Alliant Energy: Partners with River Alliance and DNR on Asian Carp Watch signs

Contact: Scott Reigstad (608) 458-3145

Signs placed along the Lower Wisconsin River to help the public identify invasive species


MADISON, Wis. – April 16, 2014 – Alliant Energy has partnered with the River Alliance of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create Asian Carp Watch signs that have been posted along the Lower Wisconsin River. The signs feature pictures of three Asian Carp species – Bighead, Grass and Silver Carp – that are spreading up the Mississippi River into Wisconsin rivers and have the potential to cause harm to native fish, wildlife, boaters and water quality. The goal of posting the signs is to educate the public on ways they can help to protect the Wisconsin River from Asian Carp.

“Bighead Carp have been captured multiple times just below our Prairie du Sac Dam and it’s important to inform people on how to identify Asian Carp that are making their way up the Lower Wisconsin River,” said JP Brummond, Alliant Energy’s Regional Director of Generation Operations. “We don’t want anyone to inadvertently enable Asian Carp to get above our dam or past any river barrier. These signs are one tool that can help prevent the spread of these invasive species.”

In addition to Asian Carp photos, the signs warn people that minnow harvesting is prohibited on any tributary of the Mississippi River below the first dam. Young Asian Carp can look a lot like bait and this precaution is another way to prevent their spread.

“We’re pleased to cooperate with Alliant Energy and the Wisconsin DNR to educate the public about their role in preventing Asian Carp from moving up the Wisconsin River,” said Denny Caneff, executive director of the River Alliance of Wisconsin. “We all have a role to play, and it starts with awareness. That’s the reason for the signs.”

The signs also list ways the public can help through learning to identify them, and what to do when they catch them, including how to store captured Asian Carp and report them to the DNR.

“We’re glad to be a member of this partnership and appreciate boaters and anglers help in keeping Asian Carp out of our inland waters” said Bob Wakeman, statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources.

For more information on Asian Carp control efforts in Wisconsin, go to dnr.wi.gov and search for Asian Carp control.

Alliant Energy Corporation’s Wisconsin utility subsidiary, Wisconsin Power and Light Company, utilizes the trade name of Alliant Energy. The Wisconsin utility is based in Madison, Wis., and provides electric service to 460,000 customers and natural gas service to 182,000 customers in more than 600 communities across central and southern Wisconsin. The employees of Alliant Energy focus on delivering the energy and exceptional service their customers and communities expect – safely, reliably, and affordably. Visit alliantenergy.com or call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) for more information. Alliant Energy Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT.