April 17, 2007
Wisconsin inland fishing season opens May 5
Hearings set on proposal to control mercury emissions
Switching to compact fluorescents can reduce greenhouse gases
Wisconsin wolf population continues to increase
Wolves kill bird dog in Lincoln County
Wastewater facility laboratories receive awards
6,000 spring turkey hunting permits still available
[EDITOR’S ADVISORY: Results from the 2007 Department of Natural Resources Spring Fisheries and Wildlife Rules Hearing and annual Wisconsin Conservation Congress county meetings are currently being compiled. The department will issue a new release after the results are posted on the DNR Web site.]
Wisconsin inland fishing season opens May 5
Despite rollercoaster spring weather many game fish should have completed spawning
MADISON – Spring’s rollercoaster weather has been sending Wisconsin fish mixed signals, but it’s clear that the May 5 opening day of the regular inland fishing season should be another great time on the water, the state’s top fisheries official says.
“There’s a tradition to opening day that you just can’t beat, even though you can find great fishing at any time of the year in Wisconsin,” says Mike Staggs, Wisconsin’s fisheries director. “Opening day is as much about being with friends and families and their traditions as it is about catching fish. This year’s a good year to take someone fishing who’s never been, or who hasn’t been fishing for a long time.”
Staggs, who was introduced to fishing by his father and grandfather when he was two, now continues the tradition by taking family and friends out on the water, particularly waters near his home by Poynette.
More than 1.4 million people 16 and older are expected to buy fishing licenses this year in Wisconsin.
Anglers venturing out on opening day will find lots of fish, based on the fish population reports that biologists filed for individual waters in the 2007 Wisconsin Fishing Report. [link to:
http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/pages/fishingreport/]
Whether those fish bite depends a lot on weather conditions and water temperatures, but now that many game species have finished spawning, or will have, by the fishing opener, anglers are likely to find hungry fish ready to strike. Fish don’t feed much when they’re spawning – they’re paying attention to other biological needs, like the need to reproduce – and after that’s done, they’re ready to strap on the feedbag.
Here’s how field fisheries supervisors are seeing the season opener shape up in their regions:
Northeastern Wisconsin
For our region, the walleye spawning will be done by the opener. All the ice is out already from the lakes. Probably some of lakes to the north are peaking in walleye spawning right now. The fish are not going to be sitting up in the shallows in vulnerable areas but back to their normal habits and should be feeding readily. It’s an excellent walleye population in the Winnebago system -- good numbers of fish and good sizes. The Marinette area is also good for walleye around the spring opener. Fish the lower Menominee River or Green Bay on the west shore. Trout streams are going to be full of water, not overflowing but good water flows. We have excellent streams and a lot of public frontage on them. Great fishing opportunities there. Lake Michigan has a real good season for near-shore fisheries. It tends to slow down in May before picking up again in June. The perch fishery opens later in May in Green Bay. It should just be an excellent season – the entire season. – George Boronow, regional fisheries supervisor, Green Bay
Northern Wisconsin
Spring made an attempt to come early in the north but failed. We had ice off of some of the smaller lakes on April 1 (April Fool's prank). Then it got cold and they all froze over again. Fisheries crews in the north just began setting fyke nets for walleyes over the last few days (April 13). Some of the larger lakes still have plenty of ice in them. Still, this is now a more normal spring for this part of the state. It is likely that walleye will have completed spawning on all but a few of the largest, deepest lakes by the fishing opener. Timing should be good for a decent post-spawn bite at that time. If things progress as they are right now, water temperatures on the opener are likely to be fairly cold which will slow down the fishing for bass. Remember that if you do catch bass it is catch and release only at this time of year in the northern zone. If you can't find the walleyes, it is a good bet that panfish, particularly crappies, will be found in the shallower, muddy bottomed bays, especially on the bigger waters. Then too, northern pike can often make your day as they are generally willing biters and we saw some fairly strong year classes across the region in the lakes that hold pike a number of years back. These fish are pretty good size right now and provide a good angling opportunity. - Steve Avelallemant, regional fisheries supervisor, Rhinelander
South Central Wisconsin
Musky, walleyes, and pike will be done spawning by the opener. Depending on what water temperatures do, anglers could find walleyes at night in the shallows, associated with the spawning areas, and mostly males. Females will be in deeper water. If you’re fishing for muskies, start off with smaller baits. Tendency is to go with big baits, but water temperatures are still cool for fish. Have a small crank bait or jerk bait you’re working. They will be over the top of emerging weeds so try and find new weed growth. Pike will be associated with new weeds. Bass will be looking for warm water temperatures. Panfish are already in shallow water, and even during the cold weather they were hitting pretty well for people in Madison. People ought to enjoy really good bluegill fishing. We’ve got strong populations. Trout anglers should look for cover on outside bends, deep holes or timber in the water. The weeds haven’t developed much so you’re looking for that cover. Crappies will be coming in. They will spawn early in the season, depending on water temp. – Scot Stewart, regional fisheries supervisor, Fitchburg
Southeastern Wisconsin
Water temperatures that had been in the upper 50s have slipped back to the upper 40s. For opening day anglers, this means walleyes on our deeper, cooler lakes like Big Cedar, Geneva, Pine and Delavan may still be spawning; something that does not happen very often this far south. Largemouth bass fishing will probably be pretty slow and confined to natural bait or slow-moving natural bait imitations like plastic worms. Look for the best bass fishing under any sunny skies even if it’s at high noon. Also, try any shallow bays and inlets on the north side of the lake where sunlight has the most warming penetration. Channels should be good for bass on some lakes. Don’t forget about stocked trout lakes. Old favorites like Lower Genesee, Lower Nashotah, Ottawa, Fowler, Waubesee and Beulah lakes will be stocked with full quotas and should provide excellent fishing for browns and rainbows. Northern pike will be well past spawning and should be very active in all our lakes. Cool water temperatures and lesser amounts of growing vegetation should make it easy for foraging pike to see just about any bait offering. I suspect a lot of northerns are going to be caught on opening day. Muskies may also still be spawning, which could inhibit fishing for them a bit. Small baits fished slowly might be the best for early season muskies in this area. Good luck and enjoy your day on the water! - Randy Schumacher, regional fish supervisor, Milwaukee
