Wisconsin Report 

2006 
Dear Friends of Wisconsin 

Conservation,

I proudly present this 2006 USDA Natural Resources 

Conservation Service (NRCS) state report to you, the 

shareholders in Wisconsin’s soil and water resources. 

Here are some of the highlights:

More than 100 years in the making, the soil survey of 

Wisconsin was officially completed on May 15, 2006. 

All 72 Wisconsin counties, 35 million acres, now have 

completed soil surveys, and the final digital product is 

available on-line. Wisconsin is one of only a handful 

of states to have accomplished this colossal goal. The 

soil survey provides the foundation for land use planning and good land management. It 

describes the characteristics, limitations and best potential uses for the 800 different 

soil types found in Wisconsin. The Web Soil Survey provides secure public access to the 

national soils information system, with maps and information usable for individual farms 

or parcels of land. To celebrate this accomplishment, Governor Jim Doyle proclaimed 

2006 the Year of Soil, and with our partners, we hosted several hundred people for the 

Year of Soil Celebration in the State Capitol on May 16, 2006. 

This year, Wisconsin received nearly $25.7 million in Farm Bill conservation program 

financial assistance. These funds directly help farmers and landowners to protect our 

natural resources. They support the individual farm’s economics, and thereby strengthen 

the future of agriculture in Wisconsin. 

I want to thank our NRCS staff for their dedication and extraordinary efforts to meet or 

exceed nearly all our goals. We also most sincerely thank our conservation partners 

for their efforts – the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, 

Dept. of Natural Resources, county Land Conservation Committees and Departments, 

University of Wisconsin Extension, Farm Service Agency, and other members of the 

Wisconsin State Technical Committee and the Tribal Conservation Advisory Council. 

Private and non-profit sectors further strengthen the conservation partnership, particularly 

farm and environmental groups, Technical Service Providers, Resource Conservation & 

Development councils, and the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association. 

This partnership for conservation is the most effective way to help landowners and 

communities achieve the high caliber of land stewardship we seek in Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

State Conservationist 
Conservation Technical Assistance

With the mission of “Helping People Help the Land”, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 

provides products and services that enable people to be good stewards of the land. With our help, people 

are better able to conserve, maintain or improve our natural resources. 

Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) is the basic foundation for NRCS activities. Our locally-based NRCS 

staff works directly with farmers and others to provide technical and financial conservation assistance. Our 

guiding principles are service, partnership and technical excellence.

NRCS helps landowners develop conservation plans and provides advice on recommended voluntary 

conservation practices. These conservation systems reduce erosion, improve soil, air, and water quality and 

enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve pastures, reduce upstream flooding, and improve woodlands. CTA 

is carried out in cooperation with the county Land Conservation Departments throughout Wisconsin which 

allows for a seamless delivery of local, state and federal conservation programs.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is known for its accomplishments and innovations in 

conservation. The employees of NRCS are recognized for their talent, dedication, and ingenuity in making 

the agency’s programs work. Participation in NRCS programs is voluntary. Our customers help to preserve 

the Nation’s natural resources for future generations. 

Highlights of 2006 Accomplishments:

520,818 acres of conservation plans developed

160 comprehensive nutrient management plans written

141,206 acres of erosion reduction on cropland (831,055 tons)

89,904 acres of wildlife habitat management applied

3,656 acres of wetlands restored

60 animal waste storage facilities installed

1,674 acres of buffers installed

2,663 acres of trees and shrubs established

















Conservation Technical Assistance
Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

 The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides assistance to 

farmers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on agricultural land. Through 

EQIP, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides assistance to agricultural producers in 

a manner that will promote agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals, optimize 

environmental benefits, and help farmers and ranchers meet Federal, State, Tribal, and local environmental 

requirements.

EQIP is the major program available in Wisconsin to help livestock operators meet new state regulations on 

livestock and animal waste management. EQIP identifies conservation practices to address priority resource 

concerns and may provide financial assistance on certain conservation practices. Incentive payments may be 

offered for up to three years to encourage producers to carry out management practices. Farmers may elect 

to use a certified technical service provider for technical assistance.

