CLIMATE STRIKE - SEPTEMBER 20!

La Crosse youth and adults are planning Climate Strike events to coincide with the Global Climate Strike on September 20. This is big. Not only will millions around the world be marching and rallying to bring attention to the climate crisis, people of La Crosse will rally, too.

But getting the world out, competing with business as usual, has been hard. So this is our plea: tell everyone about the Friday, September 20 Global Climate Strike and encourage them to get involved locally. If you don't live in the La Crosse area, there is still time to plan a vigil in your town center, hold a clilmate march or visibility events, invite friends to hold a letter writing session (and sign the online letter) or do something else to make the climate crisis visible and real in your community.

First, read and SIGN THE LETTER to Rep. Ron Kind that urges him to support real and immediate climate action legislation. This is not a "political" thing. This is a fundamental right of citizens thing! Sign the letter and encourage your groups and contacts to sign the letter.

Then read about and share the events highlighted at the event page. Events include a morning commuter visibility at La Crosse St. & Losey, two afternoon student strikes, and an evening march and rally.

Download and share the flyer - on social media, at your school or office, via email.

Last, attend and bring others to the events. Talk about the climate crisis every day. Relate what we are not doing right now to what we are doing to our future. Sunday's La Crosse Tribune had a great editorial about the consequences of our inaction.

This is the most important thing. Drop your current most important thing for one day and help the 9/20 Climate Strike break through the celebrity news and the Packers news and all the other distractions. The future of our planet and our children is on the line. Don't ignore them.

Stop Husky refinery

From Winona LaDuke:

On April 26th, 2018, an explosion rocked the Husky Refinery in Superior, Wisconsin that resulted in a dangerous fire. In the aftermath, it was discovered that had the accident unfolded in a slightly different matter, it could have killed many of the residents of Superior, WI and Duluth, MN. fire. The refinery has effectively been shut down since the event due to the extent of the damage from the explosion and fire.

Now Husky is applying for an air pollution control construction permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This permit would allow Husky to begin the construction required to not only bring the plant back online, but also to expand.

The Chemical Safety Board has yet to issue a final report on the cause of the explosion. The Duluth City Council has urged the WI DNR to review the use of hydrofluoric acid at the plant. Nevertheless, the WI DNR has only allowed 30 days for the public to review and comment on this permit application.

We are asking you to take action TODAY.

Right now.

The Department of Natural Resources and your elected officials need to hear from YOU that the public is concerned about this plant re-starting operations.

TALKING POINTS:

• Any permits should be put on hold until the Chemical Safety Boards issues their final report;
• A 30-day comment period does not provide enough time to review and understand the implications of restarting this plant;
• Hydrofluoric acid is not cutting edge technology and new, safer alternatives are available;
• The “rebuild” permit is also being used to increase the plant’s capacity, which should require a more robust review process;
• The air permit should be denied on the basis of the extreme increase in greenhouse gases;
• Communities in the Husky refinery airshed should be given an education and a chance to comment on the increase of air-borne toxins this plant restart would produce;
• Husky’s safety record should be reviewed before they are allowed to restart the plant;
• If the plant is re-started, the state of Wisconsin should increase worker safety requirements for the plant and all refineries, including both emergency response and clean-up activities for a worst-case scenario explosion.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

   RONALD BINZLEY  

   Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

   Bureau of Air Management

   (608) 264-9243

Find your representative or senator here: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/

Stop the Husky Refinery from taking more dangerous action in the Twin Ports by voicing your concerns. CALL NOW before it's too late.

Miigwech,

Winona LaDuke,

Executive Director

Honor the Earth

Solar grants from MREA for non profits and schools

From Midwest Renewable Energy Association:

"As part of our Wisconsin Solar Corps initiative, we are looking to advance 10 high-impact/high-visibility solar installations on schools and non-profit organizations assisting underserved populations." More info at link.

September Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 24: CLIMATE CHANGE - Heading for Extinction (and what to do about it) - An Extinction Rebellion video and discussion. Ho-Chunk Three Rivers House, 724 Main Street, La Crosse

Our planet is in a state of crisis. Species are going extinct at an incredible rate. The Arctic is melting faster and the permafrost is thawing sooner than scientists predicted. Weather patterns are changing, bringing more violent storms, more floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and droughts, which all threaten our ability to grow food. Many cities, like LA and New York, along wth countries like Scotland, Ireland, Britain, and Switzerland, have declared a climate emergency. It is critical that we act now.

