Wisconsin Clean Water Activist Endorses Dem Nominee, Tony Evers, for Governor

Madison, Wisconsin — Heavy field, analytical and organizing efforts in central Wisconsin continue as residents and communities work to protect surface and groundwater from pollution.

An important activist, Don Ystad of Rome, just endorsed Tony Evers (D) for governor.

This morning's endorsement sent by email is reproduced below.

By Don Ystad

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Our lakes are in trouble with ever increasing blue-green algae incidents, e coli readings above the safe swimming level, and Adams County tourism down 5% this past year while the rest of the state increased 3.2%. We need to level the playing field in Madison. While we've tried to remain non-political in the past, our water quality continues to degrade. Please consider the following before you vote in November.

Fellow Concerned Citizens,

I was visiting a friend at the Wauwatosa campaign office and Tony Evers stopped in to say hello to the staff. When he asked if anyone had questions, I asked what he would do to fix the water quality issues in the central sands area where I live. He began by talking about the many water issues all over Wisconsin, including Kewaunee and frac sand mining in the western part of the state. I was encouraged that he had a really good grasp of the water quality issues all around Wisconsin. He indicated that he would make the following changes to protect our water:

• First, he would appoint an independent head to the DNR to level the playing field
• next, he would bring back the DNR scientists to re-establish a fact based approach to resource management
• also, he would return the Natural Resources Board as an independent, non-political advisory group, with the power to affect our direction regarding our resources.
• And, Tony said he would work to establish a balance between agriculture and recreational needs, understanding that tourism and agriculture can co-exist

Polluted Wisconsin lake in central Wisconsin

I was impressed with his grasp of environmental issues, and the fact that he would look for a balance between our recreational lakes and our agricultural needs.

As I was explaining this to co-members of our Concerned Citizens core team, PACRS (Petenwell and Castle Rock Stewards) founder Rick Georgeson mentioned he worked in the school system with Tony Evers in Tomah and knows him very well. 

Rick says, “Tony is a real common-sense person, he works very well with other people, has solid principles, and is a great listener and team builder. He was well respected by the community.”  And, he added, “Tony will make a fine Governor.” This means a lot coming from the leader and founder of the PACRS organization.

I plan to vote for Tony and hope you will as well. Our lakes are showing the “business first” challenges of the current administration and we need to level the playing field. For those who might be offended by this recommendation of a change in our state government, I would ask you to think about the condition of our lakes and streams in our area, and consider the efforts of your neighbors, TriLakes and our Rome Town Board, who are trying to clean up our 14-Mile Creek Watershed. We can't do it without the support of our state government. It's time for a change.
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Central Wisconsin Calls for Water Testing

Madison, Wisconsin — The northern United States is enjoying the long, hot Summer as the dog days of August approach.

In central Wisconsin, the call is for water testing as Big Ag threatens the state with 15,000 lakes.

From the Protect Wood County (Wisconsin) and Its Neighbors organization comes a mass local project in which 100s of households have tested their groundwater to establish an empirical baseline of dangerous nitrates, phosphorus and pathogens, should a proposed massive factory farm and other Big Ag operations so befoul drinking water that that emergency legal action comes necessary.
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From Protect Wood County (Wisconsin) and Its Neighbors

Friends and Neighbors,

I am not sure I will have internet connection strong enough here in the deep woods for this message to send but am crossing my fingers!

1st - Wanted to give everyone a last final reminder the Saratoga Water Testing will conclude this weekend.  If you have not already registered or called-in to reserve your spot please do so ASAP.  There will be limited walk-in slots available if you do not register for a spot in advance there is no guarantee a bottle will be available for you.

Online link for registration and online payment:

Alternatively reservations can be made through Bruce Dimick @ 715-325-1990

2nd – Please remember to mark your calendars for Tuesday August 8th if interested in hearing from one of the many candidates running for Wisconsin Governor in 2018.  Citizens’ Water Coalition is sponsoring a Potluck Meet & Greet with Mike McCabe at the Nepco Lake Pavilion.  Doors open at 5:30 with event potluck starting at 6pm.  This event is free to the public and for informational purposes, this NOT a campaign fundraising event.  For more information please visit their event page.

3rd – For those who registered for the Farm to Table event we wish you safe travels to the Metoyer/Brown farm.  You will surly enjoy a wonderful evening with like-minded individuals.  I am not sure if registration for this event is still open but if interested please feel free to access their website and check it out.  Dinner in the Field

Our mailing address is:
Protect Wood County & Its Neighbors
PO Box 1532
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

Wisconsin Waters Hailed by Citizens as Ag Interests Poison and Plunder

Citizens lobby Wisconsin legislators at the Wisconsin capitol
for clean and safe water in February 2017. Image is taken
from a video produced by Eric Peterson.

Madison, Wisconsin — A video is out offering a look into the efforts of Wisconsinites fighting for clean and safe water.

People want responsible water policy in Wisconsin.

Yet, the legislators shown in the video, constantly, (invariably), vote against the protection of clean water.

State Senator Patrick Testin, (Stevens Point), State Rep. Scott Krug, (R-Nekoosa), and State Rep. Joel Kleefisch, (R-Sturgeon Bay) are the worst offenders. They represent Wisconsin residents who are being hit hardest by Republican efforts to facilitate the poisoning and plundering of Wisconsin waters.

Donald Ystad of Rome, Wisconsin in Adams County sent an email out Sunday night to 100s of supporters and other interested parties., flush off a major legal victory by central Wisconisn residents over the proposed operation of a massive factory, a CAFO or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, that would devastate the waters of an entire region.

By Donald Ystad

Concerned citizens,

Many of you were among the nearly 500 people who attended the first ever Citizens Water Lobby Day in Madison on Feb 8th this year, and thanks to a very generous Rome donor, many of you rode to Madison in comfort on motor coaches.

That day was the genesis for the new statewide citizens lobby, Citizens Water Action Coalition.

Watch this video and think of all the grass roots groups from all over the state who are now joined together in the common fight to protect our water. You should recognize more than a few faces.

Then, when you read about the legislature pandering to the mega-farm lobby, the administration out of ​touch with citizens' rights to clean and abundant water, and the increasing number of incidents degrading our lakes and streams, make a pact with yourself to be a stronger part of this citizens lobby. It may be the only way to counter the big money interests buying their way through our legislature.

T​hank you to Eric Peterson for his efforts ​on this video.

