The Yahara Watershed Improvement Network (Yahara WINS) has released its 2025 annual report, marking significant phosphorus reduction progress in the Yahara River watershed. The initiative prevented 68,303 pounds of phosphorus runoff, surpassing its target by over 10,000 pounds. Led by the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, Yahara WINS collaborates with various partners, including area farmers, to implement Adaptive Management for nutrient runoff reduction. This approach has gained national recognition and contributed to sustainable practices, including the sale of carbon offset credits.
Key achievements for 2025 include:
– 30,203 acres under Adaptive Management practices.
– Nearly fivefold increase in cover crop acreage (from 676 to 3,330 acres).
– A partnership with Agrograph for analyzing conservation practice adoption.
The program focuses on community involvement, encouraging urban residents and farmers to adopt practices that minimize phosphorus runoff. For further details, the 2025 Annual Report is available at yaharawins.org.
