Spring Green Western Water Basin Press Release

The counties of Richland and Sauk, together with the towns of Buena Vista and Spring Green have partnered with the Nelson Institute of University of Wisconsin – Madison to explore, and discuss the water issues associated with the western basin of Spring Green. Three public forums will be held in Spring Green to involve residents in this initiative.

Resident participation is critical to the success of all three forums. The primary function of this first informational forum is to listen to the questions, issues and concerns of local residents relative to these water issues. Pete Nowak, the Nelson Institute representative who will be moderating this first forum, emphasized the importance of communicating key questions in an objective fashion. These questions and issues will be brought back to the UW where attempts will be made to develop answers or strategies for future activities that will then be reported back to the local citizenry at the second forum early in 2011. Based on responses received, a pathway to resolution will be presented in the third forum to be held early in the spring of 2011.

The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies fosters interdisciplinary scholarship consistent with the ideals of the Wisconsin Idea - the boundaries of the university are the boundaries of the state where there is an obligation to solve the problems for all citizens of the state. It is in the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea that the Nelson Institute is partnering with local government and citizen groups to deal with issues that have eluded resolution to date. The Nelson Institute has been a pioneer in interdisciplinary studies, and it has been an incubator, laboratory, and model of collaborative education, inquiry, and public service for over 40 years.

Comments or items for discussion can be e-mailed to:

e-mail: jdobratz@co.sauk.wi.us
mail: Office of the Administrative Coordinator
Attn: Spring Green Western Basin
505 Broadway Street
Baraboo, WI 53913

All documents related to the meetings, meeting notices, and minutes will be posted at: http://www.co.sauk.wi.us/landconservation