Wisconsin DNR News
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/May 29, 2007
Motorists urged to slow down for turtles and other wildlife
Purchase state trail pass before hitting the trail
Great Lakes beaches may be mechanically cleaned
Vote for your favorite state park features
Donations to Endangered Resources Fund may be made online
State hunter education administrator receives international recognition
Teacher workshop focuses on natural wonders of Mississippi River
Motorists urged to slow down for turtles and other wildlife
Turtle nesting is underway in Wisconsin
MADISON – Anyone traveling Wisconsin roadways has likely seen the broken shells and other soft pieces of a once living turtle. Some are of the small painted turtles, while others are large snapping turtles. Their misfortune is the result of them trying to cross the road to find food, mates, or especially at this time of year, suitable nesting sites.
Turtles grow slowly in northern climates, according to Bob Hay, an amphibian and reptile biologist with the Department of Natural Resources.
“Turtles are an important and fascinating part of a vast food web necessary for other wildlife and plant life,” Hays says, “and highway mortality continues to be one of the major threats to our native turtle populations."
Hay says motorists are most likely to see turtles crossing roads near lakes, streams and wetlands this time of year because the roads separate the aquatic habitat where turtles spend most of their lives from the well-drained upland habitats where female turtles deposit their eggs. This annual ritual generally reaches its peak from late May to June.
Hay says the widely fluctuating temperatures this spring appears to have caused turtle nesting season to get started a little later than normal.
“The month of June should be a busy time for female turtles,” he says.
Most turtles will stop moving when they hear, see or feel a vehicle coming, so they are easy to drive around without going into the other traffic lane or off the pavement. And despite the armor, Hay says, a turtle is no match for a steel belted radial tire. A vehicle can kill an adult female and eliminate the potential reproduction in the affected population.
“If you see a turtle on the road -- and only if it’s safe to do so -- carefully pull over and help the turtle to the side of the road it is facing,” he says, but cautions that people should never put themselves or other drivers at risk when stopping.
When helping an aggressive turtle -- such as a snapping turtle -- off the road, the safest way to avoid being bitten is to gently drag it across the road by it tail, leaving the front feet on the pavement. It may help to use a stick that the turtle can bite, allowing one to grab the tail more safely.
Five of Wisconsin’s 12 turtle species are experiencing significant population declines. Turtles are up against tough odds even without highway mortality. Hay says that as few as 5 percent of eggs laid survive to hatch and of those, only one in 100 may survive to reproductive age. Turtle predators include raccoons, skunks, opossums, herons, egrets, seagulls, cranes and crows.
Travelers are advised to slow down and watch for other wildlife as well this time of year. White-tail deer yearlings have recently been chased off by their mothers, who are now giving birth to this year’s crop of fawns, and many yearling deer are hit and killed on roads this time of year as they look for areas to establish their own home range.
People should also be aware that the turtle season is closed until July 15 each year, so picking turtles up off the road as pets or for food is illegal. Anyone who observes this being done should contact the DNR hotline at 1-800-TIPWDNR (1-800-847-9367).
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Hay- (608) 267-0849
Remember state trail pass before biking, rollerblading or horseback riding on state trails
MADISON – With the approaching Memorial Day weekend signaling the unofficial start of summer, many people will be tuning up their bicycles, getting out their rollerblades and oiling their saddles in preparation for heading out to one of Wisconsin’s many state trails.
Wisconsin State Park officials are reminding people who intend to venture out to Wisconsin’s state trails this summer that another thing they should have is a 2007 State Trail Pass.
The Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required to bicycle, rollerblade, horseback ride, or in the winter, cross-country ski on many state trails. However, pedestrians and those under the age of 16 do not need a trail pass.
Wisconsin is considered a pioneer and leader in the development of trails. It boasts 42 linear State Trails totaling more than 1,650 miles, many of which have been established on former railroad corridors, according to Brigit Brown, state trails coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources. In addition, there are hundreds more miles of mountain biking and horseback riding trails in Wisconsin state parks and forests.
Funds from sale of trail passes are used by DNR State Parks Program for maintenance and management, but fall far short of those actual costs, according to Peter Biermeier, chief of external relations, planning and trails for the DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation.
