Wisconsin
Helping People Help the Land

Dear Friends of Wisconsin Conservation,

On behalf of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Wisconsin, 

I am delighted to present this 2007 agency report to you, the 

shareholders in Wisconsin’s soil and water resources. We have much 

to celebrate this year, and great challenges ahead as we pursue our 

mission of helping people help the land.

We have come to the end of an amazing journey called the 2002 Farm 

Bill. Over the life of the 2002 Farm Bill:

Wisconsin farmers signed up for 7,623 contracts, and $84.3 million, 

for conservation work in the Environmental Quality Incentives 

Program (EQIP)

We launched the new Conservation Security Program, that now has 648 farms and 200,000 acres enrolled

We contracted for 188 restorations through the Wetlands Reserve Program bringing the total to 498 for the 

life of the program

We permanently protected 61 farms through the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

Last year, Wisconsin was rated number one in the nation in efficiency in implementing conservation contracts. 

I am proud of our staff, partners, and technical service providers for this huge achievement. 

We were reinvigorated by the Future of Farming and Rural Life in Wisconsin initiative led by the Wisconsin 

Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters. This two year intensive collaboration has helped create a shared 

vision of Wisconsin’s agricultural future, and point out the footsteps needed to get there.

We celebrated the Zeloski Marsh, nearly 1,500 acres of drained farmland that was restored through the 

Wetlands Reserve Program, and now forms the core of the state Lake Mills Wildlife Area.

Our new and pressing challenge is energy - both energy 

conservation and energy production on the farm. We will 

apply our technical expertise to our vision of productive lands 

and a healthy environment while exploring ways to reach 

energy independence.

I want to thank the thousands of Wisconsin farmers, 

landowners, and our many partners for their commitment 

to conservation. As we look forward to the coming Farm Bill 

and challenges it will certainly bring, we remain dedicated to 

a voluntary, incentive-based approach to land stewardship to 

achieve productive lands, and a healthy environment.

Sincerely,








Conservation Technical Assistance

The Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) Program provides basic technical assistance, including conservation 

planning, design, and implementation assistance to help people plan and apply conservation on the land. The 

working relationships that landowners and communities have with their local NRCS staff are unique. One-on-one 

help through flexible, voluntary programs occurs every day in local NRCS offices throughout Wisconsin.

Conservation Technical Assistance helps landowners make good decisions for their land:

Reduce soil loss from erosion. 

Solve soil, water quality, water conservation, air quality, and agricultural waste management problems.

Reduce potential damage caused by excess water and sedimentation or drought. 

Enhance the quality of fish and wildlife habitat.

Improve the long term sustainability of all lands, including cropland, forestland, grazing lands.

Assist in land use planning decisions needed for natural resource protection and sustainability. 

The CTA Program provides the proven and consistent conservation technology and a local delivery system 

needed to achieve the benefits of a healthy and productive landscape. 













Wisconsin Conservation Highlights - 2007

552,515 acres of conservation plans written

Watershed or area-wide conservation plans developed = 17

Cropland with conservation applied to improve soil quality = 471,016 acres

Land with conservation applied to improve water quality = 504,110 acres

Comprehensive Nutrient Management plans written = 206, applied = 179

Land with conservation applied to improve irrigation efficiency = 5,810 acres

Grazing and forest land with conservation applied to improve the resource base = 37,981 acres

Non-federal land with conservation applied to improve fish and wildlife habitat quality = 69,780 acres

Wetlands created, restored or enhanced = 3,161 acres


















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 Highlights 

A total of 1,100 contracts for $17,364,627 were signed:

Animal waste systems:

115 applications received for waste storage systems

58 applications were funded in FY07

$9,337,706 total funds requested with $5,557,888 in funds available








EQIP Special Initiatives

$188,017 were dedicated to conservation projects on Tribal lands.

$179,049 for ground and surface water practices in the Central Sands area.





