Transporter says wind-power shipments 'took off' in March

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Suppliers to the auto industry may want to shift their focus to wind components, given incentives for renewable energy included in the federal stimulus package.

Wisconsin has always been a supply-chain state, to the farm industry with implements, then to the auto industry with motors. But the effort to woo the wind-power industry to the state is centered north of Milwaukee, the former machine shop to the world.

The focus on wind is coming from The New North, the economic development initiative of northeastern Wisconsin, home to Tower Tech in Manitowoc, Badger Transport in Clintonville and dozens of other suppliers to the wind industry.

The wind industry had been growing at a record pace year after year until it was hit by the economic slowdown like other businesses, said Jeff Anthony of the American Wind Energy Association.

The wind industry's growth has been something to watch, said Al Johnson, president of Badger Transport, which ships the wind industry's oversized components.

"We do everything," he said. "We do the towers and the blades and the cells."

Johnson's company has been involved in the wind industry since 1997, and seen it grow from less than one-third of his company's sales to more than 90% today.

"I was involved in it when it was feast or famine for quite a number of years."

Companies clustered
Across northeastern Wisconsin, 95 companies are supplying the wind industry, creating an economic cluster that the region seeks to capitalize on.

"When we focus on the wind industry, our message is not: 'Come to northeast Wisconsin and build your wind farm,' but rather: 'Come to northeast Wisconsin if you are involved with the supply-chain side of the wind industry,' " said Josh Morby, spokesman for The New North.

Wisconsin ridesharing Web site goes statewide

A news release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation:

Any commuter in Wisconsin who would like to find someone to “share the ride” to work, may now access the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT’s) interactive ride matching service online. A program that was originated several years ago for residents of the heavily populated southeastern region of the state is now available statewide.

“We are pleased to offer this interactive service to commuters across the state,” said WisDOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi. “Ridesharing saves money for commuters, reduces the number of cars on the road during the busiest hours of the day and reduces pollution from car exhaust. Now, commuters in areas that are faced with some of the longest commutes will have an equal opportunity to find carpool matches.”

Karen Schmiechen, program manager for the Wisconsin Rideshare Program, said the program is easy to use, free and without obligation. Commuters enter their commute information and immediately receive matches for carpooling, vanpooling, park and ride lots and even biking. The computer shows matches with similar commutes and work hours. Bikers are also matched by level of expertise. Users make their own contacts with matches to set up ridesharing arrangements.

The program was computerized two years ago, and has become so popular WisDOT decided to make it available to all state residents.

Wisconsin is one of many states and municipalities across the country offering this service. As gasoline prices fluctuate, and the economy remains unstable, ridesharing is a viable alternative, saving dollars and the environment.

For more information go to the state’s Rideshare Web site.

Green Bay to get energy grants

From an article by Larry Bivins in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

Green Bay will receive more than $1 million for energy-efficiency and conservation projects, President Barack Obama's administration announced Thursday.

The money is part of an additional $37.1 million the Department of Energy has allocated for Wisconsin under Obama's economic recovery package. In addition, Brown County will get $612,000.

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt said the city has a plan to use the money, stemming from research started in 2006. Schmitt learned the ciy was receiving the money Thursday.

"We've been working with the federal government for funding for two years," Schmitt said. "We'll put this money to good use. We're ready to go. . . ."

Activities the money can support include energy audits and making residential and commercial buildings more energy efficient, improving building codes and inspections, creating financial incentive programs for energy-efficiency improvements.

It also can go for transportation programs that conserve energy, projects that reduce or capture greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, and projects that mate traffic signals and street lights more energy efficient.

Most of applicable projects are in the Sustainable Green Bay Report, said Derek Lord, Green Bay's deputy director of economic development. How the money is used will depend on the parameters set up by the federal government.

Lord said rebate and incentive programs to increase energy efficiency, educational campaigns, energy audits and loan programs are on the top of the list.

April 2 meeting features transportation plan discussion

The April 2nd meeting of ECOS-FV will feature a presentation and discussion on:

The Five Year Transportation Plan (TDP) for the Fox Valley
By Deborah Wetter, General Manager of Valley Transit
& Jason Kakatsch, Principal Transpration Planner of the East Central Regioanl Planning Commission

Date: Thursday, April 2nd
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Place: Menasha Public Library, on the corner of Racine and First Streets
Room: Company E Room in the lower level
Admission: Free and Open to the Public
Doors to Open at 6:00 PM

The plan formation that they will discuss included a number of community surveys and several public meetings which gathered input from the community which they will share with us.

