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THE NOTE

Volume 32 | Issue 2 FOR OUR CONSERVATION COMMUNITY

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS IN THE COON CREEK WATERSHED

Conservationists and community members gathered for a tour and celebration in the Driftless area. (Page 18)

Upcoming Events: October 18 Professional Improvement Committee (PIC) Meeting October 19 Board of Directors Meeting Strategic Planning Retreat November 1 Health & Conservation Summit November 14 SOC Meeting of Council Reps

Inside this issue: December 6 Outreach Committee Meeting December 12 SITCOM Meeting December 14 Board of Directors Meeting December 15 Technical Committee Meeting

Read letters from Summer Camp Read about summer camps from our scholarship recipients. Page 8

Health & Conservation Committee launches Learn more about our newest committee and upcoming summit. Page 13

Save the Date for our 71st Annual Conference Join us in Green Bay for another exciting conference in March. Page 16

To learn more about supporting locally led conservation efforts, visit wisconsinlandwater.org.

MESSAGE FROM MATT “Partnership.” It is a word that is spoken in some form at nearly every meeting I’ve attended in a professional capacity over the past five years. Literally. It is a word spoken so frequently in the conservation community that one would think it would have lost its meaning by now—and maybe it would have, if partnerships were not to so vital to everything we do in conservation. Look through this publication, and you will find partnerships everywhere, emblazoned on every page, and nestled within every article. Partnerships with both the U.S. and Wisconsin departments of agriculture; the Department of Natural Resources; the Governor’s office and state legislators from both sides of the aisle; the National Association of Conservation Districts; farmers, landowners, and watershed councils; high school and middle school students (and their teachers and guardians, of course); UW-Madison and UW-Stevens Point; the Wisconsin Geologic and Natural History Survey; the Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards; groups like the Savanna Institute, Grassland 2.0, and the Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition; and of course, and perhaps most importantly, each of our 72 member counties. Did I miss anyone? (It was not intentional, if so.) You see, the work of conservation is too difficult for any one of these entities to do independently—we lack both the human and financial resources for that. And the breadth of issues we regularly engage with is too broad for any one entity to house the expertise necessary to make sustained headway on a particular issue, whether flood mitigation, groundwater pollution, education and outreach, runoff abatement, or so much more. So, we seek out and cultivate partnerships to help us find success. We find the resources we need in the process, and even better, contribute to building the strength of our conservation community, with every new partnership we forge. It is one of the best and most rewarding aspects of this work. We are excited to focus upon partnerships in this issue, and equally excited to welcome our new WI Land+Water colleague Kelli Myers (read more about Kelli on page 4) who will be instrumental in maintaining and continuing to grow our network of conservation partners.

WI Land+Water mourns the unexpected loss of NRCS State Conservationist Ty Larson on October 8. Ty’s legacy in Wisconsin spans decades, but his tenure as State Conservationist was entirely too short. In a short time, he was seemingly everywhere all at once, building or bolstering relationships all over the state, and laying groundwork for shared future endeavors. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on through our shared conservation work. 2

Gov. Tony Evers visits newly dedicated Brinkman’s Landing “The idea that we’re not going to have extreme weather is wrong... we have to be prepared as a state and a country.”

- Gov. Tony Evers In July, Governor Tony Evers stopped at Brinkman’s Landing, the new canoe and kayak boat launch in Sparta that was created through the Monroe County Voluntary Home Buyout Program. In late 2018, Monroe County applied for FEMA Grant Funding to provide relief to property owners impacted by severe flooding events from 2017 and 2018. Several property owners along the

Little La Crosse and La Crosse rivers were identified in the grant application as voluntary participants for property acquisition. Governor Evers heard about the efforts of Monroe County and also speak with the previous property owner, Alan Brinkman. Monroe County held a dedication ceremony in the summer, naming the location Brinkman’s Landing.

Act 32 signed into law, clarifying LCC membership In August, Gov. Evers signed Act 32 (Assembly Bill 131) into law, bringing positive news from the state capitol regarding county land conservation committees (LCCs) in Wisconsin. The act eliminates the previous requirement to appoint a member from the USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA) to county LCCs and instead mandates the appointment of someone engaged in agricultural use, as defined by existing statutory definitions. This change, effective in 2024 during the next round of county LCC appointments, addresses confusion and interpretation issues stemming from the FSA’s role on these committees. WI Land+Water commends this bipartisan legislation, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of various parties, including Sen. Ballweg, Rep. Schutt, Wisconsin Counties Association, and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.