Access Road 27 26

Animal Trails 13 11

Brush Management 128 34

Closure of Waste 

Impoundment 4 3

Conservation Crop Rotation 24 22

Contour Buffer Strips 1 1

CNMP 348 36

Critical Area Planting 14 13

Diversion 15 15

Feed Management 69 60

Fence 34 32

Filter Strip 1 1

Firebreaks 1 1

Forest Site Preparation 1 1

Forest Stand Improvement 6 5

Forest Trails and Landings 3 3

Grade Stabilization 

Structures 49 45

Grassed Waterway 259 129

Heavy Use Protection 145 29

Irrigation Water Management 48 4

Lined Waterway 29 7

Nutrient Management 1824 1236

Obstruction Removal 12 8

Pasture and Hay Planting 45 23

Pest Management 211 73

Pipeline 21 2

Prescribed Burning 1 1

Prescribed Grazing 480 426

Residue Mgmt/No-Till 507 460

Roof Runoff Structure 20 17

Sediment Basin 10 9

Sinkhole Treatment 4 4

Spring Development 3 3

Stream Habitat Improvement 1 1

Streambank/Shoreline 

Protection 22 22

Stripcropping 1 1

Terrace 2 2

Tree/Shrub Establishment 52 48

Tree/Shrub Pruning 1 1

Underground Outlet 19 17

Upland Wildlife Management 1 0

Use Exclusion 1 1

Waste Storage Facility 71 22

Wastewater Treatment 74 13

Water and Sediment Control 

Basin 6 1

Water Well 17 5

Well Decommissioning 71 20

Wetland Restoration 4 1

Windbreak/Shelterbelt 

Establishment 16 10

Conservation Practices Planned and Applied through EQIP

Contracts

Planned Applied

Contracts

Planned Applied

In 2007, Wisconsin was #1 in the nation in efficiency in implementing 

conservation, with 63% of contracts implemented and a 5% cancellation rate.
Wetlands Reserve Program

The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program. It provides technical and financial assistance to 

eligible landowners to address wetland, wildlife habitat, soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on 

private lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. The program provides an opportunity 

for landowners to receive financial incentives to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring 

marginal land from agriculture.

Benefits of the WRP Program include restoration, protection and enhancement of wetland functions and values 

along with the opportunity to develop wildlife habitat including threatened and endangered species. Wetlands 

improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals; reducing flooding; recharging groundwater; protecting 

biological diversity; as well as providing opportunities for educational, scientific, and recreational activities.

Zeloski Marsh Dedication

The dedication of the Zeloski Marsh Unit of the Lake Mills 

Wildlife Area was the WRP highlight this year. Over 1,320 

acres of marginal farmland was restored to wetland 

forming the core of the Wildlife Area. This project was 

a collaborative effort of the NRCS, the Wisconsin DNR 

and the Madison Audubon Society. Grants from the DNR 

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program helped Madison 

Audubon Society to purchase acquisition rights to the 

property and the money assisted in the restoration efforts.

WRP Highlights

Fiscal year allocation of $5,417,509

 10 permanent easements 

 1 Ten-Year Restoration Contract 

Total acres enrolled = 755

Total Obligation: $1,646,732

*This amount includes repair, restoration cost overruns, 

and appraisals and is not exclusively new acreage 

obligation. $3,770,776 funds were returned unobligated 

due to valuation system.











WRP total acreage in Wisconsin through 2007

47,082 acres enrolled in the program with 498 easements.

1,433 of those acres enrolled in 58 10-year contracts.





This wetland restoration is rich in diversity,. It 

includes the development of a complex of wetlands, 

prairies, an oak opening, tamarack woods and 

a remnant bog. Specifically 286 acres were 

planted to prairie, 270 acres of sedge meadow 

were developed along with 112 acres of emergent 

wetland habitat and 64 acres of shorebird habitat. 

This wetland jewel is restored and open for public 

recreation and hunting. The Glacial Drumlin 

Bicycle Trail crosses through the marsh, offering 

cyclists unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Practice Planned Installed

Brush Management 66 42

Conservation Cover 11 4

Firebreak 10 4

Fish Passage 5 1

Forest Stand Improvement 2 1

Precribed Burning 38 11

Restoration and Management of Rare 

and Declining Habitat 9 4

Stream Habitat Improvement and 

Management 8 1

Streambank and Shoreline Protection 6 1

Tree/Shrub Establishment 2 1

Upland Wildlife Habitat Management 25 5

Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management 7 0

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary environmental improvement program for people who 

want to develop or improve 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 has proven to be a 

highly effective and popular program across the country. By targeting wildlife habitat projects on all lands and 

aquatic areas, WHIP provides assistance to conservation minded landowners. 

Through WHIP, NRCS provides both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to establish 

and improve fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 

10 years from the date the agreement is signed.

