Ag/NPS

The Ag/NPS Sector Team met in January to begin the process of developing reduction estimates for the Rock River Recovery plan.  Individual working meetings with counties are continuing through February.  The next full team meeting will be scheduled in April and include topics on membership, team goals/objectives, and strategies for forming effective partnerships.

There has been growing interest in the Farmer-Led model for the most effective implementation of ag practices.  UW Extension has developed a brochure providing guidance and information on forming Farmer-Led Initiatives.

SNAP+ and Nutrient Management Training

DATCP has announced upcoming classes and workshops for the following topics;

• SNAP+
• Nutrient Management Plannning

The first workshop is February 3.  Click HERE for a full listing of locations and dates.

Farm Transition and Estate Planning

The University of Wisconsin-Extension will host workshops in Stevens Point on Feb. 12 and in Westfield on Feb. 19 to provide information and ideas on farm succession and estate planning.

Midwest Cover Crop Meeting

Wisconsin is seeing a renewed interest in planting cover crops to prevent soil erosion, retain or add nutrients, reduce pest pressures and accomplish other goals. Farmers and educators are asking questions about which cover crops to plant, how to fit them into different cropping systems and what equipment is needed to plant and manage them.  These and other topics will be addressed at the Midwest Cover Crops Meeting in Madison, Feb 23, 24.

Cover Crops Case Studies:  JenEhr Farm (PDF)

Cover Crops Case Studies: Gary Sommers Farm (PDF)

Monitoring

Yahara Citizen Monitoring Meeting

On Saturday, March 5th, the Rock River Coalition (RRC) will host a meeting for volunteer stream monitors working in the Yahara River watershed. Results from our successful volunteer stream monitoring program will be presented along with a number of water quality topics.

This meeting will be at the Fitchburg Community Center. Morning sessions (9:00am to 11:45am) are open to the general public - click for a full agenda .  Pre-registration is required.  If interested in attending, please contact: Nancy Sheehan, nancy@rockrivercoalition.org. 

Door Creek Watershed Project

Dane County is starting monitoring for the Door Creek Watershed Management Action Plan this spring.  Contact Pete Jopke for more information.

Lake Waubesa Fish Habitat

Fish Sticks are being installed on the northeast side of Lake Waubesa to create near-shore fish habitat.  Trees are being sourced from a trail near the lake.  Contact Mike Rennicke for more information, and check out the Fish Sticks Best Practices Manual to learn more about this habitat enhancement technique.

Edge of Field Monitoring

The latest issue of The Confluence has a great article from the USDA and Agricultural Research Service on edge-of-field monitoring to quantify runoff volume and water quality from farm fields.  It also includes useful information for designing a monitoring program and resources to help implement a monitoring program.

Outreach

The Education and Outreach Sector Team has been having regular meetings to draft the next version of the Rock River Recovery E&O Plan.  Once the draft plan is completed, there will be an opportunity for review and feedback to be incorporated into the final plan.  Contact Joe Van Rossum or Mark Riedel if you would like to be added to the team, receie meeting notifications, and participate in the process.   

Testing the Waters

The Rock River Coalition is leading planning for a VERY exciting education and outreach event this May - Testing the Waters:  A Paddle and Probe Adventure.  This is a multi-day paddling adventure along the Rock River that includes;

• real time water quality sampling,
• public informational meetings,
• partnerships with numerous businesses and local governments,
• and MUCH MORE!

Check out THIS BROCHURE for details.  Contact Suzanne Wade of the Rock River Coalition for more information.

Stormwater

Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management Grants

The WDNR Urban NPS Grant program is currently open and accepting proposals (click HERE for more info).

Eligibility & Purpose: Competitive grants to local governments to reimburse costs of planning or construction projects controlling urban nonpoint source and storm water runoff pollution.
Maximum grant amount: Construction: $150,000. Additional $50,000 may be requested for property acquisition.
Match requirement: Planning: 50 percent
Contacts: Linda Talbot, (608-267-7551)
Deadlines: April 15

Stormwater & Erosion Control Conference

NASECA-WI is hosting the 13th Annual Advancements in Stormwater and Erosion Control conference February 3, 4 in Madison, WI.  This two-day conference will be divided into an erosion & sediment control focus (day 1) and a stormwater focus (day 2) so you can attend one day or both to suit your interests.

Wastewater

Multi-Discharger Variance

The Mutli-Discharger Variance Public Comment period closed on December 16th, 2015. The Department is working on responding to comments and making changes to the documentation before submittal to the EPA for approval. At this time, the Department does not have an estimated timeline.  

The Department is currently holding training throughout the state for CMOM development through the end of February to help facilities develop their CMOM program for the August 1, 2016 deadline.  

Regional WWOA meetings will be held throughout the state in February. Please see https://www.wwoa.org/ for more info.