your home our lake your opportunity · downspouts toward a lawn or rain garden. this practice also...
TRANSCRIPT
Your home ● Our lake ● Your opportunity
Photo: Craig Wilson
Program overview 1
Eligibility map 2
MENU OF QUALIFYING PROJECTS
Redirect roof downspouts 3
Use a rain barrel 4
Plant a native tree 5
Build a rain garden 6
Convert paved areas to water-permeable alternatives 7
Plant a lakeshore recovery garden 8
Create a lakeshore fish & critter sanctuary 9
Pledge agreement (return postcard enclosed) 10
Our partners and sponsors 11
Lake Ripley trivia challenge 12
Table of Contents
Photo credits (L to R): Carrie Kester, Kathryn Heinlein, Nikki Smithback, and Carrie Bohn
www.lakeripley.org
Dear Friend of Lake Ripley,
s a caring and responsible landowner, you hold the key to a better future for
Lake Ripley and our community. Like rain drops filling a bucket, each lake-
friendly project you undertake adds up and combines with the actions of others. These
cumulative impacts are already producing results, but more is needed if we are to
sustain this progress. Are you willing to do your part?
By taking steps to reduce harmful storm runoff or restore lost habitat, you will be
joining your neighbors to enhance the condition of Lake Ripley, strengthen property
values, and preserve our quality of life. All it takes is a pledge to complete at least one
project on your own property. Plus, your pledge enters you into prize drawings for a
chance to win gifts and professional support for pledged activities. Here’s how it works:
1. Browse this guide and choose the projects you will commit to completing.
2. Tear off and return your Ripley Rewards Pledge Card by June 2nd to enter our prize drawing, or pledge online by visiting www.lakeripley.org. Additional prizes will be reserved for early pledge signers within each project category. By pledging, you will be sending a message that you are among those working for a cleaner and healthier Lake Ripley.
3. Receive a free consultation and make plans to complete your project before the end of the year. Be sure to thank our supporting partners and sponsors by rewarding them with your business.
4. Save the date! Plan to attend our July 5th lake fair, stewardship award ceremony, and prize-drawing event at Ripley Park (10:00-12:00). Lake-education booths and a variety of fun, family-friendly activities will be on hand.
Our success in protecting and improving
Lake Ripley now and for future generations
depends entirely on the actions we take
today. Thank you for participating!
In Partnership,
Board of Directors Lake Ripley Management District
A
Can’t commit to a project this year? You still have a chance to win by
entering our mystery-prize drawing! To participate, find Bigmouth Bass’s 3 hiding spots and record the page numbers on your pledge
card. And don’t forget to nominate a deserving individual or group
for a Lake Ripley Stewardship Award.
1 www.lakeripley.org
Pho
to: D
anielle L
und
www.lakeripley.org
Evelyn, age 10, uses art to share her hopes for the future of Lake Ripley.
All property owners in the Lake Ripley Watershed
or Lake District qualify for Ripley Rewards! Map: Jefferson County LWCD
2
Face your downspouts toward porous landscapes
ownspouts are useful for moving rooftop rainwater
away from our homes. Yet, if water isn’t given a chance
to soak into the ground, it turns into storm runoff that
erodes soil, causes flooding, and carries pollutants into Lake
Ripley. Help protect our lake and your neighbors by pointing
downspouts toward a lawn or rain garden. This practice also
helps to replenish our groundwater aquifers.
Roof Runoff Fact
A 1-inch rain falling on a 1,000-sq.ft. roof produces 623
gallons of runoff. That’s one roof! A small cluster of 20
homes will shed 12,460 gallons. Where you send roof
runoff matters, so make it count by aiming purposefully.
D
3
□ Y
es, I accept th
is challen
ge!
www.lakeripley.org
Water links us to our neighbor in a way more profound and complex
than any other. ~John Thorson
Photo: www.drroof.ca
Harvest your own rainwater
ain barrels attach
to your existing
downspouts so you can
harvest chlorine-free water
every time it rains. Build your
own or buy them pre-
fabricated for around $150.
Today’s mosquito-proof
models come in a variety of
colors and styles. When full, a
special diverter sends
overflow water through your
regular downspout.
These make great gifts for the
gardener in your family! Why
use precious groundwater
during droughts when you can
harvest your own rainwater?
No-Hassle Benefits
• Store plant-friendly
rainwater for later use on
thirsty trees and gardens.
• Save 1,300+ gallons of
tap water this summer, or
up to 40% of your
household water usage.
• Reduce flooding and
erosion by capturing
water destined to become
runoff.
R
4
□ Y
es, I accept th
is challen
ge!
www.lakeripley.org
When the well is dry, we know the worth of water. ~Benjamin Franklin
Photos (from top): Fiskars Brands, Inc. and Paul Thompson
Enhance your yard by planting a native tree
rees at maturity can intercept several hundred to
several thousand gallons of rainfall per year! They
capture water in their canopies or let it trickle down to the
ground where it can be slowly absorbed. Tree roots help the
process by making soil more porous, slurping up water and
channeling it downward to replenish groundwater aquifers.
