September 18, 2007
Now is the time to prepare for next year’s gypsy moth infestations
Duck season opens Sept. 22 in northern zone
Hunters should review baiting regulations prior to hunting seasons
Woodcock season opens Sept 22
Salmon and trout stamp expenditure report available
Citizen Environmental Monitoring Conference set for Oct. 5-6
Fall naturalists programs offered at Horicon Marsh
Outdoor photography course offered at Sandhill
Gypsy moth populations on the increase
Now is time to prepare for next year’s outbreaks
MADISON – Gypsy moth populations have been increasing to damaging levels in parts of Wisconsin, according to state forestry officials, who stress that this is the best time of year for landowners to determine if trees on their property could be defoliated by this pest next summer, and if so, to determine the best course of action to address the problem.
“Hot, dry weather this summer favored gypsy moth survival, and populations of the pest increased to levels that threaten significant tree damage in many counties next summer,” according to Andrea Diss-Torrance, Gypsy Moth Program Coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division. Counties where the gypsy moth outbreak could be significant include, Adams, Columbia, Dane, Juneau, Kenosha, Marathon, Marinette, Milwaukee, Portage, Rock, Racine, Sauk, Walworth and Wood.
While outbreaks in those counties next summer are likely, not all areas within those counties will be equally affected. “Some woodlots and neighborhoods will be severely defoliated, and some areas – even ones nearby heavy infestations – may see little to no damage,” Diss-Torrance says.
Because defoliation can vary, Diss-Torrance says it is important to check now and decide whether action is needed. To predict whether an area is likely to be defoliated by gypsy moths next summer, landowners can survey for gypsy moth egg masses, and Diss-Torrance says now is the perfect time to do that.
Gypsy moth egg masses are typically teardrop-shaped, 1 to 1.5 inches long, and are covered in a tan-colored felt. Egg masses that will hatch next spring are firm to the touch. Old, empty egg masses are soft, bleached out, and covered with tiny holes. Directions on how to survey for the pest are available on the Wisconsin Gypsy Moth portal Web page [http://gypsymoth.wi.gov/].
“Do several surveys separated by at least 150 feet to get an idea of how widespread the area threatened with defoliation is,” recommends Diss-Torrance. “Your options for preventing damage are different depending on whether you are protecting a few trees or many acres.”
What to do if a survey results indicate defoliation is likely next summer
“If trees on your property are threatened, you will need to decide to treat the infestation or let nature take its course,” Diss-Torrance says “Landowners of residential or recreational property often take action to reduce the gypsy moth population to non-damaging levels. Owners of forest land may choose to allow the outbreak to run its course. In every state where this pest occurs, landowners protect only a small percent of the land that is threatened with defoliation by gypsy moths. Once established, this pest is part of the natural community, and people typically only treat to suppress outbreaks where those outbreaks would interfere significantly with the use of the property such as around their homes.”
Landowners who find high numbers of egg masses on only a few trees can consider the management options for yard trees found on the gypsymoth.wi.gov, Web site, or can hire a certified arborist to treat the infested trees. A searchable list of certified arborists in Wisconsin is available at the Wisconsin Arborists Association Web site at [http://www.waa-isa.org/arborists/search.asp].
If many acres of a property or neighborhood are likely to be defoliated by gypsy moths next year, an aerial spray of insecticide is a more cost effective choice. The DNR offers an aerial suppression program through counties. People who are interested in this program should contact their county and local municipality now to request that their property or neighborhood be included in an aerial spray. A list of county coordinators and local contacts is available on the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fh/gm/coordinators.htm].
Landowners who plan to participate in the state suppression program should leave all egg masses up to be counted by the staff who will be determining what areas will be sprayed. The egg masses can be treated with horticultural oil, but if the egg masses are removed, the surveyors may not be able to include the area in the spray. Privately arranging for an aerial spray is also possible; though, property owners considering this option should consult the guide to organizing these sprays as there must be conducted under state regulations. A link to this guide is on the [gypsymoth.wi.gov] Web site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT Andrea Diss-Torrance - (608) 264-9247
Duck season opens Sept. 22 in northern zone
Southern zone opens Sept. 29
MADISON – Duck hunters will enjoy a full 60-day hunting season in Wisconsin and again have expanded shooting hours when the duck season opens in the Northern Zone on Sept. 22. The season opens at 9 a.m. instead of noon as in previous years.
“Wisconsin waterfowlers should have a good hunting season,” said Kent Van Horn, Department of Natural Resources migratory game bird ecologist. “Overall, spring populations of ducks and Canada geese breeding in Wisconsin were average while duck and goose populations breeding in Canada were high in 2007.”
However, because of some very dry conditions in northern parts of the state, Van Horn says, hunters who scout prior to and during the season will have a better hunting experience.
“Hunters should remember that local water conditions, weather and time spent scouting are the most important factors to the success of their waterfowl season,” he says. “Wisconsin has a wide range of different habitats and locations to hunt waterfowl that are not always used very heavily, so take the time to seek out new areas this fall.
Many of the ducks harvested in Wisconsin come from birds that breed in Wisconsin, Van Horn says. “The four most abundant ducks in Wisconsin’s fall hunting harvest are mallards, wood ducks, green-winged teal and blue-winged teal.”
The Northern Zone season will run straight through to Nov. 20. The Southern Zone season will open at 9 a.m. Sept. 29 and run through Oct. 7, and then will close until it reopens on Oct. 13 and runs through Dec. 2.
The daily bag limit for the full 60 days is six ducks, not to include more than four mallards of which only one may be a hen, two wood ducks, one black duck, two redheads, two scaup, one pintail, and two canvasback. In addition, the bag limit includes five mergansers to include not more than two hooded mergansers. Coot daily bag is 15.
Van Horn notes that a record high canvasback breeding population supported an increase in the canvasback daily bag from one to two birds this year.
The boundary between the northern and southern duck zone remains the same as last year. This boundary extends from Highway 10 on the Minnesota border to U.S. 41 near Appleton and will follow U.S. 41 to the Michigan border at Marinette/Menominee.
Bag checks will again be performed at select hunting locations in the state this fall. Avian influenza testing will also occur at these sites.
More information is available on the waterfowl in Wisconsin pages of the DNR Web site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kent Van Horn - (608) 266-8841 or Kimberlee Benton - (608) 261-6458
Woodcock season opens Sept 22
MADISON -- Interest in pursuing the “timberdoodle,” as woodcock is also known, throughout the forests of Wisconsin remains high with more than 19,000 woodcock hunters spending 72,000 days in the field in 2006, according to federal harvest surveys. Wisconsin ranks second in the nation for woodcock harvest at almost 43,000 birds.
Over the last 30-plus years, the woodcock population across its range in the Midwest and northeastern U.S. has shown a steady decline, according to state wildlife biologists, who believe the drop is primarily related to changes in forest habitat.
However, in Wisconsin, this decline appears to have leveled off with no significant change over the last decade, according to Kent Van Horn, migratory wildlife ecologist for the Department of Natural Resources.
“Overall, hunters should expect to see woodcock numbers similar to the last few years and depending on the weather, should enjoy a good fall,” Van Horn says.
Woodcock season runs Sept. 22 to Nov. 5, with a daily bag of three birds.
Woodcock hunters need to note that because woodcocks are a migratory bird species, hunters must be registered for the Harvest Information Program (HIP), a federal program that helps the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service monitor the harvest of migratory bird species by randomly selecting a sample of HIP registered hunters and asking them to participate in a harvest survey.
Becoming HIP registered is a simple process. When hunters apply for a license they are asked if they intend to hunt migratory game birds in Wisconsin this year. If they answer “yes,” they are asked about the number of ducks and geese harvested last year and whether or not they hunted other migratory birds. Once those questions are answered, the hunter is HIP registered.
Detailed woodcock hunting regulations can be found in the Migratory Bird Regulations available at DNR service centers, license outlets and on the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/regs/index.htm].
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kent Van Horn, DNR waterfowl ecologist - (608) 266-8841 or Kimberlee Benton (608) 261-6458
Hunters should review baiting regulations prior to hunting seasons
MADISON – Deer hunters who hunt over bait should review Wisconsin’s deer baiting and feeding rules prior to deer hunting, according to state wildlife managers and conservation wardens.
“Currently, 26 Wisconsin counties do not allow baiting or feeding of deer at any time of year due to wildlife disease concerns,” said Keith Warnke, big game ecologist for the state Department of Natural Resources. “In the remaining counties baiting and feeding of deer is allowed with a 2 gallon limit.”
“The way in which hunters place their 2 gallons of legal bait, what is legal bait, and timing are all important,” said DNR Conservation Warden Thomas Van Haren. “The rules in the hunting regulations apply to both public and private lands.”
All baiting and feeding of deer is prohibited in: Adams, Calumet, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Lafayette, Manitowoc, Marquette, Milwaukee, Portage, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Vernon, Walworth, Waukesha and Waushara counties.
But there are other options for attracting deer in counties closed to baiting and feeding, say wildlife officials. Hunters may use scent to attract deer as long as it is placed in a way that it is not accessible to deer, although up to 2 ounces of scent may be placed in any manner, even if accessible to deer. It is also allowable to hunt over naturally deposited materials such as acorns, crops planted and left standing as wildlife food plots, and food made available as a result of normal agricultural planting and harvesting operations in those counties. Details on amounts of scent and how it may be placed are available in the 2007 Deer Hunting Regulations.
