FOTSCH is currently engaged in initiatives in partnership with watershed stakeholders. A summary statement of our 2008 initiatives can be downloaded here (requires Adobe Reader).
Watershed
- State of the Upper St. Croix – Eau Claire Rivers Watershed (DNR Lake Protection grant)
o Information Gathering. Actively manage and participate in the 2007-2009 DNR Watershed Protection grant with UW-Stevens Point and watershed stakeholders to provide comprehensive information about surface and ground waters.
o State of the Watershed Report. Report on health of watershed streams, lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
- Strategic Planning (Upper St. Croix Watershed Alliance)
o Watershed Steering Committee. Coordinate grants, start a watershed strategic planning process, and develop a draft five-year plan. Coordinate with Douglas and Bayfield County staff and officials. Participate with UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education in the creation of a watershed model.
- Communication and Celebration (St. Croix Riverfest)
o Community Values. Learn and use shared values and historical legacy to expand and improve stewardship of local streams, lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
o Annual Celebration. Host and coordinate annual St. Croix Riverfest events as a celebration of the watershed and an opportunity to report watershed information back to the communities.
o Sustainable Tourism. Promote sustainable tourism within the watershed to provide an opportunity to preserve natural resources while working for the greater economic good of the local residents.
o Surface Water Monitoring. Continue adult and youth citizen-based surface-water quality monitoring program and participation in (Level 2) Citizen-based Monitoring Partnership Program.
o Invasive Species Control. Continue support for aquatic invasive species control programs.
o Education. Continue support for adult and youth natural sciences education.
- Pursue Potential Partnerships & Opportunities
o Douglas and Bayfield Counties.
o US Army Corps of Engineers; Fish & Wildlife Service; Trout Unlimited; WI Wetland Association.
o UW-Superior and WDNR, mapping.
o Culvert Inventory and Assessment within watershed.
o Cranberry Marsh in Gordon.
o Sanitary Sewer in Gordon along waterfront (planning).
o Wetland Delineation and Evaluation.
Organizational
- Capacity-Building
o Increasing Memberships and water-monitoring Volunteer participation.
o Additional Director.
o Board Committees.
o Fund-raising (WI Partners; MN Partners; Foundations).
o Strategic Planning.
o Staffed Organization (Executive Director).