Basin Partnerships in Wisconsin
In 1998, a unique Partnering opportunity was initiated by the Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Extension, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to promote citizen-based watershed programs. This Wisconsin Basin Initiative has pulled together Basin Partner Teams to work within the major River Basins to promote clean water, wise land-use, and the conservation and stewardship of our natural resources. Basin Partner Teams are made up of local, state and federal agency personnel and a diverse group of citizens and non-governmental organizations, each of which brings unique resources, abilities, knowledge and concerns to the table.

Through the Basin Initiative, the Basin partnership teams were established to promote citizen-involvement and locally led decisions to protect the resources within the Basins. Each partner team is a unique group of people who care about the land and water resources within the basin. Convened by the DNR, the partnerships brings together state and federal agencies, local governments, University, county Land and Water Conservation Departments, private organizations and citizens as equal partners at the table. The Partnerships will be self-directed and identify issues, priorities, and develop goals and actions plans to address them. Their goal is to combine efforts, leverage funding, promote stewardship and educate the public regarding issues that affect the land and water that we all use, live on and enjoy.