A recent study of state park system enforcement policies found that a significant number of trail users required to have a trail pass did not have one when they were encountered by trail officials.
“Basically we found that compliance with the requirement to purchase the trail pass before using the trail was not good, especially compared to activities such as fishing or hunting, where most people would never consider undertaking the activity before they purchase their license,” Biermeier says.
State trails that require users to have a pass have signs noting the pass is required and they are also listed in the Wisconsin State Park System Visitor’s Guide. There are trailhead self-registration stations or offices where people may purchase a trail pass. In addition, trail passes are available at all DNR service centers and state park and forest contact stations, and many local businesses such as bike stores and service stations located near trails sell the passes. Passes may also be purchased with a credit card on-line through the State Parks Web site [www.wiparks.net] or order by phone at (608) 266-2181.
“The revenue lost from people using the trails without purchasing a trail pass means there are fewer funds available for trail maintenance and improvement, and for developing new trails. By purchasing their trail pass, users are helping keep the Wisconsin State Trail systems one of the preeminent systems in the nation,” Biermeier says.
“At $15 for year-round access and $4 for a daily pass to some of Wisconsin’s best trails, the State Trail Pass is a recreation bargain,” Brown says.
A $5 surcharge on top of the trail fee will be levied by a ranger or trail manager whenever they come upon a trail user without a pass. Deliberately avoiding a self registration station or not stopping to show trail officials a pass can result in a citation.
A trail pass is required for each person using the trail and is not transferable. So for instance, two people riding a tandem bicycle would both need a trail pass.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brigit Brown - (608) 266-2183 or Peter Biermeier - (608) 264-6136
Great Lakes beaches may be mechanically cleaned
to remove invasive and nuisance plants and animals
MADISON – People who own Great Lakes beach fronts will be able to get a general permit for dredging, including operation of a motor vehicle, to remove algae, mussels, dead fish and similar large nuisance plant and animals under an emergency rule adopted by the state Natural Resources Board.
The board was reacting to complaints of increased invasive species populations such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and blooms of the algae Cladophora. In the last 10 years, low water levels have led to more beach area being exposed and, as a result, mussel shells and large floating mats of algae are winding up along the lakeshore.
“Piles of decaying Cladophora may affect tourism, recreation and property values, and have been linked to taste and odor problems in drinking water,” says Martin Griffin, statewide waterways policy coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources. “The algae also may exacerbate levels of E. coli and bacteria in beach sand and swimming waters, thus raising questions about beach safety.”
But Griffin adds that it was important that the rule includes standards for how to use machinery to remove invasives.
“We also want to protect the resource,” he says.
Under the emergency rule (a revision to Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR 345), which is in effect for the summer 2007 season, waterfront property owners may apply for a general permit to remove large nuisance plant and animal deposits in an efficient manner. “Before the emergency rule, lakefront property owners only had two options,” said Kristy Rogers Aquatic Habitat Coordinator for the Department. “Property owners either had to remove the material by hand or apply for an individual permit if they needed to use motorized equipment. Now, there is a quicker option.” The general permit has a $50 application fee and is processed in less than 30 days. A permanent rule will be developed based on input relating to the emergency rule.
Without an emergency rule to create a general permit, all dredging, including operation of a motor vehicle, on the beds of the Great Lakes to remove plant and animal nuisance deposits would require an individual permit costing $500 with an automatic 30-day public notice. The board ruled that the required 30-day comment period would unnecessarily delay projects that otherwise could go ahead with prescribed conditions established in a general permit.
Mechanical removal can be accomplished with front-end loaders, backhoes or beach grooming equipment. DNR staff advises that precautions be taken to avoid damaging sensitive beach vegetation and near shore habitat for fish and wildlife.
Some of the new general permit standards include:
• The removal will be limited to plant and animal nuisance deposits in the swash zone (zone of wave action) of the waterway.
• The total amount of material removed must be less than 3,000 cubic yards.
• The general permit issued is for the one time removal of the plant and animal nuisance deposits.
