Deadline to apply for 2008 Winnebago sturgeon spearing license
Early waterfowl results a mixed bag
Ginseng harvest illegal on state or federal lands
Black bear hunting zone designations to change for 2008 season
Correction: Deer Show 2007 at 8 p.m. Nov. 8
Simple steps can help hunters avoid falls from tree stands
Deadline to purchase a 2008 Winnebago sturgeon spearing license Oct. 31
OSHKOSH – The deadline is rapidly approaching for purchasing a 2008 Winnebago sturgeon spearing license to participate in a season that biologists say has the potential to yield some of the greatest numbers of large fish seen in more than a half a century.
“Fall populations surveys showed that our sturgeon population continues to be robust and growing, with some of the greatest numbers of large fish seen in more than a half a century,” says Ron Bruch, department of Natural Resources senior sturgeon biologist.
“The 188-pound sturgeon spearing record set in 2004 on Lake Winnebago could be broken one of these years with a fish in excess of 200 pounds.”
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007, is the last day a sturgeon spearing license can be purchased. Licenses are required for the two separate but concurrent seasons that open on the Winnebago system on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008. People get to participate in one season or the other.
The Upriver Lakes season on lakes Butte des Mort, Winneconne and Poygan is controlled by a limited-entry drawing similar to that used to determine who gets permits to participate in the bear hunting season. Spearers not receiving a permit for the Upriver Lakes season can participate in the Lake Winnebago season if they buy a spearing license by the Oct. 31, 2007 deadline.
The two-season structure went into effect in 2007 and is aimed at keeping the harvest of adult females at an acceptable level while continuing to allow anyone who wants to participate to do so.
DNR fisheries biologists and the Winnebago Citizens Sturgeon Advisory Committee developed the season changes after years of relatively high harvests capped by a 2004 season in which spearers exceeded the harvest cap for adult females by 61 percent.
High harvest of females is a concern because removing too many of them can cause the population to crash and recovery of this slow-growing, late maturing fish could take generations. Females do not reach sexual maturity until 20 to 25 years, and then spawn only once every three to five years.
2008 Upriver Lake season draws a big crowd of applicants
More than 3,500 people entered the drawing for the 500 harvest tags available for the 2008 Upriver Lakes season, up from the 2,795 who applied for the previous season, Bruch says.
Successful applicants for the 2008 season have been notified by mail. They must purchase a spearing license. If they choose not to buy a spearing license for the Upriver Season, they will not be able to buy a Lake Winnebago Sturgeon Spearing license.
All applicants can check their lottery application status through the DNR Online Licensing Center Web site [https://www4.wildlifelicense.com/wi/custlkup.php?permits=1#bottom].
Applicants who weren’t successful in getting a permit each got a preference point, and will be given first consideration if they apply for a permit in 2009.
There is no limit to the number of sturgeon spearing licenses sold for the fishery on Lake Winnebago, but anybody who wants to participate must have purchased their license by the Oct. 31 deadline. The purchasing deadline does not apply to residents who reach the age of 14 after Oct. 31 and to residents who are active members of the armed forces stationed outside of Wisconsin and who are furlough or leave. The Lake Winnebago season runs for 16 days or until a harvest cap is reached.
Last year, the new season structure succeeded in keeping the harvest to the goal of less than 5 percent of the adult population.
A total of 1,034 fish were registered from Lake Winnebago in a 16-day season, and 313 from the Upriver Lakes during the 6 day inaugural season.
The Winnebago System supports a naturally produced lake sturgeon population, estimated at 11,000 adult females and 25,000 adult males. It also allows Wisconsin to offer North America’s largest winter spear fishery, with an annual average harvest of 1,400 fish and annual economic impact of more than $3 million dollars to the Winnebago region.
Licenses for both seasons can be purchased: over the Internet through the DNR Web site; at any DNR Service Center; all license sales locations; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236). A sturgeon spearing license is $20 for residents and $65 for nonresidents, an additional $3 handling fee will be charged for Internet and telephone sales.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: on sturgeon management contact Ron Bruch (920) 424-3059 or Karl Scheidegger (608) 267-9426; on sturgeon licenses and permits contact Dave Argall (608) 267-7699
Ginseng harvest illegal on state or federal lands
Harvest season closes Nov. 1
MADISON – State officials are reminding people interested in harvesting wild ginseng in Wisconsin that ginseng harvest is highly regulated and may only be done under certain conditions.
