August 14, 2007
Some oak trees showing early signs of deadly fungal disease
Forestry officials urge landowners to get help with timber sales
Meeting will present latest findings in CWD research
Blue green algae becoming a concern on some lakes
New video focuses on archeology of Aztalan State Park
Some oak trees showing signs of deadly fungal disease
MADISON – The first signs of oak wilt, a tree-killing fungal disease, are now appearing in infected trees. Oak wilt occurs in the southern two-thirds of Wisconsin and affects trees in both the red oak and white oak groups.
“The first symptoms of oak wilt are branches with wilted leaves and leaves on the ground in summer when you wouldn’t expect to see them,” said Kyoko Scanlon, a forest pathologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “These are not the brown, dry leaves you see in the fall. These are partially green to bronze-green and are not completely dry.”
Oak wilt is a fungal disease that plugs the water and nutrient-conducting channels in the tree. Once a tree is infected, water and nutrients can’t move upward from the root system, causing the tree’s leaves to wilt and fall and, eventually, killing the tree.
Oaks in the red oak group, including northern red, northern pin, and black oaks are particularly vulnerable to this disease. Once symptoms become visible, a tree loses most of its leaves and dies very quickly, often within a few weeks.
“Anyone with an oak tree that is rapidly losing its leaves may want to have the tree examined for oak wilt either by an arborist or forester, or send in a sample for a laboratory test,” said Don Kissinger, a DNR urban forester. “A person should take immediate steps to protect other nearby oaks on the property if they value those trees.”
The University of Wisconsin’s Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic can help verify the presence of oak wilt. A sample must be sent to clinic and there is a small fee for the service. The clinic can be reached at (608) 262-2863 or via the Internet at <http://www.plantpath.wisc.edu/pddc/>.
Most often, oak wilt spreads from one oak to another through root grafts between neighboring trees. Removing a diseased or dead tree may not be enough to stop oak wilt from spreading. Forest health experts recommend using a vibratory plow or trencher to sever existing root grafts to help control the spread of oak wilt.
“There are also fungicide treatments available, but they are most effective as a preventative and repeated applications are necessary for success,” Scanlon said.
Wisconsin communities may be eligible to participate in a cost-sharing program to help combat oak wilt. The Urban Forestry Grant Program is not available on an individual basis, and property owners with oak wilt are encouraged to contact their town or city forester or other local official to pursue a grant. Applications for the program are due by Oct. 1. Communities interested in applying for a grant should contact their regional DNR urban forestry coordinator, who are listed on the DNR Web site at [dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/UF/staff].
Some instances of oak wilt are caused by insects that carry the oak wilt spores to healthy trees. To prevent oak trees from being infected with oak wilt transported by insects it is very important not to prune or wound oak trees from April through July, and to take a cautious approach to pruning from late March to October. Pruning or injuring the tree causes it to release sap, which attracts the fungus-transporting insects.
Additional information about oak wilt and other forest health issues can be found at: <http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/Forestry/Fh/oakWilt/index.htm>.
It’s Not Always Oak Wilt
Symptoms similar to oak wilt may also be caused by an infestation of the two-lined chestnut borer.
“The two-lined chestnut borer is an opportunist,” Scanlon said. “It will attack weakened trees, favoring red and white oaks more or less equally.”
The borer frequently shows up in areas where a forest tent caterpillar or gypsy moth outbreak or drought has weakened trees.
The adult insect lays eggs under the bark. When the larvae emerge, they eat their way through the fluid-conducting tissues of the tree, stopping the flow of nutrients to the leaves.
“The leaves turn uniformly brown, but remain on the tree,” Scanlon said. “Unfortunately, an infestation of two-lined chestnut borer and oak wilt can occur at the same time, on the same tree.”
Maintaining vigorous healthy trees is the best defense against the insect. Watering, mulching, fertilizing properly, and avoiding physical damage to trees should be practiced.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kyoko Scanlon -- (608)275-3275, Don Kissinger -- (715) 359-5793
Forestry officials urge landowners to get help with timber sales
FITHCBURG, Wis. -- “I have some loggers in my woods and I don’t like what they are doing! They are taking trees that I don’t want them to take.”
For Department of Natural Resources foresters, this type of call from a panicked landowner is often the first sign of a timber sale gone wrong. The caller is disturbed by what is happening on his or her property and after a bit of questioning, the forester finds that the property owner has signed a contract with the logger allowing them to do exactly what they are doing.
