Times & Tides Spring 2016

2016 VOL.43 | NO.1

ALSO INSIDE: Green Lake Fish Sticks | 2015 Leadership Donors Inside Ripon’s Wastewater Treatment Plant | Cover Crops GLA Key Strategies and Accomplishments | Gala Announced

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TIMES & TIDES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2016 VOL.43 | NO.1

2 2016 GALA: GREEN LAKE GOLDEN AGE Help us celebrate 65 years of conservation work on Big Green Lake at the Heidel House’s Dartford Ballroom for our 7th annual gala!

Let the sights and sounds of the 1950’s take you back to the year of our founding!

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COVER CROPS AND OTHER TIME-TESTED STRATEGIES

The GLA recently sat down with Chris Retzlaff, Green Lake area canning crop producer, and learned that a farmer’s timing goes beyond the cyclical patterns of seasons and crop production.

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GREEN LAKE FISH STICKS

Lake partners restore shoreline habitat and reduce erosion through the implementation of Fish Sticks, as just one component of several shoreline restoration efforts to come.

7 FEATURE STORY: GRANTS FOR GREEN The GLA and other members of the Lake Management Planning team for Green Lake have had a successful start to 2016 by aligning several grant-funded projects aimed at improving water quality for Green Lake.

13 THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX Hidden from view along West Fond du Lac Street in Ripon, the Ripon Wastewater Treatment Plant has been quietly making improvements to its operation that is now making some loud news.

9 KEY STRATEGIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Curious what we’ve been up to? Check out our list of initiatives to support a healthy Green Lake and the partners who are part of our work!

11 2015 LEADERSHIP DONORS 15 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL IS HERE! Have you renewed your Green Lake Association membership this year? With unprecedented opportunities at our door, our efforts are only as strong as our members. The ripple effect of a cleaner Green Lake starts with you!

FROM THE DIRECTOR

STEPHANIE PRELLWITZ | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Happy spring, everyone! In Green Lake, flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, spring peepers are peeping, and ospreys are soaring. You can find examples all-around of new life and growth.

This spring Times & Tides edition is about another transformation of sorts: The GLA’s distilled organizational vision—to focus our collective resources entirely on water quality—is gaining noticeable traction. Good ideas are becoming reality. Important conversations are sparking action.

Community-backed grants are being awarded. New partners are rolling up their sleeves. The ripple effect of our efforts is growing and making waves.

You can read about many of these success stories highlighted in this edition of Times & Tides, including an exciting array of grant-funded initiatives. The GLA and our lake partners are at the helm of these unprecedented efforts—all aimed at improving water quality for Green Lake.

This success is possible in large part because of our committed members. The support you provide is a small ripple that joins with other supporters and grows into something truly substantial. Our impact is only as strong as our members, so thank you in advance for your ongoing support. (And, while on the topic, have you renewed your 2016 membership yet?)

Despite all the progress and momentum we have to report, realizing the Green Lake Association’s vison of “a community that actively cares for our watershed and a healthy, clean lake for living, playing, working, and building family legacies,” can only happen with the help of partners and members who share a commitment to our mission.

The hard work needed to preserve Green Lake has only just begun. We are motivated by our recent milestones, but our sights are aimed high towards tidal wave sized results. h

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rab your Rat Pack and start spreading the news—the Green Lake Association is turning 65! In honor of this momentous occasion, we are taking Big Green back to the year it all started: 1951.

Help us re-discover our roots at the Green Lake Association’s seventh annual Gala. This snazzy affair supports important conservation initiatives and a cleaner Green Lake through a night of fun and music.

Join us Saturday, July 30, 2016 from 5:30-10:00 PM at the Heidel House’s Dartford Ballroom for an unforgettable evening that might just fly you to the moon! It’s sure to be a swingin’ affair complete with unique auction items, raffle prizes, and sights and sounds that will take you back to the year of our founding.

Celebrate 65 years of conservation work on Big Green Lake and learn about the ongoing efforts we have to continue our mission, because, in the words of Frank Sinatra, “The best is yet to come.”

TICKETS Tickets are $60 through Saturday, July 9 and $70 thereafter. Gather a group of 10 friends and enjoy a premier Neighborhood Table for $600! It’s a great way to get the whole neighborhood together!

RESERVATIONS We expect this event to sell out, so reserve your spot early! Buy tickets any one of the following ways: 1. Online at www.greenlakeassociation.com 2. Call (920) 294-6480 3. Email info@greenlakeassociation.com

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AUCTION AND RAFFLE DONATIONS Please consider donating an auction item for the gala. Suggested items include vacation lodging, sporting event tickets, dinners, lessons or ‘unique experience’ certificates, craft items and more.

Auction and raffle items receive recognition in the event program.

JOIN OUR SPONSORS Care about Green Lake? Go the extra mile and help underwrite the cost of this event by becoming a gala sponsor! Your support ensures that donations raised can go directly towards our efforts to restore Green Lake.

All sponsors receive complimentary tickets (quantity noted below), premier seating, logo recognition in all event publicity and gala program, and special recognition at the event.

Platinum Sponsor ($3,000): Ten complimentary event tickets.

Gold Sponsor ($2,000): Six complimentary event tickets.

Silver Sponsor ($1,000): Four event tickets.

Bronze Sponsor ($500): Two event tickets. h

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COVER CROPS AND OTHER TIME-TESTED STRATEGIES A LOCAL FARMER SHARES “WHAT WORKS” ON HIS FAMILY FARM AND HOW HE CONTINUES TO ADVANCE HIS PRACTICE.