Wisconsin Legislators Look to Give Away Water to Special Interests

Pro-water signs proliferate in the town of Saratoga in
central Wisconsin.
Image was taken May 2015 by Saratoga resident

Madison, Wisconsin — Communities in central Wisconsin look to the state capitol to see if legislators will turn their backs this morning.

It's a good chance legislators will turn their backs on their own constituents, they're considering a bill that would deplete Wisconsin's waters for the benefit of special interests:

The bill is Wisconsin Senate Bill 76, (Assembly Bill 105), and has drawn opposition from communities, small farmers, businesses, recreation and tourism activists, property rights activists and a coalition of citizens who have worked to stop the operation of a proposed industrialized factory farm or CAFO, (Confined Animal Feeding Operation) in central Wisconsin.

Among the effects on water policy in the bill are Constitutionally dubious changes to environmental laws that plead regulatory procedures to ignore Wisconsin’s Public Trust Doctrine, which protects public access to waters.

The bill is expected to be acted upon on March 28 between 10 am and 1 pm in the Senate Committee on Labor and Regulatory Reform. [Linked here is the Wisconsin legislative committees' calendar.]

From Rome and Saratoga, (Wisconsin), Concerned:

Dear Senators,

Let's be honest about the proposed bill. We know it's a reach by the large grower lobby to gain the advantage and have unlimited access to groundwater. And, we recognize that the plan for a paper ballot is to prevent you from considering amendments that might make this bill more reasonable to all citizens.

The large growers have spent large sums of money to try to sway you, they've created their own groundwater fact book filled with junk science and innuendo, they launched a campaign in the central sands to try to influence each county board into quietly standing by while they assault our state capitol with their junk science, and recently they've been seen at listening sessions using misleading photos to suggest there is no damage to lakes in the central sands.

During this same time, you've seen growing numbers of constituents busing to Madison to share scientific evidence with you that shows our lakes and streams are being unfairly damaged by excess groundwater pumping via high capacity wells from these same grower organizations. You've seen more and more press coverage stating the issues with water all around our state.

By now, you recognize that there are key differences to the two sides on this issue. On one side, you have large grower interests using their financial power to try to influence you through lobbyists and misleading information. On the other side are your constituents, lobbying you with empirical information and personal stories showing what is actually happening to our lakes and streams from over pumping of high capacity wells, sharing the threats to the state's $20 billion tourism revenue, and sharing concerns for their own property values and lifestyle issues with the threat of even more high capacity wells and unlimited pumping. I would remind you that there are already 13,000 high capacity wells in our state, the majority used for agriculture.

So, the question to you is, will you support the citizens who are asking for reasonable groundwater solutions in critical areas like the central sands, or will you bend to the big grower lobby trying to have unfettered groundwater access regardless of the effect on our citizen's right to clean and abundant water? The recent healthcare repeal attempt is an indicator of the result when citizens apply pressure to protect what's important to them. Ignore it at your own peril.

Please vote no on the paper ballot and force a more reasonable groundwater bill.

Central Wisconsin Communities Flash Red over Bill to Deplete Waters

Paradise imperiled - Lake Camelot in central Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin — Following the Republican effort to pass by stealth the unpopular "death by a 1,000 straws", anti-water bill, central Wisconsin citizens' groups and communities are mobilized.

The bill is Wisconsin Senate Bill 76, (Assembly Bill 105), and has drawn opposition from communities, small farmers, businesses, recreation and tourism activists, property rights activists and a coalition of citizens who have worked to stop the operation of a proposed  industrialized factory farm or CAFO, (Confined Animal Feeding Operation) in central Wisconsin.

Among the effects on water policy in the bill are Constitutionally dubious changes to environmental laws that plead regulatory procedures to ignore Wisconsin’s Public Trust Doctrine, which protects public access to waters.

The bill is expected to be acted upon on March 28 between 10 am and 1 pm in the Senate Committee on Labor and Regulatory Reform. [Linked here is the Wisconsin legislative committees' calendar.]
 
Below is a press release from Concerned Rome Citizens, (Adams County (Wisconsin)), and a communication from Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors, (Wood County Wisconsin).

For Immediate Release
Press Release
Contact: Don Ystad            
Phone: 262-894-9423          
Email: info@romeconcerned.com

Proposed SB76/AB105 strikes a blow to state tourism and property rights

Concerned Rome Citizens opposes SB 76, (AB 105), as written.  Passage of this bill in current form will result in continuing PERMANENT damage to our state’s waters – lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and residential water wells.  It may provide assurances to a select group of large growers and agricultural land owners, but it does not solve any problems for our state groundwater and surface water issues and only allows our current problems to continue and in some cases, expands those problems.

Further, the scheduling of a paper ballot vote on March 28th by the Senate’s Committee on Labor and Regulatory Reform ignores the 9 hours of testimony provided at the initial public hearing a few weeks ago and prevents consideration of amendments suggested by legislators and attendees.  In short, it’s an attempt to fast track this bill for influential donors.

Wisconsin is a mecca for recreation and tourism. Allowing the passage of SB76/AB105 would land a direct blow to the thriving tourism industry upon which many of our rural communities depend.  Many vacationers who would otherwise travel to Wisconsin will find alternate vacation destinations to boat, fish, and recreate as lake levels continue to be drawn down.

SB76/AB105 will guarantee the continued drawdown of many lakes, trout streams, and residential wells if passed because it does nothing to remedy the current issues with lakes and streams already drawn down by excess pumping, or to prevent damage to lakes and streams in the future.  Unlimited permits are unprecedented in Wisconsin and pose a serious and immediate danger to our waterways and our residents.  Periodic review of high capacity well permits is essential to protect our waters. 

The following amendments should be considered and acted upon on behalf of Wisconsin constituents and citizens.

Wisconsin has a varying geology and we need an amendment that recognizes such where permitting and regulating high capacity wells is concerned

• Identify the Wisconsin areas like Central Sands that are currently impacted, or subject to impact because of their geologic makeup. Make periodic review mandatory for all high capacity wells located in these areas and eliminate the need to do so where the science and history show it’s not necessary. Periodic review of a high capacity well in areas of Wisconsin currently demonstrating no significant impact from over-pumping is unnecessary when a well requires maintenance or reconstruction.

While automatic transfer of well permits when a property is sold may be important to high capacity well owners, maintaining lake and stream levels is equally important to citizens and the communities, counties and state where they live.