USDA Secretary Vilsack visits Waukesha County farm Board Chair Monte Osterman attended a discussion with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at Gwenyn Hill Farm in the town of Delafield. Sec. Vilsack was promoting the federal effort called “Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities,” which is providing money to partnerships across Wisconsin. The effort’s goal is to support projects in agriculture or forestry that work towards combating climate change. 3

Who’s New(s)? Meet Kelli

a science-based curriculum out in the field. Seeing the impact that learning in the field had on students and watching them form connections with their environment was really a driving factor for my desire to pursue conservation work.

Kelli Myers recently joined the WI Land+Water team as the new Conservation Training and Membership Services Manager. With a background in environmental science and experience as a director of conference services, she will continue to build and strengthen relationships with our members and agency partners in order to coordinate effective training opportunities for our conservation community. Learn more about Kelli, and be sure to give her a warm WI Land+Water welcome! What inspired you to pursue a career in conservation, and how did your journey lead you to Wisconsin? I have always had a love for the outdoors and our environment. I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa but fell in love with Wisconsin while visiting my sister who attended college in the state. I similarly chose to attend a school in Wisconsin and after graduating from Ripon College with a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies, I knew I wanted to work in the environmental sector. While I have had a few different career experiences outside of conservation, most recently working in Conference Services in higher

education, I am very excited to jump back into this world and see more of the important work that is being done in conservation across the state. Have there been any significant outdoor experiences in your life that have shaped perspective of conservation? I am a huge proponent of experiential education and getting out there and interacting in our environment. I had a couple of unique opportunities to “study abroad” while in school – through a two week retreat in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and through a 4-week transatlantic crossing with the Sea Education Association. Being immersed in those ecosystems and getting to study them more intimately was a fantastic experience that I think really helped to deepen my appreciation and understanding of our environment. I also spent a season teaching Outdoor Education in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, leading

I think that the work that conservationists do, and the services and education they put out for the public, is so vital for our current and future generations. I am really excited to get to know our members more closely and to find ways in which I can support them. What are some of your favorite outdoor destinations or activities in Wisconsin? I love hiking and kayaking all around the state, exploring places like Kettle Moraine State Forest, and attending Book Across the Bay in Ashland. One day I will start working on hiking the Ice Age Trail in its entirety. What are you most looking forward to about your new role with WI Land+Water? I am looking forward to meeting people who are doing important work across the state and supporting them in whatever ways possible. I am excited to dive in and see how we can advance our training resources and strengthen our connections across the conservation community. Anything else you want to mention? Go Bills!

DATCP Wisconsin Report on Soil & Water Conservation DATCP’s Bureau of Land and Water Resource Management’s report demonstrates the extensive state and local efforts that protect Wisconsin’s soil and water resources. READ NOW »

Conservation Observance Day shows practices in action Peyton Mueller, our Outreach and Communications intern, attended Conservation Observance Day. She was able to see many of the practices she studies as a Life Sciences Communications and Community/Environmental Sociology major at UW-Madison in action on Schoepp Farms. Read more about her conservation observations!

I’ve had the opportunity to attend some amazing events, and I not only learn so much when attending, but I get to interact with our amazing conservation community. Most recently, I went to our Conservation Observance Day at with Schoepp Farms in Columbia County. When C.O.D. came around, I ventured out of downtown Madison into the countryside of Lodi. It was an amazing day to enjoy the outdoors, and I became more thrilled when I saw the lakeside view as I arrived. As I helped check people in, I indulged in breakfast and fueled up on coffee. After most people arrived, we were warmly welcomed then sent off to the tours. My first stop of the day was the rainfall simulator. Throughout my year working with the conservation community I have heard about rainfall simulators countless times, so I was eager to finally see one in action. The sample of land from the Schoepp’s farm took in the most water, and it left little runoff. This demonstration showed me why tilling is such a hot topic in Wisconsin conservation. I have to say my next stop, the rotational grazing station, was my favorite. Not only did we get to listen to the talkative cows, but we got fenced in right next to them as if we were grazing. This station also familiarized me with Grassland 2.0, a program in UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences where I will graduate next spring! The soil pit was a cool opportunity to dig into soil science. Seeing below the surface was super interesting, and it allowed me to analyze the different properties of soil. The demonstrator, Jamie Patton from USDA-NRCS, also brought posters that showed the depths of roots amongst a variety of plants and crops. Soil science is complex, but this station provided me with hands on experience that deepened my understanding. Needless to say, I was impressed by Schoepp Farms and their family’s dedication to conserving the land. It was inspiring to see conservation in action, and I am so grateful for this opportunity. C.O.D. was not only an educational experience, but it was a time to connect with so many people who care for Wisconsin’s landscapes. I feel blessed to be a part of the Wisconsin conservation community, and I look forward to the future of conservation in Wisconsin and beyond. 5

SUMMER TOUR

GREAT LAKES COMMITTEE TOUR

Each summer, our area associations and committees plan tours that showcase a county’s recent conservation projects and practices. The tours are open to the public, providing an opportunity for professionals and community members alike to learn more about the conservation successes in their area. Check out some highlights from this year’s tours, and browse our Events Calendar for upcoming opportunities to connect with counties.