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n farming, timing is everything. The Green Lake Association recently sat down with Chris Retzlaff, Green Lake area canning crop producer, and learned that a farmer’s timing goes beyond the cyclical patterns of seasons and crop production.

The timing of harvesting cash crops in the fall and establishing a cover crop before winter’s first frost is impacted by remaining days in an unpredictable growing season. The timing of purchasing land in the 1980s when interest rates spiked, versus the 1990s when they dropped, was frequently the difference between failure and success for family farms. And the timing of fields planted in a particular crop rotation can combat or accumulate soil diseases that harm crops.

As a multi-generation farmer, Retzlaff understands the sensitivity of these factors and has adopted practices to ensure a successful crop year after year.

EARLY AMBITIONS “I wanted to be a farmer ever since I was 5 years old,” Retzlaff explained as he detailed his childhood daily chores with fondness.

“There was a level of commitment and a sense of community that existed between my family and other farming families in the area.”

Inexpensive and easy to grow, barley provides exceptional erosion control for farming fields.

This image displays a thick cover of barley over a field that typically grows sweet corn.

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The Retzlaff farm was originally a dairy operation of 300 acres. Today, it has grown to 2,200 acres supporting cash crops such as sweet corn, beets, soybeans, and peas.

His commitment to the farm – and, more specifically, to the land –motivates Retzlaff as he prepares for each crop season.

The Retzlaff home farm, located on Retzlaff Drive on the southwest outskirts of Ripon, was first established as a 300-acre dairy operation. Today, it has grown to 2,200 acres of canning crops, including sweet corn, beets, soybeans, and peas.

Early canning crop companies, including Fairwater and Green Giant, created a high demand for canning crop growers in the Green Lake area. “These companies started out here because of our climate and soil, both ideal for canning crops,” said Retzlaff. This demand, partnered with the crash of milk and land prices in the 1980s, convinced Retzlaff to transition into canning crops.

TRIAL AND ERROR Switching from dairy to canning crops was one of several changes Retzlaff adapted to advance his family’s farm. “I loved the soil, loved the business and wanted more land,” said Retzlaff.

Thirty years ago, Retzlaff and his father used two moldboard plows, which generate deep furrows that are now known to cause unnecessarily high soil disturbance. “I haven’t plowed a furrow for 30 years,” he offered as an example of how the farm has adopted more conservation-minded practices.

Retzlaff also discovered through trial and error how to manage his land and to protect the soil, eventually adopting cover crops into his rotation.

Cover crops are used to prevent erosion, improve soil health, decrease plant stress by increasing water infiltration, suppress weeds, control pests and diseases, and increase biodiversity. This best management practice has economic benefits to the producer and can improve water quality downstream.

IT WORKS Retzlaff described how the relatively new development of cover crops in the early 2000s warranted a closer look and a cautious step forward. He planted various cover crops to see how well one worked over another in his system. After experimenting, he found that barley planted in the fall after the last harvest worked for his fields, convenience, and wallet.

“ COVER CROPS REALLY HELP WITH EROSION CONTROL. THE FIRST BIG THAW OF EACH YEAR CAN CAUSE SIGNIFICANT FIELD EROSION, BUT COVER CROPS HELP TO HOLD THE SOIL IN PLACE DURING THESE EVENTS.” – Chris Retzlaff, Green Lake area farmer

For Retzlaff, the benefits of cover crops are extremely visible in the springtime. “Cover crops really help with erosion control. The first big thaw of each year can cause significant field erosion, but cover crops help to hold the soil in place during these events.”

His application of barley cover crops has been time-tested and continues to benefit his fields while simultaneously benefitting downstream water quality.

This year alone, Retzalff has planted 1,600 acres of cover crops and is open to the idea of incorporating additional cover crop varieties. For now, the benefits of using barley as his primary cover crop can be simply put - “It’s simple, it works, and you don’t have to pay a huge amount to get it.” h

Chris Retzlaff, Green Lake area farmer, shows a portion of his 1,600 acres of cover crops during a ride-along tour.

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G R E E N LAK E

FISH STICKS LAKE PARTNERS RESTORE SHORELINE HABITAT AND REDUCE EROSION

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he Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) has promoted habitat and shoreline restoration by encouraging the installation of “fish sticks.” While these particular fish sticks are not intended for human consumption, they are intended to improve aquatic habitat and to reduce shoreline erosion.

This year, Big Green will be getting its own fish sticks, made possible by a $25,000 WDNR Healthy Lake grant awarded to the Green Lake Sanitary District (GLSD). The grant includes several shoreline restoration projects and rain gardens bringing the total project to $33,300. The GLSD and Green Lake Association are providing funds to cover remaining expenses in excess of the awarded grant.

FOR THE FISH AND FOR THE SHORE It is common practice for shoreline owners to remove fallen trees and woody debris from the lake. Unfortunately, this practice makes

“FISH STICKS TACKLE TWO OBJECTIVES WITH ONE ACTION. THEY SERVE AS A FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST WIND AND WAVE ENERGY THAT OFTEN RESULTS IN THE LOSS OF SHORELINE, AND THEY RESTORE CRITICAL HABITAT FOR AQUATIC LIFE IN GREEN LAKE.” – Charlie Marks, Green Lake Sanitary District Administrator

the shoreline more vulnerable to erosion and eliminates important habitat for fish and other species.

