Advocacy & Legislation

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

We advocated for the passage of Wisconsin Act 223 (Assembly Bill 727), which provides more tools for county LWCD staff to improve water quality, promote soil health, and protect drinking water. The act achieved a longstanding policy priority of ours in creating a new hydrogeologist position at the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey which will work with counties to provide important groundwater data. The act also created the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program and Cover Crop Insurance Premium Rebate Program, both housed at the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. (DATCP).

We also welcomed new land conservation committee (LCC) members across the state into our membership, who we supported with LCC- specific resources and training through our website’s Members Hub.

An excellent turnout of county conservation staff was present to celebrate the signing of ACT 223.

Pictured from left: Matt Krueger (WI Land+Water), Shane Wucherpfennig (Wood Co), Steve Bradley (Portage Co.), Dustin Ladd (Juneau Co.), Pat Kilbey (Marquette Co), Jen McNelly (Portage Co.), Kirstie Heidenreich (Marathon Co.), Kirk Langfoss (Marathon Co.), Dustin McHenry (Marathon Co.)

Communications

We share conservation successes, innovative solutions, and the hard work of local leaders to underscore the impact of locally led conservation across Wisconsin.

In 2022, we were committed to strengthening our relationships with key partners and finding new and creative ways to communicate and engage with our audiences. Whether it was through our participation in important initiatives, expanding our online presence, or developing new communications materials, our goal was to provide value and support to those we serve. Below are highlights of the key achievements that have allowed us to further our mission and better meet the needs of our members.

Participation in the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin: Our team served on the Communications Steering Committee for the Clean Economy Coalition of Wisconsin, which is a collaborative partnership of organizations working towards a clean economy in our state.

Expansion of digital publications: We continued to expand our online presence by leveraging Issuu and our website to publish newsletters and resources, including an interactive conference program after the pivot to a virtual annual conference.

Working with Climate Resilience Program: We worked closely with our Climate Resilience Program to develop multiple communications pieces, including the County Roadmap explainer handout for carbon sequestration practices.

Expanding communications partnerships: Our team continued to expand our partnerships through our participation in the StateFederal Climate Initiative, promotion of agroforestry practices in Monroe County with the Savanna Institute, and collaboration with DATCP to publish three county success stories in the Wisconsin Report On Soil and Water Conservation. We also worked to increase our earned media through the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk.