2-25-14 DNR Weekly News Update
Wisconsin State Park System provides key economic, natural resource benefits
MADISON -- Wisconsin’s state parks, outdoor recreation areas, forests and trails serve as important drivers of local economic vitality, according to a recent report that estimates that total spending by Wisconsin state park properties visitors is more than $1 billion a year. The report also found that the State Park System conserves important environmental resource areas that are public legacies. - Read Full Article
Save the date and start planning: Free Outdoor Fun Weekend is June 7-8 in Wisconsin
MADISON – Save the dates for Free Fun Weekend, June 7-8, when Wisconsin residents and visitors alike can fish for free, hike or bike state trails for free, ride public ATV trails for free, and, new this year, enjoy free admission to state parks and forests on both days as well. - Read Full Article
National survey: Wisconsin ranks second in bird watching
MADISON – Wisconsin ranks second nationally in the proportion of citizens considered birders, with fully one-third of residents 16 and older reporting they travel to watch birds, or actively watch and identify birds around home, according to a recently released U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service report. - Read Full Article
Test results provide current snapshot of CWD in south-central Wisconsin
MADISON – Through 12 years of ongoing surveillance efforts, Department of Natural Resources officials are able to maintain a current picture of trends and prevalence of chronic wasting disease within the area previously known as the CWD management zone [PDF] in southern Wisconsin. - Read Full Article
New grant program for hunter training and education
MADISON -- Wisconsin groups dedicated to the development of safe and ethical hunters are invited to apply for portions of a new $200,000 reimbursement grant program to support private-public partnerships focused on supporting the state’s hunting heritage. - Read Full Article
Snowmobile registrations show thousands enjoying state’s groomed trails
MADISON -- Wisconsin’s publicly registered snowmobile total is approaching a quarter-million, solidifying the state’s reputation as a destination location for winter outdoor fun. - Read Full Article
Trout anglers urged to take steps to prevent spreading invasive snail
MADISON – With a potentially prolific invasive snail recently documented in Black Earth Creek, one of Wisconsin’s premier trout waters, and a native parasite spreading among brook trout statewide, anglers can help keep Wisconsin fish and streams healthy by taking a few key prevention steps after fishing during the early catch-and-release trout season. - Read Full Article
2014 spring fish and wildlife proposed rules hearing questionnaire available online
MADISON - The questionnaire package for the 2014 Department of Natural Resources spring fish and wildlife public hearing and annual Conservation Congress county meeting and the list of meeting locations is now available for review on the Department of Natural Resources website. - Read Full Article