Wisconsin DNR News April 22, 2008
Record breaking harvest of Lake Michigan chinook salmon
Record sauger caught
Walleye bag limits adjusted for Ceded Territory lakes
Barbless rules in effect for bass catch-and-release seasons
Sponsors sought for disabled hunter deer hunts this fall
Six groups recognized for efforts to enhance fisheries in state
Record breaking harvest of Lake Michigan chinook salmon
MADISON – Chinook, or king salmon, once again reigned in Lake Michigan’s waters, with anglers reeling in a record-breaking harvest of 431,000 salmon in 2007, according to angler (creel) surveys.
“It was really a phenomenal year once again,” says Brad Eggold, Department of Natural Resources fisheries supervisor for southern Lake Michigan. “Anglers were catching one chinook after another.”
Last year’s harvest is the highest number of chinook anglers reported catching since creel surveys began in 1969, making this not only a record year, but also the sixth straight year of outstanding chinook fishing. Anglers reporting catching 398,905 chinook in 2006, and 418,918 in 2005.
Fantastic fishing over the last six years is credited to collaborative efforts between DNR fisheries staff, sports groups, anglers and other agencies to closely monitor the fish populations in Lake Michigan and make adjustments to stocking levels when appropriate.
“Excellent management practices have helped to bring the Lake Michigan fishery to the level it’s at today,” says Eggold. “This year, there was not only a record harvest of chinook, but there were also increases in the harvests of brown, lake, and rainbow trout and coho salmon.”
A good combination of weather patterns, like spring warming rates and westerly winds, and the migration patterns of salmon and trout as they followed the forage (alewives) made them easily accessible to anglers, according to Eggold. In addition, when the fish are hungry, they’re more easily tricked into thinking lures are forage and more aggressive when it comes to biting.
The downside of this assertive biting behavior is that the fish are hungry and can’t track down the forage that they’re looking for.
“While the catch rates are nice and extremely high, and the chinook fairly healthy,” says Eggold, “they are smaller than they should be. It’s likely that there are just too many chinook in Lake Michigan for the forage base to support. What we’d like to see is fewer but larger fish caught.”
A 2006 lake-wide reduction in stocking to balance these factors and stop the downward trend of the conditions of fish may be noticed by anglers this year. Because of the salmon’s maturity schedule, there was little or no effect in 2007.
“I don’t anticipate there being a massive drop off in catch rates. However, I would be surprised if we caught as may as we did in 2007,” says Eggold. “And even though we may see slightly lower catch rates, we could also see anglers reeling in more trophy catches.”
A reduction in stocking has a history of being beneficial to anglers in terms of larger fish and plenty of them, according to Eggold.
“Every time stocking is reduced, the fishing gets better,” says Eggold. “I think it’s going to be a solid season with plenty of angling success.”
Additional information on chinook fishing can be found on the DNR Web site, including a chart showing overall trout and salmon harvests, [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/lakemich/managementreports.htm#harvest] and harvests broken down by species, in addition to more information on chinook salmon;. the best seasons for Lake Michigan year-round chinook shore fishing [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/reports/fishingreport/fishinglmich.html].
Lake Michigan is the number one most frequently visited water in Wisconsin, according to a statewide mail survey in 2006-2007. More information on Lake Michigan fisheries is also available on the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/lakemich/]. The Lake Michigan Hotline at (414) 382-7920 features up-to-date fishing reports and conditions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brad Eggold (414) 382-7921
Record sauger caught
First record fish of 2008
MADISON -- It didn’t take long for the first state record fish to fall in 2008.
Donald Peyer of Whitewater reeled in a 6-pound, 4.8-ounce sauger on April 2 from the Mississippi River in Pierce County. The fish, which measured 23.75 inches long, weighed nearly half a pound more than the previous record sauger of 5 pounds, 13 ounces.
“It was a pretty good fight,” says Peyer. “The fish took it (bait) back under the boat.”
Peyer had been fishing for three days on the river with family and friends, and the group had been planning to leave at 11 a.m. that day when the fish bit around 10 a.m. on an artificial bait.
Peyer wrestled with the fish for a while and then landed the sauger, much to the delight of his fishing companions.
