The GLSD is involved in a number of lake and watershed pollution control programs:
1. Partnership with Green Lake County Land Conservation Department (GLCLCD) – the GLSD provides financial cost-share support to the GLCLCD for a multitude of nonpoint best management practices (BMPs) runoff projects (i.e. sediment control basins, grassed waterways, rock lined waterways, etc) located strategically in Big Green Lake’s Watershed. These BMPs provide protection to the lake from unwanted runoff which is the primary source of nutrients getting into the lake. The primary nutrient of concern is Phosphorus.
2. Partnership with Fond du Lac County Land Conservation Department (FDLLCD) – the GLSD provides financial cost-share support to the FDLLCD for a multitude of nonpoint best management practices (BMPs) in the same manner as described above for Green Lake County.
3. Contracts with Land Owners – the GLSD has a number of contracts with watershed land owners as well as conservancy properties that provide lake protection by keeping certain parcels of land in their native condition (prairie grasses) as opposed to agricultural production.
4. Ongoing Land Owner BMP Contracts – the GLSD requires all land owners receiving financial cost-sharing assistance to sign contracts to maintain their respective BMPs. Most of the BMPs have specific language (in the deed) requiring the land owners to maintain the BMPs in-perpetuity or pay back the BMP funding in-full. These contracts also obligate the Counties and the GLSD to inspect and maintain the BMPs in sound working order.
