It takes ALL of us to make a difference
Help Clean Lakes Alliance advocate for change
In Greater Madison, the time has come to put lakes at the top of our community agenda. Recent flooding and historically large cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms are symptoms of a changing climate and a harder, less resilient landscape. The Center for Climatic Research has documented southern Wisconsin’s increasingly wet climate, with more frequent heavy rain events causing flooding throughout the region. This is impacting lake water quality by bringing increased sediment and nutrient pollution to our lakes and streams. We need a change in how we manage the landscape surrounding our homes, farm fields, and city streets to accommodate a wetter climate in our region.
At Clean Lakes Alliance, we believe that part of the solution will come from the recommendations of the Dane County Healthy Farms Healthy Lakes Task Force. The task force was created by the Dane County Board to generate a better understanding of the issues and needs affecting agriculture and lake quality. With Clean Lakes Alliance as an original champion of the effort and subsequent participant, this diverse group of farmers, farm business representatives, university researchers, government experts, and concerned citizen groups developed a set of action goals. We appreciate farmers working alongside government and nonprofit leaders, crafting practical ways to protect both agriculture and water quality.
However, it will take all of us to make a difference.
We are asking YOU to contact your county board supervisor. Here’s how:
1. Contact your county board supervisor to help get the Healthy Farms Healthy Lakes recommendations passed.
Sample language to send to your county board supervisor:
Dear ___________,
We need bold, transformative action for our lakes. I support ALL the recommendations of the Healthy Farms Healthy Lakes Task Force to lay the foundation for clean, healthier lakes. We need to change our relationship with the lakes and lands surrounding our homes, farm fields, and city streets. I believe the task force recommendations are a good place for us to start.
2. Voice your support at the Dane County budget hearings
- Thursday, September 13, 6:00 p.m. in room 201 of City County Building, (Agenda)
- Wednesday, October 17, 7 p.m. in room 201 of City County Building
Fun and educational stops (see information below)