The conservation engineering unit at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) works closely with county land conservation departments and other organizations. We employ 10 engineers and engineering specialists, stationed in Madison and five regional offices.
County LCD staff provide the primary technical support for planning, designing and construction oversight when farmers undertake conservation projects with county assistance such as manure storage facilities, roof and barnyard runoff control systems, milking center waste systems, and other best management practices.
The DATCP engineering unit's role is to:
- Help local staff design and install these structures
- Train LCD staff and work with them to review plans, develop and maintain BMP standards, develop computer design aids and standard designs, and become certified conservation engineering practitioners
- Provide technical support for DATCP's livestock siting and agricultural drainage district programs