The third annual FresH2O Partner Event brought together faculty and staff from the 13 Universities of Wisconsin to discuss water challenges and workforce development in Wisconsin with current and prospective partners from industry, government agencies, tribal nations, K-12 schools, and nonprofit and advocacy groups.
The event was held at the UW-Madison Pyle Center on Sept. 19, 2025. More than 90 people were registered.
Keynote speakers included
- Mike Friis, Director, Resource Policy Bureau, Wisconsin Department of Administration and President, Coastal States Stewardship Foundation
- Cassie Mordini, Director, Office of Outdoor Recreation, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Friis provided some history behind the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, how it prioritizes public access, and the successful projects the organization has funded. He also encouraged attendees to apply to their annual grant program. Submissions for this year’s request for proposals are due Nov. 3, 2025. More information on their website. Access a PDF of Friis’ presentation.
Mordini shared the importance of water in Wisconsin’s recreation and tourism economy. Surveys indicate water and beaches are a top factor in creating the perfect vacation. Water plays a significant role in how Travel Wisconsin is promoting the state as a recreation destination. Access a PDF of Mordini’s presentation.
Attendees then participated in a facilitated discussion on PFAS research or K-12 outreach, followed by a panel of state legislators who discussed water priorities in Wisconsin. Following the afternoon sessions, participants were invited to Connections & Conversations, a networking event where they could dive into deeper conversations with people whom they met during the breakout sessions.
PFAS Research Around the State
Town of Campbell Supervisor Lee Donahue and UW-Madison Professor Mike Cardiff discussed their partnership and the outreach they have conducted to address the ongoing PFAS crisis in Campbell. Lightning talks from PFAS researchers around the state followed the presentation along with time to network and discuss PFAS research.
View the Campbell/UW-Madison Partnership presentation
View the lightning talk posters
Freshwater Programs for K-12 Educators and Students
Attendees discussed how the new Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin Outreach Network can connect university faculty and staff with K-12 educators and students statewide. The discussion focused on strengthening connections between scientists and educators, expanding program reach and student engagement, and improving tools and tracking to support collaboration and measure outcomes. Led by Liz Sutton, outreach program manager for UW-Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences, the session reviewed current outreach efforts on individual campuses, identified gaps to address, and set a goal to meet in person twice per year. Those who wish to join the Outreach Network contact list should email emsutton@uwm.edu. Access a PDF of the presentation
Wisconsin’s Water Policies and Legislative Priorities
Tressie Kamp, assistant director for the UW-Milwaukee Center for Water Policy, moderated a panel of Wisconsin legislators who discussed water challenges, water policies and legislative priorities in our state. Thank you to our panelists: Former State Sen. Robert Cowles, Rep. Jodi Emerson, State Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin and Rep. Joel Kitchens.
The panelists noted that some of the top issues on the minds of constituents include:
- PFAS contamination
- Agricultural runoff and groundwater contamination
- Harmful algal blooms
- Dam removal
- Data centers and water usage
- Microplastics
- Lead service lines
All the panelists encouraged more communication between legislators and academic researchers. They are interested in seeing freshwater research, particularly students, in action and gathering more real-world case studies that help them understand the impact of issues on communities.
The legislators agreed that water is a bipartisan issue and a number of initiatives moved forward because of bipartisan collaborations, including the Great Lakes Compact and PCB cleanup in the Fox River near Green Bay. They also pointed to the ongoing work of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program as an example of a project that brings people with diverse perspectives together.