Improving water quality together.
Who We Are
Petenwell and Castle Rock Stewards
Petenwell and Castle Rock Stewards (PACRS) are regular people that love these lakes and the Wisconsin River. We want to protect the water so folks can continue enjoying it for generations.
Since 2007 PACRS has been working hard to take care of this special place. From helping state and local partners find ways to reduce algae blooms to monitoring water quality, we are stewards of these beloved lakes.
We partner with farmer-led councils, conservation groups, state and local agencies, individuals, businesses, and property associations in Adams and Juneau counties.
We also communicate with friends upstream who share our concern for the health of the Wisconsin River and its watershed.
PACRS members include Adams and Juneau County landowners, business owners, recreation club members, condo association members, elected officials, and citizens. The PACRS board of directors and technical advisors meet monthly. PACRS wants to expand its reach and build formal ties to organized groups and individuals sharing PACRS's interest in restoring the Wisconsin River Basin and Petenwell and Castle Rock Lakes.
What We Do
PACRS is about working together to make a positive change. For positive change to happen, discussions need to be built on a foundation of trust and authentic partnership. It's crucial that working together becomes the way, not the exception. These two attributes, trust and partnership, have always played a significant role in our successes.
Collaborating
Working to raise awareness with other citizens groups and industry associations on the location of their watershed within the Wisconsin River Basin
Highlights from our
accomplishments
over the years
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Acknowledged Albert Acres on implementing healthy soil techniques including: cover crops, no till and planting green with an Outstanding Land & Water Conservation sign.
Co-Sponsored lunch and collaborated with WI DNR for the 1st Wisconsin River Basin Meet and Greet. This event had attendees from Marathon to Sauk Counties including Land & Water Departments, Lake Districts, UW Extension, WI DNR, and several producers.
Provided financial assistance to off set lunch and registration for producers to attend the Central Wisconsin Farm Profitability Expo held at Mid-State Technical College.
Presented Jeff Boyd with Outstanding Land & Water Conservation sign.
Long time past PACRS President, Rick Georgeson received Excellence in Building Partnerships award at Wisconsin Lakes and River Annual Awards Convention held in April.
With a grant received from Visit Rome, PACRS updated our website.
Received recognition from Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin for our past financial donations to and Consolidated Musky Club of Wisconsin Rapids and Muskies Matter.
Attended the North Central Region gathering of six producers.
PACRS members attended AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) training on Petenwell provided by Adams County Land/Water Department.
On behalf of The Farmers of the Roche-A-Cri and collaborating with UW Extension, PACRS, as fiscal manager, submitted a DATCP (Depart. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) Producer-Led watershed protection grant proposal.
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PACRS donated $1,000 to the River Alliance of Wisconsin. PACRS receives guidance and support from the River Alliance all year long. River Alliance has developed the Wisconsin Water Agenda, which lays out the 12 elements needed to achieve clean water in Wisconsin. You can sign up for updates on this program here: https://wisconsinrivers.org/wisconsin-water-agenda/
PACRS donated $1,000 to support the UW Extension Cover Crop conference held on February 20, 2020, in Stevens Point, WI. Four hundred area farmers attended this conference and shared their experiences with no-till and cover crops. This is important to PACRS as these practices keep soil where it belongs - on the farm. Phosphorous attaches to soil. When there is soil runoff, these particles enter our waters and cause algae blooms.
PACRS took a lead role in sponsoring the 2020 Wisconsin Land and Water State Conference held in Green Bay, WI, in March 2020. This organization is a non-partisan 501(c) 3 focused on supporting the efforts of best practices in the Land and Water Conservation Departments in all Wisconsin counties.
PACRS donated $1500 to Consolidated Musky Club for stocking muskies in Lake Petenwell. PACRS also donated $1500 to Muskies Matters to stock muskies and perch in Castle Rock Lake.
PACRS supports the 14 Mile Creek Watershed Committee in Adams County. The EPA and WI DNR approved their 9 Key Element Plan in July. This watershed is extremely important to our lakes as the creek drains into Lake Petenwell. The plan has a 65% reduction in phosphorous to meet the WI River TMDL. The 14 Mile Creek Watershed is 55,000 acres, of which 50% is cropland.
• The WDNR reported the monitoring station at Biron Dam had a decrease in phosphorous over the past several years. The Biron Dam is downstream from Mill Creek, where the Farmers of the Mill Creek Watershed have been implementing best practices of cover crop and no till. PACRS recognizes their efforts have improved the health of soils over the past five years.
