Land & Water Conservation

The Land and Water Conservation Board

• reviews and makes recommendations on county land and water plans.
• recommends how funds are to be allocated to Wisconsin counties to put conservation plans into action.
• provides a forum for discussion of emerging issues related to soil and water conservation.
• approves and grants releases from Farmland Preservation agreements entered into prior to July 1, 2009 (Section 91.19(3), 2007 Wisconsin Statutes).

Chapters 92 and 281.65 of Wisconsin statutes further delineate the LWCB’s program authorities and responsibilities. The LWCB bylaws govern the conduct of its business.

LWCB bylaws - 13 page PDF

The LWCB is composed of three members of county land conservation committees, three state agency leaders, one Governor-appointed member that serves a two-year term, and four Governor-appointed members representing urban, rural, river management, and natural resource preservation areas. Mark Cupp is the chair for the LWCB.

LWCB Members and Advisors - 2 page PDF

LWCB Future Roles and Responsibilities

As directed by 2009 Wisconsin Act 28, Section 9103 4i, the LWCB members and advisors; Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources put together a report on the LWCB Future Roles and Responsibilities. The report was also shared with the public for comment prior to the December 1, 2009, LWCB meeting. The final report can be viewed by clicking here (44 page PDF).

LWCB Meetings

The LWCB has scheduled meetings for the following dates in 2012:

• February 7, 2012, in Madison -- To view the materials for this meeting, click here -82 page PDF
• April 3, 2012, in Madison -- To view the materials for this meeting, click here for agenda (2 page PDF) and here for other materials (111 page PDF)
• June 5, 2012, in Madison
• August 7, 2012, in Madison
• October 2, 2012, in Madison
• December 4, 2012, in Madison

LWCB 2011 Meeting Archives

Land and Water Conservation Board Annual Agenda - 8 page PDF

History of LWCB - 4 page PDF
History of soil conservation boards in Wisconsin from the 1937 Wisconsin Soil Conservation Committee to the present LWCB.

LWCB Criteria for Land and Water Resource Management Plans

Applicable to all LWRM plans that are presented beginning February 27, 2012, the criteria in this guidance will be applied by the LWCB in recommending whether LWRM plans are approved for 10 years or allowed an 5 year extension if approved for only 5 years.  The failure to meet Board’s criteria, including requirements for a 5 year review, will result in the modification of a county’s plan approval either reducing the plan approval period from 10 years to 5 years, or eliminating the eligibility for a 5 year extension.