Central Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Conserving, Protecting and Restoring Coldwater Fisheries
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 [email protected]
Water Monitoring Recording sheets: Need to run some off? Go to: http://watermonitoring.uwex.edu/wav/monitoring/sheets.html
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 [email protected]. 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.