Clean Water Updates

Posted August 25, 2026- Public has until September 21st to comment on the federal rescinding of the Roadless Rule.

In Kathleen Cooper's July 27th OCCWA article, she offered concerns on the elimination of the Roadless Rule. An excerpt from that article details the concerns. 

"Another longstanding environmental protection being gutted is the Roadless Rule. This rule was implemented in 2001 by the US Forest Service (USFS), and designated nearly 60 million acres of forests and grasslands within the National Forest System (NFS) as “inventoried roadless areas,” placing significant limits on the building of new roads and logging on these lands. These roadless areas include some of the country's least disturbed forestlands. In the decades prior to the roadless rule’s implementation, industrial-style logging, including clearcutting of large areas, led to wildlife habitat loss and also clean water degradation for downstream communities. 

Past polling demonstrates that the public continues to be highly supportive of the roadless rule’s core approach to managing federal forests. When given the choice between conservation and development of national forests, a 2019 national survey pew-charitable-trusts---us-public-lands-survey-2019---memo-v4.pdf by The Pew Charitable Trusts revealed 75% of likely voters believe that conserving national forests and other roadless lands for current and future generations is paramount, while only 16% believe that more of these lands should be made available for timber harvesting and mining. While the administration claims that roads must be built through the forests for wildfire suppression, it’s difficult not to wonder what role the extraction industry played in the efforts to overturn the roadless rule. It's a fact that humans are the source of nearly 90% of wildfire ignitions. The majority of those ignitions tend to occur near roads, therefore, the recission of the roadless rule and the construction of new roads in the backcountry forests may actually increase the number of wildfires. Forest Service data cited that approximately 98% of wildfires in roadless areas have successfully been suppressed while still small.

Wisconsin's Michael Dombeck, former acting director of the Bureau of Land Management from 1994 to 1997, and the Chief of the United States Forest Service from 1997 to 2001, as well as a Professor of Global Conservation at UW Stevens Point states:

“Rescinding the Roadless Rule is a solution looking for a problem. For over 25 years the Roadless Rule has protected America’s backcountry and all the benefits that backcountry offers Americans. Lands in the National Forest System belong to all Americans and all Americans have a stake in their management. The Roadless Rule has served Americans well and a blanket rescission is not in the public interest . . . As citizens, these are our lands and it is our responsibility to manage all public land for the best interest of not only our generation, but to make them even better for future generations.”"

The public can provide personal comment on the Roadless Rules repeal directly to the government at:  Regulations.gov 

Another option to comment is to sign on to Earthjustice's statement on the rescinding of the Roadless Rule at:  Protect forests from massive expansion of logging - Earthjustice 

Posted August 24, 2026- Oneida County Board unanimously votes to place one year moratorium on Data Centers.

With twenty of twenty County Supervisors choosing to adopt the Planning and Development (P&D) Committee's proposed moratorium, the clock starts for county to adopt ordinance language regulating potential Data Centers. Barring an extension to the moratorium it is expected that the county will have ordinance language the regulating of Data Centers in place before the moratorium expires. The county's Planning and Zoning Department will be responsible for creating the ordinance language with the P&D Committee overseeing the process. 

We at OCCWA commend both the P&D Committee and the County Board for quickly responding with a moratorium that reflects public concern over potential Data Centers.  With that being said, allowing the moratorium to expire without having an ordinance in place would be unacceptable.

Though it's not expected that the county will not adopt a Data Center ordinance, it's important to remember that Oneida County previously had a one-year moratorium on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO's). Unfortunately, when the CAFO moratorium expired, Oneida County chose to not pass a proposed Manure Storage Ordinance and now there is no county specific regulations in place to regulate CAFO's.

Related WXPR article:  Oneida County passes one-year data center moratorium | WXPR 

Posted August 24, 2026- With DNR PFAS grants expected in late October, Oneida County's Public Health Department Director emphasizes partnerships. 

With DNR PFAS grants for sampling private wells, schools, childcare facilities and biosolids just a few months away, Oneida County must prepare for accessing funding and make plans on how best to spend it. If you think this sounds like a big endeavor, you are correct.

The path forward will not be easy, but many partnerships across Oneida County and the State of Wisconsin have been preparing for this very opportunity. Shortly we will see just how prepared we are. The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) broached the subject in their latest magazine edition WisconsinCounties_2026-08-AUG.compressed.pdf . 

Oneida County's Public Health Department Director, Linda Conlon penned an article for the magazine explaining the counties partnership efforts to be prepared. We are sharing Linda's WCA article below in its entirety.

How Oneida County Partnerships Are Shaping the Local PFAS Response 

By Linda Conlon, Director, Oneida County Public Health Department 

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have become one of the most challenging environmental and public health issues facing communities across Wisconsin. Questions about water quality, potential health impacts, environmental responsibility and long-term solutions do not fit neatly within a single department or agency. 