Many groups, old and new, are pushing for immediate drastic action. One of the newest is Extinction Rebellion (XR) in the UK. They use nonviolent direct action to demand that the UK take action. In April 2019, XR hosted a forum in Oxford, facilitated by environmental and business journalist George Monbiot. We will watch an edited version of that program, which includes information and perspectives from adults and students, and then discuss what our Sierra Club and we as individuals, citizens, and environmentalists can do. You need not be a Sierra Club member to attend this event. Please attend, bring a friend, and share the event link: tinyurl.com/CRSCXR-924,


Global Climate Strike, 9/20-9/27  Fridays for Future, La Crosse Chapter  invites every person who cares about our planet to join them and supporting organizations (including Coulee Region Sierra Club) in taking climate action on and around Friday, September 20. La Crosse area actions on September 20 will include visibility events, strikes and vigils, and an all-city demonstration, petition of government, and pledge for personal action at 5:30 p.m. in downtown La Crosse. More events are being added to the schedule. See updates at tinyurl.com/920strike-lax.

“This decade is our last chance to stop the destruction of our people and our planet,” said Vic Barrett, a plaintiff in the Juliana v. United States case, a lawsuit brought by children, teens, and young adults against the United States government for failing to protect their futures from the climate effects of fossil fuel emissions.

“Our future was sold so that a small number of people could make unimaginable amounts of money.”
- Greta Thunberg

Gov. Evers' Clean Energy Action  On August 16, Governor Evers signed Executive Order #38 to address the issue of clean energy in Wiscon-sin. The Order directs the Department of Administra-tion to create an Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy and, in partnership with other state agencies and state utilities, achieve a goal of ensuring all energy consumed within the state is 100% carbon-free by 2050. The new office will promote the development and use of clean, renewable energy; innovate sustainability solutions; and diversify the state’s energy resources.

La Crosse County Action  At its August 22 meeting, the Sustainable La Crosse Commission recommended a resolution pledging county-wide carbon zero and 100% renewable energy to the La Crosse County Board. The resolution will be revised and reviewed by the county and its committees and will, we hope, come for a vote before the end of the year. If you live in La Crosse county, please watch for updates and actions you can take at crsierra.blogspot.com. 

 Rep. Jill Billings' Plastic Bills  Rep. Jill Billings (95th District) is concerned about plastics and fossil fuels used to manufacture them. She notes that China’s 2008 ban on plastic bags saved that country millions of barrels of oil. In an August interview for our newsletter, Rep. Billings talked about two plastics bills she co-authored and is co-sponsoring in the State Assembly.

AB 177 repeals the statute that prohibits local governments from regulating certain single use containers. Plastic bag and bottled water bans are effective but not allowed by individual communities under current Wisconsin law.

AB 226 prohibits food from being served in  foam polystyrene packaging. The ban would exclude packages sealed outside the state and meat/poultry/seafood trays. And it would go into effect slowly allowing time for businesses to find substitutes.

Plastic manufacturers are planning to increase production so we must find ways to encourage plastic alternatives. Rep. Billings thinks things are slowly getting better as more people learn about and understand the issues, including pollution, harm to sea life, and fossil fuel use. 

She suggests that Sierra Club members can be effective supporters and advocates by being aware of legislators’ issues and voting records and candidates’ promises. Support those who push our environmental agenda forward. Communicate with them by emailing or visiting, and be prepared with a broad range of reasons to support our causes. “Legislators come at issues with different priorities and values. It’s smart to have a multi-prong approach when talking with legislators. Some are concerned about how laws will affect our children. Some are more concerned with economic impacts.”

Also, make sure to hold “feet to the fire.” Ask, “Will you support this bill?” If they haven’t yet decided, it’s a chance to provide information that supports your issues.

Rep. Billings says the best way to contact legislators is by email. Often, staff will respond, but that’s good because they are the ones who do the research and help legislators understand details. Personal visits to legislators’ Madison offices are also effective. Take a one-page summary about each bill and why you support it. Highlight reasons, resources ,and sources and include contact information.

Read more about AB 177 and AB 226 at the State Legislature’s web page.

