Water Quality
WGF analyses concerning water quality standards, methods of evaluating water quality, and regulation to protect water quality in Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Also see the Agriculture category for analyses of nonpoint sources of pollutants. This work is developed by WGF’s Water Resources and Environmental Rules Work Group.
Wake Boats and Lakes: New Report from Wisconsin’s Green Fire
May 2024 Update:
The February 2024 version of this report has been updated and replaced by the new version published in May 2024. Read the new version here: Wake Boats and Lakes: Updated Report from Wisconsin’s Green Fire.
The updated content better reflects the current scientific literature and emerging information from communities around Wisconsin and other …
Read More >Ron Grasshoff Re-Appointed to Land and Water Conservation Board
Ron Grasshoff, co-chair of WGF’s Public Trust and Wetlands Work Group, has been re-appointed to Wisconsin’s Land and Water Conservation Board (LWCB). Wisconsin’s Green Fire congratulates Ron on this important role!
On January 24th, Ron Grasshoff provided this summary and comments on his re-appointment to the LWCB.
Summary of LWCB From Section 92.04 of WI …
Read More >New Opportunities Now Paper: PFAS 2.0
Read the new report on PFAS in Wisconsin Drinking Water.
Since the late 1930s, many consumer goods and industrial materials have contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of chemicals famous for their non-stick and firefighting properties. However, PFAS are now known to threaten human health and the environment. A team of experts at …
Read More >Fifty Years of the Clean Water Act Successes in the Wisconsin River Basin
Bob Martini served for 32 years with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as statewide River Protection Coordinator leading efforts to clean up the Wisconsin River Basin. He is a member of the board of directors of Wisconsin’s Green Fire.
Read More >Reflections on 50 Years of the Clean Water Act
Fifty years ago, the Clean Water Act of 1972 (CWA) was passed – a landmark decision to protect the safety, quality, and integrity of water in the United States. The Clean Water Act defined the lives and careers of many WGF members and Wisconsin residents, many of whom played vital roles in implementing the CWA standards and cleaning up Wisconsin waterways. We asked a few of our members to share their perspectives on the CWA, and how it changed the course of their careers in water resources.
Read More >The Cost of Clean Water
The following is a reflection written by Bruce Neeb, a Wisconsin’s Green Fire member and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources retiree who served 27 years with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Information/Education (I&E) and Grants and Loans programs. During his time at WDNR in Eau Claire, Bruce oversaw WDNR West Central Region grant, loan, …
Read More >WGF and Partners Submit Joint Statement on Flambeau Mine Closure
On Friday, July 1st Wisconsin’s Green Fire, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and Sierra Club – WI Chapter submitted a joint statement on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (WDNR) proposed completion of a portion of the Flambeau mine site south of Ladysmith, WI. The statement outlines …
Read More >Wisconsin’s Green Fire Thanks Governor Evers for Protecting Public Trust Doctrine
Rhinelander, WI – Wisconsin’s Green Fire thanks Governor Tony Evers for vetoing legislation that would allow private development on the beds of lakes and rivers without proper consideration of the public’s ownership and rights in Wisconsin’s waters. Wisconsin’s Public Trust Doctrine, which is embodied in our State Constitution, holds those lakebeds and riverbeds in trust …
Read More >Wisconsin’s Green Fire Attends Meetings Across the State
In early April, Wisconsin’s Green Fire staff and members attended events across Wisconsin to share the important work WGF has spearheaded for Wisconsin conservation. The events included the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention in Stevens Point, the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers “Comeback Conference” in Wausau, and a meeting with the Association of Retired Conservationists …
Read More >WGF Comments on Enbridge Line 5 Re-Route draft Environmental Impact Statement
WGF 2022 Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Statement
In December 2021, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) released the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Enbridge Line 5 crude oil pipeline re-route in northern Wisconsin. Wisconsin’s Green Fire testified at the public hearing on February 2, 2022 and submitted Read More >