Fish sticks restore this natural protection. Fish sticks are groupings of whole trees that are installed along a lake’s shoreline, left partially or fully submerged. The tree groupings are anchored to shore or to the lake bottom to ensure that they remain in place.

Once there, the fish sticks provide critical habitat for beneficial aquatic and terrestrial species, including fish, turtles, and birds.

They also help to reduce shoreline erosion and bank undercutting by dissipating the high energy of waves created from wind and boat traffic.

“Fish sticks tackle two objectives with one action,” said Charlie Marks, Green Lake Sanitary District Administrator and grant recipient. “They serve as a first line of defense against wind and wave energy that often results in the loss of shoreline, and they restore critical habitat for aquatic life in Green Lake.”

Lisa Reas, owner of LJ Reas Environmental Consulting Corporation who has helped install Green Lake’s fish sticks, described the need to reduce shoreline erosion in Green Lake. “The soil that erodes from the shoreline areas is rich in phosphorus. Once in the lake, phosphorus increases aquatic plant and algae growth, which kicks off a chain of events in our lake. We have reduced water clarity, negative impacts to fish and other aquatic life, and nuisance issues with swimming, boating and other recreational uses,” explained Reas. “It is important that every lakeshore landowner strive to keep their shoreline healthy and stable.”

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Above, left: Shown here are the beginning stages of a fish stick bundle on the shoreline of Conservancy property, Pools Hill. Implementation during Green Lake’s brief 2016 freeze allowed the GLSD, Lisa Reas, and the WDNR to access the shore from the water’s edge. Above, center: Lisa Reas (left), Stuart Marks (middle), and Dallas Lewallen (right), prepare to anchor the fish sticks structure to the lake bottom to ensure that it stays in place once submerged. Above, right: Lisa Reas along with GLSD staff, Marks and Lewallen tightly cable five trees together. Once the ice melts, the structure will sink into the lake partially or fully submerged.

SITE SELECTION Four Green Lake Conservancy properties – Pools Hill, Norwegian Bay, Sunnyside Trail, and Hammer’s Trail – were identified as priority fish stick areas given significant bank undercutting.

Of the four sites, the GLSD and Lisa Reas installed fish sticks at Pools Hill and Norwegian Bay and the WDNR tackled Sunnyside and Hammer’s Trail. Both organizations took advantage of Green Lake’s short-lived 2016 ice cover to cable the structures into place in mid-February. On-site trees identified as either dead or diseased were used to form fish sticks. The GLSD will be replanting each site with native plants to replace the vegetation removed.

Marks emphasized the collaboration required to successfully implement the project and the hard work of GLSD staff and Reas, who offered creative and cost-effective solutions for at-risk shorelines.

specifically for each location and spaced to allow for viewing corridors and swimming areas.

LAKE USER SAFETY Fish sticks are WDNR-permitted structures that are required to be placed within 20 feet of the shoreline and cannot extend further than 100 feet from the shoreline. This near-shore installation reduces any potential inconvenience to lake users, who should not be boating at high speeds in the near-shore areas and will be able to clearly view the tree groupings.

The GLSD and Reas considered many factors to ensure the woody structures would be aesthetically pleasing, safe for lake users and highly effective in improving shoreline stability.

“We considered shoreline instability, the level of energy acting on the shoreline, the availability of trees on-site, the length of shoreline, aesthetics, and budget when determining the site and number of fish sticks structures,” said Reas. Each bundle is sized

NEXT STEPS Fish sticks are just one component of several shoreline restoration efforts being implemented on Big Green, and Reas is excited to continue the restoration work.

“We [GLSD and Reas] plan to do some shoreline restoration planting at Hammer’s Trail this fall. We will be turning a portion of this large planting into a hands on ‘How To’ workshop for landowners interested in shoreline restoration or gardening with native perennials. We plan to have specific details regarding dates and times available to the public around mid-summer.”

As for Marks, each shoreline initiative is a way to move Green Lake forward. “This project is just one small part of the lake ecology puzzle, but all of these pieces add up and are critical in protecting our lake,” Marks said. h

“THE SOIL THAT ERODES FROM THE SHORELINE AREAS IS RICH IN PHOSPHORUS. ONCE IN THE LAKE, PHOSPHORUS INCREASES AQUATIC PLANT AND ALGAE GROWTH, WHICH KICKS OFF A CHAIN OF EVENTS IN OUR LAKE. WE HAVE REDUCED WATER CLARITY, NEGATIVE IMPACTS TO FISH AND OTHER AQUATIC LIFE, AND NUISANCE ISSUES WITH SWIMMING, BOATING AND OTHER RECREATIONAL USES.” – Lisa Reas, owner of LJ Reas Environmental Consulting Corporation

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MAKING BIG GREEN LAKE A PRIORITY ONE GRANT AT A TIME

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he GLA and other members of the Lake Management Planning (LMP) team for Green Lake have had a successful start to 2016 by aligning several grant-funded projects aimed at improving water quality for Green Lake.

Read below for a summary of some of these efforts that prioritize the health and future well-being of Big Green.

1. G REEN LAKE ASSOCIATION: WATER QUALITY STUDY ($230,000) The GLA was recently awarded a $200,000 Lake Planning Implementation Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to quantify management practices to improve Green Lake’s water quality.