Black River Canoe Camping  Twenty-two of us, including nine kids, found the Black River to be the perfect place to beat the heat over the July 13-14 weekend. The weather and water levels were perfect. We hiked up Lost Falls on Roaring Creek, swam, played, rolled canoes, slept overnight on a sandbar, shared a camp fire, roasted marshmallows, sang, and played some more. The group also paddled about 23 miles! Special thanks to Pat and Bobbie Wilson, co-leaders! The last Coulee Region area trip of the year will be a September 15 day on the Kickapoo. See tinyurl.com/jmcwatertrips. 

Environmental Education Grants  Only one  program  received an environmental education grant in January 2019. Here is a report from Teresa Lakowske, a teacher at Innovations STEM Academy in Sparta about what was accomplished. Applications for 2020 grants will be available in November.

Water Stories and Experiments Project: Students from Sparta’s Innovations STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Academy, grades six through eight, do monthly water testing throughout the school year. Students wanted to share some of their water-related topics with elementary students to introduce and engage them in some STEM learning and thinking. STEM students taught elementary students lessons in water density, the water cycle, watershed, and buoyancy. The elementary students got to experience hands-on learning and were able to ask the older students questions as they went. All the students enjoyed the experience!

Selling Our Soul  (Follow link to read)  A CRSC member brought a magazine article to our June potluck and asked if we could share it in the newsletter. We received permission to reprint from the magazine, Traditional Bowhunter, and from the author, Sterling Holbrook, who wrote, “We aren’t rolling over up here on the issue nor do we all support drilling. Thank you for keeping up the pressure on them to protect the area.” Read the article online at tradbow.com/campfire-philosopher-selling-our-soul.

Fall Highway Cleanup - Tuesday, October 1  Tuesday, October 1 is the date of our River Valley Drive highway cleanup. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Gillette Street pumping station. Gloves, bags, and vests provided. Many hands make light work! Join us!

Sept. 4 - CAFO Siting Hearing   The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will hold a public hearing September 4 on ATCP-51 CAFO/livestock siting rule updates. The rules have not been revised since 2006. The hearing will be at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, 3060 South Kinney Coulee Road, Onalaska, from 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m. You may also comment online, by email, and by mail.
Read more about the hearing at tinyurl.com/CAFOSiting

September 4 Climate Forums  On September 4, the La Crosse Area League of Women Voters will host a live broadcast of the first program of a four-part 2019-2020 Climate Crisis Series developed by the LWV of Dane County. The La Crosse Area League is hosting a viewing in the basement auditorium of the La Crosse County Administration Building, 212 6th St. N. The free program starts at 6:30 p.m Doors open at 6:00 p.m. For details visit https://tinyurl.com/daneLWVClimate1.

Also on September 4, ten Democratic presidential candidates will participate in a CNN climate forum. A second climate forum, hosted by MSNBC, is set for September 19 and 20. Democratic National Committee leaders recently voted against holding an official  Democratic candidate climate debate. 

September 11 EV Workshop   Electric Vehicles: trends, planning considerations, and funding resources is the title of a workshop for sustainability managers, fleet managers, EV enthusiasts, and those wishing to learn more about local, state, and regional EV initiatives. On Wednesday, September 11 at the Radisson Hotel in La Crosse from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., industry experts from Argonne National Laboratory, Wisconsin Clean Cities, and RENEW Wisconsin will discuss EV trends, resources, policy issues, and more. Continental breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon EV ride and drive event are included in the $39 registration fee. Find info and registration details at tinyurl.com/EVChargingDay. 

Sept. 26 - Well Water Quality Update   Mark Borchardt, Ph.D., Research Microbiologist, USDA - Agricultural Research Service, will present results and analysis from testing done as part of the Southwest Wisconsin Geology and Groundwater Study (SWIGG) on Thursday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Platteville Public Library. The most recent test identified fecal sources from 35 private homeowners’ wells. These wells were randomly selected from those previously found during the study to be contaminated with coliform bacteria or high nitrate. The study is being conducted in Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette counties. The presentation is sponsored by Grant County Rural Stewardship and is free and open to the public. More information and details about the meeting: https://facebook.com/events/671883016619870.

