Wisconsin DNR News April 1, 2008
Reel in the 2008 Wisconsin Fishing Report
Wisconsin Lakes Convention set for Green Bay April 17-19
Prepare now – gypsy moths will return soon
Don’t prune oaks April through July to avoid oak wilt
Madison, La Crosse groups awarded environmental education grants
Sandhill open house April 26
Orienteering workshop offered
Reel in the 2008 Wisconsin Fishing Report
MADISON – Anglers can reel in the latest fishing reports, tips and techniques in the 2008 Wisconsin Fishing Report.
This annual 16-page fishing forecast newspaper is now available online
http://www.dnr.wi.gov/fish/reports/fishingreport/ and at Department of Natural Resources service centers and regional offices. It is also included in the April 2008 Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, now available online and at many Wisconsin newsstands.
“The fishing report is a reminder that inland fishing season is just around the corner”, says Mike Staggs, Wisconsin’s fisheries director. “It’s a great resource for avid anglers and newcomers to the sport as they start planning their fishing outings.”
This year, anglers again will be able to learn about fish populations – and fishing prospects – from the fish surveys results DNR fish biologists provide for many popular waters statewide.
They’ll also find “A Year of Fabulous Fishing” dnr.wi.gov/fish/reports/fishingreport/2008fishingreport.pdf#yearfabfishing , a year-round guide to angling opportunities. From January to December, there’s always a place to fish, fish to catch, and fishing fun to be had.
Musky hunters hoping for success this season should read “Musky Mania” dnr.wi.gov/fish/reports/fishingreport/musky.html , for tips of the trade from an accomplished musky angler. Or check out “Year-round shore fishing on Lake Michigan”
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/fish/reports/fishingreport/fishinglmich.html for seasonal fishing opportunities, without ever leaving land.
Rounding out the fishing report this year is a kids section dnr.wi.gov/fish/reports/fishingreport/kidsactivity.html for the future generation of anglers. Find ideas for family outings, tips on taking kids fishing, coloring pages and fishy fun on EEK!
http://www.dnr.wi.gov/fish/reports/fishingreport/eeklinks.html , the DNR’s award winning environmental education Web site for kids.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Alisa Lopez (608) 264-6028
Wisconsin Lakes Convention set for Green Bay April 17-19
Nationally known champion of river cleanup headlines event
GREEN BAY -- The lake enthusiasts gathering here in mid-April for their thirtieth annual convention will hear from a kindred spirit – a man whose dedication to the nation’s waterways led him as a teenager to found an organization that has since pulled more than 4 million pounds of junk from the Mississippi and other major rivers.
Chad Pregracke, founder of the nonprofit Living Lands and Waters and a National Geographic Live speaker, headlines the Wisconsin Lakes Convention. The event runs April 17-19 at the K I Convention Center in Green Bay.
“Anybody who wants to be inspired will enjoy listening to Chad,” says Kim Becken, convention coordinator. “If you haven’t seen his work on ‘National Geographic,’ or ‘60 Minutes,’ you owe it to yourself to see him in person, particularly if you work with volunteers.”
In addition to Pregracke, convention attendees also will hear from Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matthew Frank, and Gov. Jim Doyle has also been invited to speak.
Pregracke started pulling junk out of the Mississippi River, a stone’s throw away from his Illinois home, when he was a teenager. Media coverage of his efforts spurred corporate donations, and now, 11 years later, sponsors from more than 60 major companies and foundations help underwrite his operation of four barges, nine employees and scores of volunteers.
Chances are, Pregracke will be impressed by his audience. The Wisconsin Lakes Convention is one of, if not the largest, gathering in the nation of lake volunteers, educators and professional managers. Many of the people have attended for all those years to exchange information, inspire one another, and learn about proven strategies to protect and improve Wisconsin’s lakes.
“Lakes in Wisconsin are much better off for the tens of thousands who have dedicated time to protecting waters, be they tribal people, people in lake organizations, resource professionals,” Becken says.
Workshop sessions include early detection and rapid response to the discovery of zebra mussels, Eurasian water-milfoil, and other invasive species in a lake, successful projects in Wisconsin to get youngsters involved in lake protection activities, and positive actions lakeshore property owners can take to improve their properties.
John Molinaro, president of the Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL), has attended the conventions for the past 25 years. “For me, the best part is seeing people from around the state, seeing how they deal with their lake problems, how we’ve dealt with ours, and sharing solutions.”
He says the convention allows the partnership of WAL, DNR and the UW-Extension “to get a lot of our staff together in the same place to see how we’re doing and how to meet the challenges ahead.”
The lakes convention is sponsored by the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, comprised of DNR, the Wisconsin Association of Lakes and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.
People can attend all three days of the conference or just one or two. For more information on the convention or to register, go to
http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/conventions or contact UW-Extension Lakes at (715) 346-2116.
