OFFICIAL RULES FOR THE I. M. SUSTAINABULL PHOTO/VIDEO CONTEST HOSTED ON I.M. SUSTAINABULL'S FACEBOOK PAGE

• All photos and videos must be original work, taken by the entrant. No third party may own or control any materials the photo or video contains, and the photo/video must not infringe upon the trademark, copyright, moral rights, intellectual rights, or rights of privacy of any entity or person.
• This contest is open only to those who live in the Coulee Region and are not family members of I. M. SustainaBull Board Members.  By participating, you agree to be unconditionally bound by these rules and represent that you meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, you agree to accept the decisions of I. M. SustainaBull as final and binding.
• Entries will be accepted only via the I. M. SustainaBull Facebook page starting at 9 am, Saturday, April 11 and ending at 5 pm, Friday, April 24. One photo or video may be submitted from one Facebook account Saturday, April 11 to Friday, April 24. You may not enter more than once by using multiple Facebook accounts.
• Each photo or video must be in its original state and cannot be altered in any way other than basic color balancing or contrast, including but not limited to removing, adding, reversing, or distorting subjects within the frame.
• No video can be longer than 30 seconds
•  Entries will not be accepted unless submitted via the I. M. SustainaBull Facebook page. Entries not submitted through I. M. SustainaBull Facebook page will not be considered. 
• Entries will be chosen by I. M. SustainaBull via a random drawing. All decisions are final. I. M. SustainaBull reserves the right to disqualify any entry that is deemed inappropriate or does not conform to stated contest rules.
• By entering the contest, entrants agree that photos and videos submitted may be used by I. M. SustainaBull for advertising purposes.
• Submissions will not be accepted after April 24 at 5 p.m.
• Winners will be contacted via message in Facebook. If no response is received from a winner after three business days, a new winner will be selected, and the previous winner will forfeit all rights to the prize. Prizes will be mailed to winners.
• The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law.
• Prizes: Five $50 Downtown Mainstreet. gift cards donated by I.M. SustainaBull
• Odds: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. 

Terms and Conditions: I. M. SustainaBull reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the contest should virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyond I. M. SustainaBull's control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the contest. In such case, I. M. SustainaBull may select the winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by I. M. SustainaBull.

This photo contest is not sponsored by and has no association with Facebook.

PARK INFORMATION AND COVID-19 GUIDELINES

Updated: April 10, 2020 

City of La Crosse Parks and Trails - Effective: April 9, 2020 

Open/Closure Reminders During the Safer At Home Order:

Playgrounds - Closed
Basketball Courts - Closed
Ball Fields - Closed
Skate Park - Closed
Golf Course - Closed
Tennis Courts – Open (see guidelines on our website) 
Dog Parks - Open
Parks - Open (with the exception of Pettibone due to flooding)
Boat Landings - Open (with the exception of Copeland East landings due to flooding)
Trails – All trails are open (with the exception of the Willow, Grand Crossing and Cottonwood Trail in the La Crosse River Marsh and Jedi, Nerfherder and Vader in Upper Hixon.)

Recommendations for trail interactions: Trails users should identify themselves as they encounter other trail users at a safe distance away. On narrow trails user/s may need to identify an area where they can step off the trail to allow for the other user/users to pass at a safe distance.

Hunting Reminder: As we are approaching turkey hunting season we want to make the users of our public lands aware that many of our lands are open to hunting throughout the year. These properties remain open for all users during hunting seasons. For a complete listing of City owned properties open to hunting please visit our website. We encourage everyone using these lands to wear bright fluorescent colors. *All state and federal hunting regulations must be followed. 

According to Governor Evers' Emergency Order #12 - Safer At Home Order. Individuals may leave their home or residence to perform any of the following: Outdoor activity. To engage in outdoor activity, including visiting public and state parks, provided individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements. Such activities include, by way of example and without limitation, walking, biking, hiking, running or hunting. Individuals may not engage in team or contact sports such as by way of example and without limitation, basketball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, or football, as these activities do not comply with Social Distancing Requirements.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic response, the City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department asks the La Crosse community to follow the CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19 pandemic by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups when using open outside park facilities. 

