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Selena Diggs
Editor
(608) 267-2094 office
Selena.diggs (at) dot.wi.gov
Ken Harwood
Publisher
Selena Diggs
Editor
(608) 267-2094 office
Selena.diggs (at) dot.wi.gov
Ken Harwood
Publisher
This Weeks Articles for 2/4/2025 ...
- Our friend Roz Schnick was featured in, "Strokes of Kindness" a book by Paul Mellor...
- From Our Wisconsin Magazine - The Mighty Mississippi and more on Wisconsin`s west coast...
- Celebrate 125 Years Of The Wisconsin State Park System In 2025...
- New federal law addresses climate extremes and flooding along Mississippi River ...
- This Charming Town In Wisconsin Is One Of The State’s Most Relaxed, Stress-Free Spots...
- Best Wisconsin Scenic Drives: Discover the Most Breathtaking Routes in the State...
- Our Amazing Great River Road Trip...
Our friend Roz Schnick was featured in, "Strokes of Kindness" a book by Paul Mellor
...The river was in her backyard, and she wanted to protect it, including ways to eradicate the invasive Asian carp. What she didn’t want was to eradicate pollinators.Through her efforts, Roz began the initiative to help protect the pollinator biodiversity along the Mississippi River.
Across the street from her home was her cottage, dubbed, The Monarchy.The guest house
is a pollinator sanctuary. Surrounding the house were pollinator gardens.
In an interview with local television station WXOW, Roz says, “It’s all about having producers of food and flowers, …The monarch is at risk and that’s the queen of all pollinators, so it’s very simple to me, if we want to eat, we have to have pollinators.”
In September 2024, Roz Schnick received the Stewardship Award from the Mississippi River Parkway Commission for her efforts related to Operation Pollination. Her award proved how much of a Mississippi River ally she is in protecting our natural habitat...
Ken Notes: Read the entire chapter at the link and Paul`s book is available HERE.
Trout Unlimited 18th annual Driftless Area Symposium
Trout Unlimited welcomes you to the 18th annual Driftless Area Symposium on February 25th, 2025!
Please join us in person at the La Crosse Center
in historic downtown La Crosse. We have a full day agenda with
speakers on trout science, current management & policy challenges,
emerging threats, project activities and more! Our sessions will
conclude at 5pm, but we welcome everyone to come back after dinner for a
dessert bar and networking event hosted jointly with our partners at
the Wisconsin Wetlands Association!
...Full Story Here
From Our Wisconsin Magazine - The Mighty Mississippi and more on Wisconsin`s west coast
Putting Pep in Our Step
Come along and revisit an American pioneer plus see the Mighty Mississippi and more on Wisconsin`s west coast. Travel along the Great River Road with Julie and Gary Gilkay as our guides! Join them as they discover Trempealeau, Buffalo and Pepin counties.
By Julie Gilkay, Managing Editor "Our Wisconsin"- YOU KNOW it`s going to be a good day when pie is involved. And when there`s pie in the morning and in the afternoon, it`s absolutely exceptional, no matter how you slice it…
…Rather than taking the biking trail that starts on Second Street, we opted to drive to the 500-foot river bluffs and Buena Vista Park via County Road E. There, we took in panoramic views overlooking the Mississippi River and the historic downtown while munching on apples and sandwiches we packed. It`s the perfect spot for a picnic and to marvel at the immensity of the majestic river…
…From Alma, we hopped on the Wisconsin Great River Road and went north. Traveling 250 miles along the Mississippi and through 33 historic riverside communities, it is Wisconsin`s portion of the 10-state Great River Road National Scenic Byway.
After getting sidetracked and making a quick stop at the adorable and wildly popular Nelson Cheese Factory and Creamery, we had come to our destination—charming Stockholm. Steeped in Swedish roots, the village has a population of about 80 and is located on the banks of Lake Pepin.
Lake Pepin, at around 2 1niles wide, is the widest navigable portion of the Mighty Mississippi...
To get a print copy of this issue of Our Wisconsin or Subscribe CLICK HERE!
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: What a great article from Our Wisconsin Magazine!
100 years after its creation, national Mississippi River refuge faces new, old challenges
Head of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge says climate change and funding are some of their biggest threats
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge celebrated 100 years of operation in 2024.
The refuge covers much of Wisconsin’s portion of the Mississippi River, starting just south of Lake Pepin and extending past Wisconsin’s southern border to Rock Island, Illinois.
The national effort to protect the river in the 1920s came in response to the threat of development, as some residents looked to drain backwater areas to create more farmland. Led by Chicago businessman Will Dilg, it became the largest citizens movement to protect public lands seen at the time, according to refuge historians...
Celebrate 125 Years Of The Wisconsin State Park System In 2025
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is previewing a year-long celebration of the quasquicentennial anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System in 2025.The public is invited to participate in the 125th anniversary celebration of the Wisconsin State Park System by spending time on public lands, attending commemorative events throughout the year and learning about the park system’s history.
