Read about us in the news!

• Wisconsin River Debris Cleanup
• River Recovery
• Low Water Levels Slowing Wisconsin Cleanup

Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) was recently awarded the contract to cleanup the debris from this summer’s flooding of Lake Delton, near Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.  A team of LL&W employees will be working in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources throughout the cleanup of 89 sites along 24 miles of the Wisconsin River. 

We are looking for FIVE people a day to volunteer with the LL&W crew. Because a lot of the work will occur directly from boat and large tools may be used,  more than five volunteers would become a safety hazard.  Household building materials such as wood and siding make up the majority of the goods to be collected.  Other items to be removed from the river consist of appliances and other household goods.

Cleanups will occur in two shifts—from 9am-noon and from 1pm-4pm, but you also have the option of volunteering all day.   Anyone interested in coming out must be mature (preferably over 18 years of age) and very able-bodied.  If you have a small group signing up, you will have the option to be a group leader, and sign up for yourself as well as the number of your group members. 

Below you will find our cleanup schedule.  Feel free to sign up for more than one day.  We appreciate any time you can lend!

What will this cleanup entail?
The recent flood that destroyed homes along Lake Delton left a trail of debris for over 20 miles of the Wisconsin River.  As the water receded, most of the debris was caught in the trees and logs that border the river, impairing the riparian corridor and posing a hazard to those using the river for recreation. 

All volunteers will arrive to the site to get fitted in a life jacket, to go over all safety concerns/precautions, and board into a boat.  The majority of the refuse will be removed by utilizing three 24-30 foot aluminum work boats, gaining access to debris from the river.  These boats, all outfitted with high-powered outboard motors, will allow for easy access in shallow waters.  Most refuse will be removed by hand, while some may require a mallet, ax, crow bar, or a chain or chop saw to remove blockages or create smaller, more maneuverable pieces.  Only LL&W staff will operate any mechanical equipment.

The debris will then be deposited into the boat and taken to a staging area on land where it will be separated for:  potentially hazardous materials, scrap metal/appliances, tires, miscellaneous debris and wood. 

Cleanups will happen rain or shine.  Only severe winds or lightening would cause us to postpone the event.

Volunteers should be warned that participating in this event has risks such as handling sharp, heavy or potentially hazardous materials.  Everyone should expect to work hard, get dirty and sweaty, but feel really rewarded that they assisted with such a worthy cause.  If anyone has any safety concerns or questions, please ask before signing up.

What do I need to bring?
-LUNCH and/or snacks
-Refillable water bottle
-Rain Jacket in case of rain
-Shoes that can get wet and muddy—steel toe work boots are best, rubber boots are great, and old tennis shoes are okay.  
-Long pants
-You may want to bring a spare set of clothes to leave in your car in case you get really dirty, muddy or wet and need to change before going home.
-Any allergy medications, particularly if you are highly allergic to bees, poison ivy, etc.
-A signed liability waiver. (link to waiver form) Anyone below the age of 18 must have the waiver signed by a parent or guardian in order to assist.

What will be provided?
-Water
-Gloves
-Trash bags
-Small hand tools
-Life jackets
-Sunscreen
-Bug spray
-First aid (if necessary)

Where do I go?

Click here to view printable driving directions.

Who do I contact if I have questions?
Feel free to contact Tammy Becker if you have any questions:

Tammy Becker
tammy@livinglandsandwaters.org
(309) 236-0725-CELL