The Adams County Land and Water Conservation Committee voted to forward a 10‑year land and water plan to the county board after a debate about whether the plan’s 10‑year horizon is realistic.

Colton, Land and Water staff, told the committee he had presented the plan that morning to the Land and Water Conservation Board in Madison, where it was approved unanimously, "10 out of 10," and said the plan emphasizes groundwater initiatives, priority farm strategies and use of cost‑share dollars through existing programs. He recommended the committee move the draft to the county board for final action.

Supervisor Posdolski moved to amend the resolution to shorten the planning horizon to a 1–5 year timeframe, calling a 10‑year window “irresponsible or even unrealistic” and saying it could be construed by citizens as withholding near‑term accountability. The Chair and staff responded that a 10‑year plan is required for eligibility for certain state funding and that the document is reviewed on a five‑year cycle. Colton cited state requirements and the committee referenced Wisconsin statute and administrative code during the exchange.

After discussion, the committee approved the resolution to forward the 10‑year plan to the county board; Supervisor Posdolski registered the only recorded dissent. The Chair said the resolution will go to the county board for consideration.

Colton said the plan was developed with assistance from a regional planning commission and local resource groups; committee members asked that key sections and a short summary be circulated to committee members and the public before the county‑board review.

The committee did not change the plan’s stated timeframe at the meeting. Next steps are for the county board to receive the resolution and for staff to provide the requested summary material to committee members and citizens.