“It’s our thirtieth and it’s going to be a great time,” says Jeff Bode, who leads the Department of Natural Resources lakes program. “I always get rejuvenated. It launches me off on the next season.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Bode, DNR – (608) 266-0502; Tami Jackson, WAL - (608) 662-0923; Kim Becken, UWEX - (715) 346-2116
Prepare now – gypsy moths will return soon
MADISON – With the approach of warmer weather, state forestry officials are urging homeowners to begin preparing to battle gypsy moths. In late April and early May, a new generation of gypsy moths will hatch in some areas of Wisconsin.
“At high numbers, gypsy moth caterpillars can be a tremendous nuisance and strip trees of their leaves, which may contribute to tree dieback or death in stressed trees,” says Bill McNee, a gypsy moth suppression coordinator with the Department of Natural Resources in Green Bay. The insect’s favorite food is oak leaves, but it will feed on many other tree species such as birch, crabapple, and willow.
Forestry officials say gypsy moth populations have risen to damaging levels in northeast and central Wisconsin, as well as parts of south central and southeastern Wisconsin. In response to the threat of high populations, many property owners and local governments participate in a state suppression spray program for this pest. Maps of the areas that will be sprayed by planes this May are available at on the state gypsy moth Web site
http://www.gypsymoth.wi.gov .
“There’s a lot more spraying this year because last summer’s weather was so favorable for the caterpillar’s survival,” McNee says.
Whether or not a property is included in an aerial spray project, homeowners can take action to reduce the number of caterpillars that will hatch and feed on their trees.
“By mid-April, people should begin searching for the tan-colored egg masses and destroy any they find,” McNee says.
The egg masses can be found on any rough or protected surface including trees, houses, firewood piles, bird houses, and other outdoor objects. People should scrape the egg masses into a can and drown them in soapy water for at least two days to kill the eggs.
“Do NOT simply scrape the egg masses onto the ground, step on them, or break them apart. Many of the eggs will survive and still hatch,” he cautions. “You will have 500 to 1,000 fewer caterpillars for every egg mass you properly drown.”
After removing all of the egg masses within reach, people can place sticky barrier bands on trees.
“These bands will prevent crawling caterpillars from climbing into your trees,” says Mark Guthmiller, DNR gypsy moth suppression coordinator in Madison. At a convenient height, wrap a belt of duct tape 4-6 inches wide around each tree trunk, silver side out. Smear the center of the band with a sticky, horticultural pest barrier available at garden centers. “Routinely sweep the caterpillars from the base of the tree into a bucket of soapy water to kill them,” says Guthmiller.
People who have many egg masses on their property and who are not in an aerial spray area for this May, can also hire a certified arborist to protect yard trees. Insecticide treatments are most effective when done in May and early June while the caterpillars are small.
“Spray while the caterpillars are small so they don’t become a nuisance or strip the tree’s leaves,” McNee says. “Arborists are busy in the spring, so determine whether this is an option for you and then make arrangements soon.”
People can find certified arborists in their area by searching at the Wisconsin Arborist Association Web site at
www.waa-isa.org .
More information on the gypsy moth’s life stages and control options for yard trees and woodlots is available on the state gypsy moth Web site
http://www.gypsymoth.wi.gov .
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill McNee, DNR Gypsy Moth Suppression Coordinator, (920) 662-5430 or Mark Guthmiller, DNR Gypsy Moth Suppression Coordinator, (608) 275-3223
Don’t prune oaks April through July to avoid oak wilt
MADISON – People who value their oak trees should not prune them from April through July, according to the latest recommendations from state forestry officials. Spring and early-summer pruning makes oak trees vulnerable to oak wilt, a serious and almost-always fatal fungal disease of oaks.
Special care should also be taken to avoid wounding oaks from April through July, according to Kyoko Scanlon, Department of Natural Resources forest pathologist. Any action that might provide an opening into the tree, she says, such as carving initials into the tree or attaching a birdfeeder or clothes line, could provide an opportunity for the oak wilt fungus to invade and establish itself in the tree.
Scanlon said builders and developers should also be very careful as many oak wilt infections and deaths have occurred through inadvertent damage to roots, trunks, or branches during the construction process. If an oak tree is pruned from April through July, a wound dressing or paint should be applied to the cut surface as soon as the wound is created. Even half an hour can be enough time for beetles that transmit the disease to land on a fresh wound and infect your tree, Scanlon said. While the risk of spreading oak wilt is low after July, Scanlon said homeowners should avoid pruning or wounding oaks until autumn, to be on the safe side.
“Oak wilt can spread from a diseased tree to a healthy tree through a connected root system as well as by insects,” according to Scanlon. “Very small sap beetles transport fungal spores by landing on fungal mats found beneath the cracked bark of trees that died the previous year. The spores are then transmitted from the beetle onto the fresh wound of a healthy oak tree while the beetle is feeding at the pruned or damaged site.” A beetle that transmits oak wilt disease is not capable of boring into a tree, Scanlon added.