EQIP Program Highlights - 2006

A total of 1,182 contracts for $17,160,949 were signed:

Animal waste systems

102 applications received for waste storage systems

66 applications were funded in FY06

$9,131,480 total funds requested with $6,213,957 in funds available




Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Access Road 136 49

Animal Trails 56 16

Brush Management 174 85

Closure of Waste Impoundment 30 11

Conservation Cover 4 3

Conservation Crop Rotation 85 55

Contour Buffer Strips 4 3

CNMP 170 22

Critical Area Planting 65 13

Diversion 60 10

Feed Management 124 42

Fence 141 40

Filter Strip 10 5

Firebreaks 6 3

Forest Site Preparation 36 10

Forest Stand Improvement 40 9

Forest Trails and Landings 19 3

Grade Stabilization Structures 173 87

Grassed Waterway 349 160

Heavy Use Protection 108 28

Irrigation Water Management 51 15

Lined Waterway 15 6

Nutrient Management 2271 1584

Obstruction Removal 27 14

Pasture and Hay Planting 48 24

Pest Management 171 82

Pipeline 17 6

Practice Planned Applied

Prescribed Burning 13 5

Prescribed Grazing 855 593

Residue Mgmt/No-Till 708 597

Roof Runoff Structure 100 20

Sediment Basin 50 11

Sinkhole Treatment 9 4

Spring Development 5 0

Stream Habitat Improvement 5 2

Streambank/Shoreline 

Protection

93 48

Stripcropping 3 2

Structure for Water Control 4 1

Terrace 9 2

Tree/Shrub Establishment 102 48

Tree/Shrub Pruning 4 0

Underground Outlet 72 15

Upland Wildlife Management 12 4

Use Exclusion 2 0

Waste Storage Facility 101 33

Wastewater Treatment 44 9

Water and Sediment Control 

Basin

9 1

Water Well 17 5

Well Decommissioning 101 53

Wetland Restoration 5 3

Windbreak/Shelterbelt 

Establishment

19 6

Windbreak/Shelterbelt 

Renovation

2 1

Practice Planned Applied

Conservation Practices Planned and Applied through EQIP, 2006

EQIP Special Initiatives

$138,844 were dedicated to conservation projects on Tribal lands

$271,387 for conservation practices for cranberry production

$105,864 for ground and surface water practices in the Central Sands area 

$82,241 for pest scouting and pesticide reduction in orchards

First special sign-up for comprehensive nutrient management plans $3,825,348 in 186 

contracts










Soils

Soil mapping and soil survey digitizing are now complete for the entire state of 

Wisconsin. All Wisconsin soil survey maps and interpretations can be viewed 

on-line through Web Soil Survey. This effort, which began over 100 years 

ago, has resulted in a comprehensive digital database of soil information 

and maps for all 72 counties, about 35 million acres. On May 16, 2006, a 

“Year of Soil” celebration was held at the State Capital in Madison to mark 

these accomplishments. A proclamation from the governor was read that 

declared 2006 as the “Year of Soil” in Wisconsin.

Soil surveys contain the fundamental resource data to help understand how land use affects water 

and air and health of animals, plants and people. Soils survey help us recognize the presence of 

prime farmlands, wetlands, and the suitability of soils for agriculture, forestry, recreation, and urban 

development. Wisconsin is one of only a handful of states to have accomplished this colossal goal, 

thanks to a critical partnership effort with the State of Wisconsin.

NRCS is the federal agency responsible for conducting the national soil survey. The process is an 

enormous undertaking, sending soil scientists out to sample and map every acre, determine soil type 

and characteristics. In 2000, the State of Wisconsin signed an agreement with NRCS to accelerate the 

work with state funds to bring more soil mappers on board. The Wisconsin agreement also called for 

digitizing all soil surveys so they would be easily available for use in Geographic Information Systems 

and through the internet. With the boost from state funds, NRCS was able to finish mapping the 

northwest 10 counties and digitize all remaining surveys years sooner that otherwise possible.

The soil survey provides the foundation layer for geographic information systems used for land use 

planning and good land management. It describes the characteristics, limitations and best potential 

uses for about 800 different kinds of soil found in Wisconsin. The Web Soil Survey and the Soil Data 

Mart provides secure public access to soil maps and information usable for individual farms or parcels 

of land. 

