2021 SOC Overview

This unique collaboration ensures uniform, science-based technical standards to support a wide variety of federal, state and local conservation programs. The SOC process uses teams of local, state and federal agency, researchers, and private sector experts to reach consensus among different interests. Bringing agencies and technical experts together early in the process, and then soliciting input to the drafts by additional practitioners, ensures that the final standards will not only meet the conservation goals, but can be also be readily implemented.

SOC continued efforts to keep the standard users engaged and involved to create more effective practice standards. In celebration of the 25th anniversary, SOC broadened outreach to continue to build awareness and increase participation. The SOC program ensured that the standards reflect current terminology, keep up with evolving technical and scientific knowledge, and involve input from different interests.

SOC supported its partner custodian agencies—DATCP, DNR, and NRCS—in publishing six technical standards in 2021. SOC is also facilitating work in-progress on eight additional technical standards. Specific 2021 accomplishments based on work through a SOC modified or full process are featured below.

• Custodian agencies published the following technical standards based on work through SOC work teams: DATCP 01 Verification of Depth to Bedrock, NRCS conservation practice standard (CPS) 395 Stream Habitat Improvement and Management, CPS 580 Streambank and Shoreline Protection, CPS 582 Open Channel, and CPS 584 Channel Bed Stabilization; and DNR 1008 Permeable Pavement.

• Work in 2021 continues on CPS 328 Conservation Crop Rotation, DNR 1011 High Performance Dry Storm Water Basins, DNR 1060 Storm Drain Inlet Protection for Construction Sites, and DNR 1072 Horizontal Directional Drilling.

7draft standards through external review

Reviews yielded 583 comments from 74 reviewers

500+ attendees at SOC presentations

62 individuals represented on active SOC work teams

If you’d like to stay informed about opening of comment periods for draft standards, publication of revised standards, standard-related training events, and other opportunities to help improve Wisconsin’s technical standards, sign up for SOC emails at socwisconsin.org.