Near Coon Valley in Vernon County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Nation's First Watershed Project
Photographed By Keith L, July 19, 2010
1. Nation's First Watershed Project Marker
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
Photographed By Keith L, July 19, 2010
2. Nation's First Watershed Project Marker
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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); Governor Rusk (approx. 11½ miles away); Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel (approx. 11.6 miles away); First Complete Service of Christian Divine Worship (approx. 11.7 miles away); History of Flagpole (approx. 11.7 miles away); Quarrying the Bluffs of La Crosse (approx. 11.7 miles away); The Driftless Area of Wisconsin (approx. 11.7 miles away).
Also see . . . Wisconsin's Watersheds. (Submitted on July 20, 2010.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 923 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
