Great Waters Group

2012 GWG ExCom and Officers  

The Election Committee of Chris Zapf, Steve Schutz, and Bill Moore reported the results of the recent election for members of the GWG Executive Committee (ExCom). Janet Anderson, John Bahr, and Dianne Dagelen were re-elected to the GWG Executive Committee. They join continuing ExCom members Heather Hansen and Gary Hofmeister. Thanks to members who sent in their ballots.

The following were elected as officers for 2012: Janet Anderson - Chair, Heather Hansen - Vice-Chair, Susan Sedlachek – Treasurer, and Chris Zapf - Secretary.

Congratulations to these volunteers who will be leading the GWG this year.

Speak up about ATC power line proposal

Seventy to 100 foot transmission towers trampling across wetlands, requiring the clear-cutting of 70-100 foot swathes through Underwood Creek Parkway and the Oak Leaf Bike Trail? Tower lines sprawling along the north berm of the Monarch Trail?

These are the two route “choices” offered to area residents by American Transmission Co. (ATC), which plans new transmission lines that would run from a We Energies western substation to a new County Grounds substation to be built behind its aging coal plant.

Preserve Our Parkway (POP), a local citizen’s group, is offering a different option: Bury the Lines —along Watertown Plank Rd., which is scheduled for re-construction as part of the new Zoo Interchange. A second alternative: using the Burleigh St. substation, also under review.

Our Great Waters Group supports POP’s efforts. Local city alderpersons, mayors and county supervisors (and candidates) need to hear our support for pending resolutions to prohibit high voltage power lines on parks, parkways and green spaces, as well as on private residences. Most importantly, we urge you to contact the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) on ATC’s proposals. To be most effective, describe the impact they would have on you and your community and provide an alternative plan.

For example, the potential loss of property values and quality of life.

The additional cost of burying lines would be about 8 cents per year per ratepayer amortized over 40 years among five million ratepayers, all of whom would benefit from the expanding regional medical facilities and the new state university engineering school that are driving the need for more electrical power.

See ATC’s project map for Western Milwaukee at www.ATC-projects.com .

The PSC makes the final decision and historically it favors the less expensive choices for state-wide ratepayers.

ATC’s application to the Wisconsin PSC will be submitted in mid-February, and the PSC’s comment period and a public hearing will follow.

Contact: Commissioner Ali A. Wali.

Reference : Docket#5-CE-139.

Write, email or call: PO Box 7854, Madison, WI 53707 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) (608-267-3592).

If you have questions, contact Dianne Dagelen, GWG Conservation Chair.   414-771-1505   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The 105 Days of Summer

The Park People will be selling "Passports" for the Oak Leaf Discovery Tour for the 105 Days of Summer celebration.  There will be a kickoff celebration at the Old Coast Guard Pavilion in Veterans Park on the lakefront.  The Passports will sell for $3 each or $10 for a family of five.  The price includes a Milwaukee  County Parks Map showing the trail and the Passport stations.  Proceeds will fund the activities of The Park People and enhancements for the Oak Leaf Trail.  

Make this the summer when you get out with your family and explore our 115 miles of trails and 15,000 acres of forests, lagoons, rivers, woods, and playgrounds.  The 20-page Passports will have 15 locations near the Oak Leaf Trail where you can stamp your Passport.  Cheri Briscoe and Gary Hofmeister will be leading several bike rides that go near stamping stations.  We are looking for a few more SC hiker/biker leaders so that club members can obtain all 15 stamps.   

If you can help or if you want to join a ride or hike, call Cheri at 414-239-7883 or Gary at 262-821-1088.   

Visit the Park People website at  www.parkpeoplemke.org/ for more sale locations.  "Tourists" with at least 10 passport stamps will qualify for a drawing for special prizes at the Sept 8 ending celebration. 

Wheel and Sprocket will also have passports for sale at its April 5-8 tent sale at State Fair Park.