West Central Wisconsin
With warmer weather, fishing should start picking up. Northern pike have completed spawning and will be feeding heavily by the Opener. Walleye anglers should also enjoy success as walleyes are finished spawning and beginning to feed. Larger females will be located on or near shallow flats, while males are generally in the deeper water. Afternoon is usually the best as water temperatures rise. Panfish anglers should look for shallow bays out of the wind. There, they will find bluegill, crappie and perch waiting for a worm or minnow. Trout anglers could face tough conditions with extremely clear water making trout spooky. Anglers will have to use the stealth approach when stalking the wily brook and brown trout. However, a little rain and minor run-off will definitely improve angler’s chances of catching the big one. – Bob Hujik, fisheries supervisor, Eau Claire
Mississippi River
Fishing conditions are changing daily. The water level crested April 6. A steady recession of discharge through the dam has since dropped water levels about two-tenths of a foot per day. Within the last week, water temperatures have been on the rise. On April 16, the main channel was 47 degrees. With warmer weather predicted, main channel water temperatures in the low 50s are not far away. Backwater areas will quickly warm to the low 60s. A typical spring brings conditions that constantly challenge anglers -- and this spring has done just that. Recent reports have anglers catching good numbers of walleye below Lock and Dam 4, 5, 7, and 8. Many anglers are reporting that this spring has been the year to catch big walleye, with many 10-plus pound fish being caught. Spring can be a very productive time to catch walleye and sauger. Anglers are taking nice some nice fish trolling and hand lining in 12-18 ft of water along the main channel borders of the Mississippi River. Hot lures include bright colored minnow type crank baits with rattles, bounced along the bottom. Fishing for other species is also picking up. The first bass fishing tournament occurred recently with a top weight of more than 20 pounds for six smallmouths for a two-person team. The largest fish of the tournament was a smallmouth that tipped the scales at 5 pounds, 9 ounces. Decent shore fishing for bluegill, crappie and perch has also occurred. Fishing for panfish will only improve with a dropping water level and warmer water temperatures. – Ron Benjamin – fisheries supervisor, La Crosse
Season dates and regulations
The hook-and-line game fish season opens May 5 on inland waters for walleye, sauger, and northern pike statewide. The largemouth and smallmouth bass southern zone opens May 5, while the northern bass zone opens for catch and release only from May 5 through June 15. From June 16 to March 2, 2007, there’s a minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily bag limit of five fish in total. The northern zone is the area north of highways 77, 64 and 29.
The musky season opens May 5 in the southern zone and May 26 in the northern zone, with Highway 10 the dividing line.
The seasons for rock, yellow and white bass, panfish, bullheads and rough fish, catfish, cisco and whitefish are open all year. Check the 2007-2008 Guide To Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations [link to
http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/regulations/2007/hookline.html] for special regulations listed by county, for regulations on the Great Lakes and boundary waters, and for tributary streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan.
The complete guide is available at DNR offices and license agents and can be found on DNR's Web site,
http://dnr.wi.gov, then click on “fishing” and then “regulations.”
Fishing licenses
Wisconsin residents and nonresidents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Residents born before Jan. 1, 1927 do not need a license, nor do people who exhibit proof they are in active service with the U.S. armed forces and are a resident on furlough or leave.
People can buy licenses in three quick and convenient ways:
• Call toll free at 1-877-945-4236
• Go online to
www.wildlifelicense.com/wi • Visit any license agent location or DNR service center
Fishing by the numbers
• 1.4 million licensed anglers
• 22 million annual fishing days #2 ranked fishing destination
• 69 million fish caught a year including:
o 25.7 million bluegill
o 8.7 million yellow perch
o 8.2 million bass
o 7.8 million crappie
o 7.5 million walleye
o 3.7 million northern pike
• 11 million fingerlings and yearlings stocked a year
• $1.2 billion in retail sales
• $2.3 billion economic activity
• $90 million in state tax revenues
• 26,000 jobs
• 15,081 lakes, 44,000 river miles
• 10,265 miles of trout streams
• 4,037 miles of Class I trout streams
Hearings set on proposal to control mercury emissions
MADISON -- The public will have an opportunity to review and comment on a proposal aimed at reducing the amount of mercury that coal-fired electrical generating units emit in Wisconsin at a series of public hearings in May.
“Controlling mercury emissions is vital in protecting Wisconsin’s environment and public health,” said Al Shea, administrator of the Department of Natural Resources Air and Waste Division. “The public has already been vocal on this issue, and we are looking forward to having additional input.”
The DNR has proposed revisions to NR 446, which requires each utility with coal-fired electrical generating units affected by the federal Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) to meet an annual mercury emission cap. There are currently 48 such units in Wisconsin, operated by eight utilities in Wisconsin. The proposed changes would allow the department to implement the CAMR in Wisconsin.
At the March 2007 Natural Resources Board meeting, DNR staff proposed the following changes to the state’s mercury rules:
• Require that the state rule be consistent with CAMR standards.
• Compliance with the CAMR would require each Wisconsin utility with affected coal-fired power plants to meet an annual mercury emission cap without participating in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s national trading program.
• Adopt rules by June 10, 2010 aimed at a 90 percent mercury reduction at all coal-fired power plants. Incentives will also be developed to encourage early achievement of the 90 percent reduction. Gov. Jim Doyle directed the agency to reach a 90 percent reduction by 2020.
In addition to authorizing hearings on NR 446, the board also requested that the agency offer additional options for reducing mercury, which include:
• Reducing mercury emissions by 90 to 95 percent by Jan. 1, 2012, from all coal burning electrical generating units in the state as requested in a January 2007 Citizen Petition to the department [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/pdf/mercurycitizenpetition.pdf].
• Participating in EPA’s optional national mercury allowance trading and banking program to achieve the reductions required in the federal Clean Air Mercury rule.
