LSC Workgroups tackle shared issues and initiatives identified in the LSC Action Plan. Workgroups also implement mutual projects that meet one or more Collaborative goals. Workgroup leads are expected to share project progress and lessons learned with the larger collaborative and Steering Team on an annual or semi-annual basis. Workgroup participants represent LSC partners and have a shared value or vision on a specific conservation issue and represent a diversity of knowledge and backgrounds.
Interested in joining an existing workgroup?
Connect with the appropriate workgroup lead(s) listed below or LSC Coordinator Catie Geib at Catie.Geib@wisc.edu.
Photo Credit © Wisconsin Wetlands Association
Communications Workgroup
Overview
The Communications Workgroup provides constructive feedback and input to the LSC Coordinator on website content and design, LSC logo and visual guidelines development, and other communications-related tasks on an as-needed basis.
Current Projects
Lake Superior Collaborative website redesign & project database development (beginning July 2021, funded by Wisconsin Coastal Management Program)
Contact
Catie Geib, UW–Madison Division of Extension, catie.geib@wisc.edu
Photo Credit © Jeremy Oswald
Nearshore Monitoring Workgroup
Overview
The Lake Superior nearshore environment is monitored by a number of LSC partners. In 2021, this workgroup overlaps with CSMI (Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative) lakewide Lake Superior monitoring efforts. Topics of specific interest include predicting and tracking factors leading to algal blooms in the Western Lake Superior nearshore.
Contact
Ellen Coffman, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, ellen.coffman@wisconsin.gov
Kait Reinl, Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, kreinl@wisc.edu
Matt Hudson, Northland College, mhudson@northland.edu
Photo Credit © Jeremy Oswald
Slow the Flow Workgroup
Overview
The Slow the Flow Workgroup has had several iterations in the Lake Superior basin, with current emphasis on Natural Flood Management as a slow the flow solution. .“Slow the Flow” refers to slowing the movement of water on the landscape. Intense rain events and stormwater runoff can lead to erosion, sediment deposition in rivers and lakes, and loss of accessible habitat for plants and animals. Preserving and restoring watershed landscapes slows down water’s flow and allows water to infiltrate the soil, which acts as a natural sponge while allowing plant roots to uptake water and further Slow the Flow.
Contact
Valerie Damstra, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, valerie.olinikdamstra@wisconsin.gov
Kyle Magyera, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, kyle.magyera@wisconsinwetlands.org