The Northwoods Hundred Healthiest Rivers Petitioners

Petitioner River Alliance of Wisconsin is a non-profit, non-partisan group of citizens, organizations, and businesses dedicated to advocating for the protection, enhancement and restoration of our rivers and watersheds. Petitioner River Alliance of Wisconsin is a membership organization with approximately 1,600 individual, organizational, and business members. River Alliance of Wisconsin makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The River Alliance of Wisconsin’s mailing address is 306 East Wilson Street, Suite 2W , Madison , Wisconsin 53703 .

Petitioner Midwest Environmental Advocates, Inc. is a non-profit environmental law center that provides legal representation and community organizing assistance to groups working for clean air, clean water, and environmental justice. Midwest Environmental Advocates makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . Midwest Environmental Advocates’ mailing address is 702 East Johnson Street , Madison , Wisconsin , 53703 .

Petitioner Friends of the Jump River is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the wild and natural character of the Jump River corridor. Petitioner Friends of the Jump River, Inc. seeks alliances with landowners, the community, and government agencies to advocate for the health of the watershed through education, monitoring, and the development of resource management techniques aimed at protecting the river for future generations. Friends of the Jump River makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . Friends of the Jump River ’s mailing address is N3395 Cty Rd I , Catawba , WI , 54515 . 

Petitioner Vilas County Lakes Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 by to preserve, protect and enhance Vilas County lakes and waterways for present and future generations. Vilas County Lakes Association has grown from 14 member organizations in 1995, to 43 lake organizations, 28 families, and 18 individuals in 2004.  Vilas County Lakes Association makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Vilas County Lakes Association’s mailing address is 1342 Shields Road , St Germain, WI 54558.

Petitioner Douglas County Association of Lakes and Streams is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and improve the water quality and shoreland of Douglas County lakes and streams by sharing knowledge, forming common goals, and speaking with a unified voice to mutually benefit all Douglas County lakes and streams.  Douglas County Association of Lakes and Streams makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Douglas County Association of Lakes and Streams’ mailing address is 15961 S. Bass Lake, Gordon , WI 54838 .

Petitioner Burnett County Lakes and Rivers Association (BCL&RA) represents 43 organizations and about 3,000 members. Over the past 14 years BCL&RA has been actively involved in committees for lakes classification and shoreline restoration and preservation as well as in organizing the annual Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference. BCL&RA makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The mailing address for Burnett County Lakes and Rivers Association is 7410 Co Rd. K, #107, c/o Burnett County Government Building , Siren , WI 54872 .

Petitioner Bayfield County Lakes Forum, Inc. was founded in 1999 to coordinate activities which contribute to the preservation and protection of Bayfield county lakes, shorelands and watersheds.  Bayfield County Lakes Forum strives to protect and enhance the natural, scenic, recreational and economic values of these resources.  Bayfield County Lakes Forum’s members are lake organizations and individuals who subscribe to its mission of protecting waters in Bayfield County .  Bayfield County Lakes Forum is an affiliate member of Wisconsin Association of Lakes. Bayfield County Lakes Forum makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Bayfield County Lakes Forum’s mailing address is 46560 Tri Lakes Road , Drummond , WI , 54832 .

Petitioner Washburn County Lakes & Rivers Association (WCLRA) enthusiastically supports the designation of the 100 river segments listed in Exhibit 1 as ORWs, or in some cases ERWs. WCLRA is a non-profit organization formed to promote the environmental protection and responsible use of Washburn County surface waters and their attendant wetlands, shorelands and wildlife resources through sharing ideas and information, education and active local participation. In supporting this petition, WCLRA notes that (1) these re-classifications represent neither an expansion nor a relaxation of the existing standards for ERWs or ORWs and (2) the selection of river segments for additional protection is based on an analysis of existing data prepared by the DNR in the Northern Rivers Initiative. In 2002, WCLRA was awarded the State of Wisconsin North West Regional Award for Water Quality Leadership. WCLRA represents 26 lake association members, 105 individual members, and 3 business members. WCLRA makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The mailing address for WCLRA is 850 W. Beaverbrook Ave., Suite 1 , Spooner, WI, 54801.

