Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TOWN OF CALUMET, WI – The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is excited to announce an Agricultural Runoff Treatment System, or “ARTS,” will be constructed in the Town of Calumet, designed to significantly reduce harmful phosphorus levels and improve water quality in Lake Winnebago. This project represents a collaborative, community-centered effort to enhance both environmental health and flood resilience in the region.

What is ARTS?

Think of ARTS as a natural filter. This system uses specialized basins, natural treatment wetlands, and innovative phosphorus removal methods to capture excess nutrients before they reach the lake. These systems are designed to trap and filter particles and pollutants, capturing over 60% of phosphorus and other sediments, while increasing the area’s stormwater storage capacity to help manage heavy rains and reduce flood risks for nearby residents.

“Each year, we see Lake Winnebago turn green from algae blooms with a major cause being runoff from the land,” says Jim Wickersham, Director of Winnebago Waterways for the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance. “By controlling water running off the land, we’re making a big difference for local families, anglers, boaters, and future generations.”

A Joint Effort for a Cleaner Future

This project is made possible by the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, in collaboration with the Town of Calumet and their Runoff Reduction Committee, Fond du Lac County Watersheds Alliance, and Fond du Lac County Land and Water Conservation Department with generous funding partners the Great Lakes Commission, Fund for Lake Michigan, and the Caerus Foundation. Each organization brings resources and expertise to help achieve a cleaner, healthier watershed.

Why It Matters to Our Community

Lake Winnebago is the heart of this community, providing drinking water for thousands, a place for family outings, and a vibrant hub for fishing and boating. But when Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) take over, the lake’s ecosystem is disrupted, fish populations suffer, and the water can become unsafe. This project is a big step toward reversing these issues, helping make Lake Winnebago a cleaner, safer place for everyone.

Our Local Partners Make It Possible

This project is a true community effort, thanks to the hard work and support from the Town of Calumet and the Runoff Reduction Committee. Working together, we’re not only protecting our own lake but setting an example for other communities around the Great Lakes to follow.

“This project shows the power of community,” says Wickersham. “It’s about people coming together to protect something we all care about—making Lake Winnebago clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone.”

For more details about ARTS and other efforts to protect Lake Winnebago, visit fox-wolf.org.

About Us

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is a non-profit organization that works with partners to protect and restore the water resources of the Fox-Wolf River Basin.

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