Wisconsin wetlands association is dedicated to the protection, restoration, and enjoyment of wetlands and associated ecosystems through science-based programs, education, and advocacy.

Environment

Environmental education: develop and present education and outreach programs to diverse audiences of laypersons and experts, and advance the use of wetland science on matters related to wetland conservation. Programs include advising landowners about wetland preservation, restoration, and management; an annual wetland conference; and numerous workshops, field trips, and presentations; and distribution of a book, "my healthy wetlands," to help landowners care for their wetlands. Nearly 400 people attended and participated in wwa's 2015 wetland conference, "telling our stories. " in addition, wwa conducted two landowner workshops for more than 200 landowners, three workshops for public officials on identification of wetlands and understanding their value, and gave wetlands presentations to more than 2,000 people in communities across wisconsin. public policy advocacy: promote the establishment of effective wetlands regulations, remove tax barriers to private wetland conservation, monitor permitting of wetland development, and advise communities about the defense and conservation of wetlands. Program activities include helping local government officials to become better stewards of wetlands by addressing wetlands in developing ordinances; advocating for fair property tax treatment of owners of wetland areas who restore wetlands on their properties; promoting legislation that adequately protects wetlands; and monitoring enforcement by government officials of regulations to protect wetlands. In 2014-15 wwa worked to limit the damage to wetlands in the penokee hills region of wisconsin that would likely have resulted in extensive wetland and trout stream destruction in one of the region's highest quality watersheds. Also, wwa mobilized citizens to comment on proposed rule revisions related to the clean water act definition of wetlands that are subject to federal jurisdiction. And wwa was successful in helping bring about a state tax reform that allows tax incentives to landowners who restore wetlands on agricultural land.