• Equipment used must skim the nuisance deposit off the top of the lakebed and minimize any impact to the lakebed and surrounding vegetation.
Equipment used for the project should be de-contaminated following the most current decontamination protocols found on the DNR Web site:
http://dnr.wi.gov/ under the link for VHS.
If the removed material will be disposed of by land spreading, the material must incorporated into the soil by plowing or disking within 24 hours.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristy Rogers – (920) 662-5117, Russ Rasmussen – (608) 267-7651 or after June 3 contact Martin Griffin - (608) 266-2996
Vote for your favorite the state park features
MADISON – Wisconsin residents and visitors can vote for their favorite Wisconsin State Park features through an online survey being conducted by the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP). People can access the survey through the organization’s Web site at [http://www.fwsp.org]. Voting closes Sept. 21 and winners will be announced on Oct. 19.
The short survey asks voters to list the name of the park they feel offers the best features in 10 categories including the best ski trails, picnic area, view of a moonrise, kids playground, mountain bike trail, prairie, interpretive display and campsites.
“Voters can go right online and vote – it takes under two minutes,” said Kate Zurlo-Cuva, friends and volunteer coordinator for the state park system. “New visitors to state parks and trails can look at the survey results and judge where to go based on their recreational preference.”
“We hope that hidden favorite spots and beloved secrets will surface,” notes Bill Lunney, president of the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks. “As volunteers who are passionate about our state parks and trails, it brings us at FWSP great joy to see what others love about the state park system as well.”
Whether or not people choose to vote, everyone is invited to join the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks at their celebratory banquet and awards ceremony on Oct. 19 at Devil’s Lake State Park. Award winners will also be posted on the Wisconsin State Parks Internet site [www.wiparks.net].
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Zurlo-Cuva - (608) 266-7617
New webpage for online donations to Endangered Resources Fund
MADISON – It is now easier than ever for people interested in helping TO protect and restore rare species in Wisconsin by donating to the state Endangered Resources Fund. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Endangered Resources has launched a new Web page that makes it easy to donate on-line for programs that reintroduce endangered or threatened species and restore and protect the habitat they depend on in Wisconsin.
The Endangered Resources Online Donation Center [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/donate/] can be found on the DNR Web site [dnr.wi.gov] by clicking on natural resources and then endangered resources.
“Donations to the Endangered Resources Fund directly support on-the-ground field work aimed at conserving and restoring our natural heritage in Wisconsin,” said Signe Holtz, Bureau of Endangered Resources director. “These dollars help everything from wolves and falcons to turtles, prairies, woodlands and wetlands.”
More than 200 Wisconsin plants and animals are either endangered or threatened. Donations also act as state “matching funds,” which are used as leverage to bring in more than a million dollars of federal grants annually for endangered resources work supporting reintroduction of trumpeter swans and whooping cranes, recovery of the bald eagle, gray wolf and osprey and conservation management of numerous rare native plants, shorebirds, mussels, butterflies and state natural areas.
Acting early to prevent species from becoming endangered or threatened is responsible resource management by present generations for future generations, say officials.
“Landing on an endangered or threatened species list is not good news for any species,” says Holtz. “Keeping species off these lists and maintaining Wisconsin’s biodiversity makes a lot more sense. It’s more effective and less costly in the long run.”
The Web site allows visitors to either donate to the general Endangered Resources Fund or to some specific efforts such as the Trumpeter Swan Fund or the Adopt an Eagle Nest programs.
“The endangered resources license plate – the distinctive wolf design - and the endangered resources tax check-off are also ways to support conservation of plants, animals and natural areas for future generations,” says Holtz.
Maintaining a healthy and diverse environment adds to residents’ quality of life and healthy environments also attract visitors to Wisconsin, say officials.
The 2005-2010 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which takes a snapshot look at outdoor recreation in Wisconsin every five years, reports that annually 1.7 million Wisconsinites participate in birding, 1.6 million visit a wilderness or primitive area, 1.7 million fish and 1.4 million day hike – recreational activities tied to high quality habitat and wildlife populations. An additional 1.8 million visitors to Wisconsin also participated annually in these activities.
