Land & Water Resource Management Plan

In 1997, the State Legislature, through Wisconsin Act 27, amended Chapter 92 of the Wisconsin Statutes, requiring that all counties develop a land and water resource management (LWRM) plan. The intent of this charge is to foster and support a locally led process. This is intended to address each individual county’s unique natural resources, identify particular problems associated with the resource base, and establish a plan to help protect and restore those resources. 

The purpose of the land and water resource management planning effort is to develop a plan to be used as a guide for Kenosha County in carrying out its natural resource-related programs. The plan development process is intended to encourage innovative programming and leadership and to build local support. The plan identifies the natural resources and the current condition of those resources, the limitations of those resources, and sets forth a strategy that addresses the natural resource issues and problems. It also provides a means to educate the public about these issues and problems and include them in the steps necessary to protect the natural resource base.

The latest plan update is the 2nd revision and will utilize the previous plans as baseline information. The requirements of the Wis. Stats., 92.06, and additional guidelines have been established by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Board. Kenosha County Staff has reviewed this LWRM plan based on the criteria required in s. ATCP 50.12, Wis. Admin. Code, and s. 92.10, Statutes. They have determined that the plan meets the criteria for DATCP approval of this plan. This plan will serve as a program guide for local conservation efforts in Kenosha County.

Planning Process

The Kenosha County Land and Water Resource Management Planning process began in March of 2015 with the selection of members to serve on the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee meetings were held on August 5 and September 14, 2015. 

The Committee reviewed each chapter of the plan in draft form and provided comments and recommendations. They were advised to focus on a 10-year period to analyze resource needs, forecast applicable trends, and identify existing as well as anticipated changes over the next ten years. This information was analyzed; assessments were made and incorporated into the final plan. 

On September 30, 2015, the County Land and Water Conservation Committee met to approve the plan. This meeting was open to the public for citizen comment and input. 

The approved plan was forwarded to the Kenosha County Planning, Development & Extension Education Committee (PDECC) on October 14, 2015. This PDECC meeting was announced twice in the Kenosha News prior to the meeting as a Class II public notice. The Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Board adopted the LWRMP on February 2, 2016, with final approval by the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors on February 17, 2016.

Download the 2017 to 2026 Kenosha County Land and Water Resource Management Plan (PDF)

Download the 2008 to 2012 Kenosha County Land and Water Resource Management Plan (PDF)