In counties where it is legal to bait deer for hunting, it is also legal to feed deer for recreational viewing near residences and places of business say wildlife officials. Each owner occupied residence or a business may place up to 2 gallons of feed within 50 yards of the residence or business. Also, no bait or feed may be placed within 100 yards of a roadway with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour or more to reduce the chance of car-deer collisions. If any bear or elk begin using a deer feeding site, the owner must remove the feed for a period of at least 30 days, before they may resume feeding deer.
“There is nothing that can take the place of preseason scouting for a successful opening weekend hunt,” says Warnke. “Deer change their patterns over time and what was once a good deer stand may not be so good anymore due to changes in the forest cover or changes on neighboring lands. Putting in the early legwork can be fun and enjoyable and extends the hunting experience. It can also be a time to renew landowner permissions or locate new hunting lands.”
Details on amounts of scent, bait or feed and how it may be placed for hunting or recreational viewing purposes are available in the 2007 Deer Hunting Regulations or in a special Wisconsin Deer Baiting and Wildlife Feeding Regulations publication (pdf 244kb).
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke, big game biologist, (608) 264-6023 or Thomas Van Haren, conservation warden, (608) 266-3244
Great Lakes salmon and trout stamp revenue expenditures report available
MADISON -- Over the past four years, state fisheries managers have been able to dedicate more than $10 million to maintain and enhance the salmon and trout fisheries in Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and their tributaries with more than half of the funding coming from the stamps anglers purchase to fish the Great Lakes.
Anglers can find out how revenues from the salmon and trout stamps were spent between 2004 and 2007 in a new Great Lakes Salmon and Trout Stamp Revenue Expenditures Report that has detailed summaries of the projects conducted, which include evaluation, research and propagation activities. The report is available on the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/lakemich/Salmon%20stamp%20report%202004-2007.pdf].
“The Great Lakes Salmon and Trout Stamp allows anglers to help sustain the Great Lakes sport fishery,” says Bill Horns, a DNR Great Lakes fisheries specialist. “Without it, our available funds for the propagation of Great Lakes salmon and trout would be nearly cut in half.”
Since 1982, every angler wishing to fish for salmon or trout in Wisconsin’s waters of the Great Lakes must purchase a Great Lakes Salmon and Trout Stamp. Revenues from the sale of stamps have supported the DNR trout and salmon rearing and stocking programs for the Great Lakes.
One of the more significant projects underway with the help of stamp funds, is the continuing renovation on the century-old Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery, also Wisconsin’s largest coldwater hatchery. Producing 2.2 million trout and salmon for more than 100 years took its toll on the historic fishery, putting it in need of critical restoration. In 2007, thanks to Wisconsin’s avid anglers, more than $2 million of Great Lakes salmon and trout stamp funds were used towards renovations on Wild Rose.
“The rebuilding of Wild Rose will allow us to sustain the remarkable chinook salmon fishery on Lake Michigan and to raise and stock several other species including brown trout, lake sturgeon and the Great Lakes spotted musky,” says Horns.
“Anglers can look at this report and see the difference their Great Lakes salmon and trout stamp dollars have made,” says Horns. “We could not sustain the fishery we have without this support from the angling public.”
A paper copy of the report is available by e-mailing Bill Horns at bill.horns@wisconsin.gov or calling at (608) 266-8782. More information about Lake Michigan [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/lakemich/) and Lake Superior [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/gmu/superior/Fish/Fish.html) sport fisheries is available on the DNR Web site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Horns- (608) 266-8782
Citizen Environmental Monitoring Conference set for Oct 5-6
MADISON – More than 150 volunteer monitoring groups in the state contribute in excess of 300,000 hours of labor each year monitoring environmental and natural resources in Wisconsin, according to recent a survey. Individuals and organizations involved in these monitoring efforts can share experiences and learn about other monitoring activities at the 4th Annual Citizen-Based Environmental Monitoring Conference, which will be held Oct. 5-6 at Devil’s Head Resort and Conference Center, Merrimac.
“Citizen-based environmental monitoring is a way for people to contribute to the conservation of our natural resources,” said Signe Holtz, director of the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Endangered Resources. “From the 107-year-old Christmas bird count to frog and toad surveys to non-native aquatic plant surveys, citizen monitoring of plant and animal populations provides critical information on the health of our resources.”
Hotlz said a 2004 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey estimated the 300,000 hours of labor for citizen based monitoring in Wisconsin is valued at $20 million annually.
