Web highlights successful brownfield redevelopment
Statewide rules to prevent spread of fish disease effective Nov. 2
State Natural Area designation proposed for 11 properties
Hunters urged to target wild pigs
Grants assist Wisconsin communities with electronics recycling
Deer-vehicle collisions highest in October and November
Wisconsinites share their shoreline memories in a new book
EDITOR’S ADVISORY: Deer Hunt 2007 television show times
DNR unveils Web site for successful brownfield redevelopment projects
MADISON – From a former scrap yard in Baraboo that was turned into the city’s new public works building to an old automobile plant in Kenosha that was redeveloped into a lakefront promenade with housing and museums, communities across Wisconsin have benefited from a state program to help investigate, clean up and redevelop contaminated properties known as brownfields.
Under the Wisconsin Brownfields Initiative, the state has provided assistance to communities through a number of programs to conduct environmental investigations, clean up and redevelop contaminated properties.
As part of that assistance, the DNR’s Remediation and Redevelopment Program unveiled a Web site highlighting successful brownfield redevelopments across Wisconsin.
The success stories, available on line at
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/rr/cleanup/sstories.htm, give a brief history of each property, how the site was cleaned up and how each community worked together with the DNR and other partners to revitalize these blighted areas.
“We think it’s important to tell how communities overcame brownfield obstacles and turned these former eyesores into economic and, in many cases, environmental assets,” said Darsi Foss, brownfields section chief for the DNR’s Remediation and Redevelopment Program.
Brownfields are abandoned, idle or underused industrial or commercial properties where redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination. Foss noted that brownfield properties are located in every type of community across Wisconsin.
Each two-page success story not only highlights what types of financial and technical assistance communities received, but also provides key players and contact information, Foss added.
Information about the DNR’s brownfield programs is available at:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/rr/rbrownfields/index.htm.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Savagian, (608) 261-6422, or andrew.savagian@wisconsin.gov
Statewide rules to prevent spread of fish disease effective Nov. 2
MADISON – New emergency rules to prevent the spread of a new deadly fish disease take effect statewide Nov. 2 and will mean that all boaters and anglers must drain the water from their boats, boat equipment and fishing equipment and make sure any fish they take away are dead, including bait minnows, before traveling away from any Wisconsin lake or river.
The new rule was adopted Oct. 24 by the state Natural Resources Board [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/rbnews/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=681] to prevent the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS. [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/pages/vhs.html]
The emergency rule allows the approximately 90 licensed bait dealers who harvest minnows from the wild for use as bait to continue to do so from most waters under a wild bait harvest permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources. The rule strengthens the wild bait harvest permit to require harvesters to disinfect their gear when moving between waters, and to follow state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection fish health testing requirements.
And, in a requirement reflecting concern that boaters were arriving in Wisconsin from other states where VHS is present, the board made it illegal for people to transport by land into Wisconsin any water in boats, boat trailers, boating equipment or fishing equipment, including water in any bilge, ballast tank, bait bucket or live well.
The virus, which can be spread by infected fish and by infected water, can survive in water for up to 14 days. It does not affect people, but can cause fish to bleed to death, and has caused large fish kills in Great Lakes waters.
The emergency rule will expire in 150 days (March 31, 2008) but the DNR can request that the legislature extend the rule for two consecutive 60-day periods.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Staggs (608) 267-0796
State Natural Area designation proposed for 11 unique state properties
MADISON – Nineteen unique ecological areas located within 11 state-owned properties would receive permanent protection as State Natural Areas, under a state Department of Natural Resources proposal.
State Natural Areas are formally designated sites devoted to scientific research, the teaching of conservation biology and preservation of their natural values and genetic diversity for future generations
The DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources is proposing modifications to the master plans of eight existing state wildlife areas and three existing state fisheries areas. The modifications are necessary to designate the new State Natural Areas within the property boundaries. The department is asking for comment on the master plan modifications. Comments are due by Nov 15. A list of where to send comments can be found at the end of each project description below.
“Wisconsin's landscape has experienced dramatic changes in the 150 years since intensive settlement began,” explained Randy Hoffman, DNR conservation biologist. “Little remains of the natural plant and animal communities which occupied our lands for centuries. State Natural Areas recognize remnants that have escaped intensive development. These exceptional sites are often the last refuges for rare plants and animals.”
