Legacy Project
Milwaukee River Pay-for-Performance Project
Funder: Great Lakes Protection Fund
Project Timeline: June 1, 2013 - September 1, 2017
Country: United States
Program Areas: Forestry and Natural Resource Management and Water
Farms are businesses, which means they respond to economic signals. That basic idea is behind this program’s approach to reduce the damage to water quality caused by agricultural run-off in the West Branch Milwaukee River watershed. Winrock works with water treatment plant owners, conservation groups and others in the area to devise pay-for-performance incentives that encourage farmers to implement practices that reduce pollution.
A New Approach to Conservation
Fertilizer and manure containing phosphorus help crops grow, but when phosphorus runs off into surface water it can lead to algal blooms and dead zones, damaging water quality for people and wildlife. Current conservation programs aim to reduce water pollution, but do not quantify reductions or track water quality improvements.
Related Content
Working with U.S. Farmers and Local Partners to Protect Water and Soil Health
Innovative Pay-For-Performance Program Rewards Farmers For Improving Water Quality
Pay-for-Performance Conservation: A How-To Guide
Using Wisconsin’s SnapPlus Planning Tool in Pay-for-Performance Projects
Pay For Performance Infographic