This effort will be conducted by lake experts from the U.S. Geological Survey and WDNR. The team will use data from lake monitoring and computer models to develop evidence-based recommendations to achieve Green Lake’s water quality goals. Funds not covered by the grant are being provided by the GLA with significant financial support from the Green Lake Sanitary District.

This study is Phase II of previous work conducted on the lake to gain a more detailed understanding of a band of low dissolved oxygen content that appears at mid-depths in Green Lake.

Together, these efforts help to create a profile of Green Lake’s water column and are huge stepping stones in understanding and reversing Green Lake’s 2014 classification as an impaired water body.

2. G REEN LAKE ASSOCIATION: FARMER SURVEY ($13,300) The GLA was recently awarded a $10,000 Lake Management Planning grant from the WDNR to conduct a survey of agricultural producers within the Green Lake area. The $13,300 project is supported by financial contributions from the GLA and the Green Lake Sanitary District.

The survey will be developed in partnership with Aaron Thompson from University of Wisconsin-Extension and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The survey is scheduled to be conducted in the fall of 2016.

The voluntary assessment seeks to better understand agricultural producers’ land management decisions and to seek input for solutions that collectively benefit crops, soil health, and downstream water resources.

As Paul Gunderson, Green Lake County Conservationist states, “The best way to get conservation on the land is to work together with farmers. Their input and knowledge guides us to find solutions that reach the same goals. In fact, knowing what they are doing or would be willing to do to conserve soil is a starting point in all our conversations.”

The project was motivated by the GLA’s participation as a member of the Agency-Farmer Interface Coalition, a UW-Extension led effort that promotes interactions among farmers and various agencies to foster cooperation and implementation of effective nutrient management and conservation programs.

“Many farmers within the Green Lake watershed are actively implementing conservation programs that benefit soil and water quality,” said Prellwitz. “This is an opportunity to solicit input from the agricultural community – in many cases, those who know the land best – about the more effective ways to build on those positive efforts to benefit our land and water resources.”

Survey results will inform the development of future programs and potential incentives for conservation practices in the Green Lake area.

These programs will be incorporated into the Lake Management Plan for Green Lake, a document that guides watershed management to improve water quality for Big Green Lake.

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3. C ITY OF GREEN LAKE: STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN ($41,500) The City of Green Lake announced that it will undergo a municipalwide initiative to identify, quantify and improve storm water runoff to Big Green Lake and the Puchyan River. Set to begin in the summer of 2016, the voluntary storm water impact study and management plan is aimed at assessing and reducing the City’s urban impact to Green Lake.

“The City of Green Lake is committed to a proactive approach when it comes to minimizing our impact to nearby water resources,” said Jon McConnell, Mayor of Green Lake. The project expands preliminary runoff calculations that the City pursued in 2014.

Funding for the initiative is provided by a $19,000 Urban Nonpoint Source Storm Water grant awarded by the WDNR to the City of Green Lake. The City of Green Lake, Green Lake Sanitary District and GLA are contributing remaining funds not covered by the grant. The total project cost is $41,500.

“We are proud that the City of Green Lake is demonstrating that we all have a responsibility to reduce our impact to the lake, no matter the size of our runoff contribution,” said Stephanie Prellwitz, Executive Director of the GLA. “More than anyone, the City economically benefits from a healthy lake. Their participation is vital as we collaborate with partners who are located further upstream and who are less directly connected to the lake as a result.”

The City will develop a plan for various best management practices that increase storm water runoff infiltration and water quality and reduce runoff volume to the lake. The project may also include ordinance updates that incorporate low-development features to minimize impacts from areas of new development and redevelopment.

“We are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to improving water quality for Green Lake,” said Charlie Marks, Administrator for the Green Lake Sanitary District. “We are supporting urban projects, shoreline efforts, and agricultural best management practices at an aggressive pace,” Marks said of the Green Lake Sanitary District and the LMP team.

Mayor McConnell added, “The City has a responsibility to do our part to protect our water resources so that future generations have the same opportunities that we have now. We take that obligation very seriously, and we are willing to do our part to make that happen.”

4. G REEN LAKE SANITARY DISTRICT: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND RESTORATION FOR COUNTY HIGHWAY K ESTUARY ($297,000) The Green Lake Sanitary District received a $200,000 Lake Planning Implementation Grant from the WDNR to install best management practices in Fond du Lac County and to restore the County Highway K Estuary at the southwest inlet of Big Green Lake. Both projects seek to reduce phosphorus loading to Big Green Lake.

Remaining funds not covered by the grant are being provided by the Green Lake Sanitary District and the GLA with in-kind support from the Green Lake Land Conservation Department.

5. G REEN LAKE SANITARY DISTRICT: FISH HABITAT AND SHORELINE EROSION STRUCTURES ($33,333) The Green Lake Sanitary District recently installed a series of “fish sticks” at five shoreline sites on Big Green Lake. Fish sticks are trees

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and woody structures installed below the water’s surface that are intentionally placed to increase fish habitat and to reduce shoreline erosion.

Funding for the project was provided by a $25,000 Healthy Lakes grant through the DNR. Additional support not covered by the grant is sponsored by the Green Lake Sanitary District and the GLA. You can read more about this project on page 5 of Times & Tides.

6. G REEN LAKE HIGH SCHOOL: SCIENCE EQUIPMENT FOR LAKE RESEARCH ($4,000) Students at the Green Lake High School are getting ready to immerse themselves in their studies, thanks in part to two grants recently awarded to support classroom lake research.