The Great Lakes Committee met at the Door County Maritime Museum, where attendees toured the museum and visited the top floor of the Lighthouse Tower to learn more about the county’s connection to the Great Lakes. The next day, Bayshore Outfitters shuttled the tour group to Sand Dunes Lake. They saw the results of a successful restoration project that centered around dredging the muck that had led to a growth in cattails, algae, and other invasive species.

HIGHLIGHTS

NORTH CENTRAL AREA Starting at Veterans Memorial Park on Lake Metonga with coffee and pastries, Forest County showcased the reclamation work done to raise the level and prevent future flooding in the campground. The group continued on a bus tour through Forest County, highlighting shoreline erosion prevention projects along the east shore of Lake Metonga. The next stop was a visit to Forest County Potawatomi Farms, where manager Dave Cronauer explained their various projects, from aquaponics, bison raising, and maple syrup. After BBQ lunch and business meeting, they explored the Mole Lake Fish Hatchery with Fisheries Biologist Mike Preul to discuss efforts to raise walleye for lakes in northern Wisconsin.

SOUTHEAST AREA Spotlighting stops within Racine County, the Southeast Area Tour started at Clearwater Acres LLP, a nonmetallic mineral extraction and reclamation site. From there, the tour traveled by bus to Case Eagle Park and learned about the 4 year Regenerative vs Conventional Agriculture research project occurring there from Agricultural Scientist and Watershed Protection Committee Member Jim Stute. After lunch at Veteran’s Terrace in Burlington, attendees heard from City of Burlington Public Works Director, Peter Riggs, about the work being done to bring the Echo Lake Dam into compliance with WDNR standards for spillway containment of severe flooding. The final stop on the tour featured Wilks Farm Large Scale BMP’s Waterways, WASCOB’s and Field Diversions. 6

LAKE MICHIGAN AREA Menominee County hosted the tour this year, which started at the Menominee Logging Museum. Next, Menominee Tribal Enterprises gave a tour of their forests and conservation practices. Attendees learned more about sustainable forestry operations, conservation practices, and invasive species.

LAKE WINNEBAGO AREA SOUTHERN AREA The Southern Area tour was hosted by Columbia County, and held in conjunction with Conservation Observance Day at Schoepp Farms. Following a delicious BBQ lunch, attendees traveled by bus to a bog pasture, where the Schoepps’ conservation practices allow them to graze cattle.

Hosted by Green Lake Green Lake County, attendees traveled by bus to learn more about the Green Lake shoreline restoration, view a Boat Wash Station on Green Lake, and visit a CAPTure Phosphorus removal site. Lunch and the Area Association meeting followed.

Letters from

Summer Camp! Hello, We were able to attend the WI youth conservation camp in WI Dells July 14-16. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed every minute of camp! Day 1 We enjoyed time at the basketball court and met new people as they checked in. We did our swim test. We got to go swimming after the test and we got to make new friends. We had some chill time and then we had pizza for dinner. We had to “kill” a lot of energy, so we played capture the flag. We had a great presentation to watch called “The life of a logger”. We followed that up with a fun game of Lumberjacks and trees. We finished our day with campfire and smores! They told us to rest up because Day 2 was going to be jam packed with fun! Day 2 We had a really yummy breakfast and then we got to do nature crafts and make fairy gardens. Allison even made a chicken fairy garden. The counselors were so nice in helping us find the perfect items to meet our interests. We then went on a mission to Peanut Butter Mountain. It is basically an obstacle course. We had a delicious lunch of burgers and salad bar. One of the most fun events came next—canoeing!!!!! We got to canoe and stop at a sandbar and have a sandcastle making 8

contest! We made a giant chicken on a nest, but we didn’t win the contest. We got back and had a nice snack of cookies and pretzels. We were so tired, but we all decided to shower. We had a fun rotation and our class was on animal signs. We talked about their tracks, hair, bodies, homes and certain animals. We had a delicious supper. We had dinner cleanup but we made it in time for the carnival. We played water balloon toss and get the water in the buckets and the frozen t-shirt game. We got a little free time so we went swimming! We also went fishing, no luck....just a stick fish. We also got to enjoy popcorn and chocolate ice

