Still time for Lake Michigan chinook fishing
Early Canada goose season opens Sept. 1
2007 Wisconsin waterfowl seasons set
Lake Laura Hardwoods becomes 500th State Natural Area
Wisconsin to pilot online sale purchase of federal duck stamp
Prequalified hunters will receive buck stickers in mail
Survey designed to improve DNR’s CWD in Wisconsin Web pages
Over-the-counter sales of antlerless deer tags begins Aug 25
New online resources available to help manage ‘e-waste’
Grants available to investigate contaminated properties
The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of Lake Michigan chinook fishing
MADISON -- As the last days of summer draw near and the changing colors of leaves signal the approach of autumn, chinook salmon fishing on Lake Michigan continues to provide a great angling experience for both boaters and shore anglers.
“It’s been a phenomenal season so far for catching chinook,” says Brad Eggold, Department of Natural Resources fisheries supervisor for southern Lake Michigan. “We don’t have the final data yet, but judging from what we’re seeing and hearing, anglers are leaving the waters happy and the chinook continue to keep biting.”
Fish biologists are hopeful that this year follows in the footsteps of 2006, which was extremely successful, bringing in not only larger fish, but the second highest number of fish in 40 years [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=55#art1].
Recent fishing tournaments in Sheboygan and Milwaukee brought in 2,900 chinook, which according to Eggold, is a tremendous amount of fish and an encouraging sign that it has been a solid year so far with high numbers of healthy fish being caught, most of which seem relatively healthy.
Over the past few years, chinook have been caught in record numbers, but the smaller size of a lot of those fish was a concern for fish biologists. It appeared that there were possibly too many chinook in Lake Michigan for the forage base to support. In a collaborative effort between Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois, chinook stocking was decreased lake-wide by 25 percent in 2006 in an attempt to make sure the amount of forage was more evenly balanced per the number of fish.
“It’s interesting, every time we reduce stocking, the fishing actually gets better,” says Eggold. “Past reductions have meant better fishing in Lake Michigan because we were creating a better balance between the available forage and their predators. We hope that the reduction in 2006 will help assure a great sport fishery by maintaining this delicate balance between prey and predator.”
For anglers venturing out this time of year, heading out to deeper depths might prove to be more rewarding, according to Paul Peeters, a DNR fisheries supervisor in Sturgeon Bay.
“If you’re looking to catch chinook this time of the year, you often have to be fishing 50 to 60 feet down in more than 100 feet of water,” says Peeters. “Salmon prefer water in the mid 50s, so now that Lake Michigan’s waters have warmed up, you have to fish a little deeper. Find the cold water and you find the fish.”
Many charter boats run through Labor Day and beyond and do quite well, according to Eggold, but when September rolls in, he recommends trolling near the harbor or the river mouth. That’s where the mature, larger chinook start to school before heading up the river to their home grounds to spawn. Conversely, Peeters reminds anglers, there will still be two year classes of chinook that are not maturing, which will remain out in the lake and available for sport trollers offshore.
As autumn rains begin to fall in late September and river and stream waters start to rise, the maturing year class of anxious chinook leave the lake and begin the trip upstream to their spawning grounds, giving shore and stream anglers a great opportunity to reel in their share.
“Although you can always continue to fish out on the lake, the chinook spawning runs provide a unique opportunity for anglers who don’t have a boat, to go out and catch the fish from shore,” says Peeters. “It’s part of their life cycle to go back upstream to spawn, so the fish are basically coming to you.
“Anglers are continuing to catch their bag limits of chinook,” says Eggold. “There’s plenty of time left to have a great year if you haven’t already and possibly catch the “big one” that avid anglers are always hoping for.”
Visit Lake Michigan Chinook Salmon [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/lakemich/chinooksalmon.pdf]) for more information on one of Wisconsin’s popular game fish.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brad Eggold - (414) 382-7921 or Paul Peeters - (920) 746-2865
Early Canada goose, dove seasons open Sept. 1
MADISON -- Hunters anxious for the fall hunting seasons will have their first opportunities when the 2007 Wisconsin early Canada goose and mourning dove hunting seasons open Sept. 1.