That’s why it is so important to do research before signing a contract and conducting a timber harvest on your property, cautions Carol Nielsen, DNR private forestry specialist.
“Once a contract is signed, there is usually no cheap or easy way to stop the timber harvest. Often cooperation and goodwill are the only way to change the outcome,” notes Nielsen.
State forestry officials strongly recommend that landowners contact a local DNR forester or a private consulting forester to gather information and advice before signing on the dotted line.
A timber harvest is a complex interaction of ecology, forest operations, business, law, taxes, marketing and negotiations. It has both short and long term consequences for the land and the landowner.
“A private forester can even act as your agent to assure that you get the results that you want. One call may save you from a costly mistake that takes years to repair,” she points out.
“A timber harvest will affect your woods for a long time,” she continues. “Most people will have only one or two harvest on their property in their lifetime.”
Numerous studies have shown that landowners who work with a forester in planning a timber harvest report greater satisfaction, greater revenue from the sale of timber, and healthier and more valuable forests following harvest.
The shortest time period for trees to reach maturity is decades and with some hardwoods, while there may be some intermediate harvests, individual trees could live for 100 years or more. These older trees are often the most valuable and can be removed when they are economically worth the most, but they must first provide seed for regeneration.
“Those trees that are tall, straight and free of defects are those that you want to reproduce. The genetic makeup of these trees is the most desirable and if they are given a chance to reproduce, then the next generation has the potential to be as valuable as the current one,” according to Nielsen.
Most loggers are good stewards of our natural resources, emphasizes the DNR forester, but there are also “some loggers who exploit the woods. It is the latter that cause problems.”
Nielsen says in all cases you or your agent should check a logger’s references and look at some examples of previous logging jobs. This allows you to get an idea what your woods could look like after harvest.
“Prior planning and discussion (with the logger) can greatly increase your satisfaction with a timber harvest and that’s why you should get any important points down in a written timber sale contract so that your wishes are enforced,” says Nielsen.
“It is also important to note that Wisconsin law requires that a cutting notice be filed with the county clerk at least 14 days prior to harvest. For lands entered into the Managed Forest Law or Forest Crop Law, it is required that a separate cutting notice be filed with the DNR forester at least 30 days prior to harvest.”
Getting bids from several loggers is the best way to ensure that you get a fair price for your timber. Loggers usually specialize their harvest operation for certain forest products.
“Different equipment and techniques can greatly change the results and profit of a timber harvest. A forester can help you understand your best options,” notes the forester.
There are several things landowners should consider including areas that may be more sensitive to activity such as near your home, recreational trails, springs or waterways.
“Any logger you employ should be familiar with Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality,” points out Nielsen. The publication is available on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Publications/#bmp].
There are some basic questions that need answers before a harvest begins, including:
• What trees will be cut? This means species and sizes will be removed.
• What equipment will be used? These would vary from a sawyer to a tracked or wheeled processor doing the cutting from a cable skidder to a forwarder hauling wood to the decking (stacking) area. The equipment used can cause dramatically different results on different sites.
• Where will the equipment be driven in the woods? A thoughtful layout of skid trails can increase access to your property while avoiding sensitive areas. These trails often require seeding to prevent erosion.
• Where will the wood be stacked (called a deck or landing)? This area will experience a lot of traffic from logging equipment and trucks. A level, well drained site is bet. This area often requires some work to clean it up after the harvest is finished. Include this work in the contract.
• How will the log trucks come in to pick up the wood? Access for large trucks may require driving over a neighbor’s property or parts of your property that cannot support a heavily loaded vehicle. Most driveways cannot support a loaded truck in wet weather. Again, make sure that repairs are covered in the contract.
One of the most important goals for any timber harvest is to maintain a stand that is able to regenerate and be better than the stand it replaces. This allows the landowner to keep the residual timber value as an investment.
“In this time of low interest rates, timber may provide a greater return than cash investments,” Nielsen says. “There is always a demand for quality timber, but sacrificing your potential sustainable yield of quality timber for quick profit can devalue your property and leave you with an ugly scar on the landscape.”
