Conservation Cost-share Funding Available to Sauk County Landowners

 The Sauk County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning (CPZ) Department has cost-share money available for the installation of conservation projects through the county Land & Water Resource Management (LWRM) Program.  This program has a goal of reducing erosion, protecting water quality, and conserving the natural resources in Sauk County. 

Cost-share funds can cover up to 80 percent of the cost including technical assistance to the landowners to install best management practices. Funds can be used for the following practices: streambank stabilization, grade stabilization structures (dams), grassed waterways, diversions, nutrient management planning, well abandonment, manure storage, and many other types of projects. 

The county will accept applications all year; the sooner requests are received, the earlier the projects are ranked and potentially offered contracts.  Due to the high demand for erosion control projects in Sauk County, funds run out every year.  All projects are rated according to the guidelines identified in the CPZ Department’s LWRM Plan.  The scoring is based upon the type of practice needed, the rate of erosion, sediment and phosphorus runoff to water resources, the need to protect structures such as roadways or cropfields, fisheries or wildlife values, and cost.     

Once a cost-share contract is signed, CPZ Department staff will work with the landowner on a solution that solves the environmental problem as well as works for the landowner.  Staff will survey and engineer the appropriate practice.  If the application includes streambank protection, it is important to sign up as soon as possible. This will allow time to obtain the required federal and state permits. 

For more information about this program or assistance for erosion control or water quality projects, contact Project Director Brent Bergstrom in the CPZ Department at 355-4836 or check out the website at www.co.sauk.wi.us.  LWRM application forms are available on the website or by contacting the CPZ Department.