WDNR NEWS February 5, 2008
Last opportunities approach to participate in candlelight skis or hikes this winter
Aeration systems preventing fish kills on dozens of lakes
February Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine available
Wilderness First Aid Basics clinic offered
Last opportunities approach to participate in candlelight skis or hikes this winter
With good snow, hundreds have turned out for events this winter
MADISON -- Nearly a dozen state parks, forests and trails from one end of Wisconsin to the other will be offering candlelight ski events on Saturday, Feb. 9, offering outdoor enthusiasts one of the last opportunities this winter to ski or hike along snow-covered trails illuminated by candlelight.
With good snow this winter, hundreds of people have been turning out for the events that have already been held, according to Wisconsin State Park and Recreation officials.
A candlelight snowshoe hike at Rib Mountain State Park attracted 300 people on Jan. 26, despite stiff competition from a Green Bay Packer playoff game. On Feb. 2, some 222 cars with an estimated 777 people overflowed the trailhead parking lot at Blue Mound State Park for the candlelight ski/hike/snowshoe event. The same night, about 475 people were at a similar event in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, and at Mirror Lake State Park, the Friends of Mirror Lake sold out of cookies, brats, hot dogs, cider and hot chocolate.
“People did not want to leave,” reported Paul Zajakowski, Mirror Lake manager. “Almost all stayed around the fires until the very end.”
Bill Smith, acting state parks director with the Department of Natural Resources said park and forest staff around the state reported hearing comments such as “very enjoyable,” “great family outing, when is the next one?” and “our family is coming back next year!” A new warming house at the Black River State Forest Smrekar trail received many favorable comments.
As of the first week of February, snow cover was still being reported across most of Wisconsin and snow was in the forecast for later this week, so most properties should be able to offer skiing for the remaining events. However, park and recreation officials suggest it is best to call ahead to the destination and check on conditions. The entire list of events and contact numbers is available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/candlelight.htm]. If snow conditions are poor, some properties may offer candlelit hikes instead of skis.
The 11 events scheduled for Feb. 9 will take place at: Brule River State Forest, Flambeau River State Forest, Interstate Park, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit, Kohler-Andrae State Park, Lake Kegonsa State Park, Lake Wissota State Park, Newport State Park, Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Peninsula State Park, Peshtigo River State Forest, Pike Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest.
The last two candlelight events of the season will be a “Return to Romance” candlelit walk Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Richard Bong State Recreation Area near Kansasville and a candlelight ski/hike on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Governor Thompson State Park near Crivitz.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Wisconsin State Parks - (608) 266-2181
Aeration systems preventing fish kills on dozens of lakes
PARK FALLS – Many lakes in Wisconsin suffer from a problem known as winterkill of fish. Commonly called 'freeze-out,' a winterkill occurs when fish die as a result of low oxygen levels during the ice-covered period.
But there is a fix.
This winter, Department of Natural Resources fishery biologists are using mechanical aerating systems on dozens of lakes that have historically suffered winterkill to prevent problems and increase the number of fishable waters.
Winterkill starts when ice cover cuts off the supply of oxygen entering lakes from the atmosphere and oxygen production within the lake, itself, decreases as deep snow blocks out light needed by algae and other plants to produce oxygen, according to Skip Sommerfeldt, DNR fish biologist in Park Falls.
Aeration creates an open-water area during ice cover, allowing oxygen uptake by the lake. It has been an effective tool to deal with low-oxygen problems on more than 30 lakes across northern Wisconsin and more throughout the state.
Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest alone, winter aeration has helped alleviate winterkill on 11 waters that total more than 4,200 acres, Sommerfeldt says.
The DNR works with other agencies, local units of government and lake associations in maintaining aeration systems. The systems run on different kinds of power, including wind, solar, diesel and electric power.
One recently installed system -- on Little Clam Lake in Ashland County – illustrates the benefits of these partnerships. Historically, the 144-acre seepage lake supported good populations of largemouth bass and panfish, but severe winterkills in 1996 and again in 2001 decimated the fishery.
