Land & Water Conservation Division

Less than 2% of the Earths surface has the topsoil and growing conditions necessary to grow food - that is, all the food needed to sustain the ever-growing population of the planet!

We all know we need "topsoil" to grow our lawns and gardens, but too few of us have an appreciation for its true value as a natural resource. It takes over 100 years and lots of weathering and natural "additives" to produce one inch of topsoil. Yet, this much can be washed away in a single rain storm if not protected from erosion. When this happens, the soil pollutes our streams and clogs drainage systems...costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year in dredging and other damage repair work.

In Washington County, the average depth of topsoil is only 6-12 inches. For the sake of future generations, land management practices should ensure that the soil is not being blown or washed away faster than nature can replenish it.

We all want our lakes and streams to be clean. When they are not, we expect "someone" to do something about it. But that someone is you!

Most water pollution today comes from our lawns, streets, parking lots, construction sites and farmland. It is called runoff or "nonpoint" pollution. Runoff is rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground, but instead "runs off" the land...with the help of paved surfaces and roofs, storm sewers, ditches and other man-made drainage systems. Along the way this runoff water picks up all kinds of pollution from the urban and rural landscape such as: litter, motor oil, road salt, eroded soil, fertilizer, pet or livestock wastes and pesticides, then carries it to the nearest lake, stream or wetland. Runoff pollution can make our water unsafe for swimming and degrade conditions for fishing...often, so gradually it goes unnoticed.

What We Do...

To stop runoff pollution we must all help by making changes in the way we do everyday things...one step at a time.

The Washington County Land and Water Conservation Division (LWCD) relies on partnerships with local farmers, landowners, government officials, teachers and youth group leaders, community businesses, civic organizations and concerned residents.

Technical Assistance...

LWCD technical staff are experts on controlling soil erosion and water pollution. It is their job to find solutions to land and water resource problems.

Through a variety of local programs, technical staff will:

• Conduct resource inventories, including soils, drainage, topography, water resources, land use and vegetation through on-site visits or map interpretations.
• Develop resource management recommendations and plans.
• Complete engineering and design activities for construction projects, including site surveys, soil profile analysis, runoff and flow calculations and the preparation of construction drawings.
• Supervise the construction of conservation practices such as grass waterways, retention ponds, terraces and livestock waste management systems.
• Administer local regulations aimed to prevent water pollution from construction site erosion, urban stormwater runoff and manure storage facilities.

Funding Opportunities...

Some conservation practices can be costly. Since clean water and sustained soil productivity benefit everyone, public financial assistance is often available. LWCD staff will help determine what programs you may be eligible for and can assist in obtaining available funds.

Funding opportunities for conservation work include:

• Cost sharing the installation of a wide variety of conservation practices.
• Tax credits or other program benefits for meeting certain conservation criteria.
• Incentive payments to stop farming environmentally sensitive lands such as stream corridors or highly erodible slopes.

Information and Education...

The LWCD conducts a wide variety of information and education programs aimed at urban and rural audiences of all ages. With a theme of "Clean Water One Step At A Time" the objective is to raise awareness and encourage citizens to take action to preserve our soil and water resources.

Summary of Land Conservation Services...

Under the policy direction of the Land Conservation Committee (LCC), the Land and Water Conservation Division (LWCD) carries out its land and water conservation mission by offering five major categories of services, as described below:

A. Technical and Engineering Assistance: Provide local landowners, managers and units of government technical assistance to find solutions to land and water resource management problems. This includes activities such as: resource inventories, site surveys, soil profile analysis, hydrologic calculations, and the planning, design and installation of soil and water conservation practices. The LWCD also contracts for technical assistance related to wildlife damage to agricultural crops.

B. Conservation Education: Conduct a wide variety of conservation education programs in partnership with other agencies and organizations. Target audiences range from urban to rural residents of all ages. The message is always to encourage individual action to reduce water pollution and to protect our soil and other natural resources.

C. Automation/GIS Services: Emphasize efficiency and quality in all LWCD services by integrating computer technology into daily activities where appropriate. Computer enhanced activities and services currently include: surveying, drafting, conservation planning, designing/engineering, mapping, aerial photography, educational mailings, tree sales, program tracking, word processing, publication development and the maintenance of county-wide natural resource inventory data. Also, offer resource data and planning information to our clients in a digital format whenever practical.