“Wow! That’s gotta be a state record,” Peyer recalls them saying. “I said, ‘I doubt it.’”
He thought the fish was a walleye and was about to release it back into the water because he doesn’t keep walleyes over 6 pounds for eating. When his nephew noticed the fish bleeding, Peyer decided to keep it.
His son pulled alongside in another boat and said, “Let me see that big fish. Oh my God, it’s a sauger.”
DNR fish biologists confirmed that the catch was indeed a sauger. The key characteristic for distinguishing sauger from walleye is the crescent-shaped spots on sauger dorsal fins. Walleye have no such spots.
News of the big catch was in the local paper, and the phone has been ringing since, Peyer says. Asked for any advice on how to catch a state record fish, Peyer, who’s been fishing for most of his 57 years said, “You just gotta fish to catch them. I never catch any if I don’t go.”
Town of Ettrick claims two state fish records for 2007
Anglers in 2007 continued their record setting ways, with Ettrick, population 1,879, grabbing more than its fair share as two anglers from the town set new records for fish caught with a bow and arrow.
• Nicole Brunner of Ettrick established an initial record using a bow and arrow to catch a 3-pound, 5.9-ounce, and 19.5-inch gizzard shad in the Mississippi River, Trempealeau County on April 22.
• Jason Cichy of Necedah hauled in a 10-pound, 7.2-ounce, 25.25-inch-long quillback carpsucker from the Wisconsin River in Juneau County on March 17, bettering the existing record by just over 10 ounces.
• Andrew Volkmann of Wellesley, Mass., reeled in a 2-pound, 2.9-ounce, 19.5-inch- long kokanee salmon in Menominee County's Upper Bass Lake on Aug.14, beating the previous record by 9 ounces.
• Nickolas Smitala of Ringle also hooked a 2-pound, 8.2-ounce, 19.5-inch-long kokanee salmon in Upper Bass Lake, Menominee County, on Sept. 1, which bettered the existing record established two weeks earlier, by more than 5 ounces.
• Brandon Gann of Sparta used a bow and arrow to capture a 62-pound, 9.6-ounce, 49-inch-long bigmouth buffalo on April 23 from the Wisconsin River in Juneau County that beat the previous record by nearly 10 ounces.
• Hunter Folkedahl of Ettrick caught a 10-pound, 15.7-ounce, 31.5-inch-long bowfin with a bow and arrow from the Mississippi River in Buffalo County on Aug. 24 to beat the previous record by over 3.5 pounds.
Details on other state record fish caught in Wisconsin can be found online.
What to do if you think you’ve caught a state record fish
If you think you or someone else has caught a fish that may be a state record, here's what you need to do:
• Don't clean or, if at all possible, freeze the fish
• Keep the fish cool, on ice
• Get the fish weighed as soon as possible on a certified scale (usually found in grocery, hardware stores, etc.) and witnessed by an observer
Contact the nearest DNR Service Center to get the fish species positively identified and to find out whether the fish is actually a state record. If possible, take a photo of you holding your prize catch and e-mail it or mail it in to the DNR Bureau of Fisheries Management, Box 7921, Madison, Wis., 53707, in care of Karl Scheidegger. E-mail to Karl.Scheidegger@wisconsin.gov
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Scheidegger - (608) 267-9426
Walleye bag limits adjusted for Ceded Territory lakes
MADISON -- Daily walleye bag limits have been revised on 412 lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory in response to harvest declarations made by six bands of Chippewa in Wisconsin, the state Department of Natural Resources has announced. These bag limits are effective between May 3, 2008 and March 1, 2009, inclusive.
There will be a three walleye bag limit for sport anglers on 88 lakes, a two-fish daily bag limit on 324 lakes, and one lake will have a daily bag limit of one walleye.
The number of lakes spearers have actually harvested annually has typically been in the range of 150 to 170. DNR will review tribal harvest following the spring spearfishing season and where possible revise bag limits upwards on lakes lightly or not speared.
The adjusted bag limits are available in portable document format on the regulations page [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/regulations/] of the DNR Fishing Wisconsin Web site and are being published as an insert to the 2008-2009 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations. Lakes not listed are subject to the regulations printed in the regulations pamphlet. The statewide daily bag limit for walleyes on Wisconsin lakes generally remain at five fish per day, but anglers should check the regulations for special size and bag limits that are in effect on specific waters.