 

August newsletter

Summer visit to the home of Nick Nichols, Tuesday, August 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nick Nichols, La Crosse County’s Sustainability Coordinator, has invited Coulee Region Sierra Club members and friends to visit his home and see how he lives the sustainable life 24/7. Nick will show us his solar system, his garden, and other renewable systems and hacks. The visit will be from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27. If you’d like to participate, please complete this form (tinyurl.com/CRSCVisitsNick) OR call Cathy at 608-315-2693 no later than August 26 at noon. We will also try to facilitate ride sharing. This is your chance to see what one family can do and ask questions about how to do it!

Ready for 100 La Crosse!  The Coulee Region Sierra Club is happy to announce that the La Crosse City Council passed a resolution committing the community of La Crosse to transitioning to 100% renewable energy and zero percent carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner. More details will be in our September newsletter. The Sustainable La Crosse Commission hopes to pass a similar resolution at the county level soon. Email crsierraclub@gmail.com if your community would like to start a similar initiative and check out the resources available at sierraclub.org/ready-for-100. You will learn about the Mayors for 100 initiative and how to start your own Ready for 100 campaign using tools and resources available from Sierra Club, partner organizations, and the others who have made the pledge.

Gundersen’s Sparta Clinic achieves “energy independence” The US Green Building Council Wisconsin has honored the Gundersen Clinic in Sparta with a Transformation Leadership
Award for the clinic’s successful sustainability practices. The Sparta clinic met its “energy independence” goal before it was even a year old by producing more renewable energy than it consumes. The clinic’s HVAC system uses geothermal wells, they have a variety of monitoring systems in place to conserve energy, the building is well insulated, and there is a 100kW solar array on the roof. In addition those who work at the clinic maintain an “energy-conscious attitude while
working in the building,” according to Alan Eber, Manager of Facility Operations at Gundersen. Gundersen Health System has been a leader in energy efficiency and energy independence. Read more at gundersenenvision.org.

Fennimore solar garden completed As reported by SWNews5U.com/local/fennimore-solar-project-completed, a new 18-acre solar garden in Fennimore is the largest solar array in Wisconsin. The project started as a collaboration between Organic Valley, OneEnergy Renewables, and participating communities but was purchased by BluEarth Renewables, a Canadian based company. It is one project in the Butter Solar portfolio which also includes arrays in Argyle, Cashton, Cumberland, Elroy, and New Lisbon. With completion of this project, Fennimore will be getting about 40 percent of its energy from wind and solar, surpassing their 20% renewable energy by 2020 goal. The Butter Portfolio energy will directly serve the local communities where projects are sited.

Black River family canoe trip  Fine weather and a wonderful group of children and parents made this year’s family-friendly canoe trip on the Black River a delight. We’ll have more about the trip in our September newsletter. Upcoming Sierra Club water outings include a five day trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (September 5-10) and a day trip on the
Kickapoo (September 15). For more trips and information, see tinyurl.com/jmcwatertrips.

Thank you, cleanup vols!  Thanks to the seven volunteers to showed up for our July
16 highway cleanup effort along River Valley Drive in La Crosse. Some volunteers cooled off at Rudy’s after the activity. Our next cleanup will be in October. 

Public transit open house  The Coulee Region Sierra Club partnered with La Crosse
Area Transit Advocates and the Coalition for More Responsible Transportation to host a Love Our Transit Open House in La Crosse on July 10. Similar events were held around the state to collect public transit riders’ and drivers’ stories and highlight the importance of public
transportation in providing independence to the thousands of Wisconsinites who don’t or can’t drive private vehicles. In La Crosse, we were also able to talk about the role public transportation can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. New “clean diesel” buses this year and electric buses next year will improve efficiency and reduce fuel and maintenace costs.

Inspiring Sustainability awards  The Sustainability Institute at Western Technical College
in La Crosse will present two Inspiring Sustainability awards at a September 24 program. Superior Fresh, a leading aquaponics facility in Northfield, and Kahya Fox, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity La Crosse will be recognized by La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. with a cash bar. Mayor Kabat will speak at 5:00 and will present the awards at 5:20. To register (free) visit www.sustaininstitute.com/education.

Wetlands videos  The Wisconsin Wetlands Association has   produced a series of short videos on state wetlands. They are free, downloadable, and useful for programs, classroom use, or just sharing with friends and family. Access the videos at www.wisconsinwetlands.org.