“A good timber harvest is no accident. It is the result of thoughtful planning and hard work. Select a careful and conscientious forester and logger that understand your goals and objectives to ensure a successful timber sale.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Nielsen – (608) 266-8019
Meeting will present latest findings in CWD research
MADISON – The most current scientific knowledge about chronic wasting disease (CWD) -- from human health risk and risks to other species, to the role of environmental contamination -- will be presented at a meeting this month of an advisory group charged with minimizing the impact of the disease in Wisconsin.
The newly formed Chronic Wasting Disease Stakeholder Advisory Group will hold the second of seven monthly meetings on Saturday, August 18 in Madison. Researchers and scientists from state and federal agencies and the University of Wisconsin will summarize the latest CWD research as well as discuss social constraints of managing the disease in Wisconsin.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held in Madison from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lowell Center Inn and Conference Center, 610 Langdon Street. The CWD advisory group will meet monthly through January 2008.The purpose of the group, whose members reflect a broad spectrum of interests in CWD and a healthy deer population, is to define a common disease management goal for Wisconsin.
The charge of the CWD advisory group is to look at how to minimize the impact of the disease on Wisconsin’s free-ranging deer population, the economy, hunters, landowners and others who benefit from a healthy deer herd. The group will define a common disease management goal for Wisconsin, propose strategies for CWD management, and study the consequences and trade-offs of the various management strategies.
Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett said the department cannot manage CWD on its own.
“Cooperation with landowners, hunters, partners and legislators is critical. We believe that by working with the public on Wisconsin’s future CWD management approach, we can find strategies that hunters, landowners and the public can embrace,” Hassett said.
The department will take the recommendations of the group and advance these to the Natural Resources Board. Changes in management as a result of this public planning process are expected to be in place for the 2008 deer seasons.
“These will be challenging and frank discussions. Choices we make today will determine the health of the deer herd we hand down to our children and grandchildren,” Hassett noted.
Members of the CWD advisory stakeholders group include residents from within and outside the areas where CWD has been found, along with representatives from the Conservation Congress, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, the farmed cervid industry, the retail sporting goods industry, food pantries, the Wisconsin Deer Hunters Association, the Wisconsin Meat Processors Association, the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association and the DNR.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Crossley, DNR CWD Project Manager - (608)266-5463
Blue green algae becoming a concern on some lakes
MADISON – Wisconsin lakes can be a great place to spend the dog days of summer, but swimmers and others need to pay attention to water quality and avoid blooms of blue-green algae.
New web pages on the Department of Natural Resources Web site answer questions about blue-green algae and other water quality topics concerning lakes. The Q and A can be found online at
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/lakes/LakeQuestions.htmBlue green algae can produce a variety of toxins that can affect human and animal nervous systems, kidneys and skin. While these algae are common in most Wisconsin lakes, the blooms this summer have been unusually large in some popular recreational waters.
People should avoid coming into contact with water with heavy, visible concentrations of blue-green algae, and make sure their children and pets, who won’t know better, also avoid entering or coming into contact with such water, according to Jim Vennie, a limnologist in the DNR’s lakes & wetlands program.
Blue-green algae are typically present in low numbers in water bodies with low nutrients, but partly because they are not readily eaten by other aquatic creatures, they may increase to "bloom" densities in water bodies with high nutrient levels when water temperatures rise. Waters in the southern two-thirds of Wisconsin tend to have higher nutrient levels, both naturally and as a result of agricultural and urban runoff.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Vennie (608) 266-2212
New video focuses on archeology of Aztalan State Park
MADISON – People can learn more about one of Wisconsin’s most important archaeological sites and the ancient culture that thrived there in a new video available for viewing on the Department of Natural Resources Web site.
The nearly nine minute video features Aztalan State Park, which is considered the state’s archeological “crown jewel,” according to Mark Dudzik, DNR archeologist. It is the site of an ancient Middle-Mississippian village and ceremonial complex that thrived between A.D. 1000 and 1300.
Dudzik says archaeologists theorize that the occupants may have cultural traditions in common with Cahokia, a large Middle-Mississippian settlement near East St. Louis, Illinois. The people who settled Aztalan built large, flat-topped pyramidal mounds and a stockade around their village. The park contains numerous mounds and reconstructed portions of the stockade. The inhabitants hunted, fished, and farmed on the floodplain of the Crawfish River.
The new video was produced by Wisconsin Public Television on behalf of the Friends of Aztalan State Park, and can be seen on the Aztalan State Park page of the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/Aztalan].
