Tag Archives: Madison

Trade Four Wheels for Two

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On the fence about biking to work this Bike to Work Week? Here are 5 tips to make biking to work successful.

  1. Route planning: Check for bike paths and residential streets that have less traffic. In larger cities, combining a bike ride and a public transit commute is also effective.
  2. Morning preparation: Biking to work is exercise. Make sure to eat a good breakfast and drink plenty of water before starting to bike. The Wisconsin morning sun can be hot, bring an extra shirt so you can confidently tackle your day when you get to work.

    This could be you on your way to work this week!

    This could be you on your way to work this week!

  3. Extra storage: Planning on doing errands before or after work? Attach a rack to the back of your bike or a basket to the front. You can carry anything you need to pick up or drop off right there on your bike.
  4. Maintenance: The miles will start to add up quickly, so check your tires and brakes often. Keeping your bike in top shape will keep you in better shape and keep you safe.
  5. Dress Up: Wearing a helmet can protect you from anything you hit while biking. Wearing reflective bands and attaching a blinking light to your bike will prevent anything from hitting you. While on your mission to saving the environment, remember safety.

Want some extra riding time? Join us every Thursday starting May 16 for the Clean Wisconsin & Friends Bike Club. We leave at 5:30 from the Clean Wisconsin office. Each week we’ll offer two different routes, and everyone is invited to join us afterward at our neighborhood bar, Echo Tap, for Happy Hour pricing (bring your own wallet)!

Explore the Iron Hills – Art Exhibit in the Capitol

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The Penokee Hills, Image: Mario Quintana

Residents in and around Madison will have a great opportunity to see exactly what is at stake in the debate to change our mining laws, when an art exhibit called Explore the Iron Hills opens in the Capitol tomorrow (June 2). The exhibit features the work of 18 artists who seek to capture the heart of the Penokee Range in photography, paintings, drawings, poetry and more.

Wisconsin’s eyes turned to Northern Wisconsin’s Penokee Range over a year ago when a mining company called Gogebic Taconite proposed to build a massive open-pit iron mine in this pristine area. The debate stalled after a bill proposed by the company that would have silenced the voice of the public, rolled back environmental protections and eliminated accountability for mining companies failed to pass the Senate and Gogebic Taconite left the state

Despite the departure of Gogebic Taconite, many Wisconsin leaders have indicated they would like to revisit mining legislation in an attempt to lure other mining companies back to the state.

Explore the Iron Hills will give residents the opportunity to better understand the beauty and culture of the Penokee Range, and thus infuse more context into the legislative debate in Madison. An opening reception for the exhibit will take place tomorrow, June 2nd, from 11am to 1pm on the 2nd floor of the Capitol Rotunda, and will be available for viewing through June 9th.

We hope you have the opportunity to check out this great exhibit!

-Post Contributed by Sam Weis, Communications Director

Bad River Tribe’s 10 principles for mining legislation

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The Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians held a press conference this morning before meeting with Governor Scott Walker to outline ten proposed principles for any new mining legislation introduced in the state.

The press conference started out with a prayer from a Tribal Elder in the native Ojibwe language followed by a traditional “Honor Song.” The drumming and voice of the member of a Bad River Tribe echoing through the Senate Parlor was a powerful reminder of the rich history and cultural importance of Native Americans to Wisconsin.

Following the Honor Song, Bad River Tribal Chair Mike Wiggins Jr. and members of the Bad River Tribal Council outlined the many reasons why the tribe opposes Gogebic Taconite’s proposed open-pit iron mine located at the headwaters of the Bad River.  “This is where we live,” said one Tribal Council member. “We can’t just pack up and move. Our land is our culture, our history which runs deep. We came here today to protect it.”

After explaining that the mine represents an imminent threat to the fish members of the tribe eats, the wild rice they harvest and the water they drink, representatives of the tribe released ten proposed principles for mining legislation. These principles are common-sense proposals that are based on science and law. Here is the press release that highlights the ten principles:

BAD RIVER BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS TO MEET WITH GOVERNOR WALKER AND RELEASE ITS POSITION STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED GTAC IRON MINE AND PROPOSED IRON MINING LEGISLATION IN WISCONSIN

Madison, WI — The Tribal Council of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians (“Band”) is meeting with Governor Scott Walker today to discuss the Band’s opposition to the proposed Gogebic Taconite LLC (“GTAC”) iron mine in the Penokee Hills of Ashland and Iron Counties, and set forth its position on proposed iron mining legislation in the State of Wisconsin.