Additional information on Wisconsin’s endangered and threatened resources and Wisconsin’s State Wildlife Action plan, which identifies Wisconsin’s wildlife species in greatest conservation need and conservation actions needed to protect them and their habitats, also is available on the Endangered Resources Web .
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Signe Holtz - (608) 264-9210
State hunter education administrator receives international recognition
MADISON – The state hunter education administrator for Wisconsin has received international recognition for his efforts to make hunting safer in Wisconsin.
Tim Lawhern, hunter education administrator for the state Department of Natural Resources, received the Ed Kozicky Award, the highest award given by the International Hunter Education Association at the association’s 2007 conference in Baton Rouge, La.
Lawhern also received the Executive Directors Award, which is given to the single individual who assisted the most in furthering the association’s mission “to teach hunters worldwide to be safe, knowledgeable and responsible.”
The International Hunter Education Association represents the interests of 68 state, provincial, and federal hunter education programs, and 70,000 hunter education instructors who teach hunter safety, ethics, and conservation to approximately 750,000 students each year.
State fish and game agencies began offering hunter safety programs in 1949. Since then, more than 35 million people have been certified. The hunter safety program has grown, and it is now known as the Hunter Education Program.
Lawhern is past president of the association and also teaches for the National Academy of Hunting Incident Investigation and at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service federal training facility.
The conference allowed participants to share information on instructor training and incentives, hunter recruitment and retention, and standards for base level hunter education programs. DNR conservation wardens John Plenke and Chris Wunrow gave a presentation on Wisconsin’s Education Instructor Academy.
“From their presentation I've already received requests from three states to have Wisconsin come and provide an instructor academy for their programs: Oregon, Colorado and Illinois,” Lawhern says. “Networking between programs and states is a very valuable way to make large scale improvements. We should be proud that others continue to view our successes as the leading edge of progress regarding hunter education. We should also be willing to share with them what we know and have learned from our efforts.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern - (608) 266-1317
Teacher workshop focuses on natural wonders of Mississippi River
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Teachers can learn how to introduce their students to the natural wonders of the Mississippi River by attending an on-river workshop that earns them graduate-level credit.
The three-day “Exploration of the Mississippi River” workshop begins Aug. 13 with registration closing June 15. The workshop is targeted toward fourth through 12th grade teachers, and is not limited to science teachers.
Participants will learn about the history of the river, current management practices and issues on the river with Department of Natural Resources researchers, managers and educators. They’ll also learn techniques used to monitor the ecological health of the river, and receive a guide full of activities and background information for teaching about the Mississippi River.
“The Mississippi River is one of those resources a lot of people take for granted, but it’s played a huge role in the history of the state and it has phenomenal diversity,” says Jeff Janvrin, DNR Mississippi River habitat specialist and the workshop’s facilitator. “Teachers often teach about the ocean, the rain forest, the Great Lakes. We want to provide them with the resources to teach about the river as well.”
Two graduate level credits will be offered through Drake University and the cost for those credits will be in addition to the $60 registration fee. The fee includes lodging at the Indoor Group camp at Wyalusing State Park, meals, and field trips. For more information contact Jeff Janvrin (608) 785-9005.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Janvrin (608) 785-9005
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.*
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.