Read letters from students who attended camp with the support of a county scholarship— sisters, Allison & Amber Raddatz and Kyren Tyler! cream. We also did an optional night hike. We hiked and watched the bat houses. Day 3 Today we ate a big breakfast and then we did our favorite activity...... archery!!! We were really proud of our shooting. Our dad works with us on archery at home. One of the coolest parts of camp was the hike that we went on next-the Blackhawk Island hike. We had to row over to the island and their were so many sandstone caves and formations. It

was so awesome to see! We made sure to take lots of pictures to show our parents. We had to leave early because our group had to do lunch setup. We served a delicious taco bar. After lunch, we had Fish and Aquatic Ecology, we basically fished the entire time. We really enjoyed that! Then we had a 2 1/2 hour free time and we went swimming. My

sister and I went back to the cabin and took a long nap-it was super hard to wake up for supper! We had a little free time after supper so they could set up the fire building challenge. We had to make a fire with the provided supplies and get the rope to burn so it would raise the flag. We ended up getting 7th place. It was hard to do! The order that you

placed was the order that you got to make pudgie pies, so we had to wait. While we made them, we sang songs and did skits. We also had smores! We went back to our cabin to settle down and played Night at the Museum. We can’t wait to see our family but we also don’t want to leave. This camp is so much fun!

I first wanted to thank you for the opportunity to learn and grow at the camp.

I learned about bees and there pollinating abilities and their very important effect on other wildlife. I made a Mason Bee House which I did donate to the camp. I learned about mushrooms and fungi and their medicinal uses. I learned that fungi are bacteria that is inside the ground and that the mushrooms are like flowers. I also learned that the fungi bacteria are everywhere and can cover a very large amount of land. I learned that there is a way of farming that is more traditional and that has many different types of plants and animals that all work together to create peace. I learned that everything has a purpose even if it seems unimportant or even bad. There is a reason for it being in nature. That everything effect the ecosystem and they all work together to create balance and harmony. I learned how to make friends, connect with people, and really

disconnect from technology. I learned about how to appreciate the nature we have around us. I also learned that there is unique ecosystems all around the place, in every single city or town there is diverse plants and animals.

At Camp, I learned many helpful life skills. I learned about land conservation and wildlife. I gained education about loons and there breeding habits, their anatomy, and their eating habits. I learned about banding birds, how it helps science and it gives very useful information so we can better help the birds. The bands give information about migration, behavior, life-span and survival rate. Bird banding also provides information about reproductive success and population growth. I also learned about reptiles and amphibians. I learned about their life span their food intake. I learned about why they have their shell and about the capabilities that come with having a shell.

Thank you again for making this possible by assisting with a scholarship!

Sincerely, Haylie (Kyren) Tyler

Team Wisconsin explores Canada at NFC-Envirothon Sun Prairie East High School embarked on an exciting journey to Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Canada representing Wisconsin in the NCFEnvirothon in July. The trip kicked off with teams participating in the grand opening ceremonies and engaging in a merch trading session. On Monday, teams eagerly loaded onto buses for a day filled with training stations, returning to campus for supper and evening studies before enjoying games. Tuesday was dedicated to rigorous field tests, followed by a visit to the Irving Eco-Centre: La Dune de Boutouche, one of the few remaining great sand dunes on the northeastern coastline of North America. Wednesday brought a day of adventure in the port City of Saint John as teams and advisors traveled to the GenAction Expo, an event designed to bring awareness to environmental projects and careers. With Thursday came intense studying and a fun night of trivia as teams prepared for Friday’s oral presentations on this year’s Current Issue: Adapting a Changing Climate. The five team members included: Emma Washington, Jackson Nesbit, Daniel Reid, Mylerson Maughan and Emily Sydow.

Envirothon Reflections By: Jackson Nesbit I have had an absolutely phenomenal experience competing in the Wisconsin Envirothon competition over the years. Going to state with my supportive teammates and advisor has become a major highlight of the school year. The staff and volunteers are always eager to strike up conversations with us while we’re there. They do a fabulous job of encouraging well organized, meaningful, and fair competition. Winning at the state level was such an exciting moment for all of us. It was incredibly rewarding to see the teamwork we put into our research and preparation pay off in such a monumental way. It was this moment that led us to compete at the NCF-Envirothon level against various teams from the United States along with other countries around the world. The experience at the international level is nothing short of life changing. I have met so many amazing friends, who I still keep in touch with to this day. They all share a deep passion for the environment and its conservation. Another great highlight is getting to learn knowledge in hands-on ways from trained professionals in the environmental science field during the test preparation. I always leave the event full of new, fascinating information and a better understanding of the world. Along with the tests, the competition includes a variety of social events. I’ve had the privilege to attend dances, play games, visit attractions, and explore gorgeous natural landscapes alongside my teammates. The Envirothon is a remarkably memorable experience that I truly believe has shaped me in a lot of ways as I head into my future.