According to Mike Wiggins Jr., Chairman of the Bad River Tribal Council, “The Band opposes development of the proposed GTAC taconite iron mine in the Penokee Hills of Ashland and Iron Counties in Wisconsin, because it is clear, based on available geologic and environmental information, that such an open pit mine cannot be developed and operated using current mining technologies and practices without destroying the environmental quality, including the waters, wetlands, streams, rivers, air lands and forests of the Bad River watershed, the Bad River Indian Reservation, and Lake Superior.”

Wiggins further stated that “the Bad River watershed is a Wisconsin gem and pristine environmental resource, and the Band’s cultural identity and way of life is highly dependent upon maintaining the health and integrity of the watershed.”

Notwithstanding the Band’s position on the proposed GTAC iron mine, the Band understands that Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and some members of the Wisconsin Legislature are proposing to change Wisconsin’s metallic mining laws to distinguish between ferrous or iron mining and other metallic sulfide mining, to shorten the state’s permitting process, and otherwise change the permitting and regulatory process for new iron mines.

As such, the Band views the process of changing state law as being distinct from the question of whether or not the proposed GTAC mine should be permitted, noted Wiggins.

“The Band’s position on proposed iron mining legislation is that such legislation should be based on sound science and sound legal principles,” said Wiggins. “The Band opposes the proposals that were included in LRB 2035, which was leaked to the public in early 2011, to streamline and weaken the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) permitting process.” According to Wiggins, “any new proposals to change Wisconsin’s metallic mining laws should include ten principles, which are being presented to the governor, although the Band also reserves the right to propose other provisions if legislation is actually introduced.” The ten principles being proposed by the Band are:

1.    THE DEFINITION OF IRON MINING SHOULD BE CLEARLY SET FORTH TO EXCLUDE ANY PROJECT PROPOSAL THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE ACID MINE DRAINAGE.

2.    THE COMPLETENESS OF IRON MINING PERMIT APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE CLEARLY DEFINED AND THE BURDEN OF PREPARING AND SUBMITTING A COMPLETE APPLICATION SHOULD BE ENTIRELY ON THE PERMIT APPLICANT.

3.    THE PERMITTING TIME FRAME SHOULD BE REASONABLE, FLEXIBLE, AND CONSISTENT WITH FEDERAL AGENCY TIME FRAMES. IT SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE DNR, THE PUBLIC, FEDERAL AGENCIES, AND AFFECTED INDIAN TRIBES, TO FULLY REVIEW AND PARTICIPATE IN THE PERMITTING PROCESS.

4.    EXISTING WETLAND PROTECTION STANDARDS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED    AND    THE    FEDERAL/STATE    PARTNERSHIP    IN    THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS UNDER STATE AND FEDERAL LAW SHOULD NOT BE JEOPARDIZED.

5.    FEDERAL CLEAN WATER ACT IMPLEMENTATION BY THE DNR SHOULD BE CORRECTED AND NOT WEAKENED.

6.    THERE SHOULD BE CONTESTED CASE HEARINGS TO ALLOW FULL PARTICIPATION BY INTERESTED PARTIES, INCLUDING INDIAN TRIBES.

7.    THERE SHOULD BE NO PREEMPTION OF LOCAL CONTROL.

8.    CITIZEN SUITS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED TO MAKE SURE PERMIT PROVISIONS AND LEGAL RESTRICTIONS ON NEW MINES WILL BE ENFORCED.

9.    CONSULTATION WITH INDIAN TRIBES BY THE DNR SHOULD BE REQUIRED AS PART OF THE PERMITTING PROCESS.

10.    INTERESTED PARTY FINANCING SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE CONTESTED CASE HEARING PROCESS.

—-End—-

-Contributed by Sam Weis, communications director.

REthink Football

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College football game days, especially in Madison entail many things: Tailgating, routing for the Badgers, and celebrating well past the Fifth Quarter, regardless the score of the game. This long-time tradition is now supplemented with another deeply rooted Wisconsin belief: We ought to take care of our environment and maximize efficiency with recycling.

Five years ago, some UW-Madison students got together and formed REthink Wisconsin. REthink works to educate the public about the benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling waste; takes action to help people implement sustainable waste management practices; and promotes the adoption of strong sustainable waste management policies across campus.

The organization’s biggest achievement has been its work with Camp Randall Stadium and the athletics department through the “Wear Red, Think Green” program. After every home football game, a group of volunteers spreads out and walks through the stadium seating with garbage bags, picking up anything and everything that is recyclable before the custodial staff comes through and throws everything else in the garbage. Since the 2008 season when the program began, Wear Red, Think Green has diverted 17,510 pounds (8.755 tons) of recyclable material from landfills!  