WHIP Highlights 

Fiscal year allocation - $398,052

76 applicants

47 accepted contracts







Project breakdown:

Karner Blue Butterfly - 18 contracts $69,812

Declining Species - 9 contracts $35.041

Tribal Lands - 5 contracts - $54,600

Special Projects - 15 contracts $101,396








Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative

The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) in Wisconsin is comprised of individuals and organizations 

working together to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing 

land. Owners and managers of these grazing lands address natural resource concerns while contributing to the 

economic viability of their rural communities.

NRCS grazing land specialists have the expertise and experience to provide technical assistance to graziers regarding 

the long-term productivity and ecological health of their grazing land. Through GLCI efforts, NRCS provides training 

in grazing lands management and supports public awareness activities for private grazing lands.

Wisconsin Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Grant Program Highlights

On-going administration of 2004, 2005, and 2006 grant program, which includes 40 on-going projects in 

technical assistance, education, and research. The grant program is administered by the Wisconsin Department 

of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Wisconsin GLCI Steering Committee.

In 2007, two reports were published, one by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural 

Systems and the other by GrassWorks, Inc. (membership organization of graziers) which are summaries of all 

the GLCI Grant Projects conducted from 2002-2003, and 2004-2005 respectively.

The State of Wisconsin passed the Wisconsin Grazing Initiative which provides state funding for the GLCI Grant 

Program.

Technical Assistance Highlights

300 Prescribed Grazing Plans were developed on 25,000 acres of grazing land with conservation practices 

applied, including 19,542 acres of Prescribed Grazing.

The certification program has grown to approximately 40 Prescribed Grazing Land Planners in Wisconsin. For a 

listing of planners see www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov/grazing

A method to group soil types based on forage suitability and production has been developed in Wisconsin and 

is near completion.












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 protects Prime Farmland soils and important historical and archaeological 

sites on farms. The FRPP creates partnerships with state, tribal, and local governmental and non-governmental 

organizations to protect entire farms through the purchase of agricultural conservation easements or development 

rights. FRPP easements facilitate agricultural use of the land while limiting non-agricultural uses.

The FRPP provides matching funds for the purchase of easements through an annual competitive application 

process. Funded entities hold easements jointly with the NRCS. Easements are permanent, and are purchased 

from willing landowners, at current market value based on a professional appraisal. Participating landowners 

agree to farm the land according to a conservation plan.

FRPP Easements Funded in 2007

Baraboo Range Preservation Association, $132,976, 138 acres, one easement, Sauk County

Dane County Agricultural Easement Program, $591,262, 196 acres, one easement, Dane County

Driftless Area Land Conservancy, $452,107, 548 acres, one easement, Iowa County

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, $434,500, 284 acres, two easements, Ozaukee and Sheboygan 

Counties

FRPP Accomplishments in 2007

Easements on 10 farms were finalized this year throught the FRPP Program. These easements protect farmland 

in the following counties: Sauk (1), Ozaukee (2), Sheboygan (1), Dane (4), Green (1) and Iowa (1).











2007 was a banner year for farmland protection in 

Wisconsin: 10 FRPP easements were closed, protecting 

over 2,250 acres of farmland in six Wisconsin counties.
Wisconsin Soils Program

Since completing the initial soil survey on May 15, 2006, the Wisconsin soil 

survey program has redirected its efforts toward improving and updating 

the soils information in Wisconsin by restructuring the Soil Survey Program 

and functioning through a new business model. With collaboration from our 

partners we developed four strategic objectives. Work is currently being done 

to meet those objectives.

New Challenge, New Business Model

Our new challenge is to provide the knowledge that will ensure the effective 

and efficient use of this invaluable spatial and tabular database and to make 

improvements to meet the needs of Wisconsin. Our focus is to efficiently help 

people understand the land with new and improved map interpretations.

To meet this challenge, the Soil Survey Program in Wisconsin has been restructured and now functions through a 

new business model. The three principles of the model are Mission, Products, and Value.

Mission is “what we do best” and have been doing for 100 years, understanding and documenting the land’s 

soil and its relationships to other natural resources.

Products represent our new “passion” of communicating that understanding to customers This includes new 

map products that better explain our message.

Value is created by providing soil survey products for users that also add value back to soil survey. We will deliver 

this value through Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) Offices, building on our digital soil survey of the state.

