The Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission invites the public to join in thanking those that have worked to develop the Yahara CLEAN (Capital Lakes Environmental Assessment and Needs) Report (available at www.yaharawatershed.org).
Melissa Malott, Commission chair, said “Join us in celebrating progress for our Yahara lakes and learn about the next steps we can take to clean up our lakes.”
The Commission’s celebration of the lakes will take place on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at the Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The evening will begin with an opening plenary, and panel discussion of three initiatives and how they fit into the network of activities to implement the CLEAN report and improve the Yahara watershed. The initiatives are:
· UW scientists who will be studying connections between the Yahara system and land use, climate change, human activities, development and ecosystems
· An experienced “friends” group that is developing a comprehensive watershed plan for Lake Wingra that could be a pilot for the entire Yahara watershed
· A new nonprofit that is engaging the business community and raising funds for Yahara watershed cleanup practices
Breakout sessions moderated by Commission members will then provide an opportunity for information sharing and discussion of four topics: Yahara lakes 101, Yahara lakes communication and education strategy, beaches and geese, and agricultural issues.
The reception that will follow the program is sponsored by the Clean Lakes Alliance, dedicated to improving and protecting the Yahara Watershed by raising funds for water quality improvement projects, education, public access and assisting in the exchange of technical and scientific information.
A coordinating and advisory agency within Dane County government, the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission's charge is to protect and improve water quality, as well as the scenic, economic, recreational, and environmental value of Dane County's water resources. The Commission has advised development of the CLEAN initiatives since 2007.
