Fred Binkowski from the Great Lakes WATER Institute gave an informational presentation of the research study being conducted with the Institute and Growing Power with perch fingerlings. He said the pretest with 800 adult perch was encouraging and somewhat successful. The process of bringing 10,000 or more fingerlings from the Institute to Growing Power’s raceway as a second test will be videotaped. This will be done in about two weeks. The main aspects to be watched during the test will be 1) mortality, 2) growth, 3) water chemistry (the most important element which may need tweaking), and 4) cost. According to Will, the plants to be used are the wild card in this study: which plant will be the most effective in taking up the nitrates and which is the best filter plant. Watercress is possibly the most effective because it is fast growing and has a tremendous root system. There are also questions about the worm castings leaching into the system. This study will determine whether or not the worms are beneficial. A veterinarian will do testing on the health of the fish because a paper trail is needed to document the process.
Discussion and Questions about Study
Maria asked where other systems might be located around Milwaukee. Growing Power could be the central location and have satellite locations possibly operated by other community groups. Leon will get in touch with a variety of ethnic groups with interest in fish and possibly place articles in ethnic newspapers.
Will wants to conduct hands-on training classes at Growing Power and bring in visitors to view the study, especially foundations. Leon suggested including Growing Power tour sign-ups being added to UAC’s website.
Jon asked what happens if there is too much ammonia in the system—is there a strategy to correct this problem. Fred said the fish may need to be removed or the system flushed. Will mentioned that a rain water collection system is being added at Growing Power.
There was a discussion about what the fish will be fed. Will said there will be a separate system for some of the fish. A commercial fish food diet will be used first.
Ron Taylor of Lighton Productions
Ron will be filming the process of moving the fish from the WATER Institute to Growing Power. The film will be available through UAC’s website and Podcasts. The PR Committee will now need to consider video production in addition to other media outlets. Will said the documentary, “Food Fight” is finished. It will be broadcast on the Science Channel. Growing Power and the Urban Ecology Center have trailers for it.
Public Relations Committee Report
Jenelle reported that the committee has been busy working on a number of PR items.
Jon’s article, “Local Food…Local Fish! Milwaukee Urban Fish Production”, appeared in Riverwest Currents. Jon asked a question during the Fourth Street Forum program about urban aquaculture. The program was broadcast in conjunction with the urban agriculture conference at the end of February.
Grants and Fundraising
Maria has been in touch with Gwen Moore’s office regarding UAC’s recent earmark grant request. So far the grant has been accepted as it was written, but UAC will not know the results until January 2009. Maria also finished an earmark request for Senator Kohl’s office. Senator Kohl is on the US Agriculture Committee. Will mentioned that he receives grant money from Senator Kohl. Fred encouraged in-person visits to the representatives’ offices in D.C. to talk with their staffers directly.
Additional PR Discussion
Jenelle needed to leave so Leon continued a discussion of what has been happening with other public relations efforts. Thanks to Allen Washatko for the three panel backdrop for the urban ag conference and to Fred Binkowski for the fish tank used at the conference. There was very positive response expressed about UAC’s exhibit at the ag conference at the recent MUAN meeting at Timbuktu. The partners for construction and technology — C. G. Schmidt, Sigma Environmental, and Kubala Washatko—and the partners for operation — Growing Power, Great Lakes WATER Institute, and Paradigm Shift—will continue to be promoted by UAC. Leon and Jon will give a two-minute presentation at Timbuktu on March 17. OnMilwaukee.com wants to do a special about UAC on their website. Jon and Leon will be attending a USDA conference in Kansas City in the middle of April. Articles in other publications are also in the works. Leon would like input from the board on the names of other publications for articles. In addition, Growing Power will be having a growing food and justice initiative program in September.
Other Business
UAC needs to form a separate finance committee to work on a budget.
Other guests were introduced: Fintan Dooley, a Milwaukee attorney, who has long had an interest in fisheries; Bryce Ruddock who has a home fish pond with 450 gallons and is interested in sustainable food production systems at the home level; and Jay Salinas, farmer, educator, artist and co-director of Growing Power.
The next meeting will be April 23 at 5:00p.m. at the Great Lakes WATER Institute.
Board Members Present: Jon Bales, Leon Todd, Jenelle Elder-Green, Mike Hoyng, Will Allen, Tim Vargo, Maria Karpfinger.
Others: Allen Washatko, Fred Binkowski, Anne Bales, Bryce Ruddock, Fintan Dooley, Jay Salinas, Ron Taylor.
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