WWE and Area Schools Kick Off Joint Environmental Project

December 9, 2006

Paul Harrison, President of Western Wisconsin Energy (WWE) recently announced the commencement of the Prairie Habitat Reconstruction Project. The project was kicked off this week with the planting of the native grasses on property surrounding the WWE plant.

The reconstruction project is a joint environmental project with the Colfax and Boyceville School Districts. Students from the Boyceville and Colfax schools will study and determine what steps should be taken to restore the area to its original prairie environment. The determining and planting of native grasses is the first of a multi-phased plan to reconstruct the prairie area. The students will work with the Wildlife Division at the Wisconsin DNR, the local Pheasants Forever Chapter and the Dunn County Agricultural Extension Office.

Commenting on the project, Harrison stated, "This will be a unique opportunity for students with an environmental interest to work on redeveloping an area into it's original habitat. The WWE currently holds 120 acres, only 15 of which will be used towards the creation of ethanol. Thus, some of the additional acreage can be used for important educational programs. Adding to the community has always been part of the vision shared by the WWE Board and it's members."

Dennis Geissler, District Administrator for the Colfax Schools commented, "I always appreciate when private industry can work with schools to provide hands-on, meaningful experience. The WWE is truly living up to their promise of being good citizens and good neighbors."

Boyceville District Administrator Dennis Rettke expressed enthusiasm and indicated, "Our school has a history of working with environmental projects, having been involved with the prairie reconstruction project at the airport. This next project will allow students to take their reconstruction research to the next level."

Boyceville had earlier been the recipient of a grant from the Sierra Club to purchase field study kits to monitor the airport project. According to Mr. Rettke, the same kits will again prove useful for monitoring the progress of prairie reconstruction.

The WWE plant is designed to produce up to 40 million gallons of ethanol a year. The plant has been operational since August 28, 2006. The plant currently employs 37 people.