Technical Committee provides expert guidance The WI Land+Water Technical Committee leads technical assistance activities related to the innovation, evaluation and implementation of conservation practices, standards, services and the associated policies and programs. Part of that work includes creating documents to help streamline and standardize work by county LCDs. Two recent projects are related to significant discharge and floodplain zoning exemptions. Learn more about each project below.

Determining Direct Runoff from Feedlots to Waters of the State

Floodplain Zone A Conservation Practice No-Rise Checklist

This companion document is to supplement the DNR guidance and can be used as an educational tool for investigating direct runoff. This companion document includes additional guidance regarding the following:

This document aims to streamline permits and exemptions through sound planning and design. In response to discrepancies observed in permitting, the Technical Committee created a checklist for practices in Zone A Floodplains to help County land conservation staff document “norise” conditions. The checklist helps gather documentation to obtain a no rise certificate by including existing/ proposed contours, methods used to assess hydrology, hydraulic analysis and a brief narrative of hydrologic

• Use and limitations of models • Preparing and conducting a site visit • Evaluation and follow-up • Professional judgement • Standardization

connections. This checklist to some extent serves as an abbreviated H&H study. The Technical Committee has some key participants to thank in these efforts: » Tina Barone, Mike Gilbertson, Matt Hanewall, Dan O’Connell, and Matt Woodrow for their work on the direct runoff companion document; and » Matt Albright, Bart Chapman, Brian Cunningham, Matt Hanewall, Brian Smetana, and Matt Woodrow for their work on the floodplain checklist.

Stay connected with SOC The Standards Oversight Council has so much happening right now! Follow each team’s progress on-line or get in touch with Kate if you want to be added to the SOC email list: »

» » »

Subscribe now:

WDNR 1011 Vegetated Dry Storm Water Basins and 1012 Enhanced Dry Treatment System – These drafts are nearing completion and are expected to have public review later this year! WDNR 1013 Enhanced Settling and Phosphorus Removal NRCS CPS 590 Nutrient Management NRCS CPS 635 Vegetated Treatment Area

socwisconsin.org 11

Fall Tech Tour Highlights

Kewaunee County hosted our 2023 Fall Technical Tour, with representatives present from 21 counties and four agencies—DATCP, DNR, NRCS, and WI Land+Water.

Ebert’s Homestead Kitchen and Tap offers a farm-to-fork menu, bringing their local products to the dinner table.

More farms are using composting to improve soil health, improve crop yields and reduce inputs. Zellner’s Dixieland Dairy is able to take manure from their earthen storage and turn it into a soil amendment with countless benefits. 12

New technology allows Ebert Enterprises to account for public health concerns, reduce the number of trucks on the road and deliver needed nutrients and moisture to their growing crops through low pressure drip irrigation.

The last stop demonstrated various methods of verifying the depth to bedrock, which is crucial to decisions about nutrient management in karst topography. The group was able to see various testing devices and equipment.

Our newest committee:

HEALTH & CONSERVATION We are excited to announce that our Health & Conservation work group was unanimously approved at the July Board meeting as the organization’s newest standing committee. Learn more about the committee. To get involved, contact committee chair, Chase Cummings at chrcummings@dunncountywi.gov.

HOW WAS THIS COMMITTEE FORMED?

WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE DO?

In 2018, WI Land+Water, DNR, and a handful of county staff from both land & water conservation and public health departments met to discuss ways to align shared goals to address nitrate in drinking water. It was quickly realized that successful drinking water programs often included collaboration between county public health and conservation departments, with early examples being Rock, Eau Claire, Pepin counties. We decided to leverage the success of this county partnership by launching the Health & Conservation Workgroup. Our goal was to “Forge a relationship between WI Land+Water and WALHDAB and strengthen local conservation and public health partnership to protect and enhance drinking water.”

The Health & Conservation Committee is comprised of members from both WI Land+Water’s county conservation members and the Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards’ (WALHDAB) county public health members. We have expert advisors from Dept of Natural Resources Groundwater and Drinking Water Bureau, Dept. of Health Services, UW–Stevens Point, and the Wisconsin Geologic and Natural History Survey. We meet quarterly (now primarily virtual) to discuss how to address various conservation and environmental health issues, including drinking water contamination.

