Currant Breaks WFSC Spring 09 4/12/09
 

Another spring has started to arrive here in the West Fork valley. We had another nasty winter. Get over it! Let’s camp, fish and enjoy your free time.

Fish’in has picked up lately. Fish are rising to Midges and BWO. Nymphing always seems to produce some action. Very soon the early Caddis hatch will start and things will get busy.

 Emerald Ash Borer invasive beetle has invaded western Vernon County in the Victory area, on the Mississippi River. WFSC has had a policy in place for years that prohibits transferring firewood from outside the county .Do NOT transfer firewood from outside Vernon County. If caught, intentionally bring in, you may be asked to leave. We do not need all our Ash trees dead from a brought-in invasive pest. Local firewood is available at all times.

 WFSC, in conjunction with Living Water’s Bible Camp and the Wisconsin DNR will be releasing approximately 2500 wild strain Brown Trout on Tuesday, April 22. Meet at Livings water’s at 9:00 AM. Living Waters is located two miles north of Westby on highway 27 to Rio Ave .Help needed of all ages. Our next batch of Trout to raise, supplied by the Wisconsin DNR, will be wild strain Brook Trout.

 Our Treasurer, June Widner handles all reservations of the cabins, camping fees, and membership fees. Inquire across from store building in Avalanche. Her phone number is 608-634-4512

 The annual meeting and elections will be held at the clubhouse on Sat., June 6th at 7:00 pm. This year we will serve complementary pork sandwiches with sides and beverages. Your participation will be greatly appreciated.

 My thought is to build some more camping shelters this year.

 Boy scouts and Southeastern Wisconsin T.U. will be utilizing the lowest shelter from June 3rd thru 7th

Shabazz Class will be here from Friday, May 08 thru 15th.The instructors are asking for help with fly fishing instruction on Sunday, May 10th thru Thursday May 14th.

 After researching what it costs for the WFSC to operate our club grounds for the year, your officer’s have decided that we can get by another year without raising camping fees or membership fees. We considered that you must be a member to camp on club grounds. Membership does have its advantages. Our electric rates have increased by 50% since the last camping rate increase. Our property taxes have doubled in the last 10 years. Yet, we decided with the overall economic crises, we want to provide a great value to the membership. The only way this happens is because the WFSC owns everything free and clear. With the past two devastating floods, we are still solvent and intend to stay that way. We have had plenty of help from other organizations that feel it’s important to keep our little piece of little Montana operating. We hope you agree.

 We hope that you find the time to utilize the club grounds very soon. See you soon.

                    Bryan “Trapper” Voldahl Secretary WFSC

                    Avalanche,Wi - in the heart of the Driftless Area

Movies and Popcorn Benefit for Crawford Stewardship Project

   

“The Organic Opportunity: Small Farms & Economic Development”

 

“King Corn”

 

Friday April 24, 2009, 7:00 p.m.

Seneca Town Hall, 21041 Town Hall Rd

$3 Donation

 

Join us for an evening of entertainment, inspiration, and short CSP update.

 

“The Organic Opportunity”, a documentary by Chris Bedford, explores Woodbury County, Iowa’s story of hope and practical solutions for rural communities. It is not just about organic food—it is a story that demonstrates how local communities can create a different food system which provides its citizens with wonderful food, makes it possible for young farmers to remain in the community and farm, while simultaneously improving the local economy. And Woodbury County did it without any federal program funding. An inspiring film.

 

“King Corn”, directed by Aaron Woolf, is a “gentle, meandering film in the Truth-Seeking Comic Hero genre, as practiced by Michael Moore and Morgan Spurlock,” according to Matt Seitz of the New York Times. Follow the story of Mr. Cheney and Mr. Ellis as they move to rural Iowa to grow corn on their great-grandfather’s farm. This film offers insights and sparks conversation.

 

Contact CSP for more information, 608-735-4277, csp.county@gmail.com

Spring Bird Field Day
May 23rd
 
Hello VSN Members & Friends,

Join us for a great opportunity to learn about neotropical migrant birds. We will welcome their arrival with Craig Thompson, a bird specialist from the Department of Natural Resources.(Warning; Craig has a wicked sense of humor!)

One of the very best ways to know what birds are around your home or in the forest or grasslands you are hiking in, is to be able to recognize their songs.

