In the last blog, we gave an overview of what a watershed is and why it is so important to the water quality of Delavan Lake. Since then, I have been asked questions like; "What is being done in the watershed to help keep Delavan Lake clean?", and "Who is responsible for making the watershed do its job?". So let me shed some light on that!!
Quick Review, ...
Most of the water entering Delavan Lake comes from its "shoreline and the tributaries" (the inlet and Brown's channel).
The "Watershed" represents the land area surrounding the lake and those tributaries by which the water entering the lake will ultimately originate!
Much of the watershed contains Agricultural properties used for farming and livestock.
Although the nutrients in fertilizer and manure are a necessity for the success of farming and agriculture, they will cause serious harm to the water quality of Delavan Lake if they are allowed to enter the lake through the watershed!
In order to provide a useful overview of "who" and "how" the watershed gets managed, I need to cover a lot of ground! So, lets break it down! ...
What! - What specifically gets done to improve the effectiveness of the watershed so that it works optimally to protect the water quality of Delavan Lake?
Who? - Who (specifically) is responsible for keeping the Delavan Lake Watershed working at its best?
How? - How does the process work and all come together?
What
Various strategies and land best management practices (BMPs) are used to keep nutrients from entering the lake:
Buffer Strips and Riparian Zones: This is where plants and vegetation get introduced and maintained along the edges of fields and waterways to trap nutrients before they reach the water.
Cover Crops: Instead of leaving the fields in a unplanted or (dirt only) state after harvest, planting cover crops during off-seasons will prevent soil erosion and nutrient runoff.
Conservation Tillage: In many cases, firm ground/soil will hold nutrients better than loose (or tilled) ground. Therefore, sometimes it is best to reduce the amount of tillage to maintain soil structure and organic matter, which helps retain nutrients.
Nutrient Management Plans: Taking time to apply fertilizers based on soil tests and crop needs to avoid over-application. Else, these excess nutrients may find themselves moving to the lake. But it's also wasted money for the farmers!!
Contour Farming: It has been proven that planting along the contours of the land will reduce runoff and erosion.
Grassed Waterways: Create channels of grass to direct water flow and trap sediments and nutrients.
Controlled Drainage: Use drainage systems that can be managed to control the amount and timing of water leaving the fields.
Constructed Wetlands: Sometimes there is land or property that is not much use for farming and/or building. Typically, these are portions of property that are in low, soggy areas! Using these properties to create wetlands to filter runoff before it reaches larger water bodies is a great alternative use!
Precision Agriculture: The use of improved technology can help farmers apply fertilizers more accurately and efficiently to their fields! This not only reduces nutrient run-off, but also saves the farmer money!
Manure Management: Helping and enforcing the proper storage and application of manure prevents nutrient leaching and runoff into the watershed
Who
Several groups are actively working to improve the effectiveness of the Delavan Lake watershed through the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Key organizations include:
Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management (LURM): Most of the "official" efforts and responsibility for programs that protect the watershed falls under the Conservation Department of the Walworth County Land Use and Management. LURM is involved in various conservation initiatives aimed at protecting natural resources. This includes overseeing soil and water conservation efforts, managing farmland preservation programs, and addressing issues like erosion control and stormwater management. It has an allocated budget and received grants to fund these conservation efforts.
Delavan Lake Improvement Association (DLIA): Among other things, the DLIA advocates for policies and practices that supports the health and water quality of Delavan Lake. With respect to the watershed, the DLIA works closely with the County (LURM), collaborating with farmers to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as cover crops to reduce runoff and sponsor shoreline restoration projects through grants.
Town of Delavan (Lake Committee): The Town of Delavan (through the Lake Committee) also works with the Walworth County LURM and the DLIA to support watershed protection efforts whenever possible. It also serves to connect these activities to local government needs and regulations (as needed).
HOW
Although assistance and funding may come from different sources, Walworth County's Land Use and Resource Management (LURM) Department is the main vehicle to arrange and institute action! BMP programs are implemented with farmers and landowners through a combination of regulatory enforcement, technical assistance, and voluntary participation in conservation initiatives. Here's how these programs generally work:
1. Regulatory Enforcement
Zoning and Permit Requirements: Farmers and landowners must comply with county zoning regulations and obtain necessary permits for land use changes or developments. The LURM department enforces these regulations, ensuring that any land use aligns with the county's comprehensive plan. This can include restrictions on building, land division, and other activities that might impact the environment or community. FOR EXAMPLE: Delavan Lake is subject to shoreland zoning regulations, which are designed to protect water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and natural scenic beauty. Typically, any construction, grading, or other land disturbances within 1,000 feet of the lake's high water mark are subject to specific regulations.
Sanitation Oversight: The department also monitors private septic systems, ensuring they are properly maintained and do not pose environmental risks. Farmers often need to meet specific requirements for waste management, especially when it comes to handling animal waste, to prevent contamination of water sources.
2. Technical Assistance and Support
Conservation Programs: LURM provides technical assistance to farmers and landowners in implementing conservation practices. This includes advice on soil and water conservation, erosion control, and sustainable farming practices. FOR EXAMPLE: The department might help farmers develop conservation plans or guide them through the process of applying for state or federal conservation programs.
Educational Workshops and Resources: The department regularly offers workshops, like the Lakeshore Landscape Workshop, which educate landowners on best practices for managing their land in environmentally friendly ways. They also provide resources and guides on topics such as invasive species management and proper land stewardship.
3. Voluntary Programs and Incentives
Cost-Sharing Programs: To encourage participation in conservation efforts, LURM offers financial incentives such as cost-sharing programs. These programs help offset the costs of implementing conservation practices, making it more feasible for farmers and landowners to adopt sustainable methods. FOR EXAMPLE: Farmers who sign-up for BMP programs on their land are compensated dollars($) per every acer of land but under management practices!!
Farmland Preservation Programs: Farmers can participate in the Farmland Preservation Program, which provides tax credits in exchange for maintaining their land in agricultural use and complying with soil and water conservation standards.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Through collaboration with the USDA, LURM helps farmers access federal funding for projects that improve environmental quality, such as installing efficient irrigation systems or planting cover crops to reduce soil erosion.
4. Collaboration with Other Agencies
Partnerships: As mentioned, the LURM works closely with the Delavan Lake Improvement Association and the Town of Delavan to connect with farmers and land owners on available programs and funding!!
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR): They provide grants and technical assistance for conservation efforts, helping to implement BMPs and other practices aimed at improving water quality​ (DLIA)​.
As mentioned, these organizations collectively contribute to various initiatives aimed at reducing nutrient runoff, controlling erosion, and enhancing overall lake health through community engagement, scientific monitoring, and strategic conservation practices.
OK, I know that was a lot to cover! That was just a summary and there is so much more that you can learn about the watershed and what is being done to support it by following the links above and on the DLQ website: https://www.delavanlakequality.com/
Please let us know if there is more you would like to know, or have any specific questions!! We look forward to keeping you informed on progress and updates!!
Be Safe!!
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