July 17, 2007
Football star joins Wisconsin in tackling VHS
2007 deer hunting regulations now available online
Research to probe groundwater, lake level connections
Tips for doing your part to conserve water
White Pine tree seed needed at state forest nursery
Berlin woman named Hunter Education Instructor of the Year
Football star joins Wisconsin in tackling VHS
Top NFL draft pick Thomas an avid angler
MADISON -- Joe Thomas, the most decorated offensive lineman in University of Wisconsin football history and a Cleveland Brown rookie, has signed on to help Wisconsin fight a viral fish disease threatening our native fish.
An avid angler, Thomas is featured in TV and radio announcements for the Department of Natural Resources describing how boaters, anglers and other water users can help hold the line against the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS.
“While I’m out protecting my quarterback, I want you out protecting our fish,” he says, urging, “Let’s tackle VHS together.”
The TV spots began airing statewide July 16 through a public education program run by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. Thomas’ radio spots will start airing on radio stations statewide next week.
“We’re really excited to have Joe Thomas join the team,” says Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett. “His love of fishing is well known and there’s no better example of the day-in, day-out dedication and protection we’ll need here in Wisconsin to keep VHS from spreading to new lakes and rivers.”
Thomas, who starred at left tackle for the Badgers from 2003 through 2006, came off an ACL tear to become the first Badger to win the Outland Trophy, given to the nation's best interior offensive or defensive lineman. During that year, 2006, he allowed one sack and one quarterback pressure in 13 games.
Heading into the NFL draft in late April, Thomas was predicted to go in the top 10 selections. Instead of being flown to New York to be wined, dined and outfitted for the NFL draft show, he chose to go fishing with his dad on Lake Michigan.
“Coho salmon, Chinook salmon, rainbow trout,” Thomas told Sports Illustrated writer Peter King, explaining in an April 17, 2007, article why he planned to skip the New York hoopla. “Some of my best memories are of fishing with my dad, and I'd rather spend a nice Saturday morning doing that than sitting in New York waiting to see what happens to me. I'm not a big fan of the limelight. Plus, to me, draft day's not the important day. It's what I do after draft day that's important."
Thomas was selected third overall, going in the first round to the Cleveland Browns.
VHS, short for viral hemorrhagic septicemia, is a viral fish disease that caused large fish kills in eastern Great Lakes in 2005 and 2006 and was diagnosed for the first time in Wisconsin fish in May in the Lake Winnebago System and Lake Michigan. State fisheries officials also believe the virus is likely present in Lake Superior and the Mississippi River, waters connected to those where VHS is already present.
The announcements were produced by DNR video director/producer Mary Farmiloe, with Haggar Audio Productions partnering on the sound. Video and photography of Joe Thomas was generously supplied by University of Wisconsin-Madison, NFL Film, and the Cleveland Browns. Northland Adventures and Today’s TMJ 4 also provided video.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Staggs – - (608) 267-0796 or Erin Celello - (608) 264-6004
2007 deer hunting regulations now available online
MADISON – The 2007 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations are now available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/regs/Deer07.pdf]. Printed regulation pamphlets will be available at DNR service centers and license vendors around mid-August.
There are several new features in the 2007 regulations, including overviews of deer hunting regulations in both Spanish and Hmong languages.
Also new this year is a multi-lingual DNR information line featuring Spanish and Hmong language speaking customer service representatives. The toll free number 1-888-WDNR-INFO (936-7463) is staffed 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
“Hunters should find the regulations easy to use,” said Scott Loomans, DNR wildlife regulations specialist. “By following a couple easy steps described on page three of the pamphlet they should find the most important information they need to have before heading to the woods.”
“The first thing to do is look up your deer management unit on the ‘centerfold’ map and determine if it is a regular, herd control (HC), earn-a-buck (EAB) or chronic wasting disease (CWD) unit in 2007. With the correct unit-type designation in hand, go to pages 20 through 25 to find the season dates, which carcass tags can be used, and the harvest limit for the various deer hunting seasons in your unit.
Other highlights in this year’s deer hunting regulations include:
October gun hunt
Wisconsin is entering its second year of a two-year trial moratorium on October gun deer hunting,” explains Keith Warnke, DNR big game ecologist. “There is a benchmark two-to-one average harvest ratio of antlerless deer to bucks needed over the two years of the trial. Unfortunately, only one of Wisconsin’s five deer management regions made the two-to-one ratio in 2006. The October antlerless deer gun season will return in 2008 unless the harvest ratio in herd control units is significantly higher than two-to-one in most regions of the state.”
