Mission – “Promoting sound land & water stewardship through local leadership.”

The Land and Water Conservation Department provides technical assistance and cost-share opportunities for water quality protection. This is achieved through services that promote conservation practices to control soil erosion, improve nutrient management, and prevent non-point source pollution. To view the Iron County Land and Water Conservation website click here.

 Department Background

Chapter 92 is Wisconsin’s Soil and Water Conservation and Animal Waste Management law. It was enacted by the Wisconsin State Legislature in 1981 and contains important information about the authorities, roles, and responsibilities statutorily provided to Land Conservation Committees in Wisconsin. It is the foundation of LCCs.

The statute “...declares it to be the policy of the state to halt and reverse the depletion of the state’s soil resources and pollution of its waters.” To carry out this policy, the legislature enacted Chapter 92 to:

• Establish goals and standards for conservation of soil and water resources;

• Provide cost-sharing, technical assistance, educational programs, and other programs to conserve soil and water resources;

• Encourage coordinated soil and water conservation planning and program implementation; and

• Enable the regulation of harmful land use and land management practices by county ordinance where necessary.

Under Chapter 92, LCCs must meet defined statutory responsibilities. The law also authorizes committees to carry out state and federal programs and grants them powers to address local resource concerns through the adoption of strong local conservation programs.

Land & Water Resource Management Plan

Wisconsin law requires every county to have a Land & Water Resource Management Plan. These plans are approved by the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). The Land & Water Conservation Board reviews these plans and recommends action to DATCP. These plans are approved for a 10-year period and reviewed after 5 years.

Link to Full Iron County LWRM Plan

Programs

Cost-Share/Technical Assistance – The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) provides counties with funding to implement projects to promote soil and water quality.  There are a variety of practices that can be used to address needs. LWCD Staff can provide technical designs and funding towards the implementation of these practices.  This program works with farmers, municipalities, and private landowners on a variety of practices, including several agricultural practices, stream crossings, shoreland stabilization, habitat restoration, well decommissioning, and many other practices.  For more information on this program, or to request assistance, please contact Heather Palmquist by calling 715/561-2234 Ext 2 or emailing lakes@ironcountywi.org

Invasive Species – Iron County is rich with water resources, having 494 lakes, 222 streams, and Lake Superior coastline.  Iron County also boasts a large county forest as well as state land.  These resources provide a paradise for recreationists. To protect the rich diversity Iron County has, the LWCD has a robust invasive species program.  Our staff provides education and outreach, monitoring, and treatment on a variety of invasives, including terrestrial and aquatic. The LWCD works with a variety of partners, volunteers, and landowners to maintain our healthy forests and waters. For more information on invasive species, please contact Rayona Suelflow, Conservation Specialist by calling 715/561-2234 Ext 1 or emailing rsuelflow@ironcountywi.org  

Citizen Lake Monitoring Network – Iron County coordinates efforts locally for the state’s Citizen Lake Monitoring Network(CLMN) program.  Volunteers can be trained in a variety of monitoring efforts including water quality - clarity and chemistry, ice on/off data, aquatic invasive species monitoring, and native aquatic plants.  If you are interested in volunteering on your lake or stream, contact Rayona Suelflow, Conservation Specialist by calling 715/561-2234 Ext 1 or emailing rsuelflow@ironcountywi.org

Native Plant Sale – Iron County LWCD has been hosting a native plant sale since 1993, in an effort to provide area residents with native plants that will thrive in our backyards. The LWCD strives to provide local plant stock at affordable prices.  Native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers have excellent conservation values because once established, they do not require fertilizer and can usually survive on rainwater alone.  By planting native species, you can enhance wildlife habitat in your backyard for your whole family to enjoy!  Native plants provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife, and their broad, deep root structures help reduce soil erosion while encouraging water to permeate the soil.  Whether you live on the water, in the woods, or in town, consider using native plants to help slow runoff water and take up nutrients to help protect water quality!  All the plants sold are native and hardy to northern Wisconsin!  Plant sale proceeds provide scholarships to youth to attend conservation camps.  Join our mailing list to receive a Native Plant Sale Order form by contacting Rayona Suelflow, Conservation Specialist by calling 715/561-2234 Ext 1 or emailing rsuelflow@ironcountywi.org

Wildlife Damage Abatement & Claims Program - The Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program (WDACP) was created by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1983 to provide assistance to the commercial agricultural community. The emphasis of the WDACP is on abatement (alleviation) of damage from deer, bears, turkey and geese through techniques such as:

• Modification of agricultural practices
• Fencing
• Live trapping and relocation
• Repellents
• Scare devices
• Wildlife population control through managed hunting

The WDACP responds to dozens of inquiries and damage complaints annually. For those people who meet program eligibility requirements, some choose to enroll and implement abatement measures. There are numerous requirements that program participants must meet.  For more information on Wildlife Damage and Abatement, contact Wildlife Specialist, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services (for Iron, Bayfield, Ashland, and Douglas Counties): Ethan Rossing at 715-525-2058 or emailing Ethan.B.Rossing@aphis.usda.gov

Agricultural Technician – Nutrient management refers to the use of manure and other fertilizers to meet crop nutrient needs, while reducing the potential for them to run off fields to lakes, streams, and groundwater. It helps assure that crops get the right amount of nutrients -- nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, often referred to as N-P-K -- at the right time and place. This benefits the farmer by improving crop yields and reducing costs and benefits the environment by keeping nutrients on fields and preventing them from running off to streams or down to groundwater.  For more information on Nutrient Management contact, Tim Mika by calling 715-682-7187 or emailing tim.mika@ashlandcountywi.gov

Resources

• Land & Water Conservation Annual Accomplishment Report 2024
• Iron County Land & Water Resource Management Plan
• Shoreline Stabilization - A Guide for Homeowners and Conservationists on Inland Lakes and Flowages
• Iron County Citizen Lake Lake Monitoring Volunteer Newsletter Spring 2025
• Iron County Lake Group Contacts

Check out Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department website HERE!

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