FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 31, 2022         
Contact: Kevin Olson, DNR Community Financial Assistance Specialist
Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov  or 608-234-2238

DNR Seeking Public Comment For Environmental Review Of City Of Two Rivers Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the City of Two Rivers is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to improve its public drinking water system.

The project includes the replacement of watermains and lead service lines throughout the City of Two Rivers.

Activities related to this project are minor actions under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, for which no environmental analysis is required; however, following the SDWLP federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project.

The SDWLP has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project. Submit comments by Feb. 14, 2022 to:

Department of Natural Resources
C/O Kevin Olson, Community Financial Assistance, CF/2
101 S Webster St.
P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707
Phone: 608-234-2238 or Email: Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the DNR’s consideration of the project's impacts and reasonable alternatives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 31, 2022
Contact: Michele Witecha, DNR Prescribed Fire Specialist
Michele.Witecha@wisconsin.gov or 608-333-3664

DNR To Begin Winter Prescribed Burns Feb. 1

A prescribed burn taking place at Vernon Marsh in Waukesha County in late January 2021. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that starting tomorrow, Feb. 1, fire management crews will conduct prescribed burns on DNR properties throughout the state. The first prescribed burns of the season will be held Feb. 1 at Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area in southeast Wisconsin.

Forecasted weather conditions indicate optimal conditions for the burns, which help reduce the chance for wildfires by removing excess dead plant material. Prescribed burns also support healthy ecosystems for an abundance of plants and animals in Wisconsin.

The DNR’s fire management crews plan to burn cattail marshes, clearing buildup of dead vegetation and opening waterways for waterfowl to feed and nest. By burning in winter, DNR staff take advantage of wet conditions and frozen ground, which reduces the heat and intensity of cattail marsh burns.  

Winter cattail marsh burns also mark the beginning of the fire management season for DNR crews. Additional windows of opportunity for prescribed burning will continue through spring, and open again in late summer and fall (mid-July through November).

Many plant communities in Wisconsin developed over time to benefit from periodic fire. Many of these communities, such as prairie, wetland, oak/pine barrens and oak savanna, would not exist without occasional fires to restore the balance between open grass and brush. The DNR’s prescribed burns are conducted for the health of these ecosystems and mimic the natural benefits that fire historically provided. These benefits include a decrease in dead grass (thatch) buildup, improved spaces for wildlife to feed, nest and raise young and an increase in native grass and wildflower growth.

Before every prescribed burn season, DNR staff spend months comprehensively planning for the safety and ecological benefit of each burn. DNR staff make the decision to conduct prescribed burns only when weather and vegetation conditions meet strict standards for safety, smoke management and burn effectiveness. Even after such careful planning, weather forecast evaluations, vegetation moisture measurements and staff trainings, each burn is reassessed on the morning of the burn and at the burn site. The DNR also notifies local law enforcement and fire officials in advance about when and where DNR prescribed burns will take place.

For this year, all burns conducted on DNR land will continue to follow additional Covid-19 operational protocols to further minimize health and safety risks to burn crews and the general public. When conducting prescribed burns near roads or recreational trails, the DNR will post signs on the morning of the burn to notify the public. For public safety, please avoid these areas while the burn is being conducted.

To view the current daily status of where prescribed burns are occurring across the state, visit the DNR WisBURN page, click “View Current Fires,” and show “Today’s Prescribed Burns.” For a more detailed look at historic, current and planned DNR prescribed burns, visit the DNR Prescribed Fire Dashboard.

For more information regarding the benefits of prescribed burning in Wisconsin, visit this DNR webpage. We encourage emailed comments, which can be sent to Michele Witecha, DNR Prescribed Fire Specialist (michele.witecha@wisconsin.gov), or call 608-333-3664.

Enjoy The Outdoors Safely This Winter

Remember These Tips For Ice
And Snowmobile Safety

Winter is in full swing. Anglers are enjoying ice fishing throughout the state and hikers, skiers and snowmobilers are traveling across frozen surfaces.

Remember – no ice is safe ice. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions and we suggest contacting local snowmobile clubs, bait shops, fishing clubs or resorts to ask about ice conditions in your area.

Follow these safety tips when heading out on ice:

• Dress in warm, water-resistant layers and pack an extra hat and gloves.
• Stay safely on shore if ice conditions are questionable and if open water is within casting distance.
• Use sturdy waterproof boots with spike-style creepers for traction.
• Carry some basic safety gear: ice claws or picks, a cellphone in a waterproof bag or case and rope.
• Wear a life jacket or a float coat to help stay afloat and slow body heat loss.
• Make sure someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return.
• Don't travel in areas you are not familiar with and don't travel at night or during reduced visibility.
• Avoid inlets, outlets or narrows with currents that can thin the ice.
• Look for clear ice, which is generally stronger than ice with snow on it or bubbles in it.
• Watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water.

Snowmobilers, be sure to review Wisconsin’s snowmobile safety rules before heading out this winter. And, click here for more snowmobile safety tips. 

