WHO WE ARE

The Eau Pleine Partnership for Integrated Conservation (EPPIC) is a community-led watershed protection group based in Western Marathon County, Wisconsin. EPPIC formed in late 2017 to determine how soil health and water quality can be improved within and around the Eau Pleine Watershed. The group brought together an array of stakeholders, representing the interests of farmers, farm groups, lake stewards, natural resource oriented organizations/agencies, agronomists, equipment dealers, and others.

EPPIC plans to develop long-term strategies to protect and improve soil health and water quality, leveraging the diversity of its stakeholders to engage the community as a whole. Soil and water affect everybody in some capacity. While the issue has grown increasingly divisive over time, a goal of EPPIC is to unify people around the soil and water on which we all depend.

Through outreach and education to engage landowners in beneficial practices, EPPIC hopes to help create a community where all farmers are using conservation practices, the county’s long-term phosphorus goal is met, and a thriving ecosystem leads to a local economy that includes fishery and recreation.

An array of practices are needed on a community-wide level in order to create a more environmentally resilient community that has a successful agricultural industry as well as healthy natural resources.

The EPPIC Advisory Panel includes local agronomists, conservation farmers, and representatives from Big Eau Pleine Citizens Organization (BEPCO), Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program, Dairyland Laboratories, Grassland 2.0, Marathon County Conservation Planning, & Zoning Department, Farm Bureau, Farmers Union, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pheasants Forever, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Short Lane Ag Supply, University of Wisconsin–Extension, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company.

OUR MISSION

“Integrating resilience into the natural resources, community, and economy of the Eau Pleine Watershed.”

EPPIC is also defined by how it goes about fulfilling this mission. As such, all members agree to uphold four qualities:

open-mindedness and willingness to explore new ideas,
interest in finding solutions, not defending the status quo,
willingness to listen to understand in order to find common ground,
ability to provide positive feedback in order to find feasible solutions.

OUR VALUES

When EPPIC members were asked why they were part of the group, and what passions they brought with them to the effort, answers included passion for natural resources, conservation, ecosystem health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Members also expressed love for the work they do, appreciation for farmers, small communities, and their family history on the land, a desire for sustainable communities, and a farm economy that remains strong and viable. When asked what they valued about EPPIC and its mission, the members said that the shared purpose and community-minded approach of the group were important. The group also touted the talents and knowledge of the various members, their passion, commitment, creativity and approachability. They also stressed their feelings of accountability and ownership of the issues in the watershed, as well as their shared sense of responsibility in addressing these issues.

STRATEGIC GOALS

Create innovative education, outreach and collaboration opportunities to improve water quality and soil health.

Objective 1.1: Develop Demo Farms that can be used as onsite, outdoor classrooms and laboratories to help educate and engage farmers through peer-to-peer learning in soil and water conservation best management practices. Objective 1.2: Organize and promote events focused on gathering communities and groups that represent the entire spectrum of perspectives on soil and water conservation. Objective 1.3: Encourage the sharing of ideas and accomplishments among community and farmer-led groups through social media, and other traditional methods to raise the awareness of conservation best management practices.
Promote land management practices that enhance economic and environmental impacts and support resilient communities.

Objective 2.1: Seek grants and conduct activities that demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of conservation practices, and that help promote the community and culture of farming balanced with the need for viable natural resources. Objective 2.2: Generate the infrastructure needed to collect and monitor data on soil, surface water, and ground water quality. Objective 2.3: Create and maintain the governing structure of EPPIC to ensure its long-term resilience and focus on its mission.