This presentation discusses frac sand mining in western Wisconsin. It defines frac sand as highly rounded quartz sand used in hydraulic fracturing to hold open fractures and allow oil/gas to flow out. The best frac sand is nearly pure quartz. It is located in the Jordan and Wonewoc Sandstone formations in La Crosse County. Frac sand is mixed with water and chemicals and pumped into oil/gas wells under high pressure to fracture formations and increase production. The main markets are in the Bakken shale region of North Dakota. Potential issues with mining include groundwater use, dust, traffic, and reclamation. With proper regulation and practices, these issues can be addressed while allowing the important industry to continue.