Three Presentations: 1) Engaging Citizens in Big River Cleanups: The Milwaukee River 2) Catalyzing Residents for a Community Rivers Program 3) Partnering with the Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps to Implement Aquatic Invasive Species Programming
Stream: Innovative Practices/Partnerships
10:40 AM - 12:00 PMThu
Evergreen/Frontier
Diversity, Equity, and InclusionStream: Innovative Practices/Partnerships
Registration Required
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Presentation #1: Engaging Citizens in Big River Cleanups: The Milwaukee River AOC
Federal funding through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is making it possible to finalize multi-decade cleanup and restoration projects at numerous designated Areas of Concern (AOC) along the Great Lakes. To address environmental justice issues, it is important that community members impacted by these projects have a seat at the table and help shape the restoration and future uses of sites. The Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern Community Advisory Committee (CAC) serves as the voice of the community in the process of cleaning up and delisting the Milwaukee Estuary AOC. The CAC provides a structured way for individual citizens to share their opinions and perspectives on cleanup efforts, and on how policies and programs affect citizens who live and work in the watersheds. This presentation will share the goals of the CAC and describe how the Wisconsin DNR and other key partners are bringing resources to the committee and keeping the community engaged in this massive effort.
Presenter: Rebecca Fedak
Presentation #2: Catalyzing Residents for a Community Rivers Program
The Community Rivers Program (CRP) is a community-based program working to transform the Upper Milwaukee River Watershed through inspiring, informing, and engaging rural village residents in the region.
By utilizing an ABCD (asset-based community development) approach, CRP is reaching residents where they are and finding their interests and skills to catalyze residents to become stewards of the Milwaukee River.
As relationships are developed within the communities, individuals’ strengths and interests are mobilized to assist with planning, implementing, and leading various water education programs for local residents. Successful programs have included a rain barrel workshop co-lead by a community member, a retired resident planning lecture series, and an individual who is a connector and community builder for her village. This approach builds upon the assets of local citizens to share their knowledge and experience creating space for bottom-up change rather than top-down regulation from outsiders or experts.
Presenter: Patricia Gerber
Presentation #3: Partnering with the Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps to Implement Aquatic Invasive Species Programming
(Topic: DEI)
The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute and the Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps have been partnering to implement AIS education activities and Clean Boats Clean Waters watercraft inspections in southeast Wisconsin. Learn more about the GLCCC, their programming, and how we've worked together professional development opportunities for GLCCC members while preventing the spread of AIS.
Presenters: Scott McComb & Tim Campbell