D. Financial Assistance: Determine what financial assistance may be available to local landowners, managers and organizations to help offset the costs of conservation work and assist them in obtaining those funds. Financial assistance can be in the form of tax credits, cost sharing, conservation easements or other incentive payments. The LWCD administers several state financial assistance programs (Priority Watersheds, NR-243, etc.) and assists with several federal programs (EQIP, CRP, etc.).

E. Regulatory Activities: Administer local ordinances and program compliance requirements with a common sense approach. This currently includes County Code provisions for participation in the Farmland Preservation Program (Chapter 15), the construction of new manure storage facilities (Chapter 16), erosion control and stormwater management for new developments in unincorporated areas (Chapter 17) and nonmetallic mining reclamation (Chapter 18). Also includes helping landowners meet the conservation requirements for participation in a variety of state and federal programs.

Office Info...

Location: 333 E. Washington Street, Suite 3200 in West Bend, WI
Business Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday thru Friday
Phone: (262) 335-4800
Fax: (262) 335-4171
Email: landcon@co.washington.wi.us

FULL SERVICE CLEAN SWEEP
The Washington County Full Service Clean Sweep is an opportunity for county residents to properly dispose or recycle unwanted hazardous chemicals, electronic goods, pharmaceutical medication and used tires.  A $10.00 pre-registration fee is required for the Hazardous Waste and Electronic Goods Collection with a participation limit of 250 vehicles per event.  The Pharmaceutical Collection is free and participation is unlimited.  The Used Tire Collection is also unlimited participation (maximum of 20 tires accepted per person) and disposal fees apply.  Detailed information for each collection is below.  You can help keep Washington County's surface and groundwater clean through participating in this program.

2012 Waste Collection Events:
Saturday, May 12
Saturday, October 13
(8am-Noon)

Contact Information:
Land & Water Conservation Division
333 E. Washington St., Suite 3200
West Bend, WI  53095

24 Hour Hotline: (262)335-4808  Office: (262)335-4800


HAZARDOUS WASTE & ELECTRONIC GOODS (for households and farms) -
Pre-registration & $10.00 fee required
Registration Form (pdf)

PHARMACEUTICAL/DRUG - No pre-registration or fee required

TIRES - No pre-registration & disposal fees apply

SMALL BUSINESS/VERY SMALL QUANTITY GENERATORS (VSQG) -
Pre-registration required & cost of disposal

Collection Site:
Washington County Highway Facility (map)
900 Lang St. West Bend, WI  53090


From Here To Where?
What happens to my waste after drop-off?
 

Can't wait for the next Clean Sweep?
Waste Disposal available at the Port Washington Facility (year round)
Fees Apply.

CLEAN WAYS FOR WATERWAYS
Clean Water Starts In Your Backyard

Water pollution has many sources.  Up to half of all pollutants come not from factories or wastewater treatment plants, but from many diffuse sources resulting from our own everyday activities.  For example, dog waste left on the ground or chemicals sprayed on your lawn can get washed into the nearest waterways by the next rain.  Pet waste and pesticides in your yard may not seem like they could have a large effect on local streams and lakes, but our waterways receive stormwater from thousands of backyards.  What we do in our own backyards and our own communities can make all the difference to the quality of our lakes and streams.

For more information visit www.cleanways.org

Clean Ways For Waterways is a partnership between Washington County, the Village of Germantown, and the Cities of West Bend and Hartford.

The LWCD conducts a wide variety of information and education programs aimed at urban and rural audiences of all ages. With a theme of "Clean Water One Step At A Time" the objective is to raise awareness and encourage citizens to take action to preserve our soil and water resources.

Educators and Youth Leaders come and discover what the Land and Water Conservation Division has to offer! Our office consists of an extensive selection of: curriculum guides, videos, posters, monitoring equipment, reference materials, slide presentations, teaching games and demonstration kits. The library is open from 8:00 - 4:30 Monday thru Friday and materials are loaned out free of charge.

LWCD Library Inventory (pdf)
Aldo Leopold Kit (pdf)
Wetland Trunk (pdf)
Storm Drain Stenciling Kit (pdf)



CONSERVATION POSTER CONTEST   
October 2012

Washington County's K-12th grade students are invited to participate in the 2012 Conservation Poster Contest in October. This year's theme is "Soil To Spoon". All posters shall be submitted to the Land & Water Conservation Division by Friday, October 5, 2012. First place in each catergory will be entered into the SE Area Competition and from there possibly move on to State and Nationals.

