Get Involved

The Campaign for Wisconsin's Farm & Forest Lands has been successful -- the Working Lands Initiatives have become state law and will help us all protect our state’s critical agricultural and forest resources and minimize land use conflicts.

The work of thousands of supporters of farmland protection across Wisconsin paid off when the Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance voted to keep the Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (PACE) on the books.

We could not have done this without you, thank you!  We also could not have done it without lawmakers' support.

Thank your legislators

Your community and elected leaders need to hear that the preservation of Wisconsin's farm and forest lands is important to you.  Please thank them for funding the first round of PACE. 

Tips for writing your legislators

  • To find out who represents you and how to reach them, find your legislator

  • Include your home address on your letter. It’s important for legislators to know that you are their constituent.

  • Clearly state your reason for writing at the beginning of your letter: “I am writing to encourage you to support the Working Lands Initiative included in the proposed 2009-2011 State Budget, AB75.”

  • Make your communication as personal as possible.  Introduce yourself.  If you are writing on behalf of an organization, business, local government or other group, provide some background information.  Letters sent through the mail are the best. Email should only be used as a last resort.

  • If you have any personal relationship with your legislator, mention it ("Nice to meet you at Rotary last week", "Uncle Bill sends his regards", etc.)

  • Keep your message simple and direct. 

  • Add a specific message.  Tell why you personally support the Working Lands Initiative rather than focusing too heavily on facts and figures. (“Our farm has been in my family for five generations…we want to keep farming but we’re worried about encroaching development…”)

  • Use local examples. Why is this issue relevant to constituents in your lawmaker’s legislative district? Why should he or she be concerned?

  • If you have information on the economic benefits of working lands in your area, use it. Emphasize that protecting working farm and forest lands is an economic investment.

  • Request a meeting with your Legislator (either in Madison or back home in their district). You may also wish to invite him or her to an upcoming event, tour of your property, etc.

  • Follow-up with a phone call. Ask directly if your legislator supports the Working Lands Initiative.

  • Send copies of your letter to members of the Joint Finance Committee, the senators and representatives who put the Legislative Budget for 2009-2011 together for the full Legislature to vote on. See list of Joint Finance Committee members and their contact information »