HEALTH & CONSERVATION SUMMIT Wednesday, Nov. 1 10:00am - 4:00pm Wisconsin Rural Water Association Training Facility Plover, WI

Registration: wisconsinlandwater.org/ community-events/healthconservation-summit

This meeting is intended for county public health and land & water conservation staff to learn from peers and strengthen county partnership to meet shared health and conservation goals. We are developing an engaging program to learn from counties and partners working on providing safe, clean drinking water to all well owners. We will highlight county case studies, learn from expert panelists, and network with colleagues and partners from across the state. Space is limited, so find your county conservation or public health colleague and register together today! 13

Successful Sampling:

Partnering for Healthy Communities Dunn Land and Water Conservation Division staff recently tested nearly 1,000 private wells over the span of eight weeks using the Comprehensive Homeowners Package through UW-Stevens Point Water & Environmental Analysis Lab (WEAL). This test includes nitrates, hardness, several metals, a screen for atrazine and related herbicides, and several other water chemistry parameters. The test would typically cost a homeowner around $160, but through the use of ARPA funding the testing was completed at no-cost to participants. The ambitious well-sampling project was first imagined by Chase Cummings, Dunn County Conservationist, and Heather Wood, Water Resources Specialist. In 2022, the Dunn County Planning, Resources, and Development Committee and the Land Conservation Committee approached their department to ask how remaining ARPA funds might be used support ground water initiatives. This also fell in line with the recommendations made in 2018 by an ad-hoc committee created by the County Board with the express purpose of creating a plan to address groundwater issues within Dunn County. “Many of our community members are concerned about PFAS in their drinking water,” said Wood. “Any time there’s a story on the local news, our office gets phone calls. So, we knew we wanted to focus on water sampling and outreach.” They developed three proposals, each with a varying number of sample sizes at 500, 750, and 1,000. The common thread in each of the proposals was town hall sampling, including PFAS 14

testing that would, unfortunately, be too cost prohibitive for all private wells. “As I explained to the committee, we knew it was a very ambitious number but I also believed that we could find participants and do the work,” Wood recalled. The committee voted on the highest number, and the full board approved the use of ARPA funds for the testing costs. Next, Wood worked with the county web support specialist, Krista Vind, to create an online registration system and develop promotional materials. They first turned to the town clerks to aid in their initial outreach efforts. “They are the first line of communication for smaller towns,” she said. “In a township of 500 people, the clerk knows everyone.” Informational flyers were circulated with tax bills, distributed via emails, and displayed in town halls during elections. As the project took shape, the Public Health Department reached out to explore ways they partner on the project. Together, the two departments developed a postcard that was mailed to most addresses in Dunn County. This mailing was funded by Healthy Environment Action Team (HEAT),

which was created as part of Health Dunn Right initiative. “I didn’t know exactly when the postcard was going out, but one morning I came back to my desk after a meeting to 13 voicemails. I knew then that Public Health had done their thing,” recalled Wood. Before postcard mailout, they had about 50 participants registered. After the mailout, Wood says their office essentially became a scripted call center for the first two weeks of December, receiving nearly 400 phone calls and 400 online registrations. By April, they had reached their signup targets. With participants secured, Wood began to schedule the testing, creating test batches and assignments for all the Land and Water Conservation Division staff. The Conservation Alliance of Dunn County also provided funding to hire a full-time intern to assist with the sampling. A sampling day began by gathering pre-labeled testing kits and preparing a cooler to collect the samples. Before each visit, a staff member connected with participants to explain the sample collection process. Samples could be taken from the kitchen faucet (if unsoftened), the tap next to the

pressure tank, or an outside faucet. The water also needed to run for several minutes before collection. After collecting the tests, they were properly stored at the department office and sent to WEAL for testing. Over the course of eight weeks, staff collected 977 total samples from across the county. Although it required significant staff time, it also provided a valuable opportunity for staff to connect with a ride range of community members, many of whom might not regularly interface with county conservation staff. Tom Quinn, Chairman of the Planning, Resources, and Development Committee, agreed that this project provided an opportunity to build connections. “It’s important work, and it’s good that the staff can get out and show the community exactly what kind of work the land conservation department does,” he said. For Wood, getting out into the community and seeing the level of interest was one of the most rewarding

parts of the process. “At the county level, we are the local resources, and it’s our job to act as a translator of the data and information,” said Wood. Staff were able talk with people about several common misconceptions related water quality. “Many people think that if their water tastes and smells fine, then it’s fine,” said Wood. However, many of the contaminants are tasteless and odorless. Some of the private wells sampled did test positive for arsenic or lead. Of the 22 town hall wells that were tested, 14 tested positive for PFAS, although all still met the current health standards. Others were concerned they would be forced to fix any issues that might arise, but that was another misconception. “We know that remediation can be expensive, and it’s not our goal to force any one into that situation,” said Wood. Instead, their goal was to educate homeowners on the importance of frequent well testing, and the next steps they can take. When people received their results from WEAL,

they also received information about the tested compounds, as well as current financial assistance available to eligible users of contaminated wells through the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources. Many people were also curious about how their results would be used. Wood explained the data will be used build a Dunn County data set, which will provide a snapshot of the general ground water conditions within the county. No personal information will be used in any of the reporting. The report for this specific project will be provided to the Dunn County Board of Supervisors and made publicly available during the first half of 2024. Results will also be added to the existing Dunn County Well Water Quality Map. “So many people were receptive and supportive of the project, from elected official to homeowners to farmers,” said Wood. The division still receives calls about well-testing, and they hope to offer more opportunities.

