Is Climate Change Putting Your Wisconsin Land at Risk? Here's What You Need to Know

As a landowner in Wisconsin, you’ve probably noticed the seasons aren’t quite what they used to be. Longer, hotter summers, unpredictable rainfall, and warmer winters have all started to make their mark on the land. But what if these changes are more than just a passing phase? Could your land be at risk due to the growing impact of climate change? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

The Impact of Climate Change on Wisconsin’s Rural Land

Climate change is not just a buzzword—it’s a reality that’s affecting Wisconsin's rural landowners in ways that are hard to ignore. Increased temperatures, more frequent and intense rainstorms, and shifting seasonal patterns are disrupting everything from agriculture to water management​ WICCI.

Take, for example, the rise in heavy rain events. Over the past decade, Wisconsin has seen a significant increase in extreme rainfall, which leads to soil erosion, nutrient runoff, and even flooding in low-lying areas​ The Daily Cardinal. Wisconsin DNR.

If you’re managing agricultural land, this means your crops could be drowning before you even get the chance to harvest them.

Warmer winters are another growing problem. They might sound like a welcome break from Wisconsin’s notoriously cold months, but they bring hidden risks. Without the protective layer of snow and ice that many crops rely on, such as cranberries, certain plants are more vulnerable to damage. Plus, warmer winters allow pests to survive and thrive, increasing the chances of crop damage​ WICCI. USDA Climate Hubs.

What Does This Mean for Your Land’s Value?

As these environmental issues grow, so does their potential impact on the value of your property. Farmland that suffers from frequent flooding or nutrient loss may see a drop in productivity, which can affect its market value. The same goes for forested land that’s prone to wildfires or erosion due to drier and hotter conditions WICCI.

If you’re thinking about selling your rural land, understanding how climate change may affect its future usability is crucial. Buyers are becoming more aware of these risks, and land that’s vulnerable to climate-related issues may be harder to sell in the future. That’s why it’s important to consider selling sooner rather than later—before climate change further impacts your property’s potential.

Adapting to the New Normal: What You Can Do

The good news is that there are steps you can take to mitigate the effects of climate change on your land. Here are a few strategies that rural landowners in Wisconsin are using to adapt:

1. Improve Soil Health: Practices like cover cropping and reducing tillage can help retain soil moisture and reduce erosion​ Wisconsin DNR. Healthier soil is more resilient to extreme weather conditions and can help prevent nutrient loss.
2. Manage Water Wisely: Installing better drainage systems or irrigation setups can help protect your crops during both droughts and floods. Consider setting up rainwater collection systems to help during drier months​ USDA Climate Hubs.
3. Diversify Your Land Use: Consider introducing different crop types that are more resistant to heat and water stress. Or, if your land is forested, explore tree species that are better suited to warmer climates​ WICCI.
4. Plan for the Future: Working with land management experts or conservation programs can help you develop a long-term plan for your property that takes climate change into account​ The Daily Cardinal.

Is Now the Right Time to Sell?

If you’ve been considering selling your rural property, the changes in Wisconsin’s climate might make now the best time to do so. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the value of land that isn’t climate-resilient could decrease. On the other hand, selling before these impacts worsen may allow you to capture the highest possible value for your property.

However, if you’re not ready to sell just yet, taking steps to protect your land from climate risks can not only preserve its value but also make it more attractive to potential buyers when the time comes. In any case, being proactive is key.

Conclusion: Be Prepared, Be Informed

Climate change is here to stay, and its effects on rural land in Wisconsin are only growing more pronounced. But whether you’re planning to sell your land or hold onto it for years to come, understanding these risks and taking action can make all the difference.

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DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS BLOG IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED FINANCIAL, LEGAL, OR TAX ADVICE. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CONSULT WITH A PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR TO ADDRESS YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES. THE CONTENT HERE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM THIRD-PARTY SOURCES, WHICH ARE BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE, BUT ACCURACY IS NOT GUARANTEED.