May 2021 Newsletter

 

RIGHT TO HARM. MAY 20 at 7 p.m. online film hosted by Wisconsin Sierra Club and Citizen Action of Wisconsin Driftless Coalition. The Sierra Club Wisconsin and the Driftless Co-op of Citizen Action of Wisconsin are co-hosting a screening of the documentary Right to Harm, an exposé on the public health impact of factory farming across the United States. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations -- or CAFOs -- are a significant source of nitrate contamination in Wisconsin that must be addressed. Join us at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 20th to learn more and take action! Register for the screening link at tinyurl.com/RightToHarm052021

MAY 11: SIERRA CLUB FUNDRAISER   Celebrate the Wisconsin Sierra Club’s important grassroots environmental work with delicious local Wisconsin food and drink. This interactive event will feature fun recipes, trivia and more. Special guests Kirk Bangstad of Minocqua Brewing and Chef Joel Carlson and David Payne of Potter's Crackers. Opportunities to donate to the important work of the Club will be offered throughout the evening, but attendance is free of charge. Register for the access link at: tinyurl.com/SCLocallyGrown

 FARMS, FACTORIES, AND THE FUTURE   Crawford Stewardship Project, Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network, Socially Responsible Ag Project, Coulee Region Sierra Club, and many more allies will co-sponsor a virtual public forum on the direction of agriculture, Farms, Factories, and the Future. The event will be online on June 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. Learn more about the event at www.crawfordstewardship.org/join-us-for-a-farming-discussion

Planning is still underway, but there will be a session on CAFOs, including information about Crawford County’s experience with a proposed expansion, regulations, and lessons learned. In addition, a panel of sustainable and regenerative farmers and experts will talk about resilient pathways forward for agriculture. There will also be opportunities to network and strategize with a panel of community organizers from across the Midwest

Recent settlements won by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul with state CAFOs, including Rolling Hills Dairy Farm, LLC; K and D Manure Handling; and Wild Rose Dairy, LLC have finally brought some consequences for those who pollute Wisconsin’s waters.

PROTECT WISCONSIN WOLVES!   The Wisconsin DNR is accepting public comments in a survey on their plans for a November wolf hunt and a wolf management plan update.

It's important that Wisconsin's wolf management plan is based on public input, up-to-date science, tribal consultation, and broad stakeholder engagement.  This survey will help with the first step, so it's important to let your voice be heard.

We must avoid a replay of the disastrous February 2021 wolf hunt which was widely condemned for allowing throngs of unlicensed hunters to join the thousands of licensed hunters with their own packs of dogs, snowmobiles, GPS technology, and infrared-sensitive devices. Wolves stood no chance, enduring hours of pursuit and torment. Taking place during  the breeding season, the hunt allowed the killing of pregnant females and alpha males, disrupting family packs at a time-critical to pup survival.

Wisconsin’s DNR lacks the critical biological data needed to assess the impact of the February hunt on Wisconsin’s remaining wolves. Yet, compelled by a misguided law (Act 169) DNR is already looking ahead to another hunt in November, which places our wolf population in jeopardy and forces our DNR to violate its higher public trust obligations to manage our state’s precious wildlife in keeping with sound science and socially acceptable practices.  Wisconsin's wolf management plan will set the guidelines for a wolf hunt in 2022 and beyond, making public participation in the process, like filling out the survey critical.  

Learn more about the issue at  tinyurl.com/WIWolfComments and plan to participate in the survey by the May 15 deadline.

CONSERVATION CONGRESS   This year’s Wisconsin Conservation Congress spring hearings were held online which allowed more people to participate. Issues identified as priorities by the Wisconsin Sierra Club passed with wide margins.

Ninety-two percent of participants approved the Every Kid Outdoors Pass for Wisconsin’s state parks and 85% approved stricter PFAS regulations. Eighty-nine percent supported environmental impact considerations for high-capacity well permits and a majority supported DNR opposition to rebuilding the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline and voted to oppose permitting such a pipeline.

MEET THE SIERRA CLUB   In case you missed it, a recording of MEET THE SIERRA CLUB: More than a century of environmental advocacy is now available at our Facebook page: facebook.com/crsierraclub for viewing and sharing! On Tuesday, April 20, CRSC hosted an online presentation about our club as part of the 2021 La Crosse virtual Earth Week.

Thank you, Wisconsin Sierra Club Senior Campaign Manager Cassie Steiner, for giving an overview of the club’s history and priorities. CRSC board member Pat Wilson, who has decades of experience leading Sierra Club water outings, talked about the great trips, including kid-friendly family outings, offered through the club. Nancy Hartje, a Sierra Club board member, described our club’s environmental education grants with highlights and pictures from past grant recipients. And Kathy Allen, CRSC board president, talked about the club’s advocacy work, including clean water and renewable energy education and action.

We also thank Sierra Club volunteer, Steve Ringwood, who took our Zoom recording, worked video magic, and turned it into a smooth presentation! If you have special skills--from video editing to marketing--consider volunteering on a Sierra Club team.

If you want a refresher about the important work the Sierra Club is doing or have a friend who’s considering joining us, please view and share!

NEW NAME - SAME DEDICATION   The statewide branch of the Sierra Club changed its name in March to Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter. “The Sierra Club has broadened its perspective and become more diverse in many ways. We recognize how important it is to be inclusive and respect all voices, and we welcome everyone to the table as we work to limit the dire effects of climate change. Our new name reflects the fact that we represent everyone in Wisconsin.” The name change was approved by 83% of voters in the Chapter’s annual election. Read more at tinyurl.com/SCNameChange

 MONROE COUNTY CLIMATE CHANGE   The Monroe County Climate Change Task Force was established by the Monroe County Board in September 2019 as a project of the Monroe County Land Conservation Department who provide organizational leadership. The creation of the CCTF was a recognition of, and a response to, the extreme flooding impacts of climate change in watersheds of Monroe County. Objectives and goals of the CCTF are:

Flooding
1. Establish real time stream monitoring and weather stations to serve as flood warning systems that are coordinated with the county emergency management office and the National Weather Service. First phase monitoring installation will be focused on Little La Crosse and Kickapoo watersheds.
2. Floodplain management: Remove structures that have a history or vulnerability to flooding. Evaluate road crossings in floodway that impact flooding.
3. Complete flood impact study to identify 100 year flood level based on current rainfall and land use data.

Land Use
1. Zoning: Promote and enforce land use decisions that will encourage sustainable land use practices and contribute to mitigation of climate change impacts.
Improve enforcement of Shoreland Zoning ordinance.
2. Promote sustainable land use practices that contribute to mitigation of water runoff from the landscape.
3. Develop and implement water infiltration and retention practice that address rainfall and runoff.

Climate Mitigation
1. Identify contributions and sources
2. Establish standards for sustainable living
3. Implement mitigation programs, including tree planting and forest conservation, mass transit, landscaping to control water runoff, and carbon sequestration.

