Groundwater expert Byron Shaw to retire

A water quality expert, who has led regional and state efforts for improved groundwater monitoring and protection, will retire at the end of June from a 32-year career at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Byron Shaw, a College of Natural Resources (CNR) faculty member, has been called the Rachel Carson of Central Wisconsin for his work and advocacy on behalf of clean ground and surface waters. He has directed the Environmental Task Force (ETF) Program since its inception in 1973, as well as serving as a UW-Extension water quality specialist since 1977. Data collected through the ETF, which provides education, research and public service programs, has been instrumental to policymakers at the local, state and national levels.

Shaw was one of the first in the nation to prove the presence of pesticides in groundwater. This discovery led to the passage of Wisconsin’s 1984 groundwater law, a model piece of conservation legislation for both the state and the nation. Throughout much of his tenure, Shaw has been the driving force for increased public awareness of the short and long-term vitality of groundwater in Central Wisconsin and other regions of the state. His studies also have included farm animal runoff, phosphates and acid rain.

Upon his retirement, Shaw will not go quietly into the sunset. He is likely to continue some professional involvement in water quality and other natural resource issues. In addition, he and his wife, Margaret, are planning a trip to Alaska sometime next year. Of course, he will continue his many outdoor pursuits including fishing, hunting and time spent with his dogs and in his woodworking shop. A longtime woodcarver, Shaw will complete a few more cedar canoes, paddles and other woodcarving projects.

"I’ve had a great career and worked with many fine colleagues along the way," said Shaw. "My main frustration is that the very groundwater issues I’ve worked on these many years remain at risk. The good news is that there are others entering this struggle and that the public is increasingly aware of the need for protecting lakes, streams and groundwater."

In 1996 he received recognition from the Portage County Citizens Advisory Committee for his work to protect groundwater. Last year Shaw received the Environmental Education Award from the Wisconsin Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and a Resolution of Appreciation from the Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council. Recently he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Water Resources Association.

His colleagues and friends have initiated a scholarship in Shaw’s honor. The Byron Shaw Water Resources Scholarship will recognize excellence by assisting an ETF student employee or volunteer who wishes to complete studies at the university. The goal of the fund is to raise $10,000 for this endowment. Contributions can be made to the UWSP Foundation.

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