Earn-a-Buck prequalification
Hunters who registered a deer in 2006 in a unit that was not EAB in 2006 and is EAB in 2007 should check on line to determine if they are in the pre-qualification database.
Registering an antlerless deer in one of the following DMUs last fall, means a hunter should be in the pre-qualification database and will receive an EAB sticker in the mail later this summer: 22A, 23, 24, 27, 47, 54C, 57B, 64, 64A, 68B, 77C, 77D, 80A, 80C, 81 and all CWD DMUs (units or portions of DMUs 54B, 70, 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D, 70E, 70F, 70G, 71, 73B, 73E, 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 76, 76A, 76M, 77A, 77B, 77C which are located in the CWD eradication and herd reduction zones).
Of the DMUs with EAB requirements in 2007, DMUs 46, 54B, 59B, 59C, 59M, 60M, 61, 61A, 62A, 62B, 63A, 63B, 64M, 65B, 66, 67A, 67B, 68A, 74A, and 80B were EAB last year. Hunters who registered an antlerless deer in one of these DMUs last year, should have received an EAB sticker upon registering that deer last fall. If they did not use that sticker last fall, it is valid again in fall 2007. That sticker is labeled as a 2006-2007 Earn-a-Buck Unit Buck Authorization. Prequalification stickers that were mailed out in 2006 were labeled as a 2006 Earn-a-Buck Unit Buck Authorization and are not valid for the 2007 season.
If a hunter used all buck stickers earned last fall or did not register any antlerless deer in these units last fall, they need to register an antlerless deer in an EAB unit this year to get a buck sticker. EAB stickers will not be re-issued or replaced if lost. Information on antlerless deer registered for these DMUs is not contained in the EAB prequalification database at this site.
Youth Hunt
Also found in the regulations is information on the Oct. 6-7 Youth Gun Deer Hunt. This is a weekend hunt set aside for youth accompanied by a nonhunting adult mentor. It takes place statewide except in state parks and non-quota units.
“The future of hunting and fishing in Wisconsin is in our youth,” says Warnke. “If we are going to pass on the traditions of hunting and hunter conservation we need to get youth involved. The number of Wisconsin deer hunters has remained relatively constant over the last 10 years but is shrinking as a percentage of our growing state population. Even if you don’t have a son or daughter, niece or nephew to take out, consider another youth that may be a friend of the family. There’s a lot of things competing for kids’ time these days and studies show that if introduced early in life kids are more likely to maintain our conservation traditions later in life.”
Archery tags
In 2007 archery deer licenses will come with one buck specific tag and one antlerless specific tag instead of the either sex tag as in past years.
Gun Tags
Again this year, gun deer licenses will come with one buck tag good in any unit and one free antlerless deer tag good in any herd control or EAB unit statewide. Hunters are reminded that they must have a buck sticker along with the buck tag in earn-a-buck units in order to harvest a buck deer.
“Every year hunters prove their commitment to conservation through their hunting activities,” says Warnke. “In 2006, hunters registered more than a half million deer in a great effort at bringing down herd size. Moving the deer herd towards population goals will take several years to get where we need to be but I have confidence that it can be done if we set our minds to it.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Loomans - (608) 267-2452 or Keith Warnke - (608) 264-6023
Research to probe groundwater, lake level connections
Low water levels in Central Sands area to be studied
MADISON -- New state-funded research is getting underway in central Wisconsin to better understand how groundwater, lakes and rivers are connected and factors that affect their levels.
It’s expected to shed light on statewide water quantity questions, but also specific situations, like why many lakes in central Wisconsin are experiencing low water levels not seen in decades and some lakes are at or near historic lows.
The Central Sands area, which includes Adams, Marquette, Waushara and Portage counties, along with portions of surrounding counties, has been among the hardest hit with low lake levels. Some lakes have dropped by more than five feet resulting in hundreds of feet of exposed lake bed, according to Ted Johnson, Department of Natural Resources water resources specialist.
DNR is funding two studies in that area, and several studies elsewhere, as part of state efforts to better understand how groundwater and the levels of lakes and rivers are connected and interact and are affected by drought, climate change, high capacity wells and other factors. The funding began July 1.