The early Canada goose season runs through Sept. 15, with a daily bag limit of five geese. It specifically targets local breeding giant Canada geese and is held before migratory geese begin to move into Wisconsin, according to Kent Van Horn, Department of Natural Resources waterfowl ecologist.
“This has become a popular early hunting season and an important part of our resident Canada goose population management,” Van Horn says. Hunters should note that this season requires a special permit and $3 fee.
The 2007 breeding population estimate for giant Canada geese nesting in Wisconsin was 125,195, which is down 7 percent from 2006 but 64 percent above the 21-year long-term mean, Van Horn says.
“While the long term trend for Wisconsin’s resident Canada geese is still increasing, recent survey years suggest that this increase may be slowing,” he says.
This is the eighth year Wisconsin has held an Early September Canada goose season, and more hunters are joining in on this hunt each year, Van Horn says. Hunters harvested an estimated 20,000 geese during the early season in 2006.
“During this early season, hunters need to think differently than they would during October goose hunting because the geese are using different areas,” Van Horn says. “They need to scout ahead on early season movements of birds among early crop harvests, water resting places and areas of mowed grass. I encourage people to look for new areas to seek permission to hunt during the early season than you might during later fall hunting.”
In addition to a Wisconsin hunting license, hunters must possess: an Early September Canada Goose Hunting Permit (available for $3 from DNR offices and license vendors through the season); a Federal Migratory Bird Stamp; a Wisconsin Waterfowl Stamp Privilege; and a valid hunter education certificate (if born on or after Jan. 1, 1973). Additionally, all migratory game bird hunters, including those participating in the early September season, must be registered with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) before they can hunt migratory game birds (ducks, geese, woodcock, coots, rails, snipe, and gallinule). Hunters can register for HIP free of charge at most license vendors. Hunters must also report each goose taken within 48 hours of the harvest by calling 1-800-99-GOOSE (1-800-994-6673).
2007 Early September Canada Goose regulations are available at license agents and on-line on the wildlife regulations page of the DNR Web site.
Mourning dove season
Wisconsin’s fifth dove hunting season runs Sept. 1 through Oct. 30. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 dove hunters are expected to take to the field at some point during the season. There is a daily bag limit of 15.
Hunters are again being asked to examine harvested doves closely for any leg bands. For the third consecutive year, Wisconsin is participating in a national plan to monitor mourning dove populations for harvest management. Biologists set a goal of capturing and banding 750 doves at several locations in south, central and eastern area of the state with a small aluminum US Fish and Wildlife Service leg band. Hunters who harvest a banded dove are asked to report them to the Bird Banding Lab online at [http://www.reportband.gov] or by phone at 1-800-327-Band (2263).
In recent years, the spring call count surveys, coordinated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, estimated that the continental population of mourning doves was about 400 million, making it one of the most abundant birds in North America. The 10-year population trend for Wisconsin shows a 3 percent increase. Hunters should expect to see numbers of doves similar to the last couple of years.
Regulations and license requirements for dove hunting are contained in the 2007 Small Game Hunting Regulations pamphlet, which is available at any location that sells hunting licenses or online [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/regs/index.htm].
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kent Van Horn - (608) 266-8841
[EDITOR’S ADVISORY: The following news release was originally issued by FAX to daily newspapers, broadcast media and wire services on Aug. 15, 2007]
Natural Resources Board sets 2007 waterfowl seasons
MADISON – Waterfowl hunters will enjoy a full 60-day Wisconsin duck hunting season, the longest allowed under federal guidelines, following action taken by the state Natural Resources Board at its meeting today in Bayfield.
The board approved a 2007 Wisconsin waterfowl season structure that includes an increase in the canvasback duck bag from one to two birds, elimination of the early closure provision for the Exterior zone of the Regular Canada goose season, inclusion of a split in the southern zone of the Exterior for Canada goose hunting and again expanded opening day shooting hours beginning at 9 a.m. instead of noon as in previous years.
The board also adopted a statewide nontoxic shot requirement when hunting rail, snipe and moorhens beginning in 2007 and directed that hunters use nontoxic shot when hunting mourning doves on DNR lands beginning in 2008.