The completion of field mapping marked the end of one era of soil survey in Wisconsin and the start 

of another. The central focus of Soil Survey on Wisconsin will now be the maintenance and update of 

existing soil surveys. Older soil surveys will be brought up to modern standards and more detailed soil 

maps and data will be developed, as needed. Future updates will be by major physiographic regions 

known as Major Land Resource Areas (MLRA). Additional emphasis is being placed on providing 

training and support for the interpretation and use of the soil survey information.

Soils

Hundreds of people 

attended the “Year 

of Soil” celebration 

at the Wisconsin 

State Capitol last 

May.
The soil survey is one of the best investments for planning and managing future uses 

of Wisconsin soil and water resources. A complete soil survey helps us make better 

land use decisions, protect prime farmland, and protect our natural resource base.

John Campbell, NRCS Soil scientist, demonstrating the Web Soil Survey to 

interested participants at the Ducks Unlimited Great Outdoors Festival.

Soil Digitizing in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin digitizing Unit (WIDU) completed the 

Wisconsin Soil Survey Geographic database (SSURGO) 

digitizing initiative. As of May 15, 2006 all 69 Wisconsin 

soil survey areas have a digital database available to the 

public. The completion was just two weeks short of the ten year 

anniversary of the first Wisconsin survey becoming SSURGO 

certified. In addition to completing Wisconsin, the Wisconsin 

Digitizing Unit (WIDU) completed 45 surveys for SSURGO digitizing. 

This number was three surveys above the national goal set by the 

National SSURGO coordinator. The digital soil surveys reports are 

available at http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov

WIDU has become a leader in a new national initiative. The WIDU was selected to be the location 

for a pilot project to digitize the national wetland delineation maps. The WIDU has digitized 

one county from Minnesota and one county from North Dakota, with more on the way. During 

the digitizing process, the first of its kind, the WIDU is helping to establish a national model for 

capturing this vital wetlands data.

The WIDU, in collaboration with other NRCS staff, has developed a new product for use at the 

field office level. Soil survey maps can now be printed on-demand. Single sections and maps that 

capture six sections at a time, are now available for each county. This on-demand printing process 

is an alternative for traditional hardcopy mapfinishing. By developing this process NRCS was able 

to save thousands of dollars normally appropriated for hard copy production of Soil Survey maps.

The WIDU staff was instrumental in the production of Geographic Informational maps for inclusion 

into the Wisconsin Rapid Watershed Assessment Project.

Web Soil Survey is just a click away at www.soils.nrcs.usda.gov

Soils
Grazing

NRCS offers the essential tools for successful grazing: technical, educational and financial assistance. 

Certified Grazing Specialists are available to develop grazing plans and give suggestions to producers 

with their questions about grazing. Assistance includes stocking rate calculations, seeding 

recommendations, fencing and watering system designs, dry matter intake assessment and others. 

These specialists are available upon request to the Field Offices. 

2006 Accomplishments 

Technical Assistance:

28,560 acres of grazing land with 

conservation practices planned, including 

18,318 acres with new Prescribed Grazing 

Plans. This resulted in approximately 

300 Prescribed Grazing Plans written by 

producers.

23,187 acres of grazing land with 

conservation practices applied, including 

15,344 acres of Prescribed Grazing. 

4 Introductory, 1 Intermediate, and 2 

Advanced Grazing Land Training Sessions

Certification Program for Prescribed/

Managed Grazing Land Conservation 

Planners - Wisconsin now has 33 Certified 

Grazing Land Planners.

Conservation Security Program - Pasture 

Assessment for 250 contracts. Conducted 

Pasture Monitoring Workshop for CSP 

participants.











Wisconsin Grazing Lands 

Conservation Initiative (GLCI) 

Grant Program

Cooperative agreement developed with DATCP to 

administer grants, including multi-year report of 

activities by UW-Center for Integrated Ag. Systems, 

and grazing network oversight by GrassWorks, Inc.

On-going administration of 2003 GLCI grants by 

NRCS and 2004, 2005, and 2006 grants by DATCP.

Review of applications for 2006 grant program. 

