Wisconsin DNR News
Anglers: avoid spreading invasives, fish disease
Inland trout stocking returns to normal levels
Three convenient ways to purchase fishing licenses
Numerous forest fires blacken 2000 acres across north
Restore wetlands by raising special beetles to eat an invasive plant
Fieldtrips highlight purple loosestrife control
May 1, 2007
Anglers reminded to avoid spreading viral fish disease and other invasive species
MADISON – With the regular inland fishing season set to open Saturday, May 5, a viral fish disease responsible for huge fish kills on several eastern Great Lakes underscores the need for all Wisconsin anglers to take steps to avoid accidentally spreading aquatic invasive species to more lakes and rivers, Wisconsin’s top fisheries and invasive species officials say.
“We want people to go out and enjoy the great tradition that is opening day,” says Mike Staggs, Wisconsin’s fisheries director. “But now more than ever we need people to take the steps we know can prevent non-native pests from spreading to new waters.”
Ron Martin, who coordinates invasive species prevention efforts for the Department of Natural Resources, called viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, “a wake-up call for all of us. This is a deadly fish virus that kills fish outright, instead of crowding them out as many other invasive pests do. It could have potentially devastating effects if it spreads to our inland waters.”
VHS is not a health threat for people who eat or handle fish infected with the virus. But the virus can infect more than 25 game fish, panfish and bait fish species. It’s suspected to be present in Lake Michigan and possibly in Lake Superior and in the Mississippi River. Wisconsin recently enacted emergency rules for boaters, anglers and people who harvest wild bait to prevent its spread to inland waters.
The viral fish disease is not the only threat that boaters need to worry about, Martin says. Eurasian water-milfoil, zebra mussels, spiny waterfleas and others invasive species are found in some Wisconsin lakes and can displace native plants, interfere with swimming, boating and fishing, and sap state and local funds available for lakes. Such invasive species have been detected in only a small proportion of lakes -- Eurasian watermilfoil, for example, is the most common but has been documented in 474 of Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes – or about 3 percent of lakes.
“Most of our waters are still free of invasive species,” Martin says. “We all need to work to keep it that way.”
Anglers, boaters and other water users can help prevent the spread of invasive species and VHS by taking a few simple steps:
• Never move live fish or fish eggs to other waters and buy bait minnows only from Wisconsin bait dealers because bait from other states may not have been tested for VHS. These steps are required by the new emergency rules.
• Inspect boat, trailer and equipment and remove visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud before leaving the lake launch.
• Drain water from boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait containers before leaving a lake. This step is recommended for boaters on all waters and is require under the emergency rules for boaters on the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River and their tributaries up to the first dam.
• Dispose of leftover bait in the trash, not in the water. Do not take live fish or live fish eggs away from the boat landing.
• Rinse boat and recreational equipment with hot water OR dry for at least five days.
• Report large numbers of dead fish or fish with bloody spots to your local DNR fish biologist or conservation warden.
For more information on aquatic invasive species and Wisconsin’s programs to prevent their spread, visit dnr.wi.gov/invasives/aquatic/. To learn more about VHS and Wisconsin’s emergency rules, go to dnr.wi.gov/fish/pages/vhs.html.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Martin (608) 266-9270 or Julia Solomon (608) 267-3531
Inland trout stocking returns to normal levels
MADISON – Trout anglers anticipating the May 5 opener will be pleased to know that trout stocking is back to normal levels, and nearly 400,000 legal size trout will be stocked before opening day. A list of more than 300 waters where the Department of Natural Resources is scheduled to stock legal size trout is available on the DNR Web site. (Link to the PDF lists)
“We’ll fill all the inland trout requests this year,” says Al Kaas, DNR statewide fish propagation coordinator. “This means that more streams are stocked and there are more fish to catch.”
This marks the first season that stocking of trout has resumed to normal levels after three years in which reduced budgets meant some streams received fewer fish or no fish at all.
“In the past we’ve had to prioritize some of our ‘put and take’ stocking, so some of the streams that were very small or had very marginal conditions for trout didn’t get stocked last year. This year they should be stocked again with the hope that the angler will catch a legal size fish,” says Kaas.
