A program to recognize the 30-year anniversary of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and Riverway Board will be held on Nov. 10 at the Vintage Brewing Co. in Sauk City. Doors will open at 1 p.m. with a program beginning at 1:30 p.m. Featured speakers for the program include former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, who signed the legislation that created the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and Riverway Board; former State Sen. Dale W. Schultz and former State Rep. Spencer Black, who were key figures in crafting the compromise that resulted in enactment of the Riverway law; and, former State Rep. David O. Martin, author of Wisconsin’s Wild Rivers legislation and a former Richland County representative on the Riverway Board. Other invited but unconfirmed guests include Gov. Tony Evers, Tourism Secretary Sara Meaney, and a Department of Natural Resources representative.
Mark Cupp, Riverway Board executive director, said, “The Nov. 10 event is intended to recognize the accomplishments of the Riverway project over the past three decades. We also want to take the opportunity to thank the many landowners and local residents who have participated in the success of the Riverway, as well as current and former members of the Riverway Board and the many Department of Natural Resources employees who have worked diligently to preserve this special place.
“We are honored to have former Gov. Thompson, former Sen. Schultz and former Rep. Black to share the stage as featured speakers. The creation of this unique and innovative law would not have transpired without their leadership,” said Cupp.
“Dave Martin also brings a unique perspective to the program as a former state legislator from the 1960s serving under former Governors Gaylord Nelson and Warren Knowles. Mr. Martin worked in a bipartisan manner to foster many meaningful legislative accomplishments including creation of the state’s Wild Rivers program and the Wisconsin Vocational-Technical College system,” said Cupp.
“The Riverway Board wishes to extend an invitation to this special event to everyone who has an interest in the Riverway. Whether you participated in the Citizens Advisory Committee, the Local Officials Advisory Committee, testified at hearings or otherwise participated in the planning process; whether you are a current or former landowner in the Riverway; whether you enjoy the Riverway for fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking, observing wildflowers or watching wildlife; or whether you simply enjoy the beauty and majesty of the valley; all are welcome to join in the celebration of the Riverway’s 30th anniversary,” said Cupp.
The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway was created in 1989 to protect and preserve the scenic beauty and natural character of the lower Wisconsin River valley. The project encompasses nearly 100,000 acres of public and private lands along the final 92 miles of the Wisconsin River. The Riverway begins below the last dam on the river at Prairie du Sac and extends to the confluence with the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien.
Light refreshments will be served during the event. There is no cost to attend the event, but donations will be welcomed to help defray costs. For more information, contact Cupp at (608) 739-3188 or 1-800-221-3792.