To harvest wild ginseng, people must have a valid Wisconsin wild ginseng harvester’s license. Ginseng may only be harvested from private lands that the harvester owns or has permission to harvest ginseng from. All state and federal lands are closed to any harvest, and most other public lands are also closed. The harvest season runs only from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1.
Department of Natural Resources officials report there have been several arrests for ginseng harvesting on state lands in the last month.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a long-lived perennial plant, commonly living to 30 or more years if not harvested earlier. As with most long-lived plants, ginseng produces only a few seeds each year. The plants generally don’t begin producing seed until four to five years of age, with the older plants producing more seeds.
“In order to sustain the long-term survival of the species, it is critical that plants be harvested only once they have matured and have had an opportunity to set seed for several years”, says Kelly Kearns, plant conservation program manager for the DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources, who coordinates the state’s wild ginseng program.
In order to prevent plants from being harvested when they are too young Wisconsin’s state law limits harvest to older plants with three or more leaves, or prongs, and a fruiting stalk, Kearns says.
“These plants are usually at least five years of age, the minimum age limit for exporting the roots from the country. Diggers can age the plants by counting the stem scars on the neck of the root. There is one scar for each year the plant produced leaves. Diggers may want to take along a water bottle to wash off the soil and magnifying glass to count the scars when hunting ginseng,” she says.
Young or small plants should be carefully replanted and allowed to grow a few more years. State law requires that the fruits from any harvested plants must be replanted in the vicinity of the plant that is taken.
“Once harvested, loose soil should be removed from the roots, but they should not be scrubbed. They may be sold only to licensed Wild Wisconsin Ginseng Dealers. Most dealers will buy the roots either fresh or air-dried. Never try to dry ginseng roots in a microwave oven as it destroys the roots,” Kearns cautions.
Most harvested roots are certified, exported and used as traditional Chinese medicine.
Throughout eastern North America ginseng harvesters and researchers have been reporting decreases in ginseng populations and root size over recent years. In addition to harvest pressure by human diggers, Kearns says ginseng plants face many other obstacles in their attempt to reach a reproductive age.
“Deer, turkeys and rodents nip off the plants or feed on the seeds. Drought and floods can kill plants, as can the fungal diseases that can thrive in cool moist springs. Forest fragmentation caused by houses and roads going through woodlands may be a major threat. Logging and recreation can directly impact ginseng plants. Invasive plants such as garlic mustard, buckthorn and honeysuckle are also shading out the ginseng plants in many woodlands, especially in the southern counties where wild ginseng is more likely to be found,” she says.
Despite the decreasing populations, there is still a high demand for wild roots. American ginseng was listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a treaty that regulates trade in animals and plants to ensure the survival of wild populations. The listing means that export permits must be issued by the country of origin, which must determine that a particular shipment for export was legally acquired and that the export will not be detrimental to the survival of that species in the wild. Through strict controls on harvest, sales and exports, state and federal officials are hoping to minimize the impacts of harvest on struggling ginseng populations.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly Kearns - (608) 267-5066
Early waterfowl results a mixed bag
Water conditions improving; still plenty of time for
MADISON – The opening day of duck season had mixed reports from around the state, which state wildlife biologists say reflect differences in water levels and hunting pressure.
However, they add that conditions are changing and good waterfowl hunting is still available throughout the state.
“Hunters need to scout and respond to changes in hunter densities, duck movements, rainfall and weather,” says Kent Van Horn, waterfowl ecologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Wisconsin is about half way through the waterfowl hunting season; there is still plenty of opportunity to get out and hunt ducks and geese. The duck season opened Sept. 22 and runs through Nov. 20 in the northern zone and opened Sept. 29 and runs through Dec. 2 in the southern zone. The exterior goose zone opened Sept. 16 and runs through Dec. 9 in the north and through Dec. 14 in the south or until a state harvest quota is reached.
Waterfowling reports around the state
Northwest Wisconsin – There were moderate numbers of ducks (mallards, teal and wood ducks) and low hunter numbers during the opening week in the north. Rainfall in the last couple of weeks has flooded plants that grew when there were low water levels this summer, and conditions are now excellent for ducks. Overall, duck numbers are rising and hunting pressure is low.
