Events

September 12, 2009 BRF Dam Conducts Water Release For Paddlers

On Saturday, September 12th, the Black River Falls (BRF) Municipal Utility conducted a water release for area paddlers.  The release was held from 8:00 to 9:30 am.  The east gate (#8) was opened 10% to allow for 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water to flow through the dam.  This was the first ever paddlers’ release from the BRF dam.  This 300 cfs release was intended to simulate the projected 330 cfs flow ability that the low flow generator is anticipated to deliver through the east side of the new dam. 

Many onlookers enjoyed watching the 18 paddlers who participated in this release, organized by Friends of the Black River (FBR) and its board member Jeff Polzin. "I didn't know what to expect from this release, but in the end was very pleased with the outcome", commented  Polzin who also noted "Today proved that minimal water releases like this can result in fun and safe paddling opportunities for local and visiting kayakers.” BRF paddler Marc Rukevina commented, "We saw some really fun wave action below gate 8."  This was evident and onlookers were impressed with the talent demonstrated by paddlers surfing and spinning around playfully in the waves. 

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Annual FBR River Clean Up on August 29, 2009 a Success

More than thirty area volunteers joined forces early Saturday morning to clean the Black River from Hatfield to Melrose, almost 50 river miles or 100 miles of shoreline. This sixth annual summer river clean up was organized by Friends of the Black River. Undeterred by cool temperatures and occasional showers, participants met at their assigned clean up areas at 8 AM to collect trash on foot or by boat.

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August 12, 2009 Net Zero Energy Home Tour

On August 12th 50 area residents gathered at the Brockway home of Thomas and Verona Chambers. Their all electric, first-of-its-kind-in-Wisconsin, net zero energy home is expected to return more electricity to the grid than it purchases. Utilizing geo-thermal and solar energy and incorporating many state of the art energy saving technologies, the home has clean European styling as well as clean energy. The cool to the touch cook surface and the built in coffee maker reflect Verona’s German roots.

Water saving features includes “structural plumbing”. A button at the hot water taps drain cooled water in pipes back to the water heater before almost instantly delivering fresh hot water to the faucet. Copper water pipe coils around tub and shower drains capture heat from waste water, pre-heating water entering the hot water heater. And low volume, two stage toilets use only the amount of water required to get the job done.

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August 1st 2009 Lake Wazee Kayak Event

On August 1st two dozen would be and experienced kayakers assembled on the beach at Lake Wazee to test the waters in a variety of kayaks. The third “Kayak Skills Day” learning event of 2009 was held outdoors and despite the blustery cool day it was well attended by a wide span of age groups. Marc and Jenny Rukavina brought three generations of Rukavinas to the event, introducing their children and Mark’s parents to the sport of kayaking. Also in the pre-school kayaker class was Karlie Hudson, who came with her mom, Kristi and declared “I’m pretty good at this”—and she was!

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