Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board

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RIVERWAY BOARD TO HOST CANOE TRIPS

The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board will sponsor a series of canoe outings on the Wisconsin River in early July. The large voyageur replica canoes commissioned by the State of Wisconsin in conjunction with the sesquicentennial in 1998 will be used for the trips that will explore different segments of the river from Prairie du Sac to Bridgeport. Seating is limited to 14 persons for each excursion and reservations are required. A waiting list will be developed in case of cancellations. The excursions will be led by Mark Cupp, Riverway Board Executive Director. Participants should bring their own beverages and food. No glass containers are allowed. Lifejackets and paddles will be provided but participants are welcome to bring their own personal flotation device.

Cupp said, “The voyageur canoe trips are intended to provide participants with a taste of the scenic beauty and natural character of the Riverway. There will be a sandbar stop during each trip to allow for discussion of the Riverway project and the associated archeological, historical and natural resources. The Riverway Board is looking forward to introducing people to the magnificence and wonder of the lower Wisconsin River,” said Cupp.

Small groups may sign-up for the trips but should do so early to assure adequate space is available. Cupp said scouts and youth groups are welcome to participate. To make a reservation or to obtain additional information, contact the Riverway Board office at (608) 739-3188 or 1-800-221-3792.

The schedule for the canoe trips is as follows:

Tuesday, July 2^nd 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 – Muscoda to Port Andrew

Wednesday, July 3^th1:00 p.m. to 4:00 – Port Andrew to Boscobel

Saturday, July 6^th 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Wauzeka to Bridgeport

Monday, July 8^th 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 – Gotham to Muscoda

Tuesday, July 9^th 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 – Prairie du Sac to Mazomanie

Wednesday, July 10^th 9:00 a.m. to Noon – Lone Rock to Gotham

Thursday, July 11^th Noon to 3:00 – Spring Green to Lone Rock (limited seating)

Welcome

In 1989, Governor Tommy Thompson signed Wisconsin Act 31 which created the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. This historic action represented the culmination of years of planning and followed hundreds of hours of public meetings. The Riverway legislation was born from a compromise crafted by legislators from both political parties. The Riverway extends 92.3 miles from below the dam at Prairie du Sac to the confluence with the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien and encompasses 79,275 acres. The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for administering a land acquisition program within the project boundaries.

The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board, was created to administer the new law. The Board is composed of nine members of which six must be local residents or local elected officials from the affected counties (Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Grant, Iowa, Richland and Sauk). The agency administers a system of "performance standards" which are designed to protect the aesthetic integrity of the Riverway. Permits are required for structures, timber harvesting, utility facilities and other activities. A number of activities are now prohibited within the Riverway. However, most activities associated with an agricultural operation are exempt from the new regulations.

Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board
202 North Wisconsin Avenue
P.O. Box 187
Muscoda, Wisconsin 53573
Phone: 608-739-3188 FAX: 608-739-4263

Toll Free Phone: 1-800-221-3792

mark.cupp@wisconsin.gov

—Quick Links—

Wisconsin River Flow at Prairie du Sac
For current river flowage at Prairie du Sac - please call 1-800-242-1077.

Wisconsin River Flow at Muscoda
Current River Flowage at Muscoda

Riverway Weekly Video Report
Mark Cupp reports on Riverway conditions, events and weather.

Weather Forecast
Detailed Forecast for the Muscoda Area

Riverway Visitor
Background information on the Riverway's natural and cultural resources, safety tips for recreational users, maps, contact information for state agencies, canoe rental and camping information.

Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Water Trails Map
Water Trail Map

WI DNR Riverway Website

General Permit Application

Management Permit Application

Mound Maintenance Protocol
Guidelines for proper stewardship of cultural resources (particularly earthworks) on public and private lands.

LWSRB Biennial Report 2009-2011