Land and Water Conservation Department

The Winnebago County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) is dedicated to providing a full range of professional services in the planning, design, and implementation of programs and projects that PROTECT, RESTORE and SUSTAIN the natural resources of Winnebago County.

In Wisconsin, locally-led conservation is key to healthy soils, resilient farms, clean water, and vibrant communities. The Winnebago County LWCD staff consists of 9 County employees, with backgrounds in soil and water conservation, resource management, agronomy, watershed management, geography, environmental science, natural resources, graphic design, communications, and geographic information systems. LWCD staff are trusted advisors to private landowners and farmers. The LWCD works closely with the Winnebago County Board the Land Conservation Committee, Winnebago County Departments, and other local, state, and federal agencies to implement the County's Land & Water Resource Management Plan.

Technical and financial services are provided in a number of ways:

• Land management planning and project design for individual landowners. This includes lands that are being cropped, tree planting, upland wildlife habitat development, wetland restorations, etc.
• Design, cost-estimating, layout and construction supervision of "best management practices" built for land and water resource improvements.
• Administer a county funded Water Quality Improvement Program.  This program provides funds to private landowners for various projects that improve water quality.
• Secure and manage state and federal grants for County Land and Water Resource Management initiatives.
• Secure and make available equipment, tools, and supplies that assist landowners in meeting their objectives in installing best management practices including planting protective vegetation on critical sites, tree planting, wildlife habitat development, etc.

FEATURED PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
TREE PLANTING EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES Tree Planters, Tree planting spades, generic gel (root dip), fertilizer tablets, tree shelter tubes and more are available for rent or purchase. 4/9/2024	2023 ANNUAL REPORT Check out our annual report for our 2023 accomplishments and to learn more about the conservation practices we utilize to protect, restore, and sustain the natural resources of Winnebago County. 4/5/2024	LIVESTOCK WASTE MANAGEMENT PERMITS Are you constructing a livestock facility or a livestock waste transfer/storage facility? Don't forget to get your permit! 4/4/2024