Tools to protect our working lands
Farmlands and forest lands are important community and economic resources. Development, fragmentation, and increasing demands on these lands to produce food, fiber and fuel make it critical that we preserve productive lands for our region’s future.

This workshop will bring national and local experts together to help people learn about the growing number of tools communities can use to preserve working lands: special districts and zoning, conservation easements, and purchase of development rights, to name a few.
Information will be shared about the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, & Consumer Protection’s (DATCP’s) Working Lands Initiative which proposes an expansion and modernization of farmland preservation strategies.

Workshop topics - ( AGENDA)
• Importance of farmlands and forestlands in our
communities and economies.
• Information about direct threats to these lands, and dynamic pressures being placed on working lands.
• Tools for protecting working lands – old and new.
• Report on DATCP’s Working Lands Initiative.
• A survey of local challenges in the northern region.
• Illuminating and inspiring local success stories.
• A brief report on the Bayfield Parcelization Study.
• Options for funding land protection efforts.

Presenters
Bob Wagner is the Senior Director of Farmland Protection Programs at the American Farmland Trust, the country’s leading organization addressing farmland protection. Mr Wagner, based in Massachusetts, has made presentations across the country on the importance of farmland and the variety of tools and techniques used by communities to protect farmland resources.
DATCP staff will be on hand to share information about proposals under its Working Lands Initiative.
Local presenters will address local news, issues, and challenge – and will share success stories.

Resourced by
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
• American Farmland Trust

Logistics
• $15 fee for early registration (by March 6th), $25 for late registrations. Some reduced fee scholarships are available.
• Registration / refreshments at 8:00. Session begins at 8:45.
• Lunch will be provided.
• Exhibits displayed by local organizations and businesses.
• Registrations may be submitted by filling out our registration form. For a printer friendly version of this page click here.

For more information contact:
Will Pipkin – 888-379-5490 or 715-209-3597 aerc@cheqnet.net

Workshop held at:
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
29270 County Highway G

Located two miles west of Ashland
on US Highway 2.

Working Lands Agenda
Registration form
Working Lands Workshop Flyer