BRODHEAD - A community working together to improve water quality in the Sugar River is possible, but it is not going to be easy. That was the key message in the Sugar River Watershed Summit 2016, "Charting a Course to Clean Water," sponsored by the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association at its annual member meeting April 9 at the Brodhead Library.
A group of more than 50 members and interested citizens learned that there are many variables that contribute to watershed health and ultimately water quality. A number of farmers were present, including representatives from the Wisconsin Farmers Union. The speakers addressed the issues and gave examples of what can be done to improve the state of the watershed. A variety of approaches were addressed. Water quality restoration takes a long time: Land management practices from years ago have affected current water quality, as impacts made today may not be seen for many years to come.
Several presentations were recorded and can be viewed on YouTube by entering the search term, "Lower Sugar River Watershed Association," and then selecting from the playlist "Sugar River Watershed Summit 2016."
Farmer-led watershed councils are one effective way to improve water quality. Tom Quinn, executive director of WFU, shared the story of a coordinator going house to house to talk with farmers about the highly impaired Red Cedar Watershed. This led to the establishment of farmer-led watershed groups, a water-quality partnership between Baron and Dunn counties and a 10-year plan to improve water quality. That project provided leadership and shared communication, showing farmers the connection between soil health and water quality. Farmers who want information about how to form a group may contact Bethany Storm, program director for LSRWA at programdirector@lsrwa.org or 630-770-8446.
The speakers were joined by Wade Moder, executive director of the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association, and Scott Laeser, water quality specialist of Clean Wisconsin, to form a panel in which they shared their expertise, stories and experiences, and answered questions. Also in attendance were several Green County supervisors: John Glynn, Dennis Everson, Betty Grotophorst and newly elected Erica Roth, as well as state Rep. Mark Spreitzer.
The Watershed Summit provided a platform for conversations to begin, ideas to be shared and relationships to develop that should set the stage for positive interactions in the Sugar River Watershed.
The Lower Sugar River Watershed Associations is a not-for-profit conservation organization located in Brodhead dedicated to the care and enjoyment of our water resources and to empowering citizens with experience and knowledge to steward land and water resources in the Lower Sugar River Watershed. Visit /www.lsrwa.org, and email info@lsrwa.org or contact 608-897-8641 to learn how to support the organization and to become a volunteer.
A group of more than 50 members and interested citizens learned that there are many variables that contribute to watershed health and ultimately water quality. A number of farmers were present, including representatives from the Wisconsin Farmers Union. The speakers addressed the issues and gave examples of what can be done to improve the state of the watershed. A variety of approaches were addressed. Water quality restoration takes a long time: Land management practices from years ago have affected current water quality, as impacts made today may not be seen for many years to come.
Several presentations were recorded and can be viewed on YouTube by entering the search term, "Lower Sugar River Watershed Association," and then selecting from the playlist "Sugar River Watershed Summit 2016."
Farmer-led watershed councils are one effective way to improve water quality. Tom Quinn, executive director of WFU, shared the story of a coordinator going house to house to talk with farmers about the highly impaired Red Cedar Watershed. This led to the establishment of farmer-led watershed groups, a water-quality partnership between Baron and Dunn counties and a 10-year plan to improve water quality. That project provided leadership and shared communication, showing farmers the connection between soil health and water quality. Farmers who want information about how to form a group may contact Bethany Storm, program director for LSRWA at programdirector@lsrwa.org or 630-770-8446.
The speakers were joined by Wade Moder, executive director of the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association, and Scott Laeser, water quality specialist of Clean Wisconsin, to form a panel in which they shared their expertise, stories and experiences, and answered questions. Also in attendance were several Green County supervisors: John Glynn, Dennis Everson, Betty Grotophorst and newly elected Erica Roth, as well as state Rep. Mark Spreitzer.
The Watershed Summit provided a platform for conversations to begin, ideas to be shared and relationships to develop that should set the stage for positive interactions in the Sugar River Watershed.
The Lower Sugar River Watershed Associations is a not-for-profit conservation organization located in Brodhead dedicated to the care and enjoyment of our water resources and to empowering citizens with experience and knowledge to steward land and water resources in the Lower Sugar River Watershed. Visit /www.lsrwa.org, and email info@lsrwa.org or contact 608-897-8641 to learn how to support the organization and to become a volunteer.