2012 Farmland Preservation Plan

This plan was prepared in accordance with the Farmland Preservation Chapter of the Wisconsin Statutes. It establishes public policy in support of farmland preservation, agricultural development and the encouragement of a healthy agricultural economy. The legislation requires a county to develop and adopt a Farmland Preservation Plan in order for landowners in the county to be eligible for the farmland preservation programs offered by the state. The Farmland Preservation Program has been in existence since 1977 and in force in Fond du Lac County since 1980. Fond du Lac County developed the original Farmland Preservation Plan in 1980. The 2012 Farmland Preservation Plan will serve as the first update. The goal of the program is to aid local governments in farmland preservation and agricultural development through planning and the provision of tax credits to those who participate.

This plan is part of a continuing effort by Fond du Lac County to participate in the State's Farmland Preservation Program in order to encourage a progressive yet sustainable agricultural economy. It is the intent of this plan to guide County decision-makers to make the best decisions for the benefit of the agricultural economy in Fond du Lac County.

This plan represents much research, study, and effort on the part of the Fond du Lac County Board, Fond du Lac County Staff (Planning and Parks Department, Land Conservation Department, Land Information Department, Highway Department, Information Systems Department, and Economic Development Corporation), the Ad-Hoc Farmland Preservation Advisory Committee (A-HFPAC), the Fond du Lac County Townships, the UW-Extension Education, Agriculture and Recreation Committee, UW-Extension Fond du Lac County representative, the county’s consultant Martenson & Eisele Inc.