Informational Letter (pdf)
Contest Rules & Resources (pdf)
Entry Form - not yet available

Poster Contest Ideas (pdf)

Interested to find out more about the Fall 2012 contest - "Soil To Spoon"...visit the following website: National Association of Conservation Districts.
Please note...all entries must begin at the local (county) level.


SAND LAKE CONSERVATION CAMP  
June 21-23, 2012

Camp is available each summer to the youth of Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Students that will be entering grades 6-8 in the fall (2012) are invited to take part in this camp. Located at Camp Bird, in Crivitz, WI, the small fee is for the three days of camp ($55 before June 1. $70 fee after June 1.). Washington County Land & Water Conservation offers 4 full scholarships to students (awarded one time per individual) living or attending school in Washington County.  Registrations will not be accepted after June 8.

2012 Camp Brochure (pdf)
Map of Camp Bird (pdf)
2012 Schedule - Tentative (pdf)
What To Bring To Camp (pdf)

Scholarship Essay Form (doc)

REQUIRED INFORMATION - submit to Washington Co.
2012 Registration Form (pdf)
Release & Hold Harmless Agreement (pdf)
Participant Expectation Agreement (pdf)

Camp offers a closer look and better understanding of nature's resources and our role, as citizens, in conserving them. Sessions cover a wide variety of information and hands-on experiences in wildlife habitat, water quality, forestry, fisheries, invasive species, orienteering, archery and canoeing. Natural resource, conservation and education professionals teach the programs, serve as couselors and give campers an inside look at different careers available in natural resources and the environment.

Fun In 2007 (pdf)
Fun In 2008 (pdf)
Fun In 2009 (pdf)
Fun In 2010 (pdf) 


YOUTH CONSERVATION CAMP (Trees For Tomorrow)
June 12-15, 2012

Students entering grades 9, 10 and 11 (fall 2012) who are interested in natural resource management careers or who enjoy the outdoors are invited to attend this 4 day camp. Trees For Tomorrow is located in northern Wisconsin, along the banks of the Eagle River. Campers stay in comfortable student lodges, eat their meals in a full service dining hall and attend programs or field studies in the classrooms of the TFT education center of the great outdoors. TFT is fully equipped with showers, flush toilets, and electricity.

Early Bird fee is only $175 per student and covers meals, lodging and a t-shirt. Scholarship money may be available from the Land Conservation Office. Please call to find out more information! (335-4800)

2012 Brochure (pdf)

FARMLAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM
The Wisconsin Farmland Preservation Program identifies and protects agricultural areas against unplanned development. The program is designed to preserve agricultural land and open spaces by promoting orderly land use planning and development, by promoting soil and water conservation, in turn providing tax relief to landowners in the program.

Exclusive Agricultural Zoning (EAZ)
In Washington County, 6 Municipalities have Exclusive Agricultural Zoning. The Municipalities that administer this zoning are the Towns of Kewaskum, Barton, Trenton, Hartford, and the Villages of Richfield and Germantown.

Farmland Preservation Agreements
An agreement is a contract between a farmland owner and the Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection. The landowner agrees to maintain the farmland in agricultural use...with agreements ranging from 10 to 25 years.

Tax Credits
The Farmland Preservation Program provides participating landowners with an opportunity to claim farmland preservation tax credits.  The tax credits are income tax credits that are applied against tax liability.

Tax credit amounts are:
$5.00/Ac. for farmers with a farmland preservation agreement signed after July 1, 2009 and located within an agricultural enterprise area.
$7.50/Ac. for farmers in an area zoned for farmland preservation.
$10.00/Ac. for farmers in an area zoned and certified for farmland preservation and in an agricultural enterprise area, with a farmland preservation agreement signed after July 1, 2009.

WORKING LANDS INITIATIVE
The Wisconsin Working Lands Initiative is included as part of the 2009 – 2011 state budget signed into law by Governor Doyle on June 29, 2009. Three main components of the program include updates to the state’s current Farmland Preservation Program, the ability for farmers and local governments to establish voluntary Agricultural Enterprise Areas, and a state program to help with the purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements.

