A new manual, "How�s the Water? Planning for Recreational Use on Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers," has been published by the University of Wisconsin-Extension Lakes Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

"One of the top three lake issues in Wisconsin involves recreational use of the state�s and nation�s waterways, said Bob Korth, lake management specialist in the College of Natural Resources. "With an increase in use comes a growing concern with the quality of that watery recreational experience. Recreational use is growing not just in the number of people taking to our lakes and rivers, but also in the variety of ways in which they use them once they get there."

The philosophy of the 306-page manual is to give an accurate account of the facts and a fair representation of the relevant issues and research on water recreation and related activities, according to Korth.

The manual is divided into five chapters: planning, research, law, conflict management, and the history and status of water recreation in Wisconsin. The chapters explore techniques, facts and ideas on a broad list of water recreation issues from tournament fishing and boating to seaplanes and water toys.

The text also provides practical advice, guidance and the insight needed to design a recreational use plan for a lake or river. The book is available for $21.95 at the UWEX Lakes offices at UWSP, 1900 Franklin St., Stevens Point, WI 54481 or uwexlakes@uwsp.edu, at (715) 346-2116, or from the Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL) at (608) 662-0923 or edblume@wisconsinlakes.org.

The manual was created to assist communities in their efforts to ensure safe and enjoyable recreational experiences on Wisconsin waters. It is a tool to assist in the process of building a healthy lake and river ecosystem and a strong lake community.

Call Bob Korth at (715) 346-2192 or Tamara Dudiak at (715) 346-4744 to find out about workshops to be offered on this topic next year.

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