Monthly archive

Why hydropower is not a feasible option for Estabrook Dam

April 23, 2009

Milwaukee Riverkeeper has been advocating for the removal of the Estabrook Dam, to protect water quality and save taxpayer money.  Last week the Parks, Energy and Environment Committee of the County Board voted to pursue a study of hydropower at the Estabrok Dam.  Riverkeeper responds:

Riverkeeper named 2009 River Champion

March 31, 2009
The River Alliance of Wisconsin named Milwaukee Riverkeeper one of three River Champions for 2009.  Riverkeeper was joined by former state representative David Martin and river steward Peter Henry.
River Alliance had this to say:

Why it's important to fix our sewage pipes

February 26, 2009
The Daily Reporter reported that a failed sewer pipe was responsible for creating a sinkhole on Locust Street in Milwaukee.  It's one more reason to make sure our sewer infrastructure is well-maintained.
 

Governor signs phosphorus ban into law

April 14, 2009
Wisconsin took a large stride towards protecting our environment today with Gov. Doyle’s signing of Assembly Bill 3, a measure that prohibits the use of phosphorus in lawn fertilizer, State Senator Randy Hopper (R-Fond du Lac) said today in a press release.
 
“I was proud to be there today for the signing of this important legislation. I cosponsored it to make sure our waterways remain clean and healthy,” Hopper said.
 

Spring cleanup brings thousands to clean rivers

April 18, 2009
An estimated 3,000 people came out on Saturday April 18 to clean rivers and streams throughout the watershed.  While pulling tires, shopping carts, plastic bags and other junk from the rivers, volunteers also kept an eye out for the strangest items found in the river.  The winning items included an antique beer sign, a microwave that had been crushed into the shape of a sphere, a trilobite fossil, and a rusted-out mailbox.
 

Watekeeper Alliance launches Dirty Lie campaign

March 2, 2009

The Waterkeeper Alliance has launched an online campaign to raise awareness of the devastating effects of coal pollution on humans and the environment.
 
The website is at http://www.thedirtylie.com.

Groups join us in calling for removal of dam

March 2, 2009
 
The following groups have signed on to Milwaukee Riverkeeper's position paper calling for the removal of the Estabrook Dam in Glendale:
  • Sierra Club Great Waters Group
  • Trout Unlimited-Southeast WI Chapter
  • Milwaukee Steelheaders
  • Milwaukee Lake and Stream Fly Fishers
  • Milwaukee County Conservation Coalition
  • Greater Milwaukee Green Party
  • Glendale Natural Areas Group

Conservation notices from the League of Conservation Voters

March 2, 2009

 Support LRB 1401/1: Limit Spread of Invasive Species 

Invasive species have the ability to change aquatic systems and the plants and animals that live in them by shading out native plant species or by consuming plants and animals that fish rely on for food.

Journal Sentinel reports that removing Estabrook Dam will save lots of money

March 5, 2009

Milwaukee County officials are considering a plan to remove the Estabrook dam on the Milwaukee River as one of the options for dealing with the aging east side structure.
 
A new report by the county has concluded it would be cheaper to tear down the dam at a cost of $2 million, rather than make repairs. Fixing it would cost as much as $12 million, the report found.