Conservation Calendar

The problem of hardwater scale is often addressed with salt-based water softeners that remove scale-forming calcium and magnesium ions and replace them with sodium ions. This ion-exchange technology, while the current norm in much of the United States, is not the only way to prevent hard-water scale. Salt-free options, more common in Europe, are readily […]

Join in some community science fun on the water! Ages 10 years and up are welcome at this daytime hands-on science paddle. Experts will guide inquiry-based investigations into salt concentrations. Info here.

Bob Miltner, Ohio EPA, and Kevin Goodwin, Michigan Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, discuss recent research from Great Lakes states into the toxic impacts of road salts on native freshwater species. Their findings suggest that state-level understanding of salts may help better protect vulnerable species. Info here.

Bill Kern, Jefferson County Highway Department, will join us to discuss the use of salt brine in winter maintenance operations. The focus will be on direct liquid application during all three phases of a winter storm event: pre-storm, during the storm, and post-storm. Info here.

When temps drop below 15F salt brine doesn't cut it, but where do you start? Calcium, magnesium, beet juice, proprietary products? 90/10, 80/20? The options for concocting the perfect solution can be overwhelming. Matt Wittum, Highway Superintendent with the Town of Linn, tackles the topic of blending additives into brines and welcomes your input. Info […]

Cory Tietz, Street Superintendent with the City of Eau Claire, will overview Eau Claire's salt reduction strategies, successes, and next steps. When the Streets Department was told that a new section of highway was to receive NO salt, Cory's team went into overdrive. This challenge propelled them to rethink winter maintenance city-wide. They are pushing […]

Free training for winter maintenance professionals who remove snow, apply road salt or maintain snow removal equipment used on roads. Learn how using the right amount of salt can save time, budget and our waters. The training will include: best management practices to keep paved areas safe, benefits of using a liquid salt system, guidance […]

Free, hands-on training for winter maintenance professionals who remove snow, apply road salt or maintain snow removal equipment used on roads. Learn how using the right amount of salt can save time, money and our waters. Participate in small group discussions, equipment open house, and a calibration demonstration. The training will include: best management practices […]

Tony Fietzer, Street Superintendent with the City of De Pere, will overview De Pere's salt reduction strategies, successes, and next steps. Info here.

This class will share how to improve and practice winter maintenance for both high and low-speed roadways including best management practices to keep paved areas safe, benefits of using a liquid salt system, guidance on how to determine the right amount of salt to use, and case studies from local applicators. This class is meant […]

Dave Strifling, J.D. P.E., Director of Marquette University's Water Law and Policy Initiative, will describe a menu of responsive legal and policy options to the problem of chloride pollution. These strategies will include legan protection from slip-and-fall liability, informational strategies to encourage optimal chloride use, green infrastructure and chloride alternative, integrated watershed management, and direct […]