Our Central Focus is where these three principles meet, guiding all Soil Survey Upgrade projects.

Strategic Objectives and the Wisconsin Users’ Group

A state level users group was formed to advise NRCS of important issues with the existing data and to help direct 

our planning. This state level users group defined several near term initiatives and began the evaluation process 

for longer term upgrade projects. Building from our business model and input from our state agency user group, we 

developed the following four objectives for the next few years:

1. Seamless Databases: The Wisconsin’s modern soil survey has taken place over the past 50 years. Those 

surveys completed in the early stages of the modern soil survey were mapped with different concepts and 

tools than those completed in the later stages. Soil concepts of the early soil surveys were centered on political 

boundaries, rather than the more natural geomorphic boundaries resulting in a patchwork of information. This 

resulted in conflicting joins along county boundaries. In order to remedy this inconsistency the soil survey staff 

adopted the MLRA concept of conducting soil surveys, and is converting to a statewide legend and correlating 

map unit concepts across similar geomorphic regions.

2. Consistency in Data: Because of the patchwork effect of Wisconsin’s soil survey products and the county 

centered soil concepts, similar soil map units across county boundaries may or may not have similar 

properties and interpretations. By adopting the MLRA approach to soil survey and creating seamless 

databases, there will be more consistent data from survey to survey.






3) New and Improved Interpretations: The current soil survey database provides powerful tools that provide 

soil information and interpretations to resolve complex natural resource issues. There are currently many 

interpretations written that use soil properties to aid landowners, managers and natural resource professionals 

in making wise land use decisions. 

Some current projects include:

Bedrock study in eastern WI to improve water quality interpretations.

Steep and stony project to improve forestry management.

Selected interpretation updates in partnership with soil survey users.

Statewide trace element study to assist DNR with remediation efforts.

4) Targeted increases in customers: With the completion of the initial soil survey for Wisconsin along with the 

introduction of the Web Soil Survey, soil survey products and information has seen renewed interest. By 

continually adding value to the products we deliver, we foresee an increase and diversification of customers.









Web Soil Survey is just a click away at www.websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov
The 2002 Farm Bill, which expired in 

2007, was landmark legislation for 

conservation. Over the life of the bill, 

funding for conservation in Wisconsin 

increased significantly. The chart 

above shows financial assistance, 

the funds that go to farmers and 

landowners, for the primary Farm Bill 

conservation programs from 2002 

through 2007.

Wisconsin NRCS Programs, FA, 2002-7

$0

$5

$10

$15

$20

FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07

EQIP FA ($)

CSP FA ($)

WRP FA ($)

FRPP FA ($)

WHIP

Conservation Security Program

In FY2007, the Conservation 

Security Program in Wisconsin 

saw considerable improvements 

in existing contracts with a large 

number of farms performing new 

conservation and moving up in Tiers. 

Tier 3 reflects the highest level of 

conservation that can be achieved in 

CSP. The number of Tier 3 contracts, 

originally accepted into CSP in 2004 

and 2005, increased from 77 to 

233. Despite the fact that there was 

no sign-up in 2007, total payments 

on 646 contracts increased over 

30% due to the additional, new 

conservation practices implemented 

on Wisconsin CSP farms.

 The Milwaukee River was declared 

an eligible CSP watershed in 2007 

but a program sign-up was not held. It 

is still an eligible watershed for 2008 

if a sign-up period is announced. 

Farm Bill Funding 2002-2007 Financial Assistance In Millions 
Emergency Watershed Program

Record setting rains in August caused damage in many parts of southwestern Wisconsin, but the damages 

could have been worse if it were not for the NRCS dams that were built as part of the upland treatment of these 

watersheds. These dams were built as part of the Watershed Flood Protection and Prevention Act (PL-566) during 

the 1950’s to the 1970’s. These dams capture the rainfall and runoff and allows water to be released slowly, 

preventing downstream flooding.

Many of the 22 dams in Vernon County suffered some damage during these storms. Four of the structures were 

severely damaged requiring emergency repair, four had abutment seepage and 16 will require repairs to the stilling 

basins with an estimated cost of over $1 million. The dams all held without failure. 

To respond to this exigent situation, the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program allowed NRCS to repair 

the dams that were critically damaged. The $185,000 in federal funds, plus $62,000 from the county have paid 

for emergency repairs to damaged auxiliary spillways and stilling basins. The long term maintenance and upkeep 

of the dams remains the responsibility of the county or city sponsors.

