The Winnebago County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) is dedicated to providing a full range of professional services in the planning, design, and implementation of programs and projects that PROTECT, RESTORE and SUSTAIN the natural resources of Winnebago County.
Welcome to the Land & Water Conservation Department
We’re here to help protect and improve the natural resources that make our community a great place to live, farm, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're a landowner, farmer, homeowner, or local partner, our team is ready to support your conservation goals. From reducing soil erosion to improving water quality and soil health, we offer technical assistance, cost-share programs, and expert guidance to help you make a lasting impact on the land and water we all share.
The LWCD serves as a bridge between conservation science and real-world land use, helping private landowners and farmers balance productive land use with natural resource protection.
Curious about what we do?
Browse the links on the left to learn more about our work and access helpful resources, including:
- Conservation Practices – Explore the structural and soil health practices eligible for our cost-share programs and technical assistance.
- Contractor List – Find local professionals with experience installing conservation practices.
- Cost-Share Programs – Learn about the funding sources that help landowners and farmers cover the cost of eligible conservation projects.
- Education Programs – Discover how we connect with schools, community groups, and farmers through outreach, field days and demonstrations.
Already know what you need? Find key resources quickly using the links below.
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FEATURED PROGRAMS & SERVICES: | ||
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 Runoff Risk Advisory ForecastWisconsin Manure Management Advisory System The Wisconsin Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast (RRAF) is a tool that helps farmers assess the risk of manure runoff from their fields based on weather and soil conditions. It uses National Weather Service models to predict runoff risk for a 5-day window during the summer and a 10-day window in winter and spring. The RRAF is updated four times daily by the National Weather Service. Posted 6/24/2025 |  Rain Garden starting to show benefits for local businessJennifer and Heath Ruetten have been excited to watch plants start to grow in the rain garden outside Copper Hall in the last few weeks. They're seeing the efforts to establish the rain garden...start to pay off. Read more in the May 29 Oshkosh Herald. Posted 5/28/2025
|  2024 ANNUAL REPORTCheck out our annual report for our 2024 accomplishments and to learn more about the conservation practices we utilize to protect, restore, and sustain the natural resources of Winnebago County. Posted 4/17/2025
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