Petitioner Rusk County  Waters Alliance is a not-for-profit 42 member organization formed in October of 2002 to preserve, protect and improve the waters and shorelines of Rusk County for future generations. Rusk County Waters Alliance makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Rusk County Waters Alliance’s mailing address is PO Box 361 , Bruce , WI , 54819 .

Petitioner Price County Waterways Association represents 10 organizations and over 750 members of associations and districts in Price County . Price County Waterways Association was incorporated in April 2002 to represent the associations of Price County , to learn from each other, compare experiences, and help other groups develop. All of the associations in PCWA are actively involved in water clarity and water quality measurements under the self-help programs of the DNR. Price County Waterways Association makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . Price County Waterways Association’s mailing address is N14734 W. Turner Lake Road, Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538.

Petitioner Protect Our Wolf River is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1996 to prevent the negative environmental impacts associated with the operation of what is popularly known as the Crandon Mine. Its twenty core members work state wide to protect and preserve water resources through education and communication. Protect our Wolf River makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . The mailing address for Protect Our Wolf River is N6725 Balsam Row Road , Shawano , WI 54166 .

Petitioner Lake Superior Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization incorporated in Wisconsin and was founded as an environmental coalition serving the Lake Superior basin in 1992. Lake Superior Alliance includes 40 member groups and more than 3000 individuals and families. The mission of the Lake Superior Alliance is to work together to protect, restore, and enhance the ecological and economic health of natural and human communities in the Lake Superior Basin through a variety of goals and methods. Since Lake Superior Alliance makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . The mailing address of the Lake Superior Alliance is PO Box 33 Ashland , WI 54806 .

Petitioner Wolf River Chapter of Trout of Unlimited is headquartered in Langlade County and is the first Trout Unlimited group in Wisconsin . Members are concerned about the water quality of the Wolf River and its tributaries for the sake of the trout population as well as for their grandchildren’s benefit. Wolf River Chapter of Trout Unlimited makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The Wolf River Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s mailing address is N2610 Log Cabin Drive, White Lake , WI 54491.

Petitioner Environmentally Concerned Citizens of the Lakeland Area (ECCOLA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1992 of concerned citizens that working to educate others about environmental issues and provide solutions. ECCOLA has a strong commitment to protecting the forests, wildlife and water quality of the abundant lakes, rivers and wetlands of the Northwoods. ECCOLA makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . The mailing address for ECCOLA is P.O. Box 537 , Minocqua , WI 54548 .

Petitioner Balsam Branch Partnership is a non-profit corporation, organized as a collaborative of several organizations, land owners, local government, and private citizens for the purpose of providing and sustaining environmental areas in the Balsam Branch Watershed. The mission of the Balsam Branch Partnership is to provide and sustain environmental areas in the Balsam Branch Watershed where educational and recreational opportunities are promoted for all ages through all seasons. Balsam Branch Partnership makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . The Balsam Branch Partnership’s mailing address is 963A Longwood Road , Amery , Wisconsin 54001 .

Petitioner Friends of the Prairie River is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the Prairie River . It is the intent of Friends of the Prairie River organization to help maintain its cold, clean waters and esthetic beauty. Friends of the Prairie River consists of approximately 130 dedicated members helping in the rehabilitation of the Prairie River and its trout population through the alliances with land owners, local DNR authorities and the community. Friends of the Prairie River makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Friends of the Prairie River ’s mailing address is W4917 April Ave., Merrill , WI 54452 .

Petitioner Lake Superior Greens is a grassroots group founded in 1991 aligned with other Green groups in dedication to a more sustainable lifestyle and a healthier planet. The Lake Superior Greens are active locally as well as on a state, national and international level, recognizing that all issues are interrelated. They work on a range of issues including water quality, wetlands preservation, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and environmentally responsible lifestyle choices. Lake Superior Greens makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . The mailing address for Lake Superior Greens is P.O. Box 1144 , Superior , WI 54880 .