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Dudzik - (608) 266-3462
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.
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.
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.*
September 1
• Mourning dove hunting season opens through Oct. 30.*
• Wild ginseng season opens; through Nov. 1.*
• Early September Canada goose hunting season open in designated areas through Sept. 15. The season is open over the Labor Day weekend. The season is open to all hunters who possess an Early September Canada Goose Hunting Permit. Hunters can purchase their permit for $3 from DNR offices and many license vendors through the last day of the season.
• Deadline for hunters with disabilities to apply to participate in a sponsored hunt.
• Hook-and-line lake sturgeon season opens on designated waters through Oct. 15*, except Wis./Mich. Boundary waters close Nov. 1. See current Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations.
September 6
• Turkey hunting permits that remain after the drawing for the fall season will go on sale at 9 a.m. over-the-counter.
September 15
• Fall turkey hunting season opens through Nov. 15
• Early archery deer season opens statewide through Nov. 15 (late season runs Nov. 26 - Jan. 6, 2008; see current regulations for special zones).
• Ruffed grouse season opens in the Zone A through Jan. 31, 2008. (Zone B opens Oct. 20 - Dec. 8.)
• Cottontail rabbit season opens in the northern zone, runs through Feb. 28.
• Gray and fox squirrel season opens, runs through Jan. 31.
• Fall crow season opens, runs through Nov. 15.
• Early September Canada goose hunting season closes.
September 15-16
• Special two-day youth duck hunt. Open to youth 12 to 15 years of age who are hunter safety certified; all other state license requirements are waived except for HIP registration and Canada goose permit requirements; youths must be accompanied by adult. The bag limit and tag requirements apply for the respective zone. These days overlap with open goose season in most zones so adults will also be able to shoot geese but not duck during the youth hunt.
September 15 through December 31
• Illegal during this time to shine for wild animals between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
September 15 through First Saturday in May
• From Sept. 15 through the first Saturday in May, hook and line fishing is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in all Lake Michigan tributaries except the Oconto River and its tributaries and the downstream portion of the Peshtigo River (see regulations for details).*
September 22
• Woodcock season opens.
September 30
• Trout season closes on inland waters and on rivers flowing into Lake Superior from their mouths to the first impassable permanent barrier (unless listed otherwise in trout regulations).*
• Lake trout season on Lake Superior closes.*
• Set or bank pole and setline fishing season on specified waters in the Wolf and Fox river basins closes. Check the current Setline, Set or Bank Pole Regulations for open waters.*
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
August 14, 15, 16, 20 & 23 - The Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings on revisions to chs. NR 19 and 20, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to control of fish diseases and invasive species. The proposed rule makes permanent and clarifies recent emergency measures for the control and prevention of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) in fish in waters of the state. The proposed rule limits the transport of live fish away from specified waters and requires the immediate drainage of water from boats, boating equipment, fishing equipment and other containers upon removal from those specifies waters. Waters specified in the rule include Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Mississippi River, Lake Winnebago and the Fox River downstream to Green Bay, and all connecting waters upstream to the first barrier impassable to fish. If VHS is found outside of the waters specified in the rule, than all waters of the state would be included. The proposed rule also requires that bait dealers apply for and possess a department permit to harvest wild bait from any water and keep daily harvest and disposition records. The proposed rule bans the use or possession of imported live bait (minnows, crayfish and frogs), with exceptions. It also prohibits any person from using dead fish, fish eggs, crayfish, frogs or any parts thereof as bait, with exceptions, and it limits the use of fish and fish parts as bait in crayfish traps and turtle traps, with exceptions. Finally, the proposed rule adds a new criterion for the issuance of permits for licensed bait dealers to use nonstandard minor gear, allowing the permits to be denied if use of the gear could spread invasive species or diseases. The proposed rule may have an impact on small businesses such as bait dealers, wholesale fish dealers, commercial fishers, anglers, boaters and individuals involved in the harvest, rearing or use of fish bait. 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. However, based on the comments received, the Department may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the proposal. This environmental review document would summarize the Department’s consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives. 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 via U.S. mail to Mr. Bill Horns, Bureau of Fisheries Management and Habitat Protection, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be submitted until August 23, 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. A copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be obtained from Bill Horns at (608) 266 8782. The hearings will all be held at 5:30 p.m. on the following dates at the locations listed:
August 14, Fitchburg - South Central Region Hdqrs., 3911 Fish Hatchery Road,
August 15, La Crosse - Room B19, La Crosse State Office Bldg., 3550 Mormon Coulee Road,
August 16, Milwaukee - Room 140, DNR Southeast Region Hdqrs., 2300 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
August 20, Green Bay - Wetland Room, Green Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, 1660 East Shore Drive,
August 23, Wausau - Upstairs Meeting Room, State Highway Patrol Hdqrs., 2805 Martin Ave.,
August 23, Superior - Classroom, Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Avenue,
August 15 – A public hearing 9 a.m. in the matter of the pier application of Kim Lewis, Lake Elizabeth, Village of Twin Lakes, Kenosha County, Wisconsin (IP-SE-2006-30-0345IF) will be held in Room 300, Kenosha County Courthouse, 912 56th St., Kenosha. For information contact Michael Cain at - (608) 266-2177.