The conference, sponsored in part by the Department of Natural Resources, includes speakers on Friday at the resort and short field courses on a variety of monitoring activities at nearby Devil’s Lake State Park on Saturday.
The keynote address speaker will be Dr. Chris Kucharik of the University of Wisconsin -Madison, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, speaking on “Monitoring and Climate Change in Wisconsin: Recent Evidence and Potential Impacts to our Natural Resources.”
There will also be speakers on citizen roles in monitoring wildlife health, endangered species, invasive plant species, Great Lakes shorelines and beaches, acoustic bat monitoring, large mammals, owls, rails and whip-or-wills for the avian enthusiast and the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program.
Options for hands-on outdoor workshops include acoustic bat monitoring, mapping and monitoring invasive terrestrial and aquatic species, field techniques for monitoring reptiles and amphibians, identification and handling of small mammals and stream monitoring.
More information, a detailed agenda, and registration form for the 4th Annual Citizen-Based Monitoring Conference is available on the Wisconsin Citizen-Based Monitoring Web site at [http://cbm.wiatri.net/].
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Angela Engelman - (608) 266-5241
Fall naturalist programs offered at Horicon Marsh
HORICON, Wis. – The up to 200,000 Canada geese that migrate through Horicon Marsh each fall attract an estimated half a million visitors, but these migratory geese are just one of the attractions that have earned the marsh designation as both a “Wetland of International Importance” and a “Globally Important Bird Area.”
Horicon Marsh, located mostly in Dodge County in southeastern Wisconsin, is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. The marsh is managed and protected as both a state wildlife area and a national wildlife refuge. Each fall Horicon sees the world’s largest concentrations of migrating waterfowl, according to Bill Volkert, wildlife educator and naturalist for the state Department of Natural Resources at Horicon Marsh.
But Horicon Marsh is much more than just a stopping over point for migrating waterfowl.
“More than 290 species of birds have been sighted at Horicon Marsh over the years,” Volkert says, “plus many other species of wildlife inhabit the area.”
To help people better understand the marsh, the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area sponsors a series of naturalist programs on weekends each fall, when the marsh experiences the highest number of visitors.
“These programs are an effort to get visitors more familiar with Horicon Marsh, its wildlife, history and management,” Volker says. “Many visitors aren't aware of where and when to see animals, how to properly identify them, or how to distinguish among the many similar species. There are also many people who would like information on wildlife abundance, habits, behavior, ecology or management needs.”
Programs are conducted twice a day Saturday and Sunday from mid-September through the end of October and generally run for about one hour. All programs are free and open to the public. The Horicon Marsh Fall Naturalist Programs schedule is available on the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/reclands/horicon/edcntr/natprog/].
Some of the naturalist programs are conducted as outdoor talks, in particular an overview of the human history, while others are hikes that take visitors to the marsh for a closer look and understanding of the wildlife of the area.
Additionally, the wildlife area will accept groups on a reservation basis. Teachers, educators and group leaders are encouraged to contact the Horicon DNR Service Center at (920) 387-7860 for more information or to make arrangements for education programs.
2007 Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area Naturalist Programs
Sunday, Sept. 23 11 a.m. Sharing Nature with Children (Hike)
1 p.m. Mammals of Wisconsin
Saturday, Sept. 29 7:30 a.m. Morning Bird Hike (Hike)
1 p.m. Mammal Skull Identification
Sunday, Sept. 30 11 a.m. Dabblers and Divers; Wisconsin Waterfowl
1 p.m. The Geese of Horicon
Saturday, Oct. 6 10 a.m. Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area History
1 p.m. Animal Totems/Native Stories of Animals
Sunday, Oct. 7 11 a.m. Horicon’s Indian History
1 p.m. The Effigy Mound Builders
Saturday, Oct. 13 7:30 a.m. Morning Bird Hike (Hike)
1 p.m. Horicon Marsh Habitat Hike (Hike)
Sunday, Oct. 14 11 a.m. The Fall Migration (Hike)
1 p.m. The Geese of Horicon
Saturday, Oct. 20 10 a.m. Horicon History
1 p.m. Fall Colors (Hike)
Sunday, Oct. 21 11 a.m. The Birds of Horicon (Hike)
1 p.m. Managing Our Wildlife (Hike)
Saturday, Oct. 27 10 a.m. Introduction to E-bird
1 p.m. Raptors: Identification and Adaptations
Sunday, Oct. 28 11 a.m. Wisconsin Ice Age
1 p.m. Managing Wisconsin’s Deer
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Volkert – (920) 387-7877
Advanced outdoor photography
BABCOCK, Wis. – People interested in hands-on tips to improve their outdoor photography skills can attend a two-day course this October at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center near Babcock.