For more information regarding the Working Lands Initiative & Credits visit Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection

Aquatic (Water)
Terrestrial (Land)

Help protect our rivers, lakes and streams!
Washington County's BUFFER INITIATIVE

Farmland Preservation Program

This state-mandated, cross-compliance rule was originally adopted by the County Board on August 12, 1986. It requires all landowners receiving a tax credit through this program to maintain cropland soil erosion rates at tolerable levels (as defined by NRCS technical standards). LWCD staff must screen all participants within one year after they receive their first tax credit and develop a conservation plan for all lands. Installation of the planned conservation practices may be scheduled over several years, but annual progress is required. The LWCD is also required to spot check 20% of the program participants each year. More program specifics can be found in the Code book.

Animal Waste Rule - NR 243

This is a DNR regulatory rule that has historically operated on a complaint basis. DNR must investigate complaints and determine if an operation is causing a significant water quality problem. If so, the DNR issues a Notice of Discharge to the landowner, which requires them to adopt animal waste runoff control practices. The owner is directed to the LWCD to obtain technical assistance. The LWCD recommends what practice(s) are needed to solve the problem and will design and supervise the installation of those practices at the request of the landowner. Cost sharing was historically offered through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Changes in the administrative rules will require DNR to actively seek out problem sites versus relying on complaints. DNR will also provide the cost-sharing funds.

Wildlife Damage and Abatement

Since 1991, the LWCD along with 15 other counties has contracted with the USDA- APHIS Horicon office to provide assistance to landowner contending with wild animal pressures. Although abatement measures are emphasized, crop damage (mainly from geese and deer) is also reimbursed. There is a nominal deductible and an annual claim limit of $15,000.00 per landowner. The program is currently supported by a $1.00 fee on all hunting licenses, a $12.00 charge for deer bonus tags, and general revenues from the federal government.

Deer Donation Program (pdf)

Conservation Reserve Program

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) reduces soil erosion, protects the Nation's ability to produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentation in streams and lakes, improves water quality, establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances forest and wetland resources. It encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as tame or native grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filter strips, or riparian buffers. Farmers receive an annual rental payment for the term of the multi-year contract. Cost sharing is provided to establish the vegetative cover practices.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) works primarily in locally identified priority areas where there are significant natural resource concerns, such as soil erosion, water quality and quantity, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and forest and grazing lands. Priority is given to areas where State or local governments offer financial, technical, or educational assistance, and to areas where agricultural improvements will help meet water quality objectives. Activities must be carried out according to a conservation plan. Priority area proposals are submitted to the NRCS State Conservationist, who selects those areas within the State based on recommendations from the State Technical Committee.

EQIP is one of several Federal, State, and local conservation programs that farmers and ranchers can use to solve their natural resource concerns. EQIP offers financial, educational, and technical help to install or implement structural, vegetative, and management practices called for in 5 to 10 year contracts. These practices which include manure management systems, pest management, and erosion control-help improve and maintain the health of natural resources. Cost sharing may pay up to 75% of the costs of certain conservation practices. Nationally, half of the funding for EQIP is targeted to livestock-related natural resource concerns and the remainder to other significant conservation priorities.

Farmland Protection Program

The Farmland Protection Program provides funds to State, tribal, or local government entities to help purchase development rights to keep productive farmland in agricultural use. Working through their existing programs, USDA joins with State, tribal, or local governments to acquire conservation easements or other interests from landowners. USDA provides up to 50% of the costs of purchasing the easements. To qualify, farmland must: be part of a pending offer from a State, tribe, or local farmland protection program; be privately owned; have a conservation plan; be large enough to sustain agricultural production; be accessible to markets for what the land produces; have adequate infrastructure and agricultural support services; and have surrounding parcels of land that can support long-term agricultural production.

Forest Stewardship Program

The Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) takes a multiple-resource approach to managing nonindustrial private forest lands by bringing the expertise of State-employed foresters, biologists and private consultants to private landowners to help them prepare natural resource management plans. These plans encourage landowners to become active in planning and managing their forests, greatly increasing the likelihood that the forests will remain productive and healthy, and that social, economic and environmental benefits of these lands will be better realized.

