Near Coon Valley in Vernon County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Nation's First Watershed Project
This point is near the center of the 90,000 acre Coon Creek Watershed, the nation's first large-scale demonstration of soil and water conservation. The area was selected for this purpose by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (then Soil Erosion Service) in October 1933. Technicians of the S.C.S. and the University of Wisconsin pooled their knowledge with experiences of local farm leaders to establish a pattern of land use now prevalent throughout the midwest. Planned practices in effect include improvement of woodlands, wildlife habitat and pastures, better rotations and fertilization, strip cropping, terracing, and gully and stream bank erosion control. The outcome is a tribute to the wisdom, courage and foresight of the farm families who adopted the modern methods of conservation farming illustrated here.
Erected 1955 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 31.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1933.
Location. 43° 42.109′ N, 91° 2.039′ W. Marker is near Coon Valley, Wisconsin, in Vernon County. Marker is on U.S. 14/61, 0.1 miles west of Brye Lane, on the right when traveling west. Marker is at a highway pull-off. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Coon Valley WI 54623, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. German Methodist Episcopal Churches (approx. 6.1 miles away); The Coulee Region (approx. 7.4 miles away); 23rd and Green Bay (approx. 11.3 miles away); Governor Rusk (approx. 11˝ miles away); Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel (approx. 11.6 miles away); First Complete Service of Christian Divine Worship (approx. 11.7 miles away); Grandad Bluff: The Making of a Park (approx. 11.7 miles away); History of Flagpole (approx. 11.7 miles away).
Also see . . . Wisconsin's Watersheds and basins. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website entry (Submitted on July 20, 2010.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,141 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.