Resource Management is responsible for the administration of the conservation and planning programs, which includes land use management and the enforcement of its associated ordinances. This department serves as the consolidated Land and Water Conservation Department and the Planning, Zoning, and Land Information Office.

Planning: The county planner provides assistance with subdivision development, farmland preservation initiatives, historic preservation, planning safe routes to school and other trail planning, and is responsible for the development of the county’s land use related plans. The economic development part of the planning function provides business assistance and promotes recreation and tourism in the county. There is a housing function in the department which helps qualified applicants secure home buyer financing. Lastly, the planning program also helps educate the public on the control of invasive species.

Zoning: The zoning part of the office is responsible for administering the various land use related codes. Assistance is given with zoning (i.e. building permits), floodplain zoning, sanitation issues, creating new lots, some road access matters, wetland regulation, mining reclamation, wind energy standards, and limiting building height in communication paths (Fresnel zone management).

Land Information: Administers the development and maintenance of the county-wide geographic information system (GIS) for use by the county departments, local municipalities, utilities, the private sector, and the general public. Other programs maintained by the Land Information Program includes rural house numbering, parcel mapping and E911 data.

Conservation: The conservation portion of the department is responsible for the Working Lands Initiative, nutrient management, conservation, groundwater and surface water education, stormwater and runoff, as well as various resource managment ordinances.

Staff

• Julie Schmelzer, Director of Resource Management
• Andy Hess, GIS Administrator
• Ted Rohloff, Assistant Code Administrator
• Brian Giebel, Assistant Code Administrator
• Dena Mooney, County Planner
• Anthony Reali, County Conservationist
• Dani Santry, Water Resource Specialist
• Amanda Kleiber, Land Resource Specialist
• Diane Schauer, Invasive Species Coordinator
• Rose Faust, Secretary