Wisconsin DNR News May 13, 2008
Now’s the time to test private well water
Annual tests recommended to assure its safety
MADISON - Now is a good time for the nearly 1 million Wisconsin households that get their drinking water from private wells to test the water’s safety, and a new video shows people how to do that to get accurate test results.
The video showing how to collect a water sample, lists of certified labs that can test the water, and information on keeping your private water supplies safe is available on the private well testing page of the Department of Natural Resources Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/dwg/privatewelltest.htm].
“Most private wells provide safe drinking water, but we tend to see an increase in well contamination problems after spring thaw,” says Mark Putra, who leads the private water section for the Department of Natural Resources drinking water and groundwater program.
Private wells can become contaminated with bacteria that is not filtered out as the water soaks into the ground, moving through shallow fractured bedrock, quarries, sinkholes, inadequately grouted wells or cracks in the well casing. Insects or small rodents can also carry bacteria into wells with inadequate caps or seals.
The DNR recommends that people test their private wells at least once a year for bacterial contamination and any time they notice a change in how their water looks, tastes or smells.
Certified labs can easily test water for coliform bacteria, an indicator that a disease-causing contaminant might be present, and e-coli, a bacteria that can cause human illness. Homeowners will need to collect a water sample from a faucet near the well, following the instructions and using the sample bottle provided by the laboratory.
Too often, people get an inaccurate result because they fail to disinfect the faucet before collecting a water sample. Without proper disinfection, the sample may reflect bacteria present on the faucet and not in the water. Or they may touch the inside or the cap of the sampling bottle, potentially contaminating the sample with bacteria present on their hands.
Tests for other contaminants may be warranted
Spring is also a good time to test well water for other contaminants if you know your area has a problem with particular ones because of the surrounding land uses or the bedrock formations holding the groundwater your well taps.
Owners of existing homes with private wells can use the groundwater Web site to understand what contaminants they may want to have their water tested for for a variety of reasons.
The groundwater Web site [http://wi.water.usgs.gov/gwcomp] incorporates selected groundwater data from 16 federal, state and local agencies and provides maps and other information about groundwater in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties. The site was developed through a partnership of state and federal agencies and the UW-System and funded by the DNR and the University of Wisconsin system.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Putra (608) 267-7649 or your local drinking water specialist
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Buying a state trail pass supports great trails in Wisconsin
MADISON – With the approaching Memorial Day weekend signaling the unofficial start of summer, many people will be tuning up their bicycles, getting out their rollerblades and oiling their saddles in preparation for heading out to one of Wisconsin’s many state trails.
Wisconsin State Park officials are reminding people who intend to venture out to Wisconsin’s state trails this summer that another thing they should have is a 2008 State Trail Pass.
The Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required to bicycle, in-line skate, horseback ride, motorcycle or in the winter, cross-country ski on designated state trails. Pedestrians and those under the age of 16 do not need a trail pass. State trails where the pass is required have signs indicating the pass is required and are listed in the Wisconsin State Park System Visitor’s Guide.
There are self-registration stations or offices where people may purchase the $20 annual or $4 daily trail pass at trailheads. In addition, trail passes are available at all DNR service centers and state park and forest contact stations, and many local businesses such as bike stores and service stations located near trails sell the passes. Passes may also be purchased on-line (
www.wiparks.net) or via credit card order (608-266-2181).
Wisconsin is considered a pioneer and leader in the development of trails, with 42 linear State Trails totaling more than 1,700 miles, according to Brigit Brown, state trails coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources. In addition, there are hundreds of more miles of trails in Wisconsin state parks and forests.
Funds from the sale of trail passes are used by the State Parks Program for maintenance and management, according to Peter Biermeier, chief of external relations, planning and trails for the DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation.
A recent study of state park system enforcement policies found that a significant number of trail users required to have a trail pass did not have one when they were encountered by trail officials.