The DNR and U.S. Forest Service teamed up in 2004 to install a diffused-air aeration system on the lake that uses an electric air blower housed in a shore-based shelter. The blower forces air through galvanized pipe to a series of plastic diffuser lines laid onto the lake bottom. Air is bubbled through the lines to circulate the water and create a large open-water area during ice cover, providing oxygen to the lake.
The lake was stocked with largemouth bass in 2004 and as of summer 2007, the bass had re-established a moderate population and anglers are catching bass 14 inches and larger.
Self-sufficient systems that use solar and wind power have also been used on a few remote lakes far from the power grid. Solar-powered systems use an array of photovoltaic panels that supply power to a large storage battery. This battery then powers one or two small air pumps that deliver air into diffuser lines on the lake bottom.
Wind aerators use a turbine to turn a propeller positioned just under the surface of the water. The spinning propeller pulls the lake water up from the bottom and melts the ice cover around the floating unit.
The major drawback to these “green” systems is their dependency on sunshine or wind, which are often limited during winter months. Such ‘green’ systems are used mainly on small lakes where they provide a small refuge area for fish.
All open-water areas are clearly marked with rope and reflective streamers held a few feet above the surface of the ice with wooden or plastic poles planted in the ice. Anglers, snow mobilers, hikers and other recreationalists should be cautious though as heavy winds, blowing snow and warm thaws may hinder the ability to see the barricades.
When you see the barricades, remember they’re there to make fishing better this coming season.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Skip Sommerfeldt (715) 762-1357
February Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine available
Cormorants, foxes, new Aldo Leopold Legacy Center featured
MADISON -- An easy ticket to the outdoors and feature stories about foxes, cormorants and a really green nature center will tempt readers of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine in February.
License to Thrill describes the innovations that make it easier than ever to buy Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources licenses at home online, on the phone or at sporting goods stores and resorts. They are still available at DNR service centers, too. Also, a new toll-free Call Center can answer questions from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week at 1-888-936-7463.
Cormorant Conundrum tells of plans to contain populations of double-crested cormorants on Green Bay and Door County islands. Cormorant recovery is a real success story statewide – in the last 30 years cormorant nests increased from 66 nests to more than 13,700 nests across Wisconsin. Now wildlife managers are weighing plans to contain cormorant colonies in the few places on Green Bay and Door County islands where this local waterbird’s populations have grown quite dense. Read about the options.
A Legacy in Pine – takes readers to the new Aldo Leopold Legacy Center in Sauk County where a beautiful, energy-efficient, green nature center was built using trees that the Leopold family planted 70 years ago.
Where Birders Flock Together describes all the doings at the May bird festival on Horicon Marsh where visitors can see migrating ducks, geese and songbirds in the company of experienced birders. Bring binoculars and join the fun!
Plus we recommend 10 new books about outdoor adventure, discuss why pets are good for one’s health, and travel to see pipers, alpacas and a few good food festivals.
The February issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine is available for $3.50 plus shipping or you can get a whole year’s worth – six big issues – delivered to your door for just $8.97. Subscribe toll-free at 1-800-678-9472, online at
www.wnrmag.com. Subscription blanks and single issues are also available from our circulation office at P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Sperling, editor - (608) 266-1510
Wilderness First Aid Basics clinic offered
BABCOCK, Wis. – Hikers, hunters, campers and other people who enjoy getting off the beaten path can help themselves be prepared for unexpected medical emergencies by attending a Wilderness First-Aid Basics workshop March 8-9 at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center.
This American Red Cross 18-hour workshop focuses on major back-country emergencies, with additional training on the management of more common minor medical problems encountered outdoors. Prior CPR training is not required, but is recommended.
Dr. Rod Erickson will discuss topics on outdoor hygiene, how to deal with cuts, sprains, strains, broken bones and evacuation strategies. Those participants successfully completing the course will be certified in Wilderness First Aid Basics by the American Red Cross.
