Clean Lakes Alliance: To create road map for reducing phosphorous in lakes

CONTACT: James Tye, Director of Development, Clean Lakes Alliance

Cell: (608) 628-6655;

james@cleanlakesalliance.com

MADISON—The Clean Lakes Alliance announced today that it is considering bids for the development of a plan to reduce phosphorous in Dane County lakes by 50 percent or more.

“Many studies have shown that phosphorous plays the largest role in feeding the growth of algae in our lakes, which in turn causes a significant decline in the water quality,” said Don Heilman, president of the Alliance. “Developing a road map to reduce the amount of phosphorous coming into the lakes is crucial if we want to see cleaner lakes in Dane County.”

Heilman noted that the Alliance is uniquely situated to advance policies that will help clean up the lakes. The group was founded in 2009 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the lakes, streams and wetlands of the Yahara Watershed. It has quickly grown to become the first such organization to unite local, county and state government, community, business and philanthropic leaders, agricultural interests and scientists in the common goal of cleaning up Dane County lakes.

“For the first time we have everybody under one umbrella, moving forward in creative partnerships to tackle the challenges we share,” said Heilman.

The road map is the first step of a major, year-long initiative planned by the Alliance. The organization will also undertake an economic-impact study to document the effect of the lakes on property values, economic development, tourism and quality of life. A community conference is planned for next year to announce the results of the study along with the road map that will set priorities and costs.

Several local, regional and national businesses are submitting road map proposals. The Alliance will announce the results of the bid process in early July. More information about the Alliance is available at http://www.cleanlakesalliance.com

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The Clean Lakes Alliance is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the improvement and protection of the lakes, streams and wetlands of the Yahara Watershed. Through community support, advocacy and education, the Alliance is leading the charge to restore and protect the lakes for future generations.