Most Chippewa tribal harvest takes places during the spring spearfishing season. An administrative rule passed by the state Natural Resources Board in 1998 allows the department to adjust initial bag limits annually to reflect actual spring spearing harvests and projected summer harvests.
Lakes declared by the Lac du Flambeau Band have a daily bag limit of three walleye for sport anglers. The DNR and the Lac du Flambeau Band have an agreement giving the Band authority to sell tribal licenses honored statewide in return for making declarations at a level that allows a three walleye per day recreational angler bag limit. This year, the Lac du Flambeau Band may be spearing on some segments of larger rivers on a one-year experimental basis.
As part of a 1983 federal Appellate Court decision affirming Chippewa off-reservation hunting, fishing, and gathering rights, the six bands of Wisconsin Chippewa set annual harvest quotas for off-reservation lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory. As part of court agreements, to assure the combined tribal and recreational angler harvest does not exceed the ability of walleye to sustain its population in any lake, the Department of Natural Resources reduces bag limits for recreational hook and line anglers in lakes declared for harvest by the Chippewa bands. The state is entering its 23nd year of the joint tribal and recreational fishery.
For background information on Chippewa treaty rights, a description of the management and monitoring system used to ensure the long term viability of fisheries in the Ceded Territory, and to see data collected as part of that monitoring system, including walleye population estimates and creel survey summaries for all game fish, see the DNR Bureau of Fisheries Management Internet pages regarding the joint tribal and recreational fishery in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Hennessy (608) 267-9427 or Steve Hewett - (608) 267-7501
Barbless rules in effect for catch-and-release bass seasons
MADISON – Anglers gearing up for the May 3 opener of catch-and-release bass fishing season in the northern zone and on other waters with bass catch-and-release seasons should note a regulation change.
From May 3 through June 20, bass anglers in the northern zone or any other water body that has catch-and-release bass regulations are required to use artificial lures with barbless hooks only. That includes boundary waters and outlying waters and certain lakes in the southern zone.
The Wisconsin Legislature mandated the rule in the 2007-2009 budget bill adopted last fall.
The northern zone hook-and-line harvest season opens June 21 and runs through March 1, 2009, with a minimum length limit of 14 inches and a daily bag limit of five fish in total.
The northern zone [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/regulations/2008/documents/fhregs0809.pdf#lmsmbassmgmtzones] is the area north of highways 77, 64 and 29.
For more information on catch-and-release bass waters, consult the 2008-2009 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations. [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/regulations/2008/hookline.html]
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Hennessy – (608) 267-9427
Sponsors sought for disabled hunter deer hunts this fall
MADISON – Landowners interested in sponsoring a gun deer hunt this fall for hunters with disabilities have until June 1 to enroll their property in the Deer Hunts for Persons with Disabilities Program.
Since its inception in 1990 the program has been an endearing success, according to state wildlife officials, who say it has created more fertile ground for lasting friendships and joyful reunions than any other program initiated by the state Department of Natural.
“It’s real close to people’s hearts,” said Andy Janicki, accessibility coordinator for the state Department of Natural Resources. “It’s amazing how many people and different groups are involved with this.”
The goal is to offer people with physical or visual disabilities an opportunity to hunt deer when temperatures are mild and mobility outdoors is less of a problem.
This year’s hunt tales place Oct. 4 – 12. Sponsor applications are available at all DNR service centers and on the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/deer/disap.htm].
In 2007, more than 100 sponsors, individuals and groups, enrolled an estimated 34,000 acres of land in the program. Most sponsors return to the program year after year and admit to being richly rewarded for their effort.
In Clark County, the “Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities” organization is entering its 10th year with an amazing 15,000 acres of land being made available this fall by 97 property owners. Founding organizer Dale Petkovsek said 60 to 65 hunters participate and all but a small percentage return each year, generally all who are able.
The success rate for hunters with disabilities in Clark County is generally about 73 percent, much higher than achieved by able-bodied hunters in November. In 2007 it dipped to a still impressive 68 percent. Nature conspired against hunters by providing plentiful food within the protective cover of dense wood lots.
