PARTNER FAQ
Common questions about how Yahara WINS works, what participation involves, and what’s changed in the program. For questions not answered here, contact Mike Gilbertson, Watershed Programs Coordinator, at 608-949-4463 or through our Contact page.
About the program
What is Yahara WINS?
Yahara WINS — the Yahara Watershed Improvement Network — is a collaborative initiative to reduce phosphorus across the Yahara watershed.
Rather than requiring each phosphorus source to meet water quality standards independently, Yahara WINS allows municipalities, utilities, agricultural producers, and other partners to work together toward shared goals.
The program is built on adaptive management, a regulatory approach approved by the Wisconsin DNR that allows watershed-wide coordination in place of individual compliance.
How long has Yahara WINS been operating?
Yahara WINS began as a pilot project in 2012 and moved to full-scale implementation in 2017. The adaptive management permit now runs through 2041, aligned with four full five-year permit terms.
Since full-scale implementation began, partners have consistently met or exceeded annual phosphorus reduction goals.
What is the programs' phosphorus reduction goal?
The long-term phosphorus reduction goal for Yahara WINS is 109,000 pounds. This reflects an updated accounting of the watershed’s phosphorus load, including a consolidated outfall and updated effluent phosphorus concentrations. The goal was previously approximately 95,000 pounds.
Joining and participating
Who can beceome a partner?
Yahara WINS partners include cities, villages, towns, county agencies, wastewater treatment plants, agricultural producers, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders with a presence in the Yahara watershed.
What does participation cost?
Cost structures differ by partner type. Municipal partners participate through an IGA with shared financial contributions. Agricultural producers and landowners typically participate by implementing qualifying practices — project funding support may be available, subject to program resources.
Contact Mike Gilbertson at 608-949-4463 for current details.
What do municipal partners receive?
Municipal IGA partners receive credit toward regulatory phosphorus reduction requirements through a coordinated, cost-effective approach.
Partners also have a voice in program governance through quarterly meetings, access to program data and annual reports, and the ability to demonstrate environmental stewardship as part of a nationally recognized adaptive management model.
How do agricultural producers participate?
Farmers and landowners participate by implementing phosphorus-reducing practices and submitting those projects for Yahara WINS credit. Qualifying practices include cover crops, grassed waterways, reduced tillage, streambank stabilization, and other approaches.
Contact Mike Gilbertson to learn about current project opportunities.
Recent program updates
I heard the phosphorus goal changed. Does that mean the program isn't working?
No. The goal was updated to reflect a more complete and accurate picture of the watershed’s phosphorus load. It reflects better data, not a setback. Partners have consistently exceeded annual reduction targets since full-scale implementation began.
What is the new monitoring location in Badfish Creek?
A water quality monitoring site has been added in Badfish Creek, near Highway 59, to provide better data on how upstream practices are affecting water quality in that part of the watershed. This does not change the watershed-wide compliance point (which remains at Fulton) or the program’s overall focus on the entire Yahara watershed.
Has the IGA changed? Are contribution amounts different?
IGA members’ annual contribution amounts remain unchanged. The contribution period has been extended to align with the updated adaptive management schedule through 2040. The original IGA referenced a 2017–2036 implementation period; the schedule now runs through 2041.
Staying connected
How do I stay informed?
How do I submit a project idea?
Visit the Project Support page for information on current focus areas and how to submit a project proposal. Submissions are accepted year-round.
Who do I contact?
Mike Gilbertson, Watershed Programs Coordinator, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District 608-949-4463 yaharawins.org/contact