watershed

https://fwwa.org/2025/05/16/volunteer-shoutout-purple-loosestrife-biocontrol/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=volunteer-shoutout-purple-loosestrife-biocontrol

The Hidden Cost of Winter Salt: Protecting Wisconsin’s Waterways

On: December 19, 2024

In: 2022, 2023, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, NEWSC, Outreach and Education, renew our waters, road salt, salt, seasonal, stormwater, sweep the salt, Urban Stormwater, Water quality, watershed, winter

In Wisconsin, winter means snow, ice, and inevitably, salt. De-icing salt is a common sight on sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways, helping to prevent slips and falls during the coldest months. However, this winter staple comes with an environmental cost: our local rivers, lakes, and streams are suffering from the overuse of salt. Why [...]

The post The Hidden Cost of Winter Salt: Protecting Wisconsin’s Waterways appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2024/12/19/the-skinny-on-salt-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-skinny-on-salt-2

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Freshwater Fans

On: November 26, 2024

In: 2024, Agriculture, aquatic invasive species, habitat, Halloween, monsters, Outreach and Education, pollution, runoff, sea lamprey, trash, Water quality, watershed

Celebrate Wisconsin’s Lakes and Rivers with These Thoughtful Gifts

Know someone whose heart belongs to Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers? Whether they’re paddling down the Wolf River, fishing on Lake Winnebago, or simply soaking up the peace of a quiet shoreline, this guide is packed with thoughtful, water-inspired gifts they’ll love. And the best part? Many of these ideas also support the health of the waterways we all treasure.

Let’s dive in!

For the Adventurer: Gifts for the Active and Outdoorsy

1. Underwater Drone

Let’s start off with the coolest (and most expensive) item on our list! Imagine exploring beneath the surface of Lake Winnebago or capturing the beauty of aquatic life in the Wolf River. An underwater drone lets the freshwater fan in your life see the water from an entirely new perspective, making their next trip to the water unforgettable.

2. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

For the camper, hiker, or paddler, this lightweight filter is a lifesaver. It ensures access to clean drinking water anywhere—as long as there’s water nearby.

Pair the Lifestraw with a Wisconsin trails map for the ultimate adventurer’s gift!

3. Inflatable Kayak

Perfect for paddling enthusiasts who love exploring waterways like the Little Wolf River or Shawano Lake. Inflatable kayaks are easy to transport, set up, and store—ideal for spontaneous adventures.

Paddling Wisconsin: A Guide to the State’s Best Paddling Routes goes great with this gift!

a yellow inflatable kayak with oars in front of a light blue background

For the Home: Relaxation and Freshwater-Inspired Decor

a wisconsin lake candle in front of a blue background

4. Wisconsin Lakes Candle

Bring the outdoors inside with a candle inspired by the calming scents of Wisconsin’s iconic lakes. Whether they’re reminiscing about a peaceful day on the Waupaca Chain or a day at Bay Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan, this gift is sure to spark warm memories.

5. Wisconsin Lakes Depth Map

This intricate 3D map of your favorite Wisconsin lake is more than just decor—it’s a stunning celebration of Wisconsin’s freshwater connections. A perfect gift for someone who cherishes the beauty of Lake Winnebago, Wilson Lake, and beyond!

a custom lake sign sign reading lake Martin with coordinates

6. Custom Lake Name Sign

Celebrate a favorite lake with a beautifully crafted wood sign featuring its name and coordinates. Whether it’s Lake Butte des Morts or Partridge Lake, this keepsake is a heartfelt way to honor their connection to the water.

7. Personalized Wisconsin Fishing Journal

For anglers who love casting a line in the Fox River or Shawano Lake, this journal lets them log their best catches and memorable days on the water.

a leather journal in front of a blue background

For the Watershed: Eco-Friendly and Impactful Gifts

8. Donation to the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Give the gift of clean, thriving waters by donating to the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance in their name. This thoughtful gesture supports conservation efforts in beloved waterways like the Wolf River, Fox River, and Lake Winnebago.

Better yet – why not get them a Fox-Wolf membership?

9. Shower Flower

For the water lover who has everything – get them a show flower! Help them save water with this unique product that collects shower water while it warms up. Perfect for watering plants or household tasks, it’s an easy way to conserve and reduce waste!

a shower flower against a green background

Stocking Stuffers and Budget-Friendly Finds

10. Wisconsin Lake Map Coasters

11. Wisconsin Native Fish Species Poster

Brighten up their home with a colorful, educational print that highlights fish species found in Lake Winnebago and nearby waterways. It’s perfect for anglers or nature enthusiasts.

12. DIY Rain Barrel Kit

Help them make the most of nature’s resources with a rain barrel kit. Ideal for gardeners who want to collect rainwater, especially in areas near Oshkosh or Fond du Lac, close to Lake Winnebago.

Celebrate and Protect Wisconsin’s Waters

From the calm beauty of Lake Butte des Morts to the rushing currents of the Fox River, our waterways bring joy, adventure, and connection to so many. This holiday season, give gifts that reflect your loved one’s passion for freshwater—and support the critical work of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance in protecting these beautiful resources.

Get Involved!

What’s your favorite memory from Wisconsin’s lakes or rivers? Share it on social media using #FoxWolf #WorthProtecting. Let’s celebrate the places that bring us peace and joy—and work together to protect them for future generations.

Happy holidays, and thank you for making waves with your gift-giving this year!