Petitioner Northern Thunder is an organization of people concerned about and working on issues relating to the human and natural environment in northern and western Wisconsin . Northern Thunder’s recent issues of concern are mining, land use, support for urban transit alternatives, forestry policy, water pollution, population growth, Project ELF, and Indian treaty rights. Northern Thunder makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Northern Thunder’s mailing address is 316 Eau Claire Street , Eau Claire , WI 54701 .

Petitioner Save Our Unique Lands is a grassroots organization whose mission is to promote efficient and orderly management of power based on the needs of Wisconsin while protecting the natural, social, and economic environments and citizens of Wisconsin . Save Our Unique Lands makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Save Our Unique Lands’ mailing address is P.O. Box 11 , Mosinee , WI 54455 .

Petitioner Upper Chippewa River Basin Partner Team is a non-profit conservation organization. Through education, sponsorship and advocacy, the Partner Team fosters protection and enhancement of the ecological values of the Upper Chippewa River Basin  and the quality of life for citizens who live and recreate in the basin. The Upper Chippewa River Basin Partner Team makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin.The Team's mailing address is: DNR Park Falls Service Center, 875 4th Av South, Park Falls, WI 54552.

Petitioner Lower Chippewa River Basin Partner Team consists of individuals and organizations with an interest or stake in natural resource issues throughout the basin. The Lower Chippewa River Basin Partner Team is committed to restoring and sustaining the natural resources of the basin and promotes comprehensive resource management, information exchange, and inter-governmental coordination, and citizen involvement. The Lower Chippewa River Basin Partner Team makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin , including those waters included in the Petition. The mailing address for the Lower Chippewa Partner Team is UW-Eau Claire, SSS 439, Eau Claire , WI 54702 .

Petitioner Wisconsin Resources Protection Council is a nonprofit conservation organization with approximately 500 members and was founded in 1982 to help counter the lack of information about the effects of large-scale metallic sulfide mining on Wisconsin’s precious water supplies, on the tourism and dairy industries, and upon the many Native American communities that are located near potential mine sites. Wisconsin Resources Protection Council makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . Wisconsin Resources Protection Council’s mailing address is P.O. Box 263 , Tomahawk , Wisconsin , 54487 .

Petitioner Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is deeply committed to protecting Wisconsin 's lakes, streams and forests and educating the residents of the state on their great value so that future generations can enjoy the wonderful Wisconsin outdoors. Wisconsin Wildlife Federation was begun in 1949 and is affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The mailing address for the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is 720 St. Croix Street, Suite 101 , Prescott , WI   54021 .

Petitioner Nature Conservancy is a leading international, nonprofit organization that preserves plants, animals and natural communities representing the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. To date, the Conservancy has been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the United States and has helped preserve more than 101 million acres in Latin America , the Caribbean , Asia and the Pacific. In Wisconsin , the Conservancy has helped conserve more than 85,300 acres since 1960. The Conservancy has more than 21,000 members in Wisconsin and offices in Madison , Ashland , Baraboo, East Troy , and Sturgeon Bay . The Nature Conservancy makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The mailing address for the Wisconsin Chapter of the Nature Conservancy is 633 West Main Street , Madison , WI 53703 .

Petitioner Wisconsin Association of Lakes is a nonprofit group of citizens, organizations, and businesses working for clean, safe, healthy lakes for everyone. To accomplish this mission we work to decrease shoreline development, pollution, recreational use conflicts, the influence of exotic plants and animals, and stop new legislation that may adversely impact lakes. Wisconsin Association of Lakes makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The mailing address for Wisconsin Association of Lakes is One Point Place, Suite 101 , Madison , WI 53719-2809 .

Petitioner Wisconsin Wetlands Association is dedicated to the protection, restoration and enjoyment of wetlands and associated ecosystems through science-based programs, education and advocacy. Wisconsin Wetlands Association was established in 1969 to protect the state's wetland resources through education, training, advocacy, and research on key issues that affect wetlands. Wisconsin Wetlands Association is the only statewide organization focused exclusively on wetland protection. More than 600 members include wetland scientists and educators, conservationists, hunters, concerned citizens, and local and regional organizations. Wisconsin Wetlands Association makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Wisconsin Wetlands Association’s mailing address is 222 S. Hamilton St. #1 , Madison , WI 53703 .