The State Natural Areas Program exists to provide protection and management guidelines for outstanding examples of Wisconsin's landscape and natural resources. More information on the State Natural Areas can be found on the DNR Web site.
Proposed New State Natural Areas
• Black River Savanna, Half Moon Bottoms and North Bend Wet Prairie - Jackson and La Crosse counties. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to designate three State Natural Areas within North Bend Bottoms Wildlife Area. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality natural features of the site and focus research and education activities there. The sites contain old-growth floodplain forest, an oak savanna and a wet prairie. This proposal would not change any existing use. For questions and comments contact: Michele Windsor, DNR-Black River Falls, 910 Highway 54, Black River Falls, WI 54615 or phone (715) 284-1403 by Nov. 15, 2007.
• Peshtigo Harbor Lacustrine Forest and Peshtigo River Delta Marshes – Marinette County. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to designate two State Natural Areas within Green Bay West Shores Wildlife Area. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state and encompasses a patch of woods representing the best known example of the forest that formerly covered the west shore of Green Bay and the least disturbed portion of the marsh at the river delta. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality forest and sedge meadow and focus research and education activities there. The proposal would not change any existing use. For questions and comments contact: John Huff, DNR-Peshtigo, 101 North Ogden Road, Peshtigo, WI 54157 or phone (715) 582-5047 by Nov. 15, 2007.
• Peshtigo Brook Meadow and Woods – Oconto County. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to designate a State Natural Area within the Peshtigo Brook Wildlife Area. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state and encompasses undisturbed areas of sedge meadow, an esker of oak savanna and a small patch of old forest. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality natural communities and focus research and education activities there. The proposal would not change any existing use. For questions and comments contact: John Huff, DNR-Peshtigo, 101 North Ogden Road, Peshtigo, WI 54157 or phone (715) 582-5047 by Nov. 15, 2007.
• Lake Noquebay Sedge Meadow – Marinette County. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to designate a State Natural Area within Lake Noquebay Wildlife Area. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state and encompasses an exceptional sedge meadow. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality sedge meadow at the site to focus research and education activities there. The proposal would not change any existing use. For questions and comments contact: John Huff, DNR-Peshtigo, 101 North Ogden Road, Peshtigo, WI 54157 or phone (715) 582-5047 by Nov. 15, 2007.
• Town Corner Cedars – Marinette County. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to create a State Natural Area within Town corner Wildlife Area. The proposal covers land entirely owned by the state and includes the stand of white cedars and a spruce bog. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality wet-mesic forest to focus research and education activities there. The proposal would not change any existing use. For questions and comments contact: Aaron Buchholz, DNR-Wausaukee, 1025 Highway C, Wausaukee, WI 54177 or phone (715) 856-9160 by Nov. 15, 2007.
• Bradley Creek Cedars, Flume Creek Cedars, Little Wolf Woods, and Jackson Creek Woods – Portage and Waupaca counties. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to designate four State Natural Areas within the Little Wolf Fishery Area. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state and encompasses two cedar swamps – one is along Bradley Creek and the other along Flume Creek and two upland tracts of hemlock and hardwoods – one along the Little Wolf and the other along Jackson Creek. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality natural features of the sites to focus research and education activities there. The proposal would not change any existing use, in stream management for fish habitat or planting activities. For questions and comments contact: Steve Hoffman, DNR- Hartman Creek State Park, N2480 Hartman Creek Road, Waupaca, WI 54981 or phone (715) 258-4778 by Nov. 15, 2007.
• Plover River Woods - Marathon counties. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to designate a stand of hardwoods and white cedar swamp as State Natural Area within the Plover River Fishery Area This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality natural features of the site and focus research and education activities there. The proposal would not change any existing use, in stream fish habitat management or fish planting activities. For questions and comments contact: Tom Meronek, DNR-Wausau, 5301 Rib Mountain Drive, Wausau, WI, 54401 or phone (715) 359-7582 by Nov. 15, 2007.
