Gary Engberg Outdoors

gengberg November 16th, 2008

Dear FLOW members,Once again OUR river needs YOU to get involved in a Riverway issue. I am asking you to respond immediately to this latest threat by writing back with an email sharing your thoughts; whether you agree or disagree with me. Please contact Riverway property owners and anyone else you know who may be able to chime in on this matter. I will print out the letters and take them to the meeting described below on Monday. It will be great if you can attend the meeting in person also but if not, your words in print are very important. Please read the details from the experts, Dave and Jean, in the attached document and give me a call with questions and if you would like to car pool to the meeting.

Timm Zumm Co-chair: Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (FLOW) 608-575-0325

My thoughts concerning the Crystal, Fish, Mud Lake District pumping into the beautiful Lower Wisconsin River:

This Lake District has had ample opportunity for years to try to get something to work and at this point in time should accept that some things are just not meant to be.

I have a great deal of sympathy for them and will offer the service of FLOW volunteers to help them relocate their structures or whatever else it takes to stop pumping polluted water into the river. It’s sad, but my understanding is they could have already relocated, using FEMA assistance, for less money than what they have spent on trying to pump groundwater. They may not have to relocate if they eliminate basements and put in holding tanks and grey water recycling systems.

I would not be allowed to put my boat into their lakes if I did not have the hull cleaned of contaminates first. They can NOT be allowed to continuing pumping anything but clean/clear/safe water into OUR River! The picture below shows the area near the Prairie du Sac dam where they are discharging green yuk. This is where my kids and dogs and I used to recreate. If these lake district people insist that there is nothing wrong with the water they’re discharging… then I would like to see them commit in writing that they will bring their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dogs swimming here on a weekly basis.
_____________________________________________
From: Sen.Miller [mailto:Sen.Miller@legis.wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 2:15 PM
Subject: 11.17.08, Sen. Miller Public Information Meeting on Fish Lake

For Immediate Release Contact: Mark Miller
October 28, 2008 608-266-9170

Sen. Miller Announces Public Information/Listening Session on Fish, Mud & Crystal Lake

Senator Miller will host a public information meeting and listening session on Fish, Mud and Crystal Lake on November 17, 2008. The listening session will give residents the opportunity to express their concerns with the continued flooding and provide information about the action currently being taken.

Representatives from the Department of Natural Resources, Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board, Dane County and the Lake District will also be present to answer questions. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

November 17, 2008
5:30pm
Town of West Point
N2114 Rausch Road
Lodi, WI 53555

Senator Miller represents the 16th Senate District which includes Eastern Dane County, Southern Columbia County and a portion of Sauk County.

• Fishing , Walleye , Conservation , Smallmouth , Waterfowl , Eagles , Canoeing , Wisconsin River , FLOW , Sauger , Weekly Reports
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gengberg October 24th, 2008

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gengberg September 29th, 2008

Last week, the temperature soared to over 80 degrees in southern Wisconsin. Since the official beginning of fall over a week ago, our temperatures have been anywhere from 10 to 15 degrees above normal. We experienced a little “Indian Summer” weather which had many people out on the area lakes and rivers enjoying one of the last “warm” weekends of the year.
Lake Wisconsin and the Lower Wisconsin River were both busy with anglers out looking for anything that bites and others out enjoying one of the years last weekends in their pleasure boats. The boat landings were crowded on Saturday with fishermen and boaters out for a last fling on the water before putting their boats away for the season. The Lower Wisconsin River also had a good number of people out canoeing, kayaking, and fishing despite the low water level.
Fishing has been inconsistent the last few weeks with the warm temperatures and summer-like conditions. But, fishing will change for the better as the water and weather cools as we get into fall. All fish species now know that winter is coming by the shorter days and diminishing amount of daylight that we are experiencing as we get into the months of October and November. Fish realize that they must go on a feeding binge to bulk up their bodies for the cold of winter when their metabolism and feeding activity drastically slows down. This is why October and November are such good months to fish because all fish are following their instincts and feeding heavily. The fall is also a great time to fish for trophy fish because they are active, aggressive, and often in predictable locations.
The largest muskies, bass, and walleyes of the year are usually caught in the fall before the ice-up on our lakes. If you are a serious fisherman or women, then this is your time of the year. Don’t put your boat away yet because there are many weeks of good fishing left before freeze-up. The one important thing to remember once temperatures cool below freezing at night is to make sure that you drain your boats lower unit every time you pull your boat out of the water. I also suggest that you add an additive, like Stabil Marine, to your boat’s gasoline tank. This prevents your fuel from breaking down and causing problems now or in the spring after a winter of storage. Continue Reading »

