Friends of the Baraboo River
The Friends of the Baraboo River is a non-profit organization based in Baraboo, Wisconsin, dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Baraboo River and its watershed. The organization is made up of a group of volunteers who work to protect and improve the natural resources of the Baraboo River ecosystem. Their mission is to promote the appreciation and stewardship of the river through education, outreach, and community involvement. Some of their activities include monitoring water quality and organizing educational events and river cleanups.
Vision
The Friends of the Baraboo River looks to a viable future for the Baraboo River Corridor that includes designation as a national water trail and ADA accessibility.
Mission
To promote efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment within the Baraboo River Corridor.
Goals
Support activities that make the Baraboo River Recreational Corridor an attractive, accessible, and safe destination, and increase its use by residents and visitors for recreation
Support efforts to improve the water quality and fish habitat of the Baraboo River
Assist with developing a system of access points throughout the Baraboo River Recreational Corridor and associated tributaries for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing
Approved by the Friends of the Baraboo River Board of Directors
December 16, 2023
Board:
Joe VanBerkel - President
Rick Eilertson - Vice President
Jeff Seering - Secretary
Elizabeth Hengel - Treasurer
Dennis Plantenberg
Chris Zindorf
Chris Bruni
Dave Murphy
Beverly Vaillancourt
Seth Taft
Richard Kilmer
Baraboo River Corridor Plans
The Phase I: Baraboo River Corridor Plan (BRCP) is a partnership between the Village of North Freedom, Village of West Baraboo, City of Baraboo and Sauk County. This Phase I plan will lay the ground work for future planning efforts and improvements to the Baraboo River Corridor…North Freedom, West Baraboo, Baraboo and Sauk County would like to make the River a focal point in their communities and make it a true regional amenity. Although individual communities and organizations have made improvements to the River corridor, such as the Baraboo Riverwalk and the boat launch at Haskins Park, the communities wish to make a joint effort to improve the corridor moving forward.
April 2016
The Baraboo River Corridor Plan (BRCP) Phase II has come to fruition because of the success and momentum that occurred with Phase I and related projects. The project area for Phase II is the Baraboo River and adjacent properties from the west corporate limit of the Village of North Freedom through the corporate boundary of the City of Elroy and the City of Hillsboro (along the west branch). This includes nine governmental entities and Vernon County (unofficially).The benefits of the development of the entire length of the Baraboo River Corridor are not just county-wide, but regional. The BRCP sets the river up to be recognized regionally and even nationally as a water recreation destination, including not only the water trail itself but the various support facilities and services. The Plan will support collaboration among County, municipal and non- profit entities to maintain the river, develop amenities, and promote the corridor as a Southern Wisconsin destination.
April 2019