Dane County Executive Joe Parisi recently introduced a 2023 budget proposal that could be a game changer for our lakes. The budget proposal includes an initial $3 million investment for a proposed study for a third Dane County manure digester. If approved, the proposal will lay the groundwork for the design and siting of a regional cow manure processing facility. The proposed budget follows the release of RENEW THE BLUE: A Community Guide for Cleaner Lakes & Beaches in the Yahara Watershed.
Clean Lakes 101 is taking a field trip to learn more about Dane County’s signature Suck the Muck effort to remove legacy sediment. Register today to join us on Monday, August 22nd for this educational event at Sixmile Creek with Dane County Executive Joe Parisi.
Dane County’s “Suck the Muck” project has received a lot of exciting attention over the past few years for its legacy sediment removal in Dorn Creek and Token Creek. Now on the third phase of the project, Dane County will begin the work in Sixmile Creek. It is estimated that approximately 25,000 tons (or about 1,800 dump truck loads) of material will be removed from this section of Sixmile Creek, including an estimated 60,000 pounds of phosphorus contained in the accumulated sediment.
In this month’s Clean Lakes 101 field trip edition, we’ll hear an update from Dane County Executive Joe Parisi and Assistant Director of Land and Water Resources John Reimer about the project. Attendees will get to see the phosphorus-laden sediment islands firsthand and learn about the removal process. Ultimately, this project is currently estimated to divert thousands of pounds of phosphorus from entering our lakes.
About our Speakers
County Executive Joe Parisi has called Dane County home his entire life. Parisi sought out public service as a way to give back to a community that has given so much to him. He was first elected as County Executive, the chief elected leader of Dane County, in 2011 after 6 years in the State Assembly and 8 years as Dane County Clerk.
Parisi’s priority is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the opportunity to succeed. He believes investing in people pays big dividends. Joe knows this can work because he experienced it. As a teenager, Parisi dropped out of high school. He was encouraged to return to education through a community program by people who believed in him. So he worked to earn his GED and went on to MATC (now Madison College) and graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in sociology. Now Parisi believes it is his turn to give back to ensure that our children’s generation has access to the same opportunities that were available to him.
John Reimer is the Assistant Director of the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department. His technical background has focused on modeling and analysis of watersheds, rivers, and lakes. Reimer is responsible for lake level management, including aquatic plant harvesting and operation of the three dams in the Yahara chain of lakes.
Event Details: Field Trip Edition!
This event will be held at Sixmile Creek. (5656 Enchanted View Lane, Waunakee) This event is held at North Mendota Natural Resource Area near Sixmile Creek (see map below). Check in will open at 4:00 p.m. with a presentation and walking tour from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Please review the following details regarding the event:
The event will be held at an outdoor worksite on grassy, uneven terrain. Walking will be required to reach the presentation site.
Attendees should dress for the weather. Long light layers are recommended to protect against sun, scratches, and bugs/ticks.
The event will be held rain or shine. No rain date is scheduled. Cancellation due to severe inclement weather would be communicated via email day-of.
Parking is available at multiple spots at North Mendota Natural Resource Area but may require a short walk to the meeting location.
Bathrooms are not readily available at the site. The Kwik Trip on Hwy M, approximately 2 miles away, is the nearest drivable restroom.
Admission is FREE for all attendees. Online registration is requested.
Clean Lakes Alliance applauds Dane County lake project
Clean Lakes Alliance is excited to share news about Dane County’s continued focus on improving water quality. In early July, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, in conjunction with the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department, unveiled new lake technology.
Pheasant Branch Conservancy set to grow by 160 acres
On Thursday, May 16th, Dane County
announced plans to purchase 160 acres of property for conservation. The
property acquisition will be the largest conservation preservation investment
in the county’s history, costing nearly 10 million dollars.
Clean Lakes Alliance is pleased to announce a trifecta of speakers joining us for our Community Breakfast on Wednesday, May 8th at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall. We’ll hear from City of Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, and Wisconsin DNR Secretary Preston Cole about their plans for the Yahara Watershed.
A message from Joe Parisi, the Dane County Executive, for the 2015 State of the Lakes Annual Report:
From putting the finishing touches on a new system to convert countless gallons of waste and manure into clean water to investing in proven technologies, Dane County has been and will continue to be a leader in our efforts to clean up our lakes.