We will be addressing the best ways to learn birdsong and also in depth discussion of bird habitat and what they need to survive and keep their populations strong. We will go for a hike into the forest to hear and see what birds have arrived.

This event is limited to 20 participants.

Please email mhjones@countryspeed.com or call Maggie at 609-872-2297 to sign up. Please give your name, phone number and email (or snail mail) address. Bring a bag lunch. We will start sharp at 8AM and be done at noon. You will be sent a map of the location in south east Crawford County.
Donations will be accepted for printing expenses of handout material.

Sponsored by Valley Stewardship Network, Kickapoo Initiative, and Crawford Stewardship Project

Hello VSN Members and Friends,
 
Please consider writing a letter to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) requesting that a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be performed on the proposed Petry CAFO in Vernon County. The WDNR weighs all public comment when determining whether to perform an EIS. I have attached a letter template for you to use prepared by ACES - Alliance Concerned for Environmental Safety.

If you want to pass on copies of your letters to elected folks:

Sen.Kapanke@legis.wisconsin.gov

Rep.Nerison@legi.wisconsin.gov

Governor Jim Doyle
P.O. Box 7863
Madison, WI 53707

If you feel it's beneficial for your County Board Supervisor to know your position, forward them a copy, too.

 
Thank you for your help!
Jessica Luhning
Projects Coordinator
Valley Stewardship Network
124 1/2 S. Main Street
Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665
 
(608) 637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org

Hello VSN Members and Friends,

The Alliance Concerned for Environmental Safety (ACES) will be holding an informational meeting about CAFOs for local community members at 7:00 pm, March 26th, 2009 at the Vernon Memorial Hospital, Lower Level Community Room.

The topic for discussion will be "The State of Wisconsin's CAFO permitting process". Perspectives will be given by Westby area farmer Darin Von Ruden, who has concerns about the process, and Gordon Stevenson of the WDNR Runoff Management Section, who will review the present process structure. Each will give brief presentations, followed by an exchange of responses between presenters, and then we will open up discussion with the audience for questions and comments. We have allowed two hours for addressing this important topic, and please come early as seating is limited.

While there is no admission fee, ACES would like to use this opportunity to raise funds to help in supporting the local opposition, through publicity, yard signs, and other costs related to the campaign.

Directions to the Vernon Memorial Hospital, Lower Level Community Rooms; enter through the main hospital entrance, off the east side parking lot, follow signs to elevator, take elevator to the lower level. If you have any problems locating this space, you may inquire at the informational desk. For more information you may call Leah at 634-4261.

  
Hello VSN Members and Friends,
 
Let's welcome Spring!! Please join us for this exciting, FREE event on Thursday, March 19.

Birds, Plants and Animals of Forests, Prairies and Savannahs


Please mark your calendars for Thursday, March 19th and join Craig Thompson and Armund Bartz, both DNR Endangered Resources experts to learn more about our great Spring awakening. With birds arriving back from their wintering grounds, and the critters and plants of our savannahs and prairies soon in their most active time of year, the depth of knowledge and enthusiasm of these two experts will add to your enjoyment and understanding of our area.

Every year tens of millions of birds from North America migrate to Central and South America to spend the winter. The challenges they face on their beleaguered wintering grounds are significant and growing. If we want to make sure our beloved birds - Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Wood Thrushes and warblers - return to serenade us every Spring, we need to ensure important wintering grounds in Latin America are protected. Learn how you can help support Wisconsin's innovative international efforts to protect our migratory birds.

Join us at 7PM, in the Community Room of Vernon Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building (lower level), 507 S Main Street, Viroqua. Refreshments and social time immediately following the presentation. Sponsored by Kickapoo Initiative, Valley Stewardship Network and Crawford Stewardship Project. Contact CSP, 608-735-4277 or VSN, 608-637-3615 for more information.