Dan Starr, a Green Lake High School science teacher, is one of only seven nationwide recipients of the annual National Science Teacher Association Awards (NSTA). Sponsored by Vernier Software and Technology, the award will provide $3,000 to upgrade the school’s current science equipment.

Starr also received $1,000 from Webster Foundation on behalf of the Green Lake School to support the initiative.

Starr and Green Lake High School students will use the funding to assess Green Lake’s ecology through hands-on projects and field work. Potential projects will evaluate the health of the lake’s surrounding wetlands and the impact of road salt and tree leaves on the lake.

“The funds provided by NSTA, Vernier and the Webster Foundation will help put new science equipment in the hands of our students so they can be at the forefront of the work being done on Green Lake and its watershed,” said Starr.

As part of this effort, the school is partnering with the GLA to develop the curriculum for several classroom projects that increase the students’ understanding of Green Lake.

“Moving our students from the classroom and into the field increases their understanding and appreciation of our unique water resources,” said Prellwitz. “We need our next generation of scientists to build on their interest and curiosity of Green Lake so that they can become active participants in improving its water quality.”

Ken Bates, Superintendent of the Green Lake School District, is enthusiastic about the grant and the process. “I am thrilled that the cooperative efforts of Dan Starr and the GLA paid off. Our students need to see the integral part that research can play in our lake’s water quality. The partnership with the GLA will build their awareness of being part of a larger community.” h

“THE CITY HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO DO OUR PART TO PROTECT OUR WATER RESOURCES SO THAT FUTURE GENERATIONS HAVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE HAVE NOW. WE TAKE THAT OBLIGATION VERY SERIOUSLY, AND WE ARE WILLING TO DO OUR PART TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.” – John McConnell, Mayor of Green Lake

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FROM THE EDGE OF MY WWTP An aerial view over the WWTP helps illustrate just how complex of a process treating wastewater is. A series of buildings represent several key stages in the treatment process. After a 12-16 hour process cleaned water, now called “effluent,” is discharged into Silver Creek and eventually flows to Big Green Lake.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

INNOVATIVE THINKING AND HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR THE RIPON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

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idden from view along West Fond du Lac Street in Ripon, the Ripon Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has been quietly making improvements to its operation that is now making some loud news.

In 2015, the Ripon WWTP was recognized as Registered Laboratory of the Year for the entire state of Wisconsin by the Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). The award recognized their commitment to producing high quality data and utilizing that data to further optimize plant operation to achieve record-breaking low phosphorus levels.

Just how low? The Ripon WWTP is currently treating its wastewater up to five times cleaner than it is legally required to.

For the Ripon WWTP, the award has been years in the making, as the facility’s upgrades and the operators’ innovative thinking has raised the bar in wastewater management.

CONNECTION TO GREEN LAKE For many, water flushed down a drain is water forgotten. For the Ripon WWTP, this is precisely where the hard work begins – transforming wastewater back into clean water.

Used water (or “greywater”) that flows down a sink, shower, or washing machine drain in the City of Ripon joins a network of pipes buried underground.

These pipes eventually flow to the Ripon WWTP, where the greywater is collected and treated over the course of 12-16 hours through a series of processes. The cleaned water, now called

“effluent,” is discharged into Silver Creek and eventually flows to Big Green Lake.

In comparison, storm water runoff that enters drains along roadways is not cleaned at the WWTP, but instead enters the storm sewer system and flows untreated into nearby streams or lakes.

FROM THE BEGINNING Ripon’s original wastewater treatment facility is the oldest wastewater treatment facility in Wisconsin. The current plant was constructed in 1975. Since then, the facility has undergone various upgrades to incorporate the latest technology and best practices.

In 2002, the facility was expanded to include two new one million gallon oxidation ditches, two new covered clarifiers, a new preliminary treatment building, new ultraviolet disinfection process, and renovation of the control building—a $7.5 million renovation project.

The substantial renovation of the treatment plant was well worth the effort and cost, as physical upgrades sparked a new way of thinking about wastewater management.

WORKING WITH YOUR BUGS Prior to facility upgrades in 2002, the plant had been using a widely-adopted chemical process to achieve low phosphorus levels in wastewater effluent. Afterwards, the team began thinking outside the box and pushed for all-biological treatment of wastewater.

Chris Liveris, Utility Manager of the Ripon WWTP, explained how the team began exploring the possibility of reducing the use

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of chemicals to treat wastewater. By creating ideal conditions for microorganisms, these “bugs” – found naturally within the sludge present in raw wastewater – could instead do all of the wastewater treatment, chemical-free.

In the right environments, microorganisms thrive and can breakdown raw wastewater into manageable products of water and biological sludge solids. A process that, while may not sound appealing to everyone, is critical in the overall treatment of wastewater.

“Our facility is a good example of how a wastewater treatment plant can operate without the use of chemicals by creating an optimal environment for biological organisms,” said Liveris. “By gathering key laboratory data and applying the information to the operation, we are constantly making adjustments to optimize the facility’s biological performance and to help reduce the amount of phosphorus downstream,” said Liveris.

The Ripon WWTP treats about 75% industrial waste and 25% residential waste. The high percentage of nutrient-based industrial waste supports the facility’s natural approach to wastewater management. Industries such as Ripon Pickle, JM Smucker, and Ripon College provide the nutrients necessary to keep microorganisms at the WWTP “happy, full, and reproducing,” according to Liveris.

