The massive fish kill in our waters this past spring left a lasting impression in the minds of all of us who live on and those who enjoy the Big Eau Pleine.  The sight of hundreds of dead fish washing up on the shore, the stench as the temperature rose, the work it took to clean up, and the fear and anger about how this could happen and what it means will not be forgotten soon.

BEPCO has been working hard with the DNR, WVIC, local and state government to deal with the issues of low water levels and pollution. These problems will take a long time to work out. But what can you and I do to minimize the damage and the numbers of dead fish washing up on our shorelines next spring and the next…?

There is something you and I can do. The 30 year old aerator that has provided a refuge with enough dissolved oxygen for fish to survive the winter is no longer working properly. We must replace the aerator this fall.

The WIVIC Quote for the Cost for this work is $54,000. On Monday August 10,  BEPCO and our local townships received approval from Marathon County for an ATC matching fund grant will cover 1/2 of these costs!  Please note that this grant is not tax payer dollars, see explanation and letter of support from State Senator Russ Decker. 

The BEPCO board believe that BEPCO members and the friends of the Big Eau Pleine can raise the rest of this money through donations to keep the scenes of last spring from being repeated in the near future, and we have begun a campaign to replace the aerator.

A number of our members have told us that they have been eager for something like this and there already is $5,000 pledged. But, we do not have much time. The company that does the work must have it completed by October 31, so we must reach our campaign goal by October 1.

During the month of September, members of BEPCO, your neighbors and friends, will be making brief, friendly visits to deliver information and to ask for your support. Please welcome them and this opportunity to take care of our fish, our shores and all that they mean to us.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the aerator, the Costs and more information it's History on the Big Eau Pleine. 

Act Now!  Print out this Gift Form and mail your donation today!

Thank you for your support!