Manitowoc County Seeks Public Comment on Nutrient Management and Land Application Verification Form

MANITOWOC, WI – The Manitowoc County Land Conservation Committee (LCC) invites all community members to provide feedback on a proposed 5-Year Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) Manure & Waste Land Application Form.

As Manitowoc County continues to balance agricultural growth with environmental protection, the LCC has requested a public review of the latest version of this form. The document requires signatures from all landowners and renters to verify that adequate land is available for manure and waste application before farm expansions are approved.

The Purpose of the Form: Under the Chapter 28 Livestock Facility Licensing Ordinance adopted in 2007, farms expanding beyond 750 animal units must obtain a license before construction begins. As part of this process, the Soil & Water Conservation Department must verify that a farm has sufficient land to manage manure for five years.

The proposed form serves as a tool to notify landowners and formally verify land availability. While the topic has been discussed at previous LCC meetings, which were primarily attended by farm operators, the Committee is now seeking perspectives from the entire community.

Why Your Input Matters: There are currently differing opinions regarding the necessity of this specific form. The county is seeking to determine if this is the most appropriate and effective tool to ensure farm viability, sustainability, and environmental protection while addressing the interests of the community at large.

How to Review and Comment: The draft form is available for public review online at: https://manitowoccountywi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5-Year-NMP-Manure-Waste-Land-Application-Form-2.pdf

Comments will be accepted through March 9, 2026, and can be submitted via:

-Email: davidwetenkamp@manitowoccountywi.gov

-Mail/In-Person: SWCD 4319 Expo Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220

-Phone: 920-683-4183

LCC Meeting: The community is also invited to attend the next Land Conservation Committee meeting to share their thoughts in person:

Since 2007, the Soil & Water Conservation Department has reviewed engineering and manure management plans in accordance with state codes ATCP 51 and Chapter 93. Its mission is to proactively reduce conflicts and address environmental concerns such as setbacks, odor scores, and waste structure integrity to support a balanced and sustainable county.