We encourage those of you reading this to partake in this effort; either by picking up your recyclable material and placing it in an appropriate receptacle after the game, or by joining us as we sweep through the stadium. REthink Wisconsin welcomes the support and participation of individuals and organizations committed to a more sustainable UW-Madison. Information regarding “Wear Red, Think Green” can be easily found at rethinkwisconsin.org.

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Submitted by Julian Holtzman, UW-Madison student, Rethink Wisconsin member and dedicated Clean Wisconsin volunteer

Low-Tech Green

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Aren't these kids cute?

Here’s proof that you don’t have to go high-tech to go green.

UW-Madison has always had a strong history of agriculture and livestock research, but recently the UW Campus has looked a bit more like a farm than usual. J.P. Cullen contractors had the help of some living lawnmowers, 32 goats to be exact, to help clear a steep hillside on Linden Drive as part of their renovation of the School of Human Ecology. Shane Swart, a J.P. Cullen site engineer said the goats were “more economical by far” than construction workers and gas-powered machinery.

More economical and more environmental, since the herd had an extremely low-carbon hoofprint, if you will, as they chomped and cleared bush and weeds, even clearing invasive species such as black locust, honeysuckle and buckthorn from the slope. These hardworking kids came from The Green Goats, of Burlington, Wisconsin, and performed quite well for their first job in an urban setting.

In other Madison news, a pilot residential composting program saved 14.4 tons from local landfills. Around 400 households participated in the program to test out a city organics collection service. For now, the compost is taken to a compost facility near Portage, but the long-term goal of the project is to set up an anaerobic digester in Dane County. This digester would produce methane gas, which could be used to generate electricity or even power vehicles.

Madison has always been on the lookout for the environment, and we applaud these creative approaches to using nature’s power for a greener future.

–By Ella Schwierske, Clean Wisconsin Communications Intern

Wisconsin residents warned to watch out for Blue-Green algae

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With highs in the 80s, this weekend looks like perfect weather to spend a day at the beach, but Wisconsin officials are warning residents to watch out for toxic blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae blooms are becoming increasingly common throughout the state, as a result of phosphorus pollution.  This year, blue green algae has closed beaches and prompted warnings across the state including in Madison, in Lake Winnebago, and in Menomonie.

Blue green algae is more than a simple nuisance. Exposure to it can cause rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, severe respiratory illness, and even result in nerve and liver damage.

At Clean Wisconsin, we envision a future where all of Wisconsin’s lakes are safe to swim and fish in year-round. That’s why we’re fighting hard to reduce phosphorus pollution in our lakes, rivers and streams.

For this weekend, it’s a good idea to watch out for blue-green algae before entering the water.  Below is the press release from the Department of health for further information:

WATCH FOR BLUE-GREEN ALGAE BEFORE JUMPING IN THE WATER THIS SUMMER

MADISON—State health officials are reminding families and pet owners to watch for blue-green algae in swimming and wading spots this summer.

“It’s great to have fun in Wisconsin waters, but swimming in or swallowing water with high levels of blue-green algae can make you sick,” said Dr. Henry Anderson, State Health Officer. “People and pets should avoid swimming in a body of water with a lot of blue-green algae.”

Blue-green algae may bloom in lakes, rivers and ponds and some blue-green algae produce toxins. Exposure to these algae can cause illness in people and has caused death in both domestic animals and livestock. Individuals can protect themselves, their family, and their pets by avoiding contact with water containing visible amounts of blue-green algae.

Algal blooms can form a thick, foul-smelling scum on the water’s surface that can look like paint or pea soup. Algal blooms range in color from green and fluorescent blue to brown. Most adults will avoid entering water with an algae bloom, but kids and pets can be hard to keep out of the water – no matter how it looks or smells.

Many water-loving dogs will swim and drink from water regardless of smell or appearance. It is important to remember that dogs exposed to algae should be rinsed off following contact with waters experiencing a bloom. Dogs often lick their fur after swimming and rinsing pets helps decrease the chance of ingesting algal materials. Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet develops any signs of illness after swimming in a lake, river or pond

If you come in contact with a blue-green algae bloom, you may experience eye, throat, nose or skin irritation and gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms typically appear a few hours after exposure, but occasionally people feel ill several days after exposure. Contact a physician if you experience muscle cramps, respiratory difficulties, nausea or vomiting following swimming in a lake or river.

“It’s a good idea to wash with clean water after playing or swimming in any lake or river, and, as always, to wash hands before eating,” Anderson said.

To report an algae-related illness, or for additional information, call the Department of Health Services at (608) 266-1120 or visit: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/bluegreenalgae/.

