7/3/2012
Protect Wisconsin waterways
By Andy Jorgensen
The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
If you've driven past Lake Koshkonong or Rock Lake in the past couple of weeks, you know that boating season is in full swing.
With more than 15,000 lakes and miles and miles of river, Wisconsin is one of the best places in the country to launch a canoe or pontoon, a bass boat or a cabin cruiser.
The variety and accessibility of our lakes isn't the only attraction, though. Wisconsin waterways are also known as being among the most pristine, nationwide. In fact, in the Department of Natural Resources' 2010 Water Quality Report to Congress, it reported that 75% of the lakes assessed in Wisconsin exhibited excellent or good water quality.
But, the continued health and well-being of our lakes and rivers is up to you.
This summer, as in previous years, the DNR is appealing to boaters to help stop the spread of invasive aquatic species like Eurasian water milfoil and zebra mussels. These species throw off the natural ecosystem, threatening native plants and animals - and damaging the value of our waterways.
Under Wisconsin law, boaters must take certain precautions to prevent the spread of invasive species, including inspecting their boat, trailer and equipment for "hitchhikers," removing any attached aquatic plants or animals before launching, after loading and before hitting the highway. Know that, if you do not follow this rule and are caught transporting aquatic species on the road, fines start at over $200. Conservation wardens, police and the State Patrol actively look for those in violation, and anyone can report a violation by calling 1-800-TIP-WDNR.
Boaters should also know that, by law, they must drain all water from their boats, motors and equipment. They must dispose of unwanted bait in the trash, buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer, and refrain from moving live fish from a body of water. These precautions are in place to help stop the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, a deadly fish virus found in Lake Michigan and Lake Winnebago that can kill many kinds of native fish.
Water quality also depends on people choosing not to litter or pollute our lakes, rivers and streams, and to maintain the plant life that helps cleanse the ecosystem, filtering out phosphorus and nitrogen that cause large algal blooms. Be aware that removing aquatic plants may require a special permit from the DNR.
If you're interested in taking an even more active role, you may want to learn more about the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, a collaboration between the DNR, the UW-Extension and the Wisconsin Association of Lakes. This group educates and activates citizen volunteers to watch out for and report invasive species and set up plans to protect plants and animals, provide recreational opportunities for the public and advocate for the good stewardship of our natural resources. Check out http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakespartnership for more information, or give me a call, toll-free, at (888) 534-0037.
Together, we can ensure the waterways we enjoy this summer will be enjoyed by many future generations to come.
Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson, represents the 37th Assembly District.
Protect Wisconsin waterways
By Andy Jorgensen
The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
If you've driven past Lake Koshkonong or Rock Lake in the past couple of weeks, you know that boating season is in full swing.
With more than 15,000 lakes and miles and miles of river, Wisconsin is one of the best places in the country to launch a canoe or pontoon, a bass boat or a cabin cruiser.
The variety and accessibility of our lakes isn't the only attraction, though. Wisconsin waterways are also known as being among the most pristine, nationwide. In fact, in the Department of Natural Resources' 2010 Water Quality Report to Congress, it reported that 75% of the lakes assessed in Wisconsin exhibited excellent or good water quality.
But, the continued health and well-being of our lakes and rivers is up to you.
This summer, as in previous years, the DNR is appealing to boaters to help stop the spread of invasive aquatic species like Eurasian water milfoil and zebra mussels. These species throw off the natural ecosystem, threatening native plants and animals - and damaging the value of our waterways.
Under Wisconsin law, boaters must take certain precautions to prevent the spread of invasive species, including inspecting their boat, trailer and equipment for "hitchhikers," removing any attached aquatic plants or animals before launching, after loading and before hitting the highway. Know that, if you do not follow this rule and are caught transporting aquatic species on the road, fines start at over $200. Conservation wardens, police and the State Patrol actively look for those in violation, and anyone can report a violation by calling 1-800-TIP-WDNR.
Boaters should also know that, by law, they must drain all water from their boats, motors and equipment. They must dispose of unwanted bait in the trash, buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer, and refrain from moving live fish from a body of water. These precautions are in place to help stop the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, a deadly fish virus found in Lake Michigan and Lake Winnebago that can kill many kinds of native fish.
Water quality also depends on people choosing not to litter or pollute our lakes, rivers and streams, and to maintain the plant life that helps cleanse the ecosystem, filtering out phosphorus and nitrogen that cause large algal blooms. Be aware that removing aquatic plants may require a special permit from the DNR.
If you're interested in taking an even more active role, you may want to learn more about the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, a collaboration between the DNR, the UW-Extension and the Wisconsin Association of Lakes. This group educates and activates citizen volunteers to watch out for and report invasive species and set up plans to protect plants and animals, provide recreational opportunities for the public and advocate for the good stewardship of our natural resources. Check out http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakespartnership for more information, or give me a call, toll-free, at (888) 534-0037.
Together, we can ensure the waterways we enjoy this summer will be enjoyed by many future generations to come.
Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson, represents the 37th Assembly District.