Findings from these studies will be forwarded to the Groundwater Advisory Committee, a group jointly appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle and legislators to develop recommendations for state water policies. The committee is mid-way through its second year of developing recommendations for state water policies to better protect groundwater resources and better balance the needs of all users in the fact of declining water tables in some parts of the state.
“We need good science to tell us what is really going on,” Johnson says.
One study in the Central Sands area, led by George Kraft of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, is aimed at understanding how groundwater pumping from high capacity wells in the area affects groundwater levels and lakes and rivers.
A second related study, led by Birl Lowery and William Bland of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, aims to understand how different types of vegetation cover affect the amount of water that can soak into the soil and replenish groundwater. The investigators will be looking at differences among irrigated crops, deciduous forest, pine plantation and natural grasslands.
Water levels on the Central Sands seepage lakes typically fluctuate a few feet from season to season and year to year, responding to the amount of rain and snow that soaks into the ground to replenish the groundwater supply feeding the lake. There’s also evidence such lakes undergo larger fluctuations over decades, responding to longer term weather patterns.
Recent dry summers and lack of winter precipitation appears to be exacerbating these normal fluctuations. Global climate change and groundwater pumping near the lakes may be affecting them as well, according to Tim Asplund, DNR limnologist.
He is leading a team with department and outside experts and user groups to study the low-water issue in the Central Sands area and develop recommendations. The team is compiling current and historical records on precipitation, streamflow, and groundwater table levels in the Central Sands area to better explain what natural variables may be affecting lake levels. They’re also conducting monitoring to fill data gaps and help identify which lakes are most susceptible to impacts from activities like pumping and possible ways to mediate those impacts to protect drinking and lake water quality, agriculture, fisheries and boating.
Johnson says that while low water is a problem for humans, it is natural for lakes to go up and down in cycles that are decades long. “I know it looks bad now, but low water has some benefits,” he says. “It consolidates sediments, allows new plants to colonize the lake bed and it provides habitat for rare plants and shorebirds.”
“This is not the time to drive on the lake bed, manipulate vegetation, or place fill or structures,” said Kristy Rogers, DNR regional habitat coordinator. “People might be tempted while the water is down, but the exposed lake bed is subject to the same regulations as if the water was still there.”
DNR water staff encourage property owners to consult with their local DNR water regulation and zoning specialist before disturbing the lake bed in any way. They also recommend that people be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules and restrictions that may be in effect locally.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Asplund (608) 267-7602 or Ted Johnson - (715) 839-2877
Tips for doing your part to conserve water
MADISON - Drier than normal conditions have heightened concerns over residents' water usage and outdoor burning activities across the state. In fact, several suburban communities are ordering lawn-sprinkling restrictions and even bans for municipal water supply users.
Water conservation is especially important in dry areas for all users, says Jill Jonas, who leads the Department of Natural Resources’ drinking water and groundwater program. “Every withdrawal has an impact somewhere, somehow,” she says. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re watering your lawn with municipal water or pumping water from a private well along a lakeshore. The water we withdraw and what we do on the land impact water quantity and water quality somewhere, so it’s important to be careful about how much we use and how we treat the land.”
Conserving water will help extend groundwater supplies, and will help by not stressing the streams and lakes -- and the fish and other aquatic life -- that rely on groundwater for base flows.
Here are a few tips that can help people to conserve water this summer:
• Limit the amount of turf (grass) in your yard. Incorporate native plants into landscaping. They adapt better to the climate.
• Water outdoor plants individually, early in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler.
• Refrain from watering your lawn. Lawns go dormant with a lack of water but should green up once rains return. The dry weather also is a good excuse not to mow your lawn because the grass will help trap moisture.
• If you think you must water your lawn, water infrequently, slowly and thoroughly, and early in the morning or late at night. Watering at those times reduces the amount of the water that evaporates and helps reduce high demands on water supplies during the day.
• Use rain barrels to collect rainwater and use for plants and landscaping.
• Use mulch around plants and trees to reduce water evaporation.
• Look for and fix water leaks in your home.
• Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around pumps.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jill Jonas (608) 267-7545
White Pine tree seed needed at the Hayward State Forest Nursery
Hayward, Wis. -- White Pine tree seed is needed at state tree nurseries to replenish nursery stock. Individuals and groups can make money collecting white pine cones and selling them to the nursery.
