In 1997, the State Legislature, through Wisconsin Act 27, amended Chapter 92 of the Wisconsin Statutes, requiring that all counties develop a land and water resource management plan and that they update those plans every five years to remain eligible to receive conservation staff funding and cost-share grant monies.  The locally-led planning process is intended to address each individual county’s unique natural resources, identify particular problems associated with the resource base, and establish a plan to help protect and restore those resources. In addition, the county plans are intended to focus on State nonpoint source pollution performance standards related to agriculture and urban development. The plan development process is intended to encourage innovative programming and leadership and to build local support. The plans identify natural resources and their current condition and limitations, and set forth a strategy that addresses natural resource issues and problems. They also provide a means to educate the public about these issues and problems and include the public in the steps necessary to protect the natural resource base.

SEWRPC has recently worked with Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Racine Counties to prepare updates to their land and water resource management plans. The SEWRPC staff has also served on the committees established for recent updates to the Ozaukee and Walworth County plans.