If a wound is left unprotected, Scanlon said, a new oak wilt pocket may develop in a location where oak wilt did not previously exist and will radiate to other oaks through the connected root systems. If no management steps are taken, Scanlon said the pocket could continue to expand year after year. Once oak wilt exists in an area, control of the disease is both difficult and costly. The prevention of oak wilt is the best approach.
Oak wilt is commonly found in the southern two-thirds of Wisconsin. Oak wilt has not been confirmed in Ashland, Bayfield, Calumet, Door, Douglas, Forest, Iron, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Oneida, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Sheboygan, Taylor, Vilas, and Washburn Counties. Every year, the disease kills many oaks in the state by interfering with the tree’s water and nutrient-conducting systems, essentially starving the tree. Leaves begin to wilt, and the tree may eventually die. Trees in the red oak group, such as northern red and northern pin oak, are especially vulnerable, and once wilting symptoms become visible, the tree loses most of its leaves and dies very quickly, often within weeks. Trees in the white oak group – those with rounded or lobed leaves – are more resistant to oak wilt, and the disease progresses much more slowly, often one branch at a time. White oaks could live with oak wilt for many years, and some trees may recover from the disease.
“Besides oaks, pruning deciduous trees in general should be avoided in the spring, as this is the time when tree buds and leaves are growing and food reserves are low,” according to Don Kissinger, a DNR urban forester. “The best time to prune any deciduous tree is winter, followed by mid-summer -- after leaves have completed their growth.”
Anyone interested in learning more about oak wilt and other forest pests as well as tree pruning should visit the Wisconsin DNR Forestry Web pages for more information. Additional information about proper pruning techniques is available from your community forester, a University of Wisconsin-Extension agent, or DNR urban forestry coordinators.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Kyoko Scanlon (608) 275-3275 or Don Kissinger (715) 359-5793.
Go online to prepare for potential spring floods
MADISON – The melting of near-record snows, already saturated ground, and spring rains are combining to increase the risk that parts of northeastern, north central and southwestern Wisconsin will suffer flooding this spring.
To help people prepare for potential flooding -- and recover if it occurs -- new “Coping with Floods.” Web pages have been posted on the Department of Natural Resources Web site.
“The best thing you can do if you know flooding is on the way is to be prepared,” says David O.Woodbury, who coordinates the DNR’s emergency response effort. “We hope these Web pages can help people find key information they need to protect their families and their property.”
Information and links on the Web pages include:
• A link viewers to the latest National Weather Service flood watches and alerts.
• A reminder to owners of the 3,800 dams in Wisconsin of the steps they need to take to reduce the risk these dams will fail, and to assure evacuations will go smoothly.
• Instructions and a video for rural homeowners whose private wells may become contaminated, of the steps they need to take to assure they have safe water, including collecting a water sample for testing.
• Information and instructions on how washed out driveways and road culverts can be replaced properly to avoid more erosion and runoff problems.
• A gateway to federal and state emergency management sites loaded with general safety tips and programs available to help clean up after flooding.
More than 1,200 DNR employees – nearly half the agency’s permanent workforce -- are potential first responders, including spills coordinators, drinking water and wastewater engineers, hazardous waste management specialists, air management engineers, conservation wardens, foresters for fire suppression, dam safety engineers, parks crews, communications specialists, fisheries crews and wildlife management operations crews.
People can learn more about the state’s and the DNR’s emergency response in the December 2007 Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine article “The Hell of High Water”
http://www.wnrmag.com/stories/2007/dec07/water.htm#2 which details the August 2007 flooding that led to 14 Wisconsin counties receiving federal disaster declarations.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT DNR FLOOD RESPONSE: David O. Woodbury (608) 266-2598
Madison, La Crosse groups awarded environmental education grants
MADISON – The Friends of Troy Gardens in Madison and Longfellow Middle School in La Crosse have been awarded GreenWorks! Grants by Project Learning Tree, the environmental education program of the American Forest Foundation.
“These grants help get kids outdoors and involved in learning about the environment while improving their local community,” said Janet Hutchens, Project Learning Tree coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources. “It is critical that we reach children at a young age to help instill a sense of wonder about nature and a sense of stewardship about the outdoors for their protection, health and well being.”
Madison’s Friends of Troy Gardens will partner with the Dane County Focus Program, a residential treatment and service-based program for youth, for a project involving restoring, maintaining and improving natural areas in Troy Gardens. Troy Gardens is a 31-acre urban land development in Madison that integrates mixed-income housing, community gardens, an organic farm and natural areas. Focus Program participants will begin project work in April.
In La Crosse, students from the Longfellow Middle School will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to select two suitable islands in the Goose Island area of the Mississippi River south of La Crosse for reforestation. The students will plant silver maple and swamp white oak trees this spring, assess the progress of the project in the fall and establish a plan for the continuation of the project in 2009.