July 1 - Training dogs by pursuing bear allowed through August 31. (Note exception on DNR lands; see current Wisconsin bear hunting regulations for rules.)*
July 15 - Turtle season opens statewide through Nov. 30 for those species that are not listed as endangered or threatened.*
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 30 - A contested case 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 9 a.m. 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
June 6 - A Class 1 contested case hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 227.01(3)(a) in the matter of an application by the Town of Salem to discontinue a public access to Hooker Lake, Town of Salem, Kenosha County, Wisconsin will be held at 9 a.m., in the Hearing Room of the Kenosha County Center Building, 19600 75th Street (Hwy. 45 & 50), Bristol. The Town of Salem in Kenosha County has completed filing an application with the Department of Natural Resources for a permit pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 66.1006, to discontinue a public access to Hooker Lake located at the intersection of 81st Street and 238th Avenue, in Section 11, Township 1 North, Range 20 East, Town of Salem, Kenosha County, Wisconsin. The point at which the 81st road right-of-way meets Hooker Lake provides public access to water. The Town of Salem will not replace this road right-of-way with another property. The Department of Natural Resources issued Notice of Proposal to Abandon a Way to Water which stated that unless written objection was made within 30 days of publication of the Notice, the department may issue a decision without a hearing. Timely objections were received. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709
June 7 – A contested case hearing 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 commence at 9 a.m. at the Door County Library (Jane Green Room), 107 South 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay. It will continue, if necessary, on June 8, 2007, at the same location. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
June 11 – A Class 2 contested case public hearing on the matter of whether withdrawal orders issued by the Department of Natural Resources for lands enrolled under Managed Forest Land Designation shall be affirmed will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the offices of the Division of Hearings and Appeals, 5005 University Avenue, Suite 201, Madison. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 77.88(1)(b) and (c), the Department of Natural Resources issued an Order of Withdrawal (#26-018-1996) to Valuation Systems, PO Box 2013, Santa Monica, CA, 90406, effective Jan. 1, 2004, withdrawing managed forest land designation from 40 acres of land comprising the SE ¼ of the SE 1/4 , Section 36, Township 44N, Range 04E, Town of Oma, Iron County (Parcel Identification No. 14-1279-0000 and 0100). Pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 77.88(1)(b) and (c), the Department of Natural Resources issued an Order of Withdrawal (#26-019-1996) to Planning Technology, P O Box 799, Santa Monica, CA, 90406, effective Jan. 1, 2004, withdrawing managed forest land designation from 68 acres of land comprising part of the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ and the entire NW ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 36, Township 44N, Range 04E, Town of Oma, Iron County (Parcel Identification No. 14-1277-0000 and 14-1276-0100). For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
June 11 - The Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings at 5 p.m. in the Auditorium, Logan High School, 1500 Ranger Drive, La Crosse, on Natural Resources Board Emergency Order No. FH-25-07(E) which revises chs. NR 19 and 20, Wis. Adm. Code, pertaining to control of fish diseases and invasive species. This emergency order was published on May 2, 2007 and revised Natural Resources Board Emergency Order FH-22-07(E) which took effect on April 7, 2007. This rule will aid the Department in controlling the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHS): Natural Resources Board Emergency Order FH-25-07(E) does the following:
1. Clarifies definitions of “live fish” and “live fish eggs” for purposes of the previously adopted emergency rules.
2. Clarifies the prohibition of the transport of live fish away from waters of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River drainages by stating that the prohibition also includes any fish possessed on those waters of the banks or shores of those waters.
3. Clarifies and expands what equipment must be drained of water after removal from waters within the Great Lakes and Mississippi River drainages.
4. Expands the emergency measures to ban the use of potentially infected fish, fish by-products and fish meal as bait in crayfish traps.
5. Clarifies limitations on use of imported live bait by permitting the use of imported live bait from Minnesota or Iowa on the Mississippi River and allowing minnows that die during a fishing trip to be considered live bait for purposes of these rules.
The emergency rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically 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 Bill Horns, Bureau of Fisheries Management and Habitat Protection, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be submitted until June 15, 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 or a copy of the emergency rule and fiscal estimate call Bill Horns at (608) 266-8782.
