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County staff outline prairie restorations, solar well testing and Farm Tech Days programming
Summary
Staff reported on local conservation projects — prairie restorations, wetland scrapes, manure storage permits and a proposed solar well‑testing program — and extension educators previewed Farm Tech Days sessions on meat quality and yield grading.
Waushara County conservation staff updated the committee on a slate of field projects, a proposed groundwater monitoring plan tied to a solar proposal, and ongoing outreach programs including Farm Tech Days and local conservation camps.
A county conservation staff member said two prairie restoration and oak‑savanna projects near Pleasant Lake are under construction this summer in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and that wetland scrape construction for Christie’s parcel was scheduled to begin July 14 with prairie and tree planting to follow. Staff identified a potential third landowner (south of Tustin) to complete grant match requirements for one Fox‑Wolf watershed grant and said timelines for some parcels shifted into next year.
On solar‑site monitoring, staff reported outreach to the Wisconsin Geological Survey about installing ‘well nests’ (a group of three wells at different depths) for groundwater and land‑use correlation. The meeting cited an example cost of about $25,000 for a set of three nests plus testing; staff said that cost would typically be negotiated with the solar developer rather than borne by the county.
Staff also noted ongoing permitting for manure storage systems (Jonas Miller and Daniel Yoder) working with an Iowa engineering firm and an upcoming FP plan submission in July. County educators reported a successful middle‑school conservation camp with 117 youth in attendance this summer and said they aim to increase county student participation next year.
Extension educators previewed Farm Tech Days (July 14–16, Stratford) programming focused on meat quality and yield grading. An educator identified in the meeting as Tim described hands‑on demonstrations using USDA measuring tools, explained quality grades (prime/choice/select) and yield grades (1–5), and said attendees will be able to practice grading and learn how marbling and yield affect flavor and retail value.
Committee members heard the reports and discussed next steps for permitting, partner coordination, and outreach; staff will continue permitting work and coordinate with DNR and regional partners as projects move into construction.
