This summer’s low water levels in some Central Wisconsin lakes have unleashed a flood of concerns from waterfront property owners. The Saturday morning workshop at the Tri-County High School in Plainfield aims to explain the science of groundwater and surface water interactions in the Central Sands and discuss possible ways to balance all water needs in the region.

There may be many reasons for low water levels, including: natural water level fluctuations, drought, climate change, large scale groundwater pumping, or too much water running off hard surfaces (such as roads) before it can soak into the ground.

Scientists from the UW-Stevens Point Groundwater Center and Department of Natural Resources will describe research necessary to identify which lakes are most susceptible to water level fluctuations caused by drought, groundwater pumping, or other factors.

Members of the state Groundwater Advisory Committee will discuss this group’s work to shape better groundwater management policies for Wisconsin. The event will also feature presenters from the agricultural community and area lake organizations.

“Some factors, like drought, are beyond people’s ability to control”, explains Peter Murray, Wisconsin Association of Lakes Executive Director. “But crafting better groundwater management policies are solutions that people can achieve by working together,” Murray says. These solutions are likely to be long term, regional, and institutional, rather than a quick fix.

The Conservation Scorecard 2005-2006— produced by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters—highlights how Wisconsin state legislators voted on key conservation issues during the past legislative session. Bills relevant to conservation issues are tracked throughout the Wisconsin legislature’s two year session; the Conservation Scorecard reports on the most important of those bills that were voted on in the full Senate and Assembly and in the important Joint Finance Committee. The goal of the Scorecard is to provide objective, factual information about the voting records of Wisconsin’s Senators and Representatives.

2005-2006 Conservation Scorecard summary

• The average Senate score increased from 46% in 2003-2004 to 62% in 2005-2006.
• The average Assembly score dropped from 44% in 2003-2004 to 41% in 2005-2006.
• Of the 99 members of Wisconsin's Assembly, 10 voted to protect clean water, clean air and sporting opportunities 100% of the time.
• Of the 33 members of Wisconsin's Senate, 2 voted to protect clean water, clean air and sporting opportunities 100% of the time.
• In the Senate, 14 members received scores of 80% or higher.
• In the Assembly, 36 members received scores of 80% or higher.

Five Rock County townships are pooling efforts to develop a stormwater management plan. The stormwater management plan is intended to prevent erosion and water pollution as rain and snowmelt pick up and carry pollutants into lakes and streams. The towns received a $72,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources to develop a plan that will meet federal and state requirements, benefit the environment, and minimize financial impact on residents.

Steps involved in developing the plan will include:

• Researching where the stormwater comes from and how it gets back to the Rock River and its tributaries,
• Identifying places where stormwater picks up pollutants—such as lawn nutrients, sanitary waste, and automobile fluids.
• Educating residents about simple steps to prevent pollution—like keeping leaves and fertilizer from getting into the storm sewer system.
• Helping towns create ordinances to limit the impact of runoff from construction sites on water resources.

Storm water is more than just water. Rain and snowmelt wash excess nutrients like phosphorus, dirt, and other pollutants off hard surfaces like roads into storm drains and ditches. Storm water does not go to a wastewater treatment plant; instead it empties directly into our lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands. Homeowners can help reduce polluted runoff entering our lakes by taking some simple steps to improve the quality of water coming from yards.

• Use phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer. Many residential lawns already have more than enough phosphorus to support a healthy lawn, and plants do not absorb more fertilizer than they can use. A simple soil test will tell you if your lawn already has enough phosphorus.
• Install a rain garden. Rain gardens increase the amount of water that filters into the ground and help prevent flooding. You can plant your rain garden with a mixture of attractive flowers and grasses.
• Sweep grass clippings off the pavement and back onto your lawn. Keep leaves out of the street. Nutrients from grass clippings and leaves can provide fuel for algae in our lakes.
• Dispose of motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, paints, solvents or other materials properly; do not dump them down storm sewers.
• Aim downspouts to grassy areas away from pavement.
• Use less de-icing salt on your walk ways and driveway.
• Install a rain barrel.
• Dispose of pet wastes by flushing down toilet or burying.

People you know are making positive contributions to our lakes in many ways. Here’s your chance to recognize their efforts!

Perhaps you or your neighbors are part of the many dedicated local volunteers taking Secchi disk readings, helping survey lake plants and animals, talking with boaters about aquatic invasive species at boat landings, working with local governments to ensure land use decisions consider the health of lakes, or extending a helping hand to neighbors interested in learning more and protecting their lake.

If so, please show your appreciation for the important local work people are doing to keep our lakes clean, safe, and healthy for everyone by nominating a deserving lake leader for a Wisconsin Stewardship Award in the Citizen Category.

Other Lake Stewardship Award categories to recognize outstanding contributions of time and effort to the future of our lakes include: Organized group, Educator, Youth, Public official or employee, and Business. Nominations are due March 16th, 2007.

Please contact the Wisconsin Association of Lakes with questions about these prestigious awards.