Time for Action on the Little Plover River
Weigh in on minimum flows for this endangered river.
Not that long ago, we alerted you that the Little Plover River, a Class I trout stream south of Stevens Point, ran dry in the summers of 2005 and 2006. The primary source of water for the Little Plover is groundwater, and research by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point pinned the major cause of the dry riverbed on pumping of groundwater by the Village of Plover and local irrigators.
Afraid it might happen again in 2007, we joined with the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Trout Unlimited, the Plover River Alliance and Friends of the Tomorrow/Waupaca River and petitioned the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to set a minimum flow for the river--the minimum water flow necessary to maintain a healthy stream. In response, the DNR worked with UW-Stevens Point to determine the minimum healthy flow, and convened a group that includes the water pumpers and our concerned groups with the goal of reaching consensus on the minimum flow and the actions needed to assure it would be achieved.
A year and half after we asked for the minimum flow, the Little Plover River is once again dangerously low and the cooperative effort to establish a minimum flow appears to be at a standstill. The water users do not agree with the minimum flow recommended by DNR. The Village of Plover, after reducing its reliance on wells with the greatest impact to the river, reverted once again to using these wells at the most critical time of year, and the irrigators have made clear they will not participate in developing a plan for voluntary pumping reductions to maintain a minimum flow.
We commend DNR for working toward consensus, but clearly, it’s not going to happen. For the sake of the Little Plover River, it’s time DNR asserts its authority and sets the minimum flow.
The Natural Resources Board (NRB), the policy and governing body of the DNR, was briefed on this issue earlier this week. While DNR has the authority to set the minimum flow without the NRB’s approval, we are asking the NRB to make sure DNR gets the job done. This is an issue that reaches far beyond the Little Plover River to how the state protects all our waters from groundwater overuse. See the letter here, and weigh in with the NRB on its Web site.
In addition to being active River Alliance members, we know many of you are also active with the local river group in your watershed. Creating a strong network of river and watershed groups is at the core of our mission. We provide support to river and watershed groups in many ways:
Non-profit and river issues support. we’re just a phone call or e-mail away. We can help you with organizational issues from managing your board, staff, and volunteers to creating bylaws and policies. We can also advise on issues important to your river, help you decipher pertinent regulations, and connect you with information, resources and other groups working on similar issues.
Consultations: one-on-one support. If your organizational issue is more complex than can be handled by phone or e-mail, a personal consultation can be arranged.
Trainings: build a strong organization. These trainings will help your group set and implement goals to improve your watershed. Details about these trainings can be found on the trainings page on our Web site.
- Mapping Your Future (Organizational assessment and planning)
- Making Your Board Effective (Step-by-step board trainings)
- Raising Funds to Reach Your Goals (individual giving and fund development plans)
- Sustaining Your People Power (Strategically involve leaders and volunteers)
Go to the Assisting Local Groups page on our Web site to find the details about how we can help your river or watershed group, or contact Allison Werner, awerner@wisconsinrivers.org or 608.257.2424 ext. 113.
Learn How to Make Your Voice Heard
Do you feel uncomfortable speaking up about threats to your favorite river, lake or forest? Not sure who to call or how to get your message across to those who can do something about it? We’re hosting two workshops for citizens who have something to say, but need a little help making sure their message is heard.
The Communicating Environmentally workshops will inspire you to get involved, help you wade through the decision-making process for local governments and show how you can influence decisions that affect the environment. Staff from the UW-Extension Center for Land Use Education will provide the how-to’s of public participation in government decision making. Dorothy Lagerroos, Professor (retired) of Environmental Studies and Government at Northland College, will help you develop a message that resonates with decision makers.
Each workshop begins at 10 a.m., includes lunch, and will conclude at 3 p.m. A nominal fee of $10 to cover lunch is requested, and advance registration is required for lunch planning purposes. To register, e-mail or call Lori Grant by the registration deadline specified at lgrant@wisconsinrivers.org or 608.257.2424 ext. 111.
Appleton Workshop
Saturday, October 18
Registration deadline: Tuesday, October 14
Sauk City Workshop
Saturday, October 25
Registration deadline: Tuesday, October 21
See the Wisconsin, from Boat to Bird's-eye View
Enjoy both lowland back channels and soaring views high above the Wisconsin River on Saturday, October 4.
This is a reprise of a very popular event held last year as part of our
Wisconsin River Gathering. We will paddle the last couple of miles of
the placid Lemonweir River, which spills into the Wisconsin River a few
miles above the Upper Dells. If water levels are good, we'll paddle
through "the glades," the sometimes waterlogged lowland woods along the
west bank of the Wisconsin.
We'll then arrive at the home of Frank and Mariana Weinhold, who will guide us to the top of Louis' Bluff, a promontory overlooking the Wisconsin River. The bluff and surrounding lands were permanently protected by the Weinholds with a conservation easement.
Learn more and register today!
Hike Through Fall Foliage on the Mississippi
Glorious fall colors on the Mississippi Bluffs should greet us on
Saturday, October 11, on an easy hike through Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area. We'll meet below the bluff to learn the legend of the Maiden (bring
your binoculars--good chance of Peregrine falcon sightings!), then visit the
Pine Creek Nature Preserve, an in-the-works restoration project on a
trout stream. Then we'll carpool up the bluff for a guided hike and
have lunch at the look-out. This event is co-sponsored by the West Wisconsin Land Trust.
Learn more and register today!
In This Issue
Help the Little Plover
Local Group Help
Speak Up!
Louis' Bluff Paddle
Maiden Rock Bluff Hike
Wisconsin Rivers
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