• An amendment is needed to provide permit review before sales transfer in areas of our state where the science or history show impacts from over-pumping. This is especially crucial with transfer of land from property owner to another entity which plans to pump in excess of previous records of well pumping or is in a region where high capacity wells are already demonstrating impacts.  Conversely, transfer of property (ownership) between family members with the same purpose and estimated pumping rates of the property’s high capacity well, when in an area that is not identified as an area of concern due to over-pumping, does not require a periodic review.

Science has shown us that trying to refill a lake with a new high capacity well when that lake has been impacted by over-pumping of existing high capacity wells simply does not work.  By now we’ve all learned that surface water and groundwater are directly connected.

• That provision should be stricken from the bill.

Citizens are at a civil litigation disadvantage once permits are awarded to large organizations.  Wording within this bill denying citizens right to request a contested case hearing is contradictory to the democratic process.

• Citizens should have the right to contest a permit decision before a permit holder is allowed to operate, based on studies or evidence that shows the potential risks.

And finally, the Sensitive Resource Study Area outlined in the Central Sands region requires further consideration in that it does not incorporate the already highly impacted areas, instead targeting three random low impact areas. Highest impact areas must be included in the study

•     Because of the unique geological conditions involved, study and groundwater modeling should incorporate the entire Central Sands region and not limited areas
•     Temporary suspension of new high capacity wells should be implemented in the Central Sands region already showing the highest amount of impact due to over-pumping of high capacity wells.  This temporary suspension should remain in place until completion of the new study AND corrective actions are put in place legislatively to address the critical area and over-pumping occurring

Numerous scientific studies and models have confirmed the effects of over-pumping on ground and surface water.  However, agriculture interests continue to lobby for an advantage with the public’s water.  Visitors aren’t coming to Wisconsin because of our agriculture industry. They come and spend $20,000,000,000 here annually because we have a lakes environment second to none.  As Wisconsin residents, we trust our elected officials to enact legislation that will support the needs of agriculture and tourism, as well as property values and lifestyle for all residents for generations to come.  We expect changes in these bills that represent the needs of all Wisconsin property owners.

Concerned Rome Citizens values the lakes in the Rome area that contribute in a large way to the $300,000,000 annual tourism revenue in Adams County.  The billion dollars in valuation of lake properties in Adams County represent a major source of revenue to commerce, schools and community services. 

These lakes communities around our state must be protected.
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From Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors

Spring is fast approaching which means all eyes and ears need to be open as the potential for manure dumping by the Wysocki's is high.

We have information that the Central Sands Dairy manure lagoon is full to the top.  The lagoon will need to be pumped soon and the manure will have to go somewhere, so keep your eyes open and report anything you see out of the ordinary.

SB76 / AB105 - Relating to: replacement, reconstruction, and transfer of an approved high capacity well, recommendation of special groundwater measures by the Department of Natural Resources, and metering requirements and grants for certain high capacity wells.

After 9 hours of testimony by Wisconsin citizens on March 15th the Senate Chairperson (Senator Nass) later instructed the Committee on Labor and Regulatory Reform to vote on SB76 by paper ballot on Tuesday March 28th between the hours of 10AM and 1PM.

The paper ballot decision eliminates discussion of citizen testimony heard, debate of technical pieces of the bill, and does not allow for amendment to be introduced on the bill by committee members.  It also blocks the public from viewing and observing the committee communications.

Now more than ever we need citizens from all over Wisconsin hitting our elected officials with personal emails and phone calls voicing their concerns about this bill and the committees plan to proceed with a paper ballot vote.  Linked below are our Legislators email addresses in an easy copy and paste format.  Be sure to take a few minutes and do your part today.

2017 Elected Wisconsin Officials
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An Appeal for Safe Water from Colfax, Wisconsin

What kind of political party targets water?

'I've always felt that I had a 'forever clause' to have clean water to drink.'

Madison, Wisconsin—On March 15, some 100 people are expected to bus and drive from central Wisconsin to the state capitol building in Madison.

Small business owners, small farmers, used-to-be-retired folk, all kinds want assurance of safe, clean drinking, and surface water.

They face stiff opposition led by State Rep Scott Krug, (R-Nekoosa, Wisconsin) and other Republicans.

Republicans are pushing two bills that would decimate Wisconsin waters and offer protection to polluters and industrial interests that are literally sucking regions dry.
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From Dick Lamers of Dunn County in northwestern Wisconsin:

Dear Legislators,

Subject: GROUNDWATER BILL WOULD RESULT IN PERPETUAL AUTHORITY TO PUMP!

Reference: (Senate Bill 76, Assembly Bill 105)

Please stop and think about what these bills will do for your legacy and the impact it will have on the citizens of WI!

I don’t understand the justification for approving the unlimited use of water from our aquifers and the permit-approval process of these wells now being proposed with a 'forever' clause.

I’ve always felt that I had a 'forever clause' to have clean water to drink. That is one of the reasons I made a choice to move back to my home state. I was extremely proud of the environmental heritage that I remembered from my childhood and wanted it for my family. That is not the case for what I see happening today.

The 'Big Sell' used by some when this was last considered in 2016, was to keep talking about the 'certainty' of being able to pass on these permits to future buyers or family members (Corporations). There is no consideration for what happens when the permitted use causes catastrophic damage to the lives and well-being of their neighbors.

What about their certainty? When will you consider that this regulation has the potential of destroying whole communities? Who will stay in an area when the lakes dry up and people don’t have water to drink? (Companies buying bottled water for those affected is not a solution.)

These bills actually prohibit legal recourse when the use of these high-capacity wells prove to be detrimental to others.

Not allowing the research and study of the cumulative impact of these wells before approval or renewal, just passes the problem and harder decision making onto the next generation. If the 'greatest generation' helped develop our water ethics, then the least we can do is fight to uphold them.

I firmly believe one of your responsibilities in our society, is to protect me from these type of situations. I’m looking forward to seeing some of you STAND UP, LEAD, find a better way for ALL… of Your Constituents.

Please Vote No!

Respectfully submitted,

Dick Lamers
Colfax, WI 54730

Wisconsin Rivers

Wisconsin Republicans Target Water Again

Rome, Wisconsin relies on clean and safe water
The central Wisconsin community is a tourist
and recreational mecca fighting the current
of anti-public mania of Wisconsin Republicans.

In Wisconsin a coalition of citizen groups is getting riled again.

They want to stop ground and surface water from being plundered and poisoned by industrialized factory farms.

Republicans in the legislature are saying in effect, 'forget it, water warriors, we work for Big Ag.'

Pro-water forces are sounding the alarm about the "Death by a Thousand Straws' bill drafted by Republicans for Big Ag, against the interests of surrounding communities.

