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Allen Bauman receives 2005 Adult Volunteer WI Stream Monitoring Award for work on Heisner Farm

March 23, 2005--Throughout the state, volunteers monitor the health of their hometown streams and rivers. Monitoring is a fun way to enjoy the ourdoors, and the information collected helps local citizens understand how land uses affect water resources. It also contributes to scientific research and benefits local stewardship initiatives.

The Stream Monitoring Awards Program promotes awareness and participation in volunteer stream monitoring work in the state. The program recognizes individuals and groups for participation in stream monitoring, collecting stream data and sharing their knowledge.

Sponsors of the award include the Water Action Volunteers Program, University of Wisconsin Extension, and Wisconsin DNR. Winners receive an engraved plaque and a certificate signed by the Secretary of DNR.

Allen Bauman is the 2005 winner of the Adult Volunteer Award. Bauman is a retired high school science teacher in the Mineral Point school system. For many years he worked with his students to monitor water quality in area streams. Though retired, he continues his activities and interest in water quality as a Trained Local Sampler for the Discovery Farms Program. Since October 2002, he has visited the Heisner Farm every other week to monitor 3-7 sites on each visit. He monitors 10 parameters in the field and collects samples for laboratory analysis on a quarterly basis.

He also coordinates his efforts with the Mineral Point High School, regularly bringing classes and individuals to the farm to learn about and assist with the monitoring. He organized a presentation to the Mineral Point Kiwannis Club about the Heisner's Discovery Farm and regularly interacts with the Heisners about the water quality on their farm. According to Discovery Farms Program co-director, Dennis Frame, "the sampling provided by Allen has provided not only early water quality information (in the life of the program), but also valuable information on the stream biology."

Allen Bauman was nominated for this award by Kevan Klingberg of UW-Discovery Farms for his exemplary work with the Heisner Farm. Allen will be presented with the award on April 29, 2005 at a conference in Green Bay. Congratulations Allen!

Pictures of Allen receiving his award!