University of Wisconsin-Stout undergraduates have found that county land and water conservation departments in Wisconsin contribute at least $43.8 million annually to the state economy, according to research presented on April 29. The findings were shared by seniors Helayna Brown and Ella Kemp, who conducted the study as part of their applied social science capstone course.
The research matters because it provides a clearer understanding of the economic value generated by conservation efforts across all 72 counties in Wisconsin. This information could influence future funding decisions for these departments.
Christina Anderson, associate director of the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association, said that while these departments play a crucial role in protecting natural resources, it can be difficult to quantify their value during budget discussions. “The state pays for some of the positions in each county, and through the budget process we’re always looking for ways to show their value,” Anderson said. “What’s the return on investment that the state is making on these important staff in every county? We were hoping that the university could help us identify what that return on investment is locally and statewide.”
Professor Tina Lee led the project with support from Assistant Professor Courtney Juelich. Brown and Kemp gathered data through surveys and focus groups with county conservation workers before analyzing it using modeling software. Their results showed $21.6 million annually came from household spending induced by conservation budgets, $14 million from direct expenditures, and $8.1 million from indirect supply chain effects.
Kemp described her experience as valuable for engaging directly with communities: “Instead of solely reading literature and working with previously published data, I was able to meet with people across the state and discuss issues directly impacting Wisconsin communities.” Brown added about improving existing surveys: “I think that the improved survey will help DATCP achieve its goal in accurately assessing county conservation work… It is my hope that our additions to the survey fully reflect the hard work of department staff and diversity of Wisconsin.” Lee praised both students’ complementary skills throughout this challenging project.
Their research has been presented at both state events such as Research in Rotunda at Madison’s Capitol building as well as national conferences like NCUR in Richmond, Virginia.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout features modern labs, studios, industry-linked spaces according to its official website. It is recognized as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University due to its practical approach blending theory with application according to its official website. UW-Stout operates within the University of Wisconsin System according to its official website.
Lee said about her students’ work: “Ella and Helayna were able to apply what they have learned in social sciences to a real-world problem that has real stakes for the state’s economy and environment.”
UW-Stout focuses on preparing students for careers through hands-on learning experiences, partnerships with businesses for internships or research opportunities according to its official website, creative instruction methods according to its official website, supplying laptops via eStout program according to its official website, all designed around career development.