The $90 fee includes: “Wilderness First Aid Basics” workbook, “Wilderness First Aid Mountaineering,” “When Help is Delayed” handbook, a patch for those who successfully complete the course and Saturday supper and Sunday breakfast.
Registration is limited to 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis and is confirmed by mailing in a registration fee by Feb. 27. People may stay overnight in the center’s dorm either prior to or following the event for a donation of $15 per person per night.
Checks should be made out to DNR-Skills Center. Include the name of each participant, and the address and daytime phone number of one person in each party. Send your registration fee to: Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center, PO Box 156, Babcock, WI 54413. Inquiries on the status of registrations may be sent via e-mail to: [Richard.Thiel@wisconsin.gov].
The Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center is located 20 miles west of Wisconsin Rapids on County Highway X, 1 mile north of Highway 80 near Babcock, Wisconsin on the 9,000 acre Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Wildlife Area.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandhill Skills Center - (715) 884-6333
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.
September 15 through First Saturday in May
• From Sept. 15 through the first Saturday in May, hook and line fishing is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in all Lake Michigan tributaries except the Oconto River and its tributaries and the downstream portion of the Peshtigo River (see regulations for details).*
February 15
• Coyote trapping season closes.*
• Red and gray fox gun and trapping seasons close.*
February 9
• Lake Winnebago Sturgeon Spearing Season opens. Season runs for 16 days or until the harvest level is reached. Season hours are 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily. The season will close after one day if one of the harvest caps is reached. Sturgeon must be registered by 1:30 p.m. the day they are harvested. There are separate, annual spearing seasons for Lake Winnebago and for the system’s upriver lakes of Butte des Mort, Winneconne and Poygan. Previously the Upriver Season occurred only once every five years but was open to anyone who wanted to participate in it and bought a license. Spearers who wanted to participate in the Upriver Lakes season had to submit an application by Aug. 1, 2007. Licenses for the upcoming season must have been purchased by Oct. 31 of the previous year.
February 20
• Ice fishing shelters must be removed from Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters.*
February 24
• Lake Winnebago system sturgeon spearing season closes unless season is closed earlier due to spearers reaching harvest caps.
February 28
• Cottontail rabbit season closes in northern and southern zones.*
• Mink trapping season closes in the northern, central and southern zones.
March 1
• Early catch-and-release only trout season opens statewide, with exception of spring ponds and Great Lakes tributaries; barbless hooks required. Season runs to midnight April 29.
• Ice fishing shelters must be removed from Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters.*
• Lake trout season opens on Lake Michigan, Green Bay & Lake Michigan tributaries through Oct. 31.*
March 2
• The fishing season for all game species closes on inland waters that do not remain open all year. Check the current fishing regulations for waters that remain open to fishing.
• The game fish season closes on tributary streams and ditches of Green Bay and the Fox River up to the first dam or lake (except yellow perch is open until March 15). There is an exception to this closure for portions of 9 major Green Bay Tributaries. Check the current fishing regulations for waters that remain open to fishing.
March 5
• Ice fishing shelters must be removed from inland waters south of Highway 64.*
March 10
• 2008-2009 hunting and fishing licenses go on sale.
March 15
• Ice fishing shelters must be removed from Lake Michigan, Green Bay, Lake Superior, inland lakes north of Highway 64, and Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters.*
• Yellow perch season closes on Green Bay and its tributary streams and the Fox River from the mouth up to the De Pere Dam.*
• Beaver trapping season closes in the Mississippi River zone.
March 20
• Winter crow season closes.*
March 28
• Remaining permits not issued through the spring turkey permit drawing will be available for sale beginning at 10 a.m. on a first-come, first served basis through license sales outlets, and DNR service centers. In addition, licenses can be purchased on line through the DNR Web site or by phone at 1-877-945-4236.beginning at noon. A complete list of units with the number of permits is available on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/springturkey/index.html].
March 31
• Hunting, fishing, sports, and conservation patron licenses expire.*
• Otter trapping season closes in central and southern zone.