• Hog Island Tamaracks – Wood and Juneau counties. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to designate a Hog Island Tamarack State Natural Area within Wood County Wildlife Area. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state and encompasses three patches of tamarack. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality natural features of the sites to focus research and education activities there. The proposal would not change any existing use. For questions and comments contact: Neal Paisley, DNR Sandhill, 1715 County Highway X, Babcock, WI 54413 or phone (715) 884-2437 by Nov. 15, 2007.
• Yellow River Floodplain Forest - Juneau County. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to designate a State Natural Area within Sandhill Wildlife Area. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state and encompasses an 86-acre patch of floodplain along the Yellow river. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality natural features of the site and focus research and education activities there. The proposal would not change any existing use. For questions and comments contact: Neal Paisley, DNR Sandhill, 1715 County Highway X, Babcock, WI 54413 or phone (715) 884-2437 by Nov. 15, 2007.
• Van Loon Bottoms and Van Loon Floodplain Savanna – Trempealeau and La Crosse counties. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to designate two State Natural Areas within the Van Loon Wildlife Area. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state and encompasses a patch of floodplain forest and a unique floodplain savanna. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality natural features of the sites to focus research and education activities there. The proposal would not change any existing use. For questions and comments contact: Ron Lichtie, DNR – La Crosse, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, WI 54601 or phone (608) 785-9992 by Nov. 15, 2007.
• Wedde Creek Savanna and Mecan River Pine-Oak Forest – Marquette County. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to designate two State Natural Area within Mecan River Fisheries Area. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state and encompasses a restored savanna and an old-growth stand of pine and oak. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality natural features of the sites to focus research and education activities there. The proposal would not change any existing use. For questions and comments contact: Paul Samerdyke, DNR-Wautoma, 427 East Tower Drive, Suite 100, Wautoma, WI 54982 or phone (920) 787-4686 by Nov. 20, 2007.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Randy Hoffman (608) 267-7758
Hunters urged to target wild pigs
MADISON – State wildlife officials are encouraging hunters to help eliminate a growing population of feral pigs by reporting feral pig sightings or shooting them if they encounter them in the field while pursuing other game.
Feral pigs are also known as wild pigs, wild hogs, wild boars, European wild boars, Russian wild boars, or razorbacks. They are found in as many as 23 states. In some states they are descendents of European swine released by Spanish and European explorers. In others, they are descendents of escaped or released domestic swine or even hybrids of European and domestic swine.
A fact sheet on feral pigs in Wisconsin including a list of counties where feral pigs have been sighted or killed is available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/HUNT/Pig/Pig_Hunting.htm]. Maps showing public hunting grounds can be found at dnr.wi.gov - select Maps then DNR Managed Lands then Recreational Lands for opportunities to perhaps find wild pigs on public hunting grounds.
Feral pigs have been documented in Wisconsin since at least 2000, but they have appeared in many additional areas in the past couple of years and have now been found in at least 29 counties. Biologists say that finding these animals in the wild is likely the result of unintentional escapes from domestic swine facilities, releases from game farms, or illegal stocking.
“Free roaming pigs can be found across a wide variety of habitats and are highly destructive because of the rooting they do in search of food,” says Brad Koele a DNR wildlife biologist. “They’re also efficient predators preying on many species including white-tailed deer fawns and ground nesting birds like grouse, woodcock, turkeys, and songbirds.”
Feral pigs are known to carry a number of diseases of importance to the domestic swine industry, including swine brucellosis, pseudorabies and leptospirosis; infected feral pigs have not yet been documented in Wisconsin.
“Our goal is to aggressively remove these animals from the landscape and we are encouraging any hunters who encounter them to shoot them on sight,” said Koele.
Hunting feral pigs in Wisconsin
Feral pigs are considered unprotected wild animals and may be hunted year-round. The only day they cannot be hunted with a gun is the Friday before the nine-day gun deer hunting season. Also, hunting hours are the same as deer during the nine-day season. During the rest of the year, there are no hunting hour restrictions.
There is no bag limit on feral pigs. Landowners may shoot feral pigs on their own property without a hunting license. Anyone else can shoot a feral pig as long as they possess a valid small game license and landowner permission if they are on private land.
State officials do ask that anyone shooting a feral pig call a DNR service center or contact a DNR wildlife biologist so that blood and tissue samples can be collected for disease testing in collaboration with USDA and the State veterinarians office.
