Building Connections: Putting Water Research into Practice for Communities within Southeastern Wisconsin

The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) is a regional planning organization as defined by the US Federal Clean Water Act and, as such, is tasked with developing lake and watershed management plans in the most densely populated area of Wisconsin. SEWRPC is one of nine such commissions within Wisconsin and has a 60+ year long history of providing services to the public. Development and infrastructure problems often transcend the political boundaries and fiscal capabilities of individual communities; hence, a regional approach provides an efficient, cost-effective systems approach to address issues such as water quality impairment, flooding, air pollution, changing land use, and preserving natural and agricultural resources. Our inclusive and open public review process combined with a watershed- (clearly defined study area) and science-based data driven approach has set the standard for exceptional water resources planning in Southeastern Wisconsin and the State. The process involves compiling comprehensive data sets, developing management recommendations, developing concepts , and working collaboratively with local units of government, non-governmental organizations, and private industry to implement management recommendations. This approach has effectively incorporated multiple dimensions and needs of our community and environment before making costly economic or environmental decisions, and to help avoid conflict. Select examples of how we use academic research to protect water resources within Southeastern Wisconsin are summarized.

Primary Presenter: Thomas Slawski, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (tslawski@sewrpc.org)

Authors:

Dale Buser, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission  (dbuser@sewrpc.org)

Justin Poinsette, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission  (jpoinsette@sewrpc.org)

Danielle Matuszak, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission  (dmatuszak@sewrpc.org)