Dane County is seeking public input related to Chapter 49: Agricultural Performance Standards and Manure Management. Chapter 49 is administered by the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department while the County’s Land Conservation Committee provides oversight through the appeals process outlined in the ordinance.
The purpose of the ordinance is to provide for proper and safe storage, handling, and land application of manure and to reduce the delivery of manure, other waste materials, fertilizers, and sediment to surface waters and groundwater through the use of conservation practices and implementation of the state’s agricultural performance standards and prohibitions. The ordinance was last updated in 2019. The primary programs outlined under the ordinance include:
Updates to the ordinance are being considered to address and clarify parts of the ordinance including:
Additional Information:
All public comments received will be aggregated and shared with relevant Dane County Departments, Committees, and Board Supervisors.
The public can submit written comments using the form below, open until June 30, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
In addition to the comment form above, Dane County Land & Water Resources Department will host a public informational meeting where individuals can attend in person or virtually and provide either oral or written comments.
| Date: | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| Time: | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| Location: | Lyman F. Anderson Agriculture & Conservation Center / USDA Service Center, Driftless Room 5201 Fen Oak Drive, Madison, WI 53718 |
| Virtual Meeting Info: |
To join the meeting on Zoom, use the following registration link. After completing the form, the meeting link and access information will be emailed to you: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Xs1BmBEmREWYgSELLKGD3A#/registration This link will be active until the end of the meeting. Virtual registration to provide public comment will be accepted until 30 minutes before the start of the meeting. To testify virtually, participants must attend the meeting by Zoom or phone. Speakers will then be unmuted or promoted to panelist status and given time to speak. To join the meeting by phone, dial-in using one of the following three toll-free phone numbers: 1-833-548-0276 When prompted, enter the following Webinar ID: 912 5877 9686 |
Purpose & Authority
The purpose of Chapter 49 is to provide for the proper and safe storage, handling, and land application of manure and to reduce the delivery of manure, other waste materials, fertilizers, and sediment to surface waters and groundwater through the use of conservation practices and implementation of the state’s agricultural performance standards and prohibitions. The ordinance is adopted under authority granted by ss. 33.455 and 92.16, Wis. Stats., and s. ATCP 50.56, Wis. Adm. Code.
Jurisdiction
The ordinance applies to the entire geographical area of Dane County.
Ordinance Summary
Information on the current regulations and permitting requirements is available on the Conservation Compliance webpage.
1. Public Information Gathering
June 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. - Informational Meeting
Public input accepted through June 30, 2026.
2. Introduction to County Board
June/July 2026
3. Review by Committees and Public Comment
July/August 2026
4. Anticipated Approval by County Board
August/September 2026
5. Anticipated Publication and Enactment
October 2026
For more information about Chapter 49, please contact:
Amy Piaget, County Conservationist
(608) 212-9172
piaget.amy@danecounty.gov
