Rhinelander River Rat Chat and Wolf River Hike

On June 4 we gathered in Rhinelander for our first River Rat Chat of 2022. It was wonderful to see old friends and welcome new members. The River Rat Chat was a listening session for all of us to hear about local water protection concerns and a chance to update our friends on the work of River Alliance of Wisconsin.

Rhinelander residents are concerned about PFAS contamination in their water, the impacts of oil pipelines and mining, and unsustainable food production. They want science-based shoreline protection and aquatic invasive species prevention, climate resiliency, and meaningful action for environmental justice and food equity.

We recognized local Water Heroes including Tom Jerow, Karl Fate, and Eric Rempala After our discussion, we enjoyed the most perfect weather on a hike to the Wolf River in the Schoepke area.

At the beginning of the visit we were honored that members of the Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa Community led a water prayer and tobacco ceremony to give thanks to the Wolf River. We then learned from Karl Fate and Eric Rempala with Oneida County Clean Waters Action about the river’s water quality and how it could be impacted by mining.

If you live in the Amherst/Stevens Point area, we invite you to our next River Rat Chat at Central Waters Brewing on June 30. Your first beverage is on us while drink tickets last. Registration details coming soon on our events page.