--
Crawford Stewardship Project
PO Box 284
Gays Mills, WI 54631
608-735-4277
http://www.crawfordstewardshipproject.org
 
Valley Stewardship Network
124 1/2 S. Main Street
Viroqua, WI 54665
(608) 637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org

March 21, 2008 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Location, Christies Honey Farm – E6404 Eide Rd. Westby, WI
1) Open Meeting
2) Take attendance, membership/dues, downpayment on nucs if not already sent.
3) Meeting objectives
B) Peek in hive
C) Make decisions for splits
D) Mite checks
E) What is your yard plan? Discuss location, equipment needed for start-ups
4) Organic Valley Colony Management Team (OVCMT) tasks
A) Equipment readiness check, relocate equipment to yards
B) Check all hives, clean out bottom boards, feed
c) Make decisions for splits
Q & A time
Show and Tell
Next meeting date and review
Close meeting
April 18, 2008 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Location, Organic ValleyHQ – LaFarge, WI.
1) Open Meeting
2) Take attendance
3) Meeting objectives, Organic Valley Colony Management Team (OVCMT) & members
A) Install packages/ dividing colonies/ feed/ pollen,
update on nucs from Jordan, decide when/where to pick up
B) Queen and brood inspection
C) Mite checks
D) What is your yard plan?
E) Queen excluders on parent colonies/ hive body on divide
F) Queen and brood inspection/ mite check/ Feeding/ medication and mite control
G) Pollen and nectar sources
4) Organic Valley Colony Management Team (OVCMT) tasks
A) Equipment readiness check, relocate equipment to yards
B) Ready feeders and feed, pollen patties
C) Mite checks/ divide colonies as needed
Q & A time
Show and Tell
Next meeting date

Hello all,
Attached is the shedule/locations for the next two meetings.
March will be hosted by Christie Homstad at her bee yard at:
E6404 Eide Rd
Westby WI 54667
This is at the corner of Eide and Spring Coulee Rd. between Westby and Coon Valley. (Spring Coulee Rd. roughly parallels 14 on the north) Write Christie at: echomstad@msn.com if you need detailed directions.

This will be a working meeting, so bring your gear if you have it:
Veil/ gloves/ bee suit?
Hive tool/smoker

(In case of very bad weather, we may move the meeting to Christie's shop in Coon Valley and see her extracting set-up.)

Remember to bring your dues ($40/family) if you plan to join HOB, and if you have ordered nucs through the club and not paid Kerry your down payment, please settle up on that. (e-mail him at: jvauditor@aol.com if you have questions on your nuc order or payment due, I believe he asked for half now, balance when you get the bees.)

See you then!
Mandy

Call Your Legislators TODAY! Gov. Doyle Reverses Position
on Independent DNR Secretary!

Dear VSN Members and Friends,

Just days after nearly 600 conservationists representing more than 80 organizations lobbied legislators in support of a return to an Independent DNR Secretary on Conservation Lobby Day, Governor Doyle breaks his long-standing promise to restore conservation integrity.

In a letter to citizens dated March 3, 2009, Governor Doyle stated, 'I believe that a system that has a strong board and a quality secretary appointed by the governor is the most effective.' Prior to this reversal, Governor Doyle had publicly supported an Independent DNR Secretary since serving as Attorney General.

This change of heart is incredibly disappointing because restoring an Independent DNR Secretary was selected BY CITIZENS as one of four Conservation Priorities for the 2009-2010 legislative session. During listening sessions held last fall, hundreds of citizens voted on the 4 Conservation Priorities, which have since been endorsed by more than 80 Wisconsin conservation organizations.

Citizens have been calling for an Independent DNR Secretary since 1995 when appointment authority was removed from the Natural Resources Board and given to the Governor. And on Conservation Lobby Day last week, citizens asked their legislators to support LRB 0132/2, the Independent DNR Secretary bill. Since then, sixty legislators have signed on to co-sponsor this bill. (See the list of current co-sponsors below.)

Please call YOUR LEGISLATORS TODAY and reiterate your support for the Independent DNR Secretary. They need to know that YOU support LRB 0132/2--even if the Governor doesn't! *Please call the Capitol numbers listed below.* PLEASE let us know if you make the calls simply by replying to this email.

If you would like to call the Governor's office and encourage him to change his mind, that number is: 608-266-1212.

   Senator Dan Kapanke (R)
State Senate District 32
608-266-5490 (Capitol)
608-782-3975 (District)

  
   Representative Lee Nerison (R)
State Assembly District 96
608-266-3534 (Capitol)
608-634-4562 (District)

  
  

(If your legislators and their contact info did not appear above, you can call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-362-9472.)

Hello VSN Members and Friends,
 
Let's welcome Spring!! Please join us for this exciting, FREE event on Thursday, March 19.