The post The Ultimate Gift Guide for Freshwater Fans appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2024/11/26/freshwater-gift-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=freshwater-gift-guide

Dan Beckwith

Trick or Treating in the Fox Valley & Green Bay: Beware the Monsters Threatening Our Watershed

On: October 18, 2024

In: 2024, Agriculture, aquatic invasive species, habitat, Halloween, monsters, Outreach and Education, pollution, runoff, sea lamprey, trash, Water quality, watershed

Meet the Monsters Haunting the Waters of the Fox Valley and Green Bay

Forget Michael Myers—the real monsters this Halloween are lurking beneath the surface of the Fox-Wolf Watershed! As you plan your spooky adventures, whether you’re trick-or-treating in the Fox Valley or Green Bay, meet the environmental threats that haunt our lakes and rivers. These villains won’t be defeated with a hockey mask or kitchen knife, but with a little teamwork, we can keep our waters monster-free and Halloween fun watershed-friendly.

Just as Michael Myers stalks Laurie Strode, these environmental villains silently threaten our waterways. From slimy algae to invasive zebra mussels, these monsters might be out of sight, but they’re dangerously real. Let’s meet them—and learn how to fight back!

The Phosphorist

“Possessing Waters, Spewing Green Goo!”

Where It Strikes: Fox River, Lake Winnebago, Green Bay

The Phosphorist is here—an evil force that takes control of lakes and rivers, just like a demonic possession in The Exorcist. It uses phosphorus from fertilizers, grass clippings, and animal waste as its unholy fuel, spreading thick, green algae blooms that choke the life out of every waterway it touches. Under the Phosphorist’s grip, fish gasp for oxygen, plants wilt, and the once-beautiful waters are transformed into slimy, stinking nightmares.

Like a possessed soul, the lake becomes corrupted—its clear waters replaced by murky, algae-filled sludge. And just like an exorcism gone wrong, the Phosphorist keeps returning after every storm, bringing new blooms and foul odors. Unless the right steps are taken, this toxic force will haunt our rivers and lakes forever.

How to Fight It:

Use fertilizers only when necessary, and keep grass clippings away from storm drains.
Support watershed-friendly practices with help from the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Clingers

The horde just keeps coming!

Where It Strikes: Lake Winnebago, Fox River, Wolf River

Clingers are like the Clickers from The Last of Us—unstoppable, relentless, and spreading wherever they can latch on. These zombie-like zebra mussels invade lakes and rivers, clinging to boats, docks, and water pipes with an iron grip. Once they infest a waterway, they multiply fast, draining the nutrients that fish and plants need to survive. With fewer native species thriving, the water becomes too clear—making the perfect environment for harmful algae to grow.

Just like in a post-apocalyptic world, the Clingers creep silently from lake to lake, hitching rides on boats and fishing gear. Their jagged shells litter beaches, cutting into bare feet, while colonies clog water pipes and infrastructure. Without action, the Clingers will spread through the Fox-Wolf Watershed, turning vibrant ecosystems into lifeless wastelands faster than a horde of Clickers on the move.

How to Fight It:

Always clean, drain, and dry boats after use to stop the spread.
Learn more about prevention from Wisconsin DNR: Clean Boats, Clean Waters.

Lampires

The Bloodsuckers of the Watershed

Where They Strike: Great Lakes, Rivers, and Streams near Green Bay

Beware the Lampire—a sea lamprey terror lurking in rivers and lakes, feeding on fish like a vampire of the deep. With its suction-cup mouth full of sharp teeth, it clamps onto its prey and drains their blood, leaving them too weak to survive. This invasive creature has slithered into the Great Lakes and waterways near Green Bay, turning once-thriving ecosystems into watery graveyards. Just like the infamous Nosferatu, it sneaks in silently, looking creepy and leaving destruction in its wake—making it harder for native fish to survive.

How to Fight It:

Back programs like the Great Lakes Fishery Commission that work to manage the sea lamprey invasion.
Follow fishing rules—some fish species help control the spread by feeding on lamprey larvae.
Get involved in watershed conservation efforts to stop these aquatic vampires from expanding their reach.

Floody Krueger

A Nightmare on Every Street!

Where It Strikes: Parking Lots, Streets, and Sidewalks

Freddy haunts dreams with terror, Floody haunts streets and waterways with polluted runoff. As rain pours down, stormwater gathers oil, fertilizer, pet waste, and trash, sweeping it all into nearby rivers and lakes. Fish and plants suffer in his toxic nightmare, while algae thrive on the chaos. If this waterborne slasher isn’t stopped, his sludge-filled trail will make rivers too dangerous for swimming and fishing—turning every trip to the lake into a horror story.

How to Fight It:

Plant rain gardens and install green spaces to absorb runoff before Floody can strike.
Pick up pet waste and keep storm drains clear to cut off his polluted supply.
Work with your local community on stormwater solutions—learn about the Northeast Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium.

Trashenstein

“It’s ALLLITTER!”

Where It Strikes: Beaches, Parks, and Shorelines

Like Frankenstein’s monster, Trashenstein is cobbled together from every discarded bottle, wrapper, and bag. With every piece of trash, it surges back to life—“It’s aliiive!”—growing larger and more destructive. Trashenstein clogs rivers, traps animals in plastic, and turns parks into horror scenes that even Victor Frankenstein would fear. The more litter left behind, the harder it is to stop this monster from rampaging across shorelines and waterways.