• Trout season opens on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. See the current Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations and Guide for more information. NOTE: There is an error in the 2007-2008 Trout Fishing Regulations and Guide pertaining to the open season date for some Lake Superior tributary streams. Those streams listed under the "Specific Waters Listed By County" section for Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, and Iron Counties that show an "Open Season" date of March 21 are incorrect. The correct Open Season date for these streams should be March 31.
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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
February 8 – The Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Waukesha Public Library, 321 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha, to provide information and receive public comments on the Opus North Corporation permit application and the environmental assessment to construct an air contaminant source in the City of Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin. The Opus North Corporation has submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources an air pollution control permit application (Permit Number 07-MF-332), including plans and specifications, for the construction and operation of a 54.75 acre retail development located north of West Sunset Drive and west of, but not adjacent to, Sentry Drive. The proposed development includes 15 retail buildings, four restaurants, and one bank. The total size of all fifteen buildings is approximately 477,393 square feet. Surface parking lots for the proposed retail center will have the capacity to accommodate 2,352 vehicles. An air pollution control permit is required pursuant to Chapter NR 411, Wisconsin Administrative Code, as the proposed development will exceed parking space equivalency standard of 999 vehicles and is located in a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA). The DNR Bureau of Air Management analyzed information submitted by Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer and Associates, Inc. consultant to the Opus North Corporation for the construction of the 54.75 acre retail development and supporting surface parking area and has preliminarily determined that the project will meet applicable criteria for permit approval as stated in section 285.63, Wisconsin Statutes, including the ambient air quality standards for carbon monoxide, and should, therefore, be approved. The DNR has prepared an environmental assessment for this project, pursuant to Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, which identifies the anticipated impacts of the project. DNR has made a preliminary determination that this proposed project will not have an adverse effect on the environment and an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required. This recommendation does not represent approval from other DNR sections, which may also require a review of the project. Information, including the applicant's plans and air quality analysis and the DNR's preliminary analysis and environmental assessment regarding this proposal, is available for public inspection at the Bureau of Air Management, Department of Natural Resources on the 7th floor of the State of Wisconsin Building, 101 South Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin or the DNR Waukesha Service Center, 141 NW Barstow St., Room 180, Waukesha. In lieu of, or in addition, written comments will be accepted from the public regarding the proposed air control permit and/or environmental assessment for the construction of the Shoppes at Fox River retail development. These comments will be considered in the final decision regarding this project. Written comments will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the hearing. Interested persons wishing to comment on the preliminary determination and/or environmental assessment should submit written comments by Feb. 15, 2008 to: Mike Friedlander, DNR Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. For more information contact Mike Friedlander at - (608) 267-0806.
Meetings
February 1 – The Phosphorus Criteria Advisory Committee will meet for its first time from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. The purpose of the meeting is to advise the Department on promulgating phosphorus criteria for water quality standards that will apply to Wisconsin lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers. Development of these criteria is required by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information, please contact Jim Baumann (608) 266-9277.
February 4 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – Ad-hoc Waste Materials Recovery and Disposal Work Group will meet from 12 noon to 3 p.m. in the Xcel Energy conference room, 10 E. Doty St., Suite 511, Madison. The agenda includes a continuing discussion of the waste policy templates. For more information, or if you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact Nick Sayen, DNR, at (608) 267-2466 or nick.sayen@wisconsin.gov.
February 4 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – Technical Advisory Group will be having a conference call meeting from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. in room 724 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. The agenda includes a review of the reference case. For more information, or if you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact Nick Sayen, DNR, at (608) 267-2466 or nick.sayen@wisconsin.gov.
February 6 & 7 - The DNR Silviculture Specialist Team will meet at 10 a.m. at the Prairie Inn & Suites, 3913 Circle Drive, Holmen, regarding chapters and issues pertinent to the Silviculture Handbook, including oak & central hardwoods chapters, deer management, marking guidelines, team progress/ work plan, and other issues. A field trip will look at timber management at Hardies Creek Demo Forest. For more information, contact Julie Peltier at (262) 670-3404.