• Participating in EPA’s national allowance trading and banking program that would sunset on Jan. 1, 2015, which would allow Wisconsin utilities to participate for five years in the national trading and banking program from the inception of the first reduction phase of the CAMR (Jan. 1, 2010).
The public hearings on revisions to NR 446 will take place:
• May 15, Green Bay - Green Bay State Office Building, Room 152-A, 200 N. Jefferson St.
• May 17, Stevens Point - Portage County Annex Building, Conference Room 2, 1462 Strongs Ave.
• May 22, Eau Claire - DNR Office Building, Front Conference Room, 1300 W. Clairemont Ave.
• May 23, Madison - Room 041 (Department of Public Instruction’s room in GEF III), 125 S. Webster St.
• May 24 Milwaukee - DNR Southeast Regional Headquarters, Room 141, 2300 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Heinrich, Bureau of Air Management Environmental Analysis Section Chief - (608) 267-7547
Switching to compact fluorescent lights can reduce greenhouse gases
MADISON – Wisconsin consumers can take a simple and easy step to reduce their personal contributions to global warming by switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).
“National studies show that compact fluorescent lights use two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer,” says Suzanne Bangert, director of the Department of Natural Resources Waste and Materials Management program.
Bangert notes that in addition to energy savings, switching to compact fluorescent lights can save money and be more convenient.
“Replacing a 60-watt incandescent with a 13-watt CFL can save you at least $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. Because they last longer they help homeowners avoid the hassle of changing bulbs and, since they generate 70 percent less heat, they are safer to operate and save on cooling bills,” Bangert says.
While there is concern about the mercury -- a contaminant and poses a threat to human health and the environment -- contained in CFLs, Bangert says that overall they are a better choice for the health of the environment.
“There is a trade-off,” Bangert says, “but the benefits are clear. By switching to CFLs we use less energy, resulting in a net reduction in mercury emissions. Each CFL can prevent more than 450 pounds of emissions from a power plant over the lifetime of the bulb while the mercury in a CFL is contained and can be safely recycled.”
Bangert said CFLs from businesses and, ideally, households should be treated as hazardous waste once they reach the end of their long life. For households, Bangert advises people check to see if local stores have a take back programs for CFLs. People can check the Energy Star Web site [http://www.energystar.gov/] for stores that take back CFLs or Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy Program’s Web site for product/service provider information [http://www.focusonenergy.com/].
If no local stores are part of the program, people can take used CFLs to local hazardous waste collection site or to a Clean Sweep program. If the bulb is broken, place the entire contents in a sealable plastic bag. If there are no other options, the sealed bag can go into the garbage.” For information about Clean sweep go to:
http://datcp.state.wi.us/arm/agriculture/pest-fert/pesticides/clean-sweep/index.jsp. For information about companies that recycle fluorescent bulbs go to: [http://www.dnr.wi.gov/markets/].
Bangert also said there is confusion about the green-tipped ‘green’ CFLs. “The CFLs that have a green band near the base are a good step in the right direction. They’re made with less mercury but mercury is still present. These bulbs should be treated the same way as the other CFLs,” she said.
“It’s clear that the positives strongly outweigh the negatives when it comes to switching to CFLs, said Bangert. “This is a simple and effective step that everyone in Wisconsin can take.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Bangert - (608) 266-0014
Wisconsin wolf population continues to increase
PARK FALLS, Wis. – The population of gray wolves in Wisconsin has increased to between 540 and 600 animals, according to a preliminary estimate compiled by the state’s wolf population monitoring team. The estimate is based on aerial surveys tracking packs with radio-collared wolves, on snow track surveys by Department of Natural Resources trackers and volunteers, and through wolf observations by the general public.
This estimate is for the number of wolves living in Wisconsin in late winter, and does not include any wolf pups that will be born this spring. The wolf count won’t be official for several weeks after careful study of all the reports.
Biologists estimated the wolf population was between 465 and 502 animals over the 2005-2006 winter.
The preliminary numbers put the wolf population at from 539 to 590 outside Native American reservations with an additional nine wolves living on reservations. The Department of Natural Resources consults with Native American biologists in managing wolves on Native American lands.
This is the first wolf population estimate taken since the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service removed wolves in Wisconsin from the federal endangered species list. Wolves are now managed by the Department of Natural Resources as a protected species.
The State of Wisconsin and the U. S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services now can use lethal control where chronic wolf depredation occurs. They can also now utilize proactive controls to reduce wolf populations in areas where wolves may become a chronic problem.
In addition, a landowner now can kill a wolf that is in the act of attacking domestic livestock on the landowners property, and are required to call the local conservation warden within 24 hours.
Wolves were listed as a state endangered species in 1975, when wolves from Minnesota began to move back into Wisconsin, after having been absent from the state for 15 years. The wolf population increased steadily through the 1980s and 1990s and wolves were reclassified as a state threatened species in Wisconsin in 1999. In August 2004 they were removed from the state list of threatened and endangered wildlife and listed as protected wild animals.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrian Wydeven - (715) 762-1363
Wolves kill bird dog in Lincoln County
MADISON – Wolves attacked and killed a bird hunting dog April 7 in an area about nine miles west-south-west of Tomahawk in the Harrison Hills near the Otter Lake Campground in Lincoln County. The dog was one of four its owner was exercising in the area.
The depredation was verified by investigators of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services section.
A wolf pack has resided in the Harrison Hills area in recent years, according to Adrian Wydeven, a Department of Natural Resources mammalian ecologist at Park Falls who is in charge of the state’s wolf management program.
“It is highly unusual for wolves to attack bird dogs,” Wydeven notes. “But at this time of year it’s advisable for anyone working dogs in areas where wolves are found to check for wolf caution areas and take steps to avoid those areas.”
The reason for this attack, he said, may be that the wolves may have a den with newly born pups nearby and the dogs unwittingly ventured close to the den. Wolf pups are normally born in early or mid April in Wisconsin.
“In such circumstances the wolves would be protective of their pups and den and would be reluctant to flee from the area,” Wydeven said.
A wolf caution area has been established near the site to warn individuals to exercise greater caution if they train or run their dogs in this area. Pet owners will want to stay close to their dogs and maintain verbal contact with their dogs. Areas with lots of wolf activity (tracks and droppings) should be avoided.