North central Wisconsin – There were moderate duck numbers during the opening week in the north and low hunter numbers, providing good hunting conditions. Mallards, wood ducks and black ducks were in the bag, with divers present in area lakes as well. Moderate duck numbers are were observed as of mid October.
Central Wisconsin - Good duck numbers on the opening dates but high hunting pressure has moved ducks away from many popular hunting areas. Hunting pressure is now declining and hunters are encouraged to scout for ducks. A good acorn crop this year has produced good numbers of wood ducks. Recent weather fronts have moved ducks around and good hunting conditions have been experienced along on the Wisconsin River. Canada goose numbers are high and increasing.
Southeast Wisconsin - Excellent water conditions and duck numbers were present in many areas on opening day. There were numerous reports of hunters getting their six-duck limit throughout the first week of season. Blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, mallard and wood ducks filled the bags. Many blue-winged teal have moved on to the south but good numbers of mallards, pintails and wood ducks are still producing full bags for hunters that scout around and keep on top of the changing conditions. Canada goose numbers are high and increasing in this area, and hunters should scout for corn harvests. Good hunting opportunities open up as the geese move in response to harvests.
Mississippi River/Southwest Wisconsin – Waterfowl hunting reports have been mixed, with variable conditions and high to low hunter harvests noted. Diving duck numbers are beginning to rise, however, with many canvasbacks being seen on the river. Canada goose numbers are low to moderate, but increasing in this area.
Approximately 29,000 Canada geese have been harvested in the Exterior zone as of Oct. 22, making it another good fall for Canada goose hunting.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kent Van Horn - (608) 266-8841
Black bear hunting zone designations to change for 2008 season
MADISON – Bear hunters who are submitting an application for a 2008 Wisconsin Bear Harvest Permit should be aware that Subzone A1 will be renamed Zone D. There will now be four zones, A, B, C and D where hunters may apply for a bear hunting permit. The deadline for submitting a 2008 bear application is Dec. 10, 2007.
“Hunters will note that the paper applications still have a zone choice of A1. If a hunter selects A1, they will automatically be entered into the drawing for Zone D. Hunters who apply for Zone A will no longer be authorized to hunt in the new Zone D,” said Linda Olver, DNR assistant deer and bear ecologist.
The department will contact all potential Zone A winners after the deadline, but prior to the drawing to give them an opportunity to change their zone choice.
The proposed change was supported by voters attending the 2007 Spring Fish and Wildlife rules Hearings and was later approved by the Natural Resources Board. It will allow biologists to more closely manage the bear harvest in the “renamed” zone.
“This will give wildlife managers a much better handle on the number of bear hunters hunting in what was Subzone A1,” says Olver. “Before this change, any hunter who possessed a permit for Zone A could also hunt in Subzone A1 making it difficult to accurately predict the number of hunters in the zone and hence, manage the harvest at sustainable levels.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Olver, (608) 261-7588
[EDITOR’S ADVISORY CORRECTION: Deer Hunt 2007 airs at 8 p.m. Nov 8
MADISON –Deer Hunt 2007 will air at 8 p.m. on Nov. 8 on public television stations statewide. A news release in the Oct. 16 DNR News listed an incorrect time.
The show will feature segments on youth hunting and offer tips on deer behavior, movement and response to changes in their “neck of the woods” to hunters who come home with the lament, “I didn’t see any deer.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke - (608) 264-6023]
# # #
[EDITOR’S ADVISORY: a version of this news releases was issued previously in the 2007 Wisconsin DNR Fall Hunting Forecast [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/specialedition/2007_Fall_Hunting_Forecast.html].
Simple steps can help hunters avoid falls from tree stands
MADISON -- Tree stands are popular among Wisconsin hunters -- especially among archery enthusiasts -- because they help improve the hunters’ visibility and decrease the chance their scent will spook prey. But the stands also can be precarious perches if they’re used incorrectly or carelessly, hunting safety specialists say.
“Research has shown that one out of three hunters will fall from a tree stand sometime during his or her hunting career,” says Tim Lawhern, hunter education administrator for the Department of Natural Resources.
The Department of Natural Resources has a new 30-second video public service announcement on tree stand safety available by clicking on the “Be Careful Up There” button on the home page of its Web site. [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/safety/treestand.htm].