Feral pig sightings can be reported through the DNR Web site at: [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/HUNT/Pig/Pig_Hunting.htm] or by calling Brad Koele, Wildlife Damage Specialist at (608) 266-2151.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brad Koele - (608) 266-2151 or Dave Matheys - (608) 637-3938
Grants assist seven Wisconsin communities with electronics recycling
MADISON -- Seven Wisconsin organizations and municipalities have been able to boost their electronics recycling programs thanks to grants from a retailer of consumer electronics.
Best Buy Co. awards grants to help organizations host recycling events to assist in the proper management of unwanted electronics. Wisconsin received seven grants one of only two states receiving the highest number awarded in the country. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Recycling Program alerted communities of the availability of the grants.
Grants range from $500 to $1,500 and may be used by nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, or public-private partnerships for all aspects of their programs.
St. Croix County used its $500 grant to defray advertising and staffing costs for a Sept. 9 event that collected 41 tons of E-waste. The county holds two to four collection events a year and this year collected a total of 85 tons -- roughly enough to fill four semi trucks. A new Hudson based company, E-Cycle, has partnered with St. Croix County.
Cascade Asset Management, the electronics recycler for the City of Madison, received $3,000 for the city’s computer roundup held in the spring. The first 150 people who brought in computer monitors were given a $10 Best Buy gift card to offset the disposal cost. The remainder of the grant went to advertising and promoting the event.
Jane Edwards, grant writer for the Environmental Services Division in the city of Superior, received a $1,000 grant. Goodwill will use $500 to recycle unusable electronics that are donated to stores. The other $500 will be used as gift cards for America Recycles Day, a collection event held annually on Nov. 11. For each product brought in, residents will receive a $5 Best Buy gift card.
Edwards is thankful for the Best Buy grant. “People don’t understand how terrible E-waste is. There are several alternatives that everyone can do, and spending a few dollars to recycle it is well worth the effort.”
Electronics pose a potential risk to the environment and human health. This is primarily because of the lead, mercury, cadmium, other heavy metals and toxic chemicals contained in the components of almost all electronics. These substances could pollute groundwater, surface water or the air when electronics are buried in a landfill, dumped illegally, or burned.
“The good news is electronics recycling is a growing business,” says Suzanne Bangert, director of the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Waste and Materials Management. “Electronics contain valuable metals and plastics that can be processed and remanufactured into useable products. Recycling electronic equipment not only protects the environment, it provides jobs.”
It is important, however, for consumers to do their homework to make sure electronics are handled by legitimate recyclers who take care to properly handle, store, process and recycle or dispose of electronics. Residents should check with their municipal recycling programs for information. For more information on electronics recycling, visit the DNR Web site: [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/ewaste/index.html].
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Cynthia G. Moore, recycling program coordinator - (608) 267-7550
Deer-vehicle collisions highest in October and November
MADISON – Reports from state wildlife biologists and archery deer hunters indicate that white-tailed deer are nearing their rut, or mating season, and deer movement will increase over the next few weeks, potentially resulting in a significant increase in car-deer collisions.
State officials are urging motorists to protect themselves by being alert for deer darting into roadways creating collision dangers.
With a deer herd estimated at 1.6 to 1.8 million animals combined with a growing number of rural miles driven in the state, deer and vehicle collisions remain at dangerously high levels. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that there were seven fatal deer-vehicle crashes in Wisconsin in 2006, five of which involved motorcycles.
From July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, motorists struck and killed nearly 35,685 deer in Wisconsin, according to Department of Natural Resources records of deer removed by contractors from along roadways and permits issued to motorists to keep deer they hit. That number is significantly higher than the 17,878 deer-vehicle crashes that the Department of Transportation reported for calendar year 2006, which only reflects reportable accidents with more than $1,000 damage to vehicles.
The five counties with the most reported vehicle-killed deer from July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007 were Dane (1,628), Waupaca (1,335), Shawano (1,245), Columbia, (1,204) and Dodge (1,143).
DNR conservation wardens and Wisconsin State Patrol officers advise motorists to take the following steps to help prevent car-deer collisions:
• Watch the roadsides carefully for movement and be particularly alert in the early morning and evening when deer are moving around to feeding spots.
• Look for more deer to follow when one appears on a roadside.