How to Fight It:

Don’t litter—cut off Trashenstein’s lifeline.
Join area clean-up efforts to dismantle the monster bit by bit.

Tips for Fox-Wolf Friendly Trick-or-Treating in the Fox Valley and Green Bay

Halloween is about more than costumes and candy—it’s also a chance to protect the environment! As you head out for trick-or-treating in Green Bay or the Fox Valley, follow these simple tips to keep the fun Fox-Wolf friendly.

1. Use Reusable Trick-or-Treat Bags

Swap plastic bags for reusable ones that can hold more candy and last longer. Plus, no more worrying about your bag ripping halfway through the night! Using reusable bags also keeps stray plastic out of the environment. Win-win!

2. Stick to Neighborhood Routes

Staying close to home isn’t just more fun—it helps the environment, too! Driving less means fewer pollutants like oil, gas, and tire particles washing into rivers and lakes when it rains. Bonus: It’s a great way to meet neighbors and see more decorations!

3. Walk, Bike, or Scoot

Why take the car when you can stroll, pedal, or roll? Walking or biking with friends means fewer emissions, cleaner air, and more candy time! And the best part? The adventure is just as sweet as the treats.

4. Bring a Cleanup Bag for Litter

Keep the streets looking great by bringing along a small bag to pick up any stray wrappers or bottles you find. A cleaner neighborhood means less litter ending up in storm drains—and cleaner rivers and lakes for everyone to enjoy.

5. Spread the Word

Share these simple tips with friends, family, and neighbors. When everyone pitches in, the impact really adds up! A small effort from each of us makes our water cleaner and our Halloween so sustainable-it’s scary!

Keep Our Watershed Safe and Monster-Free This Halloween

Whether you’re trick-or-treating in the Fox Valley or Green Bay, Halloween can be about more than just spooky fun. Every action you take—from picking up trash to planting rain gardens—helps protect the Fox-Wolf Watershed from real environmental monsters.

Together, we can banish Flooddy Krueger, Trashenstein, and all the other monsters from our rivers and lakes. This Halloween, let’s enjoy the fun while making a difference for the environment.

Photo Credit: Yuliya Karshirina, Kelly Reyer, T. Lawrence (NOAA)

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance on our Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Facebook page or @fox_wolf_watershed_alliance on Instagram! You can also sign-up for email updates at fwwa.org.

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization that identifies and advocates effective policies and actions that protect, restore, and sustain water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin.

This Halloween, let’s have fun while doing a little good for the watershed! With just a few small changes, you can enjoy trick-or-treating and help protect our beautiful rivers, lakes, and parks. Here’s how you and your friends can make a difference:

The post Trick or Treating in the Fox Valley & Green Bay: Beware the Monsters Threatening Our Watershed appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2024/10/18/trick-or-treating-fox-valley-green-bay-monsters-watershed/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=trick-or-treating-fox-valley-green-bay-monsters-watershed

Fall Water Garden Clean Up to Keep Our Lakes Healthy

On: October 17, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, fall celanup, Fox Wolf Watershed, fox-wolf, Garden, In your yard, invasive species, plants, water garden, water plants, watershed

Temps Cooling, Fall Cleanup Tips

As we approach the middle of autumn in Northeast Wisconsin, folks are starting to tackle outside projects to prepare for winter. You might be raking leaves, winterizing your spigots, and cleaning up your vegetable garden. Folks are also looking at their backyard ponds and starting to get things wrapped up for the year.

Want a few tips? Check out this short video with Melinda Myers. Melinda, a former Extension Master Gardener Educator herself, is well–known throughout the state and nationally as a gardening expert and trusted voice to bring education, including invasive species education, to gardeners!

Photo Credit:

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance on our Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Facebook page or @fox_wolf_watershed_alliance on Instagram! You can also sign-up for email updates at fwwa.org.

Reporting invasive species is a first step in containing their spread. Maintaining and restoring our waters and landscapes can reduce the impacts even when we don’t have other management options to an invasive species.

The post Fall Water Garden Clean Up to Keep Our Lakes Healthy appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2024/10/17/fall-water-garden-clean-up-to-keep-our-lakes-healthy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fall-water-garden-clean-up-to-keep-our-lakes-healthy

Surely a Sea Lamprey….right?

On: July 17, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Butte des Morts, chestnut lamprey, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, habitat, invasive species, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, lamprey, Outreach, Outreach and Education, sea lamprey, watershed, Winnebago, Winnebago Lakes, Winnebago Waterways

Double Check Those Lamprey; Wisconsin has Native Lamprey Too

Many Wisconsin anglers are catching fish left, right, and center as we near mid-summer. But sometimes with those fish, there are reports of sea lamprey attached to fish. Even in places where the sea lamprey isn’t known to have reached, including Lake Winnebago. But anglers are often surprised to hear that Wisconsin waters play host to native lamprey. Take a minute to learn how to identify our native lamprey so next time you catch a fish with a lamprey, you’ll know if it’s native or invasive.

Native Lamprey vs. Sea Lamprey

There are four native freshwater lamprey that can be found in Wisconsin. Of these four, two are parasitic and might be on your next fish. Each species of lamprey have different physical characteristics that can help you figure the lamprey you’re seeing. Check out the chart below to see how our native species differ from the invasive sea lamprey.

Click the image to enlarge

If you’re looking for key characteristics to determine if you’ve caught a sea lamprey, take a look at the top fin of the lamprey. If the long fin on the back of the lamprey is split into two (two dorsal fins), there’s a good chance you’ve caught a sea lamprey.