Information and Education
1. Monthly meetings have featured program topics related to objectives and are available for viewing at: www.co.monroe.wi.us/?navid=244

Fundraising
1. Seek funding sources to implement CCTF recommendations and goals

COULEE REGION EV EVENTS   Events in Viroqua and La Crosse helped spread the word about the benefits of electric vehicles. On Saturday, April 24, Drive Electric Earth Day, hosted by Plug In America and the Electric Auto Association, gathered more than 20 electric cars with their owners at the Viroqua Food Co-op. The event ended with an EV parade to Kickapoo Creekside in Readstown where Vernon County’s first DC fast charger is installed. See more about the event at:  driveelectricearthday.org/event?eventid=2663

In La Crosse, a neighbor-to-neighbor Ask Me Anything About My EV event, was held at the La Crosse City Hall parking lot, where a dozen electric cars and six electric bicycles were shown by their owners. Learn more and find research and information about EVs at http://tiny.cc/AMAEV-LaCrosse

Both Earth Week events provided opportunities for community members to get real facts and hear about real EV experiences from owners and dealers. A 2020 update to a 2018 study by the Union of Concerned Scientists confirmed that EVs really are better for the climate, and they’re getting better and cleaner every year. “Based on where EVs have been sold, driving the average EV produces global warming pollution equal to a gasoline vehicle that gets 88 miles per gallon fuel economy. ... And our estimate for EV emissions is almost ten percent lower than out previous estimate two years ago.” - tinyurl.com/USCEVsBetter

WDRT HOSTS SIERRA CLUB TALK   An hour-long program about the Sierra Club and the importance of a clean, accessible environment for our health will be heard on WDRT Radio, 91.9 FM on Tuesday morning, May 4 from 9 to 10 a.m. and available for streaming at wdrt.org/show/heart-of-wellness for a week after that. Drs. Paul and Paula Grenier, Viroqua-area chiropractors and hosts of the weekly program, Heart of Wellness, welcome Wisconsin Sierra Club Senior Campaign Manager Cassie Steiner and CRSC board member, Cathy Van Maren for a wide-ranging discussion about the physical and mental health benefits of nature and the role the Sierra Club has played and continues to play in advocating for access to and protection of our precious natural areas, wildlife, and resources. 

CRSC HIGHWAY CLEANUP   Four of us got out to pick up trash on River Valley Drive on April 24, as part of the Earth Day marsh cleanup.  Thank you to John Papenfuss, Maureen Kinney, and David Bange for helping out.  A lot of trash had accumulated over the winter, and we were able to clean up along half of the road.  We’d like to get the job completed in May, with volunteers picking up trash on their own schedule.  It you are willing to spend some time picking up trash to beautify the marsh, let Pat Wilson know (608 788 8831, pbwilson@centurytel.net) so he can assign a segment for you to work on, and provide trash bags and safety vests if you’re interested. 

LA CROSSE RIVER MARSH CLEANUP   Another cleanup in the marsh, the 28th annual hosted by River Clean Up La Crosse, will take place on Saturday, May 8, on and near the area’s rivers between 8 a.m. and noon. To learn more, register to volunteer, or become a partner, visit www.rivercleanuplacrosse.com

LA CROSSE AREA BIRDING IN MAY   The Coulee Region Audubon Society hosts early morning bird walks in May. Upcoming events include Myrick Park Center walks on May 4 and 11, Hixon Forest walks on May 6 and 13, and a Wyalusing State Park walk on May 15. Masks and distancing are required. For details, see  couleeaudubon.org/html/events.html.

LA CROSSE VICTORY GARDENS   Volunteer-led Community Victory Gardens, started in 2020 by the City of La Crosse to provide more fresh food and healthy exercise, are returning for the 2021 season. The gardens provide free fresh produce grown by neighbors for neighbors. For more information about the project or to learn how to help plant, weed, and harvest, go to http://tiny.cc/LaCrosseVG.

MTU DIRECTOR TALKS TRANSIT   Adam Lorentz, the director of the La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility, will be the main speaker at a May 18 “Transit Talk” hosted online by the La Crosse Area Transit Advocates. La Crosse’s new mayor, Mitch Reynolds, has also been invited. To learn more about and register for the event, visit LaCrosseTransitAdvocates.org or call 608-315-2693 (leave message for call back).

FISHING SEASON   General inland fishing season, along with the season for many specific species, started on May 1 in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin DNR offers information on regulations, licensing, best places to take kids fishing, and more at its website: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/. Most anglers age 16 and older must purchase a fishing license. Reduced-price first-timers licences are available as are one day licenses. This year’s Free Fishing Weekend will be June 5 and 6. 

WATER OUTINGS   While Sierra Club outings are on hold until at least July 4, there is some hope that trips will be possible later in 2021. A January notice to Wisconsin River Outings leaders reported that, “As part of the restarting process, simple pilot trips will be run to test our COVID protocols across a range of daytrips in a variety of locations and contexts. . . . . .Once complete, we can pilot more complex trips, start running short, simple trips on a limited basis as conditions allow, and build up to full operations through 2021.”

One highlight for Coulee Region paddlers has been the annual summer family trip on the Black River. During his presentation for the online “Meet the Sierra Club” program, trip leader Pat Wilson described how many children and families had enjoyed canoeing and kayaking on that friendly river for at least four decades! (View his presentation at facebook.com/crsierraclub.)

Until these popular activities are able to start up again, here’s a link to a nine-minute video created by Wisconsin Sierra Club member John Roberts with the Wisconsin River Alliance about Breakwater Falls, Wisconsin’s sixth-highest waterfall. www.facebook.com/riveralliance/videos/300228341129794/

“For Native Americans, there can be no better remedy for the theft of land than land. And for us, no lands are as spiritually significant as the national parks. They should be returned to us.” - David Treuer

This quote is from John Treuer’s article, “Return the National Parks to the Tribes,” in the May 2021 issue of The Atlantic. It is part of a new series calledm “Who Owns America’s Wilderness?” Treuer is the author of The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America From 1890 to the Present. See: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/05/return-the-national-parks-to-the-tribes/618395/





 






 





 

Update on I-94 Expansion

 Advocates applaud opportunity for public input on I-94 East-West project, but new environmental review process still needed

WisDOT commits to additional public input and data review on controversial highway expansion project with major racial inequity and climate impacts

 

MADISON — After calls for broader public input and a better review, WISDOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson announced Thursday that the state plans to undertake a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Interstate 94 expansion project in Milwaukee. Until now, WisDOT was pursuing the expansion project based on data and input collected before the project’s 2017 cancellation by then-Gov. Scott Walker. The additional input will provide critically needed input for state and federal transportation officials to seriously and meaningfully address environmental justice problems that have repeatedly been raised.

Last week, a coalition of transportation, faith, racial justice and environmental organizations from across Wisconsin met with the Federal Highway Administration to express their concerns over the proposed I-94 expansion. They requested that the project go through a full Environmental Impact Statement process. President Joe Biden recently set forth a vision for a healthier and cleaner transportation future that will work better for all Americans. This includes doubling funding for our aging public transit systems and fixing our crumbling roads and bridges.

The coalition also hopes and expects that the supplemental EIS will cover the many outstanding concerns about the project.