“Basically we found that compliance with the requirement to purchase the trail pass before using the trail was not good, especially compared to activities such as fishing or hunting, where most people would never consider undertaking the activity before they purchase their license,” Biermeier says.
A new volunteer trail ambassador program will also be launched this year – volunteers will sell trail passes along State Trails and offer other basic assistance to trail users. The trail ambassador program is being piloted this year on the Military Ridge State Trail. The program is being coordinated through state trail friends groups. People who are interested in the program should contact their local state trail friends group through the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Web site [http://www.fwsp.org/].
“The revenue lost from people using the trails without purchasing a trail pass means there are fewer funds available for trail maintenance and improvement, and for developing new trails. By purchasing their trail pass, users are helping keep the Wisconsin State Trail systems one of the preeminent systems in the nation,” Biermeier says.
“At $20 for year around access and $4 for a daily pass to some of Wisconsin’s best trails, the state trail pass is a recreation bargain,” Biermeier notes. “It is our goal to ensure that people’s experiences on state trails are positive and high quality. In an effort to better understand and meet the needs of our users, we have implemented an on-line survey that we encourage trail pass users to fill out.” A link to the survey is posted at
www.wiparks.net.
Failure to purchase a pass before using the trail will result in a $5 surcharge on top of the trail pass fee if someone without a needed pass is encountered by a ranger or park manager on the trail. Deliberately avoiding a self registration station or not stopping to show trail officials a pass can result in a citation.
A trail pass is required for each person using the trail and is not transferable. So for instance, two people riding a tandem bicycle would both need a trail pass.
Saturday, June 7, 2008 is National Trails Day. No trail fee is required on National Trails Day.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brigit Brown - (608) 266-2183
New Wisconsin State Parks director announced
MADISON -- Dan Schuller, a 28-year employee of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, has been named the new director of the Wisconsin State Park Program.
Schuller has most recently served as the DNR Northern Region Land Leader in Rhinelander. He will be replacing Bill Smith, who has been acting state parks director since the resignation of Dave Borsecnik last year.
“Dan brings the leadership capabilities, field experience, enthusiasm, and vision to make our already-great state park system even greater,” said Laurie Osterndorf, administrator of the DNR Division of Lands.
Schuller has a degree in Recreational Resources Management, from University of Wisconsin- Madison and has spent his entire 28-year career with the DNR Lands program, starting as a limited term employee at Devil's Lake State Park. He subsequently worked in five other state parks prior to his moving to the Facilities & Lands program.
“I am truly humbled and honored to return to the park's program in this role as director, Schuller said in a statement. “State parks feature what's best about Wisconsin -- rare natural resources, exciting recreation, and high quality services for visitors. I look forward to working with State Park staff to move the program forward building on that solid foundation.”
Schuller will begin his new duties May 27.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurie Osterndorf - 608-267-7552
Plover and Whiting facilities name 2008 “Registered Laboratories of the Year”
STEVENS POINT – A Neenah Paper Mill laboratory in Whiting and a McCain Foods USA laboratory in Plover have been recognized as the 2008 Registered Laboratories of the Year by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The Neenah Whiting Paper Mill – recognized in the large facility category for the quality and dependability of its data – analyzes water used by the mill, treated and discharged to the Wisconsin River.
“The most significant achievement at this lab is the consistency of the results achieved with four operators,” wrote Camille Johnson, the DNR audit chemist, in the nomination.
Engineer John Kohler oversees the Neenah Paper laboratory. The four operators are Russ Garski, Jerry Kawski, Greg Stroik and Pat O’Neil.
McCain Foods USA Inc. in Plover also discharges treated wastewater into the Wisconsin River. The company’s laboratory was recognized in the small facility category. DNR officials cited strong communications skills and meticulous record keeping by lab supervisor Dale Johnson and analysts Kathy Asuquo and Barb Lodl.
