Greetings!
We hope your group has had a productive summer holding events, collecting data and of course enjoying your river! Now is a good time to analyze your data, re-engage your board of directors, plan your next projects and write grants. We hope you'll take advantage of the opportunities mentioned in this issue of the TRIB. As always, please contact us whenever your group needs assistance.
Allison Werner
Local Groups Program Manager
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Does Your Group Have Data on
Wisconsin's Rivers?
If so, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources would like to hear from you.
Every two years, the WDNR requests that citizens and partner groups submit their surface water data (biological, chemical, and physical). Data meeting specified requirements will be evaluated, along with Department data, to assess the quality of the state's water resources and to pinpoint problem areas. In accordance with the Clean Water Act, the WDNR uses these assessments to prepare a statewide Water Quality Report (also known as the 305(b) report) and a list of Impaired Waters (303(d) List).
Data will be accepted from the public until December 31. This year, the submittal period has been extended from one month to three months, in response to public request last year for a longer submittal period.
To enable the WDNR to efficiently process the data, a new data submittal system is also being used this year. Data must be submitted electronically, and they must be submitted in specific Excel spreadsheet formats, along with quality assurance documentation. Data received as .PDF files or in other hard copy formats will not be entered into the Excel spreadsheets by WDNR staff. Instructions for preparation of your data are found here.
Required elements include:- A quality assurance plan
- Data in specified Excel spreadsheet format (template provided)
- Locational information in specified spreadsheet format (template provided)
- General information about the submitter, entered in an online form
Feel free to contact WDNR staff Kristi Minahan (608) 266-7055 or Lisa Helmuth (608) 266-7768 with any questions at dnrimpairedwaters@wisconsin.gov.
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Does Your Board Need a Board?
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Does your board need help with technical issues or raising money for a specific project? Then you might benefit from having a group of people assist your board. A new Boardstar (Wisconsin-based nonprofit board support organization) podcast, Corporate Structures, does a nice job providing an overview of advisory and auxiliary boards. They also discuss the pros and cons of having an Executive Committee. We recommend you give a listen to this podcast and then let us know if we can provide a training or support to your board. Check out our Mini Board trainings to see how we can assist your group.
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Group Project:
Angler Invasive Species Education
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The River Alliance of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Trout Unlimited are partnering to post signs (above) at trout stream access points to educate anglers about the threat of invasive species and how they can prevent their spread. There is a very high correlation between flyfishing destinations and the presence of invasive species, such as Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) and New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). For this reason, we are concerned about anglers' potential to unintentionally transport invasive species to our homewaters. Didymo cells and New Zealand mudsnails can remain viable for weeks out of water, especially in moist conditions such as the nooks and crannies of felt soled boots. The signs are intended to encourage wading anglers to inspect, clean and dry their equipment before and after wading to help prevent the spread. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
This project has already served as a springboard for good conversation within the angling community in Dane County and beyond. There has been a great interest by county conservation staff in replicating this effort in northern Wisconsin. Due to this interest, the River Alliance is coordinating an effort to get these signs made and distributed to all interested partners (including local groups). We would very much like to see these signs at popular trout fishing access points throughout the state. This is a rather inexpensive and important project that your members can participate in.
The 10x8 inch reflective signs cost $6.00 a piece - this does not include the cost of posts or hardware. If your organization would like to purchase these signs and post them at stream access points, please complete the this form and return it by December 20, 2010. Please be aware that you must have the consent of the landowner (private or public entities) prior to posting these signs. Please contact Laura MacFarland at (608) 257-2424x110 if you have any questions.
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| Have Questions or Need Assistance? | |
Call us:
608-257-2424 X 113
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Grant
Announcement
The Wisconsin Environmental Education Board (WEEB) is seeking proposals for the 2011-2012 grant cycle.
The WEEB awards grants for the development, dissemination, and implementation of environmental education programs in Wisconsin.
General environmental education grants can receive up to $10,000. Proposals must be postmarked by February 12, 2011. |
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