Since 1992, Project Learning Tree has distributed more than $500,000 to funds 730 grant projects in communities across the country. Proposals for the next round of 2008 grants are due by April 30, 2008. Grants of up to $5,000 are available. For more information about GreenWorks! , and a complete list of Project Learning Tree’s GreenWorks! Grant awards, visit
www.plt.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Janet Hutchens, (608) 261-8453 or by e-mail at janet.hutchens@wisconsin.gov.
Make outdoor plans with the April issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
MADISON -- Looking for a weekend adventure? Readers of the April issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine can review 58 day trips available on weekends from April through October. The field trips are guided by Department of Natural Resources specialists who will lead canoeing trips, wildflower walks, bird watching hikes, pontoon boat tours, and visits to catch nature at its peak throughout the year.
People itching to start scratching in the dirt can read up on how easy it is to plan a rain garden that will not only be colorful but will let rainwater filter into the land instead of running down streets and paved parkways into storm sewers.
Readers also find out which trails, parks and campsites that state park visitors voted as the best bets for a good time.
The April issue also takes aim on the newest activity in more than 400 Wisconsin school gym classes—archery! Readers will learn how the National Archery in the Schools Program is taking hold in Wisconsin and sharing the fun of target shooting with a new generation.
And a special bonus to the April issue is the 16-page DNR 2008 Fishing Report newspaper that offers forecasts for hot fishing this year and describes fish management projects statewide that will bring on better fishing in the future.
The April 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 PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: David L. Sperling, editor, 608-266-1510.
Friends of Sandhill Open House April 26
BABCOCK, Wis. – The public is invited to join the Friends of Sandhill volunteers for a day of celebrating Sandhill Wildlife Area and its rich history and ecology. The friends group will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center.
The public is invited to bring family and friends to explore the trails by foot or bike, learn about the educational programs offered through the skills center and talk to volunteers and staff. Refreshments will be served and locally made crafts will be for sale.
More information about the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center is available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site at:
http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/reclands/sandhill. For more information contact Friends of Sandhill volunteer Vicki Palen at 715-652-2950.
Orienteering workshop offered at Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center
BABCOCK, Wis. – Aspiring hikers can build up their confidence and assure that they will find their way back home by signing up for an orienteering course at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center.
Orienteering - Fun with Compass and Map is being offered on the weekend of May 3-4. Participants will: learn how to navigate in the out-of-doors with compass and map; learn how to use orienteering compasses and read topographic maps; and enjoy several practice runs on the compass courses. On the second day, participants test their new skills on a cross-country trek of several miles they design themselves.
Participants should bring lunches and refreshments. Orienteering compasses will be supplied. Participants will be responsible for arranging their own lodging.
Registration is limited to 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Register by mailing in a registration fee of $35 per person by April 23. Participants may stay overnight in the center’s dorm either prior to, during 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
http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/reclands/sandhill 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 at: (715) 884-6333 or (715) 884-2437
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).*
April 12 –138
• Youth turkey hunt.
April 14
• Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings and Conservation Congress county meetings held in every county.
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 16 – 20
• Spring turkey hunting period A
April 23 – 27
• Spring turkey hunting period B
April 27
• Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight. Season is artificial bait, barbless-hook only.
April 30
• The yellow perch season closes on Lake Michigan and tributaries. The season reopens June 16.*
• Otter trapping season closes in the North zone.*
April 30 – May 4
• Spring turkey hunting period C
May 3
• 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.
• Frog season opens. Runs through Dec. 31
May 7-11
• Spring turkey hunting period D
May 14 – 18
• Spring turkey hunting period E
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 15. 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 21 – 25
• Spring turkey hunting period F:
May 24
• 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 2 - A public hearing on the air pollution control construction and operation permit applications of Great Lakes Renewable Energy, Inc. for the proposed construction of a wood pellet manufacturing facility in the Town of Hayward, Sawyer County will be held at 1 p.m. in the Assembly Room at the Sawyer County Courthouse, 10610 Main St., Hayward. Great Lakes Renewable Energy, Inc., FID 858019470, submitted to the Department of Natural Resources a permit application, including plans and specifications for the construction and operation of a wood pellet manufacturing facility to be located at 16592W U.S. Highway 63 South, Hayward, Sawyer County, Wisconsin. (Air Pollution Construction and Operation Permit Nos. 07-MDW-207 and 858019470-F01). DNR staff made a preliminary determination that the application meets state and federal air pollution control requirements and that the permit should be approved. The permit application, the DNR’s analysis and draft permit prepared by the DNR area available for review on the Air Permit page
http://www.dnr.wi.gov/air/permitzip/APM_toc.htm of the DNR Web site and at the DNR Bureau of Air Management Headquarters, Seventh Floor, 101 South Webster St., Madison; at the DNR Hayward Service Center, 10220 State Highway 27 South, Hayward; and at the Sherman & Ruth Weiss Community Library, 10788 State Highway 27/77, Hayward; or by contacting Michael Wagner at 715-634-9658 extension 3526 or by e-mail at Michael.Wagner@wisconsin.gov. Written comments on the application or DNR’s review should be submitted by April 11, 2008 to: Wisconsin DNR, Northern Region Air Management Program, 10220 State Highway 27 South, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843, Attn: Michael Wagner. For information contact Michael Wagner at 715-634-9658 extension 3526.
