2014 | Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Kickapoo River Watershed

Contact

Project Lead: Mississippi Valley Conservancy

Contact: Carol Abrahamzon

Email: carol@mississippivalleyconservancy.org

Project

From Data to Dirt: Building Conservation from the Ground Up 

Engaging Landowners and Restoring the Kickapoo River Watershed with Capacity Support from Fishers & Farmers 

  

The Mississippi Valley Conservancy (MVC), in collaboration with Trout Unlimited, Kickapoo Grazing Initiative, and Valley Stewardship Network, launched a long-term conservation effort in Wisconsin’s Kickapoo River Watershed with a clear goal: to improve water quality, restore wildlife habitat, and support sustainable agriculture by working directly with landowners. 

Through extensive research and mapping, the team identified over 1,475 agricultural properties impacting water quality. Recognizing that data alone wouldn’t drive change, MVC and its partners prioritized building relationships with landowners to promote land management practices that retain sediment and nutrients on the land—practices that are not only ecologically sound but also economically viable and replicable across other watersheds. 

  

Building Capacity with Fishers & Farmers 

To move from planning to action, MVC turned to Fishers & Farmers for critical funding support. This investment allowed the team to expand its capacity for outreach and engagement—hosting landowner workshops, organizing pasture walks, and initiating one-on-one conversations with farmers. These efforts helped landowners understand the financial and ecological benefits of conservation practices such as rotational grazing, forest and invasive species management, and permanent vegetative cover. 

Fishers & Farmers’ support also enabled the creation of demonstration sites across the watershed. These sites became powerful tools for peer learning, showcasing how sustainable practices can improve soil health, reduce runoff, and enhance farm profitability. 

  

Measurable Outcomes and Lasting Impact 

Thanks to this collaborative effort, the project has achieved significant results: 

• 1,623 landowners contacted through targeted outreach. 

• 113 landowners engaged in direct conversations about conservation practices and financial incentives. 

• 14,358 acres addressed with conservation practices. 

• 5,674 acres converted or planned for conversion to best management practices. 

• 337 acres permanently protected through conservation easements, with two more in development. 

• 60 acres of cropland converted to permanent cover, including a 28-acre filter strip along the Kickapoo River. 

Valley Stewardship Network provided water quality monitoring before and after implementation, helping track the effectiveness of practices and guide future efforts. Success was also measured by the number of acres protected, the connectivity of riparian and aquatic habitats, and the growing number of landowners actively participating in conservation. 

  

Conservation Easements: Protecting Progress 

With Fishers & Farmers’ support, several key conservation easements were completed: 

• 87 acres along nearly one mile of the West Fork Kickapoo River. 

• 240 acres along over half a mile of Poe Creek, with active streambank restoration underway. 

Additional easements also put into progress, including: 

• 50-acre Johnston Property in the upper Kickapoo Watershed. 

• 112-acre Bear Creek Farm, with over 8,200 feet of stream frontage. 

These easements not only protect critical streambanks but also foster community leadership. Landowners involved have hosted workshops, restored streambanks, planted native buffers, and even partnered with the DNR to enhance non-game wildlife habitat. 

  

Looking Ahead 

This project demonstrates how strategic partnerships, community engagement, and targeted funding can drive meaningful conservation. With continued support, MVC and its partners are committed to expanding this work—protecting water quality, supporting farmers, and ensuring the long-term health of the Kickapoo River Watershed.