• Be especially cautious when road signs indicate a deer crossing area.
• Reduce speed, tap the brakes to warn other drivers or sound the vehicle horn when a deer is visible on the roadside.
• Always wear your safety belt—there are fewer and less severe injuries in vehicle-deer crashes when safety belts are worn.
• Do not swerve—it can confuse the deer as to where to run, and may place you in the path of oncoming traffic.
Anyone who is involved with a deer collision should stay in their vehicle and not touch the animal if it is still alive. Move the vehicle off the road if possible, and call a law enforcement agency.
In Wisconsin, a motorist who hits a deer with a vehicle is entitled to claim the animal, but must first have the deer tagged with a special free tag or receive authorization before transporting the deer. Contact the county sheriff's office to report the accident. An officer may come to the scene and tag the deer or direct the person to take it to a different location for tagging. Any other passing motorist may also claim the deer if the person who struck it does not want it by calling the sheriff's office to get the deer tagged.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Van Haren, DNR Law Enforcement - (608) 266-3244
Wisconsinites share their shoreline memories in a new book
Book signing and art show Nov. 2 in Watertown
WATERTOWN, Wis. -- Remember paddling down a tranquil stream? Fishing with grandpa? Watching a sunset with someone you love from the end of a dock? These are all memories treasured by Wisconsin residents and visitors and shared in a new book now available for purchase, “Stories from the Shore.”
This collection of artwork, stories, poems, photographs, Native American lore and even recipes from high school students, shoreline property owners and others is available from the Department of Natural Resources for $10 plus shipping.
It’s the perfect coffee table complement, a great holiday gift, and a great way to learn more about the shoreline resources – plants, animals, scenery and water -- responsible for those treasured memories, says Gregg Breese, the DNR shoreland team program manager who created the book.
“We all have these stories that are linked to our shoreland experiences that the resources have given us. What better way to remind people about the value of the shorelines than through their very own experiences?”
The book contains sections on “The Land,” “The Shoreline,” and “The Water.” Each section begins with a story and then has a “page” for various plants, animals, insects and other resources found in that area. Readers will enjoy everything from a poem about New England Asters, to a writer’s account of a bluff hike on the mighty Mississippi, to a Muskrat legend, and even a recipe for Coot stew.
Basic science about those shoreline resources are captured in “Quick Clip” sections of the book, fast facts about the amazing animals and other natural phenomena along the shoreline. “Wading a Little Deeper” encourages readers to do just that with shoreline science topics.
People interested in meeting the book authors and contributing artists and viewing some of the original art are invited to a book signing and art show Friday, Nov. 2, in Watertown. The event is free and open to the public and runs from 5-8 p.m. at the Berres Brothers Café, 202 Air Park Dr.
An order form to purchase the book is available on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/dsfm/shore/shorestories.htm]; many of state parks also have the books available, or it can be purchased by calling Gregg Breese at (608) 261-6430.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregg Breese (608) 261-6430
EDITOR’S ADVISORY: Deer Hunt 2007 television show times
MADISON –Deer Hunt 2007 will air Nov. 8 on public television stations statewide. The show air at 8 p.m. on Milwaukee Public Television station MPTV channel 10. The show will air on all other Wisconsin public television stations at 9 p.m.
The show will feature segments on youth hunting and offer tips on deer behavior, movement and response to changes in their “neck of the woods” to hunters who come home with the lament, “I didn’t see any deer.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke - (608) 264-6023
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).*
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.*
November 1
• Wild ginseng season closes.*
November 3
• Beaver trapping season opens in the northwest zone (A), northeast zone (B) through April 30 and in the southern zone (C) through March 31.
• Otter trapping season opens in all zones and runs through April 30 in the North zone and through March 31 in the Central zone and South zone.
• Non resident raccoon season opens through Jan. 31.
November 5
• Woodcock season closes.
November 11
• Sharp-tailed grouse season closes.
November 15
• Early archery deer season closes statewide. Reopens Nov. 26 through Jan. 6.
• Fall turkey hunting season closes.
• Jackrabbit season closes.*
• Fall crow season closes.
• Trout and salmon fishing closes on downstream section of Lake Superior tributaries that remained open after Sept. 30. (see current trout fishing regulations for stream sections).*
November 16
• Collins zone Canada goose hunting period 3 closes.
