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In August of 2008, Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) was awarded the contract to cleanup the debris from last summer’s devastating flooding of Lake Delton, near Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. For three weeks the LL&W crew, in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, removed debris from over 100 sites along 24 miles of the Wisconsin River.
On Saturday, May 9th, 2009, the LL&W crew will return for a final sweep of the river, while weeds and vegetation are down and remaining garbage is most visible.
To accomplish this, LL&W is looking for 40-50 volunteers to assist with the cleanup.
The cleanup will last from 9am-Noon, with lunch served to all volunteers from 12:00p to 1:00p.
These efforts would not be made possible without the generosity and support of Alliant Energy and Ho-Chunk Nation.
Please read the following information before registering for the event.
What will this cleanup entail?
All volunteers will arrive to the site to get fitted in a life jacket, to go over all safety concerns/precautions, and board into a boat. Volunteers will ride in 24-30 foot aluminum work boats, gaining access to debris from the river. These boats, all outfitted with high-powered outboard motors, will allow for easy access in shallow waters. Most refuse will be removed by hand, while some may require small hand tools (provided).
The debris will then be deposited into the boat and taken to the staging area at the boat ramp where it will be separated for: potentially hazardous materials, scrap metal/appliances, tires, miscellaneous debris and wood.
This cleanup will happen rain or shine. Only severe winds, lightening, or very high water would cause us to postpone the event.
Volunteers should be warned that participating in this event has risks such as handling sharp, heavy or potentially hazardous materials. Everyone should expect to work hard and get dirty, but feel really rewarded that they assisted with such a worthy cause. If anyone has any safety concerns or questions, please ask before signing up.
What do I need to bring?
- Refillable water bottle
- Rain Jacket in case of rain
- Shoes that can get wet and muddy—steel toe OR rubber boots are best and old tennis shoes are okay. ABSOLUTELY, NO OPEN TOED SHOES ALLOWED!!!!
- Long pants
- You may want to bring a spare set of clothes to leave in your car in case you get really dirty, muddy or wet and need to change before going home. (Optional)
- Sunglasses, hat (Optional)
- Any allergy medications, particularly if you are highly allergic to bees, poison ivy, etc.
- A signed liability waiver. Anyone below the age of 18 must have the waiver signed by a parent or guardian in order to assist.
What will be provided?
- Water
- Gloves
- Trash bags
- Small hand tools
- Life jackets
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- First aid (if necessary)
Where do I go?
We will be meeting at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Pine Island Public Boat Launch. This area is located approximately half-way between Wisconsin Dells and Portage, along Levee road. The boat ramp is not clearly marked, so finding it will be half the fun!
Here are some directions that should get you there!
From I-90/94-
- Take Exit 106/HWY 33
- Take HWY 33 west, towards Baraboo
- Follow for about 6 miles, and take a RIGHT onto “U”, heading north
- Follow “U” for about 2-3 miles, “U” is going to make a 90 degree turn west, when it does, follow it just a few hundred feet but then turn RIGHT onto Schepp Road, heading north
- Follow Schepp Road under the 90/94 overpass, towards the river till it intersects with Levee Road
- Take a RIGHT onto Levee Road
- Follow for 2-3 miles, looking on your right for very small mile markers signs. -The road to the boat ramp is directly across from a sign saying “6.5” It is about the only road that you will come across that goes up and over the levee. At the top of the levee, there is a brown “Wildlife Area” sign. Follow the road till the end—you’re at the boat ramp!!!!
If you get lost or are running late, call Tammy @ 309.236.0725.

Who do I contact if I have questions?
Feel free to contact Tammy Becker if you have any questions:
Tammy Becker
tammy@livinglandsandwaters.org
(309) 236-0725-CELL
Read About Our 2008 Wisconsin Flood Relief Efforts in the News

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