Vernon County Conservationist says he was forced to resign

VIROQUA, Wis. – During the public comment portion of the Vernon County Board of Supervisors meeting today, Vernon County Conservationist Ben Wojahn made comments via ZOOM that he was given an ultimatum about his employment earlier this week. Wojahn said on Tuesday he was given a list of accusations and told he could either resign or be terminated, and he chose to resign.

Wojahn has been the county conservationist in charge of the land and water conservation department since 2009. Among other things the department oversees the administration of conservation programs, oversees the county parks as well as the counties 23 PL 566 flood control structures. Wojahn told the board in his comments that the accusations leveled against him were unfounded and asked that the county look into how his employment was handled.

Below is the statement that Wojahn made to the county board of supervisors:

“Until two days ago I was the county conservationist for Vernon County with Vernon County Land and Water. I have spent nearly a majority of my life serving Vernon County to the best of my ability. I think if we look at what that department was like in 2009, it is absolutely incredible what has been created. I get some of that credit. Though much of that credit goes to the amazing staff with Vernon County Land and Water and a very supportive land conservation committee over these years. I’m very proud of the legacy and the work that I have done here. Two days ago, I was given only a couple of minutes to decide if I wanted to be terminated or to resign. I was given a list of allegations to look at very briefly. I strongly refute those allegations that were presented against me. I believe they are either an exaggeration, an overstatement, a misunderstanding. But not accurate, and I have only intended to serve Vernon County to the best of my ability. I would ask that the county board consider looking into who made allegations about me. How they could have potentially benefited. Did they have an axe to grind? Could they benefit? Was there a reason? I have been in the middle of controversy for many years. There’s dams and there’s many other issues and unfortunately it’s impossible for everyone to like me. It took me a while to learn that, but that’s true. So, some people have been unhappy and I think that’s really what got caught up. I would ask that you please look at the process, or lack of process. Did these accusers ever bring anything to me? Because after 15 years you’re going to be able to make a laundry list of some things that were possibly mistakes, but certainly not ill intent, and certainly only ways to try to best serve Vernon County and the department. I really appreciate this time, and I ask that no matter what, please do not let my history, my legacy and what has happened in Vernon County be sullied because I’m very proud and it has absolutely been an honor to serve the County Board, the Land and Water Committee and the people of Vernon County. Thank you for this time.“

County supervisors are legally not allowed to respond to comments made during public comment and the issue was not on the county agenda, so it was not discussed at any other time during the meeting. The nature of the accusations presented to Wojahn was not clear and when we reached out to county officials they declined to comment on the situation. Both County Administrative Coordinator Cassandra Hanan and County Board Chair Lorn Goede responded to inquiries by saying Wojahn “resigned his position 10/15/2024” and could not comment further.

Matthew Albright, who currently serves as the county Zoning Administrator, has been named as interim administrator for land and water department.

The county conservation and education committee oversees Wojahn’s department meets once a month but their meeting date for November has not been set yet.