• PACRS awards Roth's Golden Acres in Wood County with our Conservation Award. The Roths are very conscience about their farm management and soil loss. They have been practicing no till for over ten years.
• PACRS sponsored the Central Wisconsin Farm Profitability Expo. The virtual sessions started in December. Over four months, the series will have speakers that address farming practices that our conservation-minded and profitable. -
The Wisconsin River Basin TMDL has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The TMDL is an effort that began with PACRS over 11 years ago. In 2020, 1/3 of the waste treatment plants in our watershed will come up for permit renewal, and new phosphorus limits will go into place. The Wood County Land and Water Conservation Department wrote a 9 Key Element Plan for the Mill Creek Watershed. The EPA also approved the plan. This watershed now qualifies for funds to make changes on the land, resulting in less runoff and improved water quality for our lakes.
PACRS donated $1,000 to the River Alliance of Wisconsin. PACRS receives guidance and support from the River Alliance all year long. Our donation went towards sponsorship of their "River Bash" held in September.
PACRS took a lead role in sponsoring the April 2019 Wisconsin Land and Water State Conference held in Lake Geneva. This organization is a non-partisan 501(c) 3 focused on supporting the efforts of 350 Land Conservation Departments.
Petenwell and Castle Rock Lakes restaurant placemats were updated with current information, and 20,000 placemats were distributed to lake area restaurants. The placemats educate the public on what the TMDL is and what landowners can do to promote conservation.
PACRS donated $1,000 to Muskies Matters to purchase pit tags and pit tag readers. Pit tags are tiny chips put under the skin of stocked musky. The readers are used to scan fish for the chip. This provides valuable information about the fish to Muskies Matter and the WDNR.
PACRS donated $1,000 to the Consolidated Musky Club in Wisconsin Rapids. Their club stocks fish on Petenwell Lake.
Rick Georgeson gave a presentation to the Wood County Citizens Ground Water Group in April. His topic was "Successful Engagement with the Agriculture Community."
PACRS President, Rick Georgeson, provided testimony at the Water Quality Task Force Committee Hearing on June 12, 2019. Rick's presentation to the legislators focused on the values of Petenwell and Castle Rock Lakes. When our waters are impaired, there is a loss of recreational use, health issues develop, and there are declines in property value and tax revenue. There are also negative impacts on businesses and tourism.
PACRS Fundraiser was once again held at Petenwell County Park. PACRS raised $3700, which will be used to support water quality projects.
PACRS members attended the Farmers of Mill Creek Field Day on December 4. Rick Georgeson presented to the attendees regarding our relationship with the Farmers of Mill Creek and the algae issues plaguing our lakes. 50 high school students attended and could see why the farmers' efforts were so important to conserve their land and our waters.
PACRS sponsored the Discover Farm Conference held on December 11 in Wisconsin Dells. The theme this year was "Looking Ahead with 2020 Vision." Approximately 200 people attended that year. Our logo was on the conference brochures. -
January 2018 – PACRS donated $2,000 to Wood County to purchase a no-till drill that any farmer in Wood County would use.
February 2018 – PACRS awarded John Eron and Wallendahl Farms with signs of recognition for their efforts for land and water conservation practices on their farms.
March 2018 – Healthy Soil Healthy Water Workshop held in Marshfield.
March 2018 – The Wisconsin River TMDL is drafted and open for public comment. The DNR chooses Patrick Oldenburg to manage the TMDL project.
April 2018 – PACRS receives $2800 in donations from Thrivent Choice Customers. PACRS was approved in 2018 as a non-profit to which customers can donate funds.
June 2018 – PACRS received a donation of $1,961 from the Duck Creek Watershed Advisory Group. Their group was dissolving, and they donated their remaining funds to PACRS.
June 2018 – Farmers of Mill Creek held their field day on June 20. Members were invited to see demonstrations on inter-seeding cover crops.
June 2018 – PACRS donates $1,000 to Muskies Matters for their pit tag and pit tag reader project. This will allow the group and DNR to retrieve data on stocked fish.
August 2018 – PACRS holds a Pontoon and Politics event that celebrates the Wisconsin River TMDL. Politicians, businesses, and members gathered at the Germantown Town Hall to hear the latest update. Lunch and a tour of Castle Rock Lake followed on the Crusin Turtle from the Dirty Turtle restaurant.
September 2018 – PACRS Annual Meeting and Fundraiser was held at Petenwell County Park.
October 2018 – PACRS donates $500.00 to Central Wisconsin Nature Foundation to help offset their costs for their Water Walk on September 15. The walk raises awareness of how important water is in our lives.
