsibilities, and conservation compliance programs such as Farmland Preservation.
