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Root Pike Watershed presenter urges Caledonia officials to expand native plantings, curb salt and pet-waste pollution
Summary
Christie Heiser of the Root Pike Watershed Initiative Network told the Caledonia board that stormwater runoff, excess phosphorus and rising chloride levels threaten the Root River watershed and Lake Michigan, and urged native landscaping, smarter pond design and public education; the group also offered Saltwise training and school outreach.
Christie Heiser, program manager with the Root Pike Watershed Initiative Network, presented the group’s outreach and education programs and warned trustees that the Root River watershed remains on the EPA’s 303(d) impaired-waters list for excess phosphorus and other pollutants.
Heiser described multiple outreach displays the nonprofit brings to schools and events to demonstrate how stormwater moves pollutants into the river and the lake. She highlighted controllable sources such as pet waste and turfgrass practices and recommended native plantings, improved pond buffers and ‘smart salting’ practices for municipal crews. “So through your DNR permit, there is a portion that says you have to do education and outreach, and I am lucky enough to be the person that gets to go out and educate your citizens,” she said.
Heiser also described demonstrations the network uses — a stormwater model, a pet-waste display and a salt-reduction exhibit — to show how simple changes at the household and municipal level can reduce E. coli, phosphorus and chloride loading. She pointed to examples in the basin where regenerative stormwater conveyance systems and constructed wetlands have improved infiltration and habitat and noted the group’s work with DOT and UW‑Parkside.
The presentation included a program note: Root Pike’s outreach satisfies part of the village’s DNR permit education requirement and the network will share upcoming Saltwise training for DPW staff and elected officials. Trustees asked clarifying questions about how the recommendations would apply to local stormwater pond design, maintenance costs and available grant support.
