A woman is kayaking down Wisconsin’s longest river to show support for the state’s natural resources in the wake of budget cuts that affected her conservation nonprofit organization.
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin lost roughly $84,000 in grant money under the recently passed state budget. Executive Director Ruth Oppedahl said the loss of the grant, in tandem with other natural resources cuts, are leading her to embark on a kayaking trip along the 430-mile Wisconsin River. She said she wants to inspire people to take part in preservation of the state’s waters, land and wildlife.
Oppedahl said she’ll be sharing stories and photos of areas that people have worked to preserve and hopes to inspire others along the way.
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
“Find your river. Find your mountain. Find your prairie,” said Oppedahl. “There are things we all can do in our life every day to help our state’s natural resources. There’s people everywhere who are doing things right now. They’re testing water quality. They’re restoring prairies on their own property.”
Oppedahl will set out on her 18-day journey at Lac Vieux Desert in Vilas County this Sunday.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
