Natural Resources Conservation Service Local Working Group

media release: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Wisconsin will hold an online Local Work Group (LWG) meeting on June 12, 2025, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The meeting will include a statewide presentation followed by NRCS administrative area breakout sessions for further feedback. The input gathered and taken into strong consideration during these meetings is integral to the success of NRCS programs and determining local priority natural resource concerns.

Local Working Groups offer an opportunity for interested individuals and groups to advise the NRCS on how best to set priorities and implement conservation programs, locally. “Members are diverse, with an interest and focus on local agriculture, non-industrial private forestry, and various natural resource issues,” said Nathan Fikkert, NRCS State Conservationist in Wisconsin. “This local interaction is even more critical as the USDA and NRCS continue to refine program delivery, ensuring it remains ‘farmer first’ and that solutions are directed toward those closest to the challenge,” emphasized Fikkert. Meetings like this help pave the way for potential changes that can make program delivery even more successful. 

Farmers representing a variety of crops and livestock raised within the local area, private woodland owners, representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations, and representatives of other agriculture and natural resource agencies are welcome and should be represented. Wisconsin LWGs represent two or more counties grouped together by geography, similar land use, resources, and type of agriculture or forestry, which allows for greater flexibility and access to funding for the groups. Click here for the map of Wisconsin Local Working Groups.

One of the main programs discussed at the meeting will be the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a federal conservation program that helps agricultural producers and landowners in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. EQIP offers technical and financial assistance to help landowners with needed conservation practices for water quality, soil health, wildlife, and other natural resources. 

The 2025 Annual Wisconsin Local Working Group Meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on June 12, 2025, from 10:00AM - 12:00PM CDT.

Ways to join the meeting:

1. Teleconference (audio only): Call 1-202-650-0123, then enter code 303394665# when prompted.
2. Microsoft Teams (video and audio) via the app or your web browser: CLICK HERE

Local Working Group meetings are open to the public. Those who are interested in attending and have questions about these meetings, and/or will require any accommodations to attend, should contact their local USDA Service Center. For more information on Local Working Groups, please visit the Wisconsin Local Working Groups webpage. Interested individuals or groups unable to attend the meeting can still submit input to their local NRCS District Conservationist or use the online Wisconsin Local Working Group Input Submission Form from April 29, 2025, through June 26, 2025.