In Oneida County, we have learned that responding to PFAS takes more than environmental testing and technical expertise — it takes communication, partnership and a willingness to work across organizations. 

County departments, local municipalities, state agencies, community organizations and residents have each contributed to helping our community understand and respond to PFAS concerns. 

One of the strongest examples of Oneida County’s collaborative response has been the partnership surrounding PFAS town halls held for the town of Stella. As PFAS concerns emerged, local leaders recognized the need to keep residents informed and to create opportunities for questions and discussion. The town of Stella worked closely with the Oneida County Public Health Department, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to plan and host a series of PFAS town halls. 

These town halls became an important part of their communication efforts. Residents received updates directly from agencies, had opportunities to ask questions, and were able to better understand both the environmental investigation process and what was known about possible health considerations. 

Each partner brought something different to the table.  The town of Stella provided local leadership and direct connection to residents. The DNR shared information on environmental investigation, monitoring and regulatory processes. The DHS provided information on exposure pathways and health considerations. The county health department helped coordinate communication, support outreach and meeting logistics, and translate technical information into language that was easier for residents to understand. 

The town halls also showed the value of bringing multiple agencies together in one place. Instead of residents trying to piece together information from different sources, they were able to hear updates together, ask questions directly and continue conversations over time as information evolved. 

While public health is not the lead agency for environmental investigation or remediation, the county health department’s role has focused on helping residents access reliable information and understand what it means for them. The department has supported community education, coordinated communication efforts, connected residents with resources, provided updates through the Oneida County Board of Health, and worked with partners to share clear and consistent information. 

Oneida County has also responded at the policy level.  

In January 2024, the Oneida County Board approved a resolution supporting expanded well water testing opportunities for areas surrounding locations where biosolids had been permitted for land application.  The resolution also supported additional testing and notification measures intended to improve transparency and awareness around potential PFAS concerns. 

Throughout these efforts, state agency partnership has remained essential. 

The DHS Hazard Assessment Section has worked closely with the county health department and the DNR to identify potential environmental exposures, understand possible health impacts and educate residents on actions they can take to reduce exposure. Through public meetings, resident outreach, direct communication and ongoing collaboration with local partners, the DHS has supported the community while also gaining insights that contribute to Wisconsin’s broader understanding of PFAS related health concerns. 

Community organizations have also strengthened the local response. 

Oneida County Clean Waters Action has focused heavily on public education and information sharing. Recognizing that environmental topics are often difficult to follow and not always covered in depth, the nonprofit has developed articles, maintained educational resources, attended local meetings and shared information from trusted outside sources. 

Their work has also extended beyond communication.  Oneida County Clean Waters Action has helped facilitate the exchange of information between residents, local elected officials, state agencies, environmental organizations and decision-makers. As environmental issues continue evolving, organizations that can translate technical information and keep communities engaged become increasingly valuable partners. 

Within Oneida County government, the Board of Health, Public Health Department, Conservation & UW Education Committee, and the Land   & Water Conservation Department have worked to maintain sustained focus on PFAS by establishing it as   a standing agenda item. Eric Rempala of Oneida County Clean Waters Action regularly speaks to this topic and serves as a conduit to the statewide PFAS coalition, keeping both current in a rapidly evolving landscape. His knowledge of PFAS and his ability to communicate clearly on a complex topic have proven indispensable to both our department and committee. Regular updates have helped local leaders stay informed on contamination concerns, funding opportunities, legislation and community needs.

County staff and committee members note that a crucial lesson learned has been recognizing that PFAS is too complex for any one department or committee to address independently.  Building trusted relationships, creating opportunities for shared learning and establishing coordinated structures may be among the most effective tools counties have. 

As counties across Wisconsin continue to navigate PFAS and other emerging environmental issues, Oneida County’s experience has shown that local government does not need to have all the answers. One of our most important roles is bringing together the right partners, creating opportunities for dialogue and helping communities access clear, reliable information. 

In Oneida County, education, communication and partnerships will continue to guide our response as we work with residents and partners moving forward.

Posted August 20, 2026- Wisconsin's Natural Resources Board approves Town of Minocqua Willow Flowage addition.

The approval of the land acquisition is the exclamation point to an OCCWA May 28th article covering the local process of supporting the project. The town of Minocqua and the Oneida County Board rightfully dismissed questionable language recently added to the County's Comprehensive Plan opposing such land acquisitions. Questionable language that OCCWA vehemently opposed during the Comprehensive Plan rewrite process. John Burton's WXPR article  Natural Resources Board approves Willow Flowage addition | WXPR closes the page on this meaningful endeavor.

Posted August 20, 2026- Kathleen Cooper shares report on the 15th annual Oneida County Stewardship Awards Banquet.

