Our land use and the way we live on the land is irrefutably linked to the health of our natural resources – air, water, habitats, and all living creatures. And likewise, the health of our communities, their viability, and sustainability are in turn linked to the health of these very same resources.
The Wisconsin Comprehensive Planning Legislation gives communities the opportunity to plan for the healthy future of their cities, towns and neighborhoods and the long-term protection of our natural, cultural and economic resources not only for themselves, but also future generations. Comprehensive planning recognizes this interrelationship taking both into account as communities plan for growth.
Techniques associated with smart growth that address the problem of sprawl and transportation issues, also have a direct effect on a community’s water quality and water resources. These techniques include:
Regional planning
Infill development
Redevelopment policies
Special development districts (e.g., transit oriented development and brownfield redevelopment)
Tree and canopy programs
Parking policies to reduce the number of spaces needed or the footprint of the lot
Non-governmental Organizations’ Collaboration to Restore the Watersheds in SE Wisconsin
In 2009 Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust Inc. secured a three-year grant from the Joyce Foundation to support and advance water quality and habitat restoration initiatives in the region. Seven local and state-wide nonprofit organizations form the leadership team for the grant and are responsible for the development and delivery of program components. The seven organizations include 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, River Alliance, Midwest Environmental Advocates, Clean Wisconsin, Milwaukee River Keeper, 16th Street Community Health Center and River Revitalization Foundation. Each organization brings a unique expertise to the project.
The work of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin is focused in three main areas:
Coordinate the development and implementation of a communication and outreach strategy for Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc.
Facilitate the development and implementation of area municipalities’ stormwater education and outreach programs to support their compliance with NR 216.
Develop a pilot project that highlights best management practices that also serves as a community amenity.
The initial work of the grant will be focused in the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Watersheds. Watershed restoration plans have been completed for these two rivers that will guide efforts.
Collaborating to secure healthy & sustainable water resources throughout the Greater Milwaukee Watersheds
Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc., a unique partnership of independent units of government, special purpose districts, non-profit organizations and local residents was established achieve healthy and sustainable resources in SE Wisconsin through collaborative, coordinated efforts. 1000 Friends of Wisconsin has joined this partnership to help advance its work.
While there have been significant improvements in water quality since the adoption of the 1972 Clean Water Act, the Act’s central goal of “fishable, swimmable and drinkable waters” has not been achieved. With the issue of point source pollution largely addressed, the focus now is the problem of non-point pollution.
Water flows through the landscape irrespective of municipal or sewerage district boundaries accumulating pollutants that reflect land use and how we live on the land.
The inherent characteristics of water and the wide-spread nature of non-point pollution require that we address the problem through a collaborative, watershed approach employing new approaches to mitigation and remediation as well as renewed efforts for conservation and restoration.
To this end, Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc. is committed to these goals:
Make measureable progress toward improving the water resources in the region
Identify and support land use practices and designs that enhance and improve water resources and promote and restore ecological benefits
Forge and strengthen relationships to leverage funding and recommend policies to assist in the implementation of projects to produce lasting water resource benefits and cost savings throughout the Great Milwaukee Watersheds and near-shore Lake Michigan
Implement cost-effective projects that result in measurable improvements in water quality and water resources.
