Archive for the 'FLOW' Category

Save the River…Save the World

gengberg January 2nd, 2009

****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****Save the River… Save the World!

2009 has been officially declared as “The Year of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway” by Governor Doyle. Twenty years after its inception the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway is an outstanding example of what can be done to protect and preserve our natural world alongside development and use by humans. The Riverway and surrounding areas are a microcosm of the challenges the rest of the world faces. Everything we do here can be an example of how to fix problems elsewhere.

“Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway”, (FLOW), has been a very active group of people involved in all matters concerning the Riverway. We have had significant influence upon the decisions of authorities in several instances. FLOW volunteers have worked countless hours assisting flood victims and others in need over the last few years. The group also hosts recreational and educational activities ranging from group paddling events and sandbar campouts; to hikes through prairies in the summer and snowshoeing to the tops of our scenic bluffs in the winter.

Having grown to around 300 members, it is time to incorporate the group into an official non-profit entity. This is truly a ground floor opportunity for you to get involved in the formation of an organization that will work to prevent “Nature Deficit Disorder” as we “Leave No Child Inside”! We can work on everything from developing “Sustainable Communities” to eliminating “Light Pollution”. We can team you up with like minded persons to help you pursue your passion. Everyone is invited to respond by email or U.S. Mail now with your thoughts about what you would like the organization to be involved in and the nature of the capacity in which you would like to function. It’s ok if all you want to do right now is be on the free email list, but commitments are needed to help with the nuts and bolts of managing an organization.

“Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today.” President-elect: Barack Obama

Friends of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway

E5392 Jones Road

Spring Green, WI 53588

Phone: 608-575-0325 Email: wisriverfriends@yahoo.com

Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway website: www.geocities.com/wisriverfriends

Click the link below to read an article about FLOW:
http://www.newspubinc.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=1939&SectionID=6&SubSectionID=7&S=1

Winter Solstice Year of the Riverway Celebration

gengberg December 20th, 2008

This message is a reminder about tomorrow’s event. The plan is to hold the ceremony regardless of weather conditions. We’ll have a big fire going to help keep us warm. If you’d like to ride with me or carpool from Spring Green… please let me know. I plan to be at Frank’s Hill by 3PM.

Timm Zumm 608-575-0325

Sunday, December 21st
Winter solstice observance and
Year of the Riverway opening ceremony at Frank’s Hill

More details here: http://www.clli.org/section.asp?linkid=191&locid=49

Public Hearing on Discharge of Water into the WiscoonsinRiver

gengberg December 15th, 2008

Thanks to the efforts of FLOW members and other concerned citizens… there WILL be a chance for everyone to share to their concerns with the DNR pertaining to this matter. See the attached file for details. I’ll keep you updated as our efforts are coordinated with other entities. Your thoughts are welcome! Read the hearing notice on this site.

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

Open House and Public Hearing for the Crystal, Fish, and Mud Lake Discharge Permit to the WisconsinRiver

gengberg December 15th, 2008

STATE OF WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
PUBLIC NOTICE OF OPEN HOUSE AND INFORMATIONAL HEARING TO REISSUE A WISCONSIN POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (WPDES) PERMIT No.WI-0049964-02-0 AND TO AMEND WISCONSIN STATUTES CHAPTER 30 STRUCTURE, DIVERSION PERMIT 3-SC-2002-13-4127LW
Permittee: Crystal, Fish, Mud Lake District, 9203 County Ave. Y, Sauk City, WI 53583
Facility Where Discharge Occurs: SE ¼ of Section 4, T9N, R7E of Dane County
Receiving Water and Location: Wisconsin River near the SW ¼ of Section 6, T9N, R7E of Dane County
Brief Facility Description: The Crystal, Fish, Mud Lake District pumps 550 gallons per minute (1-2 cubic feet per second) of excess lake water from Mud, Fish and Crystal Lakes in the Town of Roxbury, Dane County, via a pump located in Fish Lake County Park (SE1/4 of section 4, T9N, R7E, Town of Roxbury, Dane County) , through a 2.5 mile long pipe to its outfall at the Wisconsin River, opposite the City of Prairie du Sac. The Wisconsin River, at the permittee’s outfall, has a flow rate, during dry periods, of 2200 cubic feet per second. Pumping of this water is necessary in order to correct a public health problem for home owners near the shore of Fish Lake whose private septic systems are not operational due to historically high lake levels. Because the permittee proposes to increase the discharge rate to 900 gallons per minute and because this discharge is necessary to correct a public health problem the Department is proposing revised limits in the draft permit based on water quality standards more commonly used by the Department for discharges to streams and rivers - those classified as Fish and Aquatic Life Waters. (Use of these standards is required by Wis. Administrative Code Ch. NR 207, for increased discharges to Exceptional Resource Waters such as the Lower Wisconsin River.) The effluent limits proposed in this permit for biochemical oxygen demand and suspended solids are 20 parts per million (ppm) and 40 ppm, respectively, which are less restrictive than those in the current permit.
Permit Drafter: Robert Liska, DNR, SCR Headquarters, 3911 Fish Hatchery Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53711, (608) 275-3288, robert.liska@wisconsin.gov
Basin Engineer: Richard Edwards, DNR, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711, (608) 275-3281, richard.edwards@wisconsin.gov
Date of Public Notice of Intent to Reissue Permit: November 6, 2008, in the Sauk-Prairie Star
Issues to be Considered at the Hearing: Reissuance of the discharge permit for the Crystal, Fish, Mud Lake District to discharge water from Mud, Fish and Crystal lakes to the Wisconsin River and the resulting modifications to the previously issued Chapter 30 structure permit to ensure consistency between the applicable water permits.
Date, Time, and Location of Open House and Public Informational Hearing: Thursday, January 22, 2009, at 4:30pm - 6:00pm for the Open House followed by the Public Informational Hearing at 6:30 pm, in the Town of West Point Town Hall, (608) 592-7059, at N2114 Rausch Road, Lodi, Columbia County.
Hearing Officer: Andy Morton, DNR, 1500 N. Johns Street, Dodgeville WI 53533, (608) 935-1937.
The Department of Natural Resources, has scheduled an Open House at the time and place listed above, for the purpose of giving all interested persons an opportunity to learn more about the draft WPDES wastewater discharge permit proposed to be reissued to the Crystal, Fish, Mud Lake District for the discharge of excess water from these lakes to the Wisconsin River. Department staff will be available to answer questions regarding the various DNR permit requirements that apply to the proposed permit. Citizens can submit written comments on the draft permit during this time. Continue Reading »

2009 Year of the Riverway Proclaims the Governor

gengberg December 4th, 2008

LOWER WISCONSIN STATE RIVERWAY BOARD
202 N. Wisconsin Avenue
P.O. Box 187
Muscoda, WI 53573
(608) 739-3188 or 1-800-221-3792
NEWS RELEASE
NOVEMBER 26, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GOVERNOR DOYLE PROCLAIMS 2009 “YEAR OF THE RIVERWAY”
MUSCODA…..Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed 2009 as the Year of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, according to Mark Cupp, Riverway Board Executive Director. The gubernatorial proclamation was issued to recognize the 20-year milestone of the project. The Riverway law was signed into law by former Governor Tommy G. Thompson on August 3, 1989, following years of public meetings and controversy. The legislation created the Riverway project along the final 92 miles of the Wisconsin River and also created the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board, a new state agency responsible for administration of the unique and innovative scenic protection regulations.
Cupp said, “The Riverway is one of the most significant natural resources in southern Wisconsin. The magnificent scenic quality and relatively undeveloped bluffs and shoreline enable the river user to enjoy a high quality outdoor experience. The tens of thousands of acres of public and private lands include tremendous biodiversity and a rich array of flora and fauna. The amazing cultural resources tell the story of Wisconsin from the glacial period forward, beginning with the hunters of the Boaz mastodon through the effigy mound builders of 1000 years ago to the early missionaries, explorers, fur traders and on to the settlement era and statehood.” Continue Reading »

Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway December Events

gengberg December 4th, 2008

The 2008 CLL newsletter soon will be posted on the website at www.clli.org for those interested.There are three events coming in the month of December.

Monday, December 1st

Ho-Chunk Nation Bison Ranch Annual Round-up

Town of Eagle, Richland County

8:00 a.m. to Noon (approximate)

Directions: From the intersection of Hwys. 80 & 60 at the north end of the Muscoda bridge, go west on Hwy. 60 for about 4 miles. Turn left on Newburn Lane (CTH E will be on your right). Follow Newburn Lane about ½ mile, go past the cemetery and turn left on the gravel/dirt road.

Description: Each year, the Ho-Chunk Nation conducts a round-up of the bison herd at the ranch. The public is invited to attend to observe the event. Feel free to take photos. Dress warmly. If you are able and willing, you may even be asked to lend a hand. (608) 739-3360 is the number of the bison ranch if you get lost.

Saturday, December 13th

CLL Work Day at Dingman mound group

Town of Eagle, Richland County

Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Directions: From the intersection of Hwys. 80 & 60 at the north end of the Muscoda bridge, go west on Hwy. 60 for 5 miles. Turn left at gravel road by Eagle Cave Campground billboard (Eagle Cave Road will be the blacktopped road on your right). Follow gravel road about ½ mile to red gate. Park and follow access road to mounds.

Description: The Dingman mound group contains 20 effigy, conical and linear mounds including five beautiful bird mounds. The crew will remove brush and downed trees and may remove standing trees. Participants should dress warmly and wear appropriate work clothing, including sturdy boots and gloves. Bring a chain saw, brush cutters, weed whackers, nippers or just your muscles (a strong back and weak mind doesn’t hurt a bit). We’ll have tasks for all who attend. If you are unable to work but wish to visit the mounds, feel free to join the group. (608) 739-2179 is the cell phone number if you get lost.

Sunday, December 21st

Winter solstice observance and Year of the Riverway opening ceremony at Frank’s Hill

Town of Eagle, Richland County

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Directions: From the intersection of Hwys. 80 & 60 at the north end of the Muscoda bridge, go west on Hwy. 60 for about 2 miles. Turn right on Hwy 193. Go past the white house on your right to an access road and gate leading up the hill, also on your right. Park along highway at bottom of hill and walk up road (short hike).

Description: Frank’s Hill is on the National Register of Historic Places. Effigy mounds are found on the east ridge and small conical mounds, likely calendar mounds, are found on the west ridge. The mounds on each ridge appear to have special alignments with solar events. The sunset at the winter solstice is said to line up with the giant ghost eagle mound across the highway. In addition, Governor Doyle has proclaimed 2009 as the Year of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. Following the sunset, the Riverway Board will host a special program to kickoff the Year of the Riverway. The ceremony will take place around a campfire and will include special readings and comments. Participants should arrive in advance of the sunset, preferably by 4:00, and are welcome to come early to enjoy the view and mounds. Dress warmly because it will be cold up on the hill! (608) 739-2179 is the cell phone number if you get lost.

For further information on these events, contact Mark Cupp at the Riverway Board office by calling (608) 739-3188 or 1-800-221-3792 or by e-mail at mark.cupp@wisconsin.gov.

This information also will be posted at www.clli.org. MEC

Rails to Trails Along the River

gengberg December 3rd, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Rails to Trails Article: http://www.wiscnews.com/bnr/news//index.php?ntid=315874

Hey folks, I have just too much on my plate right now to be able to wrap my brain around the “Rails to Trails” situation in Sauk Prairie. >From what I do understand, I think FLOW should try to help make this happen.

If YOU are available to become our point person on this issue… please let me know.

Timm Zumm 608-575-0325

Dumping Water into the Wisconsin River

gengberg December 3rd, 2008

Click the link to read an article about the Lake District pumping meeting: http://www.wiscnews.com/spe/news//index.php?ntid=315071

Many thanks to those of you who submitted letters of concern. The letters should be sufficient to force a public hearing before the DNR can authorize the permit, but I will follow up to confirm that. I tried to convey the huge amount of empathy we have for property owners in trouble and I offered the service of FLOW volunteers to assist with the needs of flood victims.

As sad as I am about the situation, I feel we must be firm in our opposition to anything but guaranteed clean, clear, safe water being pumped/dumped into OUR river.

Your thoughts are welcome,

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

Riverway Light Pollution Article

gengberg December 3rd, 2008

A great article in the Wisconsin State Journal today by Ron Seely that will help create more awareness about outdoor lighting concerns in the Riverway. Please share it when your friends and neighbors!

Link to Lower Wisconsin Riverway light pollution article: http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/315166

Link to Photos: http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/index.php?ntgalleryid=315166

Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway (FLOW) Our River Needs Your Help

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.

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