Members of this coalition released the following statements:

“We are pleased that WisDOT is going to take another look at the environmental and social impacts of the reconstruction and proposed expansion of I94 (from 70th to 16th Street)  as there have been some major changes since the original EIS for this project was completed over 5 years ago,” said Cheryl Nenn with Milwaukee Riverkeeper. “2019 was the wettest year ever in Wisconsin, and 4 of the 5 wettest years in history have occurred in the last decade. Given the significant increase proposed for impervious surfaces from highway expansion, it is imperative that we better analyze the impacts of highway runoff on water quality, flooding, and combined sewer loading from the various project alternatives, so we can better protect the environment and community.

“Meaningful public participation that involves the communities most impacted is a hallmark of the Environmental Impact Statement process,” said Tony Wilkin Gibart of Midwest Environmental Advocates. “While we are encouraged by today’s announcement, we will continue to push the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to listen to community members who have serious concerns about freeway expansion.” 

“I agree with the decision to take time to review a supplemental EIS, but in doing so WisDOT needs to ensure that the input includes people of color,” said Lee Henderson-Tatum of Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH). “It will be important that the communities most impacted have a voice in the decision making process. Looking at where we’ll be post-pandemic will impact how the decision is made as it relates to any development with I-94.” 

“While we are excited to see that WisDOT is looking for additional public input, there are many outstanding concerns about this expansion that still need to be addressed,” said Gregg May, Transportation Policy Director for 1000 Friends of Wisconsin. “WisDOT remains steadfast in their desire to expand the highway and has rejected popular alternatives that include transit. Until meaningful public participation is conducted and impacted communities are heard, we will continue to push for alternatives that are more fiscally, environmentally, and socially responsible.”

“It is encouraging that WisDOT is seeking more public input with a supplemental environmental impact statement. Now the focus must be on the right answers,” stated Susanna Cain, Transform Transportation Associate for WISPIRG. “Wisconsin has misspent billions of taxpayer dollars on mega highway projects for decades. All these years of disinvestment in public transportation, walking and biking infrastructure -- as well as fixing our local roads and bridges -- has created a transportation gap for Wisconsinites who don’t own a car. Major changes in our funding priorities need to be made to transform our transportation system and create more equitable, sustainable and accessible travel for everyone.”

“This is a good step toward ensuring we are making smart investments for our climate and the health of our communities across Wisconsin,” said Megan Severson, State Director for Wisconsin Environment. “But we must do more immediately. The transportation sector is the United States’ leading climate polluter. In order to solve this existential challenge requires rapidly transitioning to clean energy. We must get dirty vehicles off the roads by electrifying and decarbonizing passenger vehicles, shipping and freight. We must also prioritize mass transit. Doing all this is pivotal to tackling climate change, decreasing pollution and ensuring clean air.”

“We’re happy to see this development and the recognition by WisDOT that the public needs to have a key role in this progress and that the old EIS is out-of-date,” said Elizabeth Ward, Director of Sierra Club Wisconsin, “this is an opportunity to for WisDOT to get aligned with the leadership the Biden Administration has demonstrated on recognizing the impacts of highway expansions on Communities of Color and climate change. We look forward to working with WisDOT to make sure these things are fully analyzed and taken into consideration throughout the process.”

“As people of faith that care for the planet and all life on it, we cannot stand idly by when highway expansion would lead to increased greenhouse gases, flooding, and asthma, all hurting our neighbors,” said Terry Wiggins, Treasurer and Lead Advocate for the Interfaith Earth Network. “We will continue to stand up for the position that I-94 should not be expanded. We could spend the same amount of money to rebuild the highway and improve transit.”

April 2021 Newsletter

 

April 20 at 7 p.m. online. Meet the Sierra Club - 100 years of environmental advocacy, an Earth Week program. Every April, you will find the Coulee Region Sierra Club tabling at the annual La Crosse Earth Fair. We provide information about our current campaigns, invite people to participate in our events and connect people with our advocacy efforts. This year, because of COVID-19, there will not be an Earth Fair, but there will be a virtual Earth Week. Our April 20 online program is for anyone wishing to learn more about this special club, one of the oldest and largest environmental advocacy organization in the United States.

Join us and bring your friends. Find out about upcoming activities. Learn how you can amplify your voice to work for clean water, a renewable energy future, and a better state budget. See how the Coulee Region Sierra Club supports regional environmental education programs. Visit http://tiny.cc/meetthesc to register for this online event.

Outdoor Opportunities   While CRSC can’t hold official in-person events until at least July 4, there are opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors on your own or with members of your household.

April 3: Nature Saturdays at Myrick Park (WisCorps)  A free seasonal program from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Taught by WisCorps nature teachers, the event is for all ages. Dress for the weather! You must sign up in advance at www.wiscorps.org/programsforadults Masks and social distancing will be required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

April 10: Tree planting support (MVC)  Help newly planted trees in the Cassville Bluff Natural Area from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Mississippi Valley Conservancy will supply instructions and materials.  Social distancing required.  mississippivalleyconservancy.org/events/volunteer-wild-tree-planting-support

April 23-25: On-your-own highway clean-up (CRSC). Pick up some bags, gloves, and vests from CRSC and spend an hour or two with your family group along this roadway in the middle of our beautiful marsh picking up trash. Call Pat at 608-788-8831 for details.

La Crosse Mayoral Candidate Survey   The Coulee Region Sierra Club asked candidates for La Crosse mayor to respond to a short survey. The club will not endorse, but encourages City of La Crosse members to watch forums and read survey answers to help them decide. The election is on Tuesday, April 6, but people may request an absentee ballot at myvote.wi.gov and may vote absentee-in-person voting at City Hall from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. on April 1 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 2.

Candidate forums:
•  March 3 League of Women Voters
•  March 8 The Center LGBTQ Connection
•  March 15 Chamber of Commerce
•  March 16 Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship
•  March 17 La Crosse Criminal Justice Management Council
•  March 18 WKBT-TV and League of Women Voters
•  March 22 LWV, WXOW, WPR
•  March 25 UWL Free Speech Week event

Survey responses:

1. A top goal of the Sierra Club nationally and of our Coulee Region group is to accelerate the transition to 100% clean, renewable energy. What are 1-3 ways that the City could assist in this transition, either within city operations or by supporting the wider community?

Vicki Markussen:  When we think about fighting one of the biggest issues of our time, climate change, I find much of the change seems to be sparked and accelerated at the local level. The City has made its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050 and made strides in moving to electric fleets, adjusting cleaning product use, and adding solar panels to projects and we are extremely lucky to have a common council and mayor with the foresight to lead on this initiative.

The council began some steps outlined above. This month in fact, La Crosse is restarting its sustainability group to develop better metrics for success – beyond what it measured previously, electricity consumption. New strategies must be created to meet this new goal. Through my work in the community, I know who we can add individuals to this committee who can pave an innovative path forward. These include: Gundersen Health System that was the first healthcare system in the country to produce more energy than it consumed; Western Technical College that developed a sustainability plan that looks at energy, waste, planning, and community engagement; and Trane Technologies whose Gigaton Challenge will help customers reduce carbon emissions. These are resources. Engaging Xcel Energy can help develop a plan that has local investment.