December 2018- PACRS receives a grant of $1500 from the Alliant Energy Foundation for our restaurant placemat project. -
Participated in the 5th Annual Wisconsin River Water Quality Symposium in March 2015. Grant money that made the Symposium possible in prior years was no longer available. PACRS raised $5,000 from sponsors so this event could be held.
PACRS brochures and holders were distributed to over 30 area businesses raising awareness of our mission and encouraging membership.
Held the first annual funding raising event in September at Petenwell County Park.
Support of Clean Boats Clean Water programs continue on Petenwell and Castle Rock Lakes.
Wisconsin River Power Co completed a ¾ mile stretch of shoreline stabilization on Castle Rock Lakes. Encouraged by PACRS, 300 lineal feet of sturgeon spawning habitat was incorporated into this project. Larger boulders for channel catfish were also added. PACRS members worked with WRPCO on this project.
A face-to-face meeting with DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp was held in October. PACRS and four other citizen groups met with Secretary Stepp to discuss implementing the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) water quality study. Implementation was to start in 2016-2017.Helped sponsor Healthy Soil Healthy Water Conference with 130 attendees at Midstate Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids. 50% of attendees were agricultural producers.
Support continues for the Clean Boats Clean Water program on Petenwell and Castle Rock Lakes. -
Invite county conservationist to speak at monthly PACRS meetings to build awareness of county issues.
Recruit new board members to keep diversification within PACRS.
Hold Pontoons & Politics in 2014 for local county officials.
Finished new website and brochure.
Support continued for Clean Boats Clean Water on Castle Rock and Petenwell Lakes. Over 600 hours were spent at boat landings, and 1,054 boats were inspected.
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Secured extended state funding by working with area legislators to conduct a water quality study of the Wisconsin River. The study is referred to as Total Maximum Daily Load or TMDL. Read more in the project section of this page.
Challenged the DNR on the implementation of new phosphorus rules.
Received a DNR River Planning Grant to grow our organization.
Successfully negotiated with the Department of Natural Resources and the Domtar paper manufacturing plant for a stricter phosphorus limit for Domtar's Rothschild facility. -
A mechanical "profiler" that automatically collects water quality data and sends it to the WDNR was installed with PACR assistance.
Successfully encouraged Wisconsin DNR to implement a water quality study for Mill Creek, a Petenwell/Castle Rock tributary.
PACRS volunteers worked Clean Boats, Clean Waters boat inspections at several landings on Petenwell and Castle Rock.
ABC NEWS ran a segment in September 2012 interviewing PACR board member Tom Koren about blue-green algae conditions and the impact. -
March 10, 2011 - PACRS becomes a 501(c)(3) non profit.
Installed 1,500 native plants near devil's elbow to help take up nutrients and provide habitat. This project was done in partnership with Wisconsin River Power Company, Wisconsin DNR, and Adams County Land Conservation and was repeated in 2012.
Collected and identified species of blue-green algae for research conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is tracking the algae phenomenon.
Received River Champion Award from River Alliance of Wisconsin. -
PACRS successfully kept phosphorus rule in place by engaging in a letter writing campaign to legislators.
2nd Pontoon and Politics In attendance were DNR Sec Kathy Stepp, Rep Ed Brooks, Julie Lassa, Scott Krug, Herb Kohl's assistant Colleen Thomas, and Tom Petri's assistant Tim Lakin.
Began Carp Catch for testing at the Wisconsin Department of Hygiene to determine dioxin and PCB levels.
Reached out to several other watershed and river friend groups and organized tours of farms and manufacturing facilities to learn more about water quality problems and share our concerns. -
PACRS held our first Pontoons and Politics tour of Lake Petenwell with area legislators to highlight the effects and negative impact of summer algae blooms. Rep. Marlin Schneider and other elected officials attended.
Collected data for four years on water clarity and other measures of water quality for local, state, and federal agencies making management decisions about the Wisconsin River.
PACRS successfully established a new winter "drawdown" for Lake Petenwell, designed to improve water quality and fish habitat, by working with Wisconsin DNR and Wisconsin River Power Co.
Attended and spoke at DNR public hearings in Eau Claire, Appleton, and Wausau in support of proposed phosphorus rule.
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In the winter of 2009, WRPCO (Wisconsin River Power Company), WDNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources), and PACRS (Petenwell And Castle Rock Stewards) worked collaboratively to delay the winter draw down on Lake Petenwell in an attempt to have aquatic plants re-establish themselves.
