The Land & Water Conservation Department (LWCD) seeks to find solutions to land and water resource problems under the supervision of the publicly-elected Conservation, Education and Economic Development (CEED) Committee. This committee of the Wood County Board provides the LWCD with leadership, support and advice.

The LWCD provides educational, technical, conservation planning, and cost-share assistance to landowners, farmers, and units of government to help solve erosion and water quality problems. The LWCD also administers the Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program, Wood County Animal Waste and Manure Management Ordinance, Wood County Non-Metallic Mining Reclamation Ordinance, the Farmland Preservation Program, and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. The LWCD is a major reference for a variety of other state and local programs as well.