The only gauge on the upper Namekagon River which provides real-time online data about water levels and temperature will be turned off next October unless new funding is secured.

The Leonard’s Bridge gauge is run by U.S. Geological Service, but its annual operating costs of $11,500 must come from other sources. The gauge is used by everyone from anglers and paddlers for planning trips, to scientists and researchers studying the river.

On its website, the Namekagon River Partnership is asking for donations to keep the gauge going. So far, $9,000 has been pledged, leaving the campaign $2,500 short.

Partnership treasurer Scott Peterson said the gauge is “vital to our on-going understanding of the upper river and its cold-water fishery… This is a worthy project for a worthy river.”

To help, please send contributions to:

Namekagon River Partnership
Leonards Gage Fund
PO Box 1349
Hayward, WI  54843