They oppose Senate Bill 76, (Assembly Bill 105), that will result in "PERMANENT damage to our state’s waters – lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and residential water wells. Written in its current state, this bill does not solve any problems for our state groundwater and surface water issues and only allows our current problems to continue," (Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network and Concerned Rome Citizens).

By Rick Georgeson, Steve Raap, John Endrizzi, Rick Antin, and Don Ystad

Concerned Friends and Neighbors,

The recently proposed Senate Bill (SB) 76 is bad for us. It's a follow-on to the bad water bill from last session that failed to get approved.  And, now we hear there is a companion bill being introduced in the Assembly. Many of you helped to defeat the bills last session, and we are going to need all of you and more to help defeat this one. The deck is stacked against us as the administration further disembowels the DNR and as large industrial farm lobbies pour in more money trying to influence our legislators. So, it's just us, the largest pool of lobbyists in the state, and we have the ability to affect change. This mailing is informational.; Soon, you will be asked to take action to protect what's important to you and your family. And, it will cost you only a few minutes of your time.

Oppose SB76/AB105,  'Death by 1,000 Straws'

Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network and Concerned Rome Citizens, (Facebook), opposes SB76/AB105 and believe passage of this bill will result in PERMANENT damage to our state’s waters – lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and residential water wells. Written in its current state, this bill does not solve any problems for our state groundwater and surface water issues and only allows our current problems to continue. 

Wisconsin is a mecca for recreation and tourism. Allowing the passage of SB76/AB105 would land a direct blow to the thriving tourism industry upon which many of our rural communities depend.  Those who travel to Wisconsin will be forced to find alternate vacation destinations to boat, fish, and recreate as lake levels continue to be drawn down.

SB76/AB105 will guarantee the continued drawdown of many lakes, trout streams, and residential wells if passed by our current legislature. Unlimited permits are unprecedented in Wisconsin and pose a serious and immediate danger to our waterways and our residents. Periodic review of high capacity well permits is essential to protect our waters. 

The transfer provision in SB76/AB105 is of greatest concern and encourages elected officials to purposefully and directly ignore the state’s Public Trust Doctrine, which states the waters of Wisconsin belong to all of us. Transferring water rights with the sale of a property is in direct conflict with that doctrine outlined within our state's Constitution. Transfer wording should be deleted entirely from this bill.

As Wisconsin residents, we depend and trust our elected officials to enact legislation that will ensure our surface and groundwater will be here for our children and grandchildren to use and enjoy.  Moreover, we have property rights and hold our representatives to the expectation that they will protect our interests over big industry donors who are attempting to buy preferential legislation. 

Numerous scientific studies predicted reduced surface and groundwater due to overpumping from high capacity wells. Statewide, lakes, streams and wells are drying up and we are demanding legislative action to protect our water NOW. Do not vote to pass legislation that will make Wisconsin water issues worse and directly impact our tourism and recreational industry. SB76/AB105 will not stop or prevent further damage to the families of Wisconsin… it ensures the damage will continue.

Concerned Rome Citizens values the lakes in the Rome area that contribute in a large way to the $300,000,000 annual tourism revenue in Adams County.  The billion dollars in valuation of lake properties in Adams County represent a major source of revenue to commerce, schools and community services.  These lakes communities must be protected.

Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network (SRWN) is a statewide coalition of thousands of individuals and hundreds of organizations dedicated to preserving the environment while maintaining the health and economic vitality of rural communities. We are concerned about Wisconsin’s water resources and support sustainable water use. We cannot support legislation that gives Wisconsin’s water to the highest bidder at the detriment of the citizens.

Mass Rally for Clean Water Planned for Wisconsin State Capitol, Oct 22

Rally and party at the Madison, Wisconsin Capitol on Oct 22,
Saturday from 10 a.m. to Noon, and after

We are people fighting to protect our homes, our water, and quality of life from an industry with a horrid track record of polluting rural communities

Rally and party at the Madison, Wisconsin Capitol on Oct 22, Saturday from 10 a.m. to Noon, and after.

We're fighting for clean and safe water from the biological, chemical, and economic attack from industrialized ag factories.

Our water, air and a healthy environment now savaged by Concentrated (Confined) Agricultural Feeding Operations (CAFOs), an industrialized and massively polluting corporate farming model adopted by big agriculture against popular opposition.

From Farms Not Factories:

We are at a crossroads in Wisconsin. Our water, air and quality of life is threatened by industrial agriculture and its factory farming. You only have to look at Kewaunee County and their polluted wells; the DNR's incorporation of Attorney General Brad Schimel’s opinion on the cumulative impacts of high capacity wells; Midwest Environmental Advocates Petition for Corrective Action; or the Legislative Audit Bureau's report on the DNR's wastewater permitting and enforcement to see that the CAFO way of doing business is causing harm across this state.

We The People have the power to change what no longer serves us but we must stand together; unified in our message that we will exercise our collective power to protect our rights to clean water, clean air and a good quality of life. It's time our elected officials in Madison decide to stand with us, the citizens of Wisconsin, and help us push back against a greedy and immoral industry that is poisoning our rural communities.

Wisconsin Citizens Promote Their Communites in Face of Legislative Betrayal

Paradise in quiet, low-profile Wisconsin region

In the Central ("Golden") Sands of Wisconsin, residents are promoting their communities.

Genuine pride for many is a place to have the grand-kids over in the summer at small lake houses among the many waters dotting the region.

Golf, restaurants, trails, recreational centers, the area is among the least-known treasures of Wisconsin.

Lake Arrowhead in Adams County is an anthology, termed a "hidden gem" in a region where the paper mills and mill workers used to dominate the economy and culture.

Citizen groups are calling for protection and cultivation of the natural resources to fill in the void left by a paper industry that is but a shadow of past decades.

Venal hi jinx at the Wisconsin capitol by the local state legislator will not stop a growing citizens' movement from promoting their community, a common effort right as Scott Walker and Republicans remove state money from the state park system and call for higher fees in the last budget, (Dee J. Hall).

By Bob Benkowski, Don Ystad, John Endrizzi, Rick Antin, Rick Georgeson, and Steve Raap

All,

Listening to the families interviewed on this clip​ included below​, ​we are reminded that many of us have spent 30 years or more enjoying the Rome lakes, and have retired here in this beautiful community of lakes and recreation.  We appreciate our area and hope for many more years of enjoyment here.  At the risk of being a "downer", we want to share a couple other things that come to mind, the "elephant in the room", so to speak.