Small projects like the Bike Share that is about to launch in La Crosse, allowing for reduced use of vehicles, begins a new form of public engagement in alternative transportation.

I want to share a story of disconnect. I recently spoke to the UW-L Student Senate. They asked a question about sustainability. I answered similar to my information provided above. We moved on to a discussion of parking and reduction of cars. There was pushback on this idea. When asked, every single student raised their hand stating they had a car on campus. There is a disconnect between sustainability and their own actions. Consumer education must be a part of the City’s new plan. As a citizenry, we must pledge to conserve water, reduce solid waste, increase our recycling, and use alternative transportation as much as possible.

I think things we can do as a city and in common council, is adjusting the MTU’s as the largest user of diesel and our police force as the largest user of gasoline (creating CO2 emissions). The City has increased vehicles using propane versus gasoline. We must continue this adaptation.

Propane police cars would emit 15% less CO2/mile. MTU Diesel-electric hybrid buses use 47% less fuel per mile. Just four diesel-electric hybrid buses saves 19,000 gallons of fuel! My engagement with the community provides me with insight into public-private partnerships and local expertise that can be used to create an innovative                                         sustainability plan. I have the experience to bring together government, businesses and nonprofits in getting real results for this city. I will ensure we work with experts in our private and public sector as well to make our community more sustainable. 

Mitch Reynolds:  I have pledged to fulfill the goal of attaining 100% clean and renewable energy in La Crosse by 2050. There is no greater priority for our community and our society as a whole than to combat global climate change. Attaining 100% clean and renewable energy in our community plays a small part in securing a sustainable planet and also creates a model for other communities to follow.

Primarily, to achieve a renewable future, we can continue some of the practices already in place in our city through efforts like through the addition of solar panels on our municipal buildings. In addition, we can transition to all electric vehicles to the city fleet and take advantage of the power generated by our solar infrastructure to power that fleet.

I would like to create an on-bill financing program so that property owners can make energy efficient improvements to their homes and finance those through the city, potentially through the city water utility. This creates a relatively risk-free means for the city to finance greater energy efficiency and renewable energy, again like solar panel additions to homes so that we can also transition our homeowners to 100% renewable adoption.

Finally, I plan to follow through with plans to add a sustainability coordinator for the city of La Crosse. Our best intentions to fulfill our 100% renewable energy pledge will come to naught if we do not have a specialized position within city hall to follow through. This position will basically act as a project manager for all of our sustainability efforts. 

2. Part of the Sierra Club’s mission is “To Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet.” La Crosse is fortunate to have many amazing natural areas to explore and enjoy, including city properties. What could the City do to make these areas more explorable and enjoyable for all residents while still protecting our amazing natural resources?

Vicki Markussen:  Getting outside is integral to the health and vibrancy of our community. While with the 7 Rivers Alliance (a regional collaboration organization), we identified the outdoors as a place that restores and fuels us as a community. This generated a partnership with a group called the Outdoor Recreation Alliance. I assisted with holding three conferences that united the community. From there, volunteers did incredible work of creating hiking, biking, and snowshoe trails. They also united bird watchers, canoeists, fly-fishermen, and other silent sports to brand our area. We are blessed to be in a region with amazing natural resources and a wealth of outdoor fun from canoeing, kayaking, hiking, exploring the trails, bluffs, river, and marsh is part of the fabric that makes La Crosse one of the best places to live, work, and play.

Another project I am very proud of is the Eagle Watch area on the Northside of La Crosse on Rose Street. The need for a safe space where people can bird-watch and take in the beauty of the Mississippi was needed. Along with the North La Crosse Business Association, myself at the Chamber saw the opportunity to create dedicated space as part of the redesign of the I-90 exits. The highway re-do project provided the funding ($1 million) for the purpose of beautification along the river in 2018. The two groups then helped with the design of the space.

There is a balance to be struck between preservation and conservation. I see them going hand-in hand. ORA and the Mississippi Valley Conservancy must both hold places in our community. I look forward to navigating that relationship moving forward.

Mitch Reynolds:  Continually adding access to our amazing natural spaces will be a priority. Whether that access comes with advocacy for new trail access at specific easements or additional landings along out waterways for kayaks or canoes, the key to getting our community to enjoy our natural areas, is to provide access to those areas. In addition, I will continue to support the partnerships the city’s parks department has with groups who make equitable use of our city’s natural spaces a priority.

3. Do you have a favorite outdoor activity or outdoor space in the La Crosse area?

Vicki Markussen:  Anything near the river is my favorite place. I find water calms me and takes me away from the world - that may be walking, being in or on the water, or just sitting back watching the beauty of the Mississippi. It cleanses my thoughts and sparks my creativity. I didn’t realize it’s power until I lived in La Crosse. It makes me so proud to call this area home.

A close second favorite is visiting the surrounding communities of our driftless area. There is nothing like getting into a back coulee with a small creek running through it that just inspires awe of the beauty.

Mitch Reynolds: I love the bluff trails we have in our community. I love to walk and run those trails. I am an advocate for those who bike and I certainly would love to try cross-country skiing at some point, but mostly I just love to walk. To listen. To observe. To be grateful for the wonderful outdoor spaces that are in our backyard.

Make Your Voice Heard - Online Budget Hearings

April 21 at 6 p.m.: Governor Evers’ Bounceback Budget listening session on Climate Change and the Environment. Registration link: evers.wi.gov/Pages/BudgetListeningSessions.aspx

April 28 at 10 a.m.: Joint Finance Committee public hearing on legislative budget proposal. Learn more here: legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments

Budget Meeting with Sen. Pfaff   On March 26, five members of the Coulee Region Sierra Club met with Senator Brad Pfaff and his staff via Zoom to talk about Sierra Club budget priorities. Senator Pfaff expressed support for the items we talked about, including:

* Responsible transportation funding, including increased funding for local road and bridge repair, public transit, and walking and biking infrastructure with less funding for new roads. Senator Pfaff also shared some of our concern about the proposed I-94 expansion in Milwaukee;

* Increased funding for energy efficiency, including more money for Focus on Energy;

* Safe, clean drinking water for all of Wisconsin, including addressing PFAS, nitrates in well water, and the replacement of lead service lines where they exist;

* Expanding the well compensation program to bring the contamination criteria in line with federal standards and updating the program’s financial qualifications to allow the program to serve more Wisconsin residents;

* Continuing support for the important Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program to promote land conservation and protection, and the need to extend it until fiscal year 2031-32 at $70 million per year.

Representatives Steve Doyle and Jill Billings have excellent Sierra Club voting scores, so our board sent them a letter highlighting Sierra Club budget interests.

We would like to work with CRSC members in other areas to set up meetings with their legislators. If you have a meeting set up, please let us know. For help setting up a meeting, please email crsierraclub@gmail.com.

PFAS Forever and Everywhere   While La Crosse joins many other communities in scrambling to deal with contamination of drinking water by PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from the use of firefighting foam near the La Crosse Regional Airport,  the problem is much bigger. As noted in this Wisconsin Sierra Club blog post, “These compounds can be found in our food if packaged with PFAS containing materials or grown in PFAS contaminated soil. They can also be found in commercial and household products like nonstick pans, water repellent fabrics, firefighting foam, drinking water, and much more.”