Approved 9 technical services projects ($378,000), 

11 educational/demonstration projects ($189,000) 

and accepted 5 research proposals ($189,000) for 

a total of $756,000.







Grazing

NRCS grazing specialists are available 

throughout the state. A network of 

certified planners provide service in 

every county. For more information 

contact Brian Pillsbury, State Grazing 

Lands Specialist at 608-355-4470.

Grazing-the next 

generation of conservation
Wetlands Reserve Program

The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, 

and enhance wetlands on their property. NRCS provides financial assistance in the form of easement payments 

and restoration cost-share assistance, and technical assistance for restoration and wetland management. 

This program offers landowners an opportunity to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices and 

protection. 

NRCS’s goal is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with optimum wildlife habitat, on 

every acre enrolled in the program.

WRP Highlights - 2006 

Fiscal year allocation of $7,167,313

6 permanent easements 

495 total acres enrolled 

Total Obligation: $1,004,325

14 permanent easements committed

Total Acres committed: 838.70

Total Commitment: $1,064,198

$5,098,790 funds returned unobligated. Wisconsin has historically never turned money back prior to 2006.









Wetlands Reserve Program

The highlight for Wisconsin’s Wetlands Reserve Program this year was the completion of the 1,497 acre Zeloski 

Marsh near Lake Mills in Jefferson County. 1,300 acres were restored to wetland habitat and over 100 acres 

were seeded to tall grass prairie. Restoration methods included ditch fills, tile breaks and low embankments. 

An artesian well will allow for water management and provide high quality habitat for numerous wetland 

dependent species. The restoration also included a designed snake hibernaculum that utilized the old clay 

tiles. This project area was purchased by Madison Audubon who transferred the majority of the land to the 

Department of Natural Resources so this gem of a restoration will be open for the public to enjoy. 

WRP total acreage in 

Wisconsin through 2006

44,858 acres enrolled in the program 

with 485 easements

1,227 acres enrolled in the program with 

55 10-year contracts





Wetland restoration on Zeloski Marsh showing 

microtopography. 

Construction of the snake hibernaculum 

utilizing broken clay tiles.
Conservation Security Program

CSP is a voluntary program that supports ongoing stewardship of working farmland. CSP provides a great 

opportunity to reward good conservation farmers and to encourage others to protect land and water 

quality in their farm operations. This program rewards those with a strong history of good stewardship and 

provides powerful incentives for others to follow. 

The selected watersheds in 2006 were the Grant/Little Maquoketa Watershed in southwest Wisconsin/

northeast Iowa, and the Lake Du Bay Watershed in central Wisconsin. 

The 2006 signup marks the third CSP enrollment. Wisconsin enrolled 195,159 acres and 649 farmers 

from six watersheds in the three years that CSP has been offered. Last year, the average first year payment 

was $6,492 for CSP farmers in Wisconsin, with total CSP payments of 4.2 million for 2006. 

CSP pays farmers based on Tiers, ranging from Tier 1 where soil and water resources are protected on 

part of the farm, to Tier 3, where all resources are protected on the whole operation. In addition, farmers 

may increase payments through enhancements, such as energy conservation measures, wildlife habitat, 

or extra nutrient and pest management practices. Payments are made annually, for five to 10 years, 

depending on tier level of conservation.

Wisconsin ranked 5th nationally in number of applications. 33% of those eligible were selected in 

Wisconsin.

Florence

Forest

Marinette

Oconto

Menominee

Langlade

Portage Waupaca

Shawano

Outagamie Brown ew une a e K

Door

Douglas Bayfield

Iron

Ashland

Vilas

Lincoln

Oneida

Marathon Dunn

Wood

Taylor

Price

Sawyer

Rusk

Burnett Washburn

Polk Barron

St. Croix Chippewa

Pierce Eau Claire Clark

Pepin

Buffalo

TRempealeau

Jackson

LaCrosse Monroe

Vernon

Grant

Crawford Richland

Iowa

Sauk

Dane

Lafayette Green Rock Walworth

Racine

Kenosha

Juneau

Adams

Manitowoc

Calumet

Fond du Lac

Milwaukee

Oza ke u e

gt Washin on

Sheboygan

Jefferson Waukesha

Lake

Winnebago

Columbia Dodge

MarquetteGreen

Waushara

Lower Chippewa

2006 Watersheds

2004-05 Watersheds

Grant-Little

Maquoketa

River Watershed

River Watershed

Duck-Pensaukee

Lake DuBay

Watershed

River Watershed

Kishwaukee River

Watershed

Crawfish River

Watershed

Grant

Conservation Security Program
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) is a voluntary program that helps farmers and 