April 7 - Pursuant to §§ 227.11(2)(a), and 285.11(1) and (6), Stats., interpreting § 285.11(6), Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings on revisions to ch. NR 446, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to the establishment of provisions for coal-fired electric generating units in Wisconsin to limit mercury air emissions at 9 a.m. in Room G09 – of the state Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. The State Implementation Plan developed under § 285.11(6), Stats., is also being revised. In May 2007, public hearings were held on revisions to chs. NR 440 and 446, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to the establishment of provisions for coal-fired electric generating units in Wisconsin to comply with the Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On Feb. 8, 2008, the Washington D.C. Court of Appeals vacated the CAMR. The Court found that the EPA's approach to regulating mercury emissions from coal-fired electric generating units in the CAMR was unlawful. As a result these proposed revisions no longer include provisions related to the federal CAMR. The Department is proceeding with this rulemaking to address Gov. Jim Doyle’s August 25, 2006, directive to the department to develop a rule achieving a 90 percent reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. In addition, these revisions respond to a Jan. 22, 2007, Citizen Petition submitted to the department and Natural Resources Board under provisions in §§ 227.11(2)(a) and 227.12(1) and (2), Wis. Stats., and NR 2.05 Wis. Adm. Code. This petition requested that the department and board conduct rulemaking proceedings to revise and adopt rules that require a 90 to 95 percent reduction of mercury to the air from coal-fired electric generating units in the state by Jan. 1, 2012. Under these proposed revisions to ch. NR 446, Wis. Adm. Code, the state’s large coal-fired electric generating units, 150 megawatts and larger, must follow one of two compliance paths to achieve a 90 percent mercury emission reduction. By Jan. 1, 2015, the state’s large coal-fired electric generating units, 150 megawatts and larger, must achieve a 90 percent mercury reduction, as measured from the mercury content of coal combusted, or limit the concentration of mercury emissions to 0.008 pounds mercury per gigawatt-hour. Under the alternative multipollutant compliance path an additional six years, until Jan. 1, 2021, is allowed for large coal-fired electric generating units to achieve the 90 percent mercury reduction requirement. By Jan. 1, 2015, these large units must achieve nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide reductions beyond those currently required by federal and state regulations. An interim mercury reduction of 70 percent must be achieved by Jan. 1, 2015 and beginning Jan. 1, 2018 another interim reduction of 80 percent is required. Owners and operators must designate which of their large electric generating units will follow the multipollutant option within 24 months after the effective date of the rule. Large electric generating units that are not designated for the multipollutant option, will, by default, be required to achieve the 90 percent mercury emission reduction by 2015. Small coal-fired electric generating units, greater than 25 megawatts but less than 150 megawatts, must reduce their mercury emissions to a level defined as Best Available Control Technology (BACT). After all the mercury reduction requirements in these proposed revisions become effective for small and large electric generating units almost 4,400 pounds of mercury air emissions will be prevented from being emitted annually. These revisions retain the Jan. 1, 2010, mercury reduction requirement in the current state mercury rule. Under this requirement the state’s four major utilities, Alliant Energy, Dairyland Power Cooperative, WE Energies and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, must reduce mercury emissions from their existing coal-fired electric generating units 40 percent from the baseline established under provisions in the current rule. The revisions also propose that any new coal-fired electric generating unit install mercury control technology which achieves a minimum mercury reduction of 90 percent when it commences operation. The department has made a preliminary finding under § 285.27(2)(b), Stats., that the mercury emission limitations proposed in this revision are needed to protect public health and welfare. In the absence of a federal standard promulgated under section 112, the hazardous air pollutant provisions of the Clean Air Act, the department may promulgate a standard if it finds that a standard is needed to provide adequate protection of public health and welfare. The department’s is also seeking comment on this preliminary public health and welfare finding. 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. The proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate and preliminary public health finding, may be viewed and downloaded and comments electronically through the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov . (Search this Web site using the Natural Resources Board Order Number AM-32-05.) A copy of proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate and public health finding or more information may be obtained from Robert Eckdale by calling (608) 266-2856 or by writing him at Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Written comments on the proposed rule and preliminary public health finding may also be submitted to Jon Heinrich, DNR Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 or by e-mail to Jon.Heinrich@Wisconsin.Gov no later than April 14, 2008. Written comments will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings.
