The Black River flows about 200 miles from its headwaters near Medford, Wis., to its mouth in La Crosse where it joins the Mississippi River.  This waterway has long played a major role in the lives and livelihoods of many west-central Wisconsin residents. 

Throughout recorded history, the tea-stained color of the water flowing here has remained unchanged due to an abundance of dissolved organic carbon. The carbon occurs primarily in the form of tannic acids that naturally leach from oak and tamarac forests and sphagnum moss bogs in this watershed.  Native Americans referred to the river as Neosheprah  (‘Dark River’).  Seventeenth century French explorers later gave it the everlasting name La Riviere Noire  (‘The Black River’).  Generations ago, lumberjacks used the river to float huge log rafts of white pine to saw mills as far downstream as Onalaska and La Crosse. In the 20th century, a hydroelectric dam, which still operates in Black River Falls, harnessed and transformed the river’s energy. Today, because of the river’s near pristine condition and accessibility, it is on Wisconsin's list of Land Legacy Places (sites critical to future conservation and recreation.)  

The Friends of the Black River, a watershed-conservation organization, is an active contributor to projects and decisions that enhance the Black River and its watershed.  With more than 100 members, this organization fosters community appreciation, understanding and sustainable uses of the Black River and its watershed. The organization, which began in 2004, hosts educational and enjoyable programs, events and conservation projects.  These activities include annual river cleanups and festivals; guided recreational paddling (canoe and kayak) trips; boating safety; stream monitoring; boat-access improvements; and recreational-fishing opportunities.  It also promotes wise decision-making on the part of public and private officials when environmental issues may affect the health of the Black River Basin.

Not surprisingly, La Cross National Fish and Wildlife Conservation biologist Mark Steingraeber received a warm welcome on June 11 from 15 members of the Friends of Black River. The organization had invited Steingraeber to speak at their montly meeting in Black River Falls.  His mission in ‘preaching to the choir’ that assembled for the evening was to inform these newfound Friends about Asian carps and the menace these fish pose to the Midwest. He also spoke to them about the program Crosse County administers to collect and dispose of unwanted medications in the region. 

Following these presentations, Friends group member and Jackson County Americorps coordinator John Elliot agreed to post Asian-carp identification signs on information kiosks. The Friends group maintains these kiosks at several access points along the Black River.  In addition, Elliot encouraged Jackson County officials to contact their counterparts in La Crosse County to investigate offering services to collect and dispose of unwanted medications from Jackson County residents.  With committed friends and environmental stewards like these, the Black River’s quality and scenic beauty will remain for the enjoyment of many generations to come.