William Casper was born in Wisconsin and grew up in a rural area near Lake Winnebago. He developed an interest in fishing at a young age, encouraged by his uncles. Casper's career began at Giddings & Lewis, a machine shop in Fond du Lac, where he worked as a machinist and eventually became a maintenance foreman. His passion for fishing, particularly sturgeon spearing, led him to become an advocate for the conservation of the species. Casper was instrumental in founding Sturgeon for Tomorrow in 1977, an organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of sturgeon populations in Lake Winnebago. He held various leadership roles within the organization, including president, and was actively involved in organizing community efforts and educational programs about sturgeon conservation. Throughout his life, Casper collaborated with researchers, government officials, and local communities to advance sturgeon conservation efforts. His contributions were recognized nationally, and he was involved in several significant conservation initiatives and events, including representing Wisconsin's sturgeon conservation efforts at the Smithsonian Institution. William Casper's work has had a lasting impact on the preservation of sturgeon and the ecological health of Lake Winnebago.

Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with William Casper, conducted on April 20, 2007, in Taycheedah, Wisconsin, covers various aspects of his life and contributions to sturgeon conservation. The interview begins with Casper recounting the early formation of Sturgeon for Tomorrow, describing the initial meetings, challenges, and community involvement in establishing the organization. He discusses the methods and strategies employed to engage local fishermen and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in conservation efforts. Casper details significant collaborations, including his interactions with Professor William Ballard from Dartmouth College, who provided crucial knowledge on sturgeon breeding techniques learned from Russian practices. The interview highlights the organization's milestones, such as the first successful hatching of sturgeon eggs and the implementation of conservation practices that are still in use. Casper also shares anecdotes from his experiences promoting sturgeon conservation at national forums, including the Smithsonian Institution and various media engagements. He reflects on the changes in public awareness and attitudes towards sturgeon conservation over the years. The interview provides insights into the grassroots efforts and community mobilization that were essential to the success of Sturgeon for Tomorrow. Casper's narrative is supported by documents and memorabilia he has collected over the years, which he shares with the interviewer. The interview concludes with Casper's reflections on the ongoing challenges and future directions for sturgeon conservation.