Standards Development

We help shape urban and agricultural standards by utilizing the diverse expertise and experiences of our partners and team members.

Standards Oversight Council

The Standards Oversight Council (SOC) is an interagency collaboration to assist partner agencies in the development of uniform technical standards that protect Wisconsin’s natural resources. These standards are used by NRCS, DATCP, DNR, and counties in implementing urban and rural conservation practices across the state.

Teams mixed with both public and private sector participants use available research, technology, and field experience to create and update technical standards. This interdisciplinary, collaborative forum helps provide uniform planning, design, and installation criteria.

The SOC process encourages broad public input to improve the quality and implementation of conservation standards. SOC also supports outreach to build awareness and participation in the SOC process and helps coordinate training efforts at the completion of standards.

2021 marked the 25th anniversary for the Standards Oversight Council, a collective partnership among conservation agencies to develop and maintain Wisconsin’s technical standards for soil and water conservation practices.

SOC work is detailed further in the 2021 SOC Annual Report available at socwisconsin.org