They will also review the status of the current discussions with the Menasha area communities around exploration for more flexible service options. The questions and answers portion of the evening with the community at large will be your chance to present constructive suggestions and ideas for planning consideration.

Please address any questions about the event to Roger Kanitz, Co-Chair ECOS-FV at 920-722-6438.

Fox Valley homeowners learn how to build green

From an article by Marueen Wallenfang in the Green Bay Press Gazette:

Imagine you have a palatial home with more than 5,500 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, theater, pub room and heated garage.

And your monthly gas and electric bills average $98.30 a month.

Here's another shocker: One utility bill in this particular home last summer was $13.

While a large home is a fantasy for most people, smaller utility bills may not be if homeowners are willing to invest in energy efficiencies.

Harmony House in the Town of Clayton is the large home with the enviable utility bills.

While it was a case-study home built under the Department of Energy's Building America Program, using design features that will be considered benchmarks for 2020 building codes, it can be an object lesson for those who want to follow in its rather small carbon footprint.

An energy efficiency seminar takes place Wednesday at Harmony House, and the general public is invited to come and listen to expert Kevin Hogan of the Wisconsin Energy Conversation Corp., a nonprofit that administers programs for Focus on Energy.

"Cheap energy is a thing of the past," he told a group of about a dozen people gathered in a similar seminar earlier this month. "Oil and natural gas are finite resources. It's going to cost us more and more. Whatever you can reduce is going to put money in your pocket."

In the upcoming Wednesday seminar, he will again highlight energy-saving changes any homeowner can make, from buying Energy Star appliance to upgrading windows, insulation and ventilation. He covers issues for new and existing homes.

No one assumes homebuyers will go to the extent that BerHoff Homes went in Harmony House, which it built for a little more than $900,000 and is for sale at $998,900. It was part of a home tour in February 2008.

Hogan said if the home had been built with more standard systems, energy costs would average $650 a month.

Besides being a tightly built home with generous insulation, perfect ventilation and lavish use of renewable energy sources like ground heat and the sun, it far exceeds Energy Star standards in big and small ways.

If you go
What: "Learn to Build Green and Energy Efficient" seminar
Where: At a private home called Harmony House, 3077 Saffron Lane, Town of Clayton, west of Neenah.
When: Wednesday. The 5:30 p.m. presentation is about one hour, followed by audience questions
Cost: Free
Presenter: Kevin Hogan, program coordinator for Wisconsin Energy Conversation Corp.
Host: BerHoff Homes
Information and directions: www.berhoffhomes.com

Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity to build 14 solar-equipped homes

From an article by in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

Menasha — Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity plans to equip all 14 homes it builds in 2009 with either a solar water heating system or a photovoltaic electrical generating system.

The project is supported by a partnership of utility corporations, non-profit organizations, and educational establishments including We Energies, Kaukauna Utilities, Focus on Energy, Midwest Renewable Energy Association and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.

Habitat for Humanity will begin construction of its first solar equipped home in the Fox Valley this month in Appleton.

"We have been employing green building practices for a while now," said Habitat executive director John Weyenberg. "This is only the next logical step in our effort to promote housing that is not only simple, decent, and affordable, but environmentally sound as well."

This is the second major solar project for Habitat in Wisconsin. In 2008, Milwaukee's affiliate of Habitat for Humanity built 20 homes, equipping them with solar hot water and solar electricity.

"This is technology we know works," said Habitat construction supervisor Kevin Franz. "It's more of a demonstration to show other homebuyers that solar energy is practical even this far north.

"It's also to help stimulate the technical education required. We need many more trained solar system installers in northeast Wisconsin and we hope that by partnering with institutions like NWTC we can move the process along.

Home & Garden Show sees more interest in energy efficiency

From a story by Jenny Marland on WBAY-TV (Green Bay):

This year, vendors at the WBAY Home & Garden Show seem to be catering to consumers interested in improving energy efficiency. Homeowners are saving on utility costs by installing energy-efficient appliances.