The most common lamprey in the Winnbeago lake system is the native Chestnut Lamprey. To learn more about this native lamprey, check out this Fox-Wolf Species Spotlight article.

To learn more about the invasive sea lamprey, Fox-Wolf’s AIS Spotlight has the info you’ll need!

Photo Credit: Great Lakes Fishery Commission

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance’s Winnebago Waterways Program on our Winnebago Waterways Facebook page or @WinnWaterways on Twitter! You can also sign-up for email updates at WinnebagoWaterways.org.

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance program. The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization that identifies and advocates effective policies and actions that protect, restore, and sustain water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin.

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post Surely a Sea Lamprey….right? appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2024/07/17/surely-a-sea-lamprey-right/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=surely-a-sea-lamprey-right

Menasha Lock Re-Opening Plans Put On Hold Indefinitely

On: July 2, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Boating, Butte des Morts, Fox River Navigational System Authority, invasive, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, little lake butte des morts, menasha lock, Outreach, round goby, watershed, WDNR, Winnebago, Winnebago Lakes, Winnebago Waterways

Cost for Electric Fish Barrier Significant, Board Votes to Stop Project

Original Story: Fox River Navigation System Authority

The Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) board voted in late June to halt work on the Menasha lock re-opening project, with no set date for resuming development of an electric barrier in the lock channel.

The Menasha lock (located between Lake Winnebago and Little Lake Butte des Morts) had been the most-used lock in the system between Lake Winnebago and Green Bay. After the discovery of a round goby below the Neenah dam in 2015, FRNSA voluntarily closed the lock in an effort to keep the invasive fish out of Lake Winnebago. Since then, the round goby has become abundant in the Fox River and Little Lake Butte des Morts.

The FRNSA has spent more than $750,000 on a proposed electronic barrier which would have allowed boats to pass through the lock, but emit a DC current to repulse fish from entering the lock channel.

However, with an installation cost of $7 million, plus an annual operating cost of $300,000-$400,000, the FRNSA board voted to stop work on the project. Since 2015, FRNSA has been working with experts in aquatic ecosystem management to design a plan using a system of an electric deterrent barrier and water flow regulation at the Menasha lock. Board members indicated further work on the proposal was not within the organization’s budget.

Prior to closing the Menasha lock, it had been the busiest lock on the system; now the DePere lock is the busiest. The locks are the only way the Fox River is navigable—from Menasha to the Bay of Green Bay the river drops in elevation 168 feet. From the Menasha lock to the Rapide Croche lock the river has 17 miles of navigable water. On the northern end of the river from Rapide Croche to the Bay of Green Bay the river is navigable for 20 miles.

“Our goal has always been to restore navigation of the Fox River through the lock system, but we also want to ensure we are protecting the waterways,” Ramlet said. He added FRNSA has maintained a testing program for invasive species for years.

Photo Credit: FRNSA

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post Menasha Lock Re-Opening Plans Put On Hold Indefinitely appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2024/07/02/menasha-lock-re-opening-plans-put-on-hold-indefinitely/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=menasha-lock-re-opening-plans-put-on-hold-indefinitely

Landing Blitz: Protecting our Waters

On: July 2, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Bay of Green Bay, Butte des Morts, Clean Boats Clean Waters, Fond du Lac, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, Great Lakes, Green Bay, invasive species, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Lower Fox River, Outreach, Outreach and Education, Upper Fox River, watershed, WDNR, WI DNR, Winnebago Waterways

4th of July and Aquatic Invasive Species

Happy 4th of July!

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is joining the international effort to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species this July 4^th weekend! The annual Landing Blitz campaign runs June 26th – July 6th, 2024. Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) boat inspectors and educators will meet boaters at lake and river launches to remind them that by taking simple prevention steps, we all play a vital role stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) like zebra mussels.

Joining with the Great Lakes Landing Blitz, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance joins all the Great Lakes states and provinces to educate boaters that simple clean up steps and draining water from the boat and live wells can help to prevent the spread of AIS. Many boaters will be greeted at landings and access points by volunteers and regional aquatic invasive species prevention partners sharing the simple but powerful message: YOU can protect lakes and rivers form aquatic invasive species impacts.

“It only takes a minute to remove plants, animals, mud or debris from boats, trailers and equipment and to drain all water from bilges, livewells and bait buckets,” said Erin McFarlane, the Statewide CBCW Educator with Extension Lakes. “These simple steps help keep invasive species from hitching a ride from one lake or river to another.”

No matter where you launch, always remember before you leave the launch to:

Inspect boats, trailers and equipment for attached aquatic plants or animals.
Remove all attached plants or animals
Drain all water from boats, motors, livewells and other equipment
Never move live fish away from a waterbody (out of water = dead)
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash
Buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer
Only use leftover minnows when either 1) fishing with them on the same body of water or 2) on other waters if no lake/river water or other fish have been added to the container.

Following these steps ensures boaters comply with Wisconsin state law, which prohibits the transport of aquatic invasive species.

Have a safe holiday weekend and thanks for helping protect our waterways!

Photo Credit: Sophia Koch

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post Landing Blitz: Protecting our Waters appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2024/07/02/landing-blitz-protecting-our-waters/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=landing-blitz-protecting-our-waters

Warming Weather? Help Volunteer to Protect Your Favorite Places

On: March 13, 2024

In: 2024, Adopt-a-Launch, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Bay of Green Bay, Butte des Morts, Citizen Lake Monitoring Network, Clean Boats Clean Waters, conservation, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, invasive species, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Project RED, volunteer, volunteer opportunity, watershed

Opportunities Abound; Volunteer While Doing What You Love!