The Department of Natural Resources will pay $20 a bushel for the white pine cones, according to Gordy Christians, superintendent of the Hayward DNR tree nursery.
People can collect tree seed from their own private forests, they can gain permission from landowners before collecting cones or seed, or they can collect seed on public lands after first inquiring and receiving any necessary permits.
Christians offers these tips for potential collectors:
• Look for White Pine trees with green cones hanging in the crowns. (Brown cones in the crowns at this time of the year are infected with a white pine cone beetle and will not produce viable seed. These cone beetles have caused significant losses in the cone crop this year in many locations.)
• The nursery wants cones that are full of pitch and are at least slightly green. The seed inside the cone should be white and firm with a brown seed coat. Cut the cone in half diagonally to see the seeds inside. Aborted cones (beetle infected) will not be pitchy and will look shriveled and dry.
• Good cone crops have been seen north of Eau Claire, and in numerous other locations across northern Wisconsin.
• Watch and listen for the squirrels. Red squirrels will cut white pine cones and store them in holes or caches. Look under trees with green cones in them for freshly cut cones. Look in the general area for piles of gathered cones—caches may be under logs, in holes or depressions in the ground, or right out in the open.
• Hot dry weather will mature the cones rapidly, so it’s important to watch trees. When cones open and the seeds fall out, the nursery will no longer purchase them.
• Store collected cones in a cool dry location. Use containers that allow air circulation—do not use plastic garbage bags for storage longer than a day.
• Bring collected cones to the nursery or to one of our buying stations frequently—cones stored incorrectly will mold.
State nurseries will be collecting and purchasing seed from a variety of tree and shrub species. Seed should be collected from healthy, native trees when ripe. Red and white pine cones are usually collected in late August to early October, when the cones begin to turn brown, but before they open.
“We need all the white pine cones we can get. There are no purchase quotas,” Christians said.
Information on what to pick, when to pick, and tips on how to pick seed can be answered by calling the Hayward Nursery at (715) 634-2717 state nursery or by visiting the DNR web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/Nursery/]. Payment for seed is through a voucher system with a check sent within three weeks.
As the season progresses, seed goals for some species will be fulfilled and purchasing for those species will stop. Collectors should check in with the nursery before picking seed.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gordon Christians - (715) 634-2717
Berlin woman named Outstanding Hunter Education Instructor of the Year
MADISON – A Berlin woman has been named the 2006 Outstanding Hunter Education Instructor of the Year for Wisconsin.
Shelly Clark, lead instructor for the Berlin Conservation Club, was chosen as the 2006 winner because of the depth of her dedication and commitment to serving the community where she lives, according to Tim Lawhern, hunter education administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Clark organizes numerous events at the Berlin Conservation Club and oversees the hunter education instructor group.
“One of the most popular activities that Shelly organized is the youth BB-gun program,” Lawhern says. “By the time the local youth take their hunter education courses they already know most of the fundamentals for safety involving firearms and shooting. Due to her efforts the community benefits by having wholesome activities which are popular with the citizens and club members that promote positive behavior and are just plain fun.”
“Her enthusiasm for getting youth of all ages involved continues to be contagious in the Berlin area,” added Benjamin Nadolski, Wisconsin conservation warden for Fond du Lac County, who nominated Clark for the award.
Clark has been teaching for 21 years and also works to receive grants to host special training and events at the club, and helps to organize activities and team events at the club: BB-gun, Air rifle, Junior Trap shooting, Scholastic Clay Target Shooting in the high school and an all female junior trap shooting team.
In 2006, Clark organized and taught three hunter education classes; graduating 123 students. She also organized and taught two bowhunter education classes; graduating 73 students.
“It is an honor for the hunter education program to have her as one of our volunteer instructors,” Lawhern says.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Benjamin Nadolski – (920) 346-5906 or Shelly Clark - (920) 361-1505
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.*
August 1
• Fall turkey hunting applications due.*
• Deadline to apply for goose hunting permits for the Collins and Horicon zones.*
• Sharp-tailed grouse permit application due.*
• Deadline to apply for bobcat, fisher and otter permits.