“Last year the oaks dropped a ton of acorns and the fields were wetter than heck,” Petkovsek said. “It was a tough year.”
Many of the landowners actively participate in guiding and assisting the hunters and often form strong bonds with them.
“There are folks here who have formed some pretty deep relationships over the years,” Petkovsek said.
Local hunters fill the pool of available guides
“It seems every year there gets to be another couple who say, ‘Hey, I’ll help. Write my name down,’” Petkovsek said.
Petkovsek, a resort owner, said landowners first saw the program as an additional opportunity to trim an overly large deer herd in farm country.
“It would be one way to get rid of another deer or two,” he said. “That’s how it all started. But now it’s more of a personal satisfaction thing.”
Linda Olver, assistant DNR deer and bear ecologist, said nearly 10,000 acres have been added to the program during the past five years.
“With the continued support and generosity of sponsors and landowners, we hope to make more land available to disabled hunters in 2008,” Olver said.
Hunters with a valid, long-term Class B permit – which authorizes hunting from a stationary vehicle – may now participate in the hunt. Previously only hunters with Class A or C disabled permit could participate.
With permission from the landowner, hunters without disabilities may now hunt small game or hunt deer with archery equipment on property enrolled in the hunt. All hunters, with the exception of water fowlers, must wear blaze orange.
Class C permit holders are now authorized to use laser sights
Hunters with Class A, long-term Class B or Class C disabled hunting permits may request a list of 2008 hunts, with locations and sponsors, from any DNR service center. Lists will be available after July 1.
Since sponsors must provide the DNR with a list of hunters and permit numbers by Sept. 1, hunters are encouraged to make arrangements as soon as possible. Disabled hunters have until Sept. 1 to contact sponsors for the Oct. 4 - 12 hunt.
It could be a great one.
“I just hope we don’t have so many acorns,” Petkovsek said.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Janicki, DNR accessibility coordinator, 608-267-7490
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 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).*
April 23 – 27
• Spring turkey hunting period B
April 27
• Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight. Season is artificial bait, barbless-hook only.
April 30
• The yellow perch season closes on Lake Michigan and tributaries. The season reopens June 16.*
• Otter trapping season closes in the North zone.*
April 30 – May 4
• Spring turkey hunting period C
May 3
• General inland waters game fish opener (trout, walleye, northern pike, bass in the southern zone). Check current Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations pamphlet for exceptions regarding specific game species and waters.
• Catch and release only bass season opens through June 14 in the northern zone.
• Muskellunge season in waters south of State Highway 10 opens.
• Frog season opens. Runs through Dec. 31
May 7-11
• Spring turkey hunting period D
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.
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
April 22 - The DNR will hold a public informational hearing on the permit application of TRC Environmental Corporation for miscellaneous/habitat/infra structure, riprap, culverts, stream diversion, grading, channel change, dredging and wetland water quality certification (federal) under Chapter 30, Stats at 6:30 p.m. at the Fox Valley Technical College - Chilton Regional Center, HWY 32/57 South (1200 E. Chestnut Street), Chilton. The purpose of the information hearing is to allow the public to learn about the proposed project and to provide an opportunity for the public to make written or oral statement about the issuance of the proposed permit. The project proposes to remediate PCB-impacted sediments/soils in and along 4.1 miles of Pine Creek. Restoration of stream bed and bank, and associated wetlands will occur. This is part of a larger remediation area, called the Hayton Area Remediation Project (HARP). For more information, contact Jon Brand at (920) 662-5466.
