The Lake Where You Live

We live in a connected world. We’re connected by technology. By transportation. By communication. By our basic humanity.

Now awareness is growing that we are all connected to our water resources, which in turn are part of a single system. That’s right, the lakes or rivers we live on or enjoy for recreation are part of one water. That starts with the rain that falls on the land and extends to wetlands, streams, oceans and groundwater.

It’s groundwater that helps make the rivers flow. A lake is a surface manifestation of the water table. And even here in the Northwoods we have a connection to the oceans, by way of the Wisconsin River, which feeds the Mississippi, bound for the Gulf of Mexico. In a real sense, what happens to one form of water affects them all, and affects us as members of society.

If you want to explore the practical side of these connections, then consider attending the annual Northwoods Six-County Lakes and Rivers Meeting, on Friday, July 12, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Nicolet College.

The theme is, “Protecting Our Waters: We’re All Connected!” The highlight is a panel discussion involving five experts in various fields who will discuss how to protect and conserve out interdependent water resources.

Ben Niffenegger, executive officer of the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company, will address projects related to the Wisconsin River. Jim Ruwaldt, a board member of the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, will describe the protection and restoration of wetlands on private lands.

Water wants to flow, and culverts help make it possible. Panelist JoAnne Lund, a special projects coordinator with Oneida County, will talk about the impacts of culverts on the county’s rivers and streams.

Chains of lakes connected by streams have their own issues and concerns, and Norm McKindles, president of the Spider Lake Association in Iron County, will talk about association initiatives involving the Turtle River chain, which includes the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. Finally, Johnson Bridgwater, water advocates organizer for the River Alliance of Wisconsin, will address grassroots efforts and speaking up for clean-water policies. 

The meeting also includes a presentation on climate change and its effects on our lakes and rivers by Noah Lottig, associate scientist and the University of Wisconsin Center for Limnology’s Trout Lake Research Station. And Tom Jerow, president of Wisconsin’s Green Fire, will explore the impacts of PFAS contamination in surface waters. 

In addition Michael Engleson, executive director of Wisconsin Lakes, will provide an update on state government policies affecting water resources. Eric Olson, director of Extension Lakes, will serve as moderator for the meeting.

This annual event has grown steadily in popularity as a place for lake advocates and lake enthusiasts to network, share ideas, and learn about current issues and concerns. Last year’s meeting drew record attendance. 

Exhibits will be offered by area educational, nonprofit and government organizations. Attendees are expected from Oneida, Vilas, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, and Iron counties. 

The event is jointly sponsored by the Oneida and Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Associations. Attendance is free, and no pre-registration is required. 

I hope to see you there. 

Ted Rulseh is a writer, author and lake advocate who lives on Birch Lake in Oneida County. His new book, “Ripple Effects,” has been released by UW Press. You can learn about it by visiting his website at https://thelakeguy.net.