Both the PL-566 project and the EWP Program safeguards lives and properties from flooding. Wisconsin is fortunate 

to have a long history of maintaining dams and appreciating their value to the community.

For more information on the EWP Program: www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/watersheds.html

Pictured here is Duck Egg Dam in Vernon County. This structure held back thousands of acre-feet of water 

that would have otherwise caused widespread flooding downstream. These are the types of structures 

built through the PL-566 Act that have protected Wisconsin for decades.
Resource Conservation and Development

The purpose of Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) is to improve the capability of local leaders to plan 

and execute projects for resource conservation and community development in their geographically designated 

RC&D areas. Congress created this partnership between the federal government and local communities as a way 

of engaging local leaders in investing in their community. The program’s goal is to promote conservation, improve 

land use, develop natural resources, and enhance social, economic, and environmental conditions in primarily 

rural areas. Through the RC&D program, local governments, Indian tribes, non-profit organizations, and councils 

come together to carry out community-oriented projects.

RC&D Highlights 

Town and Country RC&D

Farm Fresh Wisconsin: Strengthening the Farmer Chef Connection - The use 

of locally-produced food products is growing in popularity among chefs and 

restaurants in SW Wisconsin. A recent workshop in Waukesha gave farmers 

and chefs the opportunity to join forces to cultivate new business partnerships. 

Participants had the opportunity to network with other farmers and food buyers 

and hear from notable Wisconsin Chefs. This event provided information for 

alternative marketing opportunities that can help restore a diverse, stable 

regional food economy.

Golden Sands RC&D

The Golden Sands RC&D utilized a $12,000 NRCS National Agro-forestry Center grant to establish an agro-forestry 

demonstration in Portage County. The site includes sustainable practices like a solar powered electric deer fence, 

barn roof runoff collection and a gravity flow drip irrigation system. 

Pri Ru Ta RC&D

In 2007, the three Pri-Ru-Ta Council Grazing Specialists assisted Field Offices by providing planning assistance 

on over 5000 acres in 14 Northwestern Counties. The Council is also assisting the NRCS with the development, 

promotion and distribution of soils data products. 

Southwest Badger RC&D

The Driftless Area Initiative focuses on strengthening productive partnerships in this multistate region by implementing projects of regional significance in support of natural resource 

conservation, sustainable rural economic development, and strengthened community identity 

and vitality. 2007 projects include the following:

Bird Friendly Forestry in the Driftless Area, a collaborative project with the Community Forestry 

Resource Center and Audubon Minnesota with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife 

Foundation.

Woody Biomass Utilization Study, a project to determine the real cost of making under 

utilized woody biomass from timber stand improvement and sustainable forest management 

available to the biomass energy market in the Driftless Area.

Biomass Inventory and Analysis, a project to inventory existing warm season grass acreages 

in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin. The objective of this project is to determine the feasibility 

of using grasses such as switchgrass as a renewable energy source. 







For further information on all the activities of RC&Ds in Wisconsin see 

the NRCS website at www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov/partnerships
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: 262.335.4855

Glacierland RC&D

Two new RC&D projects were launched to improve production on 

organic managed rotational grazing operations. The first project, 

“Benefits of Compost Tea on Grazed Pastures” measures the 

improvement in pasture grass growth and soil structure that result 

from the application of an aerated compost tea and the resulting 

benefits in increased milk production. The second project, “Benefits 

of Fish Hydrolysates-based Foliar Spray for Managed Intensive 

Grazing” tests the effect of applying a foliar spray composed of fish 

hydrolysates, soil microbial extracts, natural nitrogen sources and 

microscopic amounts of minerals. These beneficial microbes build 

soil, resulting in healthier pasture growth. The results of both of 

these research projects will be shared with other grass-based beef 

and dairy operations throughout the state.

Lumberjack RC&D

Lumberjack RC&D played an instrumental part in developing 

Shoreline Restoration projects in Marinette and Oconto 

counties. Several unique restorations included planting 

native prairie plants along with native trees and shrubs, 

incorporating no-mow areas and rip-rap to help curb 

lakeshore erosion. These restorations were documented and 

published as a motor-tour guide. Interested parties could view 

the restorations and then contact LCD’s and UW-Extension 

for technical assistance. This approach proved to generate 

landowner interest with more projects being cost-shared 

with minimal staff time to promote restoration practices. 

