Capitol Water Trails LTD formed on December 22, 1998.  It is an all volunteer non-profit corporation dedicated to

• -educating citizens in water stewardship
• -clearing waterways for recreational navigation and drainage
• -improving waterways for fisheries and native habitat

CWT coordinates projects with all interested parties -- habitat groups, paddlers, government (state, county and local) and adjacent property owners.

There are currently ten waterways under proposal for recreational navigation within fifteen townships in Dane County. Two waterways are complete and six are under developement:

• Maunesha River Trail to be completed in 2022 with landings

• Wingra Creek Passage in Madison - Completed

• Six Mile Creek to be completed in 2022

• Token Creek - Portage Road to Token Creek County Park 2021

• Koshkonong Creek - 1st section 2021, 2nd 2022, and final 2023

• Upper Sugar River Trail - Completed

CWT is projected within five years to open approximately 83 miles of waterways for the safe enjoyment of the people of Wisconsin.  CWT also trains volunteers and educates the public while soliciting grants and donations for the improvement of Dane County's waterways.

Awards and Grants

2004 Dane County Waters Champion Award awarded to Steve Falter, founder of CWT, by the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission

2004 Kodak American Greenways Award from The Conservation Fund for the Sugar River project

2004-2007 Dane County Conservation League Grant for Maunesha River Project

2008 Dane County Environmental Council Capital Grants Program

2021 Wal-Mart Stores Grant for River signage