Fond Du Lac Times

Waushara Joins Multi-County Effort to Protect The Winnebago System

In January 2023, Waushara County became the newest member of the Winnebago Waterways Committee after signing on to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement. 

The Agreement, originally established by Winnebago, Calumet and Fond du Lac Counties in 2017, formalizes the Counties’ commitment to work together to support and promote beautification, restoration, and protection of the Winnebago Waterways Recovery Area. The Recovery Area encompasses the four Winnebago Pool Lakes and surrounding watersheds, which crosses into five counties and spans over 1,200 sq. miles. As part of the Agreement, each county contributes $20,000 per year to restoration and protection efforts. This is in addition to the great work of each county’s land and water conservation departments. 

The commitment of the four Counties to protect and restore the Winnebago Waterways is truly something to celebrate!

Todd Wahler, Director of Waushara County Land Conservation and Zoning Department, shared his perspective, “While we have been working with the Winnebago Waterways Program for some time, we are pleased to formalize our commitment through the Agreement which includes an annual financial contribution to help support regional efforts”. 

The Winnebago Waterways Committee, created under the Agreement, is comprised of three representatives from each county, including: the County Executive or Administrator, the chair of the County Board and the chair of County Board’s Land and Water Conservation Committee. The Committee oversees and administers the designated funds to advance an annual workplan. 

Currently, the Committee’s priority is to advance implementation of the Winnebago Waterways Lake Management Plan to meet water quality and pollution reduction targets. To work towards those targets, the Counties contracted with Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance (Fox-Wolf) to serve as the Winnebago Waterways Coordinator. The Committee identified Fox-Wolf as being uniquely qualified to facilitate projects and partnerships across county boundaries to benefit the people who live, work and play in the region. 

The Winnebago Waterways are an invaluable resource. Long-term commitment from stakeholders at all levels, strategic partnerships, and investment of resources will help ensure that the Winnebago Waterways are preserved for future generations! 

Original source can be found here.