• Deadline for successful applicants to purchase or transfer Class A Bear License.*
August 6, 7, 8, & 9
• Public hearings on the proposed 2007 migratory game bird season hunting zones, season length and bag limits. The public hearings will all begin at 7 p.m. on the following dates at the locations listed.
o August 6, La Crosse – State Office Bldg, Rooms B-19 and B-20, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road
o August 7, Rice Lake – University of Wisconsin at Barron County, Room R228, Meggers Hall, 1800 College Drive.
o August 8, Appleton – Agricultural Services Center, Main conference room, 3369 West Brewster St.
o August 9, Waukesha – State Office Building, main conference room, 141 N. W. Barstow St.
August 25
• Over the counter sales of antlerless deer tags begin at noon at all license vendors.
• Permits to hunt deer in State Park deer management units during one or more deer hunting seasons including the archery, gun and muzzleloader seasons go on sale at noon on a first-come, first-served basis until they are all sold. The number of hunters allowed in these state parks is limited. In the past, hunters applied for access to hunt in one of these state parks through the Hunters’ Choice program, which has been discontinued this year. Now, hunters must purchase a $3 access permit online or at any DNR license sales location (same cost as the old hunters’ choice permit) for the park of their choice.
August 31
• Bear dog training by pursuing bear closes. It is illegal to train dogs from April 15 through July 31 on DNR lands, unless dogs are on a leash no longer than 8 feet, except for Class 1 field trail grounds or for bear dog training on DNR lands other than state parks after July 1.*
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
July 17 –A public hearing on proposed amendments to a June 7, 2007 extended Cooperative Environmental Agreement with Northern Engraving Corporation (NEC) under the Environmental Cooperation Pilot Program and the preliminary determinations to approve the renewal of air pollution control permits for existing air pollution sources for NEC facilities in Sparta and Holmen will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Monroe County Courthouse 112 S. Court St., Sparta. Pursuant to § 299.80, Wis. Stats., and at the request of NEC, the DNR is proposing to amend the June 2007 Agreement to include the necessary changes and renewal of the air pollution control permits § 299.80 (7)(b) Wis. Stats. DNR and NEC will incorporate into the Air Pollution Control Permits (Part I A.), for each participating facility, the requirements necessary for NEC to construct and operate under flexible pre-approved conditions as part of this agreement. In addition, the proposed amendment would include the following: 1) On a case-by-case basis NEC will be allowed to request an additional period of time to commence construction and/or modification of proposed projects requiring a permit under ch. NR 406, Wis. Adm. Code. 2) In concurrence with US Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) NEC’s Holmen and Sparta facilities will no longer be required to provide a 6 month report on actual emissions to EPA. EPA has concurred with DNR that the requirement to report actual Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) emissions every 6 months could be removed from the Agreement and associated Air Pollution Control Operation Permits, as the permits issued under the Amended Agreement meet EPA’s requirements for the “Formula Based Approach” by specifying how NEC is required to calculate their actual VOC and HAP emissions. 3) West Salem will operate under the conditions established in the June 7, 2007 Extended Agreement and the Air Pollution Control Permits (Part I. A. Specific Permit Conditions for West Salem) until such time that they submit an Air Pollution Control Permit application, the permit has been public noticed for 30 days, and approval has been granted by the DNR. (Note: NEC West Salem Air Pollution Control Permit under current Agreement expires on June 10, 2008.). In making a final decision on the proposed action, DNR will insure that the applicant has complied with all of the requirements in § 299.80(6) (d), Wis. Stats. DNR will also review and consider all public comments received within the 30-day public comment period and at the public hearing. In consultation with the project manager and other staff, the DNR Secretary will decide whether or not to sign and implement the Amendment to the Cooperative Environmental Agreement. The DNR Air Program analyzed these materials and has made a preliminary determination that operation of this air pollution source should meet applicable criteria for permit approval as stated in §§ 285.63 and 285.64, Wis. Stats., including both the emission limits and the ambient air standards and that the application is approvable. 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. Complete information on the proposed Amendment to the Agreement, the preliminary determination and analysis regarding the issuance of an Air Pollution Control Operation Permit for NEC’s Sparta and Holmen facilities can be found at
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/cea/ecpp. The information will also be available for public inspection at the DNR Bureau of Air Management Headquarters, Seventh Floor, 101 South Webster, Madison. Additional locations for viewing documents include the DNR La Crosse Area Office Air Program, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road, Room 104, La Crosse; the DNR Eau Claire Regional Office, 1300 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the Sparta Free Library, PO Box 347, Court & Main Street, Sparta, Wisconsin, and the La Crosse County Library, 103 State Street, Holmen, Wisconsin. Written comments from the public regarding the proposed Amendment to the Cooperative Environmental Agreement and the preliminary determinations to approve the renewals of air pollution control operation permits for NEC’s Sparta and Holmen facilities can be submitted by July 23, 2007. Comments on the amended Agreement should be directed to Mark Harings, DNR, 1300 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54702. Comments on the air pollution control permits for Sparta and Holmen should be directed to Mary Oleson, DNR, La Crosse Area Office Air Program, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road, Room 104, La Crosse, WI 54601. For information related to the Air Pollution Control Operational Permit contact Mary Oleson at (608) 789-5544. For information on the Amendment to the Cooperative Environmental Agreement contact Mark Harings at (715) 831-3263.