The Sierra Club has joined other environmental organizations in suing the Department of Defense, which plans to incinerate millions of gallons of PFAS-containing fire fighting foam in several states.

The Environmental Working Group, known for its buying  guides, has produced a Guide to Avoiding PFAS Chemicals. A March 2021 Sierra Magazine article focuses on PFAS and outdoor gear.

The CDC reports that most people in the United States have PFAS in their blood. It will be hard to return this genie to its bottle. To learn more, visit this EPA page: www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas and to find more about which products contain PFAS, see this article by Sharon Lerner from a December 2020 article in The Intercept.

Learn and Explore

April 2: “Growing Cities” film discussion, 7:30 p.m. online. (First Unitarian Society and Save the Farm)  http://buildingunitywisconsin.org/event/first-friday-film-discussion-growing-cities/

April 7: Waste-One Woman’s Fight Against America’s Dirty Secret, 5 p.m. online. (Union Theological Seminary)  https://utsnyc.edu/event/waste-one-womans-fight-against-americas-dirty-secret/

April 7: Virtual Outing to Yosemite National Park, 7:30 p.m. online. (Great Waters Sierra Club) http://tiny.cc/YosemiteOnline

April 8: Rights of Nature 101, 5 p.m. online. (Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights)  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rights-of-nature-101-an-introduction-to-the-rights-of-nature-tickets-139508059361

April 12: Wisconsin Conservation Congress, 7 pm online (DNR)  http://tiny.cc/WISC-ConsCongress

April 15: Bats!, 7 p.m. online (SE Gateway Sierra Club) http://tiny.cc/WIBats

April 17: Wisconsin Public Transit - Rural and Urban, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. online  (Wisconsin Transit Riders Alliance)  tinyurl.com/WTRA-041721

April 17: Whole Garden & Farm Planning: Making the Most of Your Space, 2:00-3:30 online  (Michael Fields Agricultural Institute) $20 registration. http://tiny.cc/gardenplanning

April 19-25: La Crosse Earth Week (online/in person) www.sustaininstitute.com/earthfairlacrosse

April 24: Trail-Trek Challenge event, 10 a.m., online. (MVC)  www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/ttc

April 24: Ask Me Anything About My EV, 2:00-5:00, La Crosse City Hall Parking Lot (masks required) http://tiny.cc/AMAEV-LaCrosse

April 25: Earth Week Drive-Through Recycling Fair, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Myrick Park (drive-through only) https://www.sustaininstitute.com/efspecial-events

April 28: Public Budget Hearing, 10 a.m. online. (JFC) http://tiny.cc/JFCOnlineHearing

Earth Month with Sierra Club   The Earth Day movement has grown to be the largest civic event in the world with over 1 billion people around the world taking action. During the month of April, there are many ways you can join Team Sierra to celebrate our communities and demonstrate your activism. Visit www.teamsierra.org/everycorner to learn how to take free virtual classes, raise money, earn prizes, get outside, and take action!

Bike Share Comes to La Crosse   DRIFT Bike Share will start up in La Crosse this month.  Koloni, an Iowa based sharing company, and La Crosse Neighborhoods, Inc. have created a partnership to launch the program.

Initially, 40 bikes will be located around the center city at eight designated docking locations sponsored by local businesses and institutions. Community residents and visitors will be able to access the bikes by downloading the Koloni app, creating an account and scanning the QR code on the bike.

Rental costs will depend on account type which includes a $60 annual option and a pay-as-you-ride hourly option. In many communities with robust public transportation systems, bike share offers commuters and tourists “last mile” access to more locations and events. Details will be available at www.facebook.com/driftcycle
 
Wisconsin Conservation Congress Spring Hearing - April 12   Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Wisconsin Con-servation Congress (WCC) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will once again hold the annual Spring Hearings online. The public will have the opportunity to provide input on the natural resources proposed rule changes from the DNR, and advisory questions from the Natural Resources Board (NRB) and WCC through the online input option which will open on April 12, 2021, at 7 p.m. and will remain open for 72 hours.

To view this year’s  questions, visit the Conservation Congress web page.  Register through the Sierra Club to get a reminder when voting time comes and a copy of the club’s Wisconsin Voter Guide. Visit tiny.cc/WISC-ConsCongress to register.

Extinction: The Facts   A new documentary series by Sir David Attenborough is highlighted in a recent article in Sierra, the magazine of the National Sierra Club.  

“You won't see epic migrations and breathtaking wilderness ... Viewers learn that 1 million species face extinction, the insect apocalypse threatens global food production, and climate change and pollution are accelerating these threats.”

Echoing the call for urgent change, a recently-released report from the United Nations Environment Program concluded that, “our global food system is a primary driver of biodiversity loss,” with agriculture alone being the identified threat to 24,000 of the 28,000 (86%) species at risk of extinction. The report says a reform of food systems is “urgently needed,” including moving toward more plant-heavy diets, reducing food waste, protecting land rather than converting it to food production, and farming in a more nature-friendly, biodiversity-supporting way, limiting the use of inputs and replacing monoculture with polyculture farming practices. Read more at: www.unep.org/resources/publication/food-system-impacts-biodiversity-loss

Input on Second Daily Train   The Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago (TCMC) Intercity Passenger Rail Project adds a second daily round-trip passenger train on the 411-mile corridor between Chicago, Illinois and Twin Cities (St. Paul and Minneapolis) in Minnesota. The TCMC Service will follow Amtrak's existing long-distance Empire Builder route. The new service will complement the existing Empire Builder schedule, providing travel flexibility with both a morning and mid-day departure from Chicago and St. Paul.

The additional daily intercity passenger rail round-trip will integrate with the existing Hiawatha Service schedule. The additional frequency will also facilitate existing and planned intercity bus and shuttle connections to communities located off the rail corridor.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is seeking public input on this project by April 9. To learn more, visit wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/multimodal/tcmc.aspx

Other plans, to get train service into Madison and to get a train from St. Paul to Eau Claire, are also underway. Read more about the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition’s plans at  www.westwisconsinrail.org

Amtrak is 47 percent more energy efficient than car travel and 33 percent more efficient than air travel according to the 2019 U.S. Department of Energy Data Book.

WisCorps Position Open   WisCorps in La Crosse is hiring a Director of Con-servation Corps Programs. The Director will be responsible for all current programming and staff, including training, risk management and safety, projects and logistics, and budgetary responsibilities. Application deadline is April 9. WisCorps is devoted to ensuring equal employment opportunity. For details, please visit www.wiscorps.org/directorofccp 

HELP

We need help with out newsletter! Can you write about what’s happening in your community, submit calendar or action items, or interview local Sierra Club members or activists in your county? Help make the newsletter better and more useful! Please email us!



 

La Crosse Mayoral Candidate Survey

The board of the Coulee Region Sierra Club created a brief survey for the two candidates running to become La Crosse's next mayor. CRSC will not be endorsing a candidate, but we encourage members to read these responses and watch the many candidate forums that have been held online to help them decide.