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gengberg September 11th, 2008

DATE: September 11, 2008
CONTACT: Eileen Pierce, Air and Waste Leader, (608) 275-3296
Chad Pregracke, (309) 496-9848
SUBJECT: 120 Tons Removed
WISCONSIN RIVER DEBRIS CLEAN-UP
FITCHBURG – Debris from flooding earlier this summer has now been cleaned-up along an
approximate 20-mile stretch of the Wisconsin River downstream from Lake Delton, Department of
Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank announced today.
“The Lower Wisconsin is safer for navigation and free of debris again, thanks to our dedicated
contractor, hard-working volunteers, landowners and close coordination between DNR, Columbia and
Sauk counties, the village of Lake Delton, the Friends of the Lower Wisconsin, Wisconsin Public
Service Corporation, FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management. Together we delivered a clean up
weeks ahead of schedule and because we used a non-profit organization and volunteers, close to a
quarter million dollars less than projected,” said Frank.
A non-profit group, Living Lands and Waters of East Moline, IL, spearheaded the effort which
resulted in the removal of about 120 tons or 240,000 pounds of debris from 109 piles along the river
between Lake Delton and Portage. Continue Reading »

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gengberg September 4th, 2008

     Last week, I wrote about the many different hunting and fishing seasons that are opening in September. The Early September Canada Goose season and the dove season both open with promising outlooks on September 1^st. The hook and line lake sturgeon season opens on September 6^th on the Wisconsin River from below the dam at Wisconsin Dells to and below the dam at Prairie du Sac. This includes all of Lake Wisconsin and all of the river’s waters downstream from the Dells Dam    This year, due to over-harvesting below both dams, has resulted in a shorter season that closes September 30^th with a minimum size of 60 inches for these prehistoric fish. The limit is 1 lake sturgeon per season. Check last week’s column for more sturgeon fishing suggestions, dove tactics, and tips for the Early Canada Goose season. Continue Reading »

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gengberg August 18th, 2008

So far, the month of August has been one of the nicest and best months for being in the outdoors than I can remember in many years. The temperatures have been in the low 80’s with light breezes and plenty of sunshine. The precipitation has been on the low side, but our area got enough rain earlier in the summer and spring to tide us over. I haven’t had to mow the lawn much and my garden and perennials seem to be doing well.

This past weekend was another good weekend for enjoying the beauty of the Lower Wisconsin River. The number of people out in canoes, kayaks, and boats was up and this was one of the summer’s better weekends for enjoying the water. The water level and current was down the last few days, but most of this summer has seen a good water flow which corresponds to good fishing and river activities. I’ve been wondering why the number of people visiting the Wisconsin River valley has been down in shear numbers. It may be the price of gas for out of state visitors, but for Madison and southern Wisconsin residents there isn’t a better location for spending a day or two soaking up the sun and admiring the beauty. I was out the other day and despite not a great fishing day; I had the river to myself and the eagles, beavers, ospreys, and other wildlife. There’s plenty of good weather left this summer and fall, so try to take advantage of this tremendous natural resource. Continue Reading »

