Wisconsin NRCS to Host Series of Public Conservation Meetings

MADISON, Wis., April 29, 2024 − The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Wisconsin has announced four in-person Local Working Group (LWG) meetings to include a statewide presentation followed by NRCS administrative areas breakout sessions for further feedback. The meetings will be held June 18th, 20th, and 25th, 2024 at 10:00a.m. ‒12:00p.m. The input gathered and taken into strong consideration during these meetings is integral to the success of NRCS programs and determining local priority natural resource concerns.

"Local Working Groups offer an opportunity for interested individuals and groups to advise NRCS on how best to set priorities and locally implement conservation programs," said Josh Odekirk, Acting State Conservationist in Wisconsin, "Members are diverse, with an interest and focus on local agriculture, non-industrial private forestry, and various natural resource issues." Farmers representing a variety of crops and livestock raised within the local area, private woodland owners, representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations, and representatives of other agriculture and natural resource agencies are welcome and should be represented.

Wisconsin LWGs represent two or more counties grouped together by geography, similar land use, resources, and type of agriculture or forestry operation, which allows for greater flexibility and access to funding. Meeting attendees can find their LWG area using the Wisconsin Local Working Group Resources webpage map.

One of the main programs discussed at the meeting will be the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a federal conservation program that helps agricultural producers and landowners in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. EQIP offers technical and financial assistance to help landowners with needed conservation practices for water quality, soil health, wildlife and other natural resources.

To attend one of the four in-person LWG Meetings, choose one of the following locations and days:

Northwest Wisconsin June 25th, 2024 (10:00AM-12:00PM)
Barron County Government Center - Auditorium
335 E Monroe Ave
Barron, WI 54812

Northeast Wisconsin June 25th, 2024 (10:00AM-12:00PM)
Northcentral Technical College Health Science Building
First Floor Room 1004A
1000 W Campus Dr
Wausau, WI 54401

Southwest Wisconsin June 20th, 2024 (10:00AM-12:00PM)
Phoenix Center
100 S Orange St
Richland Center, WI 53581

Southeast Wisconsin June 18th, 2024 (10:00AM-12:00PM)
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
W4279 Headquarters Rd
Mayville, WI 53050

Local Working Group meetings are open to the public. Those interested in attending and have questions about these meetings, and/or will require any accommodations to attend, please contact your local USDA Service Center. For detailed information on local work groups, please visit the Wisconsin NRCS Local Working Groups webpage. If unable to attend an in-person meeting, interested individuals or groups are encouraged to submit input to their local NRCS District Conservationist or use the Wisconsin NRCS Local Working Groups online response submission form.

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