Falls can be caused by a variety of factors, including a weakness in the stand’s structure, incorrect installation, failure to use a fall restraint device, and hunters dozing off while on the stand, Lawhern said.
Tree stands can also be a factor in other hunting incidents, such as when hunters shoot themselves while climbing trees with their guns, or when bow hunters fall on their arrows.
Lawhern recommends that hunters who plan on using tree stands follow these precautions to avoid accidents:
• Check permanent tree stands every year before hunting from them, and replace any worn or weak lumber before it breaks.
• Read, understand, and follow the factory recommended practices and procedures when installing commercial stands.
• Inspect portable stands for loose nuts and bolts each time the stand is used.
• Use either a safety belt or harness.
• Use three points of contact while climbing into or out off the tree stand (two feet and one hand; two hands and one foot etc.).
• Use a haul line to raise and lower your equipment – and keep firearms unloaded and arrows in a covered quiver.
• Select a tree – one large enough to support your weight -- before the season. Some mishaps occur as hunters are hurrying to set up their stands on opening morning.
• Make sure someone else knows the location of your tree stand and knows when you will be hunting there.
• Stay awake.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: DNR Recreational Safety Specialists
Christopher Wunrow, Spooner (715) 635-4112
Jeremy Cords, Green Bay – (920) 662-5129
Jeffrey Dauterman, Antigo (715) 623-4190 ext. 3108
William Yearman, Eau Claire – (715) 839-3717
Jon King, Madison – (608) 266-5386
Catherine Nooyen, Fitchburg (608) 275-3253
April Dombrowski, Oshkosh – (920) 303-5443
John Bronikowski, Sturtevant – (262) 884-2383
John Plenke, Waukesha – (262) 574-2163
OUTDOORS CALENDAR
*Indicates date remains the same each year, except some permit deadlines may be extended one day if they fall on a Sunday or Federal Holiday.
September 15 through 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).*
October 26
• Periods 1 and 2 Horicon Zone Canada goose close.
October 27
• Periods 3 and 4 Horicon Zone Canada goose run through Dec. 16.
• Fox season opens in the southern zone, through Feb. 15, 2007.
• Coyote trapping season opens in southern zone through Feb. 15, 2007.
• Mink season opens in central (through Dec. 31) and Winnebago (through March 15) zones.
• Muskrat season opens in south zone (through Feb. 28) and Winnebago zone (through March 15).
October 30
• Mourning dove season closes.*
October 31
• Lake trout season closes on waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan and their tributaries.*
• Deadline to purchase Lake Winnebago system sturgeon spearing licenses.*
November 1
• Wild ginseng season closes.*
• Hook-and-line lake sturgeon season closed on Michigan boundary waters.*
November 3
• Beaver trapping season opens in the northwest zone (A), northeast zone (B) through April 30 and in the southern zone (C) through March 31.
• Otter trapping season opens in all zones and runs through April 30 in the North zone and through March 31 in the Central zone and South zone.
• Non resident raccoon season opens through Jan. 31.
November 5
• Woodcock season closes.
November 11
• Sharp-tailed grouse season closes.
November 15
• Early archery deer season closes statewide. Reopens Nov. 26 through Jan. 6.
• Fall turkey hunting season closes.
• Jackrabbit season closes.*
• Fall crow season closes.
• Trout and salmon fishing closes on downstream section of Lake Superior tributaries that remained open after Sept. 30. (see current trout fishing regulations for stream sections).*
November 16
• Collins zone Canada goose hunting period 3 closes.
• It is illegal to hunt with a firearm the day before the gun deer season opens, except for waterfowl hunting or hunting on licensed game farms or shooting preserves.
November 17
• Regular gun deer season open through Nov. 25.
• Late gun deer season opens in CWD disease eradication and herd reduction zones through Dec. 9. See special CWD regulations in the current deer hunting regulations pamphlet for details.
November 20
• Northern zone duck season closes.
November 25
• Regular gun deer season closes.
November 26
• Muzzleloader season opens through Dec. 5.
• Late archery season opens through Jan. 6.
