Leadership for Midwestern Watersheds (LMW) is a popular forum for professionals who lead projects that reduce agricultural runoff in watersheds of the Upper Mississippi River Basin.

LMW is developing a “community of practice” among conservation practitioners who work to improve water quality with landowners, agencies, and businesses, one watershed at a time.

The annual LMW meeting series features presentations and facilitated discussions on subjects essential to successful watershed projects. Examples include: farmer engagement, geospatial planning tools, project financing, and water quality monitoring. To date, more than 200 attendees from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and beyond have participated, including many watershed projects supported by state nutrient reduction programs and USDA-NRCS Landscape Conservation Initiatives.

Sand County Foundation presents Leadership for Midwestern Watersheds in collaboration with the Soil and Water Conservation Society, Conservation Technology Information Center, American Farmland Trust, North Central Region Water Network, and the Iowa Soybean Association. Financial support comes from the McKnight Foundation, and state and federal agencies provide guidance.

For more information on the LMW program, view this summary, or contact Craig Ficenec at 608.729.1388 or cficenec@sandcountyfoundation.org