Professional photographer Doug Alft will teach an Advanced Outdoor Photography class Oct. 20-21, which will feature outdoor photography from blinds during the autumn migration. Additional topics covered include settings, light, aspect, and other elements for capturing that perfect shot on film.
Participants should bring their own camera, camera manual, camera accessories, sleeping bag and mat. The skills center will supply instruction, two meals and refreshments. Registration is limited to 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis and is confirmed by receipt of the $45 registration fee by Oct. 10.
Participants may stay overnight in skills center dorm during the event on Saturday night, or either prior to or following the event for a donation of $15 per person per night. Please specify which nights.
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@dnr.state.wi.us>.
More information on the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center can be found on the DNR Web site. Use the search engine found at the top of the home page and type in key word "sandhill" to reach the URL: <http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/reclands/sandhill>.
The Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center is located 20 miles west of Wisconsin Rapids on County Highway X, 1 mile north of Highway 80 near Babcock, Wisconsin on the 9,000 acre Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Wildlife Area.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandhill Skills Center at: (715) 884-6333
OUTDOORS CALENDAR
*Indicates date remains the same each year, except some permit deadlines may be extended one day if they fall on a Sunday or Federal Holiday.
September 15 through December 31
• Illegal during this time to shine for wild animals between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
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).*
September 22
• Duck season opens at 9 a.m. in the Northern Zone through Nov. 20.
• Woodcock season opens.
September 29
• Canada goose season opens in the Mississippi River Subzone and runs through Oct. 7. Season reopens Oct. 13 and runs through Dec. 27.
• Duck season opens at 9 a.m. in the Southern Zone through Oct. 7 and then reopens Oct. 13 through Dec. 2.
September 30
• Trout season closes on inland waters and on rivers flowing into Lake Superior from their mouths to the first impassable permanent barrier (unless listed otherwise in trout regulations).*
• Lake trout season on Lake Superior closes.*
• Set or bank pole and setline fishing season on specified waters in the Wolf and Fox river basins closes. Check the current Setline, Set or Bank Pole Regulations for open waters.*
• Period 1 Collins Zone Canada goose closes.
October 1
• Period 2 Collins Zone Canada goose runs through Oct. 21.
• 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 beginning on Sept. 15. The rule was changed this year. Previously the date had been Oct. 1 (see regulations for details).*
October 6-7
• Youth deer hunt. Youth hunters ages 12 to 15 who have successfully completed a hunter education program and possess a gun deer hunting license may participate in this hunt. Qualified hunters may harvest one buck deer on their gun buck deer carcass tag and additional antlerless deer with the appropriate carcass tag. Adults accompanying the youth may not gun deer and cannot accompany more than two youths. All hunting regulations apply, including blaze orange clothing requirements. Archery hunting remains open but archers must wear blaze orange. See regulations for additional requirements.
October 6-14
• Special deer hunt open to people with disabilities who have a disabled hunting permit. The hunts are held by landowners who have agreed to sponsor the hunters on their property. Hunters must have registered to participate at a designated sponsor location by Sept. 1.
October 7
• Canada goose season closes in the South Exterior Zone. Season reopens in the South Zone Oct. 13 and runs through Dec. 14.
• Duck season closes in the Southern Zone; reopens Oct. 13 through Dec. 2.
October 9
• Black bear season closes. See current Wisconsin Bear Hunting Regulations for specific season dates and zones.
October 13
• Canada goose season reopens in the South Zone Oct. 13 and runs through Dec. 14.
• Canada goose season reopens in the Mississippi River Subzone and runs Dec. 27.
• Duck season reopens in the Southern Zone through Dec. 2.
October 15
• Hook-and-line lake sturgeon season on designated waters closes (except Wis./Mich. boundary waters season closes Nov. 1). See current Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations.*
October 20
• Pheasant season opens at noon; runs through Dec. 31.
• Ruffed grouse in the zone B opens through Dec. 8.
• Sharp-tailed grouse by permit opens through Nov. 5.
• Bobwhite quail season opens at noon through Dec. 6.
• Hungarian partridge season opens at noon through Dec. 31.
• Jackrabbit season opens through Nov. 15.
• Cottontail rabbit opens at noon in southern zone through Feb. 28.
• Raccoon gun and trapping for state residents opens through Jan. 31
• Red and gray fox hunting and trapping in the northern zone opens through Feb. 15.
• Coyote trapping season opens in the northern zone through Feb. 15, 2007.
• Hunting and trapping season for bobcat north of Hwy. 64 through Dec. 31.
• Muskrat season in the northern zone opens through Feb. 28, 2007.