June 12 - Pursuant to §§ 227.11(2)(a), 285.11(1), (6) and (16), 285.60(6), 285.67 and 285.69, Wis. Stats., interpreting §§ 227.11(2)(a) and 285.11(1) and (6), Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing on revisions to chs. NR 400, 406, 407, 410 and 439, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to construction permits and stack test requirements. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. in Room 511 of the state Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster Street, Madison. The State Implementation Plan developed under § 285.11(6), Stats., is also being revised. The department is proposing to incorporate changes in federal regulations. Some changes in chs. NR 400 and 407 are updating definitions and other revisions to the federal standards regarding fugitive emissions and permitting standards. Additional changes in chs. NR 406 and 407 clarify when a construction permit is needed for sources covered under general operation permits. Portable source relocation limitations found in ch. NR 406 will be amended by changing the numerical emission limitations to language limiting the relocation limitations to less than major source thresholds. Section NR 410.03 will be amended so construction permits can be issued concurrently with operation permits, streamlining the process for minor revisions to those permits. The revision is being made so that the collection of permit fees and the issuance of an operation permit are independent of each other. If fees are not paid, the Department has the ability to revoke a permit or to refer the source to the Department of Justice to collect the fees. Chapters NR 439 and 462 have different and conflicting stack test requirements for boilers that are subject to national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants, maximum achievable control technology (MACT). The proposed amendment to ch. NR 439 allows boilers subject to that MACT standard to use the testing schedule in ch. NR 462 rather than the current requirements in ch. NR 439. The proposed rule may have an impact on small businesses. Surces of fugitive emissions may become subject to the federal operation permit program as a result of this rule change. Low emitting dry cleaners, metal cleaners and chrome electroplaters may be excluded from major source permitting requirements as a result of this rule. DNR 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 supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate may be viewed and and comments electronically submitted through the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site [http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov/] (Search this Web site using the Natural Resources Board Order No. AM-12-07. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Joe Brehm, Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 or by e-mail to Joseph.Brehm@wisconsin.gov. Comments may be submitted until June 19, 2007. Written comments whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings. A copy of the proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate or more information may be obtained from Robert Eckdale at (608) 266-2856.
June 12 - The Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing at 3 p.m. in Room 511, of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster St., Madison, on amendments to ch. NR 484 and the creation of NR 460, Appendix JJJJ and ch. NR 465, subch. III, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for paper and other web surface coating processes. The U.S. EPA promulgated the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for the surface coating of paper and other web on December 4, 2002. Section 285.27(2)(a), Stats., requires the Department to promulgate NESHAP into the administrative code. The proposed rule will regulate the emissions of hazardous air pollutants from facilities which are major sources of federal HAPs and which conduct surface coating of paper and other web (affected sources). These include facilities which manufacture the following products: pressure-sensitive tapes and labels, flexible vinyl, photographic film, decorative and industrial laminates, abrasive products and specialty papers. The rule specifies emission limits for organic HAP and operating limits for emission control devices. The proposed rule is identical to the federal NESHAP, except for punctuation, capitalization, numbering, and non-substantive wording and organizational changes made to accommodate state rule form and style requirements and, in some cases, to improve clarity. The proposed rule may have an impact on small businesses that are major sources of HAP emission and which operate one or more web coating lines. The proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate may be viewed and downloaded and comments electronically submitted at the following Internet site:
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov. (Search this Web site using the Natural Resources Board Order No. AM 08 07.) Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Mr. Eric Mosher, Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 or by e-mail to Eric.Mosher@wisconsin.gov. Comments may be submitted until June 29, 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 or a copy of the proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate contact Robert Eckdale at (608) 266-2856.
June 12 and 13 – A hearing in regard to the consolidation of appeals of petitioners objecting to granting of a variance to Pheasant Run Refuse Disposal Facility for wells within 1,200 feet of a landfill in Paris Township, Kenosha County, (originally scheduled for March 26) will he held at 9 a.m., in Room 202 of the Kenosha City Hall, 625 52nd Street, Kenosha. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
Meetings
May 30 - The External Advisory Team for the DNR's proposed Glacial Heritage Area will be meeting from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Johnson Creek Village Hall, 125 Depot St. The team will be hearing a presentation from Mark Weaver of the National Park Service on ideas for successfully implementing a "strings and pearls" type of project. The team will also discuss a potential marketing plan. For more information contact John Pohlman at (608) 264-6263.
May 30-31 - The DNR Silviculture Team will meet at 10 a.m. at the Silviculture Specialist Team Meeting, Cabin On Conners Lake, W1115 County Highway W, Phillips (May 30) and Normal Building 104 S. Eyder Ave., Winter, (May 31), regarding chapters and issues pertinent to the Silviculture Handbook, including Oak & Central Hardwoods chapters, MFL plans & WISFIRS, Beech Bark Disease, team progress/ work plan, and other issues. A field trip will look at management on the Flambeau State Forest. For more information, contact Brooke Ludwig at (715) 839-3766.