-Contributed by Sam Weis, communications director

Tuesday Trivia Answer: Algae Blooms Attack!

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Yesterday we asked a Tuesday Trivia question that utterly stumped our thousands of Facebook fans: “What do Madison, Wisconsin; Northern France; and Eastern China all have in common?”

The answer is an unfortunate one… All three are experiencing algae blooms that interfere with summer plans and generate headlines.

In China, a massive algae bloom is covering nearly 200 square miles of the Yellow sea in the Eastern part of the country. A recent article and blog post from CNN shows children playing in water covered in a mat of neon-green algae.

Boy and Father swim in mat of algae

A boy and his father swim in a mat of thick, green algae. credit: cnn.com

Luckily, this algae is not toxic, however, it is expected to cause environmental harm and hurt marine wildlife as it sucks oxygen out of the water.

In Northern France, the situation is even worse. “Lethal algae take over beaches in northern France,” read a recent headline in The Guardian. A noxious algae bloom on the beaches of Northern Brittany is keeping the normally bustling popular vacation beaches empty. Those who do venture onto the beach face grave consequences as is demonstrated by this clip:

“A man has also taken legal action after he was left seriously ill from breathing in fumes from the decomposing algae. Vincent Petit, a 27-year-old vet, had to be dragged unconscious from a patch of rotting algae a metre deep this month after the horse he was riding collapsed and died from fumes given off by the sludge on the beach. The horse died within minutes.”

No horses are collapsing and dying in Madison, but blue green algae blooms are closing beaches, threatening the health of our families, and disappointing those who are seeking relief from the heat in or by the water. As of this morning, three Madison beaches were closed as a result of blue-green algae, and one due to high bacteria levels. Clean Wisconsin’s own Melissa Malott explained how algae blooms occur and what is being done to address the problem in this recent WKOW story:

These severe examples of algae blooms demonstrate the dangerous path we’re currently on. Unless we work in Wisconsin and around the world to curb pollution, especially phosphorus pollution, we can expect problems like these not only to continue, but also to get worse.

A big thanks to all of those who ventured guesses on this week’s challenging Tuesday Trivia. Want to participate in the weekly fun? Make sure to follow us on Facebook!

Contributed by Sam Weis, communications director.

Blue green algae closes Madison Beaches

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The Madison and Dane County Public Health Department closed two Madison beaches last week as the result of blue-green algae pollution. Blue-green algae is a toxic algae that threatens the health of our families and our pets.

Clean Wisconsin’s Melissa Malott explains what causes blue-green algae blooms, and what action is being taken to try to prevent them from happening in a recent story on WKOW:

 

Unfortunately, with extreme high temperatures in the forecast, the algae problems on Madison’s lakes are expected to become more intense in the coming days.

-contributed by Sam Weis, communications director.

Clean Wisconsin Staffers Paddle to Work

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With our offices only a few blocks from the lakes, at Clean Wisconsin we’re extremely fortunate to live and work next to beautiful lakes. Last week, 4 Clean Wisconsin staffers decided to trade in their bikes, bus passes and cars for paddles, when they participated in the 13th annual Dane County Office of Lakes and Watersheds’ Paddle to Work Day in Madison. Here’s a quick news story about the event, featuring our own Ezra Meyer:

Paddling is a great, pollution free way to enjoy our beautiful waters. Gliding in front of the Capitol and Monona Terrace across glassy waters served as a wonderful reminder of why we fight so hard to keep our lakes clean. Wisconsin’s lakes are one of our most precious and valuable resources and they deserve strong protections.

Paddling home in the afternoon sun, we saw people enjoying the lakes in many ways. One man tossed a gigantic twirly-tailed lure in hopes of hooking into a lunker Musky as the ski team practiced wakeboarding in the distance. We saw solo fly-fisherman, families enjoying an evening together on boat rides, and college students skimming quickly across the water in skulls. Some people were simply enjoying the beautiful view of the sunny lake from beaches, terraces and porches.

While it’s easy to take them for granted, our lakes are intimately tied to our way of life in Wisconsin. Whether you enjoy paddling, fishing, water skiing, or just gazing at the sun setting over calm water, our lakes are an important contributor to our quality of life in Wisconsin.

At Clean Wisconsin, we fight everyday to protect our lakes, rivers and streams, because they are one of the many things that make Wisconsin such a wonderful place to live, work and play. Some of our best memories are made on the water, and for over forty years we’ve fought to make sure that clean lakes remain there for our children and grandchildren. With your support, we will continue the fight for clean lakes in Wisconsin!

-Contributed by Sam Weis, communications director