The caution area is bounded on the north by County Highway D, on the east by County Highway D and State 17, on the south by Dudley Road and on the west by County Highway J, Grundy Road and County Highway H.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service removed wolves from the list of federal Endangered Species on March 12 of this year, and they are now managed by the Department of Natural Resources as a protected species. Anyone who believes he or she may have wolf depredations should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services directly at 1-800-228-1368 in northern Wisconsin, or 1-800-433-0663 for central and southern Wisconsin..
In addition to the Lincoln County attack, on March 28, a landowner near Park Falls shot and killed a gray wolf, which he said was chasing his border collie. That landowner notified the DNR within 24 hours, as required by law.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrian Wydeven, Park Falls, (715) 762-1363
Stevens Point, Fremont wastewater facility laboratories receive awards
MADISON – Two laboratories that are registered to conduct environmental analysis to help ensure Wisconsin municipalities and industries are meeting standards that protect public health and the environment have been recognized as “2007 Registered Laboratories of the Year” for their exceptional efforts.
“Registered laboratories play an important role in helping us protect Wisconsin’s environment and the people who live and recreate here,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett, who presented the awards with DNR Environmental Science Services Section Chief David Webb at the March Natural Resources Board meeting. This is the twelfth year the department has presented Laboratory of the Year award.
The Stevens Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory and the Fremont-Orihula-Wolf River Joint Sewage Commission Laboratory were recognized in the Large Registered Facility and Small Registered Facility categories respectively.
DNR Audit Chemist, Camille Johnson noted in her nomination of the Stevens Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory that the operators “are very dedicated and make changes when they learn that there is a better way of doing something.” Johnson said no deficiencies were identified at their last lab evaluation and the operators are all dedicated to doing accurate lab analysis.
DNR Engineer Mark Corbett and DNR Audit Chemist Camille Johnson noted in their nomination that the Fremont-Orihula-Wolf River Joint Sewage Commission Laboratory has an “impressive laboratory self monitoring program, which has clearly led to improved plant performance and the banner compliance record. Impeccable lab procedures and testing protocol is continuously demonstrated at the facility lab. This meticulous attention to testing and recording detail, establishes the on site lab as a true model facility.”
The efforts of staff who operate wastewater treatment plants to protect Wisconsin’s waterway are often “unsung,” noted Amy Smith, administrator of the DNR Enforcement and Science Division, adding that that these awards are a chance to recognize that good work.
More than 250 registered laboratories were eligible for this award. Nominations for the 2008 Registered Laboratory of the Year awards are now being accepted. Anyone may nominate a facility as long as they fall into therRegistered category (labs in the certified category are not eligible). To obtain a nomination form contact Camille Johnson at (715) 831-3272 or by email at Camille.Johnson@wisconsin.gov
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Camille Johnson at (715) 831-3272
More than 6,000 spring turkey hunting permits still available
MADISON – The 2007 spring turkey hunting season kicked off on April 11. Hunters still interested in hunting the spring season can buy one of the 6,000 harvest permits still available. Permits can be purchased from any license vendor, at a Department of Natural Resources service center, by phone or online through the DNR Web site.
“More than 37,000 permits have been sold over-the-counter and through Internet and phone sales since they went on sale March 23,” said Diane Brookbank, director of DNR’s license sales bureau. “Sales really took off at the start. During the first three hours more than 16,000 licenses were sold.”
Sales continued hotly throughout the first day with almost 22,000 being sold by the end of business on March 23. Another 5,200 were purchased on Mar 24 and almost 2,000 on Mar 25.
Turkey hunting is popular in Wisconsin and many hunters buy permits for more than one period, stretching out the season and providing more opportunity or perhaps to have a fallback plan in case of bad weather. More than 24,000 of the over-the-counter permits were sold to hunters who had already received a permit through the drawing process. One hunter purchased 11 permits, and three others purchased 10 each.
Over-the-counter sales also gave a second chance to 2,700 hunters who put in applications but missed out in the drawing and to 10,600 hunters who never applied for a permit but decided to hunt anyway.
The remaining 6,000 spring turkey permits are for the last two time periods, May 9-13 and May 16-20. Turkey mating activity usually slows during these later periods but it’s still a nice time of year to get out in the woods, wildlife officials say.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: DNR Customer Service and Licensing (608) 266-2621
OUTDOORS CALENDAR
*Indicates date remains the same each year, except some permit deadlines may be extended one day if they fall on a Sunday or Federal Holiday.
April 15 through July 31
• It is illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal Waterfowl Production Areas lands during this time unless the dog is on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Doe not apply to class 1 field trial grounds or DNR lands open to dog training.*
April 18 – 22
• Spring turkey hunting period B
April 25 – 29
• Spring turkey hunting period C
April 28
• Frog season opens. Runs through Dec. 31
April 29
• Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight. Season is artificial bait, barbless-hook only.
• Otter trapping season closes in the North zone.*
April 30
• The yellow perch season closes on Lake Michigan and tributaries. The season reopens June 16.*
May 2-6
• Spring turkey hunting period D
May 5
• General inland waters game fish opener (trout, walleye, northern pike, bass in the southern zone). Check current Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations pamphlet for exceptions regarding specific game species and waters.
• Catch and release only bass season opens through June 14 in the northern zone.
• Muskellunge season in waters south of State Highway 10 opens:
May 9 – 13
• Spring turkey hunting period E
May 16 – 20
• Spring turkey hunting period F:
May 20
• Yellow perch season opens on Green Bay, the Fox River and other Green Bay tributaries through March 15 with a bag limit of 10. Yellow perch season on Lake Michigan opens June 16.*
• Set or bank pole and setlines can be used on specified waters in the Wolf and Fox river basins through Sept. 30. Check the current Setline, Set or Bank Pole Regulations for open waters.
May 26
• Muskellunge season opens north of State Highway 10.
DNR Public Hearings and Meetings
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call the contact person listed for the meeting or hearing with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.