• Mink season in the northern zone opens through Feb. 28, 2007.
• Fisher trapping season opens in various zones, through Dec. 31.
October 21
• Period 2 Collins Zone closes.
October 22
• Period 3 Collins Zone Canada goose runs through Nov. 16.
October 26
• Periods 1 and 2 Horicon Zone Canada goose close.
October 27
• Periods 3 and 4 Horicon Zone Canada goose run through Dec. 16.
• Fox season opens in the southern zone, through Feb. 15, 2007.
• Coyote trapping season opens in southern zone through Feb. 15, 2007.
• Mink season opens in central (through Dec. 31) and Winnebago (through March 15) zones.
• Muskrat season opens in south zone (through Feb. 28) and Winnebago zone (through March 15).
October 30
• Mourning dove season closes.*
October 31
• Lake trout season closes on waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan and their tributaries.*
• Deadline to purchase Lake Winnebago system sturgeon spearing licenses.*
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
September 18 - A class 1 contested case hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 281.15 and Wis. Admin. Code Chapters NR 102 and NR 299, in the matter of a water quality certification issued to Flambeau Hydro LLC, a division of North American Hydro, as part of the FERC re-licensing process for the Winter hydroelectric project, on the East Fork Chippewa River in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, FERC project no. 2064 will commence at 10:30 a.m. in the Founder’s Room (Room 102), Old Main Building, UW-Stevens Point, 2100 Main St., Stevens Point. The hearing will continue, if necessary, at the same location at 9 a.m. on Sept. 19, 2007. If the hearing is not completed on Sept. 19, 2007, then it will continue on Sept. 20, 2007, at a location in Stevens Point to be identified later. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (414) 258-6736.
September 19 - Pursuant to §§ 285.13(1),and 285.61(7), Wis. Stats., the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing to receive comments on an air pollution control construction permit application submitted by Dairyland Power Cooperative (Air Pollution Construction Permit No.: 07-POY-093) to construct an air contaminant source located at Dairyland Power Cooperative - Alma Site, 500 Old STH 35, Alma. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room of the Buffalo County Courthouse, 407 S. 2nd St., Alma. Dairyland Power Cooperative has submitted to a construction permit application including plans and specifications for the modification of Boiler B25 to install low-NOx burners. Low-NOx burners reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides but also cause increases in carbon monoxide emissions. The DNR Bureau of Air Management analyzed these materials and has preliminarily determined that the project should meet the applicable criteria for permit approval as stated in §§ 285.63 and 285.64, Wis. Stats., including both the emission limits and the ambient air standards and should, therefore, be approved. This permit application has been reviewed under Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) regulations in NR 405, Wis. Adm. Code for carbon monoxide emissions. There is no increment requirement for carbon monoxide emissions. In addition, the DNR has prepared an Environmental Assessment in accordance with ch. NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code and has made a preliminary determination that an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required before a final decision is made on the proposed project. The DNR has determined that the proposed project will not cause significant adverse environmental effects. This preliminary determination does not constitute approval from the Air Management Program or any other DNR sections which may also require a review of the project. Information, including plans, the DNR’s preliminary analysis and the environmental assessment, is available for public inspection at the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Air Management Headquarters, 7th Floor, 101 South Webster St., Madison, La Crosse Service Center, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, (608) 785-9000; and at the Alma Public Library, 312 N. Main St. PO Box 277, Alma, or from Paul Yeung, at (608) 266-0672. This information is also available on the Air Permit page of the DNR Web site at: [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/permits/APM_toc.htm]. All comments received by the DNR at the public hearing will be considered prior to making a final decision regarding the proposed project. After the public hearing, a final decision will be made on whether to issue or deny the air pollution control construction permit. For more information contact Paul Yeung, DNR Bureau of Air Management, at (608) 266-0672.
September 21 – A public hearing on a DNR proposal to sell 0.30 acres of land in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, Vilas County, Wisconsin to the Town of Winchester in exchange for the Town providing the DNR with a 0.30 acre parcel of land of equal value will be held at 9 a.m. in Conference Room 1, Vilas County Courthouse, 330 Court Street, Eagle River. For information contact Joe Renville at (608) 266-9454.
