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Local residents Ellen Brooks and Dave Hackett honored
Dave and Ellen
ELLEN BROOKS AND DAVE HACKETT are shown in Halls Branch Creek conducting water quality monitoring. The two have recently been recognized for 20 years of service in volunteer stream monitoring by the UW-Madison Division of Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

GAYS MILLS - The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are pleased to recognize Ellen Brooks and Dave Hackett for 20 years of volunteer stream monitoring with the Water Action Volunteers program.  

Ellen and Dave have been monitoring their stream station on the Halls Branch in Crawford County for two decades, despite flooding, stream course changes, beaver dam interference, massive erosion and other shenanigans thrown at them by Mother Nature. Ellen and Dave have taken the work of citizen science water quality monitoring and made it their own. They take precise measurements, follow the protocol, and consider the entire context of their stream when choosing their access points for the season. They are passionate about water quality issues and excited that the data they collect contributes to stream conservation efforts. They are true role models, bringing science, education and dedication to volunteer stream monitoring.

Established in 1996, the Water Action Volunteers program supports more than 600 citizen water quality monitors across the state of Wisconsin. Extension Coordinator for the program, Peggy Compton, said, “I am humbled by the passion and dedication of the volunteers who collect and share data from their local streams, contributing to a greater understanding and protection of our water resources.” To learn more: https://wateractionvolunteers.org/.