Hearings
April 17 – The State of Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals will hold a prehearing conference on the matter of the application of Flambeau Mining Company for issuance of a Certificate of Completion of Reclamation at 1 p.m., in the County Board Room of the Rusk County Courthouse, 311 Miner Ave. Ladysmith. The purpose of the prehearing conference will be to identify all parties to the proceeding, to simplify the issues which will ultimately be contested at the hearing and to establish appropriate schedules for the submission of documentary evidence and for prehearing discovery. No testimony will be heard at the prehearing conference; however, a date will be set for the hearing on the merits at the conference. The Matter Flambeau Mining Company filed a Petition for Issuance of a Certificate of Completion (COC) of Reclamation on Jan. 11, 2007. The Petition, in part, sought to reduce the company’s reclamation bond to twenty (20) percent of the cost of reclamation of the entire mining site, pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code § 132.13. On Feb. 15, 2007, the Department of Natural Resources issued a “Determination of Compliance with the Wisconsin Environmental Protection Act: Flambeau Mine Certificate of Completion.” The DNR concluded that the application for the COC should be treated as a Type IV action under Wis. Admin. Code § NR 150.03(
(e)(2), and did not require an Environmental Analysis under the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA), § 1.11, Stats. Issuance of a COC and the corresponding reduction in the amount of the Reclamation Bond will not cease or initiate any actions or activities at the Flambeau Mine site. As such, the DNR determined that a COC decision and a reduction of the reclamation bond will not affect critical resources or create a substantial risk to human life, health or safety. People may submit written comment on the Issuance of a Certificate of Completion by sending comments by April 17, 2007 to Philip Fauble, Wisconsin DNR Bureau of Waste and Materials Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921. A Class 1 contested case public hearing will be set after the prehearing conference. For information contact Philip Fauble at - (608) 267-3538.
April 18 – The Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing on revisions to ch. NR 46, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to the administration of the Forest Crop Law and the Managed Forest Law at 10 a.m. at the Rib Mountain Town Hall, 3700 N. Mountain Road, Wausau. The proposed rule: 1. Revises the annual stumpage rates for the period between Nov. 1, 2007 and Oct. 31, 2008 as required in §§ 77.06(2) and 77.91(1), Stats. The average change for saw timber is a 0.32 percent increase over current rates. The pulpwood prices, on average, would increase 1.52 percent; 2. Amends the catastrophic loss provisions to more fairly assess the yield and severance taxes for timber harvested as a result of a catastrophic loss. Catastrophic loss (30 percent reduction in stumpage value) is granted when timber harvested meets requirements in s. NR 46.30(1). The proposal is to reduce the acreage requirement from 10 to 5 contiguous acres and to increase the reduction in stumpage value from 30 to 70 percent for catastrophic loss caused by fire mortality; and 3. Amends the rule to comply with 2005 Wis. Act 299 changing the requirement that the contiguous acres must be in one municipality to be enrolled under the Managed Forest Law. Under the amended rule, all land under the same ownership will be included on one petition. If there is more than one county, the order of designation must be recorded in each county. The proposal requires an application fee of $20 per county to cover the recording costs in each county. The proposed rule may have an impact on any small businesses with land enrolled in either the Managed Forest Law or the Forest Crop Law or wishing to enroll land under the Managed Forest Law The Department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve significant adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis under ch. NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code. However, based on the comments received, the Department may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the proposal. This environmental review document would summarize the Department’s consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives. The proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted at the following Internet site:
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Carol Nielsen, Forest Tax Section, Bureau of Forest Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be submitted until April 27, 2007. Written comments whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings. More information or a copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be obtained from Nielsen at - (608) 266-8019.
April 23 - The Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing pursuant to §§ 285.11 (5) and (6) and 285.23(2), Stats., and ch. NR 401, Wis. Adm. Code, on a proposal to redesignate the counties of Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington and Waukesha (hereinafter Milwaukee MSA) from nonattainment to attainment of the 8-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone.. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. in Rooms 140-141 of the DNR Southeast Region Headquarters, 2300 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee Under the federal Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was required to identify those areas of the nation that did not meet the NAAQS for ozone. On April 15, 2004, EPA designated ten Wisconsin counties as nonattainment areas for the 8-hour ozone standards. Those counties are Door, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha. One of the requirements for redesignating an area from nonattainment to attainment of the 8-hour ozone NAAQS is clean air quality based on the most recent three years of monitoring data. Ozone monitors located in Milwaukee MSA did not record a violation of the 8-hour ozone NAAQS concentration during the 2004, 2005 and 2006 ozone seasons. Based on this monitoring data, the department is proposing to redesignate Milwaukee MSA to attainment of the 8-hour ozone air quality standard. The department will request that EPA redesignate Milwaukee MSA to an attainment area through a federal action. The department will also complete the state redesignation work so that Milwaukee MSA will be designated as an attainment area for the 8-hour ozone standard under both state and federal law. The redesignation of Milwaukee MSA to attainment may alter the permitting requirements for new sources of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Redesignation may raise the major source threshold, change the required emission control technology for major sources and eliminate the need for acquiring VOC and NOx offsets prior to construction of major sources. As one component of the request for federal redesignation, the department must have a plan for maintaining the 8-hour ozone air quality standards in Milwaukee MSA for a period of at least 10 years. If a violation occurs, Wisconsin will submit a full attainment demonstration with requisite control measures to EPA. This full attainment demonstration will be submitted 12 months after the end of the ozone season in which the violation occurred. The department is seeking comment on the proposed redesignation and proposed maintenance plan of Milwaukee MSA. Written comments on the proposed designation, the maintenance plan and base year 2005 inventory may be submitted to Mr. Bart Sponseller, Bureau of Air Management AM/7, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 no later than May 7, 2007. Comments may be submitted electronically to Bart.sponseller@wisconsin.gov. Written comments will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the hearing.. Comments may be submitted electronically to Margaret.hoefer@wisconsin.gov. Written comments will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the hearing. More information or copy of the documents supporting the nonattainment designation and the maintenance plan may be downloaded from
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/ozone/1hrredesfaq.htm or a hard copy or be obtained from: Bart Sponseller at (608) 267-0560.