Mississippi Valley Conservancy  MVC is offering several hikes and volunteer opportunities in the Coulee Region during August.
* August 3 - Encouraging Biodiversity Field Day at Tunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area
* August 9, 16, 30 - Love the Bluffs Volunteer Days
* August 10 - Forest Bathing in La Crosse
* August 21 - Volunteer for the Wild at Tunnelville Cliffs
Visit the MVC site for more information: mississippivalleyconservancy.org/events.

Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP)  The USDA’s Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) works through rural energy providers to provide low interest, long term loans to help rural families and businesses reduce energy costs and consumption. Loans may be used for
weatherization; Energy Star appliances; HVAC and other systems updates; motors, blowers, boilers, dryers, and process related equipment; on- or off-grid renewable energy installations; irrigation or water and waste disposal systems; replacement of manufactured homes; lighting improvement; building envelope improvements; and other activities and investments directly related to energy efficiency implementation. The loans will reduce upfront costs and it is hoped that cost savings will offset the loan costs. Wisconsin Citizen Action urges rural residents to push their electric co-ops to apply for the program by the September 30 deadline. Learn more about RESP at tinyurl.com/AboutRESP and sign the Citizen Action petition at www.citizenactionwifund.org/power.

September electric vehicle charging workshop  Get on the fuel efficiency fast track: trends, planning considerations, and funding resources is a workshop for those considering a charging station or electric vehicle fleet. It will be presented on Wednesday, September
11 at the Radisson Hotel in La Crosse from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Industry experts from Argonne National Laboratory, Wisconsin Clean Cities, and RENEW Wisconsin will discuss EV trends, planning considerations, purchasing, resources, and regulatory and legislative policy. Continental breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon EV ride and drive event are included in the $39 registration fee. Find info and registration details at tinyurl.com/EVChargingDay.

Crawford County CAFO news  An expansion of a CAFO owned by Pork Producers AV Roth of Crawford County is currently under consideration. The CAFO would be sited along the Kickapoo River. The Crawford Stewardship Project is coordinating studies, education, and outreach. They note that, “The Wisconsin Department of Health Services estimates 47% of Wisconsin wells already do not meet health standards.” In this so-called “year of clean water,” it has been disappointing to see that the Wisconsin DNR’s CAFO permitting policies do not seem to have changed.A special meeting of the Marietta Town board will be held on Monday, August 5 at 7 p.m. to discuss and vote on a proposed one year moratorium at the Marietta Town Hall, 45550 Maple Ridge Road, Boscobel. Contact Forest Jahnke, fjahnke@crawfordstewardship.org (608-632-2183), for more information and to get involved.

CAFO siting rules  The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will hold public hearings around the state on ATCP-51 CAFO/livestock siting rule updates. According to Wisconsin Farmers Union, “The livestock siting rule determines standards and procedures for local governments to permit new or expanding large livestock
facilities.” While the law says the rule must be reviewed every four years, it has not been revised since 2006. A strong showing of farmers, rural residents, and engaged citizens will help defend necessary rule changes. The Farmers Union will host a conference call on August 6 at 6 pm to help organizations and citizens prepare for the ATCP-51 hearings. The call-in number is 800-582-3014 and the passcode is 96772278#. The only Coulee Region area public hearing will be on Wednesday, September 4 between 1 and 4 p.m. and 5 to
8 p.m. at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, 3060 South Kinney Coulee Road, Onalaska. You may also comment online, by email, and by mail.Get information about proposed updates, details about the process and all public hearings, and learn how to
comment at tinyurl.com/ATCP51Update. Read more about CAFOs’ impacts on the environment and public health at tinyurl.com/SCCAFO-2017. 

Sustainable business help  The Sustainability Institute at Western Technical College
in La Crosse has offered its MPower program for the past several years to help area agencies,programs, and businesses save money and energy, reduce waste, and become more sustainable. A redesigned program will begin this fall. See sustaininstitute.com/mpower.