“The two analysts have each dedicated 25 years to working at this lab,” Johnson wrote in the nomination. “The documentation and attention to detail at this lab are surely among the best I have ever observed.”
The awards were presented at a recent meeting of the Natural Resources Board by DNR Deputy Secretary Patrick Henderson and Environmental Science Services Section Chief David Webb. This is the thirteenth year of the awards. The quality of the data generated by these laboratories is important because it is used by the DNR to make regulatory decisions that protect the environment.
The facilities were chosen from more than 250 registered laboratories in Wisconsin.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Camille Johnson, DNR audit chemist, Wautoma, 920-787-4686 ext. 3019
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Wisconsin’s endangered species law (s. 29.604, Wis. Stats.) requires the Department of Natural Resources to notify the public when it proposes to authorize the incidental taking of a state endangered or threatened species.]
Natural gas pipeline project may result in incidental take of rare birds
MADISON -- The construction of a natural gas pipeline in Sheboygan County may result in the “incidental taking” of three types of birds that are listed as state threatened species, under an authorization the state Department of Natural Resources is proposing for the project. Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the overall population of the species at risk.
The Guardian II Sheboygan Lateral Pipeline Project is being constructed by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC) in Sheboygan County. The majority of the 31-mile pipeline is within a regularly maintained transmission line right-of-way (ROW). Approximately 3.3 miles of the route passes through the Kettle Moraine State Forest and approximately 2.2 miles passes through the Silver Spring/Mill Creek Streambank Easement area.
Based on surveys completed in 2007, DNR staff have determined that Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea), and hooded warbler (Wilsoniac citrina) are present in the project area.
Pipeline construction will consist of various activities completed sequentially beginning with vegetation clearing, trench excavation, pipe-laying, backfilling the trench, stabilization, restoration, and finally, testing of the pipeline.
Vegetation clearing was completed in the pipeline ROW early in 2008 to eliminate the possibility that birds would nest in the ROW. However, human noise and other disturbance in the ROW can interfere with or prevent a bird’s ability to successfully incubate eggs, to feed young, or to defend the nest from predators in nesting territories adjacent to the ROW. Therefore, the department determined that the project may still result in the incidental taking of some birds.
A DNR review concluded that the project will minimize the impacts to the birds by adhering to conservation measures that include species surveys and long-term management of vegetation in the ROW to benefit wildlife. The project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of these birds or the whole plant-animal community of which they are a part.
The conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the threatened species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Authorization. Copies of the conservation measures, background information on the species, and the jeopardy assessment are available upon request from Rori Paloski, Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 101 South Webster, Madison, WI 53707, (608) 264-6040. Public comments will be taken through June 12, 2008 and should be sent to Rori Paloski at the above address.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Rori Paloski, DNR, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 608/264-6040
Grants available for forest and wildland fire suppression
MADISON -- Local fire fighting agencies have until July 1 to apply for a Department of Natural Resources Forest Fire Protection grant program for suppressing forest and wildland fires. This program provides funds on a 50-50 cash match basis.
Local fire departments and county or area fire organizations can apply for Forest Fire Protection Grants, which were established in 1997 to strengthen local fire departments’ and county or area fire organizations’ capabilities to assist the DNR forestry staff in suppression of forest fires.
The grant program provides funds for the purchase of forest fire suppression equipment and training, including: personal protective equipment; forest fire training; forest fire prevention, forest fire tools and equipment; communication equipment; rural fire mapping and numbering; and off-road all-wheel drive initial-attack vehicles.
Applications were mailed recently to Wisconsin fire organizations statewide and are also available on the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cfa/LR/FFP/grants.html]. FFP applications must be postmarked on or before July 1, 2008.
