The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) selects specific watersheds to concentrate clean-up efforts aimed to control nonpoint sources of water pollution (runoff). A management plan is developed for the watershed and DNR supplies financial support for its implementation. The County Land & Water Conservation Department is responsible for implementation of the plan. Presently Columbia County has three active Priority Watershed Program: Beaver Dam River - Neenah Creek - Yahara/Lake Mendota.
Beaver Dam River
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) identified the Beaver Dam River Watershed as an area needing high priority water pollution control work. Columbia County has approximately 21,000 acres in this watershed. The Columbia County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 145-90, which initiated the project for the inventory and planning phase. Resolution No. 32-93 was adopted by Columbia County to approve the Phase II (sign-up and implementation) portion of the project. The reorganization of the Nonpoint Source Pollution Program by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources extended the cost-share sign-up and the implementation periods to December 31, 2005. The extension will provide for more environmental accomplishments within the existing budget constraints
Neenah Creek
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources identified the Neenah Creek Watershed as an area needing high priority water pollution control work. There are 30,808 watershed acres in Columbia County. The Columbia County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the Resolution No. 143-91 that initiated the project for the inventory and planning. Resolution No. 81-93 was unanimously adopted for implementation of the plan developed in 1993. The plan establishes criteria for eligibility requirements for cost shared dollars. A DNR Grant Amendment extends the sign-up and implementation period to December 31, 2005.
Yahara/Lake Mendota
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources identified the Yahara/Mendota Priority Watershed as an area needing high priority water pollution control work. There are approximately 17,400 watershed acres in Columbia County. The Columbia County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 63 - 94, which initiated the project for the inventory and planning phase. Resolution No.18-97 was adopted by Columbia County to approve Phase II (sign-up and implementation) portion of the project.