November 30
• Muskellunge season closes.*
• Turtle season 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
October 26 – Pursuant to §§ 285.11(1) and (2)(a) and 285.27(4), Wis. Stats., interpreting § 285.27(2) and (4), Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing on Natural Resources Board Emergency Order No. AM-38-07(E) relating to national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for industrial, commercial and institutional boilers and process heaters and potentially affecting small business. This emergency order took effect on September 13, 2007. The hearing will be held at 1:30 p.m. in Room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster, Madison. The proposed rule stays implementation of ch. NR 462. The federal National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants for industrial, commercial and institutional boilers and process heaters (Boiler MACT) was promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Sept. 13, 2004 with a compliance date set for Sept. 13, 2007. On July 30, 2007, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a mandate vacating the Boiler MACT. The compliance date for existing sources under the now vacated federal rule is no longer valid at the federal level. However, since the Department promulgated a similar standard in ch. NR 462 as required by § 285.27(2)(a), Wis. Stats., the Boiler MACT requirements remain in Wisconsin’s rules. This order stayed the implementation of ch. NR 462. The proposed rule may have an impact on any small business that is a major source of hazardous air pollutants and has a solid fuel fired boiler or process. The department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve significant adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis under ch. NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code. The emergency rule, proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate may be viewed and downloaded and comments electronically submitted through the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site [http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov] (search this site using the Natural Resources Board Order No. AM-37-07.) Written comments on the emergency rule and the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Roger Fritz, Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 or by e-mail to Roger.Fritz@wisconsin.gov. Comments may be submitted until Nov. 2, 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 hearing. The proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate may also be obtained from Robert Eckdale, Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 or by calling (608) 266-2856. For more information contact Roger Fritz at - (608) 266-1201.
October 29 – A public informational hearing on an application for a Chapter 30 permit for Netzow Limited Partnership to remove an illegal structure impounding water on a tributary to the Fox River in the City of Brookfield will be held at 5 p.m. at the Brookfield City Hall, 2000 North Calhoun Road, Brookfield. The proposed project will remove the structure, eliminating the impoundment and then creating a new stream channel. Replacement of a culvert, biostabilization and a water quality certification will also be involved with the project. The applicant will describe project, and the public will be given a chance to comment on the project as well as get questions answered. For information contact Rachel Sabre at (414) 263-8601.
October 30 - A Class 1 contested case public hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 227.01(3)(a),. 281.15 and 281.37 and Wis. Admin. Code chs. NR 103 and NR 299 in the matter of the Department of Natural Resources' preliminary determination to grant Water Quality Certification to Mark E. Carstensen Construction and Development Company for Shoppes at Wyndham Village, City of Franklin, Milwaukee County will be held at 10 a.m. in the Video Conference Room (Room 98) at the Milwaukee State Office Building, 819 North 6th Street, Milwaukee. Mark E. Carstensen Construction and Development Company, 9120 West Loomis Road, Suite 400, Franklin, Wisconsin, 53132, filed an application with the Department of Natural Resources for water quality certification pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act. The property address is southeast corner of West Drexel Avenue and Lovers Lane Road. The proposed project consists of discharge of fill materials in two wetlands totaling 0.25 acre of wetland impact—discharge of 0.01 acre of fill material in Wetland B and 0.24 acre of fill material in Wetland A for the commercial development known as Shoppes at Wyndham Village in the City of Franklin. Wetland A and B are located along Lovers Lane Road. Both Wetlands A and B are seasonally flooded basins that have annual disturbance by plowing and agricultural use. DNR staff evaluated this proposal and determined that it meets the standards found in § NR 299.04 and granted certification. On June 12, 2007, the Department of Natural Resources issued Notice of Water Quality Certification. For more information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-3865.
November 1 - A Class 1 contested case public hearing pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 30.12, 30.13 and 30.209 in the matter of the pier application of Kim Lewis, Lake Elizabeth, Village Of Twin Lakes, Kenosha County will be held at 10:30 a.m., in Room 300 at the Kenosha County Courthouse, 912 56th St., Kenosha. The hearing will continue, if necessary, on Friday, Nov. 2, at the same location Kim Lewis, 2631 East Lakeshore Drive, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, 53181, applied to the Department of Natural Resources for a permit to place a pier on the bed of Lake Elizabeth. The applicant proposed to construct a pier which would accommodate up to 20 public boat slips for a public marina on the property. The proposed boat slips would be rented to the public on a seasonal basis. At some point in the future, the owner hopes to develop the property into multi-family residential units. At this time, the owner would reduce the number of boat slips to 14 and would convert the marina to private use. The proposed project is located in NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 32, T1N, R19E, in the Village of Twin Lakes, Kenosha County. For more information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-3865
Meetings
October 23 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – Technical Advisory Group will meet from 9 am to 3 pm at the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC), 431 Charmany Dr., Madison, room to be decided. The agenda includes a continued discussion of data needs for reference case modeling. For more information, or if you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact Nick Sayen, DNR, at (608) 267-2466.