The Forest Fire Protection (FFP) Grant Program is one of 33 grant programs administered by the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Community Financial Assistance. The DNR issues approximately 3,600 grant awards each year to local units of government, Indian Tribes, nonprofit conservation organizations, fire departments, dry cleaners, and individuals. You can learn more about these DNR grant programs on the following web page:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cfa/Grants/index.htmlFOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Eileen Trainor - (608) 267-0848; Chris Klahn - (608) 297-2214
Turtle tagging clinic offered
BABCOCK, Wis. – People interested in the status and biology of different types of turtles in Wisconsin can sign up to assist wildlife biologists as they conduct research surveys for nesting female turtles at the Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Wildlife Area.
The turtle tagging clinic and evening outing, will be held Saturday, June 14. Participants will aid DNR wildlife biologists in collecting biological information on snapping turtles, painted turtles and Blanding's turtles. This information is used to assess population trends and the status of these species.
This evening clinic runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Participants should bring a sandwich and refreshment for supper while biologists brief participants on the evening's activities. Space is limited to 10 people, ages 12 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
The fee for the workshop is $15 and the registration deadline is June 6. To register send a check made out to DNR-Skills Center along with the name of each participant, and the address and daytime phone number of one person in each party to: Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center, PO Box 156, Babcock, WI 54413. Inquiries on the status of registrations may be sent via e-mail to: Richard.Thiel@wisconsin.gov.
The Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/reclands/sandhill] is located 20 miles west of Wisconsin Rapids on County Highway X, 1 mile north of Highway 80 near Babcock, Wisconsin on the 9,000 acre Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Wildlife Area.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandhill Skills Center at: (715) 884-6333 or (715) 884-2437
OUTDOORS CALENDAR
*Indicates date remains the same each year, except some permit deadlines may be extended one day if they fall on a Sunday or Federal Holiday.
April 15 through July 31
• It is illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal Waterfowl Production Areas lands during this time unless the dog is on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Doe not apply to class 1 field trial grounds or DNR lands open to dog training.*
May 14 – 18
• Spring turkey hunting period E
May 20
• Yellow perch season opens on Green Bay, the Fox River and other Green Bay tributaries through March 15 with a bag limit of 15. Yellow perch season on Lake Michigan opens June 16.*
• Set or bank pole and setlines can be used on specified waters in the Wolf and Fox river basins through Sept. 30. Check the current Setline, Set or Bank Pole Regulations for open waters.
May 21 – 25
• Spring turkey hunting period F:
May 24
• Muskellunge season opens north of State Highway 10.
June 7 – 8
• Free Fishing Weekend. No license or stamps required to fish inland waters or outlying Wisconsin waters of the Great Lakes and Mississippi and St. Croix rivers. All bag and size limits and other regulations apply.
June 8
• State Parks Open House Day -- free admission to all state parks, forests and trails.
June 16
• Yellow perch season opens on Lake Michigan with a bag limit of five (5).* (Note: the 2008009 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations lists an incorrect date of June 21 for this season. The season opens June 16.)
June 21
• Northern zone bass season goes from catch-and-release to daily bag limits. Check current regulations for bag and size limits.
DNR Public Hearings and Meetings
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call the contact person listed for the meeting or hearing with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.