ranchers keep their land in agriculture and prevents conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural 

uses. The program provides matching funds to State, Tribal, and local governments and nongovernmental 

organizations with existing farmland protection programs to purchase conservation easements. These 

entities purchase easements from landowners in exchange for a lump sum payment, not to exceed the 

appraised fair market value of the land’s development rights. The easements are perpetual easements.

2006 Funding:

Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

Preserved Forever

FRPP easements protect orchards and fruit 

farms in Bayfield County. These perpetual 

easements were achieved through a 

partnership effort of the City of Bayfield the 

Bayfield Regional Conservancy and NRCS. 

These farms were recognized with brass 

plaques marking the accomplishment.

Dane County Agricultural Easement Program, $717,946 481 acres, three easements, Dane County

Driftless Area Land Conservancy, $212,696 338 acres, two easements, Iowa County

West Wisconsin Land Trust, $281,141 275 acres, one easement, Pepin County

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 341 acres, two easements, Ozaukee County









Betzold Orchards preserved by the Betzold Family

Blue Vista Farms preserved by 

the Carlson Family.

Highland Valley Farms 

preserved by the Dale Family.

Good Earth Gardens preserved 

by the Johnson Family.
Water Resources

Water Resources

Eighty-seven small flood control dams have been built in Wisconsin through the Watershed Protection 

and Flood Control Act of 1954 (Public Law 83-566). Most of these dams were built from the mid-1950’s 

through the 1980’s. These dams provide flood control to prime farmland, highways, and communities. 

They are an integral part of the communities and benefit people’s lives every day.

Watershed Rehabilitation Program

To date, 11 dams in seven counties have been rehabilitated through the Pilot Watershed Rehabilitation 

Program and another project is in the planning phase under the Watershed Rehabilitation Program. 

Completion of Klinkner Dam Construction project cost: $1.3 million

Four homes and a school were found to be in the breach inundation area of the dam, making them 

susceptible to flooding should the dam fail. Through the watershed rehabilitation program the school 

and residences were protected by upgrading the dam to meet the criteria for a high hazard structure. An 

engineering design innovation greatly reduced the cost for this project. Concrete block mats secured to the 

top and downstream face of the dam eliminated the need to increase the height of the dam. Rehabilitation 

of Klinkner Dam extends the life of this dam by 50 years.

Funding: Sixty-five percent of the project construction cost and 100 percent of the technical assistance 

costs were provided by NRCS. The remaining cost of repair work was provided by the project sponsor, 

Vernon County Land and Water Conservation Department and Wisconsin Department of Natural 

Resources.



Amish school protected by Klinkner Dam
Watershed Planning 

Geologic Investigation of West Fork Kickapoo Structure No. 1

Rock in the foundation was investigated to evaluate the potential for failure of the dam from water entering 

fractures and to gather information for possible repair. 

Otter Creek Watershed, Sauk County

This unique watershed contains three distinct regions – the Baraboo Hills made of impervious quartzite, the 

driftless area – a region untouched by glaciers, and glacial outwash – an area containing thick glacial sands and 

gravels. This watershed has a history of flooding and residents are concerned. The planning process will guide 

watershed landowners in development of alternatives. 

West Fork Kickapoo Watershed Structure No. 1, Vernon County

NRCS representatives worked out some rough draft alternatives which were presented to the Vernon County Land 

Conservation Committee, the governing body of the Vernon County Board. The planning process will guide the 

community in selection of alternatives which will satisfy the needs of the community balanced with the cost of 

repair.

Coon Creek Watershed Structures 33 and 35

A hydraulics and hydrology model was used to assess the danger of flooding to homes in the valleys downstream 

of these dams. The information was used to determine the hazard classification of the dams. The assessment 

showed no homes at risk should structure 35 fail. A watershed plan will be developed to address the danger to 

homes in the hydraulic shadow of dam 33.