The warmer weather and open water is calling! When you’re out doing your favorite activities this spring and summer, you could be helping protect your lakes and rivers! Learn about some of the volunteer opportunities at Fox-Wolf below. Our volunteer opportunities give you the flexibility to do what you love while protecting your waters!

Adopt-a-Launch

Join community members in helping improve boat launches ! Interested individuals will adopt a local boat launch and help remove plants from the launch area, pick up litter, and report issues with the launch. Volunteers also help protect our lakes by searching for aquatic invasive species at their launch! Adopt-a-Launch program is a Fox-Wolf program that works to engage community members in taking ownership of their lakes by helping to search for aquatic invasive species and improve boat launches! Get involved today!

Project Riverine Early Detectors

Love to paddle, kayak, or canoe in rivers and streams? Help look for invasive species during this relaxing pastime! You will be trained on how to easily identify aquatic invasive species, some native look-a-likes, and how you can keep an eye out for them when you’re floating just around the riverbend!

Citizen Lake Monitoring Network

Join 1000+citizen volunteers statewide to collect high quality data on the lakes that you love! CLMN volunteers help monitor their lakes for a variety of things including water quality parameters, ice on/off, and aquatic invasive species! Volunteers help determine which topics they are interested in monitoring. The information gathered by volunteers is even used by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and university biologists and researchers, UW-Extension, and other interested individuals in projects that work to improve your lake! Help keep track of changes in your lake while being near your favorite Winnebago lake! This opportunity is easy to do from both the shoreline as well as your boat!

Purple loosestrife Biocontrol

Love to garden! This one’s for you! Help control harmful invasive species in our community! The invasive plant Purple loosestrife can quickly dominate a wetland and harm our native plants. You can help by raising a natural predator of Purple loosestrife (Galerucella beetles) on caged, potted, loosestrife plants in your backyard. Once released into local infested wetlands, the beetles only eat purple loosestrife, giving native plants a chance to re-establish. This DNR program, locally coordinated by Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, offers free supplies and does not require previous experience. Access to an outdoor space within reach of a garden hose is ideal, but we are also looking for volunteers to help with plant potting and beetle release events.

Clean Boats, Clean Waters

Love talking with people? Get involved in the effort to protect Wisconsin lakes and rivers by stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species. As a volunteer watercraft inspector, you will take up the front line by conducting boater education at boat landings in your community. Inspectors perform boat and trailer checks for aquatic invasive species, educate boaters on how to stop the spread, and collect and report new infestations. Meet other anglers and boaters from across the Midwest!

AIS Statewide Snapshot Day

Want a single day event that’s fun for the whole family? During the statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day, join other water quality enthusiasts in searching for invasive species that harm our waterways. Learn how to search for invasive species that may affect the waters that are special to you. You can choose to search from the shore with binoculars and a rake or wade into friendly waters to get a better look! This event is fun for the whole family and really makes a difference in the fight against invasive species. AIS Snapshot Day occurs on August 10th, 2024.

How To Get Started

Give the greatest gift this year to your waters; your time! Whether you want a single day opportunity or want to help out throughout the summer, we will help you fuel your environmental passions at Fox-Wolf! View more of Fox-Wolf’s volunteer opportunities by visiting: https://fwwa.org/join-us/volunteer-with-fwwa/

Interested? Contact – Chris Acy, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance AIS Coordinator. chris@fwwa.org. (920) 460-3674

Photo Credit: Dan O’Connell, Chris Acy

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post Warming Weather? Help Volunteer to Protect Your Favorite Places appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2024/03/13/warming-weather-help-volunteer-to-protect-your-favorite-places/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=warming-weather-help-volunteer-to-protect-your-favorite-places

Invasive Plants in Your Yard? Here’s What To Do

On: January 16, 2024

In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive, aquatic invasive species, Butte des Morts, Fond du Lac, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, invasive species, Keepers of the Fox, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Lower Fox River, Outreach, Outreach and Education, water garden, water gardeners, watershed, Winnebago Waterways

Creating Landscapes Free of Invasive Plants Webinar; January 31st 2024 6:30 PM

Attention Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, Garden Club Members and others advising home gardeners; this webinar is for you! Representatives from UWEX and DNR will join Melinda Myers to talk about current threats, available resources and ways we can all work together to manage invasive plants. To register for the free webinar, click the button below!

Melinda Myers is the author of numerous gardening books, including The Garden Book for Wisconsin, Small Space Gardening and The Midwest Gardeners Handbook. She hosts the “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. She offers free gardening webinars on her website at www.MelindaMyers.com.

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance’s Winnebago Waterways Program on our Winnebago Waterways Facebook page or @WinnWaterways on X! You can also sign-up for email updates at WinnebagoWaterways.org.

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

Winnebago Waterways and Keepers of the Fox are Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance programs. The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization working to protect and restore water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin.