April 23 & 25 – The Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings on revisions to chs. NR 1, 45 and 51, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to use of department properties. The proposed rule contains a number of changes for the purpose of improving or clarifying existing rules, creating a few property specific rules and amending a number of rules affecting fees and reservations in state parks and forests. Seven state parks are being proposed to be added to the list of parks that charge an additional $3 per day for camping due to local market conditions and there is also a proposal that the fee be applied year round to all 15 parks that charge this differential. A state trail season pass fee increase of $5 is being proposed to meet increasing costs of maintaining and managing the trails. This would increase the annual fee from $15 to $20. Other proposals are aimed at simplifying the fee system in response to requests by the users. A change in facility reservations would allow reservations to be made 11 months in advance for picnic areas, shelters, auditoriums, amphitheaters, tepees and yurts. The current rule allows reservations to be taken on the first business day in January. Rules are being proposed for the newly established Lake Shore State Park that will establish hours and prohibit alcohol consumption outside or organized events. Language has been included in ch. NR 1 to clarify the purpose and management of State Ice Age Trail areas, and to identify allowed uses and activities in order to provide consistency and improve management. The proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted at the following Internet site: http;//adminrules.wisconsin.gov. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Kate Fitzgerald, Bureau of Facilities and Lands, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be submitted until May 4, 2007. Written comments whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings. A personal copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be obtained from Fitzgerald at - (608) 267-2764. The remaining hearings will all begin at 4 p.m. on the following dates at the locations listed:
April 23, Milwaukee - Auditorium, Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N. Hopkins Str.
April 25, Wausau - Council Chambers, Wausau City Hall, 407 Grant St.
April 26 - The Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing pursuant to §§ 285.11 (5) and (6) and 285.23(2), Stats., and ch. NR 401, Wis. Adm. Code, on a proposal to redesignate the counties of Manitowoc and Kewaunee from nonattainment to attainment of the 8-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. in the Balkansky Community Room of the Manitowoc Public Library, 707 Quay St., Manitowoc. Under the federal Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was required to identify those areas of the nation that did not meet the NAAQS for ozone. On April 15, 2004, EPA designated ten Wisconsin counties as nonattainment areas for the 8-hour ozone standards. Those counties are Door, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha. One of the requirements for redesignating an area from nonattainment to attainment of the 8-hour ozone NAAQS is clean air quality based on the most recent three years of monitoring data. Ozone monitors located in Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties did not record a violation of the 8-hour ozone NAAQS concentration during the 2004, 2005 and 2006 ozone seasons. Based on this monitoring data, the department is proposing to redesignate Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties to attainment of the 8-hour ozone air quality standard. The department will request that EPA redesignate Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties to an attainment area through a federal action. The department will also complete the state redesignation work so that Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties will be designated as an attainment area for the 8-hour ozone standard under both state and federal law. The redesignation of Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties to attainment may alter the permitting requirements for new sources of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Redesignation may raise the major source threshold, change the required emission control technology for major sources and eliminate the need for acquiring VOC and NOx offsets prior to construction of major sources. As one component of the request for federal redesignation, the department must have a plan for maintaining the 8-hour ozone air quality standards in Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties for a period of at least 10 years. If a violation occurs, Wisconsin will submit a full attainment demonstration with requisite control measures to EPA. This full attainment demonstration will be submitted 12 months after the end of the ozone season in which the violation occurred. The department is seeking comment on the proposed redesignation and proposed maintenance plan of Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties. Written comments on the proposed designation and the maintenance plan may be submitted to Marney Hoefer, Bureau of Air Management AM/7, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 no later than May 7, 2007. Comments may be submitted electronically to Margaret.hoefer@wisconsin.gov. Written comments will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the hearing. More information or copy of the documents supporting the nonattainment designation and the maintenance plan may be downloaded from
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/ozone/1hrredesfaq.htm or a hard copy or be obtained from: Marney Hoefer at (608) 267-0577.
April 26 – A public hearing on the air pollution construction and operation permit applications of Coulee Area Renewable Energy for the construction and operation of a denatured ethanol production facility will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the City of Sparta - City Hall Gymnasium, 201 W. Oak St., Sparta. Coulee Area Renewable Energy, has submitted to the Department of Natural Resources permit applications including plans and specifications for the construction (Air Pollution Construction Permit No.: 06-POY-342) and operation (Air Pollution Operation Permit No.: 642022700-F01) of a denatured ethanol production facility. The DNR Bureau of Air Management analyzed these materials and has preliminarily determined that the project should meet the applicable criteria for permit approval as stated in §§ 285.63 and 285.64, Wis. Stats., including both the emission limits and the ambient air standards and should, therefore, be approved. This type of proposal normally does not have the potential to cause significant adverse environmental effects and the DNR has not prepared an Environmental Assessment of the proposal. Information, including plans and the DNR’s preliminary analysis , is available for public inspection on the Air Permit pages of the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/permits/APM_toc.htm] and at the DNR Bureau of Air Management Headquarters, First Floor, 345 West Washington Avenue, Madison,; La Crosse DNR Service Center, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, and at the Sparta Free Library, 124 W. Main St., Sparta, or by contacting Paul Yeung at (608) 266-0672. Written comments public regarding the preliminary determination to approve the construction permit and the operation permit applications will also be considered prior to making final decisions regarding the construction and operation of the proposed project. Written comments should be sent by April 20 to the Wisconsin DNR, Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921. Attn.: Paul Yeung. All comments received by DNR at the public hearing and all written comments received by DNR will be considered by DNR prior to making a final decision regarding the proposed project. After the public hearing, a final decision will be made on whether to issue or deny the air pollution control construction permit. For more information contact Paul O. Yeung at (608) 266-0672.
