Policy and Advocacy

We advocate for locally led conservation and champion policies to promote county-based conservation work in Wisconsin.

Legislative/Administrative Committee

Advocacy efforts are informed by our Legislative/Administrative Committee, with members coming from all eight areas of the state, to ensure regional representation. The committee promotes the values of local control and flexibility in implementing conservation programs, including regulatory and voluntary approaches.

Area Associations

Eight area associations are organized to further the common interests of county conservation in their areas. To learn more about our area associations, visit: wisconsinlandwater.org/members-hub/ area-associations

2021 Highlights

State Land & Water Conservation Board

We elect three members to the state Land and Water Conservation Board that help to connect local and state governments on conservation and farmland preservation issues.

• Successfully advocated for county conservation department funding in the state biennial budget, constituting increases of $2,065,900 ($11,030,000 total) in 2021-22, and $2,315,900 ($11,280,000 total) in 2022-23.

• Alongside agricultural and conservation group partners, advocated for a $50 million “budget blueprint” to move Wisconsin toward clean water and resilient farms.

• Provided members information on accessing conservation funding via largescale federal infrastructure and COVID relief funding.