12-10-13 DNR Weekly News Update
December 10, 2013
Snowmobile season on deck: Please keep the sled parked until trails are ready!
MADISON -- With winter storms powering through all parts of Wisconsin in recent days ushering in snow and cold, state recreational specialists are asking snowmobilers to prep their sleds for the season but to please hold off on hitting the trails until local authorities give you the green flag. - Read Full Article
Wisconsin chinook stocking strategy set for 2014 and beyond
MADISON – The state’s strategy for stocking chinook salmon in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan waters in 2014 and beyond is set and seeks to maintain existing great fishing opportunities in spring and summer all along the coast while tweaking the state’s original proposal based on public input to improve fall fishing. - Read Full Article
Competitive grant program for hatcheries begins; aims to increase walleye production
MADISON – Another important piece of Wisconsin’s plan to boost walleye stocking is rolling out: applications are now available for tribes, municipalities and private fish farmers to compete for $2 million for infrastructure projects to allow them to produce more larger walleye for stocking in Wisconsin. - Read Full Article
DNR Secretary Stepp notes passing of Herb Behnke, longest serving Natural Resources Board member
MADISON-Herb Behnke of Shawano, former chairman of the Natural Resources Board and longest serving member and a “shining light among Wisconsin conservationists” has passed away at the age of 88. - Read Full Article
More public access to private shooting ranges on way
MADISON -- More high-quality shooting opportunities for the public are on the way thanks to a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources cost-share grant program for public and private shooting ranges. - Read Full Article
Recently returning state veterans can receive free Wisconsin hunting, fishing licenses
MADISON -- Wisconsin resident veterans who have recently returned from active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom are eligible to receive a one-time free small game, archery, gun deer or annual fishing license, under recently enacted legislation. - Read Full Article
Urban Forestry Council wants your award nominations by year’s end
MADISON -- The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council is looking to recognize outstanding individuals, organizations, communities and tribes whose efforts have supported and furthered urban forestry in the state. Award winners - Read Full Article
New DNR staff to focus on environmental compliance for industrial sand mining
MADISON – As part of Gov. Scott Walker’s biennial budget, the State Legislature approved the hiring of two new engineers to focus on environmental compliance for industrial sand mines in Wisconsin. - Read Full Article
Snowy owls alight in state again in large numbers;
ASHLAND, Wis. -- Wisconsin birders are again being treated to a significant showing of snowy owls from Canada’s arctic tundra while resident American goldfinches are dominating backyard feeders in most areas, state bird experts say. - Read Full Article
[EDITOR’S NOTE: A live chat on winter bird watching, bird feeds, snowy owl sightings and other bird topics is set for noon on Dec. 17; participate on that day by visiting dnr.wi.gov and look for the box on the right to enter the chat, or search the phrase "ask the experts." People also can join the conversation via DNR’s Facebook page and by clicking the Cover it Live Chat” box at the top.]