A MODEL TO FOLLOW Allowable levels of phosphorus in wastewater effluent are regulated through WWTP permits that reflect nutrient limits quantified in various state legislation.

“Under the current permit, our discharge limit is 1.0 milligrams of phosphorus per liter of effluent as a monthly average. In 2014, the facility averaged 0.12 milligrams of phosphorus per liter. In 2015, the facility averaged 0.20 milligrams of phosphorus per liter.

Control

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1.0

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“OUR FACILITY IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT CAN OPERATE WITHOUT THE USE OF CHEMICALS BY CREATING AN OPTIMAL ENVIRONMENT FOR BIOLOGICAL ORGANISMS.” – Chris Liveris, Utility Manager of the Ripon WWTP

We are achieving these results without the use of chemicals,” said Liveris.

The results are so impressive that others are taking note. Lead Operator, Jack Wendler, recently presented a technical session on the optimization performance of Ripon’s biological phosphorus removal process to wastewater directors, managers, plant operators and other service personnel at a state-wide annual meeting at the suggestion of the WDNR and other environmental consultants.

WHAT CONNECTS US ALL Wastewater management can be “out of sight, out of mind.” The reality is that wastewater treatment is a complex process that provides a crucial service for our communities and our water resources.

“This might not be the most glamorous work, but it is a satisfying career where you can really make a difference. Everyone who works here has a great appreciation for nature and wants to see that their efforts really do make a difference,” says Liveris, an avid fisherman on Big Green.

The Ripon WWTP’s commitment to achieving record-breaking low phosphorus levels helps protect what brings us all together: Big Green Lake. Liveris, Wendler, and other operators at the Ripon WWTP continue to do their part to ensure that the Green Lake watershed has clean, drinkable, and swimmable water for all to enjoy. h

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Influent

Effluent

Influent Duplicate

The gradient of blue hues in the image above reveals phosphorus content at various concentration levels with a “control” (far left) followed by a set of four standards showing the concentrations of various levels of phosphorus. The “influent” sample is water coming into the plant and the “effluent” sample is water leaving the plant. The sample on the far right is a duplicate of “influent” to confirm results.

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KEY STRATEGIES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS GREEN LAKE ASSOCIATION’S INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT A HEALTHY GREEN LAKE 1

ENGAGE UW-MADISON AND THE NELSON INSTITUTE AS PARTNERS

In a partnership of unprecedented proportions, the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies is working with Green Lake’s Lake Management Planning (LMP) Team to contribute world-renowned expertise and resources for ongoing management efforts.

As a launching point in an ongoing relationship, the Nelson Institute is sponsoring two graduate students, Sarah Fuller and Annie Lord, to build an online database to serve as a useful hub for researchers, the GLA, the LMP Team, and the public. The database is set to launch in 2016!

Fuller, from the Department Biological Systems Engineering, will be working with Dr. Anita Thompson on a comparative study of the County Highway A and K Estuaries in 2016 and 2017.

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ALIGN STRATEGIC, SCIENCE-BASED RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREEN LAKE

Green Lake is a complex lake with complex challenges. In 2015, the GLA funded a Phase 1 research study to better understand issues pertaining to Green Lake’s 2014 status as an impaired water body.

This year, the GLA received a $200,000 grant to fund Phase II of this rigorous effort. You can read more about this project on Page 7.

This research with lake experts will develop evidence-based recommendations and phosphorus reduction requirements to achieve Green Lake’s water quality goals.

Partners: U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and Green Lake Sanitary District (GLSD).

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ASSESS WATERSHED ISSUES AND IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES AROUND GREEN LAKE TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

In 2013, the GLA and other lake partners developed a Lake Management Plan to assess the water quality challenges and conservation strategies for the Green Lake watershed.

In 2015 the GLA engaged The Delta Institute to research and develop a Phosphorus Prioritization Plan to determine where phosphorus reductions efforts should be focused and how we can target these nutrient-loading hot spots with cost-effective, science-based best practices.

The report is just in and the GLA will work with our LMP partners on what comes next.

Partners: The Delta Institute.

TIMES & TIDES

4

CREATE OF A WATER QUALITY BASELINE AND DASHBOARD TO MEASURE AND COMMUNICATE CHALLENGES AND PROGRESS

The GLA is developing a new water quality dashboard that will monitor the status of Big Green Lake and provide useful information for citizens, lake leaders and those curious about its water quality.

The dashboard will be updated seasonally and serve as a way to monitor long-term changes in Green Lake’s water quality.

Set to launch in 2016 on the GLA’s website, the dashboard will provide data about the lake in five areas: Water clarity, dissolved oxygen, phosphorus, temperature and annual ice cover.

5

INCREASE THE ADOPTION OF AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION PRACTICES WITH WIN-WIN SOLUTIONS

Among other strategies, a restored Green Lake will require partnering with agricultural landowners to develop win-win solutions for cleaner waterways and healthy crops.

To begin this effort, the GLA was recently awarded a $10,000 WDNR grant to conduct a social science survey with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to translate landowner sentiment into workable scenarios for future agricultural conservation programs.

The project was motivated in-part through the Green Lake Association’s participation as a member of the Agency-Farmer Interface Coalition, a UW-Extension-led effort that promotes interactions among farmers and various county, state and federal agencies to foster cooperative development and implementation of effective nutrient management and conservation programs.

Partners: WDNR, GLSD, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and University of Wisconsin-Extension.

