University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON, Wis.—Citizen volunteers, teachers, and students across Wisconsin monitor the quality of the state’s streams and rivers to contribute to an ever-growing base of information about these bodies of water. Volunteers work tirelessly to share their results with their local communities and to develop improvement and protection projects for streams.

The Wisconsin Volunteer Stream Monitoring Awards are awarded annually to recognize individuals and groups for their efforts leading to increased participation in stream monitoring, collecting stream data, and sharing their knowledge of stream monitoring.

Do you know an individual or group that is involved in stream monitoring and protection activities? Or do you know of an employee who partners with volunteers to conduct such monitoring? If so, consider taking a few minutes to write a nomination letter to recognize this person or group for their efforts.

“Citizen monitors are contributing an incredible amount of data across the nation to help protect and restore our streams and rivers,” says Kris Stepenuck, University of Wisconsin-Extension and Department of Natural Resources’ volunteer stream monitoring coordinator. “With shrinking state budgets, caring citizens, as volunteer monitors, can make a significant contribution to monitoring, protection and restoration of streams. This awards program recognizes those efforts.”

The Water Action Volunteers Program (WAV), UW-Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sponsor the Stream Monitoring Awards Program to promote awareness and participation in volunteer stream monitoring work in Wisconsin. The program recognizes individuals and groups for increased participation, collecting data and sharing their knowledge of stream monitoring. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 2, 2009.

"There are many motivating factors that draw people to stream monitoring," said Chad Cook, UW-Extension basin educator for natural resources. "This award program recognizes all levels of effort and education that monitors contribute, from backyard monthly monitoring to the development of outdoor classrooms."

Volunteers or professionals who support volunteer stream monitoring can be acknowledged in five categories: Adult Volunteer, Student Volunteer, Group Effort, Teacher or Classroom, and Employee (contributes as part of his or her job duties). Previous winners may be nominated again; however, the nomination packet should only include work done since winning the award.

To nominate an individual or a group (self-nominations accepted), the nomination packet should include a letter of nomination; one letter of support from someone other than the nominator or nominee; and supporting information such as news articles on the nominee's work, materials developed, or a listing of other awards received for volunteer stream monitoring efforts.

Winners of the stream monitoring awards are chosen based on the following criteria:

--Investment of substantial time in stream monitoring efforts.

--Participation in a diverse range of activities.

--Support of stream stewardship.

--A record of sharing skills and information.

--A commitment to developing relationships and partnerships in stream monitoring efforts.

--A record of how the nominee’s work has benefited Wisconsin streams or rivers.

Winners will receive an engraved plaque and winners and nominees receive a certificate signed by the DNR Secretary.

Nomination forms may be obtained from the Water Action Volunteers' web site at: http://watermonitoring.uwex.edu/wav/monitoring/awards/about.html. Nominations must be postmarked by January 2, 2009.