Now there are incentives for homeowners to buy into the trend, making those looking to make home improvements this year will save even more green ... going green.

"There's a crash reward of up to 25 percent that's available to the homeowner who's purchasing this solar domestic water heater," Richard Larson for GreenSky Energetics pointed.

Homeowners are privy to a slew of tax breaks when they resort to energy-efficient improvements.

"Something new is a $1,500 tax credit from the government if your windows meet the criteria that they set," Carl Hardtke, the owner of Windows of Wisconsin, said.

"You get a 30 percent tax credit with a geothermal system, and that's huge when an average system is around $20,000," Mike Stevens from Air Quality Specialists, Inc., said.

These are all incentives that enable consumers to pay less for energy-efficient products and help the environment.

Don't blow chance for windpower

From an editorial in the Wisconsin State Journal:

Wisconsin Power & Light's plans to look more toward the wind as a power source should underscore for lawmakers the need to support wind farm development.

Wisconsin cannot afford to let the statewide interest in harnessing clean, renewable power from the wind be frustrated by local "not in my backyard" campaigns against wind farms.

The goal should be to adopt statewide standards for siting wind farms that limit local government regulation and provide developers with an opportunity to appeal. The standards should also preserve local authority to restrict or reject wind farms when warranted.

Interest in wind power is growing following state regulators' rejection last year of a new coal-fired power plant proposed by WPL, As an alternative to coal, the utility planning to develop more wind, biomass and natural gas power sources. . . .

But wind power confronts a barrier.

Developers of small wind farms, unlike developers of large wind farms, fall outside the regulation of the state Public Service Commission. They left to local regulation.

Too often, local governments are cowed by "not in my backyard" worries about the impact of wind turbines -- worries that may be based on misinformation but that local governments lack the expertise to evaluate.

The result is impossible-to-meet restrictions that draw small wind farm development to halt.

For example, in 2007 Trempealeau County adopted a wind power ordinance so restrictive that it effectively banned wind farms.

A solution emerged with a proposal to require the PSC to issue model rules specifying what restrictions local governments could impose on wind farms. The bill also granted developers a right to appeal.

Lawmakers failed to pass the proposal last year. This year should make that legislation a top priority.

Grants available to fund staff for energy savings

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

MADISON, Wis. (March 17, 2009) - Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, announced new staffing grants today to help businesses, manufacturers, farms, schools and government facilities throughout the state complete energy efficiency projects.

"Businesses don't need to let staffing issues become a barrier to energy savings," said Ken Williams, Focus on Energy's Business Programs director. "Focus on Energy is committed to helping companies overcome barriers that prevent them from completing energy efficiency projects."

The grants will fund up to $80,000 for a full- or part-time employee or consultant to work on-site and manage energy efficiency projects that otherwise would not be completed due to a lack of human resources. Grant funding will go toward the salary and benefits of a project manager who will oversee and engineer energy savings projects.

The grant is designed to help businesses hire new staff or retain existing employees who might otherwise be at risk of lay-off. Partnering or neighboring companies are encouraged to submit a joint application and share an employee or consultant between businesses.

"Focus offered a similar program last year that was very popular and produced even more energy savings projects than expected," Williams explained. "We are pleased to offer an expanded version of the program for 2009."

Interested businesses should visit focusonenergy.com/competitive_incentives for more information. Applications must include a list of potential projects, as funding is based on the energy savings from those projects and is paid when projects are completed. Applications must be received by April 30, 2009. In addition, completed energy efficiency projects are also eligible for Focus on Energy financial incentives that can be found at focusonenergy.com/incentives/business.

Trains idea isn't totally off track

From an editorial in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

The last regularly scheduled passenger train rolled out of Green Bay in the spring of 1971, and the political and environmental realities of 2009 have brought rail service back to the future. We're not entirely sold on the idea, but it's worth a serious examination.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette recently wrote about Frank Ingram, a native of England who moved here 10 years ago and believes the time has come to resurrect rail service in this country.

In a way, America's fascination with railroads never went away. The little train at Bay Beach Amusement Park is one of its most popular attractions, and tourist railroads do a brisk business. The reuse of old train stations, like the Titletown Brewing Co., retains the charm of that past era.

And perhaps more to the point, when Green Bay residents visit places like Washington, D.C., or Chicago, or Europe, they often come back with wistful stories about the convenience of a well-run railroad system. And there's the rub.