July 24, 25, 26, 31 & August 2, 7 & 8 - the Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings pursuant to §§ 59.692, 227.11(2)(a) and 281.31, Stats., interpreting §§ 59.69, 59.692, 59.694 and 281.31, Stats., on revisions to ch. NR 115, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to minimum standards for county shoreland zoning ordinances. Major provisions of the proposed rule include changes to vegetation management in the primary shoreland buffer and changes to regulation of nonconforming structures. New requirements include minimum lot size and density requirements for multi-unit residential development, mobile home parks and campgrounds; two formulas to calculate reduced shoreland setbacks; an impervious surface standard; and mitigation standards. The proposed rule revision is not expected to have significant adverse impacts. The Department has made a preliminary decision that an Environmental Impact Statement will not be necessary for this action. The Department has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA). This environmental review document summarizes the department’s consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives. The proposed rule, environmental analysis and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted at through the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/dsfm/shore/news.htm] or through the State of Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site [http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov]. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Toni Herkert, Bureau of Watershed Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be submitted until Sept. 7, 2007. Written comments whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings. For more information or a copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate contact Toni Herkert at (608) 266 0161. The department will hold an open house from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. prior to each hearing. Department staff will be available to answer questions regarding the proposed rules. The hearings will all begin at 5:45 p.m. on the following dates at the locations listed:
July 24, Wausau - Auditorium, Health & Science Bldg., North Central Tech College, 1000 W. Campus Dr.,
July 25, Rhinelander - Auditorium, Rhinelander High School, 665 Coolidge Avenue
July 26, Rice Lake - Blue Hills Masonic Center, 225 West South St.
July 31, Tomah - Community Room, Farmers & Merchants Bank, 1001 Superior Ave.
August 2, Green Bay - Neville Museum Theater, 210 Museum Place
August 7, Pewaukee - Waukesha County Technical College – Pewaukee Campus - Richard T. Anderson Education Center – 800 Main St.
August 8, Stoughton - Opera House, 381 E. Main St.
July 26 - The Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing pursuant to §§ 29.03 and 29.972, Stats., interpreting §§ 29.03 and 29.972, Stats., on the creation of NR 8, subch. II, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to implementation of the Wildlife Violators Compact. 2005 Wisconsin Act 282 authorized the department to enter into a Wildlife Violator Compact with other states at 2 p.m. Room 405, State Natural Resouces building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster St., Madison. Under the compact, convictions of wildlife law and revocation of license privileges and approvals that authorize the pursuing, taking or possession of wildlife that occur in any member state are treated as if they occurred in all member states. Before the department can formally become a member state, rules need to be promulgated which establish procedures to: (1) Assure all violators receive notification when their license privileges and approvals have been revoked by this state or any other member state; (2) Assure the exchange of information between the department, the district attorney and the clerk of courts; and (3) Provide an administrative appeal process by which the department can establish if sufficient grounds exist to deny a person’s application for an approval or the revocation of their existing approvals. The proposed rules require the department to revoke all issued hunting, fishing or trapping license privileges and approvals or deny new applications for approvals, for any person who fails to respond to a summons or warrant, fails to appear on their court date without having made a deposit, or fails to appear before the court and is subject to a bench warrant. These rules are also required to ensure that due process is accorded to individuals subject to revocation in this state or who are revoked in another member state. These rules are also necessary to assure records and information on revocations is shared with the clerks of court in the counties where the violation occurs. Once the new rules and procedures are in place, the department will apply to become a member state. The proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted through the State of Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site [http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov]. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Mr. Thomas Van Haren, Bureau of Law Enforcement, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be submitted until July 27, 2007. Written comments whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings. For more information or a copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate contact Thomas Van Haren at (608) 266-3244.
