Wisconsin valley improvement Review

About Wisconsin valley improvement

Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company: Maintaining a Sustainable Water Resource

Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company (WVIC) is a non-profit organization that has been operating the Wisconsin River Reservoir System since 1951. The company's mission is to maintain a uniform flow and reasonable balance among the benefits that the water resource provides. WVIC operates 21 reservoirs, 22 dams, and over 200 miles of river channel in central Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin River Reservoir System was created in response to devastating floods that occurred in the early 20th century. The system was designed to control flooding, generate hydroelectric power, provide recreational opportunities, and support navigation on the river. Today, WVIC continues to operate and maintain this vital resource for future generations.

WVIC's primary responsibility is flood control. The company monitors weather patterns and water levels throughout the year to ensure that reservoirs are at appropriate levels before spring runoff occurs. During periods of high water flow, WVIC releases water from upstream reservoirs to prevent downstream flooding.

In addition to flood control, WVIC also generates hydroelectric power through its dams. The company sells this electricity to local utilities for distribution throughout central Wisconsin. This renewable energy source helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels while providing reliable electricity for homes and businesses.

Recreation is another important benefit provided by the Wisconsin River Reservoir System. WVIC maintains several parks along the river where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, camping, hiking trails or simply relaxing by the water's edge.

Navigation on the river is also supported by WVIC through its maintenance of navigational channels between dams along with other infrastructure such as locks which allow boats passage around dams.

WVIC works closely with federal agencies such as US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) as well as state agencies like Department of Natural Resources (DNR) & Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that the Wisconsin River Reservoir System is operated in a sustainable manner.

WVIC's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its operations. The company also supports research and education initiatives related to water resource management. WVIC has partnered with universities and other organizations to conduct studies on topics such as water quality, aquatic ecology, and climate change.

In conclusion, Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company plays a vital role in maintaining the Wisconsin River Reservoir System for flood control, hydroelectric power generation, recreation opportunities, navigation support while ensuring sustainability of this important natural resource. With over 70 years of experience operating this system, WVIC is committed to providing reliable service for generations to come.