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gengberg August 10th, 2008

Dear Fellow River Enthusiasts, The Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (FLOW) has been utilizing our alliance with the “Living Lands and Waters” organization. Together we have worked hard to try to convince the authorities that a non-profit organization would be the best suited entity to remove Lake Delton debris from the Wisconsin River between Lake Delton and Portage. We were successful and have been authorized to start the project immediately! Click this link for a news report: http://www.channel3000.com/news/17134525/detail.html?taf=c3k Please share this message with everyone you know who might be willing to help in some way. All interested parties should reply with contact information and please tell us the manner in which you think you could help. Such as… Do you have a flat bottom river boat to offer? Are you willing to ride along on a boat and climb in and out to load debris? Do you have access to any other equipment like a backhoe, logging winch, skid steer with tracks and grapple, etc.? We hope to be able to reimburse you for the expense incurred for providing the equipment, but hope that you can donate your time. Do you own a motel or restaurant or know of someone who does that could give us discounted lodging and food in the area? ALL IDEAS are welcome to be submitted! Together we can reclaim this stretch of OUR river to make it safe for all to use once again. Timm Zumm FLOW Co-chair 608-575-0325

The Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway has sent you a link: “Group Gears Up For Wisconsin River Cleanup  - Madison News Story - WISC Madison”
The link:  http://www.channel3000.com/news/17162325/detail.html?taf=c3k

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gengberg July 24th, 2008

See message below from Bob Birmingham regarding events at Atzalan this weekend.

Also, the annual Wisconsin River Canoe Race will be held on Sunday, July 27th, with the finish line at Muscoda’s Riverside Park. The Lions Club will be putting on a chicken bbq to raise funds for Avoca Flood Relief. 11:00 - 2:00 Call Mark Cupp for details. (608) 739-3188 (day) or (608) 537-2602 (eve) for details.

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From: Birmingham [mailto:birmi@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 10:42 AM
To: Cupp, Mark E - LWR
Subject: Native American Week End at AztalanHey Mark
Send this out to your membership of CLC if you have moment
Bob Birmingham

Join the Friends of Aztalan State Park at Aztalan State Park July 26 and 27 for a special Native American Week-End. The event, which will run 10:00-4:00 each day, will feature crafts, art, dancing, singing and drumming by artists and performers from many Indian nations. Special performances are July 26, 1:00 dances by Art Shegonee (Menominee-Potawatomi), 3:00 Wisconsin Dells Drummers and Singers (Ho-Chunk); July 27, 3:00 Stra8 Across Drummers and Singers (multi-tribal).Traditional and contemporary crafts and art by Native artists such as Dawn Dark Mountain (Oneida), Tim Hagen (Menominee), and Karen Hartman (Cherokee) will be displayed throughout the weekend and available for purchase. At 1:00 on Sunday July 27 Karen Hartman will offer a program for children on making Dream Catchers ($2.00 per child). State park admission applies, but stickers may be purchased at the park The Friends of Aztalan are raising money for a Visitor’s Center at Aztalan, so donations would be most welcome. For more information call (608) 516- 3421

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gengberg July 8th, 2008

This past Fourth of July weekend was the nicest weekend of the year. Our area has experienced some “tough” weather, so far this summer. First, we started with a cool spring and high water from the record snowfall of the winter and then June came with some of the worst flooding in decades on many of Wisconsin’s rivers including the Wisconsin River.

This holiday weekend was the busiest that I have seen the Wisconsin River all summer. One could add up the number of people on the river every weekend this summer and the total was less than this past weekend. I guess that people need sun and nice weather to get out on the water! The key is the sun because there can be a nice weekend, but cloudy and people just don’t come out like they do when it’s sunny.

The canoe rental business is a tough one with so many variables affecting your business. There’s the weather, the water level, and the river flow to worry about every weekend and week. Plus, liability insurance isn’t cheap and easy to find these days. Blackhawk River Runs is just down the highway from me and daily I can see what their business is and the parking lot shows you how many people are using the river. Continue Reading »

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gengberg July 7th, 2008

Below is a report from:  www.garyengbergoutdoors.com/     Check out his web site when you have the time!     —– Forwarded Message —-
From: Gary Engberg <gengberg@garyengbergoutdoors.com>
To: Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway <wisriverfriends@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2008 8:10:38 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: River Condition Articles

Timm, I’m on the water almost daily and the condition has improved
100 per cent in the last week. I haven’t tested any water, but I
wouldn’t drink it. I wade in it and my dog swims in it without any
apparent problem.The water has cleared up tremendously in the last two
days. Despite very low conditions, the scum and crap is gone and I have
three or four feet visibility.  GE

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