“More than 20 million people visit Wisconsin’s state parks and forests every year to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Parks and Recreation Management director. “Wisconsin is a recreation destination, and we are excited to provide a special experience to our visitors this year.”...
...Full Story Here
Selena Notes: Several of the Wisconsin State Parks and DNR lands are on the Great River Road.
New federal law addresses climate extremes and flooding along Mississippi River
Flood control along the Mississippi River is a central piece of a newly passed federal law — work that advocates believe is critical as the river basin sees more frequent and severe extreme weather events due to climate change. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is passed by Congress every two years. It gives authority to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake projects and studies to improve the nation’s water resources.
Signed into law Jan. 4, this year’s package includes studies on increased flooding in the upper basin, flood mitigation measures throughout the river system, ecological restoration, and a $6 billion floodwall in Louisiana.
The Mississippi River is managed in large part by the Army Corps, so it often features prominently in the bill, with a dual aim of making the river more suitable for shipping and restoring environmental degradation from flooding, nutrient pollution and climate change...
Volunteers collect and plant acorns along Mississippi River to save struggling forests
Jerry Boardman doesn’t remember exactly when he started collecting acorns in the fall.But the thousands upon thousands of them he gathers to share with people working to improve habitat along the Mississippi River makes the 81-year-old resident of De Soto, Wisconsin, a small village between La Crosse and Prairie du Chien, a pretty big deal.
“It’s like a myth or a legend,” Andy Meier, a forester for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who receives a portion of Boardman’s bounty, said of the integral role it plays in his work. “It just has always been that way.”
In reality, Boardman began collecting around the time that the need for acorns — a nut that contains the seed that grows oak trees — was growing critical. For the past few decades, the trees that grow in the Mississippi River floodplain, known as floodplain forests, have been struggling. Although they’re named for their ability to withstand the river’s seasonal flooding, they’ve recently been overwhelmed by higher water and longer-lasting floods....
Not a “Cookie Cutter” Business - Sharon Spahr’s rural Galesville shop, The Craft Barn, replaces cows with crafts and so much more.
A talent for sewing, a passion for crafting and a desire for farm life. Few people could combine these loves into a successful business, but when Sharon Spahr gave it a try, she nailed it. It all started around the year 2000, when taking her kids along to sell hand-sewn crafts at shows every weekend was no longer realistic. Undaunted, she figured if she couldn’t go to craft shows, there must be some way to get the craft show to come to her.
BUSINESS IN A BARN
She looked out the back of her farmhouse near Galesville, and the Craft Barn was born. Spahr kicked out the cows, cleaned, filled in the gutters and transformed the big, red barn into a retail space where she could sell her crafts. Working on consignment, local crafters helped supply the rest of the inventory.
Eventually, Spahr reduced the number of consignors and started purchasing remaining merchandise from vendors. Now regulars and tourists alike shop for handmade crafts, locally sourced jams, Christmas decor, greeting cards, T-shirts, earrings, ?owers, outdoor chairs and more...
Ken Notes: Sharon is a supporter of both the River and tourism in the region. Great article and check out the magazine as well...
The Great River Road
Decades after it disappeared, wild rice is booming again on the upper Mississippi River
For some, the resurgence is a source of wonder. For others, it’s more of a nuisance, making it hard to maneuver boats through areas that were once easily passable.
SHELBY, Wisconsin — If she closes her eyes, Danelle Larson can still remember how the stretch of Mississippi River in front of her looked as recent as a decade ago: nothing but open, muddy water.
Today, it’s covered with impressively tall and thick beds of wild rice.
Larson, a research ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, and Alicia Carhart, Mississippi River vegetation specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, surveyed the plants by airboat in mid-September. Summer floods on the river delayed growth somewhat, but the tall green shoots still waved in the breeze in almost every direction off the shores of Goose Island County Park near La Crosse...
Today, it’s covered with impressively tall and thick beds of wild rice.
Larson, a research ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, and Alicia Carhart, Mississippi River vegetation specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, surveyed the plants by airboat in mid-September. Summer floods on the river delayed growth somewhat, but the tall green shoots still waved in the breeze in almost every direction off the shores of Goose Island County Park near La Crosse...
This Charming Town In Wisconsin Is One Of The State’s Most Relaxed, Stress-Free Spots
Looking for a peaceful getaway in Wisconsin?Trempealeau is a charming town that offers a stress-free atmosphere perfect for unwinding and recharging.
Picture this: You’re cruising down the Great River Road, windows down, hair whipping in the wind like you’re in a shampoo commercial (minus the perfect hair, of course).
Suddenly, you spot a sign for Trempealeau.
“Trem-pea-what?” you might ask.
Don’t worry, I had the same reaction.
But trust me, this tongue-twister of a town is worth the detour...
...Full Story Here
Best Wisconsin Scenic Drives: Discover the Most Breathtaking Routes in the State
Great River Road
One of the best scenic drives in Wisconsin is the Great River Road. This 250-mile route follows the Mississippi River along the western border of the state. Along the way, you’ll find charming river towns, stunning views, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Prescott...
- La Crosse...
