Lower Wisconsin River paddlers appreciate a protected, scenic gem during River Alliance’s 30th anniversary event series

A group of 35 paddlers enjoyed a beautiful day on the Lower Wisconsin River last month as a part of our 30th anniversary celebration.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources notes that the Lower Wisconsin is the longest free-flowing and undammed stretch of river in the Midwest. This 45,000-acre property extends along 92 miles of the river from Prairie du Sac to the confluence with the Mississippi River and has a wide variety of wildlife, fisheries, and historic sites.

The Riverway is protected from development due to the historic, bipartisan legislation signed by Governor Tommy Thompson in 1989 to create the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and a Board that works with the DNR to administer the program.

Special thanks to the Friends of the Lower Wisconsin River President Timm Zumm for helping us coordinate the event and sharing safety advice. The paddle trip was even better with the addition of staff and interns from partner groups, Midwest Environmental Advocates and Clean Wisconsin.

Thanks also to River Alliance board President Mel Volbrecht for giving a welcome, to board treasurer Bill Coady for helping on site, and to emeritus board member Lindsay Wood Davis for sharing why he set a goal of paddling 30 water bodies this year. He’s nearly met his goal!

There are more paddle trips happening in September in celebration of River Alliance’s 30th anniversary. Visit our events page to learn about the dates that are coming up next. 

– Stacy Harbaugh, Communications Director

This message is made possible by generous donors who believe people have the power to protect and restore water.

Help River Alliance of Wisconsin celebrate our 30th anniversary! Support our work with your contribution today or take the River:30 pledge to spend more time with Wisconsin’s rivers this year.