“Wisconsin waterfowlers should have a good hunting season,” said Kent Van Horn, Department of Natural Resources migratory game bird ecologist. “Overall, populations of waterfowl game species are healthy and abundant.”
“We are however, experiencing some very dry conditions in many areas and as always, hunters who do the early legwork, seeking out the potholes and backwaters that still have decent water levels and securing landowner permissions, will be the ones filling their bags.”
Each year, state, provincial and federal biologists from the United States and Canada cooperatively review spring waterfowl breeding surveys across North America and other biological and social data. State biologists provide season recommendations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which in turn establishes a season frame work, or sideboards, within which states can establish their waterfowl hunting seasons. Wisconsin wildlife managers conducted a series of hearings around the state in early August to gather hunter comments on the season proposal approved by the Natural Resources Board today.
2007 Wisconsin Waterfowl Seasons
Early September Canada goose season
Dates: Sept. 1-15. Bag: Daily bag of five geese. Other: Hunters must purchase a $3 early season permit, and they must report their goose harvests by calling 1-800-99GOOSE.
Youth Waterfowl Hunt
Dates: Sept. 15 - 16. Bag: Regular season bag limits apply except for Canada geese (see below). Note: The youth waterfowl hunt straddles the early and the regular goose seasons. Thus, youth will have to possess an Early Goose Season permit if hunting on Sept 15, and a regular season permit if hunting geese on Sept. 16 in the Exterior, Horicon or Collins Zones *The daily bag for Canada geese on Sept 15 is the same as the early season (5 geese) and the daily bag on Sept 16 is the same as the regular season (2 geese, regardless of zone).
Ducks
Dates: Northern Zone: 9 a.m. Sept. 22 – Nov. 20; Southern Zone: 9 a.m. Sept. 29 – Oct. 7, Oct. 13- Dec. 2. Bag: Daily bag of six ducks, not to include more than four mallards of which only one may be a hen, two wood ducks, one black duck, two redheads, two scaup, one pintail (60 days), two canvasbacks (60 days). In addition, five mergansers to include not more than two hooded mergansers. Coot daily bag is 15
Canada Geese
Dates:
Exterior Zone North: Sept. 16 – Dec. 9
Exterior Zone South: Sept. 16 – Oct. 7 and Oct. 13 - Dec. 14
Mississippi River Subzone Sept. 29 – Oct. 7 and Oct. 13 – Dec. 27.
Bag: Daily Bag of two geese.
Note: Wisconsin is entering a five-year stable season trial period for the regular Canada goose season. The quota system has been eliminated during this time. This means that there will be no early closure in the Exterior Canada goose zone, and hunters will enjoy 85 days of goose hunting with two birds per day for the full 85 days. Canada goose harvests in the Exterior zone must still be reported to the 1-800-99GOOSE line.
Horicon Zone:
• Periods 1 and 2: Sept 16 – Oct 26
• Periods 3 and 4: Oct 27 – Dec 16
Bag: Daily bag of two, six tags per hunter.
Collins Zone:
• Period 1: Sept. 16 – Sept. 30
• Period 2: Oct. 1 – Oct. 21
• Period 3: Oct. 22 – Nov. 16
Bag: Daily bag of two, six tags per hunter
Other Geese
Light geese (Snow, Blue and Ross) and Brant. Seasons are the same as for the Canada goose zones and subzones. Bag: Daily Bag Limit, 1 brant and 20 light geese
White-fronted geese: same as for the Canada goose exterior zones and Collins subzone. Horicon Zone is Sept 22- Dec 16. Bag: Daily bag Limit, 1 white-fronted goose.
Other Changes for 2007
Horicon Zone: Hunters may place decoys and shoot at birds that are within the 75 yard Horicon Refuge boundary, provided the hunter is outside this boundary.
Additional season information and maps showing zones and tables with daily legal shooting hour times are available on the Waterfowl in Wisconsin page of the DNR Web site or contact a local DNR Service Center or wildlife biologist.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kent Van Horn - (608) 266-8841
Lake Laura Hardwoods designated as 500th State Natural Area in Wisconsin
STAR LAKE, Wis. – Lake Laura Hardwoods, an 852-acre old-growth forest of maple, basswood, red oak and hemlock that contains diverse wildlife from bald eagles to bobcats, has been permanently protected through designation as the 500th State Natural Area in Wisconsin.