May 31 – The DNR Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest ATV Stakeholders group [http://dnr.wi.gov/master_planning/nhal/NHAL-atvstakeholder.htm] will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Reuland's Catering, 1571 Hwy. 51 North, Arbor Vitae to continue to evaluate sustainable use of ATVs on the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. For information contact: Bob Dall at (715) 365-8993 for details.
May 31 – The Milwaukee River Revitalization Council will meet from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center at 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee. Agenda includes: Milwaukee River Workgroup Presentation, Shoreland Protection Ordinance Developments on the Milwaukee River, Report from River Revitalization Foundation, Stewardship Funding Report, Kinnickinnic River Update - one of 10 most threatened rivers in the U.S, Green Building Opportunities, Council vacancy suggestion, and Outing scheduling. For more information, contact Belle Bergner at (414) 263-8635.
June 4 - Wisconsin DNR Fisheries Management staff from the Southeast Region will hold a public meeting to discuss smallmouth bass management and regulations for the Milwaukee River. The meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Lower Level Conference room of the Mequon City Hall 11333 N. Cedarburg Road 60W Mequon. Data will be presented regarding the current state of the smallmouth bass populations. The public will be asked to formulate what, if any, regulation changes should be made to improve the fishery. The public will also be asked what sections of the river need additional regulation. For more information, contact John Nelson at (920) 892-8756, Ext. 3049 or William Wawrzyn at (414) 263-8699.
June 4, 5 & 6 - The Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Partners and their agents will be attending annual monitoring training. The half-day training sessions will take place at Sandhill WA in Babcock on June 4th from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Express in Black River Falls on June 5th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on June 6 at the Crex Meadows Education Center in Grantsburg from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. More information is on the DNR Web site at [http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/karner/index.htm]. For information contact David R. Lentz, Division of Forestry at (608) 261-6451.
June 6 – 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. Contact Jill Jonas at (608) 267-7545 for more information or view updated agenda on the drinking water pages of the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/dwg/gac/index.htm].
June 6 – The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/UF/council/] will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection building at 2811 Agriculture Drive, Madison. The group will be discussing critical issues facing urban forestry. Information on the Council can be found on the DNR Web site. For more information contact Laura Wyatt at (608) 267-0568 or by e-mail at Laura.Wyatt@Wisconsin.gov.
June 6 – The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming will hold its second meeting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the first floor conference room of the Commerce/WHEDA Building, 201 West Washington Avenue in Madison. The agenda includes informational presentations and a discussion of Work Group organization and assignments. For information, contact Melody Marshall at (608) 264-8851.
June 6 - The Governor's Council on Invasive Species will meet at 9 a.m. in the Governor’s Conference Room of the State Capitol, Madison. Items on the agenda include: update on classification recommendations, Invasive Species Awareness Month, 2007 Invader Cruiser Awards, species assessment groups status, emerald ash borer update, VHS Update, forestry BMPs update, and committee reports. For more information contact Diane Greisinger at (608) 264-8529.
June 7 - Milwaukee Estuary Remedial Action Plan Delisting Steering Committee Meeting at 10 a.m. at the Port of Milwaukee, 2323 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee. Agenda includes project report review and discussion and comment on five of the eleven beneficial use impairment delisting strategies. For more information contact Marsha Burzynski at (414) 263-8708.
June 12 - The Wisconsin Council on Forestry will meet at 8 a.m. in at the Holiday Inn Express, 919 State Highway 54, Black River Falls. The council will discuss Private Forest Certification expansion, woody biomass legislation, invasive species best management practices, potlatch in Wisconsin, the impact of China on Wisconsin forest products industry and other items that. Please contact Mary Brown at 261-7599 for more information.
June 14 - The Implementation Oversight Committee of the Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) will meet from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mirror Lake State Park, E10320 Fern Dell Road, Baraboo. More information is on the DNR Web site at [http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/karner/index.htm]. For information contact: David R. Lentz, Division of Forestry (608) 261-6451.