Survey responses are presented without editing.

Candidate forums:

• March 3 League of Women Voters' Mayoral Candidate forum 
  
• March 8 The Center LGBTQ Connection Mayoral Candidate Town Hall
• March 17 La Crosse Criminal Justice Management Council Mayoral Candidate Forum
• March 18 WKBT Mayoral Candidate Debate 
  
• March 22 League of Women Voters Mayoral Candidate Forum
• March 25 UWL Free Speech Week Mayoral Candidate Debate

On to the survey:

1. A top goal of the Sierra Club nationally and of our Coulee Region group is to accelerate the transition to 100% clean, renewable energy. What are 1-3 ways that the City could assist in this transition, either within city operations or by supporting the wider community?

Vicki Markussen:  When we think about fighting one of the biggest issues of our time, climate change, I find much of the change seems to be sparked and accelerated at the local level. The City has made it’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050 and made strides in moving to electric fleets, adjusting cleaning product use, and adding solar panels to projects and we are extremely lucky to have a common council and mayor with the foresight to lead on this initiative.

The council began some steps outlined above. This month in fact, La Crosse is restarting its sustainability group to develop better metrics for success – beyond what it measured previously, electricity consumption. New strategies must be created to meet this new goal. Through my work in the community, I know who we can add individuals to this committee who can pave an innovative path forward. These include: Gundersen Health System that was the first healthcare system in the country to produce more energy than it consumed; Western Technical College that developed a sustainability plan that looks at energy, waste, planning, and community engagement; and Trane Technologies whose Gigaton Challenge will help customers reduce carbon emissions. These are resources. Engaging Xcel Energy can help develop a plan that has local investment.

Small projects like the Bike Share that is about to launch in La Crosse, allowing for reduced use of vehicles, begins a new form of public engagement in alternative transportation.

I want to share a story of disconnect. I recently spoke to the UW-L Student Senate. They asked a question about sustainability. I answered similar to my information provided above. We moved on to a discussion of parking and reduction of cars. There was pushback on this idea. When asked, every single student raised their hand stating they had a car on campus. There is a disconnect between sustainability and their own actions. Consumer education must be a part of the City’s new plan. As a citizenry, we must pledge to conserve water, reduce solid waste, increase our recycling, and use alternative transportation as much as possible.

I think things we can do as a city and in common council, is adjusting the MTU’s as the largest user of diesel and our police force as the largest user of gasoline (creating CO2 emissions). The City has increased vehicles using propane versus gasoline. We must continue this adaptation.

Propane police cars would emit 15% less CO2/mile. MTU Diesel-electric hybrid busses use 47% less fuel per mile. Just four diesel-electric hybrid busses saves 19,000 gallons of fuel!
My engagement with the community provides me with insight into public-private partnerships
and local expertise that can be used to create an innovative sustainability plan. I have the
experience to bring together government, businesses and nonprofits in getting real results for
this city. I will ensure we work with experts in our private and public sector as well to make our
community more sustainable.

Mitch Reynolds:  I have pledged to Fulfill the goal of attaining 100% clean and renewable energy in La Crosse by 2050. There is no greater priority for our community and our society as a whole than to combat global climate change. Attaining 100% clean and renewable energy in our community plays a small part in securing a sustainable planet and also creates a model for other communities to follow.

Primarily, to achieve a renewable future, we can continue some of the practices already in place in our city through efforts like through the addition of solar panels on our municipal buildings. In addition, we can transition to all electric vehicles to the city fleet and take advantage of the power generated by our solar infrastructure to power that fleet.

I would like to create an on-bill financing program so that property owners can make energy efficient improvements to their homes and finance those through the city, potentially through the city water utility. This creates a relatively risk-free means for the city to finance greater energy efficiency and renewable energy, again like solar panel additions to homes so that we can also transition our homeowners to 100% renewable adoption.

Finally, I plan to follow through with plans to add a sustainability coordinator for the city of La Crosse. Our best intentions to fulfill our 100% renewable energy pledge will come to naught if we do not have a specialized position within city hall to follow through. This position will basically act as a project manager for all of our sustainability efforts.

2. Part of the Sierra Club’s mission is “To Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet.” La Crosse is fortunate to have many amazing natural areas to explore and enjoy, including city properties. What could the City do to make these areas more explorable and enjoyable for all residents while still protecting our amazing natural resources?

Vicki Markussen:  Getting outside is integral to the health and vibrancy of our community. While with the 7 Rivers Alliance (a regional collaboration organization), we identified the outdoors as a place that restores and fuels us as a community. This generated a partnership with a group called the Outdoor Recreation Alliance. I assisted with holding three conferences that united the community. From there, volunteers did incredible work of creating hiking, biking, and snowshoe trails. They also united bird watchers, canoeists, fly-fishermen, and other silent sports to brand our area. We are blessed to be in a region with amazing natural resources and a wealth of outdoor fun from canoeing, kayaking, hiking, exploring the trails, bluffs, river, and marsh is part of the fabric that makes La Crosse one of the best places to live, work, and play.

Another project I am very proud of is the Eagle Watch area on the Northside of La Crosse on
Rose Street. The need for a safe space where people can bird-watch and take in the beauty of the Mississippi was needed. Along with the North La Crosse Business Association, myself at the Chamber saw the opportunity to create dedicated space as part of the redesign of the I-90 exits. The highway re-do project provided the funding ($1 million) for the purpose of beautification along the river in 2018. The two groups then helped with the design of the space.

There is a balance to be struck between preservation and conservation. I see them going
hand-in hand. ORA and the Mississippi Valley Conservancy must both hold places in our
community. I look forward to navigating that relationship moving forward.

Mitch Reynolds:  Continually adding access to our amazing natural spaces will be a priority. Whether that access comes with advocacy for new trail access at specific easements or additional landings along out waterways for kayaks or canoes, the key to getting our community to enjoy our natural areas, is to provide access to those areas. In addition, I will continue to support the partnerships the city’s parks department has with groups who make equitable use of our city’s natural spaces a priority.

3. Do you have a favorite outdoor activity or outdoor space in the La Crosse area?

Vicki Markussen:  Anything near the river is my favorite place. I find water calms me and takes me away from the world - that may be walking, being in or on the water, or just sitting back watching the beauty of the Mississippi. It cleanses my thoughts and sparks my creativity. I didn’t realize it’s power until I lived in La Crosse. It makes me so proud to call this area home.

A close second favorite is visiting the surrounding communities of our driftless area. There is
nothing like getting into a back coulee with a small creek running through it that just inspires
awe of the beauty.

Mitch Reynolds: I love the bluff trails we have in our community. I love to walk and run those trails. I am an advocate for those who bike and I certainly would love to try cross-country skiing at some point, but mostly I just love to walk. To listen. To observe. To be grateful for the wonderful outdoor spaces that are in our backyard.

