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1. What conservation programs are available to county residents?

A pamphlet developed by the Wisconsin Interagency Quality Steering Team (QST) called “A Guide to Conservation Programs for Wisconsin Landowners” is available. This brochure provides a quick reference to federal, state and local cost-share conservation programs in Wisconsin. To learn more about conservation practices, view "Conservation Choices" (PDF). This guide features 26 common conservation practices. It explains how each practice works and how it helps improve a farm, lists things to think about when considering the practice, and points out basic maintenance needs.

2. I am interested in the CRP Program.

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) offers annual rental payments, incentive payments for certain activities, and cost-share assistance to establish approved ground cover on eligible cropland. Designed to reduce erosion on sensitive lands, CRP also improves soil and water, and provides significant wildlife habitat. To obtain additional information on the CRP, please call the Farm Service Agency at (262) 878-1243.

3. I would like to abandon a well and heard there is cost-sharing available.

Kenosha County has cost sharing available for well abandonment projects. Cost-sharing covers 70% to a limit of $1,000 per well (maximum cost-share payment $700) for a licensed well driller to properly abandon old and unused wells. Kenosha County will offer cost-share to ten property owners annually on a first come first serve basis.

4. Do you have a tree program?

Yes, we do have a tree program. The tree order forms are available in the fall for the following spring planting. The variety of trees offered varies from year to year. 

The county tree order form is available online. If you would like to obtain an order form by mail, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Kenosha County Department of Planning & Development Office (19600 – 75th St, Bristol, WI 53104), and an order form will be mailed when they become available. 

You do not have to be a county resident to purchase trees from the county tree program.

5. What are conservation buffers?

Conservation buffers are small areas or strips of land that are strategically placed in the agricultural landscape to intercept pollutants and manage other environmental concerns. These buffers can also enhance fish and wildlife habitat and reduce flooding concerns. Financial incentives for establishing and maintaining these buffers are available through several USDA conservation programs.

6. Can I fill my property?

Generally, an individual can fill his or her land to some degree if it is outside the shoreland floodplain or wetland areas and with local town/municipal approvals. If the project disturbs a total land surface area of 4,000 square feet or more; or involves excavation or filling, or a combination of excavation and filling, in excess of 400 cubic yards of material an erosion control permit is required. If filling takes place within the shoreland and wetland areas: A County stipulated shoreland permit is required, erosion control standards must be met and proper drainage methods must be practiced to protect adjacent properties. In general, wetland and floodplain areas cannot be filled. Contact the County Department of Planning & Development office before doing any filling. Any after-the-fact filling, which required a permit, will have to pay a triple fee.

7. Can I have horses? How many?

Livestock restrictions in Kenosha County are regulated under individual town ordinances. Please contact your local township for the most up-to-date livestock ordinances and restrictions.

8. Can I put rocks on the shoreline?

This activity generally pertains to rip rap, which is done primarily to protect the land from soil erosion. A County stipulated shoreland permit is required, and erosion control standards must be met.

You must submit a completed Stipulated Shoreland Permit Application, including a property survey/site plan, and the appropriate fee based upon the Kenosha County Department of Planning & Development Fee Schedule. 

Rip rap activities are also regulated by the DNR. Please call the Sturtevant DNR office at (262) 884-2355, or visit the DNR website for more information

9. What do I have to do to construct a pond?

A determination must first be made whether the pond will be located in a shoreland, floodplain, or wetland area. Kenosha County does not require a general permit to dig a pond located outside the floodplain, shoreland, or wetland zoning districts. We do require minimal, reasonable setbacks from property lines, structures, roads, septic, wells, etc. 

An erosion control permit is required if the pond is located outside a shoreland/wetland area but disturbs a total land surface area of 4,000 square feet or more or involves excavation/filling or a combination of excavation/filling, in excess of 400 cubic yards of material. Ponds built within the shoreland require a County stipulated shoreland permit. 

Most towns require a land disturbance permit, and the DNR may also require a permit. Other subdivision covenants, easements, or deed restrictions may apply.

Ponds are generally not permitted in the floodplain or connected to a navigable waterway. A wildlife pond may be created in a wetland (C-1 Zoning District) with proper permits and approval of the Land Use Committee. A wildlife pond cannot exceed an average depth of 5 feet, and side slopes cannot exceed a gradient of 1 foot vertical to 5 feet horizontal.

Wetland disturbances will require a water quality certification from the DNR and possibly the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Additionally, please contact the local township to determine if any town permits are required. Most ponds will require a permit or approval, please contact these agencies to inquire about the procedure for a pond at your location.

Visit the WDNR website for more information.