Over the past couple of decades, Jefferson County has faced mounting development pressure. The county’s response has been to prioritize farmland preservation to support the community’s natural resources, rural character, and economy.
In recognition of these efforts, the Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) was presented with the 2025 Working Lands Preservation Award by Gathering Waters during a county board meeting on June 10, 2025.
“We’re thrilled to receive this award as recognition of all the work done by our Land and Water Conservation Department to protect the natural resources and character that make our county a special place,” said Michael Luckey County Administrator. “Based on significant community input, the county’s strategic plan guides our decisions to be intentional in our land use decisions. With this approach, we work to ensure land use harmonizes with our environment, preserves our unique identity and sense of place, and improves the quality of life for residents.”
The LWCD manages the county’s Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) program, which protects high-quality farmland through donated and purchased conservation easements. Since the program’s inception in 2007, over 1,100 acres of critical farmland have been permanently protected.
Through 10 donated and purchased easements, the LWCD has worked with landowners to keep 35 lots in agriculture instead of being split off for rural development. Some of the resource benefits from these easements include protection of groundwater recharge areas, reduction of soil erosion and runoff due to required conservation plans, protection of forests with required timber management plans, and pollution reduction.
The LWCD has strengthened its agricultural protection efforts through strategic collaboration opportunities and community outreach. One example is the Farmland Preservation Program, which rewards farmers who adopt conservation standards that protect soil and water quality. The department chairs additional cost-sharing programs that help landowners implement a wide variety of conservation practices including cover crops, harvestable filter strips, pasture establishment, rain gardens, and shoreland restoration projects.
The LWCD also joined the Wisconsin Farmland Protection Partnership, led by American Farmland Trust, in 2022. This partnership supports farmers and landowners looking to protect their legacy by slowing the loss of vital agricultural land.
This past year, the LWCD partnered with the Jefferson County Health Department and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education on a groundwater study. The LWCD engages in outreach efforts with Jefferson County residents to inform them of the importance of well water testing and share resources to improve groundwater quality.
All of the LWCD’s efforts have resulted in positive changes to the landscape, such as reducing nutrient and sediment pollution, restoring habitats, and supporting healthy waterways.
“The hard-working team at the Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to protecting working lands and improving agricultural sustainability throughout Jefferson County,” said Mike Carlson, Executive Director of Gathering Waters.
Gathering Waters thanks the Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department for their leadership and ongoing efforts to support land conservation in Wisconsin!
About the Land Conservation Leadership Awards
The awards, presented annually to conservation leaders by Gathering Waters, recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of people and organizations who devote their time and talents to protecting Wisconsin’s land, water, and wildlife.
About the Working Lands Preservation Award
This award recognizes individuals or organizations that exhibit an extraordinary commitment to the preservation of Wisconsin’s working lands.