Hearings
May 27 - Pursuant to §§ 285.13(1),and 285.61(7), Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on the Environmental Assessment and the review of the air pollution control construction permit application submitted by Wisconsin Rapids Mill - Fiber & Energy at 11 a.m. in the McCourt Conference Room of the McMillan Memorial Library, 490 East Grand Ave., Wisconsin Rapids. Wisconsin Rapids Mill - Fiber & Energy, 950 4th Ave., North, Wisconsin Rapids, Wood County, submitted to the Department of Natural Resources a permit application, including plans and specifications for the modification and operation of #1 digester (Air Pollution construction permit no. 08-POY-037, and permit 772010140-P03, revision of a Part 70 permit). This permit application has been reviewed under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Program [ch. NR 405, Wis. Adm. Code] for total reduced sulfur (TRS) and volatile organic compound (VOC). There is no increment requirement for these pollutants. DNR staff have made a preliminary determination that the application meets state and federal air pollution control requirements and that the permit should be approved. 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. The permit application, the DNR’s analysis, the environmental assessment and draft permit prepared by the DNR are available for review on the air permit page of the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/air/permitzip/APM_toc.htm] and at the DNR Bureau of Air Management Headquarters, Seventh Floor, 101 South Webster St., Madison; DNR West Central Region Air Program, Wisconsin Rapids Service Center, 473 Griffith Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, and at the McMillan Memorial Library, 490 East Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, or by contacting Paul Yeung at 608-266-0672 or by e-mail at yeungp@wisconsin.gov. Written comments on the application, DNR’s review of the application or on the Environmental Assessment should be sent by May 27 2008 to Wisconsin DNR, Bureau of Air Management, 101 S. Webster Street, Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921. Attn.: Paul Yeung. 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 and on whether an Environmental Impact Statement is needed for this project. For information contact Paul O. Yeung at (608)266-0672.
May 28 - Pursuant to §§ 285.13(1) and 285.62(5)(a), Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on the air pollution control permit renewal application for the operation of the Wisconsin Power and Light Columbia Energy Center, W8385 Murray Road, Pardeeville, Columbia County, at 2 p.m. in the City of Portage Municipal Building, Community Room, 115 West Pleasant St., Portage. WPL submitted to the DNR an application for renewal of Air Pollution operation permit 111003090-P20, including plans and specifications for operation of an electric utility for power generation. DNR staff made a preliminary determination that the application meets state and federal air pollution control requirements and that the permit should be approved. The permit application, the DNR’s analysis and draft permit prepared by the DNR is available for review on the air permit page of the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/air/permitzip/APM_toc.htm] and at the DNR Bureau of Air Management Headquarters, Seventh Floor, 101 South Webster Street, Madison; DNR South Central Region Air Program, Reedsburg Area Office, PO Box 281, Reedsburg; DNR Southeast Region Air Program, Sturtevant Service Center, 9531 Rayne Road, Suite 4, Sturtevant,; and at the Portage Public Library, 253 W. Edgewater St., Portage, or contact Kendra Fisher at 262-884-2345 or by e-mail at kendra.fisher@wisconsin.gov. Written comment on the application or DNR’s review should be sent by June 6, 2008 to: Wisconsin DNR, Southeast Region Air Program, Sturtevant Service Center, 9531 Rayne Road, Suite 4, Sturtevant, WI 53177. Attn.: Kendra Fisher. All comments received by DNR will be considered by DNR prior to making its final decision regarding the renewal of the operation permit. For information contact Kendra Fisher at 262-884-2345.
May 28 - Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 77.10(1) the State of Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals will hold a Class 2 contested case public hearing in the matter of whether land located in the Town of Bayfield, Bayfield County and owned by Patrick D. Brown, and under Forest Crop Law Contract #04-009-1980, shall continue as Forest Cropland at 1 p.m. at the Bayfield Town Hall, 85450 County Trunk Highway J, Bayfield. The hearing may result in the Department of Natural Resources canceling entry of the description of such land as Forest Cropland and ordering withdrawal of such land from the Forest Cropland program under Wis. Stat. § ch. 77. The DNR on its own motion has investigated and seeks a hearing to determine whether 40 acres comprising the SESE of S34, T52N, R5W, Town of Bayfield, Bayfield County should continue as Forest Cropland under Wis. Stat. § 77.02. Upon petition dated Nov. 21, 1979, by owner Martin A. Piehl the department in January 