Wetlands Reserve Program

The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program to restore wetlands. Participating landowners can establish conservation easements of either permanent or 30-year duration or can enter into restoration cost-share agreements where no easement is involved. In exchange for establishing a permanent easement, the landowner receives payment up to the agricultural value of the land and 100% of the restoration costs for restoring the wetland. The 30-year easement payment is 75% of what would be provided for a permanent easement on the same site and 75% of the restoration cost. The voluntary agreements are for a minimum 10-year duration and provide for 75% of the cost of restoring the involved wetlands. Easements set limits on how the lands may be used in the future. Restoration cost-share agreements establish wetland protection and restoration as the primary land use for the duration of the agreement. In all instances, landowners continue to control access to their land.

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program provides financial incentives to develop habitat for fish and wildlife on private lands. Participants agree to implement a wildlife habitat development plan, and USDA agrees to provide cost-share assistance for the initial implementation of wildlife habitat development practices. USDA and program participants enter into 5 to 10 year cost-share agreements for wildlife habitat development.

Conservation News

A biannual newsletter for Washington County residents. Viewpoints of authors do not necessarily reflect those of the Land Conservation Committee or the Washington County Board of Supervisors. The Land Conservation Committee and the Land and Water Conservation Division staff encourage responses from the public.

Warning: These are very large documents and may take quite some time to download. It will be best to save it to your local machine!

2012
2012 Spring/Summer (pdf)

2011
2011 Spring/Summer (pdf)
2011 Fall/Winter (pdf)

2010
2010 Spring/Summer (pdf)
2010 Fall/Winter (pdf)

2009
2009 Spring (pdf)
2009 Summer (pdf)
2009 Fall  (pdf)
2009 Winter (pdf)

2008
2008 Spring (pdf)
2008 Summer (pdf)
2008 Fall (pdf)
2008 Winter (pdf)

2007
2007 Spring (pdf)
2007 Summer (pdf)
2007 Fall (pdf)
2007 Winter (pdf)

2006
2006 Spring/Summer (pdf)
2006 Fall/Winter (pdf)

2005
2005 Fall/Winter (pdf)


Instructions:
1) Right click on the icon
2) Select "Save Target As..."
3) Place on your hard drive
4) Open from your computer

FARMER NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT CLASS

Introduction

There are two separate environmental risks, groundwater and surface water, associated with application of nutrients. The Land & Water Conservation Division maintains a GIS layer that identifies areas that have a high risk of negative envirnomental impacts if nutrients, either organic or commercial, are applied to the soil at critical times of the year or through inappropriate application methods.

The USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service 590 Nutrient Management Code was used as a guide for the development of this layer, which consists of the following components:

1) SOILS - <20" to bedrock, <12" to apparent water table, high permeablility rates, steep slope of 12% or greater and planning units of >9% identified by the Land Conservation Office.

2) SURFACE WATER - areas within 300' of naviable waters (rivers and streams) and areas within 1000' of navigable waters (lake, pond or flowage). As fields are walked, concentrated flow channels are identified.

Application Risk Area Maps
Washington County's publicly accessible interactive website now includes nutrient management. Click the link below to view the site.

Nutrient Management Restrictions

Red = Runoff Risk
When nutrients are spread here...it is best to incorporate and prevent runoff from steep slopes as well as areas near surface water.

Yellow = Nitrogen to Groundwater Risk
Best to spread nutrients in the Spring prior to planting.

Orange = Runoff Risk and Groundwater Risk Overlap

So Why Does Any Of This Matter?

You may have heard or read about something called the "590 standard" and be wondering what it has to do with nutrient management planning. The 590 standard isa USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service document that defines the minimum requirements and components of an acceptable nutrient management plan.
A nutrient management plan meeting the 590 standard is a requirement for participation in some federal and state farm programs involving cost-sharing. A farm nutrient management plan that meets the 590 standard is also a requirement of Washington County's Manure Storage Ordinance (construction of new manure storage facilities).

One way to maximize the benefits and reduce the risk of hauling manure is to follow the WI NRCS 590 Nutrient Management Technical Standard summarized below. The 590 plan manages the amount and timing of all nutrient sources to provide for crop needs. This annual plan is based on soil tests and UW soil fertility recommendations. These plans will reduce runoff losses and save you money on fertilizer by simply: 1)Using the soil test recommendations for the crops to be grown, 2)Crediting manure and legume nutrients toward to crop need and 3)Adding more fertilizer if needed to meet the crop recommendation.

