MADISON, Wis., July 20, 2021 – Half of summer is already in the books, which means lake season is also close to half over. As more people stayed closer to home in 2020 and 2021, lake and park use increased. Clean Lakes Alliance is hoping this increased use will lead to increased participation in the Greater Madison Lakes Survey, which will put the opinions of lake users in front of the Yahara CLEAN Compact – a diverse community partnership that seeks a better future for the lakes.

“We are a little under halfway to our survey participation goal and we’re hoping more people will take it before the end of the summer,” said Clean Lakes Alliance Founder and Executive Director James Tye. “In order for the Yahara CLEAN Compact to be a true community plan, we need to better understand the interests and relationships people have with the lakes.”

The Greater Madison Lakes Survey is gathering information about how people use and experience the local lakes. The survey also asks participants opinions and personal priorities for the type of actions most likely to lead to success. This is a unique opportunity for stakeholders from across the watershed to help secure a brighter future for the Greater Madison lakes. The survey will run through mid-September and its data will then be reviewed by the Yahara CLEAN Compact steering team.

Roadmap for Healthy Lakes

The Yahara CLEAN Compact is a 19-member coalition of government and community partners, convened by Clean Lakes Alliance. The Compact seeks to improve the condition and usability of Greater Madison lakes and beaches. It will do this by reducing the amount of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), E. coli bacteria, and phosphorus contamination. The goal of the Compact is to remove the five Greater Madison lakes and nine public beaches from the Environmental Protection Agency’s federally impaired waters list and promote a culture of sustainability. By taking the Greater Madison Lakes Survey, all community members and stakeholders have the opportunity to be heard as the health and quality of the lakes receive renewed focus.

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