Water Resources

During high flows when the dam is overtopped, concrete blocks connected with cables protect the down stream 

face of the dam. This project is Klinkner Dam located in Vernon County, Wisconsin.
Resource Conservation and Development

The Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D) is a voluntary program that helps people 

protect and develop their economic, natural, and social resources. Program objectives address improving 

the quality of life, including social, economic, and environmental concerns; continuing prudent use of 

natural resources; and strengthening local citizens’ ability to use available sources of assistance through 

the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other Federal agency partnerships. The program is 

administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service

The purpose of RC&D is to improve the capability of local leaders to plan and execute projects for resource 

conservation and community development. The local RC&D councils provide leadership in enhancing 

the environment and standard of living. Councils are composed of local government officials, farmers, 

ranchers, civic leaders, business leaders and others who are engaged in contributing to the overall wellbeing of the region. The local RC&D council sets policy, direction, and priorities for the operation of their 

RC&D. Wisconsin RC&D’s are located around the state with assistance available in each county. 

In 2006 the RC&D’s created 169 new jobs. Projects where wildlife habitat is a primary or secondary 

concern: 26,697 acres were treated.

Resource Conservation and Development

Pri Ru Ta Lumberjack

Southwest 

Badger

Town and 

Country

River Country

Glacierland

Wisconsin RC&D Areas

Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D - Medford, Wisconsin

Serving Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, 

Price, Rusk, Taylor and Washburn Counties

Contact: Chris Borden 715.748.2008

River Country RC&D - Altoona, Wisconsin

Serving Barron, Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, 

Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, St.Croix and 

Trempealeau Counties

Contact: Pam Herdrich 715.834.9672

Lumberjack RC&D - Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Serving Forest, Florence, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Shawano and 

Vilas Counties

Contact: Kim Goerg 715.362.3690

Glacierland RC&D - Green Bay, Wisconsin

Serving Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, 

Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Outagamie, Sheboygan and 

Winnebago Counties and the Oneida Nation

Contact: Greg Hines 920.465.3006

Golden Sands RC&D - Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Serving Adams, Juneau, Marathon, Marquette, Monroe, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood Counties

Contact: Bill Ebert 715.343.6215

Southwest Badger RC&D - Lancaster Wisconsin

Serving Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Green, LaCrosse, 

Lafayette, Richland, Sauk and Vernon Counties

Contact: Steve Bertjens 608.723.6377

Town and Country RC&D - West Bend, Wisconsin

Serving Dane, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green Lake, 

Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, 

Rock, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha Counties

Contact: Diane Georgetta 262.335.4855

Community Involvement 

Just a sample of the types 

of projects that RC&D’s 

are involved with in their 

communities. Community 

volunteers assisted 60 

students from Wausau 

East and DC Everest 

high schools in removing 

buckthorn, an invasive 

shrub species, on Fern 

Island, part of Oak Island Park in Wausau, WI. 

The Student Field Trip was part one of a two-day event 

organized by Golden Sands Resource Conservation & 

Development, a non-profit conservation organization, 

with the support of a grant from the Wisconsin 

Environmental Education Board.
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

The Wildlife Incentives Program (WHIP) develops or omproves wildlife habitat on privately owned land. 

Through WHIP, NRCS provides both technical assistance and financial assistance to establish and improve 

fish and wildlife habitat

WHIP Highlights for 2006

Fiscal year allocation - $414,660

61 applicants

50 accepted contracts





Practice Planned Installed

Brush Management 51 14

Conservation Cover 13 5

Firebreak 7 2

Fish Passage 4 1

Forest Stand Improvement 3 1

Precribed Burning 35 4

Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitat 9 1

Stream Habitat Improvement and Management 26 14

Streambank and Shoreline Protection 18 9

Tree/Shrub Establishment 3 1

Upland Wildlife Habitat Management 37 7

Wetland Wildlife Habitat management 5 0

Project breakdown:

Aquatic 12 contracts $104,090

Terrestial 31 contracts $177,081

Tribal Lands 5 contracts $28,753

Special 4 contracts $101,396
Earth Team

The job of conserving natural resources cannot be done by government alone. The collective talents and 

energies of private individuals and groups are also needed. Since 1981, NRCS has provided an opportunity 

for volunteers to use their talents and abilities on behalf of conservation. These volunteers are known as the 

Earth Team. 

