The Ashland County Farmland Preservation Committee unanimously recommended its updated Farmland Preservation Plan be forwarded to the full county board for adoption and public hearing.

Committee staff outlined an expedited adoption timeline: the county board will consider the committee’s recommendation at its Jan. 27, 2026 meeting, after which a Class 1 notice would begin a 30-day public comment period. Staff said that schedule would place the public hearing in late March (the committee discussed March 31 as the target date), after which the adopted plan would be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) for final approval.

During the meeting, Jason (county staff) summarized the submission requirements, including the technical mapping and documentation that will accompany the plan to DATCP. He also warned that if the board sends the plan back to the committee for edits after the hearing, the process would restart and delay DATCP submittal.

A committee member moved to forward the plan to the full county board and another seconded. The motion carried by voice vote with no recorded dissents.

The committee also agreed staff would prepare the Class 1 notice language in advance so it could be published promptly upon board action. If the board approves the plan after the hearing, staff will submit the package to DATCP for the department’s final review and approval.

The committee had no public comments at the meeting and adjourned after completing its actions.