Birds, Plants and Animals of Forests, Prairies and Savannahs


Please mark your calendars for Thursday, March 19th and join Craig Thompson and Armund Bartz, both DNR Endangered Resources experts to learn more about our great Spring awakening. With birds arriving back from their wintering grounds, and the critters and plants of our savannahs and prairies soon in their most active time of year, the depth of knowledge and enthusiasm of these two experts will add to your enjoyment and understanding of our area.

Every year tens of millions of birds from North America migrate to Central and South America to spend the winter. The challenges they face on their beleaguered wintering grounds are significant and growing. If we want to make sure our beloved birds - Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, Wood Thrushes and warblers - return to serenade us every Spring, we need to ensure important wintering grounds in Latin America are protected. Learn how you can help support Wisconsin's innovative international efforts to protect our migratory birds.

Join us at 7PM, in the Community Room of Vernon Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building (lower level), 507 S Main Street, Viroqua. Refreshments and social time immediately following the presentation. Sponsored by Kickapoo Initiative, Valley Stewardship Network and Crawford Stewardship Project. Contact CSP, 608-735-4277 or VSN, 608-637-3615 for more information.


--
Crawford Stewardship Project
PO Box 284
Gays Mills, WI 54631
608-735-4277
http://www.crawfordstewardshipproject.org
 
Valley Stewardship Network
124 1/2 S. Main Street
Viroqua, WI 54665
(608) 637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org

Hello VSN Members and Friends,

 **RESCHEDULED EVENT**

METHANE DIGESTERS: FACT AND FICTION

Thursday, April 2nd at 7pm
 
Come and learn more about the science behind Manure Digesters and their relationship to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Please join us for an evening with Jim Poehling, a registered professional engineer in Wisconsin for over 30 years.

Jim is vice president engineer of First Supply LLC in La Crosse and a partner in JMP Commissioning. He is LEED (Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design) certified and is passionate about sustainable farming practices, and will address the myth about Manure Digesters being the "silver bullet" solution to properly managing large volumes of animal waste.

Jim designed a heating system for a small scale digester and understands how they work. He will inform us about digester problems, their prohibitive cost and the truths and falsehoods of how digesters affect clean air and water. This timely presentation is brought to you by Crawford Stewardship Project and Valley Stewardship Network. Presentation is at 7:00 pm in the Community Room of Vernon Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building (lower level), 507 S Main Street, Viroqua. Refreshments and social immediately following this free presentation. Contact CSP at 608-735-4277 or VSN at 608-637-3615 for more information.


--
Crawford Stewardship Project
PO Box 284
Gays Mills, WI 54631
608-735-4277
http://www.crawfordstewardshipproject.org
 
Valley Stewardship Network
124 1/2 South Main St.
Viroqua, WI. 54665
608-637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org
garyvsn@frontiernet.net

The Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club Invites You to treat your CREATIVE side!!

 *** Tuesday, March 10, 6:30 pm ***
 Gays Mills Community Building, 212 Main Street
Click here for a map of Gays Mills

This month’s topic
"Creating a Step by Step Guide to Developing Your Marketing Plan" with speaker
Mark Thorne, Marketing Consultant with Lacrosse Sign

The discussion will include how to define your core message, good media for advertising, creating a marketing budget, defining what makes your business unique, and common mistakes in branding.

Please help us spread the word by bringing some friends along or forwarding this message. Remember, the meetings are free, the second Tuesday of every month, so join us when you can! Networking starts at 6:00, meeting at 6:30. For more information contact Sue Noble at Vernon Economic Development Association 608-637-5396 or Laura Brown at Crawford County UW Extension 608-326-0224

NEW!! The Youth Entrepreneurship Club starts prior to the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club at 5:00. The agenda for this meeting includes a tour and business discussion with Joe Brandt, owner of the Village Greenhouse, and planning for a youth business trade show. Young people and adults are welcome at either meeting. You'll find a flyer for the meeting attached. For more information about the Youth Entrepreneruship Club contact Amy Mitchell or Laura Brown at Crawford County UW Extension 608-326-0224

Hope to see you there!

***********************************************************
Laura Brown
Community Development Educator
Crawford County UW Cooperative Extension
225 N. Beaumont Road, Suite 240
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
608-326-0224 Fax: 608-326-0226
laura.brown@ces.uwex.edu
www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/crawford

Hello VSN Members and Friends,
 
The following event has been cancelled due to the winter storm predicted for Thursday, February 26th. The event will be rescheduled for a later date.