Gov. Jim Doyle announced the designation August 15 to a group of over 120 partners and area residents as part of his “Up North Tour.” Lake Laura Hardwoods State Natural Area is located east of Star Lake in Vilas County within the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest.
Wisconsin’s State Natural Areas Program was created in 1945 by Aldo Leopold as the first state-sponsored natural areas protection program in the nation. It has since grown to become a national model, with more than 300,000 acres enrolled in 70 of the state’s 72 counties.
The State Natural Areas program was established to protect the scattered remains of the native plant and animal communities that covered the state of Wisconsin before intensive European settlement began over 150 years ago. The natural areas themselves are also intended to provide outdoor laboratories for research, education and exploration of the rare species, native ecosystems, animal migrations and geological features.
Lake Laura Hardwoods State Natural Area has a variety of old growth trees, with some stands more than 250 years old. Along the southeast shore of the lake is an old-growth hemlock-hardwood stand with a long history of research use by Purdue University and University of Wisconsin ecologist, John Curtis.
There area also has stands of white pine, sugar maple, yellow birch, and basswood. A variety of woodland plants thrive at the site, including Pennsylvania sedge, wood anemone, hepatica, American starflower, sessile-leaved bellwort, and false Solomon’s seal. The clear-water lake contains freshwater sponges, indicating high water quality, and supports the rare lake emerald dragonfly a more northerly species which, in Wisconsin, has only been found in Vilas County. The site contains numerous scattered wet depressions that are important habitat for many amphibians such as wood frog, spring peeper, and chorus frog.
“The future of our state is directly linked to our natural resources, and today, I’m pleased to be here to recognize a milestone in Wisconsin’s long tradition of protecting those resources,” Governor Doyle said. “Wisconsin’s State Natural Areas are the ‘best of the best’ of Wisconsin’s remaining natural landscapes. These are lands that are home to our wildlife, watersheds, lakes, and rivers. Even in tight budget times, by making the necessary sacrifices to preserve these lands today, we will earn the thanks of Wisconsin residents far into the future.”
Governor Doyle credited the Stewardship Fund for the integral role it has played in protecting many of the lands enrolled in the State Natural Areas Program. Established in 1989, the Stewardship program was created to preserve Wisconsin’s most significant natural resources for future generations, as well as to provide the land base and recreational facilities needed for quality outdoor experiences.
Thomas Meyer, State Natural Areas Program coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources, said the program also owes its success to the many agencies and conservation organizations that partner with the program to designate natural areas on their own lands.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Meyer, DNR State Natural Areas program coordinator - (608) 266-0394
Online purchase of federal duck stamp available on limited basis in Wisconsin
MADISON –Wisconsin has been selected to pilot sales of a new electronic Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as a Federal Duck Stamp. The stamp will be available this fall at select license vendors.
About 100 Department of Natural Resources hunting and fishing license sales locations, including all DNR service centers, will test an upgraded on-line licensing system (Automated License Issuance System – ALIS) starting in October, and the electronic federal stamp will be available at those locations. Starting in March, when all sales locations are using the new on-line licensing system, the Federal Duck Stamp will be available statewide.
Hunters who purchase their Federal Duck Stamp through DNR’s ALIS system this fall will receive a license document verifying their stamp purchase. The proof of purchase document will be valid for 45 days, will fulfill the requirement for waterfowl hunters to possess the stamp, and will allow free entrance into any National Wildlife Refuge. The printed paper stamp will be mailed to the purchaser within 45 days.
“We are excited to be able to offer this new service to our customers,” said Diane Brookbank, Director of Customer Service and Licensing. “DNR has worked closely with the federal government to get legislation passed to provide our hunters this service..