• It is illegal to hunt with a firearm the day before the gun deer season opens, except for waterfowl hunting or hunting on licensed game farms or shooting preserves.
November 17
• Regular gun deer season open through Nov. 25.
• Late gun deer season opens in CWD disease eradication and herd reduction zones through Dec. 9. See special CWD regulations in the current deer hunting regulations pamphlet for details.
November 20
• Northern zone duck season closes.
November 25
• Regular gun deer season closes.
November 26
• Muzzleloader season opens through Dec. 5.
• Late archery season opens through Jan. 6.
November 30
• Muskellunge season closes.*
• Turtle season closes. *
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
October 29 – A public informational hearing on an application for a Chapter 30 permit for Netzow Limited Partnership to remove an illegal structure impounding water on a tributary to the Fox River in the City of Brookfield will be held at 5 p.m. at the Brookfield City Hall, 2000 North Calhoun Road, Brookfield. The proposed project will remove the structure, eliminating the impoundment and then creating a new stream channel. Replacement of a culvert, biostabilization and a water quality certification will also be involved with the project. The applicant will describe project, and the public will be given a chance to comment on the project as well as get questions answered. For information contact Rachel Sabre at (414) 263-8601.
October 30 - A Class 1 contested case public hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 227.01(3)(a),. 281.15 and 281.37 and Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 103 and NR 299 in the matter of the Department of Natural Resources' preliminary determination to grant Water Quality Certification to Mark E. Carstensen Construction and Development Company for Shoppes at Wyndham Village, City of Franklin, Milwaukee County will be held at 10 a.m. in the Video Conference Room (Room 98) at the Milwaukee State Office Building, 819 North 6th Street, Milwaukee. Mark E. Carstensen Construction and Development Company, 9120 West Loomis Road, Suite 400, Franklin, Wisconsin, 53132, filed an application with the Department of Natural Resources for water quality certification pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act. The property address is southeast corner of West Drexel Avenue and Lovers Lane Road. The proposed project consists of discharge of fill materials in two wetlands totaling 0.25 acre of wetland impact—discharge of 0.01 acre of fill material in Wetland B and 0.24 acre of fill material in Wetland A for the commercial development known as Shoppes at Wyndham Village in the City of Franklin. Wetland A and B are located along Lovers Lane Road. Both Wetlands A and B are seasonally flooded basins that have annual disturbance by plowing and agricultural use. DNR staff evaluated this proposal and determined that it meets the standards found in § NR 299.04 and granted certification. On June 12, 2007, the Department of Natural Resources issued Notice of Water Quality Certification. For more information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-3865.
November 1 - A Class 1 contested case public hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 30.12, 30.13 and 30.209 in the matter of the pier application of Kim Lewis, Lake Elizabeth, Village Of Twin Lakes, Kenosha County will be held at 10:30 a.m., in Room 300 at the Kenosha County Courthouse, 912 56th St., Kenosha. The hearing will continue, if necessary, on Friday, Nov. 2, at the same location Kim Lewis, 2631 East Lakeshore Drive, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, 53181, applied to the Department of Natural Resources for a permit to place a pier on the bed of Lake Elizabeth. The applicant proposed to construct a pier which would accommodate up to 20 public boat slips for a public marina on the property. The proposed boat slips would be rented to the public on a seasonal basis. At some point in the future, the owner hopes to develop the property into multi-family residential units. At this time, the owner would reduce the number of boat slips to 14 and would convert the marina to private use. The proposed project is located in NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 32, T1N, R19E, in the Village of Twin Lakes, Kenosha County. For more information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-3865
November 12 - A Class 1 contested case public hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 30.209, 30.12 and 30.123(
and § 227.01(3)(a) in the matter of the review of a permit granted to the City of Madison for placement of a storm water outlet structure on the bed of Monona Bay, Lake Monona, City of Madison, Dane County will commence at 9 a.m. at the Offices of the Division of Hearings and Appeals, 5005 University Avenue, Suite 201, Madison. The hearing will continue on November 13, 2007, if necessary, at the same location. The City of Madison, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Room 115, Madison, applied to the Department of Natural Resources for placement of a new storm water outfall structure on the bed of Monona Bay, Lake Monona. The proposed project consists of new storm sewer laid along an unnamed alley way and an outfall on the bed of Monona Bay to drain an area of approximately 50 acres. The purpose of the proposed storm sewer and outfall is to alleviate flooding in the area of Beacon Court (now vacated) and Park Street. On July 12, 2007, the Department of Natural Resources approved the City of Madison’s application with conditions. On August 1, 2007, the department received a petition for a contested case hearing from Attorney Christa Westerberg, on behalf of Joel Marino and Seth Nicholson. For information call the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-3865.