La Crosse County: Currently County Parks are open with the exception of Goose Island.  Location of county parks

Wisconsin State Parks:  Effective April 9, Perrot State Park, which is WITHIN A 50 MILE RADIUS OF LA CROSSE, is open.   

COVID-19 precautions: "You can leave your home or residence for a few essential activities and functions (while keeping a physical distance from others)…including getting fresh air and enjoying outdoor activities like walking, biking, hiking, or running (does not include team or contact sports).”

COVID-19 Facts: Understanding Safer at Home from Wisconsin Department of Health Services 

For further information visit La Crosse County Health Department

Drawdown Eco Challenge!

C/o Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.

139 Main St., Suite 401, Brattleboro, VT 05301

lynn@nerc.org - www.nerc.org - 802-254-3636

National Environmental Leadership Program - the State Electronics Challenge -Recognizes the City of La Crosse as a 2019 Gold Winner

La Crosse, WI – 3/27/2019 – The City of La Crosse received a Gold award for its achievements in the State Electronics Challenge; a comprehensive nationwide environmental sustainability initiative that currently reaches more than 223,000 employees in 39 states. The City was recognized for its accomplishments in green procurement, energy and paper conservation, and responsible recycling of electronic office equipment in 2018.

“La Crosse continues to demonstrate an exemplary commitment to environmental leadership,” commented Lynn Rubinstein, State Electronics Challenge Program Manager. “This is the fourth time that the City has earned a Gold Award.”  She added that “the City is one of only 14 organizations nationally being recognized this year and the only one in Wisconsin.

As a result of these environmental initiatives, in 2018 La Crosse saved enough energy to power 111 homes per year, avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing almost 490,500 cars from the road per year, as well as avoiding the generation of more than 1,260 pounds of hazardous waste.

“The City of La Crosse is proud to be a leader in the area of sustainability, recycling, and environmental protection,” said Jacky Greschner, Director of Information Technology.  “We’re thrilled to again be recognized by the State Electronics Challenge as a Gold Award winner.”


The City has also committed to purchasing computer and imaging equipment that is qualified by the Electronic Procurement Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT®) standard.  EPEAT is an internationally recognized system that identifies office equipment that meets specified environmental performance criteria.  It also uses power management and double-sided printing to decrease energy and paper usage, and ensures that at the end-of-life, equipment is recycled by a third-party certified electronics recycler.  In 2018, that recycler was Dynamic Recycling; certified to both the e-Stewards and R2 Standards.

The State Electronics Challenge offers its participants annual opportunities to document their achievements and receive recognition for those accomplishments.  In 2018, the reported actions of 28 participants in green purchasing of electronic office equipment, power management, and responsible reuse and recycling:
• Prevented the release of almost 13 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. This reduction in greenhouse gases is equivalent to the annual emissions from 2,808,645 passenger cars. 
• Saved enough energy to supply almost 134,000 homes per year
• Avoided the disposal of hazardous waste equivalent to the weight of more than 1,000 refrigerators
• Avoided the disposal of solid waste – garbage – equivalent to the amount generated by more than 835 households/year.

A full list of winners and their environmental accomplishments can be found on the State Electronics Challenge website (www.stateelectronicschallenge.net).

“The State Electronics Challenge provides state, tribal, regional and local agencies, as well as schools, colleges and universities and non-profit organizations with a great opportunity to integrate concepts of sustainability and waste reduction into their operations,” added Ms. Rubinstein.  

“It’s inspiring to see programs such as this one developed and implement by the La Crosse to ensure that the highest environmental practices are met through the lifecycle of office equipment. “

About the State Electronics Challenge
The State Electronics Challenge assists state, regional, tribal, and local governments to reduce the environmental impact of their office equipment.  It annually recognizes the accomplishments of Partner organizations. The Challenge is administered by the Northeast Recycling Council (www.nerc.org). Currently, 169 state, tribal, regional, colleges, schools, universities, and local government agencies, and non-profit organizations, representing more than 223,000 employees, have joined the SEC as Partners.  For more information on the SEC, including a list of current Partner organizations, visit www.stateelectronicschallenge.net.

