DOCSLIB.ORG

Usrwa News: June 2013

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Usrwa News: June 2013 USRWA NEWS: JUNE 2013 Coldwater Stream Management in the Upper Sugar River Watershed Text originally written by Tom Beneke, M.S. Water Resources Management, University of Wisconsin-Madison Adapted by Megan Phillips, Executive Director The Upper Sugar River Watershed (USRW) sits nestled in the Driftless Area, which is a biologically and geologically unique region on unglaciated terrain shared by Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Rolling hills, deep valleys, diverse ecosystems, and spring-fed coldwater streams are characteristic of the region. Within the USRW we are fortunate to have several designated trout streams, including the Mt. Vernon Creek State Fishery Area and sections of Deer Creek and Fryes Feeder (continue reading for a partial list of USRW trout streams and the meaning of the various types of designations). These sensitive coldwater habitats are threatened by warming surface temperatures. Last year (2012) volunteer stream monitors recorded surface temperatures at record highs (in the high 80’s/low 90’s (F)), due to the drought and high number of days that topped 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Trout rely on cold water due to their physiology, and their habitat needs to remain within a narrow temperature range to ensure that nutrient uptake does not become too costly. As temperature increases, trout must either minimize swimming effort to conserve energy or gather food resources at a faster rate to keep pace with their increased metabolism. Current climate models predict that trout will be In this Issue: most susceptible to habitat loss during the warmest months of the year - the remaining months will afford them consis- tently habitable temperatures (Lyons et al., 2010, Wiscon- Page 1, 2, 3 - Coldwater sin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts). The projected Stream Mgmt in WI increase in overall temperatures and associated increase in Page 4 - A Message from the the rate of evapotranspiration will result in an overall de- President crease in surface water stocks. Further, total precipitation Page 5 - Summer Events on the in Wisconsin is predicted to increase, as well as the num- Sugar River ber of heavy rain events. This poses a heightened threat to Page 6 , 7 - Funding Forecast: coldwater species during summertime months, when heavy Grant Updates rain storms may result in temperature spikes in the streams Page 8 - Candle on the Water due to incoming stormwater runoff from impervious sur- Award Winner 2013 and Lower faces. Continued on page 2... Sugar River Watershed Association Updates 1 The Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources (WDNR) regulates trout angling via licensing. The majority of fish species only require the general fishing license. However, inland trout anglers must purchase an ad- ditional license known as a Trout Stamp for $10 per angler. The addition of a Trout Stamp was mandated in 1977 to fund ongoing projects such as stream habitat improvement, monitoring, and fish population surveys. Trout Stamp funds cannot be used for land acquisition or easement purchases. Anderson et. al (2000) found that through the 1990’s WI Trout Stamp sales averaged approximately 130,000 annually, and by 2008, 155,070 anglers had purchased Trout Stamps (Trout Unlimited 2008). Wisconsin has a classification system for trout streams based on stream quality parameters; streams are classified as I, II, or III (Hastings and Hewitt 2008). Class I streams are the highest quality. They have naturally reproducing trout populations, good surrounding land management, and low pollution inputs. Class II streams are identified as having moderate quality. These streams have some naturally reproducing populations but do not fully utilize the stream’s space and resources, so they often need supplementary fish stocking. Class III streams are the lowest quality. These streams lack naturally reproducing trout, have poor habitat, and require stocking each year to support angling. This classification system helps define and prioritize stream management goals. Continued on Page 3... Where are the trout streams in the Upper Sugar River? Mt. Vernon Creek Fishery Area: Eight miles of fishable waters - four miles are Class I, four are Class II trout streams. This property is broken into two main parcels in Dane County. Forty-nine acres sit on the northwest corner of the town of Mount Vernon along the southern side of Highway 92 leading into town. Another 286 acres abut Highway 92 and begin just after you exit Mount Vernon on the north- east side of town. Improvements to the fishery area have been made by Deer Creek Sportsman’s Club, Friends of Donald Park, and Dane County. Fryes Feeder: One of the 2 tributaries that form Mt. Vernon Creek, Fryes Feeder originates in the agri- cultural and wooded landscapes of Springdale Township southeast of Mt. Horeb. This is a classic spring tributary, characterized by a narrow channel with overhanging vegetation, cold water, natural meanders, and rocky substrates. This small system holds good numbers of trout and serves as a nursery feeder to the Mt. Vernon main stem. Access is provided via Donald Park. West Branch Sugar River: This Class II trout stream has been the focus of intensive habitat rehabilitation in the early 2000’s. Thirteen miles from Highway 92 upstream to Lewis Road received removal of nui- sance trees, channel narrowing, and placement of LUNKERs. This meadow stream is large enough for easy fly casting and spin fishing opportunities. Primrose Branch: This tributary to the West Branch of the Sugar is fed by numerous springs and offers opportunities for catching brook trout as well as brown trout. The Primrose Branch is small and shallow and has experienced channel straightening below CTH U in the past. It received intensive bank work on the lower 1.9 miles in 2004 as well the addition of in-stream cover features. As a small stream, it “grasses over” by mid-June making fishing more difficult. Public easement 1 rod in width (16 feet) is provided along both banks from Primrose Center Road downstream. Note: List of trout streams within USRW not exhaustive. Source: www.dnr.wi.gov 2 We’ve learned about how the DNR regulates and classifies trout streams. But what about the first piece of the coldwater stream management puzzle - the warming surface temperatures? Trout Unlimited is involved in a Driftless Area Restoration Effort (TUDARE) which mitigates warming water temperatures via restora- tion methods including deepening and narrowing streams to create faster moving and colder water, planting deeper-rooted vegetation to stabilize banks and prevent erosion, and increasing the use of best management practices in riparian zones. An additional strategy is to provide shade along stream banks by planting trees that can thrive in wet environments. So what will happen to trout streams in the Driftless Area if we don’t take action to mitigate the effects of warming waters? Brook trout habitat (the only native trout in the state) will likely transition to habitat for those species that can tolerate warmer water, therefore a new species regime will take over. Brown trout, a managed non-native species, have been an integral part of Wisconsin trout angling since the 19th century. These trout can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures than brook trout, and will establish larger populations than the native trout through competition for space and resources. Smallmouth bass have the ability to sur- vive in substantially warmer waters than both brown or brook trout and will likely outcompete brown trout in streams that have significantly compromised thermal conditions. For more information about coldwater streams and potential impacts from changing precipitation patterns and hotter summers, visit www.wicci.wisc. edu. We’ll be talking about these important issues and others at USRWA public forums, beginning this fall. Where in our Watershed? Can you name these Sugar River tributaries from the previous article? Hints: (Answers upside down on last page) 1. (Left). Used to be listed on the 303(d) list for Impaired Waters. 2. (Upper Right). A portion of this stream flows through Donald Park. 3. (Lower Right). The newest addition to USRWA’s 20+ water quality monitoring sites. 3 A Message from the President Submitted by Marty Cieslik, USRWA President Hello to the membership of the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association. I am the new President of the Board of Directors. I was elected by the Board to serve as president at the March 2013 Board Meeting. I would first like to acknowledge the efforts of our immediate past president – Pat Downing. Pat came on the Board filling an open position in December of 2009. He was elected Board President in March 2011 and again in March 2012. I learned a lot about the busi- ness of governing an organization by observing Pat in action. He did a great job keeping the Board on task in meetings and sharing his knowledge of governance issues. His experience in both Town and County government was invaluable. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of both our Executive Director, Megan Phillips, and of our current Board members. I am proud to serve with this group of people dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the awareness of the impact the Upper Sugar River and the surrounding watershed have on this place where we “live,” “work,” and/or “play.” There are several exciting things happening in the watershed this year. Top among them is the purchase of the Bruce Company land by Dane County that will create a recreational and conservation space over the next 5 to 10 years as the property transitions from a working tree and shrub farm to recreational and conservation land. The USRWA will benefit from this transaction because our traditional Paddle + Pig-Out water trail is included in the deal. We look forward to working with the County and other interested parties to help improve access to the river.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • OLD EXETER and the SUGAR RIVER DIGGINGS by Dwayne L
    OLD EXETER AND THE SUGAR RIVER DIGGINGS by Dwayne L. Marty 1977 The original lead miners in Exeter Township were the Sac Indians. By the time of the Wisconsin lead rush of the 1820's the mines had been taken over by the Winnebagoes, but were known to them, and subsequently to some of the early white men, as the Old Sac Diggings. There were two Winnebago villages within present Green County when the first white men came. White Breast had a settlement twelve to fifteen miles south of Exeter. Spotted Arm's village was located somewhere around the place where Dayton now stands, which puts it within Exeter Township. Neither village exceeded ten houses. The Winnebagoes were sedentary and agricultural in comparison with their Sac predecessors. Spotted Arm's women worked large cornfields and gardens and gathered wild foods, such as turtle eggs. The men were hunters. The Indians didn't have much use for lead until the days of the French fur trade when they began acquiring firearms. Then it was the women who became miners. They worked the float (or surface) mineral and pockets of lead ore. Occasionally, they threw tree trunks into crevices, burned the trunk in order to heat the surrounding rock, and then poured cold water on the rock, which would crack and break loose. They also did some smelting in crude earth furnaces. Sometime in the mid-1820's, an Irishman named Burke discovered the Old Sac Diggings and thus became the first white man in Green County. When he returned to the white settlements, he spread the word, and in 1827 McNutt and Boner built a log trading post on the east line of the northeast quarter of section 34 of Exeter Township and went into business trading whiskey and trinkets for lead ore.
    [Show full text]
  • The West Branch Sugar River Year 2017 Assessment Report
    May 31, 2020 The West Branch Sugar River Year 2017 Assessment Report A Water Quality Report Prepared by the Bureau of Water Quality to West Branch Sugar River Water Restore Wisconsin’s Watersheds. Quality Monitoring Report, 2017 The Contemporary Condition of the West Branch Sugar River 15 Years After Stream Rehabilitation Dane County, WI WBIC 886100 West Branch Sugar River EGAD #3200-2018-84 Water Quality Bureau Wisconsin DNR 0 | 21 May 31, 2020 The West Branch Sugar River Year 2017 Assessment Report The Contemporary Condition of the West Branch Sugar River 15 Years After Stream Rehabilitation Dane County, WI May 2018 WBIC 886100 Project South_3_CMP17 By James Amrhein, Southern District Water Quality Biologist P a g e 1 | 21 May 31, 2020 The West Branch Sugar River Year 2017 Assessment Report Table of Contents Figures .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Tables ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Water Quality Monitoring and Planning ........................................................................................................................................................... 3 Basin/Watershed Partners ...........................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Rapid Watershed Assessment Sugar River Watershed Wisconsin Illinois
    SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07090003 Wisconsin Illinois Rapid Watershed Assessment Sugar River Watershed Rapid watershed assessments provide initial estimates of where conservation investments would best address the concerns of landowners, conservation districts, and other community organizations and stakeholders. These assessments help landowners and local leaders set priorities and determine the best actions to achieve their goals. Wisconsin June 2008 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07090003 Contents INTRODUCTION 1 ASSESSMENT OF WATERS 5 SOILS 6 DRAINAGE CLASSIFICATION 7 FARMLAND CLASSIFICATION 8 HYDRIC SOILS 9 LAND CAPABILITY CLASSIFICATION 10 RESOURCE CONCERNS 11 PRS PERFORMANCE MEASURES 11 CENSUS AND SOCIAL DATA (RELEVANT) 12 POPULATION ETHNICITY 13 URBAN POPULATION 13 ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES 14 WATERSHED ASSESSMENT 15 WATERSHED PROJECTS, STUDIES, MONITORING, ETC. 15 FOOTNOTES/BIBLIOGRAPHY 17 SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED (WI) HUC: 07090003 1. INTRODUCTION The Sugar River watershed encompasses nearly 487,000 acres in south central Wisconsin and a small area of north central Illinois.
    [Show full text]
  • Pecatonica River Water Quality Monitoring Report of Non-Wadable Waters, 2015]
    PUBLICMay 31, 2020 REVIEW [PECATONICA DRAFT RIVER WAT– FORER QUALITY PUBLIC MONITORIN COMMENTG REPORT OF NON -WADABLE WATERS, 2015] The Pecatonic a River Targeted A Water Quality Water Quality Assessment of Monitoring Report by the Bureau of Water Quality Non-wadable Waters to Restore and Protect Wisconsin’s Waters. Lafayette and Green Counties WBICs = 889100 and 897800 By James Amrhein and Michael Sorge Southern District, Wisconsin DNR February, 2016 EGAD # 3200-2015-36 Water Quality Bureau Wisconsin DNR Pecatonica River at HWY, 2015. Photo by James Amrhein, Southern District Water Quality Biologist, DNR. Page 1 | 23 May 31, 2020 [PECATONICA RIVER WATER QUALITY MONITORING REPORT OF NON-WADABLE WATERS, 2015] Table of Contents Figures .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Tables ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Water Quality Monitoring and Planning ........................................................................................................................................................... 3 Basin/Watershed Partners ...........................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Native American People in the Lower Sugar River Valley: 12,000 Years Ago to the Present
    1 NATIVE AMERICAN PEOPLE IN THE LOWER SUGAR RIVER VALLEY: 12,000 YEARS AGO TO THE PRESENT INTRODUCTION Native American history in the Lower Sugar River Valley (hereinafter referred to as “the valley”) spans nearly 12 millennia from the end of the Pleistocene to the present day. The great story of these people is visible across our landscape in the form of ancient village sites, winter rock shelters, and ancestral burial mounds on prominent bluff tops (Fig. 1, 2 and 3). Additional insights into how these people lived can be seen in the oral traditions and ceremonies of contemporary Native American people. This rich historical record is a palimpsest that allows us to examine and learn from cultures who occupied the area for thousands of years prior to the arrival of the first Europeans. Within this saga are stories of cultures who lived in relative peace and successfully managed their environment meticulously well for centuries, countered by other examples of groups failing under the stress of population pressure, resource depletion, and warfare. The challenges and issues faced by these cultures would be very familiar to us today. We can understand and learn from their experience or ignore it at our peril. If we choose the former, it is important for us to preserve, understand, and respect these places of past endeavor, for by doing so we may well create a foundation for solving some of our contemporary global difficulties. An excellent way to approach an understanding of past environments and the way humans interacted with and altered their surroundings over time is through a close examination of the archaeological remains on the landscape.
    [Show full text]
  • LF0071 Ch10.Pdf
    1. OVERVIEW a) Physical Environment Bordered on the north by Military Ridge, this region tilts gently to the south with broad, open plains falling off to narrow, incised valleys. Soils are typically well drained silty and loamy with a silt loam surface over calcareous and non‐calcareous clayey, sandy, or loamy residuum, or over non‐calcareous silty loess. Most areas are over dolostone, limestone, or sandstone bedrock. River bottoms are moderately well drained to poorly drained silty soils with a silt loam surface over calcareous and non‐calcareous silty alluvium or loess. Sandstone and limestone outcroppings are common, though less so than regions north of Military Ridge. b) Land Cover and Use Figure 10.3: Land cover of the Pecatonica River This Planning Region in dominated by agriculture with the majority in Region. row crops (Figure 10.3). With the increasing price of corn and soybeans over the last decade, many pastures, hayfields, and lands that were enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) are being converted to row crops. This large conversion out of permanent vegetation to agricultural uses that expose open soil is also likely to have an adverse effect on water quality of streams in the region. Dry to mesic forests are found along the sides of the narrow valleys with wetlands confined to the riparian zones along larger rivers. Most forests are managed to provide timber products ranging from firewood to sawtimber. c) Terrestrial Habitats This region harbors southern Wisconsin’s best opportunities for prairie management and restoration. In particular, the remnant native and restored prairies, pastures, hay fields, and CRP lands found south of Blue Mounds have some of the highest concentrations of grassland birds remaining in the state.
    [Show full text]
  • Sugar River Master Plan
    Sugar River Planning Group Final Master Plan and Footville Wildlife Area Feasibility Study May, 2016 Approved by the Natural Resources Board Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources DNR PUB-LF-083 Cathy Stepp - Secretary Natural Resources Board Terry Hilgenberg, Chair Gregory Kazmierski, Vice Chair Julie Anderson, Secretary William Bruins Preston D. Cole, Dr. Frederick Prehn Gary Zimmer Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 101 S. Webster St. P.O. Box 7921 Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7921 DNR PUB-LF-083 The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in its employment, programs, services, and function under an Affirmative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal Opportunity Office, Department of Interior, Dane, Green and Rock, D.C. 20240. This publication is available in alternative format (large print, Braille, audio tape, etc.) upon request. Please contact the Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Facilities and Lands at (608) 266- 2135 for more information. Photos (from upper right clockwise) Yahara River (DNR Flickr) White-tailed Deer (DNR Flickr) Bird Watching at Avon Bottoms (DNR Flickr) Pheasant Hunting (DNR Flickr) Master Plan Team Members Plan Acceptance Team Sanjay Olson – Administrator, Lands Division Thomas Hauge - Director, Bureau of Wildlife Management Erin Crain - Director, Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation Steve Miller - Director, Bureau of Facilities and Lands Dan Schuller - Director, Bureau of Parks and Recreation Paul Cunningham - Director’s designee, Bureau
    [Show full text]
  • USRWA NEWS for Friends of the Upper Sugar River
    USRWA NEWS For Friends of the Upper Sugar River The American Pearl Rush: Spring 2011 The Sugar River’s Moment of Fame In This Issue Submitted by George Johnson Page 1- The American Pearl Rush: The Sugar River’s In the 1940s, I often fished for channel catfish in the Sugar River near Du- Moment of Fame rand, Illinois. The preferred bait at that time was “sour” clams and involved a clamming expedition a few days before going fishing. Several misshapen Page 2-The American Pearl pearls were a byproduct of those clam gathering days, but what stayed with me Rush: The Sugar River’s longest was a vague tale of a fortune once being paid in London for a cache of Moment of Fame pearls from the Sugar River. In 2002, I chanced upon a book about pearls and found this sentence: “One shipment made from the Sugar River to London Page 3- USRWA, New Century in September, 1890 contained 93 pearls weighing 28 grains each, for which School, City of Verona Team Up 11,700 pounds was received in payment.” That was equal to $1,300,000 in on Environmental Education today’s dollars. Grant Application The book was a reprint of the 1908 The Book of the Pearl by George Kunz and Page 4- USRWA, New Century William Stevenson. The sentence was part of a section describing an event School, City of Verona Team Up which they called “the pearl excitement”. They described the discovery of on Environmental Education pearls in the Pecatonica River in August, 1889 which overnight turned into Grant Application near hysteria with the populace of river towns descending into the shallows of the nearby stream in search of easy riches.
    [Show full text]
  • CHAPTER 2 - Existing Resource Conditions
    DRAFT 10/22/2019 Land & Water Resource Management Plan Rock County Land Conservation Department October 2019 i DRAFT 10/22/2019 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The development of Rock County’s Land and Water Resource Management Plan, 2019 involved a diverse group of individuals with a wide range of expertise. Their input was critical for the plans development and will continue to be important for achieving the goals of this Plan. Rock County Land Conservation Committee Richard Bostwick, Chair Alan Sweeney, Vice Chair Stephanie Aegerter Wesley Davis Brenton Driscoll Robert Potter James Quade, USDA-FSA Rep. Jeremy Zajac Rock County Land Conservation Department Tom Sweeney, County Conservationist Norman Tadt, Senior Conservation Specialist Chris Murphy, Conservation Specialist III Anne Miller, Conservation Specialist II Duane Collins, Conservation Specialist Mary Kubiak, Clerk Typist III Advisory Work Group Richard Bostwick, Chair Alan Sweeney, Vice Chair Andrew Baker, Planning and Development Dave Rebout, Rebout Farms Bill Barlass, Barlass Jerseys Jane Metcalf, Dairy and Grain Farmer George Andrew, Andrews Maple Hill Farms Patrick Mullooly, Ag Business Representative and Grain Farmer Brian Buenzow, Pheasants Forever Dave Gundlach, NRCS Nick Baker, UWEX Tom Sweeney, LCD Anne Miller, LCD Chris Murphy, LCD Dale Gasser, DNR Lisa Trumble, DATCP Principle Contributors: Authors: Tom Sweeney, County Conservationist and Anne Miller, Conservation Specialist II i DRAFT 10/22/2019 CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ....................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Dane County W Ater Quality Plan
    Appendix C Update Point Source Inventory and Analysis Dane County Water Quality Plan Dane County Water Prepared by the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission 2017 Capital Area Regional Planning Commission Larry Palm (Chair) Peter McKeever (Vice Chair) Mark Geller (Treasurer) Kris Hampton (Secretary) Steve Arnold Brad Cantrell Lauren Cnare Maureen Crombie Ken Golden Paul Lawrence Ed Minihan David Pfeiffer Caryl Terrell CARPC Staff: Steve Steinhoff, AICP, Deputy Director, and Director of Community and Regional Development Planning Kamran Mesbah, P.E. (ret.) , Deputy Director and Director of Environmental Resources Planning*† Mike Rupiper, P.E., ENV SP, Director of Environmental Resources Planning* Michael Kakuska, Senior Environmental Resources Planner* Sean Higgins, AICP, Senior Community Planner Matt Covert, Community Planner Malissa Dietsch, Community Planner Tony Vandermuss, PE, LEED AP, Environmental Engineer (Principle Author)* Phillip Gaebler, PE, Environmental Engineer *† Greg Orum, PE, Environmental Engineer*† Aaron Krebs, GIS Specialist* Linda Firestone, Administrative Services Manager* The preparation of this document has been financially aided by funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. * Project Staff † Former CARPC Employee Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................1 Organization .................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Kark's Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to 309 Wisconsin Streams
    Kark's Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to 309 Wisconsin Streams By Richard Kark May 2015 Introduction A Badger Stream Love Affair My fascination with rivers started near my hometown of Osage, Iowa on the Cedar River. High school buddies and I fished the river and canoe-camped along its lovely limestone bluffs. In 1969 I graduated from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and soon paddled my first Wisconsin stream. With my college sweetheart I spent three days and two nights canoe-camping from Taylors Falls to Stillwater on the St. Croix River. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond blared from our transistor radio as we floated this lovely stream which was designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1968. Little did I know I would eventually explore more than 300 other Wisconsin streams. In the late 1970s I was preoccupied by my medical studies in Milwaukee but did find the time to explore some rivers. I recall canoeing the Oconto, Chippewa, Kickapoo, “Illinois Fox,” and West Twin Rivers during those years. Several of us traveled to the Peshtigo River and rafted “Roaring Rapids” with a commercial company. At the time I could not imagine riding this torrent in a canoe. We also rafted Piers Gorge on the Menomonee River. Our guide failed to avoid Volkswagen Rock over Mishicot Falls. We flipped and I experienced the second worst “swim” of my life. Was I deterred from whitewater? Just the opposite, it seems. By the late 1970s I was a practicing physician, but I found time for Wisconsin rivers. In 1979 I signed up for the tandem whitewater clinic run by the River Touring Section of the Sierra Club’s John Muir Chapter.
    [Show full text]
  • Strategic Plan 2014-2018
    UPPER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION Aquatic Invasive Species Strategic Plan 2014-2018 Written by Megan Phillips & Wade Moder Funded by a grant from the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resouces UPPER SUGAR RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Strategic Plan Table of Contents I. Introduction a. Purpose b. Scope c. Goals II. Background Information a. Summary of Upper Sugar River Watershed and unique plant communities/species threatened by AIS b. Overview of existing AIS in the watershed c. Summary of threats and impacts posed by AIS in Upper Sugar River corridor d. Proposed AIS management strategies III. Fact Sheets a. AIS of concern (high priority) b. AIS of concern (low priority) c. AIS to watch for (not yet present in the watershed) IV. Closing Comments 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Principal Authors: Megan Phillips and Wade Moder, Upper Sugar River Watershed Association Geographic Information Systems Specialist: Wade Moder, Upper Sugar River Watershed Association Advisors/Plant Specialists: Laura MacFarland, River Alliance of Wisconsin Patricia Cicero, Jefferson County Land and Water Conservation Department Cindy Ramseyer, Blue Mounds Area Project Joyce Powers, Botanist and USRWA member Carol Warden, University of Wisconsin/WDNR Monitoring Volunteers/Trainees: Bill Keen Rodd Wangen Jean Kringle Josh Sulman Aaryn Handel Erika Schorenbroch Cassie Anderson Scott Hausmann Anthony Wank Barb Neuser Marty Cieslik This project was funded by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 2 INTRODUCTION: In August of 2011 the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association was awarded an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Education, Prevention and Planning grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to do a variety of education and volunteer promotion efforts to locate and map exotic species in the watershed, raise awareness and reduce new introduction and spread of AIS in the basin.
    [Show full text]