Abstract

GeoDesign: Engaging Citizens in Farmland Preservation Efforts
Track: Geodesign
Authors: Douglas Miskowiak

The Wisconsin Working Lands Initiative (WLI), passed in the 2009 Biennial Budget Bill, provides key updates to Wisconsin's 30-year old Farmland Preservation Law. Key provisions of the Initiative include updating farmland preservation plans and designating protection areas that include Farmland Preservation Areas, Farmland Preservation Zoning Districts, Agricultural Enterprise Areas, and areas eligible for the Program on Agricultural Conservation Easements (PACE). Fulfilling these farmland preservation provisions requires the utility of Wisconsin's modern land information system and geographic information systems. This session describes how GeoDesign concepts were used to engage citizens in farmland preservation efforts. Case studies from various Wisconsin Counties will be shared and the fundamental farmland preservation tasks addressed with GeoDesign will be addressed.