August 21 - A public informational hearing on the proposed Charter under the Green Tier program for the Dairy Business Association will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Portage County Annex, Building Rooms 1 and 2, 1462 Strong’s Avenue, Stevens Point. Pursuant to Section 299.83, Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources is proposing to issue a charter under Green Tier to the Dairy Business Association-Green Tier Advancement Project. The goal of the Charter is to provide the opportunity for Wisconsin dairy producers to achieve superior environmental performance by implementing on-farm environmental management systems (EMS). The Charter is a partnership effort between the Department of Natural Resources and the Dairy Business Association-Green Tier Advancement Project. The Charter will provide a practical and business-like cooperative initiative that encourages and supports the development of EMS for the dairy industry. As dairy producers join Green Tier under the Charter, their efforts can be tailored to account for regional and site specific issues for the management of process wastewaters and by-products, manure, stormwater, feed, agricultural chemicals, and also provide opportunities for producers to research and develop agricultural practices in the pursuit of environmental protection, enhancement and conservation. Information on the proposed Dairy Business Association Charter and the Green Tier Program is available on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cea/environmental/comment/index.htm]. The DNR will accept written comments from the public regarding the proposed charter through Sept. 7, 2007. Comments may be submitted to John Shenot John Shenot, Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 7921., Madison, WI 53707-7921 or by e-mail to John.shenot@wisconsin.gov. For information contact at John Shenot (608) 267-0802.
Meetings
August 14 - The Technical Focus Group for the DNR Remediation and Redevelopment Program will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. in room 511 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss regulations and technical issues regarding investigation and remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. For more information, contact Laurie Egre at (608) 267-7560 or at Laurie.Egre@dnr.state.wi.us.
August 14 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming– Joint Meeting of the Technical Advisory Group and Carbon Tax/Cap and Trade Work Group, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation Training Room, 431 Charmany Drive, Madison. The agenda includes a Carbon Tax/Trading Group presentation to the Technical Advisory Group; an overview of the policy directions (e.g., a state only cap and trading program and a regional cap and trading program); the kinds of modeling runs and data needed; a Technical Advisory Group presentation to the Carbon Tax/Trading Group on an overview of ENERGY 2020 and REMI, reference case; policy runs; UW and other support available to help the Carbon Group. The Carbon Tax/Cap and Trade Work Group will continue to meeting independently in the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation First Floor Board Room from 11 a.m. to noon to further define and plan specific carbon policies and the Technical Advisory Work Group continues to meet independently in the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation Training Room from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to document rationale for recommendation on a modeling consultant; begin discussion of data needs for reference case, including category of inputs and data. For information contact Lisa Stefanik, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, at (608) 266-1125.
August 14-15 – The state Natural Resources Board will meet at the Port Superior Marina, 34480 Port Superior Road just south of the City of Bayfield, beginning at 8:30 a.m. For information contact Laurie J. Ross, Natural Resources Board Executive Staff Assistant at (608) 267-7420.
August 15 - The Wisconsin Diesel Workgroup will have a kick-off meeting 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. in room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. The group will discuss a diesel emission reduction work plan for the state. For information contact Jessica Lawent, DNR, at (414) 263-8653.
August 15 - The Laboratory Certification Program Certification Standards and Review Council will meet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the State Laboratory of Hygiene (2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison). The agenda includes a program audit status report, variance requests, 2008 training & outreach update and other program business. The agenda is information at
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/science/lc/CONTACTS/Council/CouncilMtgs.htm] For more information contact Richard Mealy at - (608) 264-6006.
