Last week, the state Assembly unanimously passed the Clean Lakes Bill, banning the use of phosphorus lawn fertilizer across the state. The bill has not yet passed the Senate, but given the same bill passed the Senate last year only to die in the Assembly, it’s only a matter of time.
Excess phosphorus is the bane of all our lakes, wetlands and rivers, causing algae growth that in turn depletes oxygen for fish and other aquatic life. Agricultural runoff is still the leading source, but in urban and suburban areas, around lakes all over the state and especially in the north where there is little farming, lawn fertilizer is a primary contributor of phosphorus to our waterways. The Clean Lakes Bill prohibits the display, sale and use of fertilizer with phosphorus, with a few exceptions: people starting a new lawn, or who have had their soil tested and found it to be depleted in phosphorus, can purchase phosphorus fertilizer.
Another exciting event is designation of a new Wild River, the Brunsweiler. The designation overwhelmingly passed both the Assembly and the Senate, and in the midst of Superior Days to boot! The designation also honors the life of Martin Hanson, long-time conservationist and caretaker of the Brunsweiler, who lived on its banks most of his life. Best of all, this was the first time in 44 years that Wisconsin has designated a new Wild River, and many legislators who didn’t even know there was such a law on the books have been educated. We have high hopes this new knowledge will lead to swift designation of the Totogatic River in northwest Wisconsin, and will instigate many more designations in years to come.
Conservation Lobby Day was held this past Wednesday, February 25th, and was deemed an overwhelming success. Over 500 citizen lobbyists from around the state joined legislators and organizations to discuss the 2009 conservation priorities.
But you don't need to take our word for it--listen to River Alliance friend, Jim Waters, discuss his experience and thoughts about this year's Lobby Day.
5th Annual Spring Confluence April 25th
That's right, the 5th Annual Spring Confluence will be held on Saturday April 25th from 7pm-9:30pm at the Warner Park 
Community Recreation Center. The event is shaping up to be a great one, with musical entertainment and the honoring of our River Champions.
Speaking of River Champions, we need your help. If you are interested in nominating an individual, business, or organization to receive an award, please email the name and a short paragraph describing why to Megan Gibson. Submit your nominations by March 18th.
As a dedicated River Alliance supporter, we hope you will join us as a Confluence Sponsor. For $100 you will receive two complimentary tickets, be recognized in the Confluence invitation and in follow-up communications to other members. Simply visit the Events Page and download the Individual Sponsor form.
Drift over to the Orpheum Theatre on Wednesday March 4th at 5:30pm to watch Drift, "a movie about fly fishing like no
other movie about fly fishing," sponsored by South Wisconsin Trout Unlimited. Proceeds from the event will go towards purchasing land for permanent easements along Dane County's streams.
And there is more fly fishing in store as Fontana Sports holds its annual Fly Fishing Rendezvous on Saturday April 18th from 10am-6pm. The River Alliance's Laura MacFarland will give a presentation at 3:30pm on the threats aquatic invasive species pose to Wisconsin's waterways. If you missed Red Gold at the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, you will have an opportunity to see it during the reception.
In This Issue
Happy Days
Lobby Day Wrap-up
Confluential
Drift & Fish
NEW: Visit the River Alliance Blog!