First, are you aware that 3 of our 4 lakes in Rome are on the state's impaired list because of pollutants in the water? In the case of Lakes Arrowhead and Sherwood, it's the high levels of algae attributable to phosphorous, quite probably from upstream sources. Even worse in Lake Petenwell, where heavy metals from upstream sources also add to water issues.

Second, are you aware that a 5,300 cow dairy CAFO is being proposed next door in Saratoga?  If you've followed the news, then you know of the contamination of drinking water wells in Kewaunee, nitrate levels nearly 8 times the state and federal level across the Petenwell in Armenia, all related to dairy CAFOs.  Probably, you've also read about the lakes and streams decimated by high capacity wells in Almond, Plainfield, Hancock, and Plover, among others. You do know that 33 high capacity wells are being proposed with the CAFO next door in Saratoga, and that nearly 1,500 of your own drinking water wells are within it's cone of depression? And maybe you read this week that a spill at a dairy CAFO in Fennimore spewed a 2 mile stream of cow manure down a local waterway. The proposed CAFO in Saratoga will produce 55 million gallons of manure annually. [Verburg, Wisconsin State Journal; Larson, WKOW-TV]

Tourism PR people don't like to talk about this. But, if you value Rome and the recreational aspects as ​we do, you can love and promote the Rome area and still work towards protecting what we all have here. Petenwell is addressing their issues through PACRS (Petenwell and Caste Rock Stewards). We can take an active role in Rome to protect our other 3 lakes, Arrowhead, Sherwood and Camelot, through more citizen involvement with our TriLakes Management Association in their efforts to get more involved in corrective action (trilakesmanagement.com). Also, with pressure on our town government to help clean up our lakes for the issues we know about today. An even bigger issue is the proposed CAFO next door, which could foul our lakes and our air, reduce stream flow affecting lake levels, and pollute our drinking water. As we approach the DNR's Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and permitting process, we all need to be involved by attending the public hearing when the EIS comes out, and by contacting agencies and politicians now about our concerns for the future of our area.

So, in summary, what ​can ​​citizens like you do?

- Watch the video.  Let it remind you of what we have here
- Contact TriLakes and let them know you want to help clean up and protect our lakes (trilakesmanagement.com) lakedist@wctc.net
- Contact our town board and let them know you want them ​actively ​
involved in protecting our recreational assets here McLaughlin@romewi.com
- Contact state agency heads and politicians in advance of the EIS [Environmental Impact Statement] of a proposed massive industrialized factory farm (CAFO)] and let them know you expect their help in protecting our recreational area from the proposed CAFO (from CC: above)

Lake Arrowhead Video link

​Thanks,

Water Advocates Plan 'Stink-in' at Capitol; Target Polluters and Pols

Vectoring millions of tons of liquid cow manure into aquifers and Wisconsin surface waters, including the two largest Great Lakes is "medieval," notes Gordon Stevenson, Wisconsin's former DNR runoff chief (2001-2011)
A wide coalition of Wisconsin citizens across the political spectrum will rally in Madison Nov. 7 at the state capitol at 1:00 p.m. this coming Saturday.

They want clean and safe water, air and a healthy environment now savaged by Concentrated (Confined) Agricultural Feeding Operations (CAFOs), an industrialized and massively polluting corporate farming model adopted by big agriculture against popular opposition.

As Republicans and Scott Walker protect polluters and disregard the Wisconsin Constitution's Public Trust Doctrine, 1,000s are expected this coming Saturday to 'raise a stink.'

Clean water advocates, sustainable farmers, property owners seeing plummeting valuations and other opponents of CAFOs have seen hospitalized children who drank water out of the faucet, and watched politicians set the state on a trajectory towards undrinkable water, and toxic air (Citizens Concerned about Lake Superior CAFOs as the Dept of Natural Resources has become a polluters' lobby under Scott Walker, (Facebook)).

Central Wisconsin Wants Golf Resort; Opposes Industrialized, Polluting Dairy

Huge sand deposits in region guarantee environmental and health
catastrophes if millions of gallons of liquid and aerial
cow manure continue to be dumped into the environment.

Updated - Opponents of a proposed massive factory farm sited in Wood and Adams counties are working on several fronts to stop the proposed Wycocki CAFO or Concentrated (Confined) Agricultural Feeding Operation in the Town of Saratoga.

One campaign has citizen groups reaching out to promote the tourism and and recreational potential of the region, located at the bottom of an ancient glacial lake in the Central or 'Golden Sands' region of Wisconsin.

Citizens point out specifically the region known for its towering pine trees and waters is perfect for the Sand Valley Golf Resort, a world-class sand dunes sanctuary already drawing raves among golf enthusiasts, (Kerr-Dineen, Golf Digest).

Area residents point out the Resort would draw little water because of its large sand composition, and spur economic development through restaurants and hotels, in concert with existing recreational attractions.

Ancient Glacial Lake Wisconsin -
17,000 years ago

Against this effort is the "Wysocki Family of [Companies' proposed] Golden Sands CAFO in Saratoga that will be home to over 6,000 animal units ... [producing] 50 million gallons of liquid waste per year," (Rearjet, Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune), through the use of some 38 high capacity water wells each drawing over 100,000 gallons per day to mix with the tons of annual cow manure that would be sprayed back into the environment with predictable dangerous health and environmental consequences. [See also High-Density Livestock Operations, Crop Field Application of Manure, and Risk of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection in Pennsylvania; by Joan A. Casey, MA; Frank C. Curriero, PhD, MA; Sara E. Cosgrove, MD, MS; Keeve E. Nachman, PhD, MHS; Brian S. Schwartz, MD]

Infestations of flies and rats are common around CAFOs and neighboring communities, notes widely research on polluting CAFOs.

The Wysocki corporation's proposed CAFO would be sited just miles north of the Sand Valley Golf Resort, a proximity that a strong north wind bringing ammonia, a putrid odor and flies would make clear.

Clean water advocates, sustainable farm advocates, business consultants, property owners seeing plummeting valuations and other opponents of CAFOs from across Wisconsin are rallying in Madison Nov. 7 at the state capitol at 1:00 p.m. this coming Saturday, (Citizens Concerned about Lake Superior CAFOs (Facebook)).

They are demanding the state of Wisconsin support clean water, clean air and take measures against Big Ag and CAFOs assuring the Wisconsin Constitution's Public Trust Doctrine is no longer ignored by Scott Walker and state Republicans who have taken $ millions in campaign donations from agricultural polluters and have launched an attack on the Public Trust Doctrine.

