Wisconsin Lakes Partnership Privacy Policy

📖 About Extension Lakes

Extension Lakes is based in the College of Natural Resource at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and is dedicated to preserving our Wisconsin legacy of lakes through education, communication, and collaboration. We support over 800 lake associations and lake districts across the state through the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Partnership, working alongside the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Lakes.

🔒 Data Collection Notice

This educational and research service automatically collects limited technical information to support our mission of lake preservation and community outreach.

Information Collected

  • ✓ Location Data: IP addresses and approximate geographic location (city/region level only)
  • ✓ Usage Patterns: API usage patterns for lake data and monitoring services
  • ✓ Technical Information: User agent, referrer, access times

🎓 Educational & Research Purposes

The information we collect supports our educational mission and research efforts in the following ways:

  • 🗺️ Geographic Understanding: Understanding geographic distribution of lake resource interest across Wisconsin
  • 📚 Resource Improvement: Improving educational resources and outreach effectiveness
  • 🔬 Research Support: Supporting research on lake monitoring and citizen engagement
  • ⚡ Technical Enhancement: Enhancing technical services for lake associations and districts
  • 📊 Program Monitoring: Monitoring usage of key programs (Citizen Lake Monitoring Network and Clean Boats, Clean Waters)

🤝 Partnership Context

This service operates within the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Partnership framework. This Partnership joins science, education, and citizens to empower people to work together to care for our water resources. Since its genesis in the early 1970s, the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership has been recognized as a national model of collaboration. The Partnership has three core partners: the Department of Natural Resources (which supplies scientific research, technical expertise and regulatory authority), the Extension Lakes Program (which provides supporting educational materials and programs), and Wisconsin Lakes (which mobilizes citizens to be advocates for lakes). This partnership is a statewide, multi-faceted effort that reaches far beyond the core groups to include regional, county, tribal, non-profit, and federal partners. Our goal is to continue to protect and preserve our shared water legacy and support those meeting the challenges that come with the management and stewardship of Wisconsin's lakes.

🛡️ Data Stewardship

Information is handled in accordance with University of Wisconsin Extension policies and educational research standards. Location data is approximate only (derived from publicly available IP geolocation) and supports our mission to understand and serve Wisconsin's lake communities.

📞 Contact Information

Extension Lakes Program

Supporting Wisconsin's lake legacy through education, communication, and collaboration.