Conservation Staff

Under the policy and direction of the LUP-Land Use and Planning Committee (formerly known as the LCC-Land Conservation Committee), staff provide services to the the public as outlined and identified in their Land & Water Resource Management Plan (LWRMP).

Staff offer local leadership, education and technical experience to improve the quality of life in Washington County by working closely with farmers, landowners, government officials, teachers, youth group leaders, community businesses, civic organizations and concerned residents to improve and conserve our soil and water resources.

Stephanie Egner, CCA, Soil & Water Conservationist                                                                                                                                 

As Soil & Water Conservationist, Stephanie is responsible for agricultural conservation/runoff implementation (NR151) and nutrient management programs and planning...helping to preserve Washington County's soil resources and reduce non-point source pollution. She is the lead collaborator for all Cedar Creek Farmers - Producer-Led Watershed Group activities and outreach. Time is spent on a variety of youth informational and educational activities which include: the conservation poster contest, youth ag tours, classroom education, conservation camps and the WI Envirothon.

 Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she double majored in Soil Science and Resource Management while also minoring in Natural Science. She has been employed with Washington County Land and Water Conservation since January 2000.

email: [email protected]  phone: 262.335.4804

Paul Backhaus, CCA, Lead Conservationist

As Lead Conservationist, Paul is responsible for engineering and implementing practices that reduce non-point pollution to waters of our county. This is done primarily by working with landowners to implement engineering practices and WI's Agricultural Performance Standards. Paul is responsible for enforcement of the county's Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Ordinance.

Paul received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, majoring in Watershed Management and minoring in Soil Science. He has been employed with Land and Water Conservation since April 2006.

email: [email protected]  phone: 262.335.4803


Katie Wilson, Conservation Project Coordinator
As a Conservation Specialist, Katie is responsible for landowner and farmer outreach to spread awareness of soil and water conservation practices (riparian buffers, grassed waterways, contour strips, and cover crops) that may improve water quality. She also fulfills compliance requirements under Washington County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit by performing inspections of stormwater facilities and hosting educational meetings for landowners about stormwater. Assistance is provided for the County's Rural Communities Land & Water Grant Program.

Katie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Minnesota –Twin Cities and a Master of Science Degree from the University of Hawaii – Manoa. She has been employed with the Washington County Land and Water Conservation Division since August 2022.

email: [email protected]  phone:  262.335.4861

Amanda's primary duty is connecting volunteers, lake management districts, and lake associations with resources to both prevent the spread of AIS and manage current infestations. Education and outreach is a vital component of her position so that citizens are aware of the threats of AIS and learn how to prevent their spread. Outreach events include giving AIS presentations to youth groups and encouraging local businesses, such as aquariums and bait shops, not to release animals into the wild. He coordinates volunteer programs such as Clean Boats, Clean Waters which trains citizens on how to conduct boat inspections. This program helps prevent AIS from entering and leaving lakes. Amanda serves as the central point of contact for anyone in Washington or Waukesha County who has questions regarding AIS.

Amanda has been employed with the LWCD since March 2022.

email: [email protected] 


Michael Patin, USDA/NRCS District Conservationist
As USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist for Washington, Ozaukee and Sheboygan Counties, Michael serves as the NRCS representative to address resource concerns and communicates policies, directives, program objectives and priorities and goals to partner agencies and the public. A District Conservationist directs the preparation and implementation of resource management plans and long-term contracts to address resource concerns on private lands.

email: [email protected]  phone: 262.346.2359


Fay Fitts, Administrative Secretary
As Administrative Secretary, Fay provides office administrative/management support for the division staff for the purposes of planning, developing and implementing land and water resource conservation programs. These programs are intended to enhance the environment, increase public sector awareness and provide technical resource informational/educational materials to the public.

Fay attended San Juan Basin Technical School, Cortez, Colorado for accounting and computer credits. She has been employed with the division since 1988.

email: [email protected]  phone: 262.335.4445