The project was a joint effort between the Lumberjack RC&D 

Council, Marinette & Oconto County LCDs, WI Department of 

Natural Resources, and WI Department of Administration. 

River Country RC&D

This year River Country branched out into new territory. The Council is assisting the City of Independence with a 

feasibility study to convert the Bugle Lake Dam to produce electricity using low-head hydro-power technology. River 

Country is also assisting Spring Valley and Elmwood to plan, design and build a non-motorized recreation trail that 

will connect the two villages.
Rapid Watershed Assessments

The Wisconsin NRCS Rapid Watershed Assessments (RWA) provide initial estimates of where conservation 

investments could best address the concerns within a watershed. These assessments help landowners and 

local leaders set priorities and determine the best action for their resource concerns. It is used as a foundation 

for watershed area-wide planning. They provide a preliminary source of information for standard environmental 

evaluations. 

The watershed resource profile contains:

A general description of the location, size of the watershed

Common Resource Areas that are determined by landscape conditions, soil, climate and human 

considerations

Physical description including land use/land cover, precipitation/climate,

303(d) Listed Waters Map

Soils information

Land capability classes, drainage and farmland classification maps

Known resource concerns and ecological landscapes

NRCS Performance Results Systems (PRS) that reflects progress on several key areas of conservation

Census and social data

Status and history of resources conservation in the watershed

References and data sources

Wisconsin recently completed the following Rapid Watershed Assessments and are now 

available on the web at www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov/technical

Grant/Little Maquoketa River

Upper Rock River

Lake du Bay

Lower Rock River

Pensaukee River

Lower Wisconsin River

Lower Fox River

Milwaukee River

Lake Winnebago 









































Beartrap-Nemadji

Bad-Montreal

Flambeau

Black-Presque Isle

Ontonagon

Brule

Upper Wisconsin

Menominee

Peshtigo Oconto

Pensaukee Door

Kewaunee

 Lower 

 Fox

Wolf River

Lake du Bay

Castle Rock ManitowocSheboygan

Upper St. Croix

Namekagon

Upper

Chippewa South

 Fork

Flambeau

 Lower

St. Croix

Red Cedar

 Lower

Chippewa

Jump River

Eau Claire

RushVermillion

BuffaloWhitewater

Trempealeau Lower

Chippewa

Upper Fox

 Lake

LaCrosse- Winnebago

 Pine CoonYellow Kickapoo

Lower Wisconsin

Milwaukee

Upper Rock

Lower Rock Grant-

 Little

 Maquoketa

Pecatonica Upper

 Fox Sugar PikeRoot

ApplePlum

Pecatonica Kiskwaukee Des Plaines Lower RockPickasaw

St.Louis River

Baraboo

Wisconsin will continue to add Rapid Watershed 

Assessments to our website. Ten new assessments 

are scheduled to be completed in 2008.

Watershed Map of 

Wisconsin
Outreach

NRCS is dedicated to reaching out to all producers and potential customers to offer our programs and services 

equitably to those who need them. For over a decade, Wisconsin NRCS has been working closely and productively 

with the Indian nations in our state to help them restore and manage their resources. Other groups with special 

needs for outreach include the Hmong, Hispanic farmers and farm workers, religious groups, and also new and 

beginning farmers.

Some highlights in 2007:

Outreach to Hmong Producers – NRCS focused outreach efforts to the growing Hmong population in Wisconsin in 

2007. Hmong were US allies during the Vietnam War, and since then, thousands have come to call Wisconsin home. 

The Hmong have an agricultural heritage and have begun to flourish as producers of fresh market vegetables. 

Wisconsin now ranks third in the nation for Hmong population. Outreach efforts included participation in the 

Wisconsin Hmong Association Annual Conference, demonstrations of web soil survey for making land-purchase 

decisions, distributing information on pest management, poultry biosecurity to prevent Avian Influenza, and working 

with the USDA National Ag Statistics Service to help identify Hmong growers for the upcoming ag census.

Outreach to Hispanic Farmers – Through a special direct mailing, NRCS sent letters in Spanish and English the 

Hispanic farm owner/operators identified through the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The letter and NRCS 

program brochure provided an introduction to NRCS programs and technical assistance, with contact information 

for Spanish and English speakers.

