Land Resources and Environment Staff

Do you know which staff member can assist you best? Click here for a list of staff and the programs they work with.

The Office of Land Resources and Environment is responsible for the Land Use Planning for the unincorporated areas within Sauk County; inspecting and permitting new development and building construction; administering the State private plumbing code; and managing and administering the various Sauk County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.  Resource conservation and protection including, soils, water, forestry, and wildlife resources through various programs including farmland preservation, soil erosion control program, priority watershed projects, wildlife damage program and information and education efforts. Responsible for hazardous waste disposal, clean sweeps and recycling efforts in the County, as well as land management at the Health Care Center.  Additionally responsible for the operations and maintenance of all Sauk County Parks, county owned dams and forest land.

Lisa Wilson, AICP/MPA - Director

Lisa.wilson@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-4830

Lisa is responsible for oversight of all programs, functions and activities of the Land Resources and Environment Department focusing on Land Conservation, Parks and Recreation, and Planning and Zoning.  Lisa provides leadership and direction to the department to ensure that operations meet the Department’s and County’s strategic priorities.  Prior to joining Sauk County in 2017, Lisa worked for several municipalities working closely with members of the public and elected officials to provide local government administration as well as community development services.

Focus Areas:  Department program, policy, and ordinance administration; Budget preparation and oversight, Personnel and Administrative functions, Strategic planning and goal setting.

Becky Meyer – Program Specialist

rebecca.meyer@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-3245

Becky is responsible for directing visitors to the department and general reception. Lori also prepares LRE committee agendas and minutes, processes accounts receivable/payable and develops cost share contracts for conservation projects. Prior to joining the LRE department in 2022, Becky worked at the Sauk County Highway Department in a similar capacity since 2019.  As a lifetime resident of Sauk County, Becky has been the clerk for the Town of Reedsburg since 2009 where she provides local government administration and community service on many different levels.

Focus Areas: Reception, accounts receivable/payable, cost share contract development, tree sale coordination, LRE committee assistance

Melissa Schlupp - Conservation Manager

Melissa.schlupp@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-4838

Melissa is responsible for managing land conservation staff and overseeing the land conservation services of the department. She also works closely with participants in the Farmland Preservation Program and assists farmers with nutrient management planning on their operations. Prior to joining Sauk County in 2013, Melissa worked with various state, federal, and nonprofit organizations assisting private landowners with establishing wildlife habitat and conservation practices on their land.

Focus Areas: Farmland Preservation Program, Chapter 26 Agricultural Performance Standards and Manure Management Ordinance, Nutrient Management, Conservation Cost Share Programs

Brian Sadler - Conservation Technician

Brian.sadler@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-4841

Brian is responsible for assisting farmers with implementing conservation practices on their land. He provides assistance with conservation planning and outreach and education activities. Prior to joining Sauk County in 2013, Brian worked in a capacity with the Racine County Land Conservation Department.

Focus areas: Farmland Preservation Program, Agricultural Enterprise Areas, Nutrient Management Planning, Soil Health Assessments

Gus Johnson - Conservation Technician

Gus.johnson@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-4839

Gus is responsible for planning, surveying, and designing conservation practices that prevent soil erosion and agricultural runoff. He works directly with landowners to address resource concerns on their property. Prior to joining Sauk County in 2016, Gus worked in a similar capacity with the Vernon County Land and Water Conservation Department.

Focus areas: Conservation Practice Planning and Implementation, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Dam Maintenance and Inspection

Serge Koenig - Conservation Technician

serge.koenig@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-4837

Serge is responsible for assisting farmers plan for and install rotational grazing systems and other conservation practices. He also coordinates stream monitoring activities throughout the county. Prior to joining Sauk County in 1995, Serge worked at the wind shed project in Central Wisconsin.

Focus areas: Rotational Grazing Systems, Water Quality Monitoring Activities, Cost Share Program Project Development

Mitch McCarthy - Watershed Coordinator

mitchell.mccarthy@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-4836

Mitch is responsible for coordinating and overseeing watershed projects. He works with landowners, municipalities, and partner groups to implement conservation practices in designated watersheds. Prior to joining Sauk County in 2020, Mitch worked in the Land and Water Conservation Departments with Door and Lincoln Counties in similar positions.