From an email sent to supporters this weekend by retired business consultant, Don Ystad of Rome, Wisconsin in northern Adams County:

I don't want to be seen as a shill for Sand Valley, but this is the kind of development that helps our area to thrive. It highlights a natural resource that had been hidden within a paper pulp tree plantation. It's a links type course using far less water than a traditional course. And, hiking trails will permit public access so we can all enjoy the dunes. If its anything like their other world class golf resorts, the boon to area commerce and property values is encouraging.

Contrast that to the proposed Wysocki Dairy CAFO that affects air and water quality, and even worse, can cause declining property values. Don't allow this proposed CAFO to compromise our existing recreational area or the growth we will all feel from Sand Valley. The DNR's Environmental Impact Study and public hearing are expected in just a few months. If you've been on the sideline regarding this proposed affront to our recreational area, its time to exercise the power of the 'court of public opinion'. Join forces with your neighbors who are making their voices heard all over the state. A few minutes of your time now can prevent a lifetime of regret. Get on board at Protect Wood County or Rome Saratoga Friendly on Facebook. And check Sand Valley's website. It's very impressive

Citizens promoting their area's economy by protecting its natural resources, a message that is gaining power across Wisconsin

Sand Valley Golf Resort map pitches to golf enthusiasts across the Midwest

Wisconsin's Future Motto: 'Don't Drink the Water'—Unless We Act

Wisconsin's future motto

Updated: Another town, Nasewaupee in northeastern Wisconsin, discusses banning manure spraying.

The stakes are high.

So, anything the Dairy Business Association (DBA) tells you should be disregarded as propaganda.

No, liquid cow manure is not good for you, and it smells horrific.

Unless we come up with a solution to the DBA's pollution of our waters through CAFOs (Concentrated Agricultural Feeding Operations), and the DBA's members' sucking up Wisconsin's fresh water through high capacity wells, Wisconsin will have a new state motto.

It won't be America's Dairy Land, or Forward or The Progressive State, if Scott Walker is reelected and continues with turning the DNR into the pollution-protecting agency it has become under Walker's administration.

Wisconsin's new unofficial motto will be: Don't drink the water.

And forget about tourism and recreation in beautiful Wisconsin.

Ask Kewaunee County.

"Few people know what a CAFO is and I am always embarrassed to explain. The response is most often an incredulous stare," said Robyn Mulhaney, Kewaunee County business owner. (Peninsula Pulse)

Bring the kids, fire up the grills and check out the CAFO lagoons filled with the liquid cow excrement.

This is what happens when the stewards of the environment hand over responsibility to Big Ag.

Wisconsin County Cuts Liquid Cow Manure Vectoring into Drinking Water

Fighting the horror of CAFOs

Kate Golden has the story from Kewaunee County in northeastern Wisconsin about the mega-Dairy industry gone mad,(WisconsinWatch) and a victory.

America's Dairyland with the direct complicity of many Wisconsin politicians, Scott Walker worst of all, remains in thrall of the dairy industry now dominated by concentrated agricultural feeding operations (CAFOs).

The dairy CAFOs are a nightmare with many rooms of horror and one wishes this were hyperbole.

One of the worst terrors is the deranged, systemic dynamic that Wisconsin's former DNR runoff chief, Gordon Stevenson (2001-2011) terms "medieval": Vectoring millions of tons of liquid cow manure into the aquifers and Wisconsin surface waters, including the two largest Great Lakes.

Considering Wisconsin's greatest natural resource is water, 15,000 lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior for starters. The dangers are not lost on environmentalists, nor the perpetrators embodied in the Dairy Business Association.

The practice is getting worse and accelerating.

Back in 2009, writer Roger Bybee warned: "John Peck (of the Family Farm Defenders), only half-joking, suggests Wisconsin's longtime slogan, 'America's Dairyland,' may need to be updated. The new slogan: 'The Land of 10,000 Animal-Waste Lagoons.'" (Isthmus, August 14, 2009)

We are well on our way.

CAFOs are proliferating in America's Dairyland with predictable toxification of Wisconsin waters, as most politicians run scared in a political environment akin to coal in West Virginia.

Another battle between citizens and a corporation of CAFOs is occurring in central Wisconsin, the "Golden Sands" region.

Stay tuned, and in the meantime, if you are in Kewaunee County, don't drink the water or wash out a child's cut or scrape with tap water.

On an ending note, in the Golden Sands, central Wisconsin region, golf developer, Mike Keiser, is beginning construction of a five-course golf resort at the bottom of an ancient glacial lake that everyone wants to happen.

The only threat to the innovative project conforming to the natural sand geology is that the Wysocki corporation wants to site a massive CAFO a few miles north of the resort.

Sooner or later, sooner I think, Mike Keiser is going to realize the destructive capacity of CAFOs, why a north wind would be anathema to his golf course, and the plain fact the Mississippi watershed includes the Wisconsin River running a few miles from the resort.

There's an objective here: Scotland found at the bottom of an ancient glacial lake, and Wisconsin citizens feeling safe again that their water is not being effectively poisoned. Citizens are working to enlist Mr. Keiser to join the fight.

Added an avid CAFO fighter: "We want Mike Keiser and his dream to come true. And we want to live our lives with clean and safe water. I think Mike Keiser will come onto our side against a common enemy."

Construction just begun at the Sand Valley Resort at center-right.
Shot is taken from a plane at 2,000 feet by Adams and Wood County residents
worried that Sand Valley and their homes and lakes are
threatened by an environmental predator in central Wisconsin:
The Wysocki Family corporation.

Dream or Nightmare in Central Wisconsin

Glacial Lake Wisconsin -
17,000 years ago

The Central Plain or Golden Sands of Wisconsin is a geological region of some 13,000 square miles of sandstone.

Some 17,000 years ago, the Golden Sands region housed a mammoth ancient lake, the Ancient Glacial Lake Wisconsin.

Today, stunning natural beauty at the site of the Lake makes central Wisconsin a tourism and recreation destination.

The array of natural resources whom the likes of Aldo Leopold and John Muir vowed to protect are threatened today by Big Ag, and the politicians and bureaucrats who do their bidding as Big Ag literally dumps liquid shite into their neighbors' environment.

The Golden Sands region is set to house a world-class golf resort, Sand Valley (Melanie Lawder, Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune) that will be sited along the bottom of Glacial Lake Wisconsin, a can't miss recreational and tourism project.

Golf resort designer Mike Keiser says the project that has recently begun construction, a "lovefest" judged by the reception from residents of central Wisconsin.