A total of 88,185 brook trout, 127,481 brown trout and 171,780 rainbow trout are expected to be stocked in the so-called put and take waters. These waters are capable of supporting trout during the spring, summer and fall, but have poor habitat for sustaining fish over the winter. Urban fishing waters, which are small lakes and ponds cooperatively managed with the local municipality and used as a place for fishing clinics and kids fishing, are expected to be stocked with 72,150 rainbow trout. A list of waters with catchable trout is available on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/pages/catchable_trout.htm].
With the help of cooperative fish rearing agreements and non-profit organizations around the state, an estimated 108,200 additional trout will be stocked. The organizations take small trout fingerlings (less than 1 year old) and grow them to legal size and larger for stocking. They provide the feed and labor to grow the fish and help the department stock the fish into waters approved by the local biologist.
“Anglers can look forward to catchable size fish biting as they head out this season, Kass said. “The trout stocked are between 16 and 18 months old and they’re typically at least 9 inches in length. We try to stock fish where at least 80 to 90 percent of the fish are of legal size or better.”
The department also stocks fingerlings in some waters where fish can survive over the winter and grow to legal size by the next spring. Restoration, rehabilitation, and experimental projects also receive fingerling stocking throughout Wisconsin.
The trout scheduled for stocking were reared at the Nevin, Osceola, St. Croix Falls, Brule River, Lakewood and Langlade state fish hatcheries.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Al Kaas – (608) 267-7865, Dave Giehtbrock – (608) 266-8229
Three convenient ways to purchase fishing licenses before May 5 opener
MADISON – The opening day of the 2007 regular fishing season is May 5, and more than 400,00 people have already gotten their license to fish.
As of 11 a.m. on May 1, 417,266 people had purchased fishing licenses or patron licenses that bring fishing privileges.
People who still need to purchase a Wisconsin fishing or patron license before the season opens can do so online over the Internet with a credit card or in person at any of more than 1,400 license outlets statewide and in neighboring states. Licenses may also be purchased toll-free over the phone, but anglers would not receive the license in time for opening day using this method.
Purchasing a license via the Internet is particularly convenient, according to Diane Brookbank, director of customer service and licensing for the state Department of Natural Resources.
“You can print the license at home. Order it online, print it, and you’re ready to head out on the water,” Brookbank says.
Fishing licenses may be can be purchased over the Internet through the Department of Natural Resources Online Licensing Center at [http://www.wildlifelicense.com/wi/], at any DNR Service Center [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/servicecenter/locations.htm], at automated license sales locations <http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/licenseagents/>, or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).
“Wisconsin has one of the nation’s highest participation rates in fishing, and the first day of the season is something anglers look forward to all winter,” says Mike Staggs, Wisconsin’s fisheries director. “Now what we need is some good weather.”
Wisconsin typically sells about 1.4 million fishing licenses during the regular fishing season. That ranks Wisconsin fifth nationally in total number of licenses sold, behind more populous states such as Texas, California, and Florida.
The regular inland fishing season runs May 5, 2007 through March 2, 2008, for many game fish, and people can fish year-round for panfish certain other species on a number of state waters.
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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: DNR customer service (608) 266-2621
Numerous forest fires blacken 2,000 acres across north
MADISON – A series of forest fires collectively burned more than 2,000 acres across the northern half of the state Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29. Aided by prolonged droughty conditions, warm temperatures and strong winds, the fires kept fire fighting crews from the Department of Natural Resources, local fire departments and U.S. Forest Service busy through the night in some cases.
The National Weather Service had issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of north and west central Wisconsin on Sunday. Red Flag Warnings are issued when the combination of temperature, humidity, wind and dry fuels are expected to reach extreme fire danger levels.
Similar fire-prone conditions are expected for the extended weekend period Thursday, May 2 through Saturday, May 5. Current weather forecasts suggest a chance of precipitation in some of the dryer areas later in the weekend. Fire crews, fire lookouts and fire equipment repair workers are expected to be on standby until conditions improve.
Current fire danger conditions can be seen at dnr.wi.gov under natural resources, forestry, forest protection then current statewide fire danger.
On Sunday, Wisconsin fire management officials took the step of requesting help in the form of additional fire fighting aircraft from Minnesota under a cooperative agreement that includes upper Great Lakes states and Canada.