Petitioner Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited includes 22 chapters and over 3600 members across the State of Wisconsin . Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect, and restore Wisconsin 's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Trout require clean, cold water to survive and reproduce. Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . Expanding the list of ORW/ERW in the state will also help protect trout streams and will support Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited’s stream restoration efforts. The Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited’s mailing address is 237 W. Aster Lane , Mequon , WI 53092 . 

Petitioner Clean Wisconsin is a nonprofit environmental and conservation membership organization whose mission is to protect the environment and preserve the quality of life in Wisconsin through the enactment of progressive public policies, the enforcement of laws and the active participation of people. Clean Wisconsin makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . Clean Wisconsin has approximately 10,000 members in Wisconsin and its mailing address is 122 State Street, Suite 200 , Madison , Wisconsin , 53703-2500 .

Petitioner Sierra Club – John Muir Chapter is the Wisconsin state chapter of the national Sierra Club, a nonprofit conservation organization, and has approximately 12,000 members in the State of Wisconsin . The Sierra Club is dedicated to exploring, enjoying and protecting the wild places of the Earth, to practicing and promoting the responsible use of the Earth’s resources and ecosystems, to educating and enlisting humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment, and to using all lawful means to carry out these objectives. Sierra Club – John Muir Chapter makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The Sierra Club – John Muir Chapter’s mailing address is 222 S. Hamilton Street #1 , Madison , Wisconsin , 53703-3201 .

Petitioner Gathering Waters Conservancy is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to help the people and communities of Wisconsin protect their land and water resources by strengthening the state's land trust movement. As a statewide coalition and service center for Wisconsin 's growing land trust community, Gathering Waters has grown from a handful of member organizations in 1994, to over 50 conservation organizations with over 45,000 members in 2004. Petitioner Gathering Waters Conservancy makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Gathering Waters Conservancy’s mailing address is 211 S. Paterson , Suite 270 , Madison , WI 53716

Petitioner Sierra Club River Touring Section is a group of approximately 400 people from around Wisconsin who are interested in paddling the rivers of the state. Sierra Club River Touring Section’s mission is to promote paddling on Wisconsin rivers; to promote on-the-water safety and improve paddling skills; and to support the Sierra Club’s river protection efforts in Wisconsin . Sierra Club River Touring Section makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The Sierra Club River Touring Section’s mailing address is 2222 Hoeschler Drive , La Crosse , WI 54601 .

Petitioner Izaak Walton League of America - Wisconsin Division is a division of the national Izaak Walton League of America, a non-profit conservation organization, and has approximately 1,400 members in the State of Wisconsin . The Izaak Walton League of America’s mission is to conserve, maintain, protect and restore the soil, forest, water and other natural resources of the United States and other lands and to promote means and opportunities for the education of the public with respect to such resources and their enjoyment and wholesome utilization. Izaak Walton League of America – Wisconsin Division makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The Izaak Walton League of America – Wisconsin Division’s mailing address is 5316 Forest Circle , Stevens Point , Wisconsin , 54481 .

Petitioner Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, established in 2002, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to electing conservation leaders to the state legislature and encouraging lawmakers to champion conservation policies that effectively protect Wisconsin 's public health and natural resources. In pursuit of its mission, the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters engages in voter education, lobbying, issue advocacy, and candidate endorsements. Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Wisconsin League of Conservation Voter’s mailing address is 306 E. Wilson Street, #2E , Madison , WI 53703 .

Petitioner Mining Impact Coalition of Wisconsin is a nonprofit conservation organization committed to research and education about the social, economic and environmental impacts of unsafe mining around the world. The Mining Impact Coalition consists of eight organizations comprising 722 members. The Mining Impact Coalition makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The Mining Impact Coalition’s mailing address is P.O. Box 55372 , Madison , Wisconsin , 53705-9172 .

Petitioner Wisconsin Waterfowl Association is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Wisconsin 's waterfowl and wetland resources, the implementation of education programs that heighten awareness of our wetland resources for Wisconsin 's youth and the promotion of legislation that protects Wisconsin 's resources and the rights of citizens to hunt and fish. The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association has approximately 6,000 members in Wisconsin . The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s mailing address is 614 W. Capitol Drive , Hartland , Wisconsin , 53029 .