April 23 – Pursuant to §§ 285.13(1), and 285.61(7)(a) and 285.62(5), Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on the air pollution control construction permit and operation permit revision for applications of ERCO Worldwide (USA) Inc.- Port Edwards Plant, 101 Hwy 73 South, Nekoosa, Wood County, Wisconsin, FID 772010470, at 11 a.m. at the McMillan Public Library, Conference Room, 490 E. Grand Ave., Wisconsin Rapids. ERCO submitted to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) a permit applications including plans and specifications for Air Pollution Control Construction Permit Number 08-MHR-032 and Air Pollution Control Operation Permit Revision Number 772010470-F02 for the construction and operation of a boiler, a cooling tower, an emergency generator, and a membrane cell process; and the modification and operation of a chlorine drying and liquefaction process and a hydrochloric acid production process. DNR staff have made a preliminary determination that the application meets state and federal air pollution control requirements and that the permits should be approved. The permit application, the DNR’s analysis and draft permit prepared by the DNR is available on the air permit page of the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/air/permitzip/APM_toc.htm] or at the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Air Management Headquarters, Seventh Floor, 101 South Webster Street, Madison,; West Central Region Air Program, Wisconsin Rapids Area Office, 473 Griffith Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids; West Central Region Air Program, La Crosse Area Office, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road, Room 104, La Crosse; and at the McMillan Memorial Library, 490 East Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids; or by contacting Michael Ross at 608-785-9973 or by e-mail at michael.ross@wisconsin.gov. This type of proposal normally does not have the potential to cause significant adverse environmental effects and the DNR has not prepared an Environmental Assessment of the proposal. 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. Written comments on the application or DNR’s review should be submitted by May 9, 2008: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, West Central Region Air Program, La Crosse Area Office, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road, Room 104, La Crosse, WI 54601. Attn.: Michael Ross. All comments received by DNR at the public hearing and all written comments received by DNR during the public comment period will be considered by DNR prior to making a final decision regarding the proposed project. After the public hearing and the public comment period, a final decision will be made on whether to issue or deny the air pollution control construction permit and operation permit revision. If you would like a copy of the final determination, contact Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, West Central Region Air Program, La Crosse Area Office, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, WI 54601. Attn.: Michael Ross. For more information contact Michael Ross at 608-785-9973.
April 24 - Pursuant to §§ 27.01 and 29.089, Stats., interpreting §§ 27.01 and 29.089, Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings on revisions to chs. NR 10 and 45, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to hunting in state parks, including department-managed portions of state trails. The proposed rule would authorize hunting on State Ice Age Trail areas unless the area is posted as closed to hunting. The department would be able to post certain portions of an Ice Age Trail property as closed to hunting in order to protect public safety, protect a unique animal or plant community, or to accommodate user patterns. Hunting and firearms discharge would not be allowed on the actual traveled portions of the trail or in an area extending 50 feet from the center of the trail. Also in state parks, possession of loaded or uncased firearms is illegal where hunting is not allowed. This rule would authorize crossing the traveled portion of a trail in a State Ice Age trail area with a firearm that is not enclosed in a carrying case but which is unloaded. This provision would also apply on other types of state trails. 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 through the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site:
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted by April 25, 2008 via U.S. mail to Scott Loomans, Bureau of Wildlife Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. For more information or a copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate contact Scott Loomans at (608) 267-2452. The hearings will be held:
April 24, Milwaukee – 5 p.m. in the Auditorium, Havenwood State Forest Environmental Awareness Center, 6141 N. Hopkins St.
April 24- The DNR will hold a public informational hearing on the application of Deer Creek Inn and Conference Center, LLC for a grading permit under Chapter 30, WI Stats at 5 p.m. at New Berlin City Hall, 3805 S. Casper Drive, New Berlin. The project involves the construction of a 405-room hotel and conference center with grading on the bank of Deer Creek. The purpose of the informational hearing is to allow the public to learn about the proposed grading and to provide an opportunity for the public to make a written or oral statement about issuance of the proposed permit. The hearing will be held. For more information, contact Pam Schense at (262) 574-2136.
April 24-25 - A contested case hearing 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 will commence at 11 a.m. in the Jane Greene Room of the Door County Library, 107 South 4th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay. The hearing will continue, if necessary, on Friday, April 25, 2008, at the same location. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
May 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 - A contested case hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 227.44(4)(b) in the matter of the petition of United Liquid Waste Recycling, Inc. for review of WPDES Permit No. WI-0061514-02-0 will commence on the following dates and time at the Watertown Senior and Community Center, 514 South First Street, Watertown. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
May 1, 9:30 a.m. – Wisconsin and Brandenstein Rooms
May 2, 9 a.m. – Wisconsin and Brandenstein Rooms
May 5 & 6, 9 a.m. – Terrace Room
May 7, 12:30 p.m. – Wisconsin and Brandenstein Rooms with an evening public comment portion commencing at 7 p.m.