T
Choose natives for their
hardiness and wildlife
value. They are better
adapted to our climate,
and are more resistant to
local pests and diseases.
Reward yourself, your
neighbors, and our
environment with every
new tree you plant.
5
□ Y
es, I accept th
is challen
ge!
Yard beautification
Bird and wildlife attractor
Floodwater sponge
Wind break
www.lakeripley.org
Photo: www.deeproot.com
Treat yourself to a rain garden
ain gardens make stunning additions to any yard. A
properly designed garden will not pond water or breed
mosquitoes, but it will attract birds and butterflies. While
they may look like a typical flower patch, these planted
depressions capture and soak up vast amounts of water every
time it rains. Once established, the deep-rooted native grasses
and wildflowers will tolerate both dry and wet weather. See
our website for links to design tips and other resources.
R
6
□ Y
es, I accept th
is challen
ge!
Rain Garden Fact
A rain garden allows 30% more water to soak into the
ground compared to a conventional lawn.
www.lakeripley.org
We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one. ~Jacques Cousteau
Illustration: www.bolincreek.org
Pho
to: w
ww
.min
nehahacreek
.org
Pho
to: D
avid
Hym
el
Swap your pavement
for porous alternatives
ur landscape is becoming
increasingly impervious
to water. Every additional
roof, driveway, parking lot,
patio or deck creates another
impenetrable surface that sheds
rainwater. This leads
to more storm runoff and
flooding, less groundwater
recharge, and sicker lakes and
streams.
If you plan to upgrade your
driveway or patio, consider
using permeable pavers or
porous pavement. You also
may want to reduce its overall
size. A smaller building
footprint is better when it
comes to reducing runoff and
protecting the lake.
O
A Hard Truth
Hard surface runoff from an overbuilt landscape leads to
degraded water quality. Sensitive aquatic life begins to
disappear once 10% of a watershed becomes impervious.
Lake Ripley’s watershed has about 11% impervious cover.
7
□ Y
es, I accept th
is challen
ge!
www.lakeripley.org
Photos (from top):
www.gardenlovetoknow.co
m, www.lakegeorge.com,
and Portland Cement
Association
ap into your lakeshore’s potential by bringing nature
back to the water’s edge! By planting an attractive mix
of native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers, you will join a
growing number of people who are choosing to naturalize a
portion of their beachfront. The right plants in the right
locations will enhance coveted lake views, preserve access to
the water, and even discourage invading geese. A lush, deep-
rooted garden shields the shore against erosion. It will also
attract a variety of critters, like frogs, turtles and dragonflies.
T
Your oasis awaits!
• Protects water quality
by filtering runoff
• Discourages geese
• Provides food, shelter
and nesting areas for
wildlife
• Improves your
property’s lakeside
“curb appeal”
• Eliminates sprinklers,
noisy lawnmowers,
and polluting lawn
chemicals
8
□ Y
es, I accept th
is challen
ge!
Create a lakeshore recovery garden
www.lakeripley.org
Photo: Formecology, LLC
Share your beachfront with a fish-n-critter sanctuary
Fish Fact
Nearly all fish species utilize
woody habitat for at least
one portion of their life
cycle. Visit the Hoard-
Curtis Scout Camp to see a
“fish sticks” demonstration
project at work!
allen trees (“fish sticks”) have long provided beneficial
habitat for our lakes. They provide shelter and feeding
areas for fish, as well as nesting and sunning areas for birds,
turtles and other animals above the water. If you own
waterfront, consider sharing space with these natural wildlife
sanctuaries. Anglers and wildlife lovers alike will thank you.
F
9
□ Yes, I accep
t this ch
allenge!
Don’t have a tree? Ask your
neighbors if they have plans
to trim or remove any trees
on their own properties.
Dying or diseased trees with
at least 8-inch-diameter
trunks make good
candidates. Lake District
staff can walk you through
every step of the tree-
acquisition, permitting and
installation process.
www.lakeripley.org
Photos (from top): Dave Marshall, New Hampshire Fish and
Game, and Eric Engbretson
y tearing off and returning the enclosed postcard, I agree to all the
conditions of participation, including completing my pledged actions in
2014. I understand that my commitment to one or more of the listed projects
automatically enters my name into prize drawings associated with each pledged
project category. Pledges must be received by June 2, 2014 to be eligible. The
drawing will be held at Ripley Park on July 5, 2014, where prizes and coupons
redeemable for project-related products and services will be awarded. You do
not need to be present to win.
Conditions of participation
I own property on Lake Ripley, in the District, or within the Lake Ripley
Watershed.
I agree to complete the pledged actions on this property by 12/31/14.
I agree to a free consultation to obtain guidance related to my actions.
I agree to maintain, to the best of my ability, any pledged projects I complete.
I agree to allow the Lake District to publicly recognize my commitment.
I agree to encourage friends and neighbors to consider taking similar actions.
I agree to participate in a survey that will be used to evaluate this program.
FOR YOUR RECORDS
The commitment(s) I am making on my pledge card include [check all that apply]:
□ Redirect roof downspouts □ Install a rain barrel
□ Plant a native tree (1-inch diameter) □ Create a rain garden (50 sq.ft.)