Petitioner Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance is a group of approximately 60 anglers who seek to improve smallmouth bass fishing opportunities throughout the state through legislation and education of the angling public. Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance works in cooperation with the Fisheries Bureau, Conservation Congress, and the Natural Resources Board to improve smallmouth angling opportunities in Wisconsin . Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting high quality waters in the State of Wisconsin . Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance’s mailing address is 2701 Gust Road , Verona , WI 53593-8905 .

Petitioner Black Earth Creek Watershed Association’s (“BECWA”) goal is to protect, conserve, support, and advocate for the wise long-term management of the physical, biological, environmental, cultural, and historical resources that constitute the heritage and future assets of the Black Earth Creek Watershed. Since its inception, BECWA has attempted to bring divergent, often opposing groups together.  BECWA has approximately 200 members and resource professionals who support BECWA’s work in Black Earth Creek basin. BECWA makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . BECWA’s mailing address is c/o UW GNIES, 550 N. Park, Madison , WI 53706 .

Petitioner Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger (“CSWAB”) was organized in 1990 when the community learned private drinking water wells near Wisconsin 's Badger Army Ammunition Plant were polluted with high levels of cancer causing chemicals.  CSWAB’s goal is to build a sustainable future which will preserve, and where possible, restore the integrity of natural systems - including soils, water, air, and biological diversity. CSWAB makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . CSWAB’s mailing address is E12629 Weigands Bay S., Merrimac , WI 53561 .

Petitioner Door County Environmental Council was formed in 1970 with the focus, then and continuing, of using all resources at its disposal to prevent further abuse and destruction of our precious Door County resources. Our organization is a 501 (c)3  non-profit with 550 family members dedicated to the common interest of resource preservation and protection.  Door County Environmental Council makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Door County Environmental Council’s mailing address is 1916 Viste Road , Sturgeon Bay , WI 54235 .

Petitioner Plover River Alliance , based in Stevens Point , Wisconsin , is a 45-member organization whose sole goal is protecting the Plover River , a stream that begins in Langlade County , runs through Marathon and Portage Counties , and joins the Wisconsin River in the village of Whiting .  Plover River Alliance makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Plover River Alliance ’s mailing address is 1032 Ridge Road , Stevens Point , WI 54481 .

Petitioner Concerned Citizens of Newport is a not-for-profit organization in south central Wisconsin formed to educate the public about ground and surface water issues.  Concerned Citizens of Newport makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Concerned Citizens of Newport’s mailing address is N9947 Thompson Drive , Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965.

Petitioner Friends of Lake Wingra promotes a healthy Lake Wingra through an active watershed community. Friends of Lake Wingra has a group of nine board members, 15-20 active volunteers, and well over 100 friends who support the Friends of Lake Wingra through charitable contributions. Friends of Lake Wingra makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . Friends of Lake Wingra ’s mailing address is c/o Edgewood College , 1000 Edgewood College Drive , Madison , WI 53711 .

Petitioner Squeeky Squeegee is a small window-cleaning service company that strives to thrive in business while making the smallest negative impact on the environment and our rivers. Petitioner Squeeky Squeegee’s business relies on clean, healthy wild rivers. Petitioner Squeeky Squeegee makes this Petition to the DNR because it understands the intricate web of life and the importance of maintaining riverine water quality in that web. Squeeky Squeegee’s mailing address is PO Box 543 , Florence , WI 54121 .

Petitioner Friends of the Branch River in Manitowoc County works to promote and facilitate the natural health of the Branch River and its watershed. The group began stream monitoring in 1998. Goals of the monitoring program are to establish a baseline of information about the quality of water in the Branch River and its watershed, and to help build community awareness about the resource. Friends of the Branch River makes this Petition to the DNR because it recognizes the importance of protecting all waters within the State of Wisconsin . The mailing address for Friends of the Branch is P.O. Box 258 Whitelaw , WI 54247 .