_{Photo Credit: Steve Bensing}

Magazine's Winter Issue Highlights Ice Beauty Take a look at the unique and beautiful frozen phenomena you might see throughout the state this season in the "Ice, Ice Beauty" feature in the Winter issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. Learn the difference between hoarfrost and rime ice and read how frozen formations such as ice caves, shoves and volcanoes are formed. Access the complete Winter issue or subscribe to the print edition here.    Photo Credit: Michael DeWitt

Ice Shanty Removal Dates While ice shanties are an important shelter from the elements, it's never too early to make a plan for removal ahead of the close of the season.  All permanent shanties, or those not removed daily, must be removed from state waters by March 15. Other shanty removal dates are: Feb. 20 — Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters March 1 — Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters First Sunday following March 1 — inland waters south of Highway 64 First Sunday following March 12 — Lake Michigan, Green Bay, Lake Superior and inland waters north of Highway 64 March 15 — Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters Check the Wisconsin fishing regulations for complete rules regarding shanty use and ice fishing regulations in the state.   Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Keep Wildlife Wild Poster Contest The DNR’s Keep Wildlife Wild initiative reminds people to observe wildlife at a respectful distance and be especially mindful of young animals, which may be incorrectly viewed as orphaned when seen without a parent. In most cases, the mother is somewhere nearby waiting to tend to her young. Wisconsin students in grades 4-6 can help spread the message “If you care, leave them there!” by entering the DNR’s fourth annual Keep Wildlife Wild poster contest. Poster entries are due by Feb. 18 and must meet the following criteria: The poster entry must contain the words: "Keep Wildlife Wild 2022" and follow the theme of: "If you care, leave them there!" All posters must consist of original artwork of Wisconsin native wildlife. Posters must fit an 8 ½" x 11" sheet of paper. Posters must be submitted individually; no team creations. Winners will be announced during Keep Wildlife Wild Week in early April. Contest details and entry form are available on the DNR’s Keep Wildlife Wild webpage. Read more about the Keep Wildlife Wild program to keep young animals healthy and safe in the Spring issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, coming in mid-March. Photo Credit: Jeremy Turnmeyer

#OutWiGo By Candlelight! Candlelight ski, hike and snowshoe events continue throughout February at state parks, trails, forests and recreation areas. Search the DNR events calendar for all candlelight events and to check for any updates before you go.  Photo Credit: Jim Kuchler

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 2, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications 
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

DNR Extends Public Comment Period For Draft Environmental Impact Statement On Proposed Enbridge Pipeline Relocation

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the department is extending the public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that it has prepared for the proposed relocation of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline. The comment period is being extended by 14 days and will now close on March 18, 2022. 

The DNR prepared the Draft Environmental Impact Statement to inform decision-makers and the public about the environmental and socioeconomic effects of the proposed relocation and alternatives.

Enbridge has proposed constructing approximately 41 miles of a new 30-inch-diameter crude oil pipeline to relocate its existing Line 5 pipeline outside of tribal lands of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The company also proposes abandoning approximately 20 miles of its existing 30-inch-diameter Line 5 pipeline, including the section that currently crosses the Bad River Reservation.

The department has determined that this extension is reasonable given the complexity of the project, the volume of technical information, the length of the draft Environmental Impact Statement  and the public interest in the project.

In total, the public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be 92 days. The department hopes that this extended comment period will provide the public with ample time to review and provide comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. 

The public is encouraged to submit written comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement by email or regular mail. Submit electronic and hardcopy written comments at any time through Friday, March 18, 2022 to:

Department of Natural Resources
Line 5 EIS Comments (EA/7)
101 South Webster Street, Madison, WI 53707
Email: DNROEEACOMMENTS@WI.GOV

The DNR will consider all public comments received during the comment period, as well as any other pertinent information that becomes known to the department, and will prepare a Final Environmental Impact Statement. The public will be notified when the Final Environmental Impact Statement is completed. No permit decisions will be made until after the Environmental Impact Statement process is complete.

More information on the proposed project and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement is available on the DNR’s Enbridge Pipeline Projects webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 4, 2022
Contact: Cara Kamke, DNR Training Director 
cara.kamke@wisconsin.gov or 608-866-0236

DNR Recruiting 2023 Class Of
State Conservation Wardens

Join The Team Protecting Wisconsin’s Natural Resources
And The People Who Depend On Them

About a dozen DNR conservation wardens will be hired for the upcoming 2023 class. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring for its 2023 class of conservation wardens, a fulfilling and exciting public service career dedicated to protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources and the people who use them. The application period is Feb. 14 - March 6, 2022.

DNR conservation wardens are credentialed law enforcement officers who serve rural and urban communities statewide. Wardens enforce laws that protect fish and wildlife, the environment, state parks and forests, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

“We have a great in-house training program to help newly hired staff find success in this unique career and hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds,” said Cara Kamke, DNR Training Director. "Our team is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, building trusting relationships, and thoughtfully engaging and serving our diverse public.”

The department will hire approximately a dozen full-time wardens for the upcoming class who will begin training in October 2022. Applicants must:

• Be at least age 21 upon hire; and
• Already have earned or be planning to earn at least 60 college credits within their first five years of being hired.

Conservation wardens also serve as ambassadors and educators, teaching the public about natural resources, outdoor safety and environmental conservation.

“I love the variety of work that I get to do and people I get to interact with throughout the year, and the work I do matters,” said DNR Conservation Warden Mary Bisch. “The change of seasons brings new and diverse work opportunities that keep me engaged and excited to head out the door in the morning.”

The Warden Service offers opportunities to build relationships, protect the state’s natural resources, and serve communities in unique and essential ways.

“Being a conservation warden has given me the opportunity to give back and protect the resources that I fell in love with as a child,” said DNR Conservation Warden Austin Schumacher. “If you have a passion for helping people and an interest in protecting our vital resources, you should definitely consider applying.”

Learn More

The DNR has resources available for those considering becoming a conservation warden.

• Join us for a live webinar about the hiring process on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. on the DNR’s YouTube channel here. The webinar will be recorded and can be viewed on YouTube any time using the same link.
• Watch a previously recorded webinar covering the day-to-day work of a conservation warden on the DNR’s YouTube channel here. 
• Learn more about this remarkable career here.