Restoring the aquatic plant community in the littoral zone (between the high and low water levels) would improve fish and wildlife habitat and attenuate nutrients that could otherwise create serious algal blooms on the reservoir every year. Therefore, a mutual agreement was reached to postpone the drawdown until after February 10. The winter of 2010 was the first year of the delayed drawdown, and then again in 2011 and 2012.
WRPCO will again implement the delayed draw down on or about February 10, 2014, as long as safety is not an issue. After the vegetation survey is taken, we will have completed a five-year study to determine if the delayed drawdown is effective at stimulating aquatic plant growth.
WRPCO planted aquatics in the upper reaches of Lake Petenwell in the summer of 2012 and 2013. These sites are not included in the plant surveys regarding the drawdown.
We appreciate the cooperation and efforts WRPCO and WDNR have provided on this study.
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and many public and private partners throughout the basin are working to improve the water quality of the Wisconsin River, its reservoirs, and tributaries. The water quality improvement study will be undertaken as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The TMDL study and implementation plan will provide a strategic framework and prioritize resources for water quality improvement in the Wisconsin River Basin. The Wisconsin River TMDL study area spans Wisconsin's central corridor from the river's headwaters in Vilas County to Lake Wisconsin in Columbia County, covering 9,156 square miles – approximately 15 percent of the state. Under existing conditions, many reservoirs and tributaries in the Wisconsin River do not meet water quality standards due to excess pollutant loads, meaning they are not suitable for their designated uses, such as fishing, wildlife habitat, and/or recreational activities such as boating and swimming. The Wisconsin River Basin total maximum daily load (TMDL) will determine the total amount of phosphorus and suspended solids that can be discharged into the river, its tributaries, and reservoirs while still meeting water quality standards.
The study, slated for completion in 2017, resulted from local residents and businesses engaging their legislators by providing pontoon rides on Petenwell and Castle Rock Reservoirs in 2008. After these elected officials observed the water quality problems firsthand, the state legislature allocated funding for a water quality improvement project, directing the WDNR to develop a TMDL. The TMDL incorporates various components, including water quality monitoring, modeling, and an allocation process that will require proportional reductions in phosphorus upstream to achieve phosphorus goals in Petenwell and Castle Rock.
To learn more about how the WDNR and their partners are working to improve water quality in Petenwell and Castle Rock, as well as the rest of the Wisconsin River Basin, please visit:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/TMDLs
Leadership
Officers
Scott Bordeau
President
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My wife and I purchased a house on Lake Petenwell in 2008. We have enjoyed making many family memories - boating, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. I have been active in PACRS since 2009. The main reason I joined PACRS was to be involved with improving water quality for my children and grandchildren.
Mary Ewanowski
Vice President
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My family has owned a cottage on the Petenwell Flowage for over 50 years. We’ve enjoyed many days of sailing, water skiing, snowshoeing across the frozen lake, biking around the county and of course watching amazing sunsets. I was told about PACRS by a friend and joined in 2013. As a physical therapist, science has always intrigued me but recently I have learned much about the local ecology from knowledgeable people connected to PACRS especially the county conservationists and farmers. It has been a true opportunity to be part of PACRS as we help improve the quality of our lakes.
Steve Taylor
Treasurer
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I was an environmental chemist for 35 years in the Fox River Valley. In 2001 my wife and I built our dream log cabin on a lot fronting Castle Rock Lake. Our family and friends from across the country have made many great memories on the lake. I became aware of PACRS in 2009 through a presentation by Rick Georgeson, PACRS president, at our annual lake association meeting. With encouragement from lakeside neighbor Gerry Ganther, I joined PACRS in 2012. My involvement has been educational for me, and hopefully, by lending my voice, PACRS will continue being a force working towards improving water quality.
Colette Camerano
Secretary
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I retired in July 2013 after a long career in sales and relationship management with a national payment processing company. My husband and I had always dreamed of living on a lake when we retired. For years we vacationed in Wisconsin and enjoyed the tranquility of the lake and wildlife. We built our log home in 2006 on Lake Petenwell, a home that future generations could enjoy. We chose this area as it is a short drive from the Chicago suburbs. We can spend quality time with family and friends fishing, boating, swimming, and telling stories by the campfire at night. We joined PACRS after hearing their presentation at our annual homeowners' meeting in 2012. We were impressed by the accomplishments of a small group of dedicated people who love our lakes. We wanted to be a part of this organization and join their efforts to improve the quality of Petenwell and Castle Rock lakes.