February 7 - The advisory committee for revisions to NR 151 (agricultural subchapter) and NR 153 (Targeted Runoff Management Grants) will hold it's third meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DNR South Central Regional office, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg. The meeting room is the Glaciers Edge/Gathering Waters conference room located on the main floor. The committee will continue discussing proposed NR 151revisions from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and proposed NR 153 revisions from 1-4 p.m. Information on the rule revisions and advisory committee meetings can be found at
http://dnr.wi.gov/runoff/rules/announce.htm. For more information, contact Carol Holden at 608-266-0140 or carol.holden@wisconsin.gov.
February 8 - The Wisconsin Diesel Workgroup will meet 9:30 a.m. to noon in the WHEDA conference room (1st floor) of the Tommy Thompson Building, 201 W. Washington Ave., Madison. The group will continue discussions of voluntary strategies for reducing mobile diesel emissions in Wisconsin. For information contact Jessica Lawent, DNR, at (414) 263-8653.
February 12, 2008- The Karner blue butterfly habitat conservation plan – The Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan Partnership will hold their annual meeting at the Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Road, Wisconsin Dells from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, or if you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact Matt Krumenauer, DNR, at (608) 267-9680 or matt.krumenauer@wisconsin.gov
February 12, 2008- The Karner blue butterfly habitat conservation plan – Implementation Oversight Committee will meet after the HCP partnership meeting at the Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Road, Wisconsin Dells, from 3 to 5 p.m. For more information, or if you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact Matt Krumenauer, DNR, at (608) 267-9680 or matt.krumenauer@wisconsin.gov
February 12 - The Technical Focus Group for the DNR Remediation and Redevelopment Program will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. in room 511 of the of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss regulations and technical issues regarding investigation and remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. For more information, contact Laurie Egre at (608) 267-7560 or Laurie.Egre@Wisconsin.gov.
February 13 - The Governor's Council on Invasive Species will meet at 9 a.m. at the Forest Products Lab, Room 500, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison. Items on the agenda include: an update on the 2008 Invasive Species Awareness Month (ISAM), review of the proposed rule, public listening sessions, Natural Resources Board rule process and timeline. For more information contact Diane Greisinger at (608) 264-8529.
February 13 - The Department of Natural Resources will hold a public information meeting to discuss adjustments to the Laboratory Certification and Registration Program fees, as authorized by s. NR 149.05. The meeting will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. in Room 708 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster Street, in Madison. For more information about the meeting contact David Webb at (608) 266-0245.
February 14 - The DNR's Technical Advisory Group for NR 504/812 Revisions will meet from noon to 3 p.m. in the Raptor Room of the Department's South Central Region Headquarters at 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss potential changes to regulations regarding the minimum distances to be maintained between proposed landfills or landfill expansions and private water supply wells. For more information, contact Jack Connelly at (608) 267-7574 or at Johnston.Connelly@wisconsin.gov.
February 14 - The DNR NR 151 Rule Revision for Non-agricultural Performance Standards Advisory Committee will meet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Rm. A2152 at the American Family Insurance Training Center, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, (off of Hwy. 151 east of Madison). This is the fourth of four meetings to discuss proposed revisions to subchapters I, III and IV of NR 151, Wis. Adm. Code. Additional information on the rule revision process, including materials the advisory committee is using are available on the DNR Web site at: [http://dnr.wi.gov/runoff/admrules.htm]. For more information contact Mary Anne Lowndes at 608-261-6420.
February 15 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – Agriculture and Forestry Work Group will be having a meeting from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in room 225 North West of the State Capital Building, Madison. The agenda includes a review and discussion of the forest carbon baseline and sequestration opportunities reports created for the Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming. For more information, or if you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact Matt Krumenauer, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, at (608)267-9680 or Matt.Krumenauer@wisconsin.gov.
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/
