"No man can own the Dells. He can only be its custodian for a time." - George H. Crandall

MEET A STEWARD

Arlene Kanno
Town of Newport

A retired science teacher, Arlene Kanno has become a determined advocate for a sustainable environment, focusing on the global struggle for clean water and water resource protection.

Arlene traces her interest in sustainable living back to 5th grade, when her teacher had a unit on Native Americans. Her interest in sustainable living contributed to her earning a BA in biology and an MAT in biological science education from the University of Chicago.

After teaching in junior high and high school, she did science staff development for the Teachers Academy for Math & Science in Chicago.

Three years after she and her husband retired to Wisconsin, her life became sharply focused on environmental activism when the global corporation Nestle SA attempted to bring a huge water bottling operation to the local community. As a result of great community effort, capped by a legal battle, Nestle turned from water mining in Wisconsin - for the time being.

The Kannos' grassroots organization, Concerned Citizens of Newport, is continuing to monitor Nestle operations but has become involved in the broader global struggle against water privatization and for economic, environmental, and social justice.

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RESPONDING TO DEVELOPMENT

The Stewards were formed out of a concern that development should not be visible from the water along the Wisconsin River corridor from Nine Eagles north of Louis' Bluff to the Rocky Islands in the Lower Dells. Soon after our formation, the City of Wisconsin Dells Plan Commission, began consideration of a new condominium resort near Sugar Bowl in the Lower Dells.

On June 14, 2006, we presented a resolution to the Plan Commission objecting to the plans for the development because of its threat to the scenic beauty of the Wisconsin River.

ESTABLISHING SHORELAND BUFFER ZONE

On June 24, 2007, the City of Wisconsin Dells under the leadership of Mayor Craig Casey adopted a new zoning code which established a shoreland buffer zone and overlay district. See the Land Use section Article 5, 19.950 for the language.

LOOKING FORWARD

The City is creating a 200-foot building setback zone with very limited tree cutting allowances along the river corridor, except in the downtown section of the Dells.

On March 6, 2007, Tom Scharbach presented a request to create a 200-foot conservancy zone along the Town of Delton Wisconsin River shoreline at a public hearing for the Comprehensive Planning process.

On May 23, the Stewards hosted a water safety panel, which included Doug Parrott from State Representative Doc Hines' office, Roy Zellmer and Dave Holmes of the DNR, Brian Wilde who patrols the Upper Dells for Juneau County, and Bret Anderson who is Chief of Police in Wisconsin Dells. As a result of this meeting the City of Wisconsin Dells has asked the DNR to place caution buoys at the head and foot of the Narrows. The City is also pursing the annexation into the City to the middle of the river channel in order that more consistent law enforcement will create a safer environment for recreational boaters, fishermen, and swimmers.

On November 8, Jack Andersen was invited to share information about stormwater runoff and soil erosion at a Town of Lyndon meeting. He shared information we had received when Lori Grant of the River Alliance spoke at our October meeting.

Diana England was invited by her Dell Prairie neighbors to run for the Adams County Board this spring. She has been meeting with local government officials to learn about current issues in her township and county. In December, the Adams County board passed a strong stormwater runoff ordinance.

Debbie Kinder will run for re-election as alderperson in the City of Wisconsin Dells. She is currently the chair of the Parks, Recreation, and Waterways Committee.