A CL-215 twin-engine air tanker capable of dropping up to 1,200 gallons of water per drop and a helicopter with a water bucket made numerous drops on the Foxboro Fire in Douglas County. The Foxboro fire was estimated at 650 acres in a long narrow band along the Burlington Northern rail line. The fire was possibly started by sparks thrown from equipment operating along the rail corridor. Crews remain on the scene mopping up smoldering or still burning snags, stumps and other lingering flames or embers.
In Bayfield County the Pioneer Fire burned an estimated 1,140 acres on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in the vicinity of Namekagon Lake. The Council Grounds Fire burned a reported 90 acres near Merrill and near Hayward in Sawyer County the Dry Town fire burned about 50 acres. Single engine air tankers (SEATS) performed numerous fire retardant drops on the Dry Town fire contributing to saving upwards of 20 homes in the area.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Manwell – (608) 264-9248 or (608) 209-8148
Horicon Marsh Bird Festival May 11-14
HORICON, Wis – Bird watchers will flock to Horicon Marsh the weekend of May 11 through 14 for the annual Horicon Marsh Bird Festival, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Along with bird watching hikes and tours, pontoon tours of the marsh, and the popular, bird banding and live birds of prey demonstrations, a new feature this year will be information on the new Wisconsin eBird Web site, that allows people from around the state the opportunity to find out what birds are being seen around the state and to report their own observations. In all, there are more than two dozen activities scheduled for the festival.
Bill Volkert, Department of Natural Resources Naturalist for the Horicon State Wildlife Area, will be performing bird-banding demonstrations where visitors will be able to see tiny songbirds up close and learn about their harrowing migratory journeys. Volkert will also lead a hike in search of wood warblers, often called the “jewels of the bird world” because they are the most colorful and most challenging to identify by sight and sound.
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. May 12, the festival will also feature the “Big Sit,” during which members of the Horicon Marsh Bird Club will take turns confining themselves to a 17-foot circle as they attempt to find and identify as many birds as possible from that spot over an entire day. Visitors are invited to come join them, watch their progress, and help locate birds. The event is a fund raiser for the bird club and festival.
Throughout the day bird experts will lead various birding tours for audiences of all ages.
A complete list of activities can be found on the Horicon Marsh Bird Club Web site at
http://www.marshmelodies.com. Events are held at a variety of locations, including the Department of Natural Resources Horicon Service Center and the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
The festival is sponsored by a partnership that includes the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Horicon Marsh Bird Club, Horicon Marsh Boat Tours; Friends of the Horicon Marsh International Education Center; Rock River Archeology Society; and Horicon and Mayville chambers of commerce.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Volkert (920) 387-7877
Restore wetlands by raising special beetles to eat an invasive plant
MADISON – People who want to help reclaim wetlands from an invasive plant are encouraged to get involved in a state program to raise and release special beetles that eat only the invasive plant purple loosestrife.
Free equipment and starter beetles are available through the program, which began in 1997. Since that time, more than 500 citizen cooperators and citizen groups have raised millions of two carefully tested, safe, and effective biocontrol beetle species and released them in damaged wetlands. Many cooperators have reported the beetles’ success in significantly reducing purple loosestrife populations, and that native wetland plants have increased.
“Rearing the beetles is easy with a small backyard gardening project,” says Brock Woods, the state’s purple loosestrife biocontrol coordinator. “The project can be a great summer learning experience for the whole family.”
Everyone interested needs to get involved now as rearing must start around late May, and it often takes several weeks to get host plants ready. For more information or to sign up for the program, e-mail or call Brock Woods at brock.woods@wisconsin.gov or (608) 221-6349.
Purple loosestrife is an invasive, hardy wetland perennial plant from Europe and Asia that was introduced into Wisconsin around 1900, probably through shipping and by gardeners and bee keepers. By the 1980s, purple loosestrife was thought to infest more than 40,000 acres of wetlands. The plant grows faster, taller and produces more seed than most native wetland plants, so it often shades out and replaces them, along with many of the native insects and other animals that depend on them.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brock Woods - (608) 221-6349
Fieldtrips highlight success of biological control of purple loosestrife
MADISON – Free field trips during May allow people to see wetlands recovering from purple loosestrife, an invasive plant, with help from a special beetle that targets only the purple loosestrife.