April 8-9 - A contested case hearing in the matter of the application for an expansion of a loading apron on Lake Michigan by Washington Island Ferry Line, Inc., Town of Liberty Grove, Door County, Wisconsin has been rescheduled to April 24. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
April 11 - Pursuant to § 281.36(
(d), Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m. in Room G-09 of the Natural Resources Building, (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison, on proposed general permit NFW-GP-2008-WI, relating to the regulation of filling activities conducted in non-federal wetlands that will cause only minimal adverse environmental effects if they are performed separately and the cumulative adverse effect on the environment by the discharges will be minimal. The proposed general permit was also published as a Class I notice under ch. 985, Wis. Stats., in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 6, 2008 and is also available for viewing on the DNR Web site at
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/waterway/permits/GP_nonfederal_wetlands.pdf. Questions concerning the proposed general permit should be directed to Dale Simon at 608-267-9868, email Byron.Simon@wisconsin.gov
April 14 – The Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings and Conservation Congress County meetings will be held in each county of the state
http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard/congress/spring%20hearings/2008/locations.html beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting are held to gather public opinion on proposed changes to fisheries and wildlife management rules of both statewide and local interest and to provide a forum for the public to recommend rule changes for future consideration. Results of the hearings are not binding, but are forward to the state Natural Resources Board for their consideration in adopting rule changes. For information contact Kari Lee Zimmerman at 608-266-2952.
April 15 - Pursuant to §§ 23.16, 23.322, 23.325(2), 23.33, 27.01(7), 29.014, 29.889(7m), 30.52, 169.19(6), 169.20(6), 169.21(3), 169.24 and 227.11, Stats., interpreting §§ 23.16, 23.322, 23.325(2), 23.33, 27.01(7), 29.014, 29.889(7m), 30.52, 169.19(6), 169.20(6), 169.21(3) and 169.24, Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing on revisions to chs. NR 1, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 and 19, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to hunting, trapping, captive wild animals, dog training, nuisance animal removal, wildlife rehabilitation and license issuance at 1 p.m. in Room 608, of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster Street, Madison. Annually the department updates administrative code language to correct inconsistencies, update outdated language and provide clarification where appropriate. This year, the department is proposing the following changes: designate elk as big game animals; allow the issuance of all approvals, permits, licenses, subscriptions and passes through the automated licensing system; eliminate duplicative deer hunting season language; correct a drafting error related to the youth deer hunting season; correct a cross reference to continue allowing hunting certain species at night during the December and October deer hunts; correct a cross reference related to type of legal archery hunting equipment; adjust bear management zones A and D to account for the Bad River Indian Reservation; update wildlife damage and nuisance control rules to be consistent with recently passed legislation; update rules which establish the Horicon Marsh Fur Farm to include newly acquired lands which are part of the marsh; reestablish pheasant management zones for the purposes of regulating Class B shooting preserves; eliminate the sunset of a rule which allows training dogs with the aid of raccoon and rabbits at certain times; define the term “preserve” in order to eliminate confusion about when a Taxidermy or Fur Buyers license is required; waive department fur tagging requirements for tribes that have their own fur tagging systems; repeal the “initial” advanced license for wildlife rehabilitation; clarify that animals which are being rehabilitated may not be exposed to domestic animals during rehabilitation; correct a typographical error related to wildlife rehabilitation regulations. 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. The proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted through the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site:
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted by April 16, 2008 via U.S. mail to Scott Loomans, Bureau of Wildlife Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be submitted until. 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. For ore information or a copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate call Scott Loomans at (608) 267-2452.
April 15, 16 & 24 - Pursuant to §§ 27.01 and 29.089, Stats., interpreting §§ 27.01 and 29.089, Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings on revisions to chs. NR 10 and 45, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to hunting in state parks, including department-managed portions of state trails. The proposed rule would authorize hunting on State Ice Age Trail areas unless the area is posted as closed to hunting. The department would be able to post certain portions of an Ice Age Trail property as closed to hunting in order to protect public safety, protect a unique animal or plant community, or to accommodate user patterns. Hunting and firearms discharge would not be allowed on the actual traveled portions of the trail or in an area extending 50 feet from the center of the trail. Also in state parks, possession of loaded or uncased firearms is illegal where hunting is not allowed. This rule would authorize crossing the traveled portion of a trail in a State Ice Age trail area with a firearm that is not enclosed in a carrying case but which is unloaded. This provision would also apply on other types of state trails. 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. The proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted through the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site:
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted by April 25, 2008 via U.S. mail to Scott Loomans, Bureau of Wildlife Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. For more information or a copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate contact Scott Loomans at (608) 267-2452. The hearings will be held:
April 15, Fitchburg - 5 p.m. in the Glacier Room, DNR South Central Region Hdqrs., 3911 Fish Hatchery Road
April 16, Wausau – 3 p.m. in Room 218, UW-Marathon County, 518 South 7th Ave.