On Thursday, August 15, Dr. Crispin Pierce, UW Eau Claire, and his students and interns will present a program on Particulate Air Quality Around Wisconsin Frac Sand Mines at the Skyline Golf Course, 612 North 11th Street, Black River Falls. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes a presentation on particulate air monitoring and one on Public Lab and Project Outreach Sand Sentinel materials. “The act of mining and processing sand for
hydraulic fracturing generates particulate matter that becomes airborne. Our aim is to quantify the risk of ambient exposure to the airborne particulates around the industrial silica sand operations so that communities and decisionmakers can be well-informed of their air quality.” Refreshments will be served at this free event.

Invasive plant species  Our area has hordes of invasive plants. Some grow so rapidly, they can be a greater threat to native species than logging, mining, or chemicals. Eradicating them takes a lot of work, and doing it wrong can make things worse by spreading seeds or stimulating root growth. Common invaders here now include buckthorn, Japanese knotweed (resembling bamboo), Asian mulberry, Asian honeysuckle, wild parsnip, garlic mustard, crown vetch, purple loosestrife, leafy spurge, giant hogweed, Amur Corktree, and more.
Even if you don’t have the energy to pull them, it’s helpful to recognize and report them, to prevent spreading them and to avoid the dangerous ones like giant hogweed (which may produce large, painful blisters after contact).
Crawford County CAFO news

Read more about invasive species at the DNR’s website: dnr.wi.gov/topic/invasives. which also offers A Field Guide to Terrestrial Invasive Plants in Wisconsin as a mail order book and a .pdf download. Wisconsin First Detector Network, part of the UW - Division of Extension, is a citizen science network that empowers people to take action against invasive species. County or municipal departments or community organizations may offer invasive species training and work days. Check with your county extension office.

The Mississippi Valley Conservancy schedules workdays throughout the year. An October 19 event at Trempealeau Lakes includes work on invasive species. Sign up at tinyurl.com/TrempInvasiveDay. - Dave Ziemann, La Crosse

Debate watch & public hearings

A local debate watch with Sunrise Movement will be held at Piggy's Restaurant on Tuesday, July 30 at 7 p.m.

At 6 p.m. on July 30, the La Crosse City Council's Judiciary and Administration committee will take up a new solar spring ordinance and will also discuss s permit sought by Mayo Health to demolish houses for a parking lot. If you are interested in holding the city to its carbon drawdown commitment, you may attend the meeting and register or speak on the issues.

A special meeting of the Marietta Town board on Monday, August 5 at 7 p.m. will be held to discuss a CAFO siting moratorium. The meeting will be at 45550 Maple Ridge Road, Boscobel. For more details, contact Fjahnke@crawfordstewardship.org.

On September 4 in Onalaska, the Department of Ag, Trade, and Consumer Protection, will hold a public hearing at Stoney Creek Hotel (3060 South Kinney Coulee Drive, Onalaska) to get comments about proposed updates to CAFO/livestock siting rules. The hearings will be 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Learn more, including other ways to submit comments, at tinyurl.com/ATCP51Update

Corps of Engineers public meetings

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District will be hosting public scoping meetings next week, July 22-24, to gather input on the Upper Mississippi River Master Plan. Please share this information with those in your organization ir community. It is important to have direct input to ensure interests are considered in this plan.

The three meetings are:

Monday, July 22 – 4-7 p.m. –County Administration Building - Veterans Conference Room, 225 N. Beaumont Rd., Prairie du Chien 

Tuesday, July 23 – 4-7 p.m. – Onalaska Library - Meeting Room B, 741 Oak Ave. S, Onalaska

Wednesday, July 24 – 4-7 p.m. – Red Wing Public Library, 225 East Ave., Red Wing, Minnesota

The format of during these meetings will be an open house in which the public will have the opportunity to provide official comments.

St. Paul District is updating the Upper Mississippi River Master Plan which is a strategic land use and recreation management document that will guide the District’s comprehensive management and development of natural, recreational, and cultural resources of the Upper Mississippi River basin for years to come. The master plan, while conceptual in nature, will serve as the vision for both environmental stewardship and recreation as the Corps continues to serve the public in the 21^st  century.

In addition to the public scoping meetings, comments concerning the scope of the study may aslo be submitted to: District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, ATTN: Regional Planning and Environment Division North, 180 Fifth Street East, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1638. Comments can also be submitted via email:UMRMasterPlan2019@usace.army.mil.

Additional information can be viewed online at:

https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Upper-Mississippi-River-Master-Plan/

We look forward to hearing from you and those within your organization/community.