The post Invasive Plants in Your Yard? Here’s What To Do appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2024/01/16/invasive-plants-in-your-yard-heres-what-to-do/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=invasive-plants-in-your-yard-heres-what-to-do

AIS Snapshot Day 2023; 115 volunteers Search 102 Different Waterbodies

On: September 25, 2023

In: 2023, AIS, ais snapshot day, aquatic invasive species, Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day, Bay of Green Bay, conservation, Event - Non-FWWA, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, Green Bay, invasive species, snapshot day, Water Action Volunteers, watershed, WDNR, WI DNR

Original Story: Water Action Volunteers

On August 19^th, 2023, water lovers of all ages gathered for a one-day statewide aquatic invasive species (AIS) scavenger hunt as a part of the 10^th annual AIS Snapshot Day. This event is coordinated by UW Extension in partnership with River Alliance, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and Extension Lakes. Volunteers met at different local rendezvous sites across the state to learn how to identify AIS such as Eurasian watermilfoil, purple loosestrife, and New Zealand mudsnails, and then searched for them in the field at pre-selected locations. Initially focused on rivers and streams, Snapshot Day has expanded to include lakes and wetlands. Findings from Snapshot Day are uploaded to the statewide water quality database, SWIMS, where they can be used to track the spread of invasive species and develop management plans.

Every year, Snapshot Day provides a vast amount of AIS data to the WDNR to assist in management decisions, and this year was no exception! 145 participants gathered across 22 meeting locations and monitored 131 sites across 102 different waterbodies in Wisconsin. 48 of those waterbodies had no AIS detected. At 83 sites, volunteers located 15 different AIS species, including purple loosestrife, curly-leaf pondweed, Asian clams/freshwater golden clams (Corbicula), and faucet snails.

Snapshot Day’s community-based science approach maximizes the number of sites being checked across the state, and the free event allows volunteers to learn about their local waters and how to keep them healthy. As one volunteer stated, “I enjoyed the hands on learning approach. It was helpful to have well informed guides and samples of the invasive species to get a close look at. Once we had a good understanding of what to look for, it was fun to go out and collect samples of what we were finding.”

We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all of the volunteers, partner organizations, and site leaders who made this event possible.

And don’t forget to follow Snapshot Day on Facebook for future updates! https://www.facebook.com/aissnapshotday

Photo Credit: Chris Acy (Fox-Wolf), Emily Heald (Water Action Volunteers)

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post AIS Snapshot Day 2023; 115 volunteers Search 102 Different Waterbodies appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2023/09/25/ais-snapshot-day-2023-115-volunteers-search-102-different-waterbodies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ais-snapshot-day-2023-115-volunteers-search-102-different-waterbodies

Shoreline Planting Tour in Menasha on Sept. 9, 2023 at 9am!

On: August 28, 2023

In: conservation, erosion, Event - FWWA, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, habitat, Healthy Lakes, healthy lakes and rivers, Lake Winnebago, menasha, Outreach, Outreach and Education, shoreline, shoreline property, shoreline property tour, Shoreline Restoration, Shoreline Tour, soil, tour, watershed, watershed recovery, WDNR, WI DNR, Winnebago Waterways

Thanks to a generous shoreline property owner, we will be touring a shoreline planting on his property in Menasha on September 9, 2023 starting at 9am. Interested in attending? Click here to learn more and sign-up! Please provide your contact info if you plan on joining us so we can keep you updated on any changes due to weather. Thank you!

Tom Mace, longtime supporter of the Winnebago Waterways Program and of Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, has generously offered his property for a tour for interested visitors to learn about native shoreline plantings! Meet us at the property to learn about a shoreline planting seeded with native plants in fall, with growth seen in the following spring. The property also features an upland prairie planting that is very effective at attracting all sorts of pollinators. The property combines the native plantings with a more formal garden and a few orchard trees. Learn about the process of preparing, installing and maintaining these plantings and about the benefits to the property and water quality!

We expect the tour will last about an hour. If you plan on joining us, please dress for the weather and let us know to expect you by clicking the image below!

The post Shoreline Planting Tour in Menasha on Sept. 9, 2023 at 9am! appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2023/08/28/shoreline-tour-sept_9_2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shoreline-tour-sept_9_2023

Katie Reed

CLICK Snapshot Day Returns August 19th, 2023

On: July 19, 2023

In: 2023, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Bay of Green Bay, Brown County, Event - Non-FWWA, fox river, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, Green Bay, habitat, invasive species, Keepers of the Fox, Lower Fox River, Outreach, Outreach and Education, snapshot day, volunteer opportunity, watershed

Wisconsin residents invited to help search Wisconsin’s waters for invasive species on August 19^th

Water lovers of all ages are invited to join the statewide search for aquatic invasive species (AIS) on August 19^th, 2023. This fun, hands-on effort, known as AIS Snapshot Day, relies on participants to monitor streams, lakes, and wetlands at designated sites across the state, for signs of non-native plants and animals that pose risks to Wisconsin waterways and wildlife. Volunteers have a choice to register at one of over twenty event locations hosted by local conservation groups.

Coordinated in partnership by UW-Madison Division of Extension, UW-Stevens Point Extension Lakes, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Snapshot Day is entering its’ 10th successful year. Information collected will be provided to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to inform and guide monitoring and response efforts. Volunteers are key to the success of the event.

“Projects like AIS Snapshot Day are a fun and simple way for volunteers to get engaged and for the local site leaders and DNR to collaborate” says Maureen Ferry, DNR AIS Monitoring Coordinator. “DNR has a long list of sites with suspected but unverified AIS that AIS Snapshot Day monitoring targets. This increases the chances of volunteers finding a species. Plus, each year, we make new detections.”

Last year over 150 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to monitor at more than 234 sites across the state making for a fun and safe event.