August 15 - The DNR Division of Forestry 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 the private forestry initiative implementation plan, private forestry and forest tax law handbook changes (including the stewardship demonstration forest, requirements of an “equivalent degree”, modifications to the timber sale marking guidelines for DNR Foresters, etc), the agenda/plans for the January 2008 Advanced Private Forestry training session, and other private forestry related items. For more information, contact Carol Nielsen, Private Forestry Specialist, at (608) 267-7508.
August 15 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming– Conservation and Energy Efficiency Workgroup will meet from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Pecatonica Conference Room, 610 North Whitney Way, Madison. The agenda includes: a report on August 6 public hearing; a review of Wisconsin GHG emission inventory; a presentation on appliance efficiency standards; review and discuss draft building code template; continued discussion/prioritization of policy options for further analysis including enhanced CEE savings target concept outline; develop program/funding for nonregulated fossil fuels; lighting; appliance efficiency standards; consumer education/marketing/action; state/local government/schools “Lead by Example”; removing disincentives for utilities to aggressively promote conservation and energy efficiency; providing incentives for utilities/others to aggressively pursue conservation; and energy efficiency load management, rate design and demand response. For information contact Lisa Stefanik, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, at (608) 266-1125.
August 16 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming– Agriculture and Forestry Work Group will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. For information contact Allison Hellman at (608) 266- 8130 or Allison.Hellman@wisconsin.gov.
August 16 – An Open House meeting to gather input on a draft interpretive plan for the forestry education center to be built in Milwaukee County will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wil-O-Way Center at 10602 Underwood Parkway, Wauwatosa. People who are unable to attend the open house in person but are interested in providing comments about the messages this center will convey, will be able to submit comments beginning August 16 through August 31 through the center’s Web site at [http://edcenter.wisconsinforestry.org/]. For information contact Kirsten Held at (608) 264-6036.
August 16 - The Sex-Age-Kill stakeholders group will meet at 9:30 a.m., at The Lodge at Cedar Creek, 805 Creske Ave., Rothchild. The stakeholder group is made up of citizen representatives of groups interested in deer and deer management and of DNR deer management staff. The agenda includes developing and reviewing draft literature for public out reach, prioritizing actions for implementing the SAK review, and creating a report to the Natural Resources Board that will describe progress and future direction of implementation of the deer population model review. For information contact Keith Warnke at (608) 264-6023.
August 17 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming [http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/gtfgw/] - Industry Work Group will meet from 9 a.m. to noon in the Conference Room, DNR Oshkosh Service Center, 625 East County Road Y, STE 700, Oshkosh. The work group meeting will discuss work group process, future meeting dates and locations, and initial policy options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector. The meeting is open to the public. For information contact Caroline Garber at (608) 264-9218.
August 18- The CWD Stakeholder Advisory Group will meet from 9am - 4pm at the Lowell Center Inn and Conference Center, 610 Langdon Street, Madison. At this meeting, the second of seven scheduled for the group, presenters will provide in depth information about chronic wasting disease. For more information, please call Alan Crossley (608) 266-5463.
August 21 - Green Tier Clear Waters Initiative [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cea/environmental/participants/clearwaters/index.htm] board meeting, 2:30 p.m., Community Room, Sun Prairie Municipal Bldg., 300 East Main St. For information contact Laura Bub, DNR storm water specialist at (608) 275-3309.
August 22 - An informational session for Industrial and Municipal Point Source Dischargers for the Lower Fox River Basin and Green Bay Area of Concern Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) will be held from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. in Room: A&B 161 of the Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 North Bluemound Drive, Appleton. This meeting will be an overview of the TMDL process, in particular an introduction for WPDES permit holders in the Lower Fox Basin, and present results of a preliminary report from Phase I of the TMDL, looking at cost effectiveness of best management practices in the watershed. A general public outreach meeting and other stakeholder meetings (e.g. stormwater, CAFOs, agriculture, environmental groups) to discuss the TMDL Scope of Work are being planned for October 2007. For information contact Rob McLennan, DNR Northeast Region at (920)-424-7894 or Nicole Richmond, DNR Madison at (608)-266-0152.