November 12-13 – A class 1 contested case public hearing in the matter of the review of a permit granted to the City of Madison for placement of a storm water outlet structure on the bed of Monona Bay, Lake Monona, City of Madison, Dane County will commence at 9 a.m. in the Division’s Hearing Room at 5005 University Avenue, Suite 201, Madison. The public comment portion of the hearing will commence at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 12, 2007. It will continue, if necessary, on Nov. 13, 2007, at the same location. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
November 12 – 16 - Pursuant to §§ 30.12(1g) and (3), 30.123(6) and (7), 30.19(1m) and (3r), 30.20(1r) and (1t) and 30.206, Wis. Stats., interpreting §§ 30.12(1g) and (3), 30.123(6) and (7), 30.19(1m) and (3r), 30.20(1r) and (1t) and 30.206, Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings on revisions to chs. NR 320, 323, 328, 329, 341, 343 and 345, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to general permit criteria requiring decontamination of equipment for invasive species an viruses. This rule will modify the existing rules to establish a new exemption and general permit criteria requiring decontamination of equipment for invasive species and viruses (including but not limited to Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS). The new exemption and general permit standard require any person conducting an exempt or general permit activity to: 1) Inspect and remove aquatic plants, animals and mud from equipment. 2) Drain all water from equipment, including but not limited to tracked vehicles, barges, boats, silt or turbidity curtain, hoses, sheet pile and pumps. Dispose of aquatic plants and animals in the trash. Never release or transfer aquatic plants, animals or water from one water body to another. Wash equipment with hot (>140° F) or high pressure water or allow equipment to dry thoroughly for 5 days. The department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve significant adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis under ch. NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code. The proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted Wisconsin Administrative Rule Web site [http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov]. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail may be submitted until Nov. 19, 2007 to Mr. Martin Griffin, Bureau of Watershed Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. For information contact Martin Griffin at (608) 266 2997. The hearings will be held:
November 12 Green Bay - 2 p.m. at the DNR Northeast Region Hdqrs., 2984 Shawano Ave.,
November 16, Madison - 2 p.m. in Room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison.
Meetings
October 29 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming - Work Group Co-Chair Conference Call will meet from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Flambeau River Conference Room at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, 610 North Whitney Way, Madison. The agenda includes: review of draft agenda for Nov. 2 Task Force meeting, progress reports from each set of Co-Chairs set to present at that meeting, discussion about finalizing Work Group templates, Task Force web site “public comment” format, review of WRI/Winrock/ICF “template timeline,” as well as updates from other Work Groups. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please contact Lisa Stefanik at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin by telephone at (608) 266-1125 or via e-mail at lisa.stefanik@psc.state.wi.us.
October 30 – The DNR Glacial Heritage Area External Advisory Team will holding a public open house from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Mills Municipal Building, 200 Water St., Lake Mills. The Glacial Heritage Area (GHA) project proposes to establish a coordinated network – in a “strings and pearls” layout – of conservation lands and recreation trails. The goal of this network is to provide high quality, readily accessible opportunities for people to get outside and hike, bike, fish, camp, bird watch, paddle, hunt, horseback ride, and enjoy themselves in the outdoors. The External Advisory Team (a group of local citizens representing village, city, and county governments, conservation groups, recreation clubs, the business community, and others) and the department have developed a draft conceptual vision for the network, including an assessment of which “strings and pearls” appear to be well suited for different outdoor activities. The open house is aimed at hearing ideas and perspectives on the project from the public – what did we get right and what needs fixing. For information contact John Pohlman, DNR land management specialist at (608) 264-6263.
