About Us

At Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association (WI Land+Water), we are dedicated to advancing locally led conservation by supporting our county conservation members who work to protect, conserve, and enhance the state’s land and water resources. Our mission centers around empowering the dedicated staff working in land and water conservation departments (LWCD), alongside elected officials serving on land conservation committees (LCC) in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties. Locally led conservation lies at the heart of our work, and we believe communities should take an active role in conserving our natural resources. This involves recognizing the vital role of local knowledge, engagement, and decision-making in shaping and implementing effective conservation practices. Our approach emphasizes the importance of the county staff and elected officials who provide the boots-on-the-ground expertise and assistance to the communities they serve.  

Our primary focus is to enhance the ability of our member counties to operate high-functioning, professional conservation programs that benefit Wisconsin’s land and water resources. By focusing on enhancing county capacity, we aim to strengthen and improve these capabilities, ensuring more impactful conservation programs and a higher return on investment. Through these efforts, we foster a strong connection within the broader conservation community to build a network of state and federal agencies, partner organizations, and individuals who are collectively committed to protecting Wisconsin's natural resources. Together, we can build a better future.