The field trips, sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources and University of Wisconsin-Extension, enable participants to learn about the invasive plant, how to distinguish it from a variety of native plants, and the damage it has done to Wisconsin wetlands.
Participants will also be able to see biocontrol beetles at work and ask questions about the biocontrol program. They may also be able to personally help collect beetles for local purple loosestrife biocontrol work, according to Brock Woods, who leads Wisconsin’s purple loosestrife control efforts.
Citizens have been raising and releasing tested, safe and effective purple loosestrife biocontrol insects in Wisconsin since 1997, with great results.
Participants should register for regular trips by emailing brock.woods@dnr.state.wi.us or by calling (608) 221-6349 and leaving name, trip date/place, number of participants, and e-mail address or phone number. Any trip may be canceled or postponed due to severe weather, so participants should call ahead if in doubt. Bring clothing and boots suitable for spring weather in wet habitats.
Unless noted otherwise, all trips are from 3 to 6 p.m.., although participants may be able to come late and don’t have to stay for an entire trip.
• May 10 - Oconomowoc: 1 mile north of State Highway 16 on Waukesha County Highway P at Lisbon Road; park on gravel on south side of Lisbon Road at the corner.
• May 15 - Waupaca: Shadow Lake on Highway 22, first parking lot north of U.S. Highway 10.
• May 17 - La Crosse Veterans Park: on State Highway 16, 3 miles west of I-90/16 exit.
• May 19 - Special trip and time: Manitowoc County Beetle-Mania: From I-43, west on County Highway C, north on Nagel Road, west 1-1/4 miles on Rusch Road to Viking Gun Club. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call or e-mail Terri Lyon at (920) 894-3597, tlyon@vollrathco.com.
• May 21 - Waukesha County, Scuppernong Prairie parking lot in South Kettle Moraine State Forest, 1 mile west of Eagle on State Highway 59, 1 mile north on County. Highway North.
• May 22 - Green Bay, meet at UWEX office: north off State Highway 172 on Webster Avenue, east on Allouez Avenue, north to 1150 Bellevue St.
• May 24 - New Auburn area: 1 mile west of I-53 on County Highway M at junction with Sand Creek
• May 30-31 - Special trip: Great Lakes Visitor Center, Ashland area. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Miles Falck, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, for registration, (715) 682-6619 (124).
• June 1 - Ashland, Great Lakes Visitor. Meet at junction of State Highway 13 & U.S. Highway 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• June 2 - Minocqua: in town at “Save More Grocery” parking lot on U.S. Highway 51.
• June 2 - Special trip: Manitowoc County: (see May 19).
• June 30 - Special Trip, Waukesha County: Canoe Ottawa Lake Fen 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Sign up at
www.wisconservation.org (Canoe & fees required for this trip).
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brock Woods - (608) 221-6349
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.*
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.
June 2 – 3
• Free Fishing Weekend. No license or stamps required to fish inland waters or outlying Wisconsin waters of the Great Lakes and Mississippi and St. Croix rivers. All bag and size limits and other regulations apply.
June 3
• State Parks Open House Day -- free admission to all state parks, forests and trails.
June 16
• Yellow perch season opens on Lake Michigan with a bag limit of five (5).*
• Northern zone bass season goes from catch-and-release to daily bag limits. Check current regulations for bag and size limits.
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
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 chs. NR 310 and 326 of the Wis. Admin. Code 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 2 - A public hearing to give interested people an opportunity to make a statement with respect to the proposed reissuance of Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) Permit No.WI-0035807-06 for Iron Mountain Kingsford Joint Sewage Board, Park Drive, Kingsford, Michigan, MI 49802. The Iron Mountain - Kingsford Joint Sewage Board operates a wastewater treatment facility for domestic sanitary waste. Effluent from this facility is discharged in Michigan under an NPDES permit. This WPDES permit is for land applying sludge in Wisconsin. Discharge is via land application to the groundwaters of the Pemebonwon River Watershed in the Menominee River Drainage Basin in Florence and Marinette Counties in Wisconsin. The Town of Aurora requested the hearing, “Due to the fact that our water in Florence County already has high levels of naturally occurring arsenic in it, we feel the need to re-examine any other possible pollutants that may be coming into our town.” The Town of Niagara Zoning Administrator has requested the WPDES permit for Iron Mountain Kingsford Joint Sewage Board be revoked because the Town ordinance does not allow for the disposal of any solid or liquid wastes.The hearing will begin at 5:30 pm at the Aurora Town Hall, Corner of County Highway N and County Highway B, Aurora, WI. Persons wishing to comment on or object to the proposed permit action are invited to do so by attending the public hearing or by submitting any comments or objections in writing to the Department of Natural Resources. More information, including a copy of the proposed permit, is available for downloading at the WPDES public notices page and for inspection at the Department of Natural Resources, Rhinelander Service Center, 107 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501, or contact Susan Watson at (715) 365-8945.