May 1 – A Class 2 contested case hearing in the matter of the abatement action on motion of the Department of Natural Resources to remove or reconfigure alleged illegal piers maintained by Rex Pope, located on the bed of Limekiln Lake, Waupaca County, Wisconsin, will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Lower Level Conference Room 42 at the Waupaca County Courthouse, 811 Harding St., Waupaca. In early 2002, DNR staff received complaints regarding 23 piers with 45 berths (33 rented and occupied) at a site owned by Rex Pope. DNR staff investigated, determined that the existing piers and number of berths exceeded reasonable use for the 605-609 feet of shoreline frontage, and asked Pope to apply for a commercial pier permit. DNR staff and Pope initially discussed his applying for a permit seeking two multi-slip piers with a total of 42 berths. Pope decided the dredging needed to accomplish this was too costly and instead applied for a permit for 22 short piers and 42 berths in the approximate same location and configuration used by the prior owner for some years. He removed four piers from the existing 23 piers leaving 19 piers intact. Pursuant to DNR concerns regarding the density, Pope downsized his project and revised his application to request 14 short piers with 28 berths. A public notice for 14 piers and 28 berths was published and DNR received substantive written objections. DNR staff evaluated the application, the site and its historic use, the increased public access provided by a marina, the plan to revegetate and restore the shoreland area to provide habitat, and determined that a marina pier permit with 28 berths could be issued. Because the objectors did not agree, DNR staff forwarded the file to Madison to schedule a combined contested case hearing on the permit application and an enforcement hearing seeking an order to reduce the piers and berths to the number allowed by the ALJ as a result of the hearing. The objectors and Pope negotiated to try to reach agreement on pier numbers, densities, and permit conditions acceptable to all parties. However, Pope instead decided to withdraw his pier permit application, downsize his piers somewhat, and maintain that he did not need a permit because he alleged the piers were built before 1975 and under Wis. Stat. § 30.122, were presumed in conformity with the law. The department asserts that pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 903.01, Pope bears the burden of proving facts to establish the presumption under Wis. Stat. § 30.122, and furthermore asserts that such presumption is rebuttable, not conclusive. The department asserts that 2003 Wis. Act 118, effective Feb. 6, 2004, revised Wis. Stat. ch. 30, and created exemptions for piers that meet the standards at Wis. Stat. § 30.12(1g)(f). The department further alleges that Pope’s piers do not meet the exemption standards and do not meet the standard for piers in Wis. Admin. Code ch. NR 326, especially the standards for marina piers at § NR 326.04(
, and thus require a permit. The department alleges that the existing piers are not presumed in conformity with the law under Wis. Stat. § 30.122, violate § 30.12(1) and Wis. Admin. Code § NR 326.04(
, are an unreasonable riparian use of the waterway because the number of piers and berths consume an excessive amount of public waters for private riparian use and are therefore detrimental individually and cumulatively to the littoral zone habitat, water quality, and the public’s use of such waters. Accordingly, the Department alleges that such piers constitute a violation of Wis. Stat. ch. 30, relating to navigable waters and infringe on the public’s rights relating to navigable waters, and thus constitute a public nuisance under Wis. Stat. § 30.294, that may be abated under Wis. Stat. § 30.03(4)(a). Based on their investigation and the legislature’s enactment of an exemption from permitting for piers that meet the standards at Wis. Stat. § 30.12(1g) (f), DNR staff asserts that 13 berths on piers that comply with the standards in § 30.12(1g)(f) is the maximum berthing density and pier size and configuration that can constitute reasonable use absent a permit with conditions to protect the public’s interests. DNR asks the ALJ to order Pope to promptly reduce the size, number, and berthing density of these piers to 13 berths on piers that comply with the standards in Wis. Stat. § 30.12(1g)(f) by a fixed date set by the ALJ in the order for removal. The Department asserts that currently maintaining these structures in Limekiln Lake and continuing to maintain them beyond a reasonable date for removal after the hearing decision is issued is detrimental to the rights and interest of the public in Limekiln Lake, violates Wis. Stat. §§ 30.12 and 30.13, and constitutes a public nuisance by Wis. Stat. § 30.294. The hearing may result in the issuance of an order abating the maintenance of the current piers and directing the current owners to perform or refrain from performing such acts as may be necessary to fully protect and effectuate the interests of the public in these navigable waters. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
May 2 - A telephone prehearing conference pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 30.12(1) and (3m) and 30.209 and Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 310 and 326 in the matter of the permit application of Sturgeon Bay Marinas.Com, LLC to remove three existing solid piers and pilings and construct four floating piers with finger piers on the bed of Sturgeon Bay, City of Sturgeon Bay, Door County, Wisconsin will be held at 10 a.m. Any person, organization or governmental unit wishing to become a party to this proceeding must notify the Division of Hearings and Appeals, 5005 University Avenue, Suite 201, Madison, Wisconsin 53705-5400 in writing, prior to the telephone conference call and provide the telephone number which they can be reached on that day. Sturgeon Bay Marinas.Com, LLC, 306 Nautical Drive, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, 54235, applied to the Department of Natural Resources (the Department) for permits to modify their marina facility including the removal of concrete docks, placement of new floating piers, and dredging of the harbor area. The project as originally proposed would be phased with work to be completed in years 2006, 2007 and 2008. The proposed project is located in NE ¼, SE ¼, S7, T27N, R26E, City of Sturgeon Bay, Door County, Wisconsin. The purpose of the prehearing conference will be to identify all parties to the proceeding, to simplify the issues which will ultimately be contested at the hearing and to establish appropriate schedules for the submission of documentary evidence, to consider whether to continue the stay described above and whether to allow prehearing discovery. No testimony will be heard at the telephone prehearing conference, however, a date may be set for the hearing on the merits at the conference. For information contact Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
May 3 – A Class 1 contested case public hearing on the matter of the application of the City of Oshkosh for a permit to place a fishing pier on Lake Winnebago, City of Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin will be held at 12:30 p.m. in Courtroom 60 at the Winnebago County Courthouse, 415 Jackson Street, Oshkosh. The hearing will continue, if necessary, on Friday, May 4, 2007, at the same location. The City of Oshkosh Parks Department applied to the Department of Natural Resources for a fishing pier on Lake Winnebago in the City of Oshkosh, Winnebago County, also described as Section 19, Township 18 North Range 17 East. The proposed project would consist of installing a fishing pier at Millers Bay Park in the City of Oshkosh. The proposed pier would be set in three to four feet of water. The proposed pier dimensions would be 100 feet long and 100 feet wide, and the width of the individual pier structures would be six to eight feet wide. The Department of Natural Resources issued Notice of Complete Application and Public Hearing for Proposed Pier which stated that the department had made a tentative determination to issue a permit or contract for the above proposed project. The Notice further stated that unless written comments were made within 30 days of publication of the Notice, the Department may render a decision that approves, modifies, or denies the permit. Several timely comments were received. On Oct. 25, 2005, the Department of Natural Resources approved the City of Oshkosh’s application with limitations. On Nov. 28, 2005, the Department received a petition for a contested case hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 227.42 from Attorney Charles E. Williams, on behalf of several petitioners. On Dec. 23, 2005, the Department granted a contested case hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 227.42. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
May 3 – A public informational hearing on the application for a permit under Ch. 30.12 from the Village of Twin Lakes to place piers and to continue to operate a public marina on the bed of Lake Elizabeth will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Twin Lakes Village Hall at 108 E. Main St., Twin Lakes.. The project is located at the site formerly known as Mad Dan's. For information contact Heidi Hopkins at (262) 884-2355.