Congratulations to Eric Rempala for being awarded the Exceptional Environmental Stewardship Award at the 15th Annual Oneida County Stewardship Awards Banquet on August 6, 2026, at Holiday Acres Resort. While Eric was unable to attend, Tom Wiensch and I attended on behalf of Oneida County Clean Waters Action, and no one was prouder of Eric and his leadership than we were. (Writer’s note: Eric did not give me permission to write this; I have told him that I’m writing this anyway.)

If Eric were there, he would have shrugged off the credit and probably said something like “This award is for all of us at OCCWA,” or “Coop and Tom deserve this as much as I do,” in his modest way of avoiding the spotlight. While Tom and I do write monthly articles, Eric is the driving force of OCCWA, the captain of our ship. He is the glue that holds this organization together. He puts in many hours writing, editing, and communicating with environmental groups, the DNR, and even scientists in Madison. He goes to informational meetings and workshops to keep abreast of water issues and sits through countless county government meetings to voice his views and let our elected officials know that we care about this county, our home, and the gift of living in the Wisconsin Northwoods.

Land and Waters Stephanie Boismenue MC’d the banquet, and her passion for our environment was heartwarming to see and hear. Robb Jensen, the chair of the Conservation and UW-Extension Extension Committee, gave the official greeting. After a delicious meal, guest speakers Murphy Koth and Adrielle Lee, who are college students employed through the summer with the Land and Water Department as aquatic invasive species program assistants, spoke about “Protecting Our Water Resources from Invasive Species.” Aaron Marti, a water quality biologist in the DNR Water Resources Program, Rhinelander Service Center, spoke about “Our Wonderful Wetlands.” The enthusiasm and passion these speakers radiated was contagious and wonderful to witness.

After the speakers, the award winners were announced. The Exceptional Leadership Award went to Chris Denniston, Shishebogama and Gunlock Lakes, and to Fred Knoch, Three Lakes Waterfront Association. The Exceptional Environmental Stewardship Award went to Eric Rempala of OCCWA, the Outstanding Watershed Stewardship Award went to Cheryl Schultz, Great Bass Lake, and the Exceptional Volunteer Stewardship Award went to Mark Wallesverd, Three Lakes Waterfront Association.

Citizen Lake Monitoring Network volunteers also received awards. 25-year awards went to Carol Miller of Bird Lake, Donald and Patricia Prehn of Long Lake, and Scott Janssen of Wind Pudding Lake. 30-year awards went to Otto Schoeneck of Sugar Camp Lake, and to Allen and Rosemary Toussaint of Alva Lake. A 35-year award went to Marj Mehring of Squash Lake, and the 40-year award went to Dale Jalinski of Bear Lake. Also included in the program were heartfelt thanks given to the lake groups and watercraft inspectors, for their dedication and efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

The whole night was inspirational and so much fun. Though many of us didn’t know each other, we came together because of our love for this place and our efforts to keep our forests and lakes healthy for us and the flora and fauna they sustain. There were lively and fun conversations at every table among people who had just met. It was like we were all old friends, sharing information and funny stories about life in the Northwoods, and there was much laughter and camaraderie. I think we all left recharged and inspired to continue our work of protecting the water.

Congratulations, Eric, and all the others, for all that you do. 

Posted August 14, 2026- With upcoming elections less than three months away, Wisconsin's Greenfire provides an excellent toolkit for voters to question state candidates on environmental issues. 

On November 4th, voters will make choices that will greatly impact the Northwoods for many years to come. With a myriad of issues for voters to consider, let's not forget the potential environmental impacts of making uninformed choices in the voting booth.

With this in mind, Wisconsin's Greenfire (WGF) has provided a toolkit Science, Knowledge, and Democracy - 2026 Wisconsin Candidate Questions Toolkit • Wisconsin’s Green Fire   for voters to ask the candidates important questions on the environment. Some of the toolkit question subjects sensitive to the Northwoods are:

• Conservation Funding (Knowles Nelson)
• Wake Boats
• Wisconsin State Forests
• Data Centers
• PFAS
• Climate Change
• Shoreline Protection
• Sandhill Crane hunting

Referencing WGF's toolkit is a great place to start if you're interested in getting answers from candidates on their environmental positions specific to Northern Wisconsin.

One glaring omission in the toolkit is mining. Oneida County residents are well aware of the impacts mining would bring to table. In fact, residents spoke loud and clear in 2018 rejecting a Lynne Mine referendum by a two to one margin. With recent mining interests naming Northern Wisconsin as a potential mining district and extensive drilling taking place in Taylor County, it is incumbent upon us to question all candidates' positions on mining. Do not settle for Politi-speak answers.

Related PBS News, Governor Candidate's mining position YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP1IKKUruDE

**Updated August 14, 2026** Originally 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 in 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?

** Updated August 14th**

Maria Peralta-Arrelano has penned her first WXPR article. As we at OCCWA have stated, we are ecstatic for WXPR to now have an environmentally focused Northwoods reporter. With that being said, Maria's first article, Wisconsin is in a drought. Here's what it means for local lakes | WXPR is out and we are impressed. Enjoy! 

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