May 8 & 9, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Wisconsin and Brandenstein Rooms
May 12 – Pursuant to §§ 23.09(2)(intro.), 23.091, 23.11(1), 23.22(2)(a) and (b)6., 27.01(2)(j), 29.014(1), 29.041, 29.039(1), 29.509(4) and (5), 227.11(2)(a) and 227.24(1)(a), Wis. Stats., interpreting §§ 23.09(2)(intro.), 23.22(2)(a), 29.014(1), 29.039(1), 29.041 and 227.11(2)(a), Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing at 11 a.m. in Room 405, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster St., Madison, on Natural Resources Board Emergency Order No. FH-40-07A(E) which took effect on April 4, 2008. FH-40-07A(E) revises chs. NR 19 and 20, Wis. Adm. Code, pertaining to control of fish diseases and invasive species, as affected by Natural Resources Board Emergency Order No. FH-40-07(E), which took effect on November 2, 2007. FH-40-07A(E) deals with viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) virus, which is present in Wisconsin waters. The rule will: 1) Allow anglers to retain minnows after a fishing trip if the minnows were obtained from a Wisconsin bait dealer and have not been exposed to the water or fish of the lake or stream, or the minnows were obtained from a Wisconsin bait dealer and will subsequently be used for bait only on that same water body. 2) Allow up to 2 gallons of water in a container holding those minnows to be transported away from the water body. 3) Prohibit the harvest of minnows (except suckers) from any water body where the Department has reason to believe that the VHS virus may be present (as identified by the Department). 4) Allow suckers to be harvested from those waters, but not be transported alive away from those waters. The emergency rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted at the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site (exit DNR)
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Bill Horns, Bureau of Fisheries Management and Habitat Protection, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be submitted until May 16, 2008. Written comments whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings. More information or a copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be obtained from Bill Horns at (608) 266 8782.
Meetings
April 22 - The Department of Natural Resources will hold an open house to provide information and obtain feedback regarding brownfields assessment work in the 30th Street Corridor in Milwaukee. The open house will run from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Fitzsimonds Boys and Girls Club cafeteria, located at 3400 W. North Ave., Milwaukee. Using grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the DNR has collaborated with the City of Milwaukee and the 30th Street Industrial Corridor Corporation to assess brownfield properties in the 30th Street Industrial Corridor. Officials from the DNR and City of Milwaukee will be available to explain what brownfields are, how the partners utilize grant funds, and current and future re-uses of properties. For more information, please contact Andrew Savagian at (608) 261-6422 or Andrew.Savagian @wisconsin.gov, or Margaret Brunette, (414) 263-8557 or Margaret.Brunette@wisconsin.gov. Information is available on the DNR Web site at
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/rr/rbrownfields/uri-30-street.htm.
April 22 - The Department of Natural Resources Air Permit Information Technology (IT) Stakeholder Group will meet from 8 a.m. to noon in the Gathering Waters Conference Room at the DNR South Central Region Headquarters, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg. The purpose of this working meeting is to advance the design of the External Air Permit Application System by discussing and editing a series of proposed screens that represent the on-line software to be used by facilities to apply for an operation permit renewal. The DNR Bureau of Air Management has been designing and creating this new system to be make submitting permit applications, processing permits, and subsequent notifications, all more efficient and workable over the Internet, for both applicants and DNR permit staff. The Air Permit IT Stakeholder Group was formed to provide input into the design of the new online permit application system which is due to go online in July of 2008. For more information or to participate contact Barbara N. Pavliscak, DNR Air Permit Engineer at (608) 267-7540 or by e-mail at [Barbara.Pavliscak@wisconsin.gov].
April 22-23 - The State Natural Resources Board [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard/agenda.html] will meet in Room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2),101 South Webster St., Madison.. For information contact Laurie Ross, Natural Resources Board Liaison, at (608) 267-7420.
April 23 – The Technical Advisory Committee for managing accumulated sediment from storm water management structures will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room 172 at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), 2811 Agriculture Drive in Madison. The purpose of meeting is to discuss proposed draft rule language. For more information, please contact Tom Portle at 608-267-0877.
