Golden Sands RC&D | Water Resources Committee Projects

Central Wisconsin Windshed Partnership
The project directive is to assist the Central Wisconsin Windshed Partners (CWWP) with establishing windbreaks. The windbreaks are planted at a reduced cost to the landowner and will be maintained for three years and any trees that do not live will be replaced during the three year, time frame. The windbreaks provide many benefits for the environment including; reducing soil erosion, reducing non-point pollution, reducing surface water contamination and improving the quality and quantity of wildlife habitat. Windbreaks also provide wildlife corridors, improve air quality, reduce pesticide and nutrient drift, reduce evaporation, reduce need for irrigation, reduce leaching of nitrates and pollutants into the groundwater, improve auto saftey and improve the quality of life for the residents of the area. Golden Sands RC&D will continue to assist the partnership in finding funding and hiring seasonal staff when needed. If you are interested in having windbreaks planted on your property, call the Central Wisconsin Windshed Partners at (715) 249-5424.

Groundwater Infiltrates Portage County Schools
This is a continuation from 2002 projects. From a program that started with just one hands-on lesson, there are now a total of five lessons, for grades 4 through 7, that bring concepts about groundwater protection into the classroom. In 2004, over 400 Portage County students were taught about different soil types, how groundwater moves, what a contamination plume is and how to trace the source of the pollution. These lessons were made possible because of the dedication of over 30 volunteers from UW-Stevens Point student organizations and the Portage County community. We hope to build on this strong program in 2005.

Groundwater Infiltrates Waupaca County Schools
Now in its fourth year, Groundwater Infiltrates Waupaca County Schools has touched over 1000 5th Grade Students. Through hands-on Groundwater lessons students become familiar with where their drinking water comes from, and how it gets into the ground. Students learn about different soil types and how water moves differently through them. This project is made possible through a grant from the Waupaca County Land Conservation Department.

Groundwater Infiltrates Waushara County Schools
Groundwater Infiltrates Waushara County Schools is now in its third year serving the 5th graders of Waushara County. Through hands-on Groundwater lessons students become familiar with where their drinking water comes from, and how it gets into the ground. Students learn about different soil types and how water moves differently through them. This project is made possible through a grant from the Waushara County Land Conservation Department.

Friends of the Waupaca/Tomorrow River Watershed
Through a $10,000 River Planning Grant from the WI Department of Natural Resources, Golden Sands RC&D was able to assist a locally led effort to maintain or improve the quality of water in the Tomorrow / Waupaca River, which is classified as a Class I trout stream. The Friends of the Waupaca Tomorrow River was born and evolved over the last year and a half, to result in the creation and distribution of their own newsletter, the design and installation of watershed information signs, three river clean-up days, a River Talk series, a Strategic Plan and a citizen-based volunteer monitoring program.

Friends of the Little Plover River
The Friends of the Little Plover River is made up of concerned citizens that care about the River. The group fills an educational niche. Providing information through newsletters and hosting the Little Plover River Appreciation Day each year from 4th graders from neighboring schools. If you would like more information about the Friends, please visit our website.