Once the United States of America was crisscrossed by an impressive rail network, but midway through the 20th century, transportation dollars were diverted for the construction and maintenance of an interstate system of highways that is second-to-none in the world. Trains lost favor because the tracks were allowed to deteriorate to the point where they could not safely carry passengers at the speeds required to compete with the highways.

Now, the cost of re-creating that rail network is measured in many billions. The recently passed American Reinvestment and Recovery Act allocated up to $8 billion for railroad capital projects, but that's a drop in the bucket spread over 50 states. The cost of the 33-mile proposed Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter service is estimated at $209 million, for example.

Therefore it's a bit pie-in-the-sky to believe Green Bay could become a passenger rail hub again anytime soon. The costs at first blush seem to be prohibitive.

But Ingram makes a compelling point: Linking Green Bay to Chicago by rail could be a huge boon to the local economy.

Grace Lutheran School, Oshkosh, cuts heating bill by 29%

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

Snow and ice didn't dampen school spirit at Grace Lutheran School in Oshkosh, Wis. The school recently enjoyed a 29 percent reduction on its heating bill after making a few energy efficient improvements. Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, awarded the school $1,800 in financial incentives to help get the energy saving projects underway.

"We had a lot of ideas to save energy and called Focus on Energy last fall for help," said Axel Peikert, HVAC technician and boiler operator at Grace Lutheran School. "Focus performed an energy evaluation on our entire building and worked with us to come up with some ways to save energy and money."

To boosts its energy efficiency efforts, the school insulated steam, condensate and hot water pipes throughout the building. Insulating high temperature piping greatly reduces heat loss. The school also insulated its boiler breeching with two-inch thick mineral wool and the condensate tank with two-inch thick rigid fiberglass.

In addition, the school achieved significant savings by reducing room temperature during night and weekend hours and cutting back the use of its steam boiler. The costs of operating the steam boiler averaged $100 per day. It was used to heat parts of the building that could also be heated by the school's existing hot water boiler or forced air rooftop unit. These alternatives are less costly to run and provide plenty of heat. In very cold temperatures, the steam boiler can still be utilized if needed.

The school also installed a variable-frequency drive in its field house that controls the fan system by reducing the airflow while still providing adequate ventilation. This saves $2,000 annually and reduces unnecessary wear and tear on components - resulting in decreased maintenance and increased operating life.

Doyle will speak at Wind Industry Supply Chain Seminar, Appleton, March 31

Wisconsin Wind Energy Supply Chain Seminar
Appleton, Wisconsin
March 31, 2009

Wisconsin Wind Energy Supply Chain Seminar will focus on wind turbine manufacturing challenges and opportunities in the state of Wisconsin. Over 8,000 components and parts are used in the construction of utility-scale wind turbines, offering opportunities for a wide range of manufacturers and service providers in Wisconsin. The existing manufacturing and service industries, as well as academic and other institutions in Wisconsin makes it an ideal state to benefit from the growth of the wind energy industry.

Hear from The Honorable Jim Doyle Governor of Wisconsin
Tuesday, March 31, 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Governor Jim Doyle is focused on creating opportunity for all of Wisconsin’s people and is building upon current efforts to create jobs, make America energy independent, and address the global climate crisis.

Complete program. Register online.

We Energies workshop explains renewable incentives for non-profits, April 23, Appleton

From We Energies about the workshop on April 23 in Appleton:

Considering a solar hot water, solar electric photovoltaic (PV) or wind energy system for your organization? We provide financial incentives ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for selected customer-owned renewable energy projects. The projects must meet eligibility criteria of ownership by a not-for-profit organization, not-for-profit educational/academic institution, unit of government, or special district or authority defined as government under Wisconsin law.

This workshop will educate the attendee about renewable energy and how it works, the incentives that are available and present some successful projects. The workshop is free to We Energies electric customers representing a not-for-profit, school or unit of government, but advance registration is required.