Nutrient Management 590 Standard (pdf)

Land and Water Conservation (Chapter 15)
Animal Waste Storage Facility (Chapter 16)
Erosion Control & Stormwater Management (Chapter 17)
Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation (Chapter 18)

Land & Water Resource Management Plan (2011-2020)
Quaas Creek Watershed Protection Plan

Paul Sebo, County Conservationist
As County Conservationist, Paul is responsible for managing daily operations for the Division's County programs to increase public awareness and promote a proactive approach for the protection of our natural resources. He implements and coordinates a variety of Federal, State and local programs related to soil conservation and water pollution control and participates in various advisory committees involved in the development of technical standards, rule making, program planning and policy issues.

Paul also oversees technical assistance provided to landowners and municipalities who install soil and water conservation practices for the purpose of improving water quality. He also administers the enforcement of three county ordinances which are; the Farmland Preservation Program Conservation Compliance, the Animal Waste Storage Ordinance and the Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Ordinance.

Paul holds an Associate Degree in Natural Resources from the Fox Valley Technical College. He has held a Project and Senior Technician position for Washington County since 1988 and has previous work experience in both Manitowoc and Kewaunee County.

Email: paul.sebo@co.washington.wi.us
Phone: (262)335-4805

Scott Schmidt, PE, RLS, County Engineer/Surveyor
As County Civil Engineer/Surveyor, Scott lends support to other County Departments for contracting and inspection of Washington County projects.  He assists the Land & Water Conservation Division with the implementation and enforcement of Washington County's Erosion Control & Stormwater Management Ordinance (Chapter 17); by working closely with Townships, landowners, engineers, and developers to control erosion from construction sites and sees that proper stormwater management plans area developed and implemented.  Scott is also involved in executing the Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation Ordinance (Chapter 18).  This involves the reviewing of reclamation plans and inspection of sites to make certain the plans are followed.

Scott earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He has been with Washington County since July of 2001 and currently resides in Germantown with his wife and children.

Email: scott.schmidt@co.washington.wi.us
Phone: (262)335-6881

Stephanie Egner, CCA, Project Technician
As Project Technician, Stephanie is responsible for conservation and nutrient management planning...helping to preserve Washington County's soil resources and reduce non-point source pollution. Time is spent on a variety of youth informational and educational activities including, but not limited to: tours, workshops and conservation camp. Dealing with all components of conservation...she organizes the Annual Tree Program as well as the Hazardous Waste Clean Sweep.

Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she double majored in Soil Science and Resource Management. She has been employed with the Washington County Land and Water Conservation Division since January 2000.

Email: stephanie.egner@co.washington.wi.us
Phone: (262)335-4804

Paul Backhaus, CCA, Project Technician
As Project Technician, Paul is responsible for implementing practices that reduce non-point pollution to waters of our county.  This is done primarily by working with landowners to implement nutrient management and conservation plans.  Paul is responsible for enforcement of the county's Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Ordinance.  He also manages the water quality monitoring program for the county.

Paul received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, majoring in Watershed Management and minoring in Soil Science. He has been employed with the Land and Water Conservation Division since April 2006.

Email: paul.backhaus@co.washington.wi.us
Phone: (262)335-4803

Eric Hyde, Project Technician
As Project Technician, Eric is responsible for implementing practices that reduce non-point pollution to waters of our county. Eric is responsible for enforcement of the county's Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Ordinance. He also manages surface and ground water monitoring for the county.
Eric received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, where he majored in Resource Management (Land Use Planning) and minored in GIS (Geographic Information Systems). He has been employed with the Land and Water Conservation Division since March 2011.

Email: eric.hyde@co.washington.wi.us
Phone: (262)335-4802

Paul Klein, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator
As the AIS Coordinator, Paul will organize and implement Aquatic Invasive Species activities throughout the county.  This will involve working with lake associations to coordinate efforts to control and provide a rapid response plan against invasive species.  He will also serve as the coordinator for Clean Boats, Clean Water (CBCW) watercraft inspection activities.  This involves planning and executing training workshops, properly equipping boat landings with educational information and AIS disposal means, and keeping a presence at the landings through volunteer efforts.  In dealing with all aspects of AIS, he will map lakes and wetlands, provide controlling and treatment strategies, and serve as an educator and primary contact concerning aquatic invasives throughout the county.