Every waterfowl hunter over the age of 16 is required to buy a Federal Duck Stamp in order to hunt waterfowl, in addition to any state license, permit or stamp requirements. Many non-hunters also purchase stamps for collecting purposes and to support waterfowl habitat and waterfowl conservation efforts.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Brookbank - (608) 267-7799
Prequalified hunters will receive buck stickers in mail
MADISON – Hunters who registered an antlerless deer last season in a deer management unit that was not Earn-a-Buck (EAB) then but is under EAB requirements this year will begin receiving their 2007 buck authorization stickers by mail later this week, according to state wildlife officials.
Prequalification was introduced by the Department of Natural Resources in 2006 in response to hunter comments that they frequently had to pass up nice bucks on opening morning in EAB units because they hadn’t shot an antlerless deer first.
Earn-a-Buck rules require a hunter to first shoot and register an antlerless deer before they can legally shoot a buck. The rules are implemented in deer management units that are far above prescribed deer population goals and are very effective in lowering deer numbers in those units because of the impact on the antlerless part of the deer population. Antlerless deer are mainly does although a buck with antlers less than 3 inches in length is also considered antlerless.
“The prequalification option has been very popular,” said Keith Warnke, DNR big game ecologist, “thousands of hunters took advantage of it again this year. It’s popular because it allows hunters to enter the woods on opening morning and shoot a deer of their choice whether its antlered or antlerless in any deer management unit anywhere in the state.”
The mailing will go out to hunters who shot and registered antlerless deer in 2006 in deer management units that were part of the group of “herd control” units in 2006 and are now classified as Earn-a-Buck units in 2007. It is important to note that hunters who shot and registered an antlerless deer in a 2006 Earn-a-Buck unit, received the buck authorization sticker on-the-spot. Those stickers could be used immediately in 2006 to shoot a buck in an EAB unit or held until 2007 for use in an EAB unit. Buck authorization stickers are not replaceable if lost.
If a hunter thinks he or she should be receiving a buck sticker and doesn’t find one in the mail, they should check the prequalification data base online on the deer hunting pages of the DNR Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/HUNT/deer/] or call a DNR Service Center and ask them to check. The hunter will need their DNR customer ID number to make the check. If the hunter is not on the database list but did shoot and register an antlerless deer in a unit that was not EAB in 2006 and is EAB in 2007, it could be due to an incomplete or unreadable registration stub. The hunter should fill out the online form and the request will be handled as soon as possible.
“It is still possible to earn a buck sticker for the gun season opener during the archery hunt,” says Warnke. “The stickers are not weapon specific. A hunter can use a buck sticker earned during the gun season to take a buck with a bow and vice-versa. The main object of the prequalification program is to give hunters options for earning a buck sticker and at the same time, boost the antlerless harvest.
“Hunters made great progress last year in boosting the antlerless harvest and moving the herd toward population goals but getting the herd to the prescribed goals is going to be a multi-year effort.”
A common misconception is that if a hunter shoots an antlerless deer in an EAB unit, they will have a sticker mailed to them the following year. The mailing of stickers will only apply to antlerless deer harvested in non-EAB units that become EAB the following year. All hunters who shoot antlerless deer in an EAB unit must receive their Buck Authorization sticker(s) at the registration station when they register their deer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke - (608) 264-6023
Survey designed to improve DNR’s CWD in Wisconsin Web pages
MADISON – A recently released on-line survey will gather input from the public to help the state Department of Natural Resources improve communication on chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Wisconsin.
The five question survey asks the public to weigh in on content and organization of the CWD information pages and will take just a minute or two to complete. DNR wildlife staff hope the survey will help the agency better serve the public’s need for information about CWD and its management in Wisconsin.
Another feature of the survey is an option for respondents to provide their name and contact information for possible follow up or a chance to review new informational pieces in development. The survey can be found on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/whealth/issues/CWD/].
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Nick Van Court, DNR CWD communication specialist - (608) 266-0920
Over-the-counter sales of regular unit antlerless deer tags to begin Aug 25 at noon
MADISON – Deer hunters are reminded that over-the-counter sales of antlerless deer tags for regular deer management units (DMUs) and deer hunting access permits for state parks begin Saturday Aug 25 at noon on a first come first served basis.