Keiser better use protection.

The Wysocki Family of Companies is no lover, it's a Big Ag outfit that does NOT seek permission or a show of hands about what to inflict onto a region, doesn't care about natural resources and even less about Keiser's proposed golf resort as Wysocki moves forward on its own "Golden Sands" project almost touching the Sand Valley site.

Sand at the bottom of this ancient glacial lake will make for the innovative design of world-class courses, but sand is susceptible to carrying toxins down to the groundwater, and the problems presented by runoff of liquid cow manure from a proposed Concentrated Agricultural Feeding Operation (CAFO) could easily kill this project just as CAFOs are creating Dead Zones in Wisconsin lakes.

The last thing golfers enjoying themselves need to consider are the soil properties of Plainfield Sand, nitrate and E-coli levels.

Bet you Tiger Woods never worries about the stench and health effects of particulate contamination and inhaling ammonia.

This is because no public official in her right mind sites a CAFO next to a golf resort.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources under Scott Walker does, and the degradation of tourism, recreation and natural resources is just another act of corruption as Scott Walker and Wisconsin Republicans take in a big haul from Big Ag.

"WE DO NOT WANT KEISER TO RETHINK HIS PROJECT!" writes a Town of Rome resident working to stop the proposed Wysocki Golden Sands CAFO that would comprise 7,838 total acres, according to the DNR.

In fact, Mike Keiser's project is presented as exactly the development a region dependent on recreational and development wants, pro-water advocates say, just as CAFOs are precisely the water-polluting, water aquifer-sucking corporate actor the region does not want or need.

Wysocki doesn't care about ancient glacial lakes, dream golf resorts and the legacy of men like Aldo Leopold and John Muir.

Wysocki already has a massive CAFO, the Central Sands Dairy, in the Town of Armenia in Juneau County within miles of the Sand Valley resort and the results have been tragic. ["It was an ammonia smell. It hurt so bad even to breathe. ... Critics also question the ability of the DNR, relying mostly on citizen complaints and self-reporting by the huge dairies, to adequately regulate a practice that has already been shown to pollute waters and drive people from their homes," notes Ron Seely]

Water samples taken around the Central Sands Dairy reveal "(e)vidence ... of substantial contamination in both ground and surface waters." (Kenneth S. Wade Report)

In the shot below taken in a private airplane, the beginning of construction of the Sand Valley Resort is seen in the center-right, with Lake Petenwell/Wisconsin River in the background, a body of water described by one resident as "stench is putrid" due to runoff.

We should be doing everything to attract projects like Mike Keiser's golf resort, and everything to protect our state from Big Ag.

Instead, Scott Walker and the Republicans like Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) are selling us out for political expedience.

Construction just begun at the Sand Valley Resort at center-right
Shot is taken from a plane at 2,000 feet by Adams County residents
worried that Sand Valley and their homes and lakes are threatened
by an environmental predator: The Wysocki Family

Town of Rome Sends DNR Letter to Kill Massive, Proposed CAFO

334 Halberds Court;
Rome, Wisconsin

The Town of Rome, Wisconsin is an idyllic community in northern Adams county offering residents and retirees a scenic country life, peace and quiet and recreation in central Wisconsin.

This peace, in fact the future of the Town and surrounding region is imperiled by a proposed massive dairy CAFO (concentrated agricultural feeding operation) that would deliver pathogens into the water, land and air of the Central Sands.

The proposed CAFO is called the Golden Sands Dairy CAFO, now under consideration from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Citizens groups are fighting back, including Protect Wood County and Rome Saratoga Friendly (Facebook). [These groups are still waiting on presumptive Democratic Party gubernatorial nominee, Mary Burke, to issue a position paper protecting the water and Wisconsin families from CAFOs, and to make this a priority in her campaign, and failing that at least issuing a public statement calling for stopping the poisoning of the region.]

Local governments are not waiting, and are making their voice heard by the DNR, what used to be an independent agency but under Gov. Scott Walker has become a corrupt arm of corporate interests that no longer give an impartial hearing to "environmentally-motivated opponents of frac sand mines, big dairy expansions and mountain-top removal iron mining in the Bad River watershed," as Jim Rowan writes.

Time is not on the side of the conservationists and those working to protect natural resources.

"The ecological carrying capacity on at least two of Wisconsin’s agricultural landscapes has been exceeded: that includes much of Northeastern Wisconsin as well as the Central Sands. These landscapes are literally bleeding excess nitrogen and phosphorus into groundwater and surface water," said Gordon Stevenson, a 26-year veteran of the DNR where his last assignment was serving as the Chief of Runoff Management until his retirement in January of 2011.

CAFOs typically take the cow manure mixture, store some of it in lagoon and spray the rest of the toxic brew:

Below is the letter submitted to the DNR by the Town of Rome Board of Supervisors in Wood County:
---
July 24, 2014

Mr. Russ Anderson
WDNR Environmental Review Coordinator
3911 Fish Hatchery Road
Fitchburg, WI 53711
RE: Golden Sands Environmental Impact Statement

Dear Mr. Anderson,

The Town of Rome is located two miles south of the proposed CAFO, and borders the cropland on which the manure will be spread and where many of the forty high capacity wells will be located. Rome has 2741 full time residents, and has 4262 residential properties with improvements, many of which are vacation homes. Rome is a recreational and retirement community. Many of the full time residents bought property as a weekend retreat, and then moved here after retirement. They chose Rome because it was a quiet community with clean water, clean air, and an abundance of natural resources in the area that provided many recreational opportunities. This continues to be why many people buy in Rome.

The proposed CAFO now threatens the environment that brought people to the Town of Rome.
 
Experience has shown that there are many environmental issues surrounding other CAFO operations in Wisconsin, and in the Midwest. There are air quality issues which should be controlled by the State and Federal air quality standards, but are difficult to monitor and enforce. The odor from the Factory Farm operation, and from the fields where the manure is applied is not controlled. Manure odor is very offensive to most people, and it will easily travel into Rome when the wind is blowing from the north or west.

There is a new campground less than two miles from the CAFO being built by the Wisconsin Trapshooting Assn (WTA) on the site of their world class trapshooting complex. Their operational plan calls for attracting campers even when there are no trapshooting events. The income from the premier quality campground which will have 204 drive-through full hookup sites is needed to fund the operation of the complete facility. The presence of the manure odor, and the noise of the 24/7 operation will have a negative effect on attracting campers to make the campground successful. The WTA is projecting an investment of $4.9 million into this project which includes a “Learning Center” for use by schools statewide for educational events. The annual income from the campground, shooting facility, and Learning Center is projected to be $1.4 million per year, which will be jeopardized by the CAFO being located so close.

