Pontoons and Politics
Perhaps it's a risk bringing a crew of bipartisan politicians out boating, but "Pontoons and Politics," hosted by the Petenwell and Castle Rock Stewards (PACRS), on Aug. 19 was a great success, and not just because no one got tossed overboard.
The River Alliance is working with the PACRS to find solutions to the toxic blue-green algae blooms that appear every summer, turning two of Wisconsin's largest water bodies (flowages of the Wisconsin River) into stinking, green messes. The "Pontoons" event was organized to discuss the phosphorus problem and its effect on local tourism, public health and the economy. In attendance at the event to learn more about the issue were state legislators Sen. Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point), Rep. Ed Brooks (R-Reedsburg), Rep. Scott Krug (R-Wisconsin Rapids), DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp, and staff representatives for federal legislators Rep. Tom Petri (R) and Sen. Herb Kohl (D).
Attendees listened to a presentation about the water quality challenges facing the lakes, then heard from local realtor Paul Merk and restaurant and marina owner Tom Koren about the negative effect the algae blooms have had on their respective businesses. Event participants then took to the water of Lake Petenwell on pontoon boats to see firsthand the extent of the algae blooms.
It was heartening to see that despite the divisiveness that dominates politics these days, all of the legislators and officials in attendance shared concern over the quality of the water and recognized the need to find a solution. Credit for this accomplishment belongs to citizens -- members of the PACRS, Big Eau Pleine Citizens Organization, and DuBay Property Owners Association at this event, and many other groups across the state -- willing to directly ask their representatives to pay attention and do what is right for both the environment and the local economy.
See what's vexing folks with an interest in healthy, clean water in Petenwell and Castle Rock flowages.
Bar/restaurant and marina owner Tom Koren's story
Bar/restaurant owner Tom Dorsey's story
Supper club/lounge owner Rick Carlson's story
Property owner Ned Gillette's story
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Let the Bidding Begin!
The 5th Annual River Alliance Online Auction has launched! Bidding started September 6th and continues through 8pm on September 26th. The auction catalog is already full of items, including fly rods, river trips and tickets to great events throughout the state. And we are adding more daily. Register now to bookmark your favorites and to refer friends to the auction. The more bidders we have, the more money we can raise to support River Alliance's work to save Wisconsin's rivers, so work that contact list!
Interested in doing more than just bidding to help preserve and protect our rivers and streams? Why not become a donor? Donating items to the auction is a great way to promote your business, service, or product to new customers nationally. Just click here and fill out the form. We can add items to the catalog throughout the auction.
Have a question on donating an item, or any other part of the auction? Just contact Dave Pausch at dpausch at wisconsinrivers dot org, or call 608-257-2424 ext. 116. We'll be happy to help!
  
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Mining Law Petition
Our friends at the Bad River Watershed Association are inviting citizens of Wisconsin to sign a petition against weakening state mining laws.
From the petition:
"Lobbyists for Gogebic Taconite continue to talk about changing Wisconsin's mining laws. We've already seen an effort to quickly pass legislation with no public input and no transparency into the process. New legislation is expected this fall. Make sure your voice is heard in any future legislation that is drafted.
Sign the petition to tell law makers to not weaken current environmental regulations. (This petition will be distributed to Governor Walker and all senators and representatives in Wisconsin.)"
Click here to sign the petition
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