Written by Andrew Johnson
The Marathon County CPZ Department and area farmers are working together in creative new ways to reduce phosphorous levels in our local watersheds…
In December 2016, the Marathon County Farm Bureau received the County Activities of Excellence (CAE) Award from the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. The CAE program is designed to celebrate and recognize outstanding county Farm Bureau programs and share successful activities in such categories as Legislative Accomplishments, Local Affairs, Ag Promotion & Education, Leadership Development, and more.
The CAE Award recognizes the Marathon County Farm Bureau’s partnership with the Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department in efforts to promote water quality improvements throughout the county.
The Marathon County Farm Bureau has been a leader in coordinating farmers, agronomists, and rural municipalities (e.g., Edgar and Marathon City) to work together to develop a successful water quality program to reduce phosphorous levels and improve the quality of our local watersheds (e.g., the Pine Creek and Scotch Creek tributaries of the Big Rib River).
In addition to reducing phosphorus loads on local watersheds, this public-private partnership effort—when successful—will provide farmers with new sources of revenue, as they are incentivized (by trading credits) to go above and beyond current regulations for their Nutrient Management Plans. This helps reduce the county’s need to build and continuously upgrade multimillion-dollar tax-payer–funded water treatment facilities.
Congratulations to the Marathon County Farm Bureau for being recognized with this award and for being a proactive partner in improved conservation practices to protect our local streams, lakes, and rivers.
Click here to learn more about the County Activities of Excellence program and award.
Andrew Johnson
Environmental Resources Coordinator | Conservation, Planning & Zoning Department
Andrew Johnson has worked for the Marathon County Conservation, Planning & Zoning Department since 1986, working with local farmers to promote soil and water conservation. He enjoys helping farm families develop healthy and prosperous lifestyles that improve their local communities. Email Andrew Johnson
Learn more about the Marathon County CPZ Department, census data, the Farmland Preservation Program, live web mapping tools, uniform addressing, and more here.
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County Board meetings are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and typically take place in the Assembly Room of the Marathon County Courthouse. The Board meets twice a month—with the informational meeting on a Thursday evening, and the voting meeting on a Tuesday afternoon.
As part of our mission to build community and to be transparent and accountable to you—the taxpayer—we invite you to attend.
Meeting agendas, details, and video links can be found on the county’s website: www.co.marathon.wi.us.
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