April 24, Milwaukee – 5 p.m. in the Auditorium, Havenwood State Forest Environmental Awareness Center, 6141 N. Hopkins St.
April 16 - Pursuant to §§ 77.06(2), 77.82(3)(c), 77.91(1) and 227.11, Wis. Stats., interpreting §§ 77.06(2) and subch. VI, ch. 77, Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing on revisions to ch. NR 46, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to administration of the Forest Crop Law and Managed Forest Law. The proposed changes to ch. NR 46, include:
• Annual stumpage rate adjustments. Sections 77.06(2) and 77.91(1), Stats., require that the Department establish stumpage rates used in calculating severance and yield taxes on timber harvested from land enrolled in the Forest Crop Law (FCL) and Managed Forest Law (MFL). This rule would repeal and recreate s. NR 46.30(2)(a) to (d) to revise the stumpage rates used in calculating severance taxes and yield taxes for timber harvested during the period of November 1, 2008 and Oct. 31, 2009. Thirteen separate zones reflect varying stumpage rates for different species and products across the state. The average change from current rates is a 0.10 percent increase for pulpwood and a 0.14 percent decrease for piece products. Private timber sales were used in calculating the proposed stumpage rates.
• Definitions used the MFL program in s. NR 46.15 are being changed to streamline administration and processing of MFL orders, transfer and withdrawals
• Changes to ss. NR 46.16(1)(b) and (6) relate to the processing of petitions and orders of designation. One change will allow landowners to amend their initial petition prior to submission of the management plan packet. As a result of this change it will be easier for landowners to enter lands under the MFL program
• NR 46.16(1)(b) clarifies that a management plan packet for the May 15 deadline must be submitted with the petition.
Pursuant to § 227.114, Stats., the proposed rule may have an impact on 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. The proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted through the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site:
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Ken Symes, Forest Tax Section, Bureau of Forest Management, PO Box 7963, Madison, WI 53707. For more information or a copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate contact Ken Symes at - (608) 266-8019. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. via video conference with participation available at:
Eau Claire - Room 139, State Office Building, 718 W. Clairemont Ave.
Green Bay - Room 618, State Office Building, 200 N. Jefferson St.
Madison - Room 8F, State Office Building, 101 E. Wilson St.
Stevens Point - Communications Art Center, UW-Stevens Point, 1101 Reserve St.
Meetings
April 1 - A public meeting to discuss the Preferred Alternative and Options for the Black River State Forest will be held from 4-7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express at Black River Falls, W10170 Highway 54E, Black River Falls. The Preferred Alternative and Options outlines a proposal for land and recreational management, and potential boundary expansion areas. This proposal was developed by an interdisciplinary team of land managers, resource specialists, property staff, and state forest planners. The document may be viewed on the DNR Web site at
http://dnr.wi.gov/master_planning/BlackRiver/ . For additional information, please contact Pat Murphy: (715) 839-3760
April 1, 3 & 8 – The Natural Resources Board Stewardship Subcommittee will conduct three public input sessions on a proposed Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund Program access rule that was included in the reauthorization of the program passed in the state budget last fall. The subcommittee will also meet together for dinner prior to the listening sessions. Information is available on the Natural Resources Board Web pages [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard/agenda.html]. The Stewardship reauthorization includes a provision requiring that lands purchased with Stewardship funds be open to five nature-based outdoor activities: hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, cross-country skiing, and any other nature-based outdoor activity as designated by rule by the DNR. The legislature provided for limited exceptions if the Natural Resources Board determines it is necessary to prohibit one or more of the activities to protect public safety, to protect a unique animal or plant community, or to accommodate other uses. This requirement does not apply to state park properties. After the public meetings, the Natural Resources Board and the DNR will assemble a citizens group to advise the department on developing the proposed rules. The advisory group will include representatives of various recreational constituencies, local units of government and land trusts. All public comments received will be presented to the advisory council. Information on the new stewardship access rule and related materials, as well as an on-line public comment form, will be available beginning April 1 on the DNR web site. In addition to input taken at the meetings and through the web site, written comments can be mailed to Laurie Ross, Natural Resources Board Liaison, PO Box 7921, Madison WI 53707-7921 telephone 608-267-7420, email: Laurie.Ross@Wisconsin.gov The deadline for all written comments is Friday, April 18, 2008. For more information contact: Steve Miller, Bureau Director Facilities & Lands, 608-266-5782. The public input meetings begin at 6 p.m. on the following dates at the locations listed:
April 1, Waukesha - Waukesha State Office Building, Room 151, 141 NW Barstow St.