March 2021 Newsletter

March 18 at 6 p.m. online: Transit Talk with Senator Brad Pfaff (co-hosted by CRSC, La Crosse Area Transit Advocates, La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility, and Citizen Action of Wisconsin Driftless Co-op. Registration link: tiny.cc/lata-pfaff

Join us on Thursday, March 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. for an online forum with State Senator Brad Pfaff. Senator Pfaff serves on the Senate Committees on Transportation and Local Government, Agriculture and Tourism;  Economic and Workforce Development; Universities and Technical Colleges; and Utilities,Technology and Telecommunications.

We’ll hear from Senator Pfaff about the budget and the Climate Task Force recommendations regarding public transportation. He may also touch on the effects of COVID-19 on public transportation operations, new technology--from electric vehicles to public transit apps, and the role of a robust public transportation system in providing equitable access to jobs, education, recreation, services, and life for all regardless of location, wealth, health, age, and ability. There will be time for participants’ questions, too.

Please JOIN US! Register at tiny.cc/lata-pfaff  You will also be able to submit a question for Senator Pfaff at this registration site. This is a Cisco Webex event, accessible by computer, smart phone, tablet, or by dialing in from any phone for those who register and receive the link.

March 3 at 7 p.m. online: The Clear Water Farm Project: Sustainable on-farm water management (hosted by Chippewa Valley Sierra Club). Registration link: tiny.cc/CVSC-Clearwater

Nitrate pollution from agriculture is pervasive across Wisconsin with about 42,000 wells and 300 public water systems exceeding safe levels of nitrates, affecting rural and urban populations alike. The Clear Water Farms Program, developed by Madison-based River Alliance of Wisconsin, works with farmers to develop aggressive and documentable improvements to on-farm water management. Working with River Alliance, Miltrim Farms, a large dairy in Marathon County, became the first farm in North America to achieve certification on the rigorous Alliance for Water Stewardship’s International Standard.

Michael Tiboris, Clear Water Farms Director for River Alliance, and David Trimner, fourth-generation farmer and General Manager of Miltrim Farms, will discuss practice changes and the long-term management plan instituted to minimize Miltrim’s impact on the Eau Pleine River watershed and look ahead to implementing this process for whole watersheds and supply chains. Join us to learn about River Alliance’s trailblazing approach to ensure that Wisconsin farms have a clear path to put their commitment to water stewardship into action.

RSVP at tiny.cc/CVSC-Clearwater for Zoom access information. 

Solar on Schools     SOLS (SolarOnLaCrosseSchools.org) is a group of La Crosse parents, teachers, students, and community members working to help the La Crosse Public School District install solar panels at its properties. The group educates about the importance of transitioning quickly from fossil fuels to renewable energy and helps raise money, with tax-deductible donations made to the La Crosse Public Education Foundation, specifically for district solar projects.

A 2019 study by Stanford University concluded that, “taking advantage of all viable space for solar panels could allow schools to meet up to 75 percent of their electricity needs and reduce the education sector’s carbon footprint by as much as 28 percent.” (news.stanford.edu/2019/05/02/happens-schools-go-solar)

Benefits of solar on schools include:
* reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution;
* tremendous energy cost savings for school districts;
* new and exciting learning opportunities;
* green energy career and job-exploration opportunities;
* visibility of the projects in neighborhoods increases conversations about renewable energy and provides a model for those considering installing solar.

SOLS founders include members of the Coulee Region Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 team, and they used the Sierra Club Climate Parents’ 100% Clean School Districts toolkit to help start their initiative. See it at www.sierraclub.org/climate-parents/100-clean-energy-school-district-organizing-handbook

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association also hosts a Solar on Schools resource at www.midwestrenew.org/solar-on-schools which offers tools, advice, guidance and resources, including a great webinar, “The Benefits of Solar for WI K-12 Schools.”

If you would like to start a Solar on Schools group in your community, please email crsierraclub@gmail.com for help and support. You may also visit the SOLS website and email them at SOLSSooner@gmail.com. 

La Crosse Energy Survey     The City of La Crosse is working on its Energy Action Plan. If you live in the City of La Crosse, please consider completing the energy survey found at https://arcg.is/1SXaub by March 5. 

Support On-Bill Financing in La Crosse     By Ben Wilson, Citizen Action of Wisconsin   

Residential carbon emissions are a major source of US greenhouse gases.  Green home upgrades (like solar panels, new insulation and air sealing) help to reduce carbon emissions, save money on utility bills and create family supporting jobs in the green energy sector.  Thousands  of Wisconsin residents are unable to upgrade their homes because of up front cost, credit history or due to the fact they are renters.  On-bill financing can address this problem.

On-bill financing allows utility customers to install energy- saving green upgrades at no up- front cost.  Watch this YouTube video to learn how on-bill financing works. The utility pays for the upgrades initially and the homeowner pays them back as a line item on their utility bill.  Customers see a net saving right away on their utility bill.  This clears the way for many more people to install green upgrades.  It reduces carbon emissions, creates jobs in the green sector (America's fastest growing job sector) and provides consumers with a net savings on utility bills.  On-bill financing even creates new public revenue streams through financing charges.

La Crosse could offer on-bill financing options through its public utility.

Please use this form to contact the mayor and city council and let them know you support an on-bill financing program through La Crosse's public utility: tiny.cc/laxonbill  For even more impact, send a personal email to the mayor at kabatt@cityoflacrosse.org and the council at zzcouncilmembers@cityoflacrosse.org

March 2 - The Big Share     Join us for a fun-filled Facebook live event Tuesday, March 2 over the lunch hour. We’ll have trivia questions, chat with a variety of guests and share a special storybook video created by volunteers. The event is part of the Wisconsin Chapter’s participation in the Big Share, a 36-hour virtual fundraising event hosted by Community Shares of Wisconsin.

The Meet and Greets will include leaders speaking about protecting the gray wolf, increasing access to public lands, protecting safe drinking water, and stopping tar sands pipelines in Wisconsin.

We’ll be on Facebook live from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Hop on anytime to join the fun. As an added incentive, gifts made during the Big Share Power Hour between noon and 1:00 p.m. will be matched and can help us win additional cash prizes from the Big Share sponsors.

Sign up for a reminder here: tiny.cc/WiSCBigShare, visit our Big Share page: bit.ly/SCFbigshare,  follow us on Facebook and Twitter and #CSWBigShare and help build the buzz by sharing our posts.

March 5 - Aldo Leopold Event     "Coloring the Conserva-tion Conversation" is the title of this year's featured speaker, J. Drew Lanham. A native of Edgefield, South Carolina, J. Drew Lanham is the author of “The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature,” winner of the Reed Award from the Southern Environmental Law Center and the Southern Book Prize, and was a finalist for the John Burroughs Medal.

The lecture will take place on March 5 at 7 p.m. and accessible, free, on the Viterbo University D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/viterboethics

March 30 - Cover Crops     On March 30 at 7 p.m., Sinsinawa Mound Center and Grant County Rural Stewardship will host an online presentation: “Cover Crops for Soil Health and Increased Profits.” The one-hour event will feature Adam Kramer of Black Sand Granary followed by a panel of area farmers who have been utilizing cover crops on their land.  There will be an opportunity for questions following the presentation.

