DO SOMETHING!

Attend a public hearing and express support for "Outstanding or Exceptional Resource Waters" protection for our worthy rivers.

The below info is taken directly from the River Alliance's C.A.N.O.E. Newsletter.

Your favorite rivers may be flowing silently under the ice these days, but come spring, the goal is to realize increased protections for a number of Northern Wisconsin’s most pristine rivers and streams. The River Alliance, Midwest Environmental Advocates and over forty conservation groups petitioned DNR to designate 100 northern rivers as Outstanding or Exceptional Resource Waters. These designations are more than just a label, recognizing rivers untainted by “point source” pollution and setting a higher bar for any new point source discharges. DNR carefully considered the petition, and found sufficient data at this time to support ORW or ERW designation for 40 of the 100 rivers.

We will continue to seek additional protections for the remaining 60, but in the mean time, a strong show of support for the first 40 rivers is the key to success. Shortly after the New Year, DNR will hold a series of public hearings to hear from property owners and river users about the proposal. To see if one of your favorite rivers made the list and to learn more background, click here.

Whether or not your favorite is on the list, DNR and the legislature need to hear you support additional protections for these 40 rivers, and hopefully many more pristine but threatened rivers in the near future. The public hearing schedule is as follows:

• January 4, Rhinelander 6:30 Holiday Inn Express, 668 W. Kemp St.
• January 5, Madison 1:30 Room G09, GEF #2, 101 South Webster St.
• January 11, Ashland 6:30 Great Lakes Visitor Center, 29270 Cty Hwy G
• January 12 Spooner 6:30 Gov. Thompson Hatchery, 951 W. Maple St.

The DNR will provide an informational presentation a half hour prior to the hearing. Written comments will be accepted until January 31; see the web site above for the mailing instructions. If you need more information, please contact Lori Grant at 608-257-2424, ext. 111 or lgrant@wisconsinrivers.org.