Clean Water Updates

Posted August 7, 2026- WXPR introduces newest newsroom addition, water quality and environmental reporter Maria Peralta-Arellano.

Oneida County Clean Waters Action had the pleasure of meeting Maria at the latest Six County meeting hosted in part by the OCLRA. As you may already know OCCWA leans heavily on information and reporting by WXPR and we are ecstatic to see the addition of an environmental specific reporter. Maria's bio may be viewed at   Maria Peralta-Arellano, Report for America | WXPR 

Youn might ask, how can WXPR be expanding their newsroom after the Federal Government pulled all federal funding from them last year? Well Katie Thoresen shared recently that local support has made a difference. A quote from Katie's latest newsletter stated:

"In 2002, there were 40 journalists for every 100,000 people. As of 2026, there’s fewer than eight. The same report found that in the first quarter of this year, 77% of communities had no local environmental coverage.

Public media is not immune. One year after WXPR and public media organizations nationwide lost federal funding, many stations are confronting the consequences and eliminating reporting positions.

At WXPR, your support is helping us tell a different story:

While other newsrooms are shrinking, WXPR is growing ours. Maria Peralta-Arellano started last week as our dedicated water quality and environmental reporter.

This means more coverage on air quality, lake health, public land, PFAS, forest management and so much more that impacts our way of life in the Northwoods."

You also might ask, why ad an environmental reporter? Well, that's pretty easy to understand. WXPR shared their recent survey results asking, "What are the most pressing issues facing the Northwoods". You probably would not be surprised that Cost of Living came in at #1. You would also not be surprised to hear that Healthcare came in at #3. 

You may be surprised what came in at #2, though OCCWA is certainly not. It's no surprise to us that Environment and Climate came in #2 in the heart of the Northwoods. Coming it a distant 4th was Housing. No one will deny that the Northwoods are very different than the rest of Wisconsin with the environment always being front and center. Maybe it's a lesson that Northwood Legislators need to learn this November?

To maintain environmental coverage provided by WXPR We at OCCWA encourage you to consider a donation to WXPR. You may donate at:  WXPR 

Posted August 6, 2026- Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) shares latest 7-minute YouTube video, Land & Water: The Heart and Soul of the Northwoods.  

We think you will want to see this 7-minute video. It can be viewed at the NWLT website at Northwoods Land Trust or on their YouTube Channel at  Northwoods Land Trust - YouTube 

The Northwoods Land Trust permanently conserves natural shorelands, woodlands and other natural resources to benefit present and future generations in Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Iron, Price and Langlade counties in northern Wisconsin. 

Today, over 15,000 acres of land with 85+ miles of shoreline is protected by NWLT in our seven-county service area. These lands include private conservation easements, as well as conservation areas that NWLT owns and manages that are open to the public year-round. Every year more land is placed under permanent conservation to leave a lasting legacy for future generations

Upcoming NWLT event

NWLT is having an August 12th Bog Hike at Tower Nibiiwan Conservation Area.  

Join Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) along with guest Susan Knight, Emeritus Scientist III at UW-Trout Lake’s Center for Limnology, to explore bogs at Tower Nibiiwan Conservation Area – glacially created wetlands relatively common in northern Wisconsin. Learn about plants and unique adaptations required to live in this environment.

The hike will be approximately 1 mile in length over dirt trails and wooden boardwalks. If participants would like to step onto the bog mat, it is recommended to have rubber boots or other footwear that can get wet.  Due to the uneven and difficult bog mat walking surface, participants should have good mobility. 

Hike Details can be found at:   Bog Hike at Tower Nibiiwan Conservation Area – Northwoods Land Trust 

Posted July 27, 2026- A recent Guardian article shares concerns of new PFAS compound being considered for cooling.

As if Data Center impacts aren't concerning enough a recent article US environmental groups urge EPA to reject new Pfas to cool datacenters | US news | The Guardian voices concerns about permitting a new PFAS compound for cooling purposes.

While Data Centers try to address ridiculously high water consumption for cooling by using closed systems to reduce water consumption, adding PFAS to the mix is concerning. A quote from the Guardian article addresses this very issue:

“The datacenter industry knows it is under fire for its enormous use of water so they cast themselves as the good guys by using alternative cooling, but they’re not telling [the public] that they’re using hazardous chemicals,” said Lenny Siegel, director of the Chips Communities United non-profit that works to rein in Pfas waste. “Some are toxic, some are greenhouse gases and some are both.” 

Yet another concern Oneida County must consider in drafting their Data Center Ordinance. As shared in our OCCWA July 9th Data Center article, Onieda County is expected to place a 1-year moratorium on Data Centers to construct an ordinance that places county requirements in place. The moratorium will be voted on in their August County Board meeting.