October 31 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – Forestry and Agriculture Work Group will meet from 9 am to 3 pm at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, 2811 Agriculture Drive, Madison. The agenda includes: discussion of draft policy templates and preparation for the Work Group presentation at the November 2nd Task Force meeting. For more information, or if you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact Matt Krumenauer, DNR, at (608) 264-6039 or matt.krumenauer@wisconsin.gov
October 31 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – Technical Advisory Group will meet from 9 am to 3 pm at the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC), 431 Charmany Dr., Madison, room to be decided. 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
November 1 - 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. For more information, contact Jill Jonas at (608) 267-7545. The agenda is available on the drinking water pages of the DNR Web site.
November 1 - The Wisconsin Diesel Workgroup will meet 9:30 a.m. to noon in the WHEDA conference room (1st floor) of the Tommy Thompson Building, 201 W. Washington Ave., Madison. The group will continue discussions of voluntary strategies for reducing mobile diesel emissions in Wisconsin. For information contact Jessica Lawent, WDNR, at (414) 263-8653.
November 2 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – The full Task Force will meet from 9 am to 2:30 pm in the Main Conference Room at Wisconsin Public Power, Inc., 1425 Corporate Center Drive, Sun Prairie. The agenda includes: guest speakers addressing transportation sector emissions and presentations of draft policy recommendations by the Forestry and Agriculture Work Group, the Transportation Work Group and the Industry Work Group. 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
November 5 – The DNR Accumulated Sediment Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Offices of the Wisconsin Department of Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) on 2811 Agriculture Drive in Madison. The meeting will be in the Board Room beginning at The TAC will discuss a report from the Subgroup tasked with developing a risk based approach appropriate for a variety of proposed accumulated use options. It will also discuss site and management conditions under which land spreading or other uses of sediment may occur. For information contact Tom Portle at (608) 267-0877.
November 8 - The DNR Brownfields Study Group will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Summit Place, 6737 W. Washington St., West Allis. The meeting is free and open to the public. If you need more information about the meeting agenda, location or parking, please contact Andrew Savagian at (608) 261-6422.
November 8 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – Technical Advisory Group will meet from 9 am to 3 pm at the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC), 431 Charmany Dr., Madison, room to be decided. 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
November 9 - **Date changed** 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.
November 10- 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 begin to define a CWD management goal and draft recommendations for strategies to achieve that goal. For more information, contact Alan Crossley, DNR CWD project manager, at (608) 266-5463 or Alan.Crossley@Wisconsin.gov.
November 12 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – Technical Advisory Group will meet from 9 am to 3 pm at the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC), 431 Charmany Dr., Madison, room to be decided. 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
November 13 - The Technical Focus Group for the DNR Remediation and Redevelopment Program will meet from 1 to 3 p.m., in room 511 of the of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss regulations and technical issues regarding investigation and remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. For more information, contact Laurie Egre at (608) 267-7560.
November 13 – The DNR Bear Committee will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gander Mountain, 1560 County Trunk Hwy XX, Rothschild. Items on the agenda include: a summary of the 2007 bear nuisance and agricultural damage complaints from USDA-Wildlife Services, an update on the UW tetracycline study, review of the 2007 bear season harvest, and establishing bear harvest quotas for the 2008 bear hunting season. For information contact Linda Olver, assistant deer and bear ecologist at (608) 261-7588.
November 14 - The Forestry BMP Advisory Committee will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Wisconsin Room of the Lemay Center at 518 West Somo Avenue, Tomahawk. The purpose of the meeting includes reviewing plans for monitoring NIPF landowners in 2008, sharing the final report that compares Wisconsin's and the Forest Service's methods of monitoring BMPs, and discussing issues related to the silvicultural exemption for forest roads in wetlands. More details are available at the Forestry BMP Advisory Committee web-page [http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Usesof/bmp/advisory/]. For information contact Carmen R. Wagner, at (608) 266-1667.
November 14 – Milwaukee River Revitalization Council Meeting 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Mequon Nature Preserve 8200 W County Line Road, Mequon. Agenda includes: Milwaukee Regional Partnership Initiative, presentation by MMSD; State Scenic Urban Waterway designation for Milwaukee River, & meeting schedule for 2008. For more information, contact Matthew Aho (414) 263-8586.
November 15 - The Private Water Advisory Council will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. 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 on how to join the call 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/
