Each day, the River Alliance receives donations in some form… membership renewals, new members joining, unsolicited generosity. Much of this activity is because so many people are strong supporters of the work we do.
Another reason, though, is that we send a lot of mail. Direct mail, you might be surprised to know, is still a highly effective way for nonprofit organizations like the River Alliance to raise needed funds. It also means there is A LOT of paper going out the door.
A note came recently from a generous, long-time River Alliance supporter telling us to stop sending her appeals in the mail. We couldn’t agree more with her! We would gladly send many fewer letters, if that ol’ direct mail weren’t so darned effective…and if we could convince more supporters to give online via recurring donations. Despite many efforts, the vast majority of our donors only respond to mail, however. What to do?
Well, here’s a deal for you. Do you make a standard, yearly contribution? Then considering setting up an annual recurring donation for that amount. It will automatically come out of your account, and we won’t send you a renewal mailing anymore. Or, even better, make a monthly, recurring donation of $10 or more, and we’ll remove you from our renewal and appeals lists altogether (though you’ll still get our newsletter, Wisconsin Rivers, if you like).
How do you set up a recurring gift? Just go to our online giving page and select “I want to make a recurring donation” option. Or, call our donor relations manager Dave Pausch at 608-257-2424 ext 114. He’ll be happy to walk you through the process.
Please consider setting up a recurring donation today. You’ll still be supporting Wisconsin’s rivers, and we’ll be able to cut back on the amount of paper we use. And devote a little more staff time to saving those rivers!
It's been decades since one of Wisconsin's river gems, the Lower Chippewa River valley, got any attention, for good or ill. At the time, in the early 1970s, Northern States Power Co. proposed to build a nuclear power plant on the river upstream of Durand.
After vocal opposition and other problems, the plant was never built, but Xcel Energy still owns the 4,300 acre site. Because it's big, open, remote and not monitored, it has become a hotspot for ATVers and other roughhouse recreationists who are trashing it.
The Lower Chippewa River Alliance has used the management of the Tryone site to catalyze interest in the Lower Chippewa. The group's diplomacy with Xcel has been exemplary: members have been cordial but persistent in trying to get commitments from the utility about future plans for the site.
LRCA members met with Xcel officials in April to commend them for what they have done to manage their lands better, and to urge the company to co-manage the property with the Wisconsin DNR. LRCA learned that day that Xcel is keeping its options open, but they were very clear they intend to keep the land to site a power plant there in the next "five to 25 years." No indication from them that day of what kind of power plant.
LCRA may not have learned anything they didn't already know that day, but their approach to Xcel demonstrates that honey often trumps vinegar when dealing with big companies. Xcel may deserve some vinegar some days, but LCRA has established a civil dialogue with the company that will serve the group, the utility and, especially, the river well.
Register by Tuesday May 26!
An afternoon of whitewater rafting on the Menominee
River offered by Kosir’s Rapid Rafts, a River Alliance “River Trader”
business member. The trip starts out slowly, but culminates in a Class
IV section of the river. We'll raft through Piers Gorge not once, but
twice!
When: Saturday June 13th (2:00 p.m. check-in; 3:00 p.m. trip start)
Where:Menominee River Niagara, WI
Cost: $25/person (no food will be included)
Staff Contact: Allison Werner awerner@wisconsinrivers.org
Register Online or Download a registration form
The Glades of the Wisconsin River and Louis' Bluff-a Paddling and Hiking Excursion
We'll start and end the excursion at Frank and Mariana Weinhold's
riverside retreat north of Wisconsin Dells, where Louis' Bluff, the
highest point on the Upper Wisconsin River, is found. The Weinholds
protected the bluff forever through a conservation easement with the
Natural Heritage Land Trust.
We'll paddle first,
heading upriver (in fairly easy current) along the shore of the main
channel, then turn around and head downstream through what locals call
"the glades," the watery wooded area along the river's western shore
that makes for fascinating paddling.
Returning the Weinhold home, we'll then hike to the top of Louis' Bluff
(fairly steep). Along the way, Frank will offer his incredible
knowledge of the cultural and geologic history of this magnificent land
form. The view is breath-taking!
When: Saturday, May 30, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Louis' Bluff, 8 miles north of Wisconsin Dells Cost: $25 (includes lunch)
Staff Contact: Denny Caneff dcaneff@wisconsinrivers.org
Register online or Download a registration form
In This Issue
The Check is NOT in the Mail
Eyes on Lower Chippewa
Last Chance for Rafting
Louis Bluff Excursion