Hunters with a valid license that allows deer hunting can purchase one permit per day until each unit is sold out. Cost of the antlerless permits is $12 each for Wisconsin residents and $20 each for non-residents and $3 for a park access permit. Permits may be purchased at any license sales location , online at
www.dnr.wi.gov, by calling 1-877-945-4236 and at DNR Service Centers during their regular business hours. Check the DNR web site for the hours of the nearest DNR service center.
A total of 85,900 antlerless permits are available in 16 regular units and 1,005 total access permits are available for 11 state park units in 2007. You must have an access permit in order to hunt in the state park units.
Regular units in 2007 include 7, 28, 29A, 29B, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39, 40, 41, 44, 45, 49A, 49B, and 50.
State park units include 23A, 52A, 57D, 61A, 64A, 69C, 72A, 73A, 77D, 77E, and 80C.
Hunters receive one free antlerless deer carcass tag when they purchase a gun or archery deer hunting license. This tag is valid in herd control and earn-a-buck management units. It may also be used in state park units if the hunter also has a state park access permit. State park units may be antlerless only, herd control or earn-a-buck. A list of state parks and hunting rules for these parks is available on the DNR Web site dnr.wi.gov
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke, DNR wildlife management (608) 264-6023 or Kevin Huggins, DNR customer service and licensing (608) 267-9533
New online resources available to help manage ‘e-waste’
MADISON – Wisconsin residents, businesses and institutions looking for ways to recycle used electronic devices have new online resources available to help then learn more about the legal requirements and recommendations for safely managing used and discarded electronics.
The problem of what to do with discarded electronics—often called “e-waste” or “e-scrap”—has been growing rapidly as changes in technology make computers, computer accessories, TVs, cell phones and other electronics obsolete, says Cynthia Moore, recycling coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources Waste and Materials Management Program.
An April 2007 study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated that in 2005, between 250 and 350 million of these electronic devices in the United States were obsolete. The same study estimated that, between 2003 and 2005, only about 11 percent (by weight) of these electronic products were recycled, while approximately 44 percent were disposed of in landfills or incinerators and 45 percent were put into storage or reuse.
“A 2006 DNR household recycling survey found that Wisconsin households own approximately 3.8 million computers, 7.5 million TVs and 3.5 million cell phones,” Moore says. “These figures don't include the millions of electronics found in businesses and institutions around the state.”
Moore says electronics pose a potential risk to the environment and human health if disposed of in a landfill, incinerated or illegally dumped. This is primarily because of the lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and other heavy metals, along with chemical flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), contained in the components of almost all electronics. Improperly handled discarded electronics may also pose health risks to workers from companies that manage the electronics.
People and businesses looking to properly recycle their electronic equipment should follow the guidelines on the e-waste pages [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/ewaste/index.html] of the DNR Web site to make sure the equipment is managed safely, personal information is securely destroyed, and that hazardous components do not end up polluting water, soil and air in the United States or overseas.
Recycling businesses and others who are interested in getting into e-waste recycling will also find information pm what they need to know to comply to hazardous waste regulations in the “How Do I Start or Properly Manage an Electronics Recycling Business in Wisconsin?” guidance document also available on the Web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/ewaste/index.html#art3].
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Cynthia Moore - (608) 267-7550.
Brownfield Site Assessment Grants available to investigate contaminated properties
MADISON – State grants are now available to help Wisconsin communities with properties that have known or suspected environmental contamination.
Brownfield Site Assessment Grants (SAG) are available to help municipalities jump start investigation activities at brownfields, which are abandoned, idle or underused industrial or commercial properties where redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination.
Applications and instructions for the grants, which are administered by the Department of Natural Resources, are available on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/rr/rbrownfields/sag.htm].
Applications for both large and small grants are due Nov. 2, 2007. Small grants range from $2,000 up to $30,000 and large grants range from $30,000 up to $100,000.
Brownfield properties are located in every type of community across Wisconsin. During the last round of grants, more than half of the awards were to rural communities or counties.
The DNR expects $1.7 million in SAG funding available for the current round of grants, depending on the final amount approved in the state budget. Once the state budget is signed by Gov. Jim Doyle, the DNR will allocate 60 percent of the SAG funds for small grants and 40 percent for large grants.
