River Alliance recently held “The Politics of Phosphorus Citizens’ Summit” on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Engaged citizens representing watershed/lake groups from all around the state were in attendance (though many of the “lakes” represented are actually impoundments—dammed rivers).
The day was a crash-course in all things phosphorus (the nutrient with the dubious distinction of being responsible for a large amount of surface-water pollution in Wisconsin), featuring topics such as the life cycle and sources of phosphorus, the effects of toxic blue-green algae blooms, the difficulties in controlling phosphorus runoff (nonpoint-source pollution), and the pending state regulations that will attempt to regulate phosphorus. An important piece of the event was hearing the inspiring work that is being done to combat phosphorus pollution and associated algae blooms on the local level by watershed/lake groups, such as Centerville CARES, the Petenwell and Castle Rock Stewards, and the Tainter-Menomin Lake Improvement Association.
The event concluded with a brainstorming session where participants developed a list of actions that can be taken on the local and state levels to address this issue. For more information on the proceedings of the Politics of Phosphorus Citizens’ Summit, click the links (PDF) below.
Politics of Phosphorus Citizens’ Summit notes (PDF)
Buzz Sorge “Phosphorus 101” PowerPoint (PDF)
Elisabeth Harrahy, “Phosphorus 101: Blue-Green Algae” PowerPoint (PDF)
Russ Tooley, “Centerville CARES” PowerPoint (PDF)
Kelly Jacobs’ PowerPoint (PDF)
Note: some files are large and may take a minute to load.
River Alliance wishes to thank all participants, from presenters to attendees, for making this event a success.
Please contact Matt Krueger with any questions about the event.
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