Meetings
July 17 - The Council on Recycling will meet at 9 a.m. at the Dane County Public Works office, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison. The Council will hear committee reports, discuss product stewardship and the results of a survey on the Council priorities. For more information contact: Dan Fields at (608) 266-5334 or [fielddb@wisconsin.gov].
July 18 – The state Natural Resources Board will convene at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Rooms 1 & 2, Portage County Annex Building, 1462 Strongs Ave., Stevens Point. The Board will hear an informational seminar on mercury in the environment including health effects, effects on fish and wildlife, sources and fate of mercury, control technology availability for coal-fired power plants, control technology costs and implications for electric reliability. This is an informational item, no action will be taken. For information contact Laurie J. Ross, Natural Resources Board Executive Staff Assistant at (608) 267-7420.
July 19 - The Wisconsin DNR black bear committee and interested stakeholders will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Park Falls DNR Service Center, 875 S 4th Ave., Park Falls, to discuss bear management policy issues, including the renaming of Zone A1, bear research results and population estimates. For information contact Linda R. Olver, Assistant Deer and Bear Specialist, at (608) 261-7588.
July 20 – The DNR Disabled Advisory Council (DAC) [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/at/af/open/dac/] will meet in the Sanderling Nature Center at Kohler Andrae State Park 1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan, starting at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m. The Council will tour the new accessible cabin which is under construction. This is the Council's normal quarterly meeting. For information contact – Julie Amakobe at (608) 267-7601.
July 21 - The CWD Stakeholder Advisory Group will meet from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Gathering Waters/Glacier's Edge conference rooms at the DNR Service Center, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg. This will be the first of seven monthly meetings scheduled for the group, whose role is to define a common disease management goal for Wisconsin, propose strategies for CWD management and study the consequences and trade-offs of various management strategies. For more information, please call Alan Crossley (608) 266-5463.
July 25 – The state Natural Resources Board will tentatively meet if necessary at a location to be announced. For information contact Laurie J. Ross, Natural Resources Board Executive Staff Assistant at (608) 267-7420.
July 26 - The Private Water Advisory Council will hold a conference call originating from the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison, at 10 am. 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.
July 30 & 31 - The DNR Public Land Management Specialist Committee will meet at 10 a.m. July 30 and 8 a.m. July 31 at the DNR Peshtigo Service Center, 101 N. Ogden Road, Peshtigo regarding policy and new technology related to WISFIRS and public land management, and handbook updates. For more information, contact Jeff Barkley, DNR Division of Forestry at (608) 264-9217.
August 2 – 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.
August 4– The 2007 Post-Flyway Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunting Season Meeting for the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Migratory Bird Committee will be held at 9 a.m. at the Best Western Midway Hotel, Birch meeting room, 2901 Hummingbird Rd, Wausau to discuss Wisconsin migratory game bird hunting season proposals based on the season frameworks announced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the decisions of the Mississippi Flyway Council. DNR staff will provide background information and preliminary proposals for review by the Conservation Congress Migratory Bird Committee. For information contact Kent Van Horn, DNR waterfowl specialist at - (608) 266-8841 or AnnMarie Kutzke, DNR Conservation Congress assistant at - (608) 266-2952.
August 4– The 2007 Post-Flyway Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunting Season Meeting to discuss proposals passed at the Mississippi Flyway Council meeting that will be forwarded to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for consideration in setting the Mississippi Flyway waterfowl hunting season framework will be held at 1 p.m. at the Best Western Midway Hotel, Bayberry meeting room, 2901 Hummingbird Rd, Wausau. DNR staff receive input at these meetings regarding citizen suggestions for the development of Wisconsin’s waterfowl regulations given the federal framework. Public hearings will be held around the state to solicit additional input on the proposed annual waterfowl rule that will be submitted to the state Natural Resources Board. For information contact Kent Van Horn at - (608) 266-8841.
Wisconsin DNR News
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/