September 27 – A public hearing pursuant to §§ 285.13(1), 285.61(7) and 285.62(5), Wis. Stats., on construction / operation air pollution permit No. 07-RSG-185 and 230193920-F01, including plans and specifications, for the construction and operation of sand and gravel extraction facility for Thelen Sand & Gravel, Inc., Country Road KD, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Hearing Room of the Kenosha County Center, 19600 75 St, Bristol. The Department of Natural Resources has 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 are available at the DNR Sturtevant Service Center, 9531 Rayne Road, Suite 4, Sturtevant, WI 53177; and at the Genoa City Library, 126 Freeman Street, Genoa City, WI 53218-0727, or contact Ruhun Goonewardena, 262-884-2339. This information is also available on the DNR Web site at: [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/permits/APM_toc.htm]. DNR will hold a public hearing to receive public comments. All comments received by the Department on the proposed project will be considered by the Department in its final decision regarding this project. After the public hearing, a final determination will be made on whether to issue or deny the air pollution control permit. For information contact Tom Steidl at (608) 266-0235.
October 4 - A Class 1 contested hearing case pursuant to Wis. Stats. § 227.01(3)(a) in the matter of the application of Maryke and C.J. Schmidt for Water Quality Certification to place a culvert and fill 0.15 acres of wetland on property located in the Town of Ahnapee, Kewaunee County will be held at 8:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room at the Algoma Public Library, 406 Fremont Street, Algoma. Maryke and C.J. Schmidt, 2551 Oak Ridge Circle, De Pere, Wisconsin, 54115, filed an application with the Department of Natural Resources for water quality certification pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act and Wis. Admin. Code § NR 299, to place fill in 0.15 acres of cedar swamp wetland and place a culvert for construction of a private driveway. The proposed project is located in the NE ¼, SE ¼, South 33, Town 25 North, Range 25 East, Town of Ahnapee, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources denied the application for Water Quality Certification as outlined in a letter to Maryke and C.J. Schmidt dated April 10, 2006. On May 15, 2006, the Schmidts filed a request for a contested case hearing. On May 30, 2006, the Department granted a contested case hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 227.42. On August 13, 2007, the Department filed a Request for Hearing with the Division of Hearings and Appeals. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
Meetings
September 17 - Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming - Work Group Co-Chairs will meet by conference call from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. originating from the: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Pecatonica River Conference Room, 610 North Whitney Way, Madison. The agenda includes 1) Update and reports on progress from each set of co-chairs; 2) Status of modeling, reference case, modeling and rough estimating issues 3) Status of WRI and other support. For information contact Lisa Stefanik at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin by telephone at (608) 266-1125.
September 17, 18 & 19 – Three public informational meetings will be held to provide opportunities for the public to ask questions, seek clarifications and submit comments on a stakeholder group’s alternatives for establishing all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails in the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest the alternatives. Comments can also be submitted online through a survey form on the Department of Natural Resources Web site and in writing through Nov. 1. The complete NHAL ATV stakeholder report is available on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/input/]. People who are unable to attend the open houses or have questions may write or contact Steve Petersen, NHAL Forest Superintendent, 8770 Hwy. J, Woodruff, WI 54568 or e-mail: [steven.petersen@wisconsin.gov] or call (715) 358-9225. The public open house meetings will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
• Sept. 17, Wausau - Best Western Midway Hotel, 2901 Hummingbird Road.
• Sept. 18, St. Germain - St. Germain Community Center, Highways 70 & 155
• Sept. 19, Manitowish Waters - Manitowish Waters Community Ctr., 4 Airport Road at U.S. Hwy. 51.
September 18 – The Milwaukee River Revitalization Council will meet and take a canoe trip from 4:30 to 7 p.m., meeting at Urban Ecology Center, and putting in canoes at Riverside Park and ending at Milwaukee Ale House, Milwaukee. The agenda includes: vote on new member of the council, Asian carp funding status, Scenic Urban Waterway funding report, Milwaukee River workgroup status and post-North Avenue dam removal management. For more information, contact Matthew Aho at (414) 263-8586.
September 19 - The Karner Blue Butterfly Morainal Sands Local Recovery Team (LRT) will meet at 10 a.m. at the Dayton Town Hall located on N2285 Hwy 22, Waupaca. For information contact: Bob Hess, DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources at (715) 884-2726 or see [http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/karner/].
September 19 - Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming - Technical Advisory Group will meet from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., room to-be-decided, Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., Madison. The agenda includes: a presentation from the Climate Registry and discussion of modeling issues with a representative from ICF. 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.
September 19 - Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming - Carbon Tax/Cap and Trade Work Group will meet from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pyle Center (UW-Madison Campus) Room 325 and 326 702 Langdon Street, Madison. The agenda includes a presentation by Jim Turnure, Xcel Energy on Allocation; discussion on policy assignment progress; a presentation by Chicago Climate Exchange members. For information contact Lisa Stefanik at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin by telephone at (608) 266-1125.