August 22 & 29 - Three Open House meetings will be held to present possible route options for a proposed Ice Age National Scenic Trail corridor in Marathon County and the Town of Alban in Portage County. Staff and volunteers from the National Park Service, the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, and DNR will be available to answer questions, and to explain the location of the proposed corridor and its significant features. The public will have the opportunity to review maps and aerial photos of the proposed Ice Age Corridor. There will also be time to make comments and suggestions. After receiving comments, a Trailway Plan and Environmental Assessment will be developed to comply with Federal and State environmental laws. For more information contact the National Park Service office in Madison at (608) 441-5610 or Peter Biermeier, DNR, (608) 264-6136. The open houses will be held:
August 22 - 4 to 8 p.m. with a presentation on proposed rail corridor and route options at 6:30 p.m. at the Plover Town Hall, P4299 County Road Z.
August 29 - 4 to 8 p.m. with a presentation on proposed rail corridor and route options at 6:30 p.m. Franzen Town Hall, 8827 County Road C, Marathon County.
August 29 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a presentation at 12:30 p.m. at the Hatley Community Center, 435 Curtis Ave., Hatley in the Town of Norrie.
August 23 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming– Agriculture and Forestry Work Group will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. For information contact Allison Hellman at (608) 266- 8130 or Allison.Hellman@wisconsin.gov.
August 23 - The Implementation Oversight Committee of the Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan[/url] (HCP) will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Jackson County Forestry and Parks office, W9790 Airport Rd, Black River Falls. Contact: David R. Lentz, Division of Forestry (608) 261-6451 or see [http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/karner/].
August 25 – An open house listening session to gather public comment on potential changes to the agreement for operation of the Rest Lake dam near Manitowish Waters in Vilas County, will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Manitowish Waters Town Hall, 6 South US Highway 51, Manitowish Waters. The focus of the listening session is to identify and understand all relevant issues from the public that will need to be addressed in any revisions to the dam’s operating order. The Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA) provides an informational process that ensures citizen participation and a complete analysis for those who must make any subsequent permitting decisions. This process requires the DNR to gather relevant environmental information, evaluate a range of feasible alternatives, and identify anticipated impacts. Currently, the DNR is in the early stages of gathering all relevant information for the environmental analysis. The event will have an “open house” format where people can have a one-on-one discussion with resource specialists who will gather information on the issues raised. No formal DNR presentations are scheduled. Anyone unable to attend this meeting can submit written comments by Sept. 15 to Jon Simonsen, Wisconsin DNR, 107 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501-3349 or by email at [Jonathan.Simonsen@Wisconsin.gov]. After examining the public input received at the meeting along with any written comments, the DNR will begin drafting an environmental analysis document. The completed document will likely be distributed for public review early in the summer of 2008. Other opportunities for public review and comment will be necessary as the DNR completes the environmental analysis process. Notification of those opportunities will be provided as they occur. For more information contact Jon Simonsen at (715) 365-8916.
August 28 - The Department of Natural Resources will host an Open House from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Bristol Sportsman’s Club, 7229 N Greenway Road, located near Sun Prairie (1.5 miles southwest of County Highway V and US Highway 151). Representatives from DNR forestry and wildlife management will be on hand to provide information and answer questions on the timber harvest encompassing about 43 acres on the 1,927 acre property in the Dane County Towns of Bristol and York. This harvest is being conducted as an attempt to restore several small oak dominated woodlots. The removal of less desirable and shorter lived hardwoods, including box elder, elm, silver maple, aspen, and cherry will begin to restore some areas to oak savanna, and other areas to oak/hickory forests. For information contact Jacob Fries, DNR Wildlife Biologist, Fitchburg, at (608) 275-3250.
August 30 – The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming- Transportation Work Group will meet from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Room 511 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. The agenda provides an opportunity for public comments at the start of the meeting followed by informational presentations and/or a discussion of Work Group organization, assignments and scheduling. The majority of each meeting will focus on policy options and recommendations to be made to the full Global Warming Task Force. For information contact Ed Jepsen at (608) 266-3538.
August 30 - The Private Water Advisory Council will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. to discuss the proposed revisions to chs. NR 812 and NR 146, Wisconsin Administrative Codes, to reflect changes to ch. 280, Wis. Stats. For information on how to join the call contact Dorie Turpin at (608) 266-0162.
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/
