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Official Site of the Government of Stevens Point, Wisconsin
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Center for Land Use Education partners with the
City of
Stevens Point to hire Sustainability Coordinator
January 19, 2010
The Center for Land Use Education (CLUE), a joint
venture between the College of Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point and University Extension, recently hired Joe
Kottwitz as an LTE Sustainability Coordinator until the end of June. The position was created to assist sustainability
efforts in the City of Stevens Point and Central Wisconsin.
Stevens Point, an Eco-Municipality since June 2008, is continuing to move forward with sustainability efforts including
energy efficient lighting upgrades at the K.B. Willett Ice Arena and streets garage, solar hot water panels on
the fire station, and has recently been looking into energy efficient and cost saving LED lighting upgrades for
city street lights. Mayor Andrew Halverson is aiding these efforts by re-establishing the Sustainability Advisory
Commission which will be responsible for advancing sustainability initiatives within the City. The Sustainability
Coordinator will staff the commission and advance the projects the committee may pursue; projects such as a City
energy baseline/plan as well as a renewable energy and efficiency loan program that could offer financing to residents
for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades, as well as working with the Wastewater Department on the construction
of a Methane Electric Generator which is intended to take the Wastewater Treatment Plant off the grid and sell
green energy back to WPS.
Mayor Halverson noted, "This partnership will
allow the City to reach for sustainability goals that were once unattainable with the staffing levels experienced
by the City. These initiatives will directly fit two priorities of the City and my administration: 1. saving taxpayer
dollars, and 2. attaining reduced use of non-renewable resources at the same time."
The Sustainability Coordinator will also work with the newly formed Central Wisconsin Sustainability Alliance,
a group developed to improve communication and networking of sustainability organizations in Central Wisconsin.
Lynn Markham, Land Use Specialist at the Center for Land Use Education said "a lot of sustainability projects
are being worked on by organizations across Central Wisconsin; we now need to build connections and network these
organizations." Lynn also noted, "it is great to have someone in a full time position to help make this
happen."
The Sustainability Coordinator position may continue working past the end of June depending on funding available
through the Center for Land Use Education, the Office of Energy Independence, and the City of Stevens Point.
Any questions or suggestions related to sustainability in Central Wisconsin may be directed to Joe Kottwitz at
(715) 346-1556.
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