Since its founding in 2010, the Friends of the Central Sands (FOCS) has been working hard to ensure natural resource stewardship throughout Wisconsin’s Central Sands Region. Notably, FOCS was instrumental in the fight to preserve our ground water for future generations setting the foundation for legal actions that were affirmed by Wisconsin’s Supreme Court in the fall of 2021. It is time to reflect on all that we have accomplished and to determine the best way to continue to protect our waters . As a result, we are thrilled to announce that we are moving the organization to Wisconsin Lakes. While this means that FOCS will no longer exist as a standalone organization, our efforts and support will live on through Wisconsin Lakes. As a large statewide organization Wisconsin Lakes is in an excellent position to continue our work and be an active and visible champion for our water. Our confidence comes from a many year relationship with them, standing shoulder to shoulder on issues. We urge all of our supporters to join us in becoming a member of Wisconsin Lakes and actively engage in their work to carry on what we have started. Check out @WisconsinLakes But FOCS isn’t done yet! It has been over 10 years of hard work but you have helped to make a real difference. Thank you for all of your support. We would also like to publicly thank George Kraft of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (UWSP) for his lifelong passion and research which supported much of our efforts in our legal fight. To create a long lasting impact we are excited to announce the creation of the Friends of the Central Sands – George J Kraft Legacy Scholarship at the UWSP College of Natural Resources the purpose of which is to provide one or more annual scholarships recognizing students committed to the conservation of water natural resources while creating a legacy for all that we have accomplished, supporting students who have a desire to work professionally in the world of water protection and environmental sustainability. We could not have done all of this without you, our supporters. You stepped up to engage in community conversations, advocacy, fund raising, contacting our legislators and supporting our legal battles in court. It is because of you that we have made a huge impact for generations to come. A heartfelt thank you to all as we look toward the future and joining the Wisconsin Lakes family... and thank you to all of the wonderful friends we met along this journey!
