Central Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited

CWTU River Keepers

New water monitors training on the Waupaca River

Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited has been actively involved in water monitoring since 2004. We are working in partnership with the WDNR's Water Action Volunteers. Currently, we are monitoring 25 sites on rivers and streams in central Wisconsin.

CWTU River Keepers are looking for volunteers who would like to join their Central Wisconsin River Keepers group. Volunteers do not have to be Trout Unlimited members to participate. River Keepers are advocates for area streams, they monitor their streams once a month, they are watchdogs for invasive species and environmental problems, and they are organized into small teams that are responsible for specific streams. The program has been in existence for 15 years and it has been conducted with the support of the University of Wisconsin Extension and the Wisconsin DNR.

While water monitoring, River Keepers record water temperature, stream turbidity, the amount of flow, habitat quality, bug life, and the amount of dissolved oxygen. This data is posted on the Water Action Volunteers website (http://watermonitoring.uwex.edu/wav), which is available for public use. The experience in fun and rewarding.

To sign up to become a River Keeper and to attend the training session contact Bob Jozwowski (920-765-1887) or E-mail at bobjozwowski@gmail.com.

Water Monitoring Recording sheets: Need to run some off? Go to: http://watermonitoring.uwex.edu/wav/monitoring/sheets.html

Riverkeeper 2018 Wrap Up & Appreciation Dinner

Hi All. While the WAV monitoring season is winding down, I wanted to get a note out to everyone and say thank you for your efforts this year. It has been challenging due to the many heavy rain events this summer and I trust you all made safe decisions on when to monitor. We will have our annual wrap up and appreciation dinner meeting again at the Fin N Feather restaurant in Winneconne on Monday November 12 starting at 5:30pm. We will begin with a complimentary buffet dinner with the meeting to follow from 6:30-7:30pm. Prior to the dinner from 4:30-5:30pm, Frank Druecke and I will be collecting your LaMotte and Hach dissolved oxygen kits upstairs in the meeting room so they can be refurbished for the 2019 season. The kits will be returned to you in April. I am still putting together the program for the evening but expect we will again have the participation of Peggy Compton UWEX and Ilana Haimes and Dave Bohla of the DNR. Let me know if there is a particular topic that you would like addressed. Again, thanks for everything you do.

Bob Jozwowski

2018 Wisconsin Volunteer Stream Monitoring Award Recipients

The University of Wisconsin-Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are pleased to recognize these individuals for their efforts leading to increased participation in stream monitoring, collecting stream data, and sharing their knowledge and data. These awards were presented April 20, 2018, at the Water Action Volunteer Symposium in Stevens Point, WI. s

Outstanding Organization: Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited (CWTU) Riverkeepers. The Central Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited has been involved in water monitoring for over ten years, modeling the positive impacts of gaining and sharing knowledge through citizen science. The Riverkeepers monitor 25 sites in multiple counties while continuing to seek new volunteers and new stream sites. They work closely with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff to monitor high priority streams where data is needed, and where their monitoring can save DNR staff time and money. The CWTU is also involved in the assessment of fish habitat structures, streambank restoration, and the expansion of water quality projects. Pictured (left to right) are Peggy Compton, UW-Extenstion Water Action Volunteer Coordinator; Bob Jozwowski, Coordinator for Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited Riverkeepers; Llana Haimes, WDNR Water Action Volunteers Coordinator; Tim Asplund, WDNR Section Chief.

(Photo taken by Doug Moore)

River Keeper Update 2018

5 NEW TEAMS SOUGHT FOR 2018

We are currently looking for some additional WAV Level 1 stream monitoring teams for 2018 to assist the DNR by providing data on new streams and/or sites in Western Waushara and Marquette Counties. The following stream locations are of interest:

Mecan River at County GG

Little Pine Creek at Czech Ct

Chaffee Creek at 11th Ln

Caves Creek at 5th Ave

Klawitter Creek at County J

If you would like to start a team at any one or more of these locations, contact Bob Jozwowski at 920-765-1887 or bobjozwowski@gmail.com. All monitoring equipment (except waders) will be provided and an on stream training program will be arranged.

CWTU River Monitoring Teams for 2018

Pine River (3 sites)

Upper Tomorrow River

Hartman Creek

Emmons Creek
White River
West Branch of White River (6 sites)

Willow Creek (2 sites)

Bird Creek
Kill Snake River

Tagatz Creek

Peterson Creek

South Branch Little Wolf

Twin Creek in Marinette

Fordham Creek
Sucker Creek

Wedde Creek

Mecan River

Lawrence Creek

Apple Creek

Sawyer Creek

South Branch Manitowoc River

North Branch of the Little Wolf River

Waupaca River

Yellow River

Roy Creek

Spring Creek in Billion

Stoney Brook

Soules Creek

Humphrey Creek

Upper Pine Creek

Tributaries Feeding Green Lake : Dakin Creek, Roy Creek, White Creek, Silver Creek, Wuerches Creek, Assembly Creek, Hill Creek, and Spring Creek.

Peggy Compton from UW- Extension conducting an on stream training session on Saturday, May 6, 2017

Eric Kropp Named 2017 Riverkeeper of the Year

Eric Kropp has been named the recipient of the 2017 Riverkeeper of the Year Award for his many contributions to the CWTU WAV stream monitoring program. Eric is not only the team leader for the monitoring of the White River near Wautoma, but is also a team member on the two Pine River sites. He also participated in the Total Phosphorus sampling program at Mud Creek. Eric has also assisted our team recruitment efforts at Trout Fest and Cabin Fever Days. Thank You, Eric. We are lucky to have you.

Pictured is Eric Kropp receiving his award from Bob Jozwowski at the Annual Riverkeepers Wrap Up meeting in November 2017.