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.
May 3, 10 & 17 - Pursuant to §§ 23.09(2)(intro.), 23.091, 23.11(1), 23.22(2)(a) and (b)6., 27.01(2)(j), 29.041, 227.11(2)(a) and 227.24(1)(a), Stats., interpreting §§ 23.09(2)(intro.), 23.22(2)(a), 29.014(1), 29.041 and 227.11(2)(a), Wis. Stats., public hearings will be held on Natural Resources Board Emergency Order No. FH-22-07(E) which revises chs. NR 19 and 20, Wis. Adm. Code, pertaining to control of fish diseases and invasive species. The rule: 1) prohibits the possession on the water and use of live fish, fish eggs, crayfish or frogs from outside Wisconsin, except minnows imported in compliance with U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) import and health requirements; 2) prohibits the possession on the water and use of dead bait, except used on Lake Michigan or on the water the bait originated from, or when preserved in a way that would kill VHS virus; 3) prohibits the transportation of live fish or fish eggs from waters of the Great Lakes or the Mississippi River drainage, except 1) fish being exported in compliance with USDA APHIS regulations and orders; b) fish or fish eggs tested and found to be free of VHS virus; and c) fish or fish eggs transported with the prior written approval of the Department; 4) requires all boaters to drain water from bilges, ballast, buckets and live wells immediately after leaving waters of the Great Lakes or of the Mississippi River drainage, unless exempted in writing by the Department; 5) allows the Department to deny permits for the use of non-standard minnow gear to prevent the spread of invasive species or diseases. The emergency 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 until May 28, 2007 via U.S. mail to Mr. Bill Horns, Bureau of Fisheries Management and Habitat Protection, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be submitted. 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 information call Bill Horns at (608) 266-8782. The hearings will all be held at 5 p.m. on the following dates at the location listed:
May 3, La Crosse - Lower Level Auditorium, La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St.
May 10, Ashland - Council Chambers, Ashland City Hall, 601 Main St. West.
May 17, Milwaukee - Rooms 140 and 141, DNR Southeast Region Hdqrs., 2300 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
May 11 - Pursuant to ch. 160 and §§ 281.12(1), 281.15 and 281.19(1), Wis. Stats., interpreting ch. 160 and §§ 281.12(1), 281.15, 281.19(1) and 299.11, Stats., a public hearing will be held on the amendment of § NR 140.10 Table 1, Wis. Adm. Code, relating groundwater quality standards for Alachlor-ESA at 11 a.m. in Room 511, of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. Alachlor-ESA (Alachlor ethane sulfonic acid) is a degradation product of the herbicide Alachlor that has been found extensively in Wisconsin groundwater. In accordance with ch. 160, Stats., the Department is required to propose rules establishing the recommendations from the Department of Health and Family Services as groundwater quality standards in ch. NR 140. The Department of Health and Family Services has recommended an enforcement standard of 20 µg/L for Alachlor-ESA. A concentration of 20 µg/L has been used as in interim health advisory level for Alachlor-ESA in Wisconsin since 1993. Department staff have 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. 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 until May 18, 2007 via U.S. mail to William Phelps, Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be. 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 more information contact William Phelps at (608) 267-7619.