6

CONTINUE TO INVEST IN STRATEGIC LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN TACTICS

The Green Lake Association is an active member of the Lake Management Planning Team for Green Lake and is involved in strategically and financially supporting the following initiatives: Partnering with the Green Lake Sanitary District to install woody structures along Green Lake’s shoreline to improve aquatic habitat and to reduce shoreline erosion.

Partnering with the City of Green Lake and the Green Lake Sanitary District to develop a stormwater impact study and management plan.

Partnering with the Green Lake Sanitary District and the Department of Natural Resources to restore the County Highway K Estuary and to install various agricultural best management practices in Fond du Lac County.

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TIMES & TIDES

2015 LEADERSHIP DONORS

THANKS TO THOSE WHO HELP TAKE THE GLA FURTHER

The Green Lake Association would like to personally thank and recognize those individuals who continue to go above and beyond in supporting our cause. Your generous financial donations make our conservation and education initiatives possible and help strengthen the impact of the GLA. Donors listed below gave above and beyond their membership between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015.

BENEFACTOR $2500+ Thomas E. Caestecker Kent and Lee DeLucenay Leo Duwe Prent Corporation Mike and Libby Riordan SUSTAINER $1000 – $2500 Becton, Dickinson and Company John and Rosemary Croghan Thomas and Karen Hamilton Bruce and Mary Hamming Mike and Ruth Maddock Gary and Lynn Mecklenburg Bob and Laurie Wallace STEWARD $500 – $1000 Marc and Joni Blackman Richard Dickard and Cathy Caldrone Hal and Lydia Erickson David and Mike Fox Lawrence and Victoria Gundrum Harrison and Clare Horan John and Nancy Kirtley Sean and Jo Ellen Madden Dick and Linda Martens Kevin and Connie Michels William and Peggy Mulligan Laurie Zen Netzow David Roessl James and Nigella Ryan Shoreline Boat Center Arthur Smith Carl and Barbara Stracka Gerry and Lori Walter David and Diane Wright SUPPORTER $250 – $500 Tom and Mary Avery Thomas Baryl Ramzi and Margi Baydoun Stephen Bowen Bob and Crystal Carew Fred and Mercedes Caruso Dennis and Sue Chaplin

Harry and Nancy Cody Diedrich Agency Justin and Erin Foley Tom and Roberta Fox Bill and Lori Graham Mike and Jill Havey Horicon Bank Bob and Patty Huffman Jankowski Construction Ltd Thomas and Linda Kloosterboer Gary and Cynthia Komarek Don and Sue Lamers Guy and Meg Larson Jack and Christy Lenox Horace Lo Charles and Mary Lofgren George and Karen Ludington Sheila and Bill McLaughlin Joel and Diane McSwain Kate Mittelstadt Norton’s Dry Dock, Inc Kevin and Margaret O’Keefe Brian and Jodi Olmen Janice Runge Dan Ryan Dennis Sahr Edward Steffen Bill and Lois Swanson Craig Tillman W. Scott Tinsman Andrew and Vanessa Watts Wencel Family Sue Wood FRIEND Tony and Diane Aiello Howard and Sandra Anderson Erik and Amy Arnetveit Lee and Katie Baird Jane Balthazor Thomas and Ann Bartosz Ken and Kim Bates Peter and Joan Blum Thomas and Mary Clare Borah Kenton and Cheryl Brown James Brown and Gretchen Winter Mary Jane Bumby

Christopher and Kay Bumby John and Mary Burke Robert and Prudence Burke Dawn Caldrone Steven and Carol Campbell Joseph and Ingrid Chamberlain John and Jane Chapman Paul and Sue Christensen Ken and Nancy Cihlar Robert and Melanie Cody Mark and Mary Cooney Mike and Sandy Cwik David and Gwen De Jong Mrs. Ross H. Dean Peter and Catherine Dhein Kelley and Michelle Drake Nathan and Sandra Drucker Lance and Susan Ehrke Ted and Janice Eisenman John and Kathy Elting Jim and Mary Beth Emmer Hal and Joanne Erickson Ruth Ferris Robert and Cheri Fishelson Scott and Suzanne Fore Paul and Susan Fox Gayle Frary Friends of The Ripon Public Library Sean and Brenda Fritz Michael and Suzanne Fuller Robert and Helen Gair Merle Good David and Cynthia Gossage Paul and Judy Gustafson Gary and Elaine Gustavson Mark and Jennifer Hawley Joyce Hayes Ed and Jane Heiser Lyn Herriot Byron and Nancy Hill Joyce Hoffman John Hoffman and Mary Atols Nancy Cody Hynes Joan Irvine Jaystone Terrace Rental Homes Derrick and Agnes Jeziorowski

Eric Johanson and John Potter Martin and Barbara Johanson Tom and Edie Johnston Herb and Carol Jorgensen Dan and Patricia Jorndt Glenn and Lona Mae Kanitz Frank and Kim Kearny Kinas Excavating, Inc. Carolyn King Celest King Robert and Sandra Kleinpaste Kenneth and Kristina Knight Walter and Shirley Kozlow Daniel and Marlaina Krause Fred and Joanne Kujawski Steven and Kathleen Kunzweiler Ginny Lamich Bill and Lisa Leahy Robert Lehner Phil and June Leigh Bill and Susan Lensing James Lesnau and Susan Bogwill-Lesnau Richard and Nora Lewis Craig and Beverly Livermore Dave and Joan Lloyd Joseph and Antoinette Logli Scott Loss Mryon Lyskaycz and Oksana Diakiw James Marsh and Geralyn Charapata-Marsh Prentice Jr and Kim Marshall Peter and Maria McCanna Ryan and Loni Meiborg Marc and Clare Michelotti Patrick and Marysue Michels Sandra Monek Sharon Morell Andy and Marge Mueller Gus and Sara Mueller Jay and Yvonne Nadler Jay and Miriam Novick Wayne and Geriann Nowicki Arthur and Carol Ogren Fredericka Paff and Carlyle Paff Hedrick