May 3 - The DNR will hold a public informational hearing on the application of the City of Madison for a permit to place a new storm water outfall on the bed of Lake Monona at Monona Bay under chapter 30, Stats. The purpose of the informational hearing is to allow the public to learn about the proposed outfall, and to provide an opportunity for the public to make a written or oral statement about issuance of the proposed permit. The hearing will be held at 6 p.m. in the Gathering Waters conference room of the DNR South Central Regional office at 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg. For more information, contact Cami Peterson at (608) 275-3208.
Meetings
April 17 – A public open house and meeting to discuss a Department of Natural Resources proposal to remediate a portion of the Milwaukee River, that is in the Bay on the east side of the Blatz Pavilion in Lincoln Park, Milwaukee will be held beginning with an informal open house at 6:30 p.m. and a formal presentation at 7 p.m. at the Blatz Pavilion in Lincoln Park, 1301 W Hampton Ave., Milwaukee. The project is being funded by the State of Wisconsin through bonding in the Great Lakes Harbors and Bays program. The purpose of the project is to remove approximately 3,900 cubic yards of sediment contaminated with PCBs and PAHs to reduce the potential risks of contaminated sediments to the environment and human health. The material will be removed with the most highly contaminated material (greater than 50 milligrams per kilogram PCBs) shipped to an approved out of state landfill and lesser contaminated material hauled to a locally approved landfill. A consultant for the project has completed the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study. A copy of this report is available at the Villard Library, 3310 W. Villard, or at the DNR Southeast Region Headquarters, 2300 N. Martin Luther King Dr. The department has made a decision to accept the report recommendations. There is a thirty day public comment period associated with making this decision. The decision was public noticed April 7 starting that public comment period. Written comments should be sent by May 7, 2007 to Theodore Bosch, Wisconsin DNR, 2300 N Martin Luther King Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212. For more information contact Sharon Gayan at (414) 263-8707 or John Melby at (414) 263-8512.
April 18 – Wisconsin Council on Forestry advisory committee for a Wisconsin Forestry Sustainability Framework will meet from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison. The forest sustainability advisory committee to the Wisconsin Council on Forestry will meet for the purpose of developing recommendations to the Council on criteria for measuring forest sustainability in Wisconsin. The subcommittee will be selecting criteria in seven broad categories including: biological biodiversity; forest production; forest health; soil and water; global carbon; socioeconomic benefits; and legal and institutional criteria. Public input will be heard after Committee discussions of each criterion and at the end of the day or the public may provide comment to the advisory committee online at
http://council.wisconsinforestry.org/framework/. For information contact Mary Brown at (608) 261-7599
April 18 - The Implementation Oversight Committee of the Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) will meet from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Mirror Lake State Park, E10320 Fern Dell Road, Baraboo. For information contact: David R. Lentz, Division of Forestry at (608) 261-6451.
April 19 - The Natural Areas Preservation Council will meet at 9 a.m. in the Facilities and Lands Conference Room, 6th Floor of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. The council will discuss issues related to the protection and management of Wisconsin State Natural Areas. For information contact Thomas Meyer at (608) 266.0394.
April 20 – The DNR Disabled Advisory Council (DAC) will meet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, 2007, at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point. This is the council’s quarterly meeting to discuss issues related to the DNR providing services to people with disabilities. For more information contact: Alan L Czeshinski at (608) 266-0160.
April 20 – The Pine/Popple Wild Rivers Advisory Committee will meet from 12:30 to 3 p.m., in the lower level main conference room of the Florence Resource Center, 3977 US Highway 2, Florence. The meeting will focus on managing property along the Pine/Popple Wild Rivers in Florence County. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Anyone with questions or needing more information about these two rivers should contact Jeremy Holtz at (715) 528-4400 ext 119.
April 21 - An annual meeting on management of the Brule River State Forest will be held at 10 a.m. at the Brule Town Hall, 5814 S. Maple St., Brule. Topics to be discussed include: development projects completed in 2006; projects planned for 2007; resource management activities including completed timber sales, planned timber sales, tree planting, prescribed burning, wildlife management activities, fisheries management activities; and other issues including monitoring activity, interpretative Programs, Centennial Activities,-North Country Trail Camp Sites and an ATV trail request. For information contact the Brule River State Forest at (715) 372-5678.
April 24-25 – The state Natural Resources Board will meet at the Best Western Campus Inn Motor Lodge, 815 Park Ave., Beaver Dam, to act on items as listed in the meeting agenda. For information contact Laurie J. Ross, Natural Resources Board Executive Staff Assistant at (608) 267-7420.
May 3 - The Groundwater Advisory Committee created by 2003 WI Act 310 will meet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room G09 of the Natural Resources building (GEF 2) at 101 S. Webster St., Madison. For more information, contact Jill Jonas at (608) 267-7545. The agenda is available on the drinking water pages of the DNR Web site.
Wisconsin DNR News
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/