Paul has Bachelor of Science Degrees in Field Biology and Resource Management, from UW-Platteville, and UW-Stevens Point.  He worked with the Wisconsin Conservation Corps for 12 years managing fish and wildlife, and shoreland projects throughout Wisconsin.  Paul has spent the past 9 years in the private sector of conservation and water management.

Email: paul.klein@co.washington.wi.us
Phone: (262)335-4806

Josh Odekirk, USDA/NRCS District Conservationist
As NRCS District Conservationist, Josh is responsible for overseeing all federal conservation programs for the farmers and landowners in Washington & Ozaukee Counties.  Providing technical assistance to producers, writing conservation plans and implementation and design for the following programs: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).

Josh is a UW-Stevens Point graduate with a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management (minor in Soil Science).  He started his NRCS career as an intern in Dodge County from 2003- 2005.  Josh was away from NRCS until 2008 when he was selected as the Soil Conservationist in Jefferson County where he stayed until being hired as the District Conservationist in Washington & Ozaukee Counties in April 2010.

Email: josh.odekirk@wi.usda.gov
Phone: (262)335-4801

Fay Fitts, Administrative Assistant
As Administrative Assistant, Fay provides office administrative/management support for the division staff for the purposes of planning, developing and implementing land and water resource conservation programs. These programs are intended to enhance the environment, increase public sector awareness and provide technical resource informational/educational materials to the public.

Fay attended San Juan Basin Technical School, Cortez, Colorado for accounting and computer credits. She has been employed with the division since 1988.

Email: fay.fitts@co.washington.wi.us
Phone: (262)335-4800

Dear Program Participant:

Since 1993, Washington County Land and Water Conservation Division has encouraged local planting of native woodland and prairie species through our Native Tree & Prairie Seed Program. More than 1,000,000 trees have been purchased over the past 19 years! The division orders bare root trees in large quantities, allowing us to receive a substantial discount off retail prices. We then package the trees for individual orders, passing the savings on to you.

The 4 documents below will contain all of the information you'll need to place your order for trees, shrubs, prairie seed mixes and more!  Please read the information carefully and order early.  Supplies are limited. 

Mail your order form along with payment, payable to:

Washington County Land & Water Conservation
333 E. Washington St. Suite 3200
PO Box 2003
West Bend, WI  53095-2003

AVAILABLE THIS FALL:
2012 Tree Program Brochure (pdf)
2012 Prairie Seed & Accessories (pdf)
2012 Tree Program Brochure, Prairie Seed, Accessories (pdf)
2012 Order Form Only (pdf)

Planting Instructions (pdf)
Soil Classification

ASH TREE REPLACEMENT OPTIONS:
Black Cherry, Black Walnut, Hackberry, Kentucky Coffeetree, Linden/Basswood, Red Maple, Red Oak, River Birch, Shagbark Hickory, Sugar Maple, Swamp White Oak, Tamarack

Even more information!
Prairie Seed Packages
Bluebird, Bat & Butterfly Houses

Rain Barrel Brochure (pdf)
Rain Reserve Diverter Kit (pdf)
rain reserve video - how it works! (youtube)

Physicians for Social Responsibility
DRINKING WATER FACT SHEETS

Arsenic (pdf)
Cancer (pdf)
Cryptosporidium (pdf)
Disinfection Byproducts (pdf)
E. coli (pdf)
Elderly (pdf)
Lead (pdf)
Maternal and Child Health (pdf)
Nitrate (pdf)
Pesticides (pdf)
Radon (pdf)

Well Water Brochure (pdf)

What Is Available From UW-Stevens Point? 
The Homeowners Package (pdf)
Interpreting Drinking Water Quality Results (pdf)

Important Information:
Determine The Location Of Your Well (pdf)

Urban and Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution

Wisconsin's rules to control polluted runoff from farms, as well as other sources, went into effect October 1, 2002. The state Legislature passed the rules to help protect Wisconsin's lakes, streams and groundwater.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rule NR 151 sets performance standards and prohibitions for farms. It also sets urban performance standards to contol construction site erosion, manage runoff from streets and roads, and manage fertilizer use on large turf areas.

Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) rule ATCP 50 identifies conservation practices that individuals must follow to meet performance standards.

For More Information on Runoff Management in WI Visit...
Wisconsin's Runoff Info Website