TIMES & TIDES

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kate Mittelstadt* President Mike Maddock Vice President Rich Dickard* Treasurer Marc Blackman Secretary Kent DeLucenay Julie Jankowski Dick Martens Julia Messitte Mike Regan Bob Wallace

GLA ANNUAL MEETING SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 9:30 - 11:00 AM It’s been a busy year at the GLA, and we are excited to tell you all about it! Join us for this opportunity to learn how the GLA is leveraging our financial resources and aligning strategic partnerships in this unprecedented organizational response aimed at improving water quality.

This is a chance for GLA members to meet staff, our Board of Directors and neighbors to learn more about our work and activities. We will briefly review our previous year’s financial records and vote for new board members. Afterwards, we will highlight major GLA priorities and initiatives.

* Kate Mittelstadt and Rich Dickard have served on the GLA Board of Directors for 6 years and will be ending their final term in June 2016. Their commitment and insight on the Board has been a dominant force in the betterment of Green Lake and they will be sorely missed!

GLA STAFF Stephanie Prellwitz Executive Director Alison Thiel Project Manager

Judith Paulsen Patricia Phillips Dee and Anita Pierce Kurt and Jane Piernot Andy and Stephanie Prellwitz Dan and Carole Priske George and Fern Pullman Eric Quandt James and Mary Ratos Grant Reichard John and Janna Rice David and Yvonne Richter Clinton and Deborah Roberts Randy and Tanya Roeper Gerald and Diane Rogahn Beverly Roitman and Donna Marsik John and Susan Ropski Patrick and Stephanie Savage Robert and Jo Ann Schoeneck Steve and Wendy Schowalter Edward and Margo Schulte Donald Schulz Scott and Melanee Sherman

Wayne and Irene Shireman Stephen Siders John and Gayle Simon Sjostrom/Mueller Families Gene and Gloria Smedema Daniel and Sheila Smith Jerry and Judy Specht Bob and Karla Spinks Stahl Plumbing & Heating Ed and Kristin Starr Daniel and Cynthia Steinbach Elton and Victoria Streich Rip and Sue Suster Len and Bonnie Svensson Harold and Marjorie Swanson Thomas and Gene Szukala Jim and Debbie Tierney Tranzact Technologies Marty and Sue Valasek James and Judy Vanderwerff Carol Volintine James Vourvoulias Ed Wabiszewski Charles and Laura Waisbren

Wallendfang’s of Green Lake John and Margaret Wenzel Dennis and Sharon Wesel James and Ginger White Jim and Carol Wiensch Kurt and Linda Wilkens Michael and Susan Wilkin Dick and Mary Wilkinson Tom and Constance Willet John and Beverly Wilscon Angie Yeomans Steve and Brigid Yeomans Bur and Kelly Zeratsky

OFFICE AND ADDRESS 492 Hill Street, Suite 105 PO Box 364 Green Lake, WI 54941

OFFICE HOURS 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday Closed holidays

CONTACT US www.greenlakeassociation.com info@greenlakeassociation.com (920) 294-6480

PO Box 364, Green Lake, WI 54941

UPCOMING EVENTS JUN. 18

LA ANNUAL MEETING G 9:30 am to 11:00 am at Town Square

JUL. 9

LOWERS AND INSECTS OF DAWSON PRAIRIE F 8:30 to 10:30 am at Dawson Prairie

JUL. 16

OONLIGHT PADDLE ON CTH K ESTUARY M 8:30 to 10:30 pm at CTH K Estuary

JUL. 30

LA ANNUAL GALA: THE BEST IS YET TO COME G 5:30 to 10:00 pm at Heidel House Resort

AUG. 12 A N EVENING WITH BATS 7:30 to 9:00 pm, Location to be determined.

STAY CONNECTED…

FOLLOW US ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA SITES OR SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER AT www.greenlakeassociation.com

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL IS HERE! THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF A CLEANER GREEN LAKE STARTS WITH YOU. For $80 a year, your membership supports an all-hands-ondeck, proactive approach to ensure that the next generation will inherit a swimmable and fishable lake.

Your membership supports unprecedented opportunities that are outlined in this edition of Times & Tides, all aimed at a bold mission to preserve our treasured resource.

Your membership supports growing initiatives with farmers, shoreline owners, municipalities, community-leaders, businessleaders and lake experts in and beyond the Green Lake area.

Have you renewed your Green Lake Association membership this year? With unprecedented opportunities at our door, our efforts are only as strong as our membership.

By renewing your annual membership for only $80, you become part of a ripple effect, joining a community of proactive lake lovers that grows into something truly meaningful.

We cannot do it without you! Renew your membership today and join us on this greater mission to restore Green Lake.

3 EASY WAYS TO RENEW

BY MAIL Mail your membership renewal to: GLA, PO Box 364, Green Lake, WI 54941

ONLINE Complete our online form at greenlakeassociation. com.

CALL US Call our office at 920-294-6480.