Technical standards help protect Wisconsin’s natural resources

The mission of Standards Oversight Council (SOC) is to oversee a collaborative process for developing effective technical standards that protect Wisconsin’s natural resources. The SOC governing body consists of representatives from DATCP, WDNR, NRCS, UW-Madison Division of Extension, WisDOT, and WI Land+Water with support and participation in SOC confirmed in a 2020 Memorandum of Agreement

Visit socwisconsin.org to learn more about the SOC process and what technical standards are being updated.

The Standards Oversight Council 2022 Annual Report is now available. Read about our accomplishments online

Technical standards are a crucial component of soil and water conservation efforts in Wisconsin. They provide uniform planning, design, installation, and maintenance criteria for conservation practices based on current research, field experience and the best available technology. SOC maintains an ongoing effort to keep each technical standard current and engage users of the technical standards. By using the SOC process, a broad base of stakeholders are building on the existing legacy to develop improvements to technical standards. The overall result is better protection of Wisconsin’s natural resources.

Stay informed about future work by signing up for the SOC urban or agricultural email lists on our website

The long-term success of SOC is often dependent on strategic partnerships and participation by representatives of local, state and federal government, as well as private sector and academic institutions. SOC’s collaboration and engagement builds technical standards that effective, efficient, and sustainable while also working within the existing programs and regulations.

We’re offering counties free premium access to

We know that many of our counties are looking for graphic design tools that can streamline creating event flyers, infographics, and educational handouts. We’re excited to inform our LWCD members that WI Land+Water recently qualifed for Canva for Nonprofits, allowing us to add 40 additional users to our premium account. By joining the WI Land+Water Canva Team, members can use premium features for free, which includes access to premium templates, images, and videos. Currently, we are able to offer one membership per county, on a first come basis. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Kristin Teston (kristin@ wisconsinlandwater.org).

Register NOW for summer Conservation Camps!

» See how our counties use Canva: wisconsinlandwater.org/membershub/committees/outreach

» Fast-track your design skills with tutorials: canva.com/designschool/ tutorials

Our Youth Education Committee has been busy planning our two summer conservation camps. These camps offer exciting opportunities for Wisconsin’s youth to learn from natural resources professionals and foster a deeper appreciation for nature.

We also know that scholarships, such as the Brad Matson Camp Scholarship, allow many students to experience camp. This year we worked to collect information on the counties that offer scholarships for our camps to create a new page on our website that allows campers and parents to search for available opportunities. Learn more about our camps at wisconsinlandwater.org/ourwork/youth-education/conservation-camp