Board adds updated farmland preservation plan to county comprehensive plan

Planning and Development staff asked the board to adopt a resolution placing the updated Eau Claire County Farmland Preservation Plan into the county's comprehensive plan. Supervisor Zook summarized the process: multiple town meetings, citizen input, an updated map and clarified definitions (including definitions of "commercial wind and solar") and said the plan will next be reviewed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) before being used for farmer tax-credit qualification.

The resolution before the board adds the farmland preservation plan as a chapter of the comprehensive plan; the ordinance language that contains specific wording and map amendments was submitted for first reading and will be on the agenda for second reading and approval at the next meeting. The board approved the resolution by voice vote: 24 yes, 0 no. Supervisor Zook thanked committee members and planning staff for extensive outreach and work on the plan.