Implementing Agricultural Performance Standards and Prohibitions

Implementation Strategy

Following the adoption of chapter NR 151, Wis. Adm. Code, several state nonpoint source program partners joined efforts to complete a detailed strategy to implement the new agricultural performance standards and prohibitions.

This strategy can be viewed here: Implementation Strategy for NR 151 - Agricultural Nonpoint Performance Standards and Prohibitions [PDF 115 KB]

This strategy identifies the key components that must be implemented in order that the agricultural standards and prohibitions be successfully implemented. The strategy, for the most part, does not identify specifically which program partner is responsible for conducting the components. This is because both state and local partners have the capability to perform many of the components.

In 2003, DNR surveyed the counties to determine levels of ability and willingness to implement the strategy. Click here for details on the County Questionnaire Results.

Implementation Tools and Activities

Moving the implementation strategy [PDF 115 KB] into action requires that certain tools and activities be developed and put in place. Some of the tools and activities that DNR, DATCP, counties and other partners have completed or are working on are listed below.

• Ordinances and/or fee systems to implement the agricultural performance standards and prohibitions were or will be enacted by some counties. See Brown County Buffer Notes [exit DNR] and Door County ordinance [PDF 129KB].
• Two inter-governmental agreements, Chippewa County [PDF 204 KB] and St. Croix County, were developed between DNR and counties. These serve as models for working agreements between DNR and other counties.
• DNR developed guidance, forms and letter templates for counties to use.
• A multi-agency committee created a brochure [PDF 659 KB] and a portal web page [exit DNR] for information relating to the NR 151 performance standards.
• DNR and DATCP developed an electronic form for counties to report 2004 implementation data.
• The University of Wisconsin is leading a research effort on buffer effectiveness that will lead to a performance standard after 2005.
• DATCP is revising county soil and water standards used in the Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) to require compliance with the agricultural performance standards and prohibitions.
• Revised county Land and Water Resource Management Plans must include a strategy to implement the performance standards and prohibitions.
• Several counties and/or DNR staff have used a variety of mechanisms to achieve compliance with agricultural performance standards and manure management prohibitions. These mechanisms range from incorporating performance standards and prohibitions into ordiances, providing cost-sharing through local, state and federal funding sources, to issuing non-compliance notices, to Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit issuance, to formal enforcement cases.
• DNR, with DATCP approval, developed targeting criteria for implementing the nutrient management performance standard in 2005.

Contact John Pfender 608-266-9266 for more information about this page.