Board of Directors
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Thirty years ago, my wife and I took sailing lessons and learned about the "big waters" of Lake Petenwell. Twenty years ago, we bought a lot and built a cabin on Lake Petenwell. Our family and friends have enjoyed boating, fishing, tubing, sailing, skiing, and building sand castles! I have taken water quality samples through a DNR program for the past 15 years. I recently retired from UW Wood County Extension and look forward to serving on the PACRS Board and helping their important efforts.
Peter Manley
Mark Diedrich
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I always wanted to retire on water, so here I am. Since I was a kid, I have been intrigued with the WI. River. When fishing with my dad on Lac Vieux Desert near Phelps, Wisconsin, he told me this is where the Wisconsin River starts. Just a little creek like Lake Itasca for the Mississippi River. He said, "From here, it goes all the way to Prairie du Chien and into the Mississippi." I thought, "Wow, this is truly Wisconsin's River" My wife Karen and I purchased land on Lake Petenwell in 2002 and built in 2006-7. This was to be our retirement home and a home for our kids to visit and enjoy. Karen was able to enjoy it for a few years until she passed away in 2011. As she wanted, I retired here in 2014 as part of our dream and really enjoy it. Being able to be a part of making the water better and preserving the Wisconsin River for my children and future generations is my goal. I feel that being a part of PACRS allows me to do this.
Gerry Ganther
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My family's heritage began along the Wisconsin River in the early 1880s, and the river has played a vital role for generations. Although I left the area briefly for military service and work in the Milwaukee area, I returned 43 years ago to Necedah to accept a position with Wisconsin River Power. For 26 of my 31 years there, I served as Regional Supervisor for the Power Company, responsible for 40,000 acres and two hydroelectric plants - Petenwell and Castle Rock. I have observed the cycles of changing water quality that lead to both great concern and interest.
Serving on the PACRS board as a charter member and director, the goals of improving the ecosystems and reducing algae blooms are vital to businesses and recreational enthusiasts alike. I personally participated in the water testing program for three years, bi-weekly sampling designated areas. Residing along the river, I still have some concerns. But I feel optimistic that steps are being taken to improve water quality throughout the state in, on, and off the flowages.
Jim Stewart
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I joined PACRS shortly after purchasing a condo adjacent to Barnum Bay on Lake Petenwell in 2007. I have been a lifelong sailor, having grown up on Lake Michigan. Because of my love of sailing, my wife and I moved from Chicago to Florida in 1978. My wife's father grew up in Janesville, and she has always loved Wisconsin. So as we approached retirement, we sought property in Wisconsin and now spend about six months a year in Wisconsin and the other six months in Florida.
Shortly after arriving in Wisconsin, we experienced some horrible blue-green algae – something I liken to split pea soup neglected on the stove for hours. I have pictures of a squirrel that wandered out on the thick algae, ultimately drowning, covered in green yuck. Water quality, I think, is everyone's responsibility. I have always appreciated the group's knowledge, positive planning, and goal-setting. PACRS' leadership has a great ability to harness the interests and concerns of diverse groups who enjoy the waters of Wisconsin. Working with property owners, recreational groups (beachgoers, anglers, boaters), farmers, legislators, county officials, point source factories, paper mills, wastewater treatment plants, and the EPA and DNR, PACRS strives to improve water quality for this and future generations. The rewards for me through participating as a member of PACRS and recently joining the board of directors are very satisfying.
Lisa Manzardo
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My husband Tom and I have 4 grown kids and 6 adorable grandchildren. We purchased our first cabin on Lake Redstone in 2013. We loved our Lake Redstone home but we really needed more space to accommodate our growing family, so we started looking for a larger home on a larger lot. We purchased our home on Lake Petenwell in February of 2021, and we have fallen in love with the area. We are still part time residents, but we find ourselves spending more and more time at the lake. We enjoy boating, snowmobiling and riding ATV’s. We have 2 chocolate labs who are obsessed with swimming and retrieving in the lake. I was first introduced to PACRS when I happened to meet a board member while out with friends boating. He told me about the group and gave me a pamphlet. I was excited that there was a group dedicated to working on the water quality of the lake. A couple of months later I met another board member through a mutual friend. I decided I wanted to join PACRS to learn all that is being accomplished, to spread the word about this dedicated group and find out what I can do to help
Rick Georgeson
Thanks to our past Board of Directors for their service.
Ron Von Haden RIP
Lynda Everson RIP
Rick Potter RIP
Dr. Paul Egge RIP
Curt Frost
Mike Coke
Joe Stuchlak
Barbara Baker
Karl Klingforth
Ron Lyman
Carol Lyman
Chris Turok
Jim Murphy
Wayne Gjersvig
Tom Koren
Virgil Miller