May 2015

What's Inside
Events Around the Watershed
Rob's Sugar River Ramble
USRWA to test for Phosphorus in 2015
River clean-up this Saturday
 
Events Around the Watershed

Saturday May 9
9:00-1:00 pm
Meet at Paoli Park in Paoli at 9 am

Sunday May 31
Starts at 7:30 am
Must pre-register by May 26

Register Now for Rob's Sugar River Ramble 

Bicycling, paddling, food and beer...all for a good cause.

Event on Sunday May 31, 2015, register now at usrwa.org/ramble

Connect with the Upper Sugar River Watershed by land and water as you cycle through the beautiful countryside beginning in Mount Horeb, WI, then paddle the sparkling Sugar River until you reach your destination near Paoli, WI. View our event map for a visual look at the event.

After the event, get transported back to Mount Horeb with your fellow participants for a locally-sourced feast, beer tasting and entertainment from 11 am-2 pm. Registrations must be received by Tuesday May 26.  Sorry, no event-day registrations will be accepted.

Rob's Sugar River Ramble is a memorial event in honor of Rob Lucas, a father and husband who had a love for bicycling and paddling in the watershed. Rob's family and friends, along with USRWA, have helped plan this inaugural event and all proceeds will benefit the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association.

What: 1st annual Rob's Sugar River Ramble
When: Sunday May 31 with bicycling starting between 7:30-8:30 am
Cost: $40 for adults, $10 for children 13 & under. Canoes or kayaks can be rented for an additional $40
Routes: Choose to bicycle either the Trail Route (14.4 miles) or the Hills Route (19.8 miles). Everyone will paddle the 4.6 mile river trail, which can take 1.5-3 hours to complete depending on the water level, boat used and paddling ability. View the course map.
Those using their own canoe/kayak: First d rop your boat off at the Valley Road/Sugar River crossing in Verona (7401 Valley Rd., Verona, WI), then drive to Grundahl Park in Mt. Horeb to begin the bicycling.
Those renting a canoe/kayak: Go directly to Grundahl Park in Mt. Horeb to begin the event.

More info here: usrwa.org/ramble
USRWA receives funding to conduct phosphorus testing at 9 sites

Through a grant from the WDNR, Upper Sugar River Watershed Association was approved to test for total phosphorus in streams/rivers around the watershed this year over a 6-month period. Only 92 sites were funded throughout the state, with USRWA receiving nearly 10% of those sites. This is thanks to the tremendous USRWA volunteers currently active in the water quality monitoring program, as all of these sites will be managed by volunteers.

Results of the phosphorus testing will be used to determine if streams or rivers are considered "impaired" by WDNR standards.  Although phosphorus testing has been recently conducted in some locations already, this is the first volunteer-driven push to gain a better understanding of phosphorus concentrations statewide. More information on this project can be directed to Executive Director Wade Moder at usrwa@usrwa.org or by calling 608-437-7707.
River clean-up this Saturday May 9th

Join us for our 3rd Sugar River clean-up day of the year this Saturday May 9th beginning at 9 am at Paoli Park in Paoli. USRWA and Capitol Water Trails will provide all the  necessary  gear including canoes, paddles, life jackets, tools and gloves. All we need are some volunteers!  

People are encouraged to bring waders, but people are also need on shore to assist those working in the water.  More information on the clean up day can be found here.
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