This is a free event. Recommended for ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

LOCAL EVENT DETAILS:

Saturday, August 19th

8:30 am-12:30 pm

Pamperin Park, Green Bay

REGISTRATION:

Advance registration is requested to help Site Leaders build monitoring plans.

Photo Credit: Chris Acy (FWWA)

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post *CLICK* Snapshot Day Returns August 19th, 2023 appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2023/07/19/click-snapshot-day-returns-august-19th-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=click-snapshot-day-returns-august-19th-2023

CLICK Snapshot Day Returns August 19th, 2023

On: July 19, 2023

Wisconsin residents invited to help search Wisconsin’s waters for invasive species on August 19^th

Last year over 150 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to monitor at more than 234 sites across the state making for a fun and safe event.

This is a free event. Recommended for ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

LOCAL EVENT DETAILS:

Saturday, August 19th

8:30 am-12:30 pm

Pamperin Park, Green Bay

REGISTRATION:

Advance registration is requested to help Site Leaders build monitoring plans.

Photo Credit: Chris Acy (FWWA)

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post *CLICK* Snapshot Day Returns August 19th, 2023 appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2023/07/19/click-snapshot-day-returns-august-19th-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=click-snapshot-day-returns-august-19th-2023

CLICK Snapshot Day Returns August 19th, 2023

On: July 19, 2023

Wisconsin residents invited to help search Wisconsin’s waters for invasive species on August 19^th

Last year over 150 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to monitor at more than 234 sites across the state making for a fun and safe event.

This is a free event. Recommended for ages 8 and up, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

LOCAL EVENT DETAILS:

Saturday, August 19th

8:30 am-12:30 pm

Pamperin Park, Green Bay

REGISTRATION:

Advance registration is requested to help Site Leaders build monitoring plans.

Photo Credit: Chris Acy (FWWA)

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post *CLICK* Snapshot Day Returns August 19th, 2023 appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2023/07/19/click-snapshot-day-returns-august-19th-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=click-snapshot-day-returns-august-19th-2023

Japanese Knotweed and our Rivers

On: July 10, 2023

In: AIS, aquatic invasive species, Bay of Green Bay, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, habitat, invasive species, Japanese Knotweed, Keepers of the Fox, Lake Butte des Morts, lake management planning, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Lower Fox River, Melinda Myers, Outreach, Outreach and Education, restoration, Shoreline Restoration, watershed, WDNR, Winnebago, Winnebago Waterways

Gardener Extraordinaire Melinda Myers Gives Insight into Japanese Knotweed

During last month’s National Rivers Month, Melinda Myers took a moment to highlight the over 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams in the United States. In addition to outlining the amazing things our waters do for us (including supplying water for drinking and for irrigating crops), Melinda brought attention to a riverside invasive species; Japanese knotweed. This plant was original brought to America as an ornamental but quickly spread through much of the United States. With bamboo-like stems, this invasive plant is known to choke waterways and hasten erosion. If you are one of the folks who has Japanese knotweed growing along your shorelines, there are great control options available.

To learn more, including control methods, check out this Japanese Knotweed brochure: https://widnr.widen.net/s/jzxjqrs867/wy0090?fbclid=IwAR2q36KUKGAJ4NJfAZ7N8S6MOeOgx-NPEV1T-LD3lzp6nMdXFvRWum-ssKQ

Photo Credit: Paul Skawinski, Melinda Myers

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

The post Japanese Knotweed and our Rivers appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2023/07/10/japanese-knotweed-and-our-rivers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=japanese-knotweed-and-our-rivers

Water Quality Monitoring Season off to a good start!

On: June 29, 2023

In: fox-wolf, Fox-Wolf Basin, FWWA, Katie, lakes, monitoring, Outreach and Education, phosphorus, pollution, Poygan, program, reed, sediment, streams, system, volunteer opportunity, volunteers, Water quality, watershed, Winnebago, Winnebago Waterways, Winneconne

Our wonderful water quality monitoring volunteers have kicked off the 2023 monitoring season!

Volunteers are monitoring sites located throughout the Winnebago Waterways Recovery Area. During the growing season, volunteers monitor once a month for physical, chemical, and biological data as part of the Winnebago Waterways Water Quality Monitoring Program. Their hard work and effort results in data that allows us to monitor the water quality from month to month and year to year. Already this season, they’ve faced dry, rainy, and smoky/hazy conditions. Thank you for all you do water quality monitoring volunteers!!

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

The post Water Quality Monitoring Season off to a good start! appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

https://fwwa.org/2023/06/29/ww-wq-volunteers-2023-season-start/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ww-wq-volunteers-2023-season-start

Katie Reed

Ice-Out officially called for Lake Winnebago – April 6, 2023

On: April 27, 2023

In: 2023, ACOE, alliance, army corps, Butte des Morts, drawdown, fox-wolf, ice off, ice out, Lake, lake level, Lake Management, level, Outreach and Education, pool, Poygan, spring, summer, target, water, Water quality, watershed, Winnebago, Winnebago Waterways, Winneconne, winter, WWLAT Related Posts

Ice out on Lake Winnebago was officially called by the Army Corps of Engineers on April 6, 2023 as determined by MODIS satellite imagery. Ice out (aka ice off) is when ALL ice is gone from the lake surface as observed by satellite. This is important because ice out marks the date that the Army Corps transitions their management of Lake Winnebago from maintaining winter pool to focus on spring refill.

Ice out dates for Lake Winnebago 2006 to 2023 (Source: ACOE)

The Army Corps of Engineers – Chicago District manages water levels for Lake Winnebago by regulating outflow at the dams in Menasha and Neenah under the Federal Marshall Order of 1886. The Marshall Order is intended for flood risk management.

The Marshall Order defines the limits of regulation for Lake Winnebago:

May 1st to October 1st (navigation season):
- High end of limit: 3.45 ft.
- Low end of limit: 0.18 ft.

October 2nd to April 30th:
- High end of limit: 3.45 ft.
- Low end of limit: 1.68 ft

While meeting their mission of flood risk management is the priority, the Army Corps also tries to meet the needs of various stakeholders within their operating limits. This requires finding a reasonable balance among multiple competing interests. Each year, with stakeholder input, the Army Corps sets their annual regulation strategy which guides their daily management decisions.

Their annual regulation strategy represents that balance and can be broken down by certain times of the year: fall drawdown, winter pool, spring refill, and summer pool. Water level targets are set along this strategy in a schedule. These targets are listed in the Army Corps 2022 – 2023 Lake Winnebago Regulation Strategy (shown in the image below). The green band in the annual strategy represents the “target band”. The Army Corps tries to hold water levels within this band. The dotted lines represents the average lake level across all years as noted in the key.

Average Water Level for Lake Winnebago

Lake level for Lake Winnebago is an average of readings from four gages located around the lake and is in reference to the Oshkosh Datum.

Fall Drawdown: As of the 2021/2022 regulation strategy, fall drawdown has been scheduled to begin between Sept 1 and Oct 1 each year at the discretion of the Army Corps through an adaptive decision making process.

Winter Pool: Each February, the Army Corps evaluates basin conditions and the forecast to determine their winter drawdown target.

The Army Corps draws down Lake Winnebago every winter to reduce the risk of damage caused by ice shoves, protect shoreline properties, and provide enough space within the lake to hold excess water that flows into Lake Winnebago each spring (snow melt and rain storm runoff from a 5,900 square mile watershed). The 2023 winter drawdown target operating band for Lake Winnebago this year was 1.25 ft to 1.3 ft.

Spring refill: When the Army Corps determines ice out has occurred on Lake Winnebago based on satellite imagery, spring refill is triggered. For many boaters, people interested in habitat protection, and stakeholders working to restore the lakes, refill is of particular interest. According to the most recent annual strategy, refill targets are as follows:

May 1st – 2.5 ft (Operating band: 2.4 to 3.6 ft)
June 1st – 2.8 ft (Operating band: 2.7 to 3.9 ft)
June 15th – 2.9 ft (Operating band: 2.8 to 3.0 ft)

Summer Pool: The Army Corps tries to maintain the lake within a target band for summer recreation navigation.

The total seasonal water elevation change is typically about 1.8 ft in a given year.

Recent conditions:

Despite having all available gates open at the dams since March 6, 2023, the average level of Lake Winnebago has been well above the target band since the beginning of April. This is likely due to the lake not being drawn down far enough or early enough to accommodate spring runoff from snow melt and precipitation. When inflows to Lake Winnebago exceed outflow capacity of the gates, the lake begins to rise uncontrolled. Overshooting the target band increases risk of flooding, significantly damages habitat and limits water quality restoration gains (among other impacts).

A graph from April 21, 2023 shows the recent average lake level (dashed line). Hopefully, precipitation will ease up and the Army Corps will be able to regain control before too much damage is done to the wetlands and aquatic habitat.

Additional Water Level Related Information:

1.) Water Level Management for the Winnebago Waterways: This report describes water level management including the process of developing an annual strategy, the considerations for the strategy, and the reason the strategy (schedule) is in its current form. CLICK HERE for the report.

This report is part of a larger planning effort for the Winnebago Lakes. The rest of the lake plan can be found here: https://fwwa.org/lake-management-planning-2/

2.) Winnebago Water Level Assessment Team (WWLAT): This is a stakeholder group that holds discussions about water levels independent of the Army Corps public input process. The website for the Team provides information about the background, past recommendations, and more. Interested stakeholders are welcome to participate. Link: https://fwwa.org/winnebago-waterways/wwlat/

3.) The Army Corps provides access to a lot of data and information through their Lake Winnebago webpage: CLICK HERE

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

The post Ice-Out officially called for Lake Winnebago – April 6, 2023 appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

https://fwwa.org/2023/04/27/ice-out-officially-called-for-lake-winnebago-april-6-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ice-out-officially-called-for-lake-winnebago-april-6-2023

Korin Doering

River otters return to the Detroit River

On: April 29, 2022

In: detroit river, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, otters, Protect, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, watershed, Wildlife

River otters return to the Detroit River

On the cool morning of April 25, doctoral student Eric Ste Marie from the University of Windsor’s department of integrative biology went out for a walk with his partner along the Detroit River prior to an anticipated long day in his lab. Much to his surprise, he saw an animal pop its head out of the water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/river-otters-detroit-river/

John Hartig

One-third of America’s rivers have changed color since 1984

On: January 8, 2021

In: Algae Blooms, AP, harmful algal blooms, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, watershed

One-third of America’s rivers have changed color since 1984

By Seth Borenstein, AP Science Writer

America’s rivers are changing color — and people are behind many of the shifts, a new study said.

One-third of the tens of thousands of mile-long (two kilometer-long) river segments in the United States have noticeably shifted color in satellite images since 1984.