Earth Team volunteers are committed to helping people protect and conserve the earth’s natural resources. 

Earth Team members carry out the NRCS mission “Helping People Help the Land.”

2006 Accomplishments: 

Wisconsin had 51 volunteers with 15,000 hours for 2006. 

The National NRCS Volunteer Voice Brochure featured an article on Earth Day in Lafayette County. Pat 

Leavenworth presented District Conservationist Dan Cotter with a plaque recognizing him for his efforts to 

engage volunteers in Earth Day activities.

The Fox Valley Technical College Natural Resources Department students from Central America participated 

in a community service project in Menasha, Wisconsin. The students worked three days on marking 

approximately 200 storm sewer inlets on city streets with “No Dumping, Drains to River”.

For more information on volunteer opportunities with the NRCS call your local NRCS Service Center or 

www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov. You can also call 1-888-LANDCARE.

Earth Team and Technical Service Providers

Technical Service Providers

Technical Service providers are individuals, private businesses, non-profit organizations, or public agencies 

that help apply conservation systems on the land. Resource professionals are certified by NRCS and assist 

in delivering technical services to landowners who participate in USDA programs. Certified Specialists 

are listed on a national, web-based registry called Tech Reg that is available to landowners, and others 

seeking conservation technical assistance.

In 2006, 43% of Wisconsin TSP funding, over $1.1 million, went to private sector TSPs. EQIP participants 

hired 372 TSPs in FY06 for a total of $499,042 obligated, to install conservation practices. Ninety percent 

of the farmer-hired TSP dollars were for development of Nutrient Management Plans.

A cooperative agreement for Cultural Resources services was developed totaling $103,620. Additional 

agreements were signed for non-engineering technical services to CRP and EQIP participants.

Wisconsin ranks 2nd in the nation in number of TSPs, with 297 TechReg certified providers.

You can find more information on Technical Service Providers at http://techreg.usda.gov
The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Outreach 

Wisconsin NRCS is committed to ensuring that all potential participants are aware of our conservation 

programs and technical assistance available. Special outreach efforts are part of doing business for 

every NRCS office. Highlights and special events from 2006: 

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest Latino civil rights 

organization in the United States, held its national conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in June, 2006. 

An estimated 15,000 political, community and business leaders attended to discuss Latino issues. 

Wisconsin NRCS staffed an NRCS exhibit at the LULAC Expo, and provided information materials and 

promotional items for distribution. Wisconsin NRCS Special Emphasis Program Managers participated 

in SEPM training offered at the conference.

Wisconsin has one of the highest populations of Hmong, an agrarian culture from SE Asia, in the US. In 

La Crosse, NRCS met with 20 local Hmong agricultural producers to present information on land use 

decisions to consider when purchasing farmland. There is considerable local interest among the Hmong 

to begin purchasing farmland to raise market vegetable and small livestock operations. Wisconsin 

NRCS provided an updated brochure in both English and Hmong language to the 11 Hmong Mutual 

Associations in Wisconsin. The brochure describes NRCS conservation technical assistance and the 

farm bill conservation programs. NRCS has also provided additional copies of the Pesticide Applicators 

training handbook and video to the Hmong associations.

Disabled Farmers -– NRCS serves as an advisor to the Wisconsin Agrability Council, a program 

through Easter Seals and the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension to help disabled farmers 

continue farming. Wisconsin Agrability was recognized with a national award in 2006 for the excellent 

assistance provided to disabled farmers. NRCS Field Offices in Wisconsin have been provided 

information on Agrability, to serve as a referral to farmers who are disabled through traumatic injury or 

chronic illness.

Native American Assistance - In 2006, over $138,000 was obligated for Tribal conservation projects 

through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. NRCS Tribal Liaisons work closely with Tribal 

Conservation Departments to identify resource issues and find solutions for them.

Outreach
8030 Excelsior Drive, Suite 200

Madison, Wisconsin 53717

608-662-4422

www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov