The Land Conservation Department’s mission is to administer the Douglas County Land and Water Conservation Program to meet local priorities, conditions, and the needs of Douglas County land users through utilizing the Douglas County Land and Water Resource Management Plan as guidance and the State-funded, cost-share program for implementing conservation practices.

Responsibilities

Other activities the Land Conservation Department is responsible for include: 

• Administering programs such as:
  • Aquatic Invasive Species Program 
  • Environmental Reserve Fund 
  • Farmland Preservation Program
  • Short-term, grant-funded programs
  • Wildlife Damage Program
• Providing technical assistance for all types of conservation practices
• Implementing information and education programs
• Updating various soil and water resource inventories
• Nurturing partnerships with other county, state, and federal agencies

A watershed study was completed in November 2013 for the St. Croix Headwaters Watershed (SCHW) by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  The study focused on priority water resource issues identified through collaboration with the agencies and stakeholders.  This included evaluating existing conditions for water quality; wetlands presence and function; aquatic habitat; fish passage; aquatic invasive species and St. Croix Flowage Management.  Potential for future development was also assessed, including potential impacts of development on priority water resources.  Finally, recommendations were made to direct future watershed management.  See here for the study report including tables, data, and maps.