October 23-24 – The state Natural Resources Board will meet in Room G09, of the State Natural Resources building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. For information contact Laurie J. Ross, Natural Resources Board Executive Staff Assistant at (608) 267-7420.
October 24 - The Green Tier Advisors will meet by conference call from 8 to 9:30 a.m. to work on the remaining items from the legislation discussion, including: new point of entry; flexibility; other agencies; limited immunity; and local government. For information contact Mark McDermid at (608) 267-3125.
October 25 – The second of two meetings the Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are hosting on the Ashland/Northern States Power Lakefront Superfund Site will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the AmericInn, 3009 Lakeshore Drive East, Ashland. At an Oct. 17 meeting, participants had the opportunity to learn and ask questions about the recently completed remedial investigation. The study included human health and ecological risks, as well as the nature and extent of contamination in Kreher Park, ground water and Chequamegon Bay. The city of Ashland will also present a summary of the waterfront development plan. The Oct. 25 meeting begins with an overview of cleanup options at the Ashland site and a description of the nine evaluation criteria the agencies must use when selecting a cleanup plan. Participants will then have the opportunity to identify additional factors they would like EPA, DNR and Northern States Power of Wisconsin to consider. For more information or special accommodations, contact John Robinson, DNR, at (715) 365-8976 or john.robinson@wisconsin.gov; or Briana Bill, EPA community involvement coordinator, at (312) 353-6646 or 1-800-621-8431, Ext.3-6646 or bill.briana@epa.gov. The remedial investigation report and a fact sheet will be posted on EPA’s Web site at [http://www.epa.gov/region5/sites/Ashland], and available at the Vaughn Public Library, 502 W. Main St., Ashland.
October 26 - The DNR NR 151 Rule Revision for Non-agricultural Performance Standards Focus Group will meet from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Room 226 of the Wisconsin Department of Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) building at 2811 Agriculture Drive in Madison. The group will be discussing proposed revisions to subchapters I, III and IV of NR 151, Wis. Adm. Code. For more information contact Mary Anne Lowndes at (608) 261-6420.
October 30 – The DNR Glacial Heritage Area External Advisory Team will holding a public open house from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Mills Municipal Building, 200 Water St., Lake Mills. The Glacial Heritage Area (GHA) project proposes to establish a coordinated network – in a “strings and pearls” layout – of conservation lands and recreation trails. The goal of this network is to provide high quality, readily accessible opportunities for people to get outside and hike, bike, fish, camp, bird watch, paddle, hunt, horseback ride, and enjoy themselves in the outdoors. The External Advisory Team (a group of local citizens representing village, city, and county governments, conservation groups, recreation clubs, the business community, and others) and the department have developed a draft conceptual vision for the network, including an assessment of which “strings and pearls” appear to be well suited for different outdoor activities. The open house is aimed at hearing ideas and perspectives on the project from the public – what did we get right and what needs fixing. For information contact John Pohlman, DNR land management specialist at (608) 264-6263.
November 1 - 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. For more information, contact Jill Jonas at (608) 267-7545. The agenda is available on the drinking water pages of the DNR Web site.
November 1 - The Wisconsin Diesel Workgroup will meet 9:30 a.m. to noon in the WHEDA conference room (1st floor) of the Tommy Thompson Building, 201 W. Washington Ave., Madison. The group will continue discussions of voluntary strategies for reducing mobile diesel emissions in Wisconsin. For information contact Jessica Lawent, WDNR, at (414) 263-8653.
November 8 - The DNR Brownfields Study Group will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Summit Place, 6737 W. Washington St., West Allis. The meeting is free and open to the public. If you need more information about the meeting agenda, location or parking, please contact Andrew Savagian at (608) 261-6422.
November 9 - **Date changed** 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.
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/