Assistance to Tribal Nations in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council continues to grow and to evolve. In 2007, NRCS assisted 

WTCAC in crafting a long-range strategic plan to build stronger infrastructure for WTCAC and focus its work for 

better results. NRCS allocates funds from both the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Wildlife Habitat 

Incentives Program for tribal projects, with WTCAC providing review and approval of projects.

Ten new major EQIP contracts were approved in 2007 for Wisconsin 

tribes. Projects include well decommissioning, sediment basin, many 

forestry practices, stream crossing, fencing and erosion control 

measures. In addition, work continued or was completed on 28 EQIP 

contracts from previous years.

Five new major WHIP projects were approved in 2007, including a 

dam removal, prairie and oak savannah restoration, wild rice seeding, 

waterfowl habitat development and invasive species control.

New and Beginning Farmers 

Wisconsin NRCS participated in the national USDA Risk Management 

Agency conference in Milwaukee, co-sponsored by Growing Power. The 

conference brought together over 600 new and beginning farmers, as 

well as the agency and business professionals who serve them. The 

focus was on communications to help better nurture and support our 

beginning farmers as the future of agriculture.




Earth Team Volunteer 

Program

Volunteer support is an ideal way to help NRCS 

achieve it’s organizational goals. The collective 

talents and energies of private individuals 

helps NRCS in conserving our natural 

resources. Volunteering has always been a 

cornerstone of soil and water conservation 

efforts. In recognition of the interest and 

skills of people interested in conservation, 

legislation was passed in 1981, to allow NRCS 

to use volunteers in it’s programs. This is how 

the Earth Team, the volunteer arm of NRCS 

was initiated.

In 2007, 75 Volunteers contributed 12,487 

hours in offices across the state. This is the 

equivalent of over 6 full time employees. The 

contribution of these volunteers carry more 

value than a dollar amount; the Earth Team 

volunteers are dedicated to their cause -- 

caring for the Earth. 

Jackson

Portage Waupaca

Brown

Door

Wood

Pepin

Buffalo Trempealeau

LaCrosse Monroe

Vernon

Grant

Crawford

Iowa

Sauk

Lafayette Green Rock Walworth

Racine

Kenosha

Juneau

Adams

Manitowoc

Kewaunee

Calumet

Fond du Lac

Ozaukee Washington

Sheboygan

Jefferson Waukesha

Lake

Winne

bago

Columbia

Marqu

ette

Green

Waushara

Florence

Forest

Marinette

Oconto

Meno

minee

Langlade

Shawano

Douglas Bayfield

Iron

Ashland Vilas

Lincoln

Oneida

Marathon Dunn

Taylor

Price

Sawyer

Rusk

Washburn Burnett

Polk Barron

St. Croix

Pierce Clark

Chippewa

Richland

Dane

Outa

gamie

Dodge

Laura Carlson Humphrey

715-832-6547

Area Coordinator

Altoona

Teri Moyer

920-733-1575

Area Coordinator

Appleton

Betty Stibbe

608-647-8874

State Coordinator

Richland Center Kim Cupery

920-386-9999

Area Coordinator

Juneau

Barb Jansen

State Office Coordinator

Madison

608-662-4422

Eau Claire

For information about the Earth Team http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/volunteers/

Cooperative Conservation 

We believe that enduring conservation is achieved only by the cooperative efforts of individuals, agencies, and 

organizations in Wisconsin. For over 70 years, NRCS has worked cooperatively with its partners to help people 

get conservation on the land. NRCS, County Land Conservation Districts and Departments, State conservation 

agencies, and RC&D councils represent a unique Federal, State, and local partnership dedicated to natural resource 

conservation. Known and trusted by landowners, managers, and officials at the local level, we are able to facilitate 

locally led conservation efforts that meet local goals. Today, there is growing appreciation for the effectiveness of 

cooperative approaches that conserve and protect natural resources. 

Thank you to all the partners that made 2007 a great year for conservation in Wisconsin:

Tribal Nations

State and County governments

County Land Conservation Committees and Departments

State Technical Committee

Wisconsin Intertribal Conservation Advisory Council

Wisconsin Cooperative Conservation Initiative












Helping People Help The Land
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, 

gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should 

contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, 

SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

State Office

8030 Excelsior Drive, Suite 200

Madison, Wisconsin 53717

www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov