Sugar River Watershed Summit, 2016

Thoughtful Discussion Generated at Sugar River Watershed Summit, 2016

A community working together to improve water quality in the Sugar River is possible, but it is not going to be easy.  That was the key message in the Sugar River Watershed Summit 2016, Charting a Course to Clean Water, sponsored by the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association (LSRWA)  at its annual member meeting, held on Saturday, April 9th at the Brodhead Library. A group of over 50 members and interested citizens learned that there are many variables that contribute to watershed health (and ultimately water quality).  A number of farmers were present including representatives from  the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU).  The expert speakers addressed the issues and gave examples of what can be done to improve the state of the watershed. There are a variety of different approaches that can be taken when addressing water quality issues such as too much phosphorus or sediment entering the surface water. Water quality restoration takes a long time. “It’s like driving a semi truck down a long alleyway and having to stop and back it out” explained Mark Riedel with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).  Land management practices from years ago have an impact on current water quality.  Likewise, impacts we make today may not be seen for many years to come.

The following presentations were recorded and can be viewed on the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association's website:  The state of Water Quality in the Sugar River Basin--Identifying “Impaired Waters” by Jim Amrhein-WDNR, Rock River Recovery—Making Progress through Partnerships” by Mark Riedel-WDNR, Water Quality Trading—A New Idea for Municipalities by Andrew Skog-City of Brodhead, and Farmer led Watershed Councils: Making it Happen in the Red Cedar River Basin, by Tom Quinn-WFU.  

Farmer-led watershed councils are one very effective way to improve water quality.  Tom Quinn, Executive Director of WFU, shared the story of a coordinator going  house to house and to talk with farmers about the highly impaired Red Cedar Watershed.  This led to the establishment of farmer-led watershed groups, a water quality partnership between Baron and Dunn counties, and a 10-year plan to improve water quality.   Farmers value this project because they are providing the leadership, they value the shared communication, and they see a connection between soil health and water quality. Word is getting out and new farmer led groups are forming.  If you are a farmer and would like more information about how to form your own group, contact Bethany Storm, Program Director for LSRWA at programdirector@lsrwa.org or 630-770-8446. She will get you the information that you need to get started.

The four speakers were joined by Wade Moder, Executive Director of the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association and Scott Laeser, Water Quality Specialist of Clean Wisconsin to form a panel in which they shared their expertise, stories, experiences and answered questions.  

Several Green County supervisors were in attendance; John Glynn, Dennis Everson, Betty Grotophorst, and newly elected Erica Roth, as well as State Representative Mark Spreitzer.  “This kind of education is important,” according to Grotophorst. “It is good to see that local officials are attending this meeting. We, and the farmers want the same thing. This is a good way to get the discussion going.” 

The Watershed Summit provided a platform for conversations to begin, ideas to be shared, and relationships to develop that will hopefully set the stage for positive interactions in the Sugar River Watershed. 

The Lower Sugar River Watershed Association (LSRWA) is a not-for-profit conservation organization located in Brodhead WI, dedicated to the care and enjoyment of our water resources and to empowering citizens with experience and knowledge to steward land and water resources in the Lower Sugar River Watershed.  Visit our website, and email info@lsrwa.org or contact 608.897.8641 to learn how to support the organization and to become a volunteer. 

Reporter: Carol Aslesen