September 20 – The Green Tier Advisors [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cea/environmental/advisors/index.htm] will meet at 11:30 a.m. in Room G09 of the State Natural resources Building (GEF2), 101 S Webster St. Madison. The agenda includes introduction of DNR Secretary Matthew Frank; update of program status & outreach; new appointments; details for the communications plan development meeting; working session update; report from advisors subcommittee on proportionality; logo use pilot parameters; and legislation. For information contact Carla Wright at (608) 267-7407.
September 20 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming will meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Main Conference Room of Wisconsin Public Power, Inc. 1425 Corporate Center Drive, Sun Prairie. The agenda includes: a presentation on Illinois Climate Change Initiative; reference case, modeling and related matters; reports from work group co-chair updates; presentations related to possible recommendations on measures to encourage changes in individual behavior and on support for sustainable community efforts; and a brief update on Midwest Governor’s Association activities. For information contact Lisa Stefanik at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin by telephone at (608) 266-1125.
September 22 - The Chronic Wasting Disease Stakeholder Advisory group will meet from 9a.m. - 4p.m. in the Gathering Waters and Glacier's Edge conference rooms at the DNR South Central Region Headquarters, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg. The group will hear presentations from several researchers in the morning. During the afternoon, the group will begin to discuss the potential impacts of CWD in Wisconsin. For more information, contact Alan Crossley, DNR CWD project manager, at (608) 266-5463 or Alan.Crossley@Wisconsin.gov.
September 20 - The forest Insect and disease and non-insect invertebrate species assessment group will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Gathering Waters Conference Room in the DNR South-Central Regional Headquarters, 3911 Fish Hatchery Rd., Fitchburg. This group will be making decisions on the categorization of invasive forest insects, diseases, earthworms, snails and slugs. Categories include prohibited, restricted, unrestricted and watch species. Meeting time is. For more information, contact Jane Cummings Carlson at (608) 275-3273.
September 25 - The Terrestrial Vertebrate Species Assessment Group will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point to assess a number of invasive terrestrial vertebrate species and make recommendations for their classification within DNR Administrative Rules. For information contact person: Dave Matheys, DNR Wildlife Biologist, at (608) 637-3938.
September 25-26 – The state Natural Resources Board will meet at The Four Seasons Resort, N16800 Shoreline Drive, Pembine. For information contact Laurie J. Ross, Natural Resources Board Executive Staff Assistant at (608) 267-7420.
September 26 - Pursuant to s. 285.13(1), Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public informational meeting to review its ambient air quality monitoring network throughout Wisconsin at 1 p.m. in Room 413, of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. In 1981 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) approved a portion of the Wisconsin State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the Clean Air Act monitoring plan dealing with air quality surveillance, which is required by Parts 51 and 58 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. That monitoring plan presented a detailed scheme for ambient air quality monitoring, including a detailed proposal for a comprehensive network of ambient monitors throughout Wisconsin. In addition, the Department proposed to conduct an annual review of the monitoring network and to notify the public of significant changes in the network by conducting a public informational meeting. This meeting will review the changes that occurred in 2007 and will present an outline of changes proposed for 2008. An explanation will be provided for each deviation from the previous year’s plan as well as the proposed changes. Public comments on the changes will also be received at the informational meeting. In 1987, 1997, and 2006 the USEPA promulgated ambient air quality standards for PM10 and PM2.5 under 40 CFR 50.6 and 40 CFR 50.7 respectively. Appendix K to 40 CFR part 50, "Interpretation of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM10", in section 2.4, "Adjustments for Exceptional Events and Trends," allows state agencies conducting monitoring the opportunity to remove monitoring data from consideration for SIP purposes, if the agency can demonstrate that the data resulted from an "exceptional event", provided that the state presents the evidence for its reasons to delete or flag the data at the public hearing. In addition, Appendix N to 40 CFR part 50, "Interpretation of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM2.5", in section 1.0(b), indicates that in some cases, it may be appropriate to exclude data resulting from uncontrollable or natural events such as structural fires or high winds. Through July 2007 there have been no exceptional or uncontrollable particulate matter events in Wisconsin. Written comments on the monitoring network may be submitted directly to Bruce Rodger, c/o Air Monitoring Section, Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707, no later than Sept. 30, 2007. Written comments will have the same weight and effect as oral comments presented at the meeting. A copy of the proposed revision to the Monitoring Plan is available for public inspection at the Bureau of Air Management, 7th Floor, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, and on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/monitor/network/review.htm]. For more information contact Bruce Rodger at (608) 266-1722.
September 27 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming– Agriculture and Forestry Work Group will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. For information contact Allison Hellman at (608) 266- 8130 or Allison.Hellman@wisconsin.gov.
October 4 – The Groundwater Advisory Committee created by 2003 WI Act 310 will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 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.
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/