Black Sand Granary is located near Patch Grove, Wisconsin in Grant County.  Adam has described their mission as reducing tillage, using cover crops, incorporating as many “cash” crops as possible in rotation, and rehabilitating perennial vegetation when possible.  Their progressive approach ensures customers get the most out of their land while still keeping it fertile and productive for generations to come.

The event is open to the general public.  There is a $10 registration fee to attend and the deadline to register is Monday, March 29th at 4 p.m.  Register online at www.sinsinawa.org/moundcenter or by calling 608.748.4411 extension 811.

Volunteer opportunity     The Coulee Region Sierra Club is working on the idea of offering an Environmental Stewardship Award to high school students in our region.  If you are a current or retired educator or someone with an interest in this topic and would like to help with this initiative or serve as a resource person, email crsierraclub@gmail.com

Coulee Region People     This month we talk to CRSC members, Donna and Dave Swanson of Platteville.

What got you interested in the environment?  Dave has been interested in hunting and fishing since he was a teenager. Together, we have enjoyed camping, hiking and birdwatching for many years.  In recent years, we became concerned about the effect of manure spreading from large industrial dairy farms and the potential impact on surface and ground water. This issue took center stage in our lives when a new CAFO housing 1,700 dairy cows plus calves and other stock was built about a mile from our home in 2017.

What got you interested in the Sierra Club?   The fact that Sierra Club advocates for issues that we are concerned with brought us to join the organization about 10 years ago.

What are your environmental concerns?  Clean water is really our primary concern in our area.  We live in a very rural area so air quality is only an issue during manure spreading season and our neighbors tell us that comes with the territory.  We expected the smell of manure to a certain extent because we both grew up on farms, but the recent introduction of large volume liquid manure spreading has brought not only increased noxious smells but the potential for groundwater contamination.  We have started testing our well water annually and so far we don't have an issue but we've read about the problems in Kewaunee County and know that these issues could arise, especially if the number of industrial farms continues to increase.

How have you worked on those interests?    With Dave's interest in trout fishing we are also aware of the negative impact manure spills have on streams.  We joined the Water Action Volunteers a few years ago and began monitoring a stream in our area.  Unfortunately, we've had to give that up.  Heavy rains a couple of summers ago changed the dynamics of the spot we were monitoring and we felt it wasn't safe for us to continue there.

We do continue to work on the issue of water quality and any other environmental issues that affect our area through Grant County Rural Stewardship.  We are part of a small group of people that started the organization three years ago primarily in response to the new CAFO that was built near us.  Since that time we've held public events about issues related to CAFOs and the use of regenerative agriculture as a way to protect and improve our environment.  We've presented movies at the local library and theater that dealt with sustainability and farming hand-in-hand with nature.

Our county joined with two neighboring counties two years ago to conduct a study of well water quality in our area.  The research is intended to learn more about contamination of rural wells and the factors and sources that create the contamination.  We held a public presen-tation featuring two of the researchers following the completion of the first part of the study.

As public hearings occur that are related to permits or legislation connected to water quality, we attend or submit testimony to make our concerns and feelings known to the State departments or legislators involved.

What are your favorite outdoor activities?     We have changed our camping from tents to trailers and RVs but still enjoy finding spots with picturesque views, good trails and quiet opportunities to enjoy nature. The Wisconsin State Parks are always great with generous, nicely screened sites and good hiking trails.  Close to home, we also take advantage of the Army Corps of Engineers Grant River Recreation campground near Potosi. Before moving to Southwest Wisconsin we lived near Stevens Point. There are several nice county campgrounds in Portage and Marathon counties. Dave has been checking out some of the trout streams in Southwest Wisconsin and during the winter, he’s had some luck with ice fishing on backwaters of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers.

Do you have a 2021 environmental wish?    Our wish would be that government agencies and legislators take a much stronger stand to protect the environment and public interests, rather than those of private entities and corporations.

Budget Season     On February 17, the Wisconsin Sierra Club applauded Governor Evers’ 2021-23 biennial state budget proposal. The proposal includes funding for climate programs, drinking water programs and more.

Wisconsin Sierra Club Chapter Director Elizabeth Ward issued the following statement:

“Budgets reflect our priorities, and they put our values into practice. Governor Evers’ budget demonstrates that this administration is committed to moving Wisconsin to action on both equity and climate. Sierra Club recognizes this budget as one of the strongest we’ve seen, and we specifically applaud the funding of critical steps on environmental justice, meaningful progress on clean and equitable transportation initiatives, the resourcing of efforts that will reduce carbon emissions, and extensive action in service of a clean energy economy.

“While the overall package of the budget promises significant progress on our core values, Sierra Club is disappointed by green lighting of the I94 expansion. The highway proposal is not in line with the commitment to social justice and climate action that we see in the rest of the budget.”

Some of the highlights from the proposed budget:

• Environmental Justice - the budget funds a long-overdue office on Environmental Justice and funds an equity officer in each state department.
• Focus on Energy Funding - The Governor’s budget doubles the funding for Focus on Energy, the state’s renowned energy efficiency and clean energy program.  In addition to increasing the funding, the budget proposes targeting some of the Focus on Energy funding towards low-income residents. 
• Land Protection - the Budget recognizes the need to protect our natural landscapes and use them as an opportunity to mitigate climate change. The budget includes the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship fund and funding for the study of climate sequestration through old-growth forest protection.
• Drinking-Water Protection - the budget works to address Wisconsin’s water pollution crisis by funding lead pipe removal, funding programs to target run-off pollution and well compensation. The budget proposes increasing fees on factory farms, requiring that the polluters help fund oversight.
• Supporting Local Leadership - the budget includes funding for local action on climate change, including funding for staff, research, and local initiatives.  The budget also restores local control on certain plastic containers.
• Parks Access - The budget proposes allowing all fourth graders to have free admission to State Parks, mirroring the Federal Every Kid Outdoors program.  This will help ensure cost isn’t a barrier for kids to visit Wisconsin state parks.
• Biking and Walking Infrastructure - the budget increases funding for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for biking and walking infrastructure and restores condemnation authority for non-motorized trails.

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You can watch the Governor’s budget address on YouTube at youtu.be/VM_4zNT5EsI  You may recognize a few Sierra Club members in the presentation! The online format allowed the Governor to include clips from the virtual Budget Town Halls, including comments from our own chair, Kathy Allen, who said, "I think it's time for us to take bold action, and to really do everything we can. ... We could be investing in pilot programs in both rural and urban areas that not only combat climate change and build resilience, but also provide jobs and training for communities that desperately need them right now."

While the Governor’s budget is a step in the right direction, there are still issues to be addressed, including his inclusion of the “Zombie Highway,” an expansion of I-94 in Milwaukee that will cost more than $1 billion and is opposed by a broad range of groups from social justice communities to environmentalists and transportation equity advocates.

The Governor’s budget address is the first step in a months-long process, so our lobbying and advocacy work is not over! If you are willing to help Sierra Club achieve a state budget that protects the things we care about, please visit tiny.cc/jmcbudgetteam to sign up for regular action items, about one per week, throughout the state budget process (now through summer 2021),

For more information about how the Wisconsin budget process works, visit the Wisconsin Budget Project at www.wisconsinbudgetproject.org/budget-toolkit