Petenwell and Castle Rock Stewards

Officers

Peter Manley
Vice President
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Thirty years ago my wife and I took sailing lessons and learned about the “big waters” of Lake Petenwell. Twenty years ago we bought a lot and built a cabin on Lake Petenwell. Our family and friends have enjoyed boating, fishing, tubing, sailing, skiing and sand castles! I have taken water quality samples through a DNR program for the past 15 years. I recently retired from UW Wood County Extension and now I look forward to serving on the PACRS Board and helping their important efforts.

Scott Bordeau
President
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My wife and I purchased a house on Lake Petenwell in 2008. We have enjoyed making many family memories, boating, hiking and enjoying the outdoors. I have been active in PACRS since 2009. The main reason I joined PACRS was to be involved with improving water quality for my children and grandchildren.

Steve Taylor
Treasurer
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I was an environmental chemist for 35 years in the Fox River Valley. In 2001 my wife and I built our dream log cabin on a lot fronting Castle Rock Lake. Our family and friends from across the country have made many great memories there on the lake. I became aware of PACRS in 2009 with a presentation given by Rick Georgeson, PACRS president, at our annual lake association meeting. With encouragement from lakeside neighbor, Gerry Ganther, I joined PACRS in 2012. My involvement has been educational for me and, hopefully, by lending my voice, PACRS will continue being a force working towards improving water quality.

Colette Camerano
Secretary
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I retired in July 2013 after a long career in sales and relationship management with a national payment processing company. My husband and I have always dreamed of living on a lake when we retired. For years we vacationed in Wisconsin and enjoyed the tranquility that a lake and the wildlife bring. We built our log home in 2006 on Lake Petenwell, a home that could be enjoyed by future generations. We chose this area as it is a short drive from the Chicago suburbs. We are able to spend quality time with family and friends fishing, boating, swimming and telling stories by the campfire at night. We joined PACRS after hearing their presentation at our annual homeowners meeting in 2012. We were impressed by the accomplishments made by a small group of dedicated people that love our lakes. We wanted to be a part of this organization and join their efforts improving the quality of Petenwell and Castle Rock lakes.

Board of Directors

Mark Diedrich
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I always wanted to retire on water so here I am. Since I was a kid I was intrigued with the WI. River. When fishing with my dad on Lac Vieux Desert near Phelps WI. he told me this is where the WI River starts. Just a little creek like Lake Itasca for the Mississippi River. He said, “From here it goes all the way to Prairie du Chien and into the Mississippi.” I thought, “Wow, this is truly Wisconsin’s River”

My wife Karen and I purchased land on Lake Petenwell in 2002 and built in 2006-7. This was to be our retirement home and a home for our kids to visit and enjoy. Karen was able to enjoy it for a few years but she passed away in 2011. As she wanted, I retired here in 2014 as part of our dream and really enjoy it. Being able to be a part of making the water better and preserving the WI. River for my children and future generations is my goal. Being a part of the PACRS, I feel, allows me to do this.

Virgil Miller

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I purchased a lot in Quincy off Castle Rock Lake in 1964 for weekends and summer vacation. In 2004 retired and built a home and moved up here. I joined a number of clean lakes associations then heard about PACRS and started attending their meetings. I was very impressed by the members’ dedication and their volunteering, professional reference staff. Their meetings always are full of ideas and goals to accomplish and their willingness to partner with many other organizations. The lakes were as green as my Irish bead but are improving. There has been much improvement in water quality recently but we have a long way to go. Like many others I’m not doing this for myself but for my children, grandchildren and future generations. I remember an old saying “If you aren’t a part of the solution you may be a part of the problem” I feel it’s better to be on the solution side. This group is not afraid to get wet and dirty to accomplish goals and to be involved on political issues. Folks reading this, there is always room to attend the meetings and join PACRS. I assure you will have a great feeling to be associated with a goal. I am sure you all have great ideas now is the time to put them to use.

Jim Stewart

Read Jim's Bio

I joined the PACRS shortly after purchasing a condo adjacent to Barnum Bay, on Lake Petenwell in 2007. I have been a life long sailor, having grown up on Lake Michigan. Because of my love of sailing my wife and I moved from Chicago to Florida in 1978. My wife’s father grew up in Janesville, and she has always loved Wisconsin. As we approached retirement we sought property in Wisconsin and now spend about six months a year in Wisconsin and the other six months in Florida.

Early after arriving in Wisconsin we experienced some horrible blue green algae – something I liken to split pea soup neglected on the stove for hours. I have pictures of a squirrel which wandered out on the thick algae, ultimately drowning and covered with green yuck. Water quality I think is everyone’s responsibility. I have always appreciated the knowledge, positive planning, goals and the PACRS’ leadership and ability to harness the interests and concerns of the diverse groups who enjoy the waters of Wisconsin. Working with property owners; recreational groups – beach goers, fishers, boaters; farmers; legislators; county officials; point source factories, paper mills, waste water treatment plants; the EPA and DNR, PACRS strives to improve water quality for this and future generations. The rewards for me through participating as a member of the PACRS, and recently joining the board of directors are very satisfying.

Gerry Ganther

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As my family’s heritage began along the Wisconsin River in the early 1880’s, the river has always played a vital role for generations. Although I left the area briefly for military service and work in the Milwaukee area; I returned 43 years ago to Necedah to accept a position with Wisconsin River Power in 1976. For 26 of my 31 years, I served as Regional Supervisor for the Power Company, responsible for 40,000 acres and two hydro-electric plants; namely Petenwell and Castle Rock.

I have observed the cycles of changing water quality that lead to both great concern and interest.

Serving on the PACRS board as charter member and director; the goal for improvement of the ecosystems and reduction of the algae blooms are vital to businesses and recreational enthusiasts alike.

I personally participated in the water testing program for three years, with bi-weekly sampling of designated areas. Residing along the River, there are still some concerns, but I feel optimistic that steps are being taken to improve water quality throughout the State in, on and off the Flowages.

Gerry Ganther

Joe Stuchlak

'Regular People Who Love These Lakes'

Leadership