1980, entered the 40 acres described above as part of a larger entry under Forest Crop Law (“FCL”). In April 2004 the department issued an FCL Transfer Order for a complete transfer of the land designated in the matter to Patrick D. Brown. Mr. Brown was contacted through a letter on August 23, 2005 that he would need to replant a two-acre area and detailed options available to him regarding the replanting, including a cost sharing application. Mr. Brown signed up for cost sharing for planting in February 2006 and received a grant on August 1, 2006. On January 2, 2007, a letter was written to Mr. Brown informing him that his practice was overdue and that he must plant the two-acre area the following spring. On August 4, 2007, a letter was sent to Mr. Brown inquiring if he had completed the practice and giving him two weeks to respond. There was no response, and no planted trees could be found on a field check on August 24, 2007. A Notice of Investigation letter was sent on August 27, 2007, requiring that the strip be planted by October 15, 2007. No planted trees were found on a site visit on October 25, 2007. Consequently, the department asks that this land be withdrawn from Forest Cropland pursuant to Wis. Stat. §77.10(1) for failure to practice sound forestry. For more information contact the State of Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
March 29 – The DNR will hold a public informational hearing on the application of M&S Adventures II, LLC for an after-the-fact permit under Chapter 30, Wisconsin Statutes, for piers on Klein Creek where it meets the Castle Rock Flowage. The purpose of the hearing is to allow the public to learn about the proposed piers, and to provide an opportunity for the members of the public to make written or oral statements about issuance of the proposed permit. The hearing will be held at 1 pm in the Quincy Town Hall, 2599 County Road Z, Friendship. The town hall is at the corner of Edgewood Avenue and County Highway Z. For more information, contact Will Stites at 715-421-7815.
May 29 - Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 77.10(1), the State of Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals will hold a Class 2 contested case public hearing in the matter of whether land located in the Town of Bayfield, Bayfield County, and owned by Randall G. Schultz, and under Forest Crop Law Contract #04-021-1984, shall continue as Forest Cropland at 8 a.m. in the Bayfield Town Hall, 85450 County Trunk Highway J, Bayfield. The hearing may result in the Department of Natural Resources canceling entry of the description of such land as Forest Cropland and ordering withdrawal of such land from the Forest Cropland program under Wis. Stat. ch. 77.The DNR on its own motion has investigated and seeks a hearing to determine whether 40 acres comprising the NWNE of S19, T50N, R5W, Town of Bayfield, Bayfield County should continue as Forest Cropland under Wis. Stat. § 77.02. Upon petition dated October 10, 1983, by owner, William B. Willers, and pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 77.02, by Order No. FCL 04-015-1984, the Department, on January 3, 1984, entered the 40 acres described above as part of a larger entry under Forest Crop Law (“FCL”). On June 18, 2001, the DNR issued a FCL Transfer Order for a partial transfer of the land to Randall G. Schultz and created the new order number 04-021-1984. A management schedule was written for the property and sent to Mr. Schultz on June 25, 2001. It included mandatory harvesting in stands three and four in 2003. Mr. Schultz was sent cutting reminder letters on March 30, 2002, and January 23, 2003, regarding the mandatory harvesting. Bradley Schultz, brother of Randall Schultz, contacted the office and was provided with a list of loggers for the area. However nothing was done. Mr. Schultz was notified by letter dated January 22, 2005, that the mandatory practices were overdue. Among the copies of county cutting notices received at the Washburn Ranger Station around January 26, 2005, was a notice for the property filed by Harold Maki (a local logger). Shortly thereafter, Harold Maki stopped and asked about adding additional areas in stand one to the harvest area. On February 15, 2005, Mr. Schultz was notified in a letter what was acceptable. The property was harvested in February or March. Mr. Schultz had not filed a tax law cutting notice for it. A cutting notice form with the logger’s receipt was sent to the station. Only the name and address portions were filled out. A site visit was done on May 25, 2005 to look at the sale. The sale did not follow the management plan. There were some other problems as well, including dirt pushed in the drainage and rutting. A letter was written to Mr. Schultz on June 6, 2005, describing the problems and the required corrections. The partially filled out cutting notice was returned with it to him for a signature. On October 7, 2005, another reminder letter to get the cutting report form in and do the required corrections was sent. The signed cutting notice report was not returned nor were the required corrections made. A notice of investigation was sent to Mr. Schultz on January 2, 2007. He was to respond with a plan for the sale cleanup and to return the signed cutting report by February 1, 2007. There has been no response. Consequently the DNR asks that this land be withdrawn from Forest Cropland pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 77.10(1) for failure to practice sound forestry. For information contact the State of Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
