Oct 5, 2018Wisconsin potato growers help with watershed enhancement project
The Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA ) has joined the village of Plover and other partners in breaking ground to commence the first phase of the Little Plover River Watershed Enhancement Project (LPRWEP).
The LPRWEP is a multiparty collaboration convened by the village of Plover to improve the health of the Little Plover River and the quality of life of the surrounding community. The LPRWEP aims to use best available data and voluntary conservation actions to:
- Increase the flow and improve the aquatic health of the Little Plover River.
- Implement voluntary water management projects that improve the health of the Little Plover River Watershed.
- Improve and expand fish and wildlife habitat and public recreation opportunities and access.
“The WPVGA fully supports the Little Plover River Watershed Enhancement Project because it is the right thing to do,” said Tamas Houlihan, WPVGA executive director.
The kickoff took place Oct. 4, 2018 at the Little Plover River Conservancy Area. Since its inception, the project has received more than $2.1 million in investments, including funds from the Wisconsin DNR, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state government, as well as the WPVGA. Houlihan commended the leadership of village of Plover Administrator Dan Mahoney in bringing diverse stakeholders together, as well as the leadership and cooperation of WPVGA farms such as Myron Soik & Sons, Worzella & Sons, Plover River Farms, Heartland Farms and the Wysocki Family of Companies.
“This funding helped launch the flow enhancement project, which is important because the Little Plover River is an outstanding water resource located within the heart of a major potato and vegetable production area,” Houlihan said.
The WPVGA’s primary goal in working on the project, it said, is to protect the Little Plover River watershed and its associated streams, lakes and wetlands while promoting a sustainable agricultural industry.