Posted July 24, 2026 - The Towns of Nokomis and Bradley recently enacted an ordinance restricting wake-enhanced boating and artificially enhanced wakes (wake boats) on Lake Nokomis, the Rice River Flowage, and Bridge Lake.

Both town regulations now prohibit the use of ballast tanks, ballast bags, or mechanical devices to deliberately increase the size of a boat's wake for wakesurfing. Nokomis now joins the Oneida County towns of Lake Tomahawk, Newbold, Pelican, Cassian, and Hazelhurst in regulating wave boat operations. Selected language of the Town of Nokomis's Ordinance below: 

Section 2. Certain Artificial Waske Enhancement Prohibited

(1) Prohibited Equipment. No person may use or employ ballast tanks, ballast bags or fins to operate in a bow-high manner, or which increases or enhances a boat's wake.

(2) Prohibited Operation. No person may operate a boat in an artificially bow-high manner having the effect of increasing the boat's wake. Such prohibited operation shall include wake enhancement by use of ballast tanks, or ballast bags, or fins, or continued operation at transition speed (the speed below planing speed in which a boat is operating in plowing mode). Foer the purpose of this provision, "continuous operation" shall mean " operation that is not acceleration for purpose of the of achieving a state of planing".

(3) Certain Operations Excluded. In no event shall any of the following operations be deemed a violation of the Ordinance, provided such operations do not use or employ ballast tanks, ballast bags or wake enhancing fins: i) water skiing, ii) tubing iii) wake boarding employing a tow rope, iv) brief transition operation to empty a boat of bilge water, or v) brief transition operation of a boat accelerating into planing condition.

Related Tomahawk Leader article : Park and Recreations Committee mulling Lake Mohawksin enhanced wake ordinance - Tomahawk LeaderAt Oneida County Clean Waters Action, we offer a variety of programs to encourage sustainable living and environmental awareness. Our programs include community clean-up events, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns. We also partner with local businesses and organizations to promote eco-friendly practices and sustainable products.

Posted July 22, 2026- The Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department (OCLW) presents its highly successful Lights Out Star Party August 12th. 

OCLW Flyer information:

Grab your blankets, chairs, and family   and get comfortable under the stars at   Nicolet College, 5364 College Drive, in Rhinelander. Star cookies and   lemonade will be served.  

Join the Northwoods Explorers of Space and Astronomy, led by Jim Head, NASA/ JPL Solar System Ambassador & the Oneida County Lights Out Team to   experience the wonders of the night sky.  Look through telescopes to view planets, star clusters, and distant celestial objects while astronomers guide you through what you are seeing.  

Registration is appreciated by calling 715-369-7835 or e-mailing: lwcd@oneidacountywi.gov (Please put “STAR PARTY” in the subject line.)  

More details may be found at: NORTHWOODS "LIGHTS OUT"! - Oneida County Land and Water Conservation   

For those of you afraid of the Dark?

OCLW is also hosting a Highway 47 restoration project tour on July 31st. Come see the results of the county's latest conservation minded restoration projects. 

Details:

THE HIGHWAY 47 TOUR July 31, 2026 - 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.   Join us for a Hwy 47 Tour of restoration projects with which we have been involved.    Participants are asked to register in advance, bring their own sack lunch, dress appropriately for the weather, and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.  The Tour will take place rain or shine.  In case of severe weather, cancellation e-mails will be sent directly to registrants ONLY. You may come to as many or as few locations as you want.   

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2026, AT 4:00 P.M.   TOUR 

SCHEDULE:    

8:00 AM Meet at the Courthouse (East Side Pollinator Garden on Baird Avenue)  

8:40 AM Site #1:  Culvert near 5498 River Road, Rhinelander (Tom Doyle Creek)  

9:30 AM Site #2:  Wisconsin River, 7081 Riverview Drive, Rhinelander  

10:30 AM Site #3:  Two Sisters Lake, 6249 Wendt Road, Lake Tomahawk  

11:30 AM LUNCH at Newbold Memorial Park - Bring a Bag Lunch  

12:30 PM Site #4: Culvert near 6069 Muskellunge Lake Road, Rhinelander  

 Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hwy-47-tour-tickets-1993023746677   

FOR A DETAILED SCHEDULE AND MAP GO TO:   https://www.oclw.org/special-projects.html  

Posted July 20, 2026- Last Wilderness Alliance shares latest court decision in favor of allowing Wisconsin town to protect their natural resources.

We at OCCWA are sharing (below) the Last Wilderness Alliance (LWA) newsletter explaining the latest legal victory for local control. The entire LWA newsletter may be viewed at Federal Court Ruling. Special thanks to LWA and their dogged efforts to help Wisconsin towns protect their lakes!

Last Wilderness Alliance Update:

Federal Court Dismisses Wake Surfer Lawsuit Against Town of Scott,

Refusing to Invalidate Ordinance

Dear Friends of the Last Wilderness Alliance,

In a victory for local governance and lake protection, a U.S. District Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Town of Scott.  The suit sought to overturn a local ordinance restricting enhanced wake sports.

The ruling, issued on July 17, 2026, marks an important win for lake protection.  With this win, there are now four decided cases across the U.S. in which wake surfing interests have challenged wake surfing prohibitions.  In each case, the wake surfers lost.  No suit challenging a wake surfing ordinance has succeeded.  Two of the decided cases are in Wisconsin, and in both, the wake surfers lost.

The Ruling: A Victory for Small Towns. The wake surfers sought to invalidate the Town’s ordinance and also asked the court for $190,000 in damages.  The federal court instead granted the Town’s motion for summary judgment.  The ordinance stands, the wake surfers get no damage award, and the case is dismissed.   The Town is small, lacks the ability to enforce ordinances, and relies on lake users to honor local law, even though it is too small to afford enforcement. 

Why This Decision Matters: This ruling is a clear message to those who seek to use litigation to bully towns that cannot afford enforcement. Communities across Wisconsin have the right to protect their natural resources, their citizens, and their visitors, even if they are not large enough for law enforcement.

These towns rely on the “social contract”—people who choose to live, work, and play in a community are expected to follow the law, even if they disagree with it. It is a sad truth that a small minority of people choose to disregard the law—such as here, where the two plaintiffs continued to wake surf on Birch Island Lake, despite the town ordinance and despite the fact that the lake has a maximum depth of 13 feet and an average depth of 6 feet.   The wake surfers claimed they had a right to do so because they had property on the lake.

The Path Forward:

While this is a celebratory moment, the work is far from finished. The ruling is narrow and may apply only where wake surfers disregard an ordinance that the town cannot enforce.  Industry interests continue to prioritize private gain over the shared health and safety of our lakes.

Wake surfing interests have recently filed two more cases against Wisconsin communities.  Both communities have filed motions to dismiss those cases.  Rulings are expected in the coming months.  Because those towns can enforce, we are hoping for a ruling on the substance of what we believe are meritless claims.

The Last Wilderness Alliance remains committed to providing expert support to ensure that no town is forced to stand alone against these intimidation tactics.

While we remain concerned by the disregard for local law shown by a small few, we want to recognize the vast majority of wake surfers across our state who honor local ordinances. Even when they may personally disagree with the restrictions, their commitment to following the law demonstrates true respect for the community and the long-term health of our shared, fragile Wisconsin lakes.

We encourage all lake organizations and concerned citizens to join us in this ongoing mission. Together, we are ensuring that the future of Wisconsin’s lakes is decided by the people who live, work, and recreate on them, not by outside industry pressure.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to preserving Wisconsin’s extraordinary lakes.  Together, we can ensure that local communities retain the right to protect their waters, preserve their natural resources, and keep Wisconsin’s lakes safe and healthy for future generations.

With gratitude,

Last Wilderness Alliance

Donate to the LWA

Where do you stand today?

• The local ordinance count now stands at 94, with over 400 lakes protected!
  
  • Dozens more are in the works. Onward!
  • If the Last Wilderness Alliance can help you, please contact us today.
    

For additional future updates, please follow:

• Wisconsin Lakes
• Lakes at Stake
• Wisconsin’s Greenfire
• Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
• The Last Wilderness Alliance

Please feel free to forward this to others who care about the future of our lakes.

As the saying goes, "The greatest danger to our planet

is the belief that someone else will save it." 

Visit the LWA Website
 

Posted July 20, 2026- Silent Sports Magazine shares insightful article Mining in the Midwest: Economic Engine or Environmental Gamble?

Well, we at OCCWA believe the answer to that question is obvious. With Oneida County providing a plethora of Silent Sport trails Silent Sports Trails – Oneida County, WI one hopes the county feels the same. 

The article Mining in the Midwest: Economic Engine or Environmental Gamble? - Silent Sports covers the three states most likely to be impacted. Spoiler Alert, Wisconsin is one of the states. OCCWA was more than happy to share a quote with author Michael McFadzen for the piece. 

" Mining generates tax revenue that helps fund schools, roads, and local government services. These funds fluctuate depending on the quantity and price of minerals. When mines close or cut back, the community receives fewer tax dollars and has to reduce services. Eric Rempala of Oneida County Clean Water Action (OCCWA). 

“The severe economic volatility of mining boom and bust cycles particularly wreaks havoc with small communities, as we have in Northern Wisconsin. But more importantly, it’s about the water. Our Northwoods nature-focused communities fiercely protect their lifeblood: clean interconnected lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands.” 

OCCWA tracks water quality issues throughout the region. Oneida County Clean Waters Action - Home The impacts of mining extend beyond job creation and tax revenue. Environmental remediation and water treatment can impose long-term costs."

Job well done Mike!