71st Annual Conference March 6-8 | KI Convention Center | Green Bay, WI

Mark your calendars! In 2024, we’re back in Green Bay for our 71st Annual Conference. Join us March 6-8th as we bring together conservation professionals from across Wisconsin and the Midwest. Our conference offers timely technical and professional development training sessions, as well as networking opportunities with colleagues and sponsors. The Professional Improvement and Technical Committees collaborated to discuss potential breakout session ideas and planning is now in full swing. The complete schedule and registration information will be available in December. Other conference highlights include our Youth Education Poster and Speaking Contests, silent auction, 50/50 and cash raffles, conservation awards banquet, and our annual business meeting. With all of this, plus 40 breakout sessions offering the latest in conservation topics and training—you won’t want to miss it!

LEARN the latest conservation practices and programs. 16

NETWORK with colleagues from across the state.

ENGAGE with other

passionate conservationists.

Youth Education Events Our conference features exciting opportunities for counties and attendees to support youth education efforts in Wisconsin. Students across the state participate in our poster and speaking contests, both of which are judged during the

2024 Conservation Awards Please consider nominating someone who deserves recognition for their outstanding efforts. Our PIC judges the nominations, and winners are celebrated during the annual conference. Awards include: » Outstanding Conservation Employee (three categories) » Outstanding LCC Member » Farm Family of the Year » Friend of Conservation » Brad Matson Outstanding Youth Educator » Conservation Legacy Award Find nomination details online!

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conference. Our Youth Education Committee also works to host a silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting our youth education programs. Learn how counties can support these efforts, from hosting a contest to donating auction items.

Poster & Speaking Contests The Youth Education Committee has sent the 2024 Poster and Speaking registration forms to all counties. The 2024 NACD Poster theme logo is “May the Forest Be With You, Always.” For the speaking contest, students will chose a locally relevant conservation topic. All forms and additional information are available on the Youth Education section of our website. If you have any additional questions about contests, please reach out to any member on our Youth Education Committee.

Silent Auction Wisconsin is a diverse state and each county has something different to offer! Find a business, producer, local artist or county campground/golf course and ask them to donate an item that not only highlights your area but benefits Wisconsin youth by keeping program costs down. Every dollar raised from the Silent Auction supports all of our Youth Education programs. We are hopeful that all of our counties will participate in donating items for the Silent Auction. For questions or more information, contact Haillie at haillie.passow@co.trempealeau.wi.us.

Our Keynote Speaker Dan Egan is the Brico Fund Journalist in Residence at the Center for Water Policy in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences. Egan is an environmental journalist and author of the Death and Life of the Great Lakes and The Devil’s Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance.

Learn more: wisconsinlandwater.org/ conservation/annual-conference 17

Coon Creek Watershed

90th Anniversary CELEBRATION In the early 1930’s, amidst the nation’s worst environmental and economic disaster—the Dust Bowl and Great Depression—the critical need for nationalscale conservation funding and workforce became evident. The Soil Erosion Service, later evolving into the Soil Conservation Service and Natural Resource Conservation Service, was established to address the soil erosion crisis. Simultaneously, President Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), establishing a robust conservation workforce. Building on Wisconsin’s existing conservation efforts, the Coon Creek Watershed Project became the nation’s first large-scale conservation demonstration project. The collaboration between agencies and entrepreneurial farmers rapidly transformed Coon Valley through extensive erosion prevention measures, reforestation, pasture-to-forest conversion, wildlife habitat creation, dam construction, and contour plowing education for farmers. Over 43,000 acres of the Coon Creek watershed adopted sustainable soil management practices, marking a significant and lasting impact on the region.

The 90th Anniversary Celebration began with a historic tour of the Coon Creek watershed, which took nearly 80 attendees to the historic marker, local area farms, the Village of Chaseburg, and CCC-built flood control structures. The tour concluded atop the PL-566 flood control dam, located on at Tucker and Becky Gretebecks’ All Season Farm. The dam was breached in 2018 during a severe rainfall, flooding the Pumpkin Patch where the evening’s dinner and music celebration took place. The dinner event featured remarks from both state and federal conservation agency representatives, local farmers, members of the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council, authors, and researches. “Looking back to 90 years ago to the times of the Dust Bowl, and massive flooding and soil erosion, we stand here tonight in the Coon Creek Watershed, the birthplace of modern soil conservation,” said Wisconsin State USDA-NRCS Conservationist Ty Larson. “What was happening then is still happening now…the solution today is the same as it was 90 years ago – locally led conservation.”

