Events
River Alliance of Wisconsin 30th anniversary virtual party
December 14, noon
We’ve been celebrating our 30th anniversary all year and all across the state. Now we’re heading into the home stretch by hosting a virtual, lunchtime gathering for all of our supporters across Wisconsin. Tune in via Zoom to hear:
- a welcome from Executive Director Allison Werner about what’s in store for our next 30 years,
- lightning round-robin updates from staff members on what’s happening in Wisconsin on PFAS, agriculture, mining, climate resilience, and community building,
- and a Q&A in the chat where you can ask about what’s ahead for River Alliance of Wisconsin.
The event is free to our generous supporters. Register online.
Workshops for Advocates: Use the Clean Water Act to Protect Your Local Waters
January 17, February 14, March 21: all workshop times 4-5:30 p.m. CST
Join River Network, Midwest Environmental Advocates, Wisconsin Lakes, and River Alliance of Wisconsin to learn how to use the Clean Water Act to protect and restore your local waters. Registration is free and ideal for grassroots and nonprofit organizations working to protect water in Wisconsin.
You’ll get an overview of Clean Water Act programs and how they fit together. Local advocates will share real-world case studies on how they used the CWA to protect their waters and communities. Workshops include interactive exercises and an overview of how to use River Network’s recently updated Clean Water Act Owner’s Manual.
January 17, 4-5:30 p.m. CST
Topic: WPDES Permitting Program Implementation
Speaker: Rob Lee, Staff Attorney, Midwest Environmental Advocates
Learn about the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ implementation of the Clean Water Act, Section 404 surface water pollution permitting program (including permitting basics like the length of permit terms, renewals, etc.), identification of regulated substances, development of effluent limits for specific discharges into specific bodies of water, schedules for compliance with and variances to water quality standards, and how the general public can participate in the permitting process. Register online.
February 14, 4-5:30 p.m. CST
Topic: CAFO Regulation and Wetland Regulation
Speakers: Adam Voskuil, Staff Attorney and Rob Lee, Staff Attorney, Midwest Environmental Advocates
MEA Staff Attorney Adam Voskuil will discuss large, industrial-agricultural operations called concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and how the Department of Natural Resources regulates CAFOs and their discharges to surface water and groundwater. MEA Staff Attorney Rob Lee will discuss the regulation of wetlands fill in Wisconsin, including the permitting process, substantive permitting standards, and public participation opportunities. Attorney Lee will also discuss the interplay between federal and state wetland regulations and how a recent decision from the U.S. Supreme Court, Sackett v. EPA, impacts that interplay. Register online.
March 21, 4-5:30 p.m. CST
Topic: Clean Water Act’s TMDLs and Nine-key element plans
Speaker: Bill Davis, Senior Legal Analyst, River Alliance of Wisconsin
Get a general overview of the Clean Water Act before diving into learning about Total Maximum Daily Loads and Nine-Key Element Plans and how local groups and advocates can best use them to drive improvements in their local waters. Register online.
Save the date: The Big Share
Tuesday, March 5
Community Shares of Wisconsin member organizations – including River Alliance of Wisconsin – will join together for a big day of giving!
Save the date: Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Madison, Barrymore Theatre, March 21
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is where activism comes alive. Join us for our annual film festival that will inspire you to restore and protect water.
Interested in sponsoring a River Alliance of Wisconsin event to promote your business?
See our event sponsorship opportunities.