The Town of Rome is going to be the site of the Sand Valley Golf Resort which is under construction now. This will be mega golf facility that will draw visitors from around the country and world to play their links style courses. The developer chose the Town of Rome because of the rural area away from industrial development, the abundance of open rolling terrain, natural resources for other recreational activities, and clean air and water. Their long range business plan calls for developing five courses, lodging facilities, and full service club houses at an investment of $100 million. When finished, this operation will employ hundreds of people in well paying positions. Even though the facility will be located in southern part of Rome, many of the guests will be arriving from the airports to the north where they would see and smell the CAFO as they arrive. This will be another major source of income for local residents and businesses, as well as tax revenue for the Town, County, and State. The successful operation of this facility would be jeopardized by the CAFO.

The proposed 6000 acres of cropland with forty additional high cap wells will have a negative effect on Rome’s lakes and groundwater. Private water wells around other CAFO operations and near high concentrations of cropland have experienced increased nitrate levels, and contamination from the chemicals and pesticides used to the point where the well water is not safe to drink. Ground water levels have dropped as witnessed in the Plainfield and Plover areas. The Rome Town Board passed a resolution last year opposing the method that the DNR uses when issuing high cap well permits, because they are not considering the cumulative effect of multiple wells in the same area. This was forwarded to the Governor and State officials with no response.

There are about 3500 private wells in Rome with 1500 located within the three mile radius of the proposed high cap wells. In addition, the Rome Water Utility serves 1300 customers in the Lake Camelot area from their wells located 2.3 miles from the proposed high cap wells. Engineered studies have shown that there is a three mile cone of depression of ground water levels around each high cap well.   Many of the 1500 private well owners stand a good chance of having their wells contaminated, and/or dried up when the ground water levels drop.  They would then have to drill deeper wells, and/or purchase expensive filtration equipment to have safe drinking water. The cost to each property owner could be $3000 to $5000 or more. This could easily have a cost of $4.5 to $7.5 million to Town residents within the three mile radius of the high cap wells. The nitrate contamination would go beyond the three mile radius which would affect even more wells.

The same issues will threaten the Rome Water Utility wells. In 1995, the Water Utility found that two wells were contaminated with nitrates from the agricultural area east of Rome resulting in the wells being taken out of service. A new well had to be drilled at a cost of $600,000. Since 2006, another new well was drilled and the filtration equipment updated at a cost of $1.6 million. If the Water Utility’s current wells become contaminated with nitrates, the cost of the necessary filtration equipment will be over $2 million, plus the waste disposal for the nitrate residue would be about $40,000 per month, or $480,000 per year. These costs would need to be charged back to the Water Utility customers.

In addition to the air quality and ground water issues, some Town of Rome residents will have to contend with additional noise from the Factory 24/7 operation, and the additional 24/7 truck traffic through Rome. Rome would no longer be a quiet place to live.

A number of residents have already stated that if this CAFO is allowed, they will be selling their property as they did not move to Rome to live under these conditions. They want to sell their property before the value of Rome property drops as a result of the CAFO. Residential property in the northern part of Rome will see the greatest impact. There are numerous papers written documenting that the value of residential property within three miles of a CAFO declines, some places have been as much as 30%. As more properties are put on the market, all Town property values will be affected. There will be fewer buyers that want to buy in Rome, and put up with the air, water, and noise issues. When the supply exceeds the demand, property values drop. A good example of this was when the Town’s residential property values dropped $190.4 million (26%) from 2009 to 2013. This was because there were a lot of properties on the market, and nobody was buying. This will happen again if the environment that brings people to Rome is compromised by air, water, and noise issues. The 2014 assessed value of the residential property in Rome is $574.4 million. Even a modest 5% decrease in property value would be $28.7 million loss. A 10% decline would be $57.4 million. Rome expects to see very little additional revenue from the CAFO, and the 25 farm hand employees that the CAFO will employ, so the economic impact to the Town of Rome will be all negative. When you look at all of the factors, this could easily be over $50 million when you factor in the lost to the tourism industry, to businesses, both local and county wide, to the construction industry, and less jobs available. How will the Town of Rome, Adams County, and the residents be compensated for that loss?

In conclusion, this CAFO is proposed to be located in the middle of two residential communities. This is the worst possible location for this kind of operation.  Consideration needs to be given to the fact that a private party wants to make a huge profit at the expense of the Town residents, both Saratoga and Rome. There are areas in central Wisconsin where there is open land with very few residents per square mile, and located many miles away from residential communities. If this type of operation is going to be permitted, that is where it should be located, not in Saratoga. We agree that the agricultural and dairy industries are a vital part of Wisconsin’s economy, but the tourism and recreation industries also contribute many dollars to the economy. There needs to be a compromise reached to share and preserve our natural resources. In order to preserve wild life habitat, control soil erosion, and clean the air we breathe, there needs to be limits established to control the amount of forestry land that can be converted to cropland in any given area.  We ask the Department of Natural Resources to take on the responsibility that has been assigned to them, to protect Wisconsin’s natural resources, especially clean water and clean air.

Respectfully,

Town of Rome Board of Supervisors,

Two Things About Mary Burke—One Is Good

A good thing to be against

Mary Burke is not Scott Walker, and this is Burke's best asset.

Mary Burke is not a politician, and this is Burke's worst defect.

A good politician, the type of person who works for her fellows is difficult to find today.

So, we have Mary Burke.

Back in March, when Republicans were screwing over cancer victims (mostly veterans) suffering from Mesothelioma, Burke's campaign team decided the best way to help was silence. After a time, Burke did throw out a sentence, a good one.

Then, in July, Burke decided she was against Mesothelioma and would repeal the Act Republicans passed into law. This took four months.

Folks in central Wisconsin—who are working against the siting of a concentrated agricultural feeding operation CAFO that would inject liquid cow manure into the environment, including the streams, lakes, and peoples' homes—asked me earlier this week why Mary Burke takes so long to get behind something she should be championing.

They have contacted the Burke campaign numerous times, and are still awaiting a reply.

Nancy Koch [no relation] of the citizens' group, Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors told me, she feels like Burke is giving her and her people the "brush-off."

What's Burke's deal?

I told Koch and her friends I have no idea, and that I'm not sure Mary Burke particularly cares about people in central Wisconsin.