April 23 - The External Advisory Team for the DNR's proposed Glacial Heritage Area will meet from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in Johnson Creek at the Municipal Building, 125 Depot St., Johnson Creek. The Team will be discussing options for creating and expanding conservation parks, linking trails between parks and cities, and protecting lands adjacent to rivers and creeks in the Study Area. Information on the project is available on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/facilities/glacial/index.html]. For more information contact John Pohlman at 608-264-6263.
April 25 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – The full Task Force will meet from 9 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; a modeling update and report on baseline and emission reduction targets; discussion of transportation focused proposed policy templates and related positions; discussion of the proposed nuclear policy template and related positions including a presentation by Paul Meier on the debate over nuclear power; discussion of conservation & energy efficiency focused proposed policy templates and related positions; discussion of industry focused proposed policy templates and related positions; discussion of forestry and agriculture focused proposed policy templates and related positions; and a discussion of potential water conservation policies. 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.
April 28- A public meeting to discuss the Regional and Property Analysis and Vision and
Goals Statement for the Coulee Experimental State Forest Master Plan will be held from 3-7 p.m. at the Bangor Town Hall, N4400 State Road 162. Forestry staff will also gather comments on what issues people think will have the most impact on the future of the Coulee Experimental State Forest. These documents were developed by an interdisciplinary team of land managers, resource specialists, property staff, and state forest planners. You can access the documents and an online survey here:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/master_planning/coulee/ For additional information, please contact Jim Dalton: (608) 785-9007.
April 29 - The Technical Advisory Committee for changes to rules governing setback distances between water supply wells and landfills will meet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Raptor Room at the Department's South Central Region Headquarters, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a preferred option for coordinating the sections of NR 812 and NR 504 that specify procedures for variances to the 1200-foot setback requirement in both code chapters. For more information, contact Brad Wolbert at 608-264-6286.
April 29 - The Council on Recycling will meet at 9 a.m., in the meeting room of Cascade Asset Management, 6701 Manufacturers Dr., Madison. The Council will hold elections and discuss priorities for 2008. For more information contact: Dan Fields, 608-266-5334 or danielb.fields@wisconsin.gov.
April 30 – The Waste and Materials Management program will hold its semi-annual Solid Waste Interested Parties meeting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the conference room at the State Patrol Regional Office located at 911 W. North St. DeForest. The agenda includes: owner financial responsibility, residential asphalt shingle recycling, rule updates, landfill air emissions guidance, construction and demolition landfill recommendations and landfill gas initiative. For more information contact Jack Connelly at (608) 267-7574.
April 30 - The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public meeting to discuss beneficial use of dredged material (solid waste removed from the bed of any surface water) from South Milwaukee Yacht Club in the City of Oak Creek and surrounding communities, State of Wisconsin. This project is proposed by the South Milwaukee Yacht Club. The meeting will be held at 4 p.m. in the South Milwaukee Yacht Club Office, located at 101 Marshall Avenue, City of South Milwaukee. The meeting will begin with a presentation outlining the proposal. Staff with the Department of Natural Resources, South Milwaukee Yacht Club will be on hand to answer questions and take comments. South Milwaukee Yacht Club is planning to dredge material from entrance channel and inner harbor at its Yacht Club Area in the City of South Milwaukee. According to the selected disposal alternative, the dredged materials (up to 5,000 cubic yards annually) will be beneficially used in the city of Oak Creek or surrounding communities. The Department is required under s. 289.54(2), Wis. Stats. to hold a public meeting before it can approve a request to dispose off dredged materials to describe the nature of the requested disposal and solicit public comment. Interested citizens who cannot attend are encouraged to call or write with questions or comments to Bizhan Zia Sheikholeslami, DNR Waukesha Service Center, 141 NW Barstow St., Room 180, Waukesha, WI 53188, telephone (262) 574-2143. All comments must be received by May 15, 2008.
May 2 - The 2008 Stakeholder meeting for the Governor Knowles State Forest will be held from 6 to 9: p.m. at the Crex Meadows Visitor Center, at the intersection of County Roads D and F, Grantsburg. For information contact Daniel Thill, Superintendent, Governor Knowles State Forest, at (715) 463-2898.
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/