□ Switch to permeable surface (50 sq.ft.) □ Create a lakeshore garden (100 sq.ft.)
□ Create a nearshore treefall habitat □ Sorry, I can’t commit to a project this year
□ I am participating in the MYSTERY PRIZE CHALLENGE (see page 1)
□ I am offering to help others complete their projects as a volunteer.
□ I am planning to attend the July 5th lake fair and prize-drawing ceremony
□ I have nominated the following group or individual to receive a Lake Ripley
Stewardship Award:_____________________________________________
PLEDGE
B
10 www.lakeripley.org
Our partners and sponsors
Partners Agrecol
www.agrecol.com
608-223-3571
Awesome Landscaping, LLC
www.awesomelandscapingllc.com
920-568-9065
Creative Landscapes, Inc.
www.creativelandscapesinfo.com
608-423-4241
Fiskars Brands, Inc.
www.fiskars.com
608-259-1649
Good Oak Ecological Services
Goodoak.com
608-209-0607
Jeffrey Marketing
www.jeffreymarketing.com
608-692-2121
LJ Reas Environmental Consulting Corp.
www.ljreas.com
920-291-7787
Owens Graphics LLC
www.owensgraphics.com
608-698-3888
Unilock of Wisconsin
Unilock.com
262-742-3890
SetterTech, LLC
Settertech.com
608-712-6302
Sponsors American Family Insurance
(Dean Lund Agency)
Badger Bank
Cambridge Family Dental
Cambridge CAP
CobraHead, LLC
Formecology, LLC
Friends of the Glacial
Heritage Area
Lake Ripley Lodge B&B
Presidential Limo
RE/MAX Community Realty
Rock River Coalition
Sustainable Wildlife Habitats
The Victorian of Cambridge
Underwater Habitat
Investigations, LLC
e thank the following partners and sponsors for
their generous contributions to this program. Please
reward their participation with your business.
W
11 www.lakeripley.org
www.lakeripley.org
Lake Ripley Trivia Challenge
est your Lake Ripley knowledge by answering the
following questions. Then, check your answers against
the key below. Each correct answer is worth 5 points.
T
1. What is the lake’s deepest point?
A) 27 ft. B) 44 ft. C) 49 ft. D) 61 ft. E) 110 ft.
2. What was Lake Ripley’s original name?
A) Mud Lake B) Clear Lake C) Bass Lake D) Lake Tannin E) Dow Lake
3. Who (last name) tested early outboard motors on the lake in 1907?
A) Evinrude B) Mercury C) Johnson D) Craftsman E) Smith
4. What is the surface area of the lake in acres?
A) 85 B) 120 C) 216 D) 423 E) 1,010
5. What used to be commercially harvested from the lake?
A) Weeds B) Carp C) Water D) Ice E) Marl
6. Approximately how many years old is Lake Ripley?
A) 100 B) 1,000 C) 10,000 D) 100,000 E) 1,000,000
7. What state-record fish was caught on Lake Ripley in 1940?
A) Largemouth bass B) Bluegill C) Northern pike D) Perch
8. Which of the following is native to the lake?
A) Zebra mussel B) Bowfin C) Curly-leaf pondweed D) Smallmouth bass
9. How many times greater than the lake is the land area that drains to it?
A) 4 B) 11 C) 15 D) 20 E) 34
10. Can you match the events with their proper dates?
A) Lake District forms 1989
B) Sanitary sewer installed 1990
C) Mechanical weed harvesting begins 1984
D) First Lake District Preserve purchase 1998
Answer Key 1. B, 2. E, 3. A, 4. D, 5. D, 6. C, 7. A, 8. B, 9. B, 10. A (1990), B (1984), C (1989), D (1998)
12
0-5 points: Water flea
10-20 points: Minnow
25-35 points: Sunfish
40-50 points: Walleye
Photo: Linda Winn
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Lake Ripley Management District
N4450 County Road A
Cambridge, WI 53523
MY PLEDGED ACTIONS [Check all that apply. Each commitment enters you into a prize drawing
for that project category. By submitting this pledge, you agree to all the conditions of participation.]:
□ Redirect roof downspouts □ Install a rain barrel
□ Plant a native tree (min. 1-inch diameter) □ Create a rain garden (min. 50 sq. ft.)
Preferred species:_____________________ □ Create a lakeshore garden (min. 100 sq. ft.)
□ Switch to permeable surface (min. 50 sq. ft.) □ Sorry, I can’t commit to a project this year
□ Create a treefall habitat at the water’s edge □ I will volunteer to help others with their projects
□ I plan to attend the July 5th lake fair
MYSTERY PRIZE CHALLENGE [Circle the three pages where Bigmouth Bass is hiding.]:
Pages 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
_____________________________ ____________________________ __________
Signature Printed Name Date
_____________________________________________________________________
Local Property Address
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Phone Number E-mail
LAKE RIPLEY STEWARDSHIP AWARD NOMINATION
Individual or group: _________________________________________________________