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Riparian Property Partnerships

Riparian Property Partnerships. www.fotsch.org. Stewardship. Local property owners are the best long-term stewards of the river, and it is important that they understand and take ownership of initiatives to protect and preserve their river and watershed. Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters.

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Riparian Property Partnerships

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  1. Riparian Property Partnerships www.fotsch.org

  2. Stewardship • Local property owners are the best long-term stewards of the river, and it is important that they understand and take ownership of initiatives to protect and preserve their river and watershed. Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  3. Responsibility • Over the years, for a variety of reasons, waterbody stewardship has gotten passed from local citizens to state agencies and local governmental units. Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  4. Core Mission • It is essential that river, lake, and watershed associations have as part of their core mission -- facilitation and empowerment of the stewardship efforts of local residents, particularly riparian property owners. Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  5. Background – FOTSCH • The Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters (FOTSCH) is a citizen-volunteer, non-profit organization focused on maintaining the overall health of the upper St. Croix River. Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  6. “Perennials, Not Annuals” • Currently, seventeen citizen-volunteers (almost all riparian property owners) are monitoring eight sites using WAV program. Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  7. Organization Serves Volunteers Grants Technology Experts Recognition Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  8. Citizen Ownership • Residents are inherently proud of their river • Residents want clean water, an improved fishery & wildlife habitat, and a better recreational experience • Awareness  Understanding  Appreciation  Ownership & Advocacy Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  9. Schoolhouse for Pride & Passion • Pre-European times • History since European settlement • Native vs. Invasive species • Current health of river • What should our “protect and preserve” goals & objectives be? Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  10. Background – St. Croix River • The 8-mile St. Croix River headwaters segment flows from the river’s source at Upper St. Croix lake to the St. Croix Flowage at Gordon. Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  11. Historic Significance • The St. Croix River headwaters has great significance as it is part of the historic Boise Brule – St. Croix Waterway connecting Lake Superior and the Mississippi River. Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  12. No Protective Designations • Not part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway • Not protected by Wisconsin’s highest water quality standard called Outstanding Resource Waters Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  13. Current Status • Headwaters segment rated 5th in importance among 1,494 stream segments in 20 northern Wisconsin counties (Northern Rivers Initiative) Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  14. Summary • “Grassroots” river support essential • Property owners as primary stewards • Friends group approach to organization • FOTSCH mission is to empower stewards • Make it easy & fun to participate • Knowledge and involvement are key to results • Year-around volunteer connection Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  15. Thank You! • FOTSCH Volunteers • Natural Resources Foundation C.D. Besadny Conservation Grant Program • Citizen-based Monitoring Partnership Grant Program • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - River Protection Planning Grant • UW-Extension Water Action Volunteers (WAV) • UWSP Center for Watershed Science and Education Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  16. Comments & Questions www.fotsch.org

  17. “I think you should be more explicit” Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  18. Here’s A Specific: • Here’s what’s happened with our group this year………… Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  19. More Specifics: Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  20. Connecting for Success • Douglas County Assoc. of Lakes & Streams • Local lake associations (watershed perspective) • UW-Stevens Point • Douglas County Conservationist • Douglas County Forestry/Zoning • Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  21. Operating for Success • Social Events (meet the river meet the people) • Communications • Web site • Listen to local issues & concerns • Accomplishment generator • Water-quality monitoring • Scientific studies • Invasive species identification & control Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

  22. Organizing for Success • Key initial partners: • Wisconsin DNR • River Alliance of Wisconsin • UW-Extension • Basin Educator • WAV • “Friends type” organization • Pride & passion Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters www.fotsch.org

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