SLC sets public programs for spring

At its March 21 meeting, the Sustainable La Crosse Commission finalized plans for two public programs to highlight 2019 focus areas.

On Thursday, April 18 the SLC will host a program about about the past, present, and future of energy in sustainable La Crosse, from the 2009 goal of acquiring 25 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2025 to the new goal of 100 percent of energy from renewables by 2050.

On Thursday, May 16, the topic will be Water Quality Trading to address phosphorus pollution along the La Crosse River.

Both programs will begin at 5:30 pm and will be held in the Basement Auditorium of the La Crosse County Administrative Center at 212 6th St N.

Sierra Club - Our Climate Resolutions

On Saturday, January 26, neighbors braved the cold weather to talk about what we want for our climate future. The group discussed current assets and challenges in the community and how to move from where we are now to a future fueled by 100% renewable energy. Read more at the Sierra Club blog.

Areas of focus for 2019

The commission members decided to focus on two broad areas for 2019: energy and water.

As the group moves toward encouraging a move to 100% renewable energy, it will help to revisit the previous 25 by 25 goal, learn how far toward that goal the municipalities are using the annual indicators reports, and consider what preparation will be needed to move to 100% renewables. For example, should building standards be tightened so new and remodeled spaces will be more energy efficient? Should the commission encourage partnerships to ensure sufficient EV Level 2 or fast charging stations along its I-90 corridor and within the area? What other preparation is needed?

La Crosse County lives on water. Our water is fundamental for the health of our people, wildlife, family farms, and businesses. When our water resources are at risk, we all suffer. Recent warnings about contamination of water resources in some parts of La Crosse County, major new required water treatment facilities, competition among users, the decline of state and national water quality enforcement, and other water related issues will be examined during 2019.

The commission plans to host public information and input sessions during the year as it examines these two important issues.

Commission passes motion to move to 100% renewables

At its October 2018 meeting,the commission passed a motion to develop a resolution pledging 100% renewable commitment similar to what the City of Eau Claire has done to include the City of Onalaska, City of La Crosse, and the County of La Crosse.

2017 Sustainability Report

The draft City of La Crosse and La Crosse County Sustainability Indicators 2017 Report is available for viewing. The report assesses our communities' progress toward meeting 2009 Sustainability goals. The report, prepared by Anders Olsen of Sustainability Analytics of La Crosse, Wisconsin, was presented at the April meeting of the Sustainable La Crosse Commission.

2018 Areas of Focus

For 2018, the Sustainable La Crosse Commission has identified two areas of focus: 

(1) working with the La Crosse County Solid Waste Department regarding waste generated by construction/demolition activities and ash tree removal, and

(2) helping to promote increased use of alternative transportation options within/among municipalities in La Crosse County. 

Other creative sustainability opportunities may also exist, for example using methane gas produced by La Crosse's waste water treatment plant as a source of renewable energy to generate electricity.

The Commission also encourages suggestions from those of you reading and studying this material. Other observations, suggestions, and comments are always welcome. 

Please feel free to contact any of the commission members with your thoughts. In addition, you may call (608 785-9768) or email the La Crosse County Sustainability Coordinator, Nick Nichols.

2016 Sustainability Indicators Report

The 2016 City of La Crosse and La Crosse County Sustainability Indicators Report is available here.

The first section of the report covers energy use, vehicle fuel use, carbon emissions, water use, paper use, and green product purchasing for City of La Crosse and La Crosse county facilities, buildings, vehicles, and programs. 

In the report's second session, community wide indicators are discussed including water and land use, solid waste, recycling, public transportation, bike/ped transportation, and socio-economic indicators.

The report was presented an discussed at the September 2017 Sustainable La Crosse Commission meeting and its conclusions will be used in preparing goals for the coming year.