Focus areas: Conservation Practice Planning and Implementation, Lakeshore Practice Installation, Water Quality Trading, Cost Share Program Project Development, Manure Storage Facility Construction/Abandonment Overview, Producer Led Watershed group facilitation

Justine Bula - Education Coordinator

justine.bula@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-4842

Justine is responsible for coordinating outreach and education programming for the department. She works with school districts, farmer groups, and other collaborating partner organizations to deliver conservation education programs. Prior to joining Sauk County in 2018, Justine worked as an AmeriCorps Volunteer with the Cascadia Conservation District in Wenatchee, Washington.

Focus areas: Youth education programming, field days and pasture walks, Conservation Chronicle Newsletter, Clean Sweep, Ag Plastics, Sauk Soil and Water Improvement Group (SSWIG) Coordination

Brian Simmert, AICP - Planning and Zoning Manager

Brian.Simmert@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-4834

Brian is responsible for managing the planning & zoning staff and overseeing the planning and zoning services of the department. Brian works with developers, surveyors, real estate professionals, and land owners providing professional guidance and assuring compliance with various Sauk County ordinances and state statutes.  Brian also coordinates the county’s planning program. Prior to joining Sauk County in 2000, Brian worked with Columbia and Dane counties implementing planning and zoning programs.

Focus areas: Land Division Regulations, Zoning/Subdivision/Shore land Protection/Floodplain Ordinance Administration, Planning Program Oversight, Great Sauk State Trail Planning & Development.  

Gina Templin-Steward – Land Use/Sanitary Technician

gina.templin@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-4835

Gina is responsible for providing technical information and assistance to the public and town officials concerning zoning, land division, shoreland, floodplain, POWTS, and nonmetallic mining, as well as various permit and septic grant funding processes.  Gina also reviews and issues permits, conducts POWTS inspections, zoning and shoreland inspections, enforces department ordinances, manages the online certified survey map and POWTS maintenance programs, as well as researches and prepares reports on planning and zoning related items.   Gina has worked for Sauk County for nearly 25 years in multiple positions within the department.

Focus areas:    Administering and enforcing department ordinances, including: Zoning, Shoreland Protection, Floodplain, Rural Identification System, Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation, and Private Onsite Waste Water Treatment Systems Ordinance.

Will Christensen – Land Use/Sanitary Technician

Will.christensen@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-4831

Will is responsible for providing technical information and assistance to the public and town officials concerning zoning, land division, shoreland, floodplain, POWTS, and nonmetallic mining as well as various permit processes. Will also reviews permits, enforces ordinances, and researches information to prepare reports on planning and zoning related items. Prior to joining Sauk County in 2018, Will had an intern and limited term position with Sauk County as well as several years of management experience.

Focus areas: Zoning Ordinance, Shoreland Protection Ordinance, Floodplain Ordinance, Rural Identification System Ordinance, Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation Ordinance, Private Onsite Waste Water Treatment Systems Ordinance.

Tate Hillmann – Land Use/Sanitary Technician

Tate.hillmann@saukcountywi.gov

608-355-4833

Tate is responsible for providing technical information and assistance to the public and town officials concerning zoning, land division, shoreland, floodplain, POWTS, and nonmetallic mining as well as various permit processes. Tate also reviews permits, enforces ordinances, and researches information to prepare reports on planning and zoning related items. Prior to joining Sauk County in 2021, Tate studied Natural Resource Planning at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.

Focus areas: Zoning Ordinance, Shoreland Protection Ordinance, Floodplain Ordinance, Rural Identification System Ordinance, Nonmetallic Mining Reclamation Ordinance, Private Onsite Waste Water Treatment Systems Ordinance.

Cassandra Fowler – Assistant Planner

Cassandra.Fowler@saukcountywi.gov

(608) 355-4832

Cassandra is responsible for various planning projects throughout the County, particularly focusing on outdoor recreation and zoning services. Cassandra works with Towns, local nonprofits, and municipalities to advance outdoor recreation, planning and zoning throughout the County. Cassandra also assists in outdoor education programs. Prior to joining Sauk County in 2018, Cassandra worked with other local Wisconsin government for Farmland Preservation, comprehensive planning, water quality improvement, and non-metallic mineral reclamation.

Focus Areas: County Park Planning & Development, Baraboo River Planning & Development, Great Sauk State Trail Planning & Development, Comprehensive Planning.