May 30 - The State of Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals will hold a telephone status conference in the matter of the application for an expansion of a loading apron on Lake Michigan by Washington Island Ferry Line, Inc., Town of Liberty Grove, Door County, Wisconsin, at 10:30 a.m. The Division will initiate the call and will contact all parties involved. If any other party wishes to be included, please provide a number prior to May 26, 2008 to the Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
Meetings
May 13 - The DNR Division of Forestry’s Private Land Management Specialist Team will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the DNR Wisconsin Rapids Service Center, 473 Griffith Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, regarding: discussion and decisions on Private Forestry Summit Report, Private Forestry Accomplishment Report Changes, Review of the MFL Cutting Notice & Report, PLMT Work Plan Review, Biomass Guideline Review, Healthy Forest Pilot Report & several miscellaneous follow up items. For more information, contact Carol Nielsen, Private Forestry Specialist, 608-267-7508.
May 13 - The DNR Technical Focus Group for the Remediation and Redevelopment Program will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. in room 613 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 Mark Giesfeldt at 608-267-7562 or Mark.Giesfeldt@Wisconsin.gov.
May 14 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – Technical Advisory Group will meet at 9 am at Wisconsin Public Power Inc., 1425 Corporate Center Drive, Sun Prairie, 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
May 14 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – The full Task Force will meet from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Main Conference Room at Wisconsin Public Power, Inc., 1425 Corporate Center Drive, Sun Prairie. The agenda includes: an update on the MGA, on modeling progress, and a revised data reporting recommendation, a discussion of renewable energy issues including a presentation on Canadian hydro issues by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources and a presentation on promoting Wisconsin renewable resources by Eco-Energy and Clean Wisconsin, an extensive discussion of cap and trade policy including the proposed policy, issues, and positions for and against, and discussions of proposed Conservation and Energy Efficiency templates, a water conservation template and a revised Forestry and Agriculture template. 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.
May 15 – The Department of Natural Resources Wolf Science Committee will meet from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Wisconsin State Patrol Wausau Post, 2805 Martin Ave., Wausau. Discussions topics include: Conservation Congress vote on shooting wolves on public lands protecting property; Conservation Congress vote on wolf public harvest; 2008 wolf population estimation; 2008 wolf depredations so far, payments, management actions, and losses; update of new environmental assessment by Wildlife Services on depredation control activities; update of depredation control guidelines; and any issues raised by the wolf stakeholders group. For information contact Adrian P. Wydeven at (715) 762-1363.
May 15 - Pursuant to § 289.54(2), Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources Waste & Materials Management Program will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. at the Lakeside Park Pavilion, 71 Promen Dr., Fond du Lac. Department staff will provide information regarding the City of Fond du Lac’s request to dispose of dredge material onto the abandoned landfill at the Lakeside West site. The material will originate from the Fisherman's Pier dredging site. For information contact Lee Archiquette at 608-267-0542.
May 21– Milwaukee River Revitalization Council Meeting 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mequon Nature Preserve, 8200 West County Line Road, Mequon. Agenda includes: Southeastern Wisconsin Watershed Trust/MRRC cooperation update; Urban Stormwater Retrofit Projects, presentation by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Professor, & Discussion of MRRC "Resolution to Support" template. For more information, contact Matthew Aho (414-263-8586).
May 27-28 - The State Natural Resources Board [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard/agenda.html] will meet at the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Commission Conference Room 121. 260 West Seeboth St., Milwaukee. For information contact Laurie Ross, Natural Resources Board Liaison, at (608) 267-7420.
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/