Agenda 8 a.m. Registration and continental breakfast
8:45 a.m. Welcome and opening comments
9 a.m. What is renewable energy and how does it work?
9:30 a.m. What does it take to get a renewable energy system grant and who is available to help?
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Success stories, financing options, benefits to non-profit organizations
11:30 a.m. Monitoring system demo, Renewable Energy Stewards
12 noon Lunch

Workshop Location
We Energies Winnebago Service Center
800 S. Lynndale Drive, Appleton, WI

Directions
- Exit Highway 41 at College Avenue.
- Turn east on College Avenue and travel 2.5 miles to Lynndale Drive.
- Turn right on Lynndale Drive to stop sign.
- Cross over to Spencer (2 blocks), follow to site.

More details here.

Register here to attend.

Wind power opponents use half-truths

From a guest editorial in the Herald Times Reporter (Manitowoc):

I have read the articles portraying the positive and negative aspects of our wind tower program in Manitowoc County. I find opinions such as the one submitted by Jerome Hlinak (Feb. 18 HTR) particularly bothersome.

Mr. Hlinak states that the reason for stray voltage problems is the PSC's lack of adequate standards. In reality, the major reason for stray voltage problems is — and always has been — poor electrical wiring installations and the lack of adequate grounding systems on farms. Many farmers were unwilling to spend the money to have their electrical systems properly upgraded to meet the current National Electrical Code (NEC), or the state of Wisconsin's requirements.

Many times while working on farms I was told by farmers that there are no codes that had to be followed because the farms weren't located in the city, and that I should just make their equipment work. They did not believe that the NEC and Wisconsin code were applicable, even though local inspections were not required.

"Do it cheap," were the words I heard all too often. They were satisfied to complain about the PSC and the utilities while they picked up their dead cows and rebuilt their buildings after the fires that invariably happened. We finally will have required complete electrical inspections of both homes and all businesses in Wisconsin, starting Jan. 1, 2010.

The issue mentioned about the wind generators using the earth as a neutral ground is absolutely right. All electricity uses the earth as neutral ground. Every home, factory, commercial building, church and school uses the earth as a neutral ground.

WINDCOWS is taking a known physical aspect of electricity and trying to turn it into something scary. Electricity always is dangerous if not properly installed and maintained. Any and all alternative energy generating methods are thoroughly addresses in both the NEC and Wisconsin codes.

Flicker, ice throw and noise are among other complaints I have read about. The idea of ice being thrown is highly unlikely as the turning blades move too slowly to develop any significant inertia. Ice can and will form on wind tower blades, as it does on all objects. Just don't make it a habit of standing under a building's eve trough during or shortly after a freezing drizzle.

Mr. Hlinak's group is apparently unaware that we have all been subjected to flicker since the dawn of the incandescent light bulb and our alternating current operating system.

Energy summit to highlight what stimulus means for state

From a post on Tom Content's blog on JSonline:

The stimulus bill and what it could mean for Wisconsin's energy future will be discussed at several forums during the Renewable Energy Summit on March 27 in Milwaukee.

Gov. Jim Doyle, U.S. Rep. Dave Obey (D-Wausau), a lead author of the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) are all scheduled to address the conference, organizers said. Gary Wolter, who heads MGE Energy Inc. and runs the state Office of Recovery and Reinvestment, has also been invited to speak.

The summit is planned for March 25-27 at the Midwest Airlines Center.

“I thought we were missing the boat if we didn’t focus on the stimulus bill and what’s going to happen,” said Art Harrington of Godfrey & Kahn, a conference coordinator. “We should focus one day on the opportunities created by the stimulus bill on renewable energy, and that morphed into the plenary session on Friday, March 27.”

Rail service might be a key to Fox Valley's economic growth

From an article by Paul Srubas in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

GREEN BAY — Government intervention helped kill passenger rail service in Wisconsin, but supporters of rail service say it can now help bring it back to life.

That's why Frank Ingram, of Green Bay, is organizing a local push for statewide rail service to include Green Bay.

Ingram, a native of England, is used to European passenger rail service and believes "the time is now" to resurrect the service in this country.

Passenger rail service is more economical, efficient and environmentally friendly than airline and automobile transportation, said Ingram, a builder and building renovator.

Encouraged by talk from President Barack Obama and Gov. Jim Doyle, Ingram sees growing interest in cooperative efforts between Wisconsin and Illinois to upgrade rail service between the two major cities of both states and to build a line linking Madison to Milwaukee.

Like Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, Ingram believes Green Bay needs to be part of those plans. The system is certain to grow in southern Wisconsin, and Green Bay needs to remain economically relevant, Ingram said.