- Prairie du Chien...
...Full Story Here
Ken Notes: Article has great links for the communities in the article...
Our Amazing Great River Road Trip
...We covered 10 states in 16 days. It was quite the journey!When we made the decision to do a Great River Road trip, I figured it would just be another feather in our road tripping cap. We had done the Pacific Coast Highway and the Blue Ridge Parkway, not to mention countless other small road trips...
...As we crossed into Wisconsin for the first time, it became pretty evident why State Road 35 is considered one of the most scenic roads in America. The overlooks and views along the river and beside Lake Pepin were amazing. One of the hardest parts of this trip is not stopping at every opportunity to gaze at the landscape.
Eventually we made it to our afternoon destination of Pepin, Wisconsin. This small town on the Mississippi River was once the childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The museum is a wonderful collection of objects related to her life and the time she grew up in. For any fan of her books, it is an absolute must-see. As an added bonus, not far away is a replica of the house she spent her earliest years in. It sits on the same property as when she was a child. It was another really neat piece of history and one that could be easily missed if you weren’t seeking it out....
...Full Story Here
Budget-Friendly Towns In Wisconsin For Retirees
...Prairie du Chien
As Wisconsin’s second-oldest city, Prairie du Chien is often seen as a historic retreat for a vacation in Wisconsin. However, with over 23% of the local population over 65, it is also a great place to settle down. The town has plenty of benefits that attract seniors, starting with the median housing value of $186,000, far below the state average. Transportation is also convenient, with a bus service to La Crosse that runs three times a day, so you can always head into the city if you need anything.
For those who decide to retire in Prairie du Chien, there is always something fun to do. History enthusiasts delve into local tales at landmarks like the Villa Louis and Fort Crawford Museum. The latter is a museum in an 1832 military fort, while the former is an 1843 villa and estate now offering tours to visitors. For a different experience, St. Feriole Island Park showcases views of the Mississippi River with tons of greenery and trails...
...Full Story HereFor those who decide to retire in Prairie du Chien, there is always something fun to do. History enthusiasts delve into local tales at landmarks like the Villa Louis and Fort Crawford Museum. The latter is a museum in an 1832 military fort, while the former is an 1843 villa and estate now offering tours to visitors. For a different experience, St. Feriole Island Park showcases views of the Mississippi River with tons of greenery and trails...
Wisconsin Mississippi River Interpretive Centers
100 years after its creation, national Mississippi River refuge faces new, old challenges
Head of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge says climate change and funding are some of their biggest threats
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge celebrated 100 years of operation in 2024.
The refuge covers much of Wisconsin’s portion of the Mississippi River, starting just south of Lake Pepin and extending past Wisconsin’s southern border to Rock Island, Illinois.
The national effort to protect the river in the 1920s came in response to the threat of development, as some residents looked to drain backwater areas to create more farmland. Led by Chicago businessman Will Dilg, it became the largest citizens movement to protect public lands seen at the time, according to refuge historians...
Ken Notes: This will be a challenge and hopefully we can keep the river out of partisan politics. We need to think of the river as a working highway, a flyway for wildlife, and a recreational asset for all of us.
Madeline Heim brings passion for people to coverage of Mississippi River, the environment
Madeline Heim gets enthused talking about wetlands or watersheds. Her voice picks up a tone of wonder at the mention of "dark skies." And it carries a bit of an edge on the subject of climate change.
That`s the best kind of reporter — someone who doesn`t just "do" a beat, but "speaks" it, and it`s why Heim is so good at reporting on the environment, and specifically the Mississippi River basin.
Born in Menomonee Falls, educated at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Heim has a deep appreciation for the state, its resources, and the people who live here.
Before joining the Journal Sentinel, she covered education at the Winona Daily News, and health and science at the Appleton Post-Crescent. The latter job involved covering the mushrooming COVID pandemic, where she became something of a legend among Gannett Wisconsin editors for the quality and quantity of her work...
50 Best Motorcycle Roads in America
...Great River Road National Scenic Byway
This legendary road touches 10 states as it follows the mighty Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to its sprawling delta in Louisiana...
...Full Story HereEarly ice on Mississippi sidetracks capture of Asian carp in Minnesota, Wisconsin
Unlike a year ago, when the Minnesota and Wisconsin DNRs caught the most Asian carp in one attempt on the Mississippi River than ever before in state history, this season’s carp capture effort wasn’t as productive.
While the Asian carp field team had planned to go onto the Mississippi River near and south of Winona, Minn., throughout early and mid-December, early ice foiled those plans thanks to unsafe conditions...
Other links
Great River Road Resources
Wisconsin Great River Road
The Wisconsin Great River Road – Discover Wisconsin
Great River Road Tripadvisor
Wisconsin Tourism Great River Road
Tourism Sites
Grant County
Crawford County (Driftless Wisconsin)
Vernon County
La Crosse County
Trempealeau County
Buffalo County
Pepin County
Pierce County
River Pool Maps
https://wisconsinsystem.com/newsletters/River/ (This Newsletter)
Notes: