Property Owners, are you aware of the Forest County Cost-Share Program?  This is a program administered by the Forest County Land and Water Conservation Department.  The Grant money is provided by the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, & Consumer Protection (DATCP) to fund the program.

            Under the program, the landowner pays for all project costs and is reimbursed 50% & up to 70% for eligible practices.  Standards of DATCP (Chapter ATCP 50) & the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) must be followed.

            The Program allows for:

  • Restoration of the buffer zone with native plants, shrubs, and trees.
  • Erosion control methods such as rip rap, biologs, & other bio engineering methods (as permitted by the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR).)

            The Program covers:

  • Native vegetation for buffer
  • Erosion control materials
  • Excavation costs
  • Labor for installation – costs for a contractor can be reimbursed or landowner labor can be reimbursed at a rate of $10.00 per hour.
  • Geotextile fabric

            The Program does not cover:

  • Removal or installation of docks/piers.
  •  Removal or installation of steps, walkways, lifts, etc.
  • Materials such as wood, brick, plaster, blacktop, or demolition material for rip rap use.

            If you’re interested in the Program, you can access an application from the Forest County Website (www.co.forest.wi.gov) under the Land Conservation Department, by contacting the Land Conservation Dept. at (715) 478-1387, or by email:  .

            Once the application is received a site visit will be done by county staff to determine eligibility and consult with the landowner(s).

            If property is determined eligible, we will conduct a survey of your property/project and a plan will be designed.  Once you approve of the plan, you will have to obtain permits from the appropriate agencies (DNR, Corp of Eng., Local Zoning).  You will also have to obtain two (2) bids for your project to be submitted for approval from the Land and Water committee.  A contract and maintenance plan will be signed by you and the Project may begin!

Conservation Corner is a weekly article produced by the Forest County Land &Water Conservation Department. For more information contact Steve Kircher, County Conservationist-Land Information/GIS Director at 715-478-1387 or by e-mail at .