Thursday, February 26th, 2009, METHANE DIGESTERS: FACT AND FICTION
 
Come and learn more about the science behind Manure Digesters and their relationship to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Please join us for an evening with Jim Poehling, a registered professional engineer in Wisconsin for over 30 years.

Jim is vice president engineer of First Supply LLC in La Crosse and a partner in JMP Commissioning. He is LEED (Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design) certified and is passionate about sustainable farming practices, and will address the myth about Manure Digesters being the "silver bullet" solution to properly managing large volumes of animal waste.

Jim designed a heating system for a small scale digester and understands how they work. He will inform us about digester problems, their prohibitive cost and the truths and falsehoods of how digesters affect clean air and water. This timely presentation is brought to you by Crawford Stewardship Project and Valley Stewardship Network. Presentation is at 7:00 pm in the Community Room of Vernon Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building (lower level), 507 S Main Street, Viroqua. Refreshments and social immediately following this free presentation. Contact CSP at 608-735-4277 or VSN at 608-637-3615 for more information.


--
Crawford Stewardship Project
PO Box 284
Gays Mills, WI 54631
608-735-4277
http://www.crawfordstewardshipproject.org
 
Valley Stewardship Network
124 1/2 South Main St.
Viroqua, WI. 54665
608-637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org
garyvsn@frontiernet.net

Hello VSN Members and Friends,
 
The Valley Stewardship Network, Family Farm Defenders and the Crawford Stewardship Project invite you to attend the following upcoming event!
 
Food Sovereignty: Food, Agriculture & Democracy
Featuring John Ikerd
Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics,University of Missouri Columbia
(Sponsored by Driftless Speakers)
 

Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 15, 2009
Living Waters Bible Camp
E8932 Reo Avenue, Westby, WI 54667
 
 
**Registration Required**

 
Please contact Family Farm Defenders (608) 637-7136 (www.familyfarmdefenders.org) or
Valley Stewardship Network (608) 637-3615 (garyvsn@frontiernet.net) for registration and event details.

Hello VSN Members and Friends,
 
Another Fabulous Presentation by CSP with Valley Stewardship Network

Thursday, February 26th, 2009, METHANE DIGESTERS: FACT AND FICTION
 
Come and learn more about the science behind Manure Digesters and their relationship to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Please join us for an evening with Jim Poehling, a registered professional engineer in Wisconsin for over 30 years.

Jim is vice president engineer of First Supply LLC in La Crosse and a partner in JMP Commissioning. He is LEED (Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design) certified and is passionate about sustainable farming practices, and will address the myth about Manure Digesters being the "silver bullet" solution to properly managing large volumes of animal waste.

Jim designed a heating system for a small scale digester and understands how they work. He will inform us about digester problems, their prohibitive cost and the truths and falsehoods of how digesters affect clean air and water. This timely presentation is brought to you by Crawford Stewardship Project and Valley Stewardship Network. Presentation is at 7:00 pm in the Community Room of Vernon Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building (lower level), 507 S Main Street, Viroqua. Refreshments and social immediately following this free presentation. Contact CSP at 608-735-4277 or VSN at 608-637-3615 for more information.


--
Crawford Stewardship Project
PO Box 284
Gays Mills, WI 54631
608-735-4277
http://www.crawfordstewardshipproject.org
 
Valley Stewardship Network
124 1/2 South Main St.
Viroqua, WI. 54665
608-637-3615
www.kickapoovsn.org
garyvsn@frontiernet.net

West Fork Opposes CAFO
Letter to the Editor:

West Fork Sportsmen’s Club strongly opposes the proposed Petry Trust CAFO to be located near Westby. Is the Petry Trust a proven good steward of the land and water? Is 3200 cows a good thing on 300 acres with only eight months of manure storage?(4480 animal units) As a community minded outdoor conservation club focused on outdoor recreation, we as an organization can not endorse this operation. Trout fishing in our area amounts to a million dollar industry per year, every year. In today’s economic times, it would be best to preserve this industry. It is our hope that the rigid permitting process will not let this CAFO to be built. The sad reality is that the local people of Vernon County do not have much say in the decision. All we ARE saying is the CAFO will not be welcomed. CAFO’s are far from a family farm. The WFSC endorses family farms. Please keep our waters,air and land free from extensive animal pollution. A large very local landowner has already stated that this CAFO will never rent his land while he is living. Perhaps other local landowners will decide the same.

             Signed, Robert Blumreich President

             Bryan Voldahl Secretary/Author