May 15 - A public hearing pursuant to §§ 29.014 and 227.11, Stats., interpreting § 29.014, Stats., on revisions to chs. NR 10, 12 and 16, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to hunting, nuisance wild animal removal and captive wildlife will be held 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 related to hunting, nuisance wild animal removal and captive wild animals: 1) Clarify that a disabled person is a person who holds a Class A, B or C disabled permit; 2) establish that the rabbit hunting season closes on the last day in February rather than February 28; 3) correct a cross reference in the firearm deer hunting season; 4) update the fisher zone map which is based on the recently updated Deer Management Zone Map; 5) relax bear carcass registration so that bear may be registered at stations that are adjacent to highways that form the boundary of the bear management zone in which it was killed; 6) correct drafting errors in the rule that establishes small game hunting in state parks; 7) clarify that landowners who are removing certain nuisance wild animals are not subject to hunting or trapping seasons; and
update cross references and terminology so that Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s animal diseases and movement rules and DNR’s captive wildlife rules are consistent. Department staff have 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 through the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site at [http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov]. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Scott Loomans, Bureau of Wildlife Management, Wisconsin DNR, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be submitted until May 17, 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. For more information contact Scott Loomans at (608) 267-2452.
May 15, 17, 22, 23 & 24 - Public hearings the state on proposed changes to the state’s mercury rule will be held around the state in April. The Department of Natural Resources 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. The proposed changes would allow the Department to implement the CAMR in Wisconsin. The proposed changes include: requirements in the federal CAMR will meet the consistency commitment in the current state rule; 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 EPA’s national trading program; and rules to achieve a 90 percent mercury reduction at all coal-fired power plants will be adopted by June 30, 2010. 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. A January 2007 Citizen Petition submitted to the DNR requested that the same revisions be made to Chapter NR 446, except that it called for a 90 to 95 percent reduction in emissions by 2012. For more information contact Jon Heinrich, Bureau of Air Management Environmental Analysis Section Chief, at (608) 267-7547. The public hearings on revisions to NR 446 will all begin at 1:30 p.m. on the following dates at the locations listed:
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.
May 16 & May 30 - A public hearing in the matter of the application of Flambeau Mining Company for issuance of a Certificate of Completion of Reclamation of the Flambeau Mine near Ladysmith in Rusk County will commence at 2 p.m., and will continue until 5 p.m. It will continue at 6:30 p.m. that evening, and at 8:30 a.m. on May 17, 2007. The hearing will be held in the County Board Room of the Rusk County Courthouse, 311 Miner Avenue, Ladysmith. A contested case hearing on the application will commence at 9 a.m., on May 30, 2007 in the County Board Room of the Rusk County Courthouse, 311 Miner Avenue, Ladysmith. The hearing will continue on May 31 – June 1, and June 4, if necessary, at the same location. All witnesses who have filed testimony shall be present at the contested case hearing and made available for cross-examination unless all parties stipulate that such a witness need not be present. Rebuttal witnesses will be allowed if appropriate. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709
Meetings
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.
May 14 - Staff from the Department of Natural Resources and the US Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service - Wildlife Service will jointly conduct a public meeting to discuss a goose population management plan for the Long Lake Recreation Area in the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. The meeting will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Henry S. Ruess Ice Age Visitor Center located off of STH 67, half mile west of Dundee in Fond du lac County. Staff will discuss an integrated plan to successfully resolve conflicts with resident Canada geese. For more information contact Jerry Leiterman, Forest Superintendent, at (262) 626-2116.
May 15 – Sheboygan County Construction & Demolition Waste Reduce, Reuse & Recycle meeting, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Plymouth Service Center, 1155 Pilgrim Road, Plymouth. The meeting will feature - Roger Cavanaugh of Cavanaugh's Carriage, Neenah who will update recreation, education and rental facility owners, contractors & area residents on how a multi-million dollar recreational facility was created using recycled buildings & materials. Cavanaugh's Carriages - Recreational Facility is set on a 140 acre farm with woods, open fields and pastures. There are ponds within their acres, which ducks and geese fly into. Many on-site trails lead through the farm and are open year round for hay rides, sleigh rides, hiking and educational nature and environmental programs. For more information contact Christine F. Lilek, DNR, at (920) 892-8756, ext 3027.
May 17 - The DNR Private Water Advisory Council will meet at 9 a.m. in Room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building, 101 S. Webster St., Madison to discuss the proposed revisions to chs. NR 812 and NR 146, Wisconsin Administrative Codes, to reflect changes to ch. 280, Wis. Stats. For information contact Dorie Turpin at (608) 266-0162.
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/