"There will either be a greater Chicago area that includes Milwaukee and Madison or a greater Chicago area that includes Milwaukee, Madison, the Fox Valley and Green Bay. Green Bay has got to be part of a dynamic core of the Midwest," he said.

Passenger rail service fell into decline in the U.S. not because it wasn't economically feasible but because the federal government forced it into decline, said Ray Ash, an 83-year-old railroad buff who worked most of his life for the Railway Express Agency.

"The government was all gung-ho on building an interstate highway system during the Eisenhower administration," Ash said.

He believes that sufficient tracks remain in place to re-establish passenger service that would be attractive to many travelers, especially senior citizens.

Planning commission seeks public input on Valley Transit Development Plan

Valley Transit and the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission will be providing several opportunities for public input on the Valley Transit Development Plan. This plan evaluates the current transit services and proposes recommendations for improved service over the next 5 years. These public input opportunities will begin with a short presentation on the draft plan, followed by a question and comment period.

Wed, March 11th at 5:30 PM, at Appleton Library, Lower level meeting room, 225 North Oneida St, Appleton, 54911

Mon, March 16th at 3:30 PM, at Fox Valley Tech, room A160 (use entrance 15), 1825 North Bluemound Dr, Appleton, 54912

Thurs, March 19th at 1:30 PM, at Appleton City Hall, Room 6A/B, 100 North Appleton St, Appleton, 54911

Copies of the draft plan can be viewed on internet at:
http://www.eastcentralrpc.org.

Written input and comments can be sent to staff@eastcentralrpc.org.

Solutions For Greater Menasha’s Energy Challenges, March 10

The Sustainability Boards of both the Town and City of Menasha invite you to attend a Town Hall style meeting so you can hear what has been accomplished and what projects are being envisioned, and too for the Boards to hear your thoughts on how to improve the viability of our communities; like:

• Providing Healthy Foods at Farmer Markets
• Reducing Home Energy Costs with Conservation Assistance
• Developing Improved Busing, Biking, and Walking Systems
• Reducing Energy Costs at the Community Pool

Please come and find out what else is happening and how you can be a part of developing the solutions and their implementation! Your participation and input is critical!
Place: Heckrodt Nature Preserve
Address: 1305 Plank Road, Menasha
Date: March 10th
Time: 6:30 PM till 8:00 PM
Charge: Event is FREE and open to all

The format for the evening will be for each board take 15 to 20 minutes to present what it has accomplished and what it is projecting to undertake to help guide community improvement and economic viability with the help of the principle of sustainable decision making.

Opportunities for how you as citizens can be part of this adventure will be presented. The meeting will then be opened up for discussion with the assembly at large, inviting questions, comments and idea sharing for the common good of our combined communities!

Don Merkes (City Mayor): “The shift to a more sustainable way of living is dependent on a vibrant democratic process. Citizen participation is crucial to the development of creative sustainability solutions, not only through contributions to decision-making but also through attitude and behavioral change. Working together with citizens on the path to sustainability government can collaborate; providing leadership, resources, and legitimacy. What could, or should, Menasha be like next century and beyond?”

George Dearborn (Director of Community Development for the Town): “The Town of Menasha Sustainability Committee recognized on its inception that continuing current community growth is not sustainable in the long term. We need to develop a plan for the community that builds upon present accomplishments while following the practice of creating a sustainable future. Creating a sustainable future will ensure the long term health and economic well being of Town of Menasha and the entire Fox Valley.”

Monthly Sustainable Life Environmental Films, March 4 & April 1

Monthly Sustainable life environmental films are scheduled at Bubolz Nature Preserve 6:30 - 9:00 pm. The email originated from Juniper Sundance, who is on the board of NEW Audubon and this email was forwarded from the Sierra Club.

March 4-Wednesday Sustainable Life Environmental Film Series. 6:30-9:00 PM. “The Salmon Forest” Reveals the fragile connection between salmon, bears, trees, and people in the NW rainforest. Free—donations appreciated.

April 1—Wednesday Sustainable Life Environmental Film Series. 6:30-9:00 PM. “My Father’s Garden” Explores sustainable agriculture and the contrast between chemical and organic farming. Free—donations appreciated.