Any local government (city, village, town, county, redevelopment authority, community development authority or housing authority) or tribe is eligible to complete an application for a grant. While SAGs do not fund cleanups, the grants do fund the following activities:
• Environmental site assessments.
• Site investigations.
• Demolition.
• Asbestos removal associated with demolition.
• Removal of tanks and drums.
Since 2000, the DNR has awarded $11.6 million in 352 grants to 180 communities around the state for work on 1,185 acres of land. The State Legislature first authorized $1.45 million for the SAG program in 1999 after the Brownfields Study Group, a state-wide advisory task force, recommended the program in their 1998 final report.
More information about Site Assessment Grants, including handy tips on whether a property is eligible for a grant, is available on the DNR Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/rr/rbrownfields/ sag.htm].
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Savagian, (608) 261-6422
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 16
• Canada goose season opens in the North Exterior Zone and runs through Dec. 9.
• Canada goose season opens in the South Exterior Zone and runs through Oct. 7. Season reopens in the South Zone Oct. 13 and runs through Dec. 14.
• Periods 1 and 2 Horicon Zone Canada goose run through Oct 26.
• Period 1 Collins Zone Canada goose runs through Sept. 30.
September 22
• Woodcock season opens.
September 29
• Canada goose season opens in the Mississippi River Subzone and runs through Oct. 7. Season reopens Oct. 13 and runs through Dec. 27.
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.*
• Period 1 Collins Zone Canada goose closes.
DNR Public Hearings and Meetings
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call the contact person listed for the meeting or hearing with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.
Hearings
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.
August 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 remaining hearings will be held at 5:30 p.m. at:
Wausau - Upstairs Meeting Room, State Highway Patrol Hdqrs., 2805 Martin Ave.,
Superior - Classroom, Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Avenue,
September 7 - A telephone prehearing conference in the matter of the application for an expansion of a loading apron on Lake Michigan by Washington Island Ferry Line, Inc., Town of Liberty Grove, Door County will be held at 10 a.m., originating in the Division of Hearings and Appeals Office, 5005 University Avenue, Suite 201, Madison. On Dec. 11, 2006, Washington Island Ferry Line, Inc. filed an application with the Department of Natural Resources for a pier expansion on Lake Michigan. The proposed project is located in Town of Liberty Grove, Door County. The proposed project will consist of expanding the south loading apron of the existing ferry dock to improve the south side ramp loading capabilities. Steel pipes will be driven into the lake bed to hold the new steel deck structure measuring 20 x 90 feet. Also proposed is a new 20 x 23 foot adjustable ramp that will hinge to the existing ramp. The entire proposed ramp project will allow water to flow beneath it. The Department of Natural Resources issued Notice of Complete Application for Proposed Pier Extension and on March 19, 2007, the Department of Natural Resources approved the application with conditions. On April 18, 2007, the Department received a petition for a contested case hearing from Attorney Paul G. Kent on behalf of Washington Island Ferry Line, Inc. On May 8, 2007, the Department granted a contested case hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 30.209(1) and 227.42. Any person, organization or governmental unit wishing to become a party to this proceeding must notify the Division of Hearings and Appeals, in writing, prior to the telephone conference call and provide the telephone number which they can be reached on that day. The Division of Hearings and Appeals will initiate the call. The purpose of the prehearing conference will be to identify all parties to the proceeding, to simplify the issues which will ultimately be contested at the hearing and to establish appropriate schedules for the submission of documentary evidence and for prehearing discovery. No testimony will be heard at the telephone prehearing conference, however, a date may be set for the hearing on the merits at the conference. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
Meetings
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 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming–Carbon Tax/Cap and Trade Work Group will meet from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pyle Center, UW-Madison Campus, 702 Langdon Street, Madison, Room 213 (2nd Floor). The agenda includes a presentation by Mike Koerber, Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium; a review of recent planning calls; discussion of the Ill. Cap and Trade Proposal; and public comment period. For more information contact Lisa Stefanik at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin at (608) 266-1125.
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.
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/
