University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON, Wis.-The Wisconsin Lakes Partnership is pleased to announce the 27th annual Wisconsin Lakes Convention, Water in our Veins: Celebrating Lake Volunteers, which will focus on the accomplishments of volunteers on the waters of our state. Over 100 speakers will gather in Green Bay to share their expertise on water management issues. The Convention is your best opportunity to get the latest information on water law and policy, science, conservation success stories, and protection tools to use in your community. If you would like to have your voice heard on courses of action for Wisconsin's waters, then you should attend this event April 28-30, 2005 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay.

"For over a century, the volunteerism of Wisconsin women and men has been the backbone of lake management in the state," said Bob Korth, University of Wisconsin-Extension Lakes Specialist. "We have all benefited from what lake volunteers have accomplished."

Kick off speakers on Thursday include Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager, Buddy Huffaker, Executive Director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, and Howard Aprill, speaking about his experiences as an American naturalist in the role of Army Captain in Iraq. Breakout sessions will address such issues as volunteer monitoring, conservation easements and other land protection tools, capacity building for citizen groups, groundwater protection, and more. In the evening, an open forum on new rules for piers and shoreland zoning will be held, along with other events.

"The Wisconsin Lakes Conference is probably the best opportunity citizens have to build partnerships, learn about lakes, share their experiences and enjoy the company of other lake enthusiasts," said Jeff Bode, Section Chief of Lakes and Wetlands, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Friday's program will feature an address by Governor Jim Doyle (invited), Representative Scott Gunderson, Chair of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, DNR Secretary Scott Hassett, and Dave Jones of StormCenter Communications, formerly a meteorologist on NBC's "The Today Show." The Wisconsin Lakes Stewardship Awards Luncheon, while always special, will take on new meaning this year as it celebrates all who volunteer their time and expertise to keep our lakes part of Wisconsin's legacy.

"The Lake Stewardship Awards are the highest honor anyone can receive for lake protection in Wisconsin," said Peter Murray, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association of Lakes. "We are delighted to acknowledge these lake protectors for their efforts."

Friday and Saturday will offer breakout sessions ranging from the ethics of land and water management, to conservation grant programs, to the latest updates on crucial water law and policy issues. Extensive trainings on aquatic plant identification and Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteer watercraft inspection on Saturday morning require pre-registration. Other special activities include business partner sales and displays, a late-evening reception at the Neville Public Museum, a photography contest, and a silent auction.

The Convention is hosted by the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, a nationally recognized collaboration of the University of Wisconsin-Extension Lakes Program, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Wisconsin Association of Lakes.

Please visit UW-Extension's Web site for full convention details, including registration and agenda: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/conventions . The event costs $175 for all three days of activities and meals. Early registration ends April 15 and registration for some workshops closes on April 18. For more information on registration, you may also contact Sally Marchel Handrich at 715-346-2116.