Wisconsin

Working With Agriculture to Improve Water Quality

The Nature Conservancy is working with a coalition of farmers, University of Wisconsin scientists and county, state and federal agencies in two Wisconsin watersheds to blend sustainable agriculture with improved water quality in streams.

Known as the Wisconsin Buffer Initiative, the group hopes to improve water quality by using science to target conservation efforts on those fields and pastures with the greatest potential for contributing nutrients like phosphorus to streams. Our work contributes to cleaner water in the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes.

Sutter and Keller discussPat Sutter discusses cattle feed quality with Tim Keller at his farm in the Pecatonica River watershed in southwest Wisconsin. © Mark Godfrey/TNC
Pecatonica River Watershed

In second year of the project, landowners are putting more conservation practices in place.

Otter Creek in the Sheboygan River watershedOtter Creek in the Sheboygan River watershed. © John Nelson/TNC
Sheboygan River Watershed

Project Manager John Nelson is meeting with landowners to engage them in the project.

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Honey Creek CTA Curved rock and stream, Baraboo Hills region, Wisconsin. PHOTO CREDIT © Steve S. Meyer
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Mississippi River
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