Highlighting the county's commitment to cutting carbon and costs on Earth Day.
By Jane Klekamp, La Crosse County Administrator
La Crosse County’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just good for the environment, it’s also proving to be good for our bottom line. Since 2007, the county has saved around $4 million by cutting back on electricity, natural gas, and paper use. We track these numbers in our annual Sustainability Indicators Report, and the results show a more efficient operation that saves taxpayer dollars and reduces emissions
In the past couple of years, thanks to American Rescue Plan Act funding, we’ve invested over $1 million to install solar panels at several county sites—including Goose Island, our highway shops in West Salem and St. Joseph’s, and our downtown offices. Those panels are already up and running, generating clean energy and lowering utility bills.
And we’re not stopping there. Later this year, we’ll be rolling out a new Climate Action Plan, developed by county staff with input from local partners. The plan will focus on ways to make county government more efficient—like swapping out gas-powered vehicles for electric ones—and help guide us toward our goal of carbon neutral county operations by 2050, a target set by the La Crosse County Board.
Of course, sustainability goes beyond energy use. Our Land Conservation Department has a long history of working with local farmers to preserve farmland and protect our soil and water. Just last year, county staff partnered on 30 conservation projects with farmers and landowners across the county. These efforts reduce erosion, protect waterways, and promote sustainable farming practices that support both our local economy and the health of our land.
We also manage hundreds of acres of public lands, including county parks like Goose Island and Veterans Memorial, along with the Raymond C. Bice and Hoeth Forests in the Town of Farmington. In recent years, our Facilities Department has planted hundreds of trees and reduced mowing in our parks—not only to support pollinators, but to cut emissions and maintenance costs, too.
And we can’t forget the work of our Solid Waste Department, a recognized leader in sustainability. Between 2007 and 2022, recycling at the landfill jumped by 149%—helping extend the landfill’s lifespan while cutting down on emissions tied to the production of new goods.
All of these efforts are part of our vision of creating a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient La Crosse County that is adapting to climate change. Thanks to our talented county staff, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here, it’s a smart investment in our future.