VSN Projects Voices of the Valley Start a Project
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Bacteria Monitoring in the
Upper and Middle Kickapoo Watershed Read the Press Release from March of 2005 Bacteria Monitoring E.coli Source Tracking Power Point Presentation The Valley Stewardship Network began bacteria monitoring on the Upper and Middle Kickapoo River in the spring of 2004. The project is a collaboration between the Kickapoo Citizen Water Monitors organized by VSN, the DNR and the Land and Water Conservation Departments of Vernon and Monroe Counties. Water samples are drawn twice a week during the spring, summer and fall from three locations in the Upper and Middle Kickapoo Watershed. All water samples are collected by trained volunteers in whirl packs, transported on ice and then tested with in 24 hours by Leuther Labs, a state certified lab near Coon Valley. Multiple tests and protocols substantiated by DNR sampling tested through the state lab of hygiene confirms the validity of the results. Data from 2004 and 2005 indicates large quantities of E. coli bacteria in the Middle and Upper Kickapoo Watershed. These results were not surprising due to the available historical data we had reviewed and are typical of findings across the state on rivers with agriculture and other related influences. The Valley Stewardship Network advises people not to swim in the Kickapoo River after a rain event or when the river is carrying excessive mud and silt. The Valley Stewardship Network feels the development of positive responses to improve water quality will serve all who live, work and play in the Kickapoo Watershed. If you would like to learn more about this project or if you would like to get involved, please contact VSN.
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Contact Us!Valley Stewardship Network
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