Wisconsin Historical Society, WHI-123273

WI Land+Water members and guests at the historic marker.

The tour stopped at Sebion Farms to view a CCC flood control sturcture.

Born of the

Dust Bowl... Ninety years ago, modern soil and water conservation as we know it found roots in the valleys of southwestern Wisconsin as the watershed became a site of innovation, protecting the landscapes and people. Wisconsin Historical Society, WHI-38153

Building

Resiliency...

Decades later, conservation stewards are once again reimagining our practices as the region and the nation faces increasingly frequent and devastating weather events.

Partnerships have always been our key to success. From the Civilian Conservation Corps and NRCS to universities and technical colleges to local watershed groups and statewide nonprofits, collaborative efforts are vital to tackling our land and water challenges. Learn more about some of our current climate partners.

State Senator Brad Pfaff and State Representative Loren Oldenburg offer the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council a citation from the Wisconsin State Legislature in honor of the anniversary.

Mark Moilien, a fifth generation farmer in the valley, led one of the bus tours of the watershed, sharing his favorite facts about the area and his insights about the past and future of conservation.

The tour concluded atop a flood control dam structure that was breeched during the 2018 flood, leading to severe flooding on the Gretebeck farm and beyond.

The Savanna Institute is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization that works with farmers and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry adoption in the Midwest US. It conducts research, education, and outreach to catalyze the growth of diverse, perennial agroecosystems across six Midwestern states. The Savanna Institute believes that as stewards of photosynthesis, farmers have the power to pull carbon down out of the atmosphere. Integrating trees into the agricultural landscape — “agroforestry” — has the potential to sequester more carbon than any other agricultural land management practice.

The Grassland 2.0 project is a result of decades of research showing that our best, and perhaps only, opportunity to build soils, nutrients, and carbon in agricultural production while providing farmers and society with profitable and productive outcomes is with grazed perennial grasslands. We are working to inspire people to come together to identify how we can achieve these outcomes, create spaces for a process of Collaborative Landscape Design, and grow the Grassland 2.0 movement by engaging with coalitions working toward an agriculture that works for all of us!

The Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition provides a platform for members to collaborate on overcoming barriers to decarbonization, accelerating local climate change solutions, and ensuring the benefits of the clean energy economy are distributed to everyone in the state. Together, our current membership represents over one-third of the residents in Wisconsin. WLGCC provides value to members by facilitating a collective voice on policy and regulatory issues, providing resources and support, and creating peer-to-peer learning and information sharing opportunities.

“Harkening back to 1933, when environmental issues were not just threatening farms, but the economy, public health, and quality of life, we need to apply the same level of innovation and partnership to meeting the climate crisis today, which is the Dust Bowl of our time. We have it in our DNA here to solve complicated environmental problems.” - Matt Krueger

SCENES FROM THE

Fall Field Day

COUNTIES FARMER TO FARMER On September 13, the Cedar Creek Farmers Producer Led Watershed Group welcomed nearly 100 farmers, conservation staff, agronomy professionals, neighbors, and friends who attended their 6th annual Fall Field Day, hosted by Stanley Miller in the Town of Jackson. Together everyone heard updates from host Stan Miller, CCF President Ross Bishop, Liz Gartman (UWEX Crops & Soils) and Chuck Gruenberger (Riesterer & Schnell) as well as viewed a drone aerial seeding Jeramy Williams (American Drone). They then broke into three groups that rotated around the home farm and DNR land. Attendees were educated on erosion and soil structure by Mike Patin and Jamie Patton (both NRCS), noenicitinoid free corn seed requirements by Mary C. Anderson (WDNR) and the value of cover crops by Brendon Blank & Jim Webb (Byron Seeds). A fabulous smoked beef brisket dinner was provided by Let’s Get Roasted Pig Roast & Catering after the field day event concluded.

Fighting Frogbit

CROWDED WATERS Journey along partners in Marinette County as they work to remove 760 bags of invasive frogbit in this short documentary produced by the Green Bay Press Gazette. Since its discovery in 2021, collaborative efforts have been in full swing, with sightings of the invasive plant in Marinette, Oconto, Brown, and Door counties. For Amanda Smith, a DNR Invasive Species Specialist, partnering with the counties has been invaluable. “Having their local expertise to know all of the water bodies, lakes, and ditches is crucial and their relationship with landowners has been incredibly helpful for getting access to certain areas,” commented Smith. To learn more about the partnerships forming to address frog-bit, visit efbcollaborative.net.

THE NOTE Volume 32 | Issue 2

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