April 3, Eau Claire - RCU Corporate Center, Eau Claire River Room, 200 Riverfront Terrace,
April 8, Green Bay - DNR Northeast Region Headquarters, Lake Michigan Community Conference Room, 2984 Shawano Ave.
April 2 - Department of Natural Resources Northeast Region fisheries staff will host a public meeting to discuss the management of the Great Lakes muskellunge population from 7 to 9 p.m. at the DNR Regional office, 2984 Shawano Avenue in the Village of Howard. DNR fisheries staff will present and discuss several management activities that have been developed to address the sustainability of the musky fishery. Restoration of the Fox River and Green Bay musky fishery has been a focus of the department since the 1980’s. During that time, the regional fisheries staff has successfully managed this fishery and they continue to develop projects to enhance the restoration program. Area fishermen have expressed concern about the future management of this fishery, especially in relation to VHS impacts on the musky population. During this meeting, the DNR will share several management activities with the public and conduct a dialogue about concerns for the sustainability of this important musky fishery. For information contact Michael Donofrio, DNR Fisheries Supervisor, at 715-582-5050.
April 3 – The third meeting of the Phosphorus Criteria Advisory Committee will be held April 3rdtfrom 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster St., Madison. The purpose of the committee 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.
April 3 - The External Advisory Team for the DNR's proposed Glacial Heritage Area will meet from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Johnson Creek Municipal Building, 125 Depot St., Johnson Creek. The Team will be discussing options for creating and expanding conservation parks, linking trails between parks and cities, and protecting lands adjacent to rivers and creeks in the Study Area. More information is on the DNR Web site at
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/facilities/glacial/index.html or contact John Pohlman at 608-264-6263.
April 4 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – The full Task Force will meet from 9 am to 2:00 pm in the Main Conference Room at Wisconsin Public Power, Inc., 1425 Corporate Center Drive, Sun Prairie. The agenda includes: an update on progress made by the MGA; a report from Task Force Co-Chairs on efforts to clean up the policy templates, a proposed schedule to complete the Task Force’s work and the March 19th Public Input Session; a discussion of the emission reduction goal setting process; a presentation of initial policy runs from the modeling process; and identification of areas of controversy within Work Groups. 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 .
April 7 - The Mid-Kettle Moraine partners Group will meet from 9 a.m. until noon at the Town Bank of Hartland in the Village of Hartland. The Mid-Kettle Moraine Partners Group is a group of individuals representing government, private nonprofit conservation agencies and others interested in the Mid-Kettle Moraine. The purpose of the meeting will be to continue to discuss activities related to the Partners Group education and outreach activities and to share information on members activities. For additional information please contact Paulette Harder at 414-263-8525 or 262-255-0227.
April 10 - The Natural Areas Preservation Council will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the DNR Poynette Service Center, W7303 Highway CS, Poynette. The council will discuss the protection and management of Wisconsin State Natural Areas. For information contact Thomas Meyer at 608-266-0394 or thomas.meyer@wisconsin.gov.
April 14 – The Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings and Conservation Congress County meetings will be held in each county of the state
http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard/congress/spring%20hearings/2008/locations.html beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting are held to gather public opinion on proposed changes to fisheries and wildlife management rules of both statewide and local interest and to provide a forum for the public to recommend rule changes for future consideration. Results of the hearings are not binding, but are forward to the state Natural Resources Board for their consideration in adopting rule changes. For information contact Kari Lee Zimmerman at 608-266-2952.
April 14 - The Wisconsin Clean Diesel Coalition will meet from 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 discuss project proposals for new Diesel Emission Reduction Act funds. For information contact Jessica Lawent, DNR, at (414) 263-8653.
April 15 – The State Trails Council quarterly meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Governor’s Conference Room, 116 East State Capitol, Madison (if unavailable, the back up room is, Room 330 SW, State Capitol). The council will discuss the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest ATV Trail Proposal update, Amery to Dresser update, Motorized Recreation Area concept update, Master Plans update, Trail Crew update, 2008 Trail Pass Survey, Managed Forest Lands Law update, AB600 update, proposed Non-motorized Trails Legislative Study Committee update, Tuscobia/Ice Age Trail issue, Complete Streets Initiative update and other trail issues. For more information: Contact Joseph Warren, Trails Program at (608) 267-7487 or by e-mail: josephc.warren@wisconsin.gov.
April 19 – The annual spring public meeting on management of the Brule River State Forest will be held at 10 a.m. at the Brule Town Hall, 5820 S. Maple St., Brule. Please post and publicize as necessary. The meeting will address development projects completed 2007 and planned 2008, resource management activities in the forest including completed and planned timber sales, tree planting, prescribed burning, and wildlife management and fisheries management activities and land management activities to enhance fisheries habitat; and potential management activities on newly acquired lands for recreation and forest management. For information contact Dave Schulz, Brule River State Forest Superintendent, at (715) 372-5678.
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/
