DNR Seeking Public Input On Fall Migratory Game Bird Hunting Season Structure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 28, 2022
Contact: Taylor Finger, DNR Migratory Game Bird Ecologist
Taylor.Finger@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-8841

Allicyn Nelson, DNR Assistant Migratory Game Bird Ecologist
Allicyn.Nelson@wisconsin.gov or 608-261-6458

DNR Seeking Public Input On Fall Migratory
Game Bird Hunting Season Structure

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host three public hearings to present information on the proposed 2022 migratory game bird season and gather public input on the structure of the season. The public hearings will be held via Zoom starting at 7 p.m. on March 8-10.

“The 2022 waterfowl seasons will be based on predictions from federal models using the 2019 continental waterfowl population estimates,” said Taylor Finger, DNR Migratory Game Bird Ecologist. “Although there was below-average precipitation last fall and this winter in Wisconsin, we expect populations to remain near normal in 2022. If we have favorable conditions this spring and fall, hunters can expect good waterfowl hunting opportunities.”

At each public hearing, the department will accept public comments on the proposed migratory game bird season structure. The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the migratory bird season structure by Friday, March 11, 2022. Please submit comments to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Taylor Finger or Allicyn Nelson - Bureau of Wildlife Management
P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707
Email: taylor.finger@wisconsin.gov or allicyn.nelson@wisconsin.gov

After public comments have been collected, the Natural Resources Board will set the final season structure at its April 12-13 meeting in Madison.

View and provide input on the 2022 waterfowl season options online by visiting this DNR webpage.

___________________________________________________________________

MEETING DETAILS:

WHAT: Public hearings on the proposed 2022 migratory game bird season

WHEN: 

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 8
  (Join by phone: 312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 854 6054 3864)

• 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 9
  (Join by phone: 312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 858 5613 4638)
• 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10
  (Join by phone: 312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 865 1174 4876)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TBD
Contact: Tony Blattler, Wisconsin Conservation Congress Chair
608-235-5825
Kari Lee-Zimmermann, DNR Liasion Specialist
Kari.LeeZimmermann@wisconsin.gov or 608-219-9134

WCC Virtual Spring Hearing Begins April 11 At 7 P.M.

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) today announced the Spring Hearing will once again be held online. 

The public will have the opportunity to provide input on proposed natural resources rule changes from the DNR and advisory questions from the Natural Resources Board (NRB) and WCC through the online input opportunity. 

The 2022 Spring Hearing online input webpage will go live at 7 p.m. on April 11 and will remain open for three days (72 hours). Results will be posted as soon as they are available.

This year there are 16 advisory questions from the DNR related to Fisheries and Wildlife Management. There are also two advisory questions from the NRB and 45 advisory questions from the WCC. All questions are available to preview here.

Wisconsinites can also recommend changes to natural resource issues by submitting citizen resolutions online. Review the Frequently Asked Questions, click the submit a resolution button, and follow the directions to enter your resolution. Citizens must submit resolutions by midnight on March 11. Those who complete the online input form (April 11-14) will see the resolutions submitted by individuals indicating they reside in that county.

"With the pandemic, this has been a challenging couple years for everyone around the state and the country, and we’ve witnessed just how important it is for everyone to have access to our natural resources,” said Tony Blattler, chair of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. “We are excited to provide an opportunity for citizens to weigh in on these different management issues. I hope that everyone who has an interest in the issues being discussed will utilize the online option to provide their input." 

"As far as the delegate elections go, we will not be holding elections, but there is an application available for individuals interested in filling a vacant seat," Blattler said. "The applications will be due March 11, which is also the deadline for citizens to submit resolutions."

Information about the Spring Hearing questions is available on the DNR webpage here. The link will go live at 7 p.m. on April 11. 

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is the only statutory body in the state where the public elects delegates to advise the Natural Resources Board and the Department of Natural Resources on responsibly managing Wisconsin's natural resources for present and future generations. The Congress accomplishes this through open, impartial, broad-ranged actions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 1, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

DNR To End Online Hunter Education Option
For Students Under Age 18

Students Age 18+ Still Eligible For Online Course

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the temporary all-online hunter education course option will end at midnight on Sunday, March 20, 2022, for those under 18-years-old.

Hunter education students aged 18 and older will continue to have the online course as a hunter education option.  

The DNR temporarily offered the all-online hunter education option to all to help protect the public and staff from the spread of COVID-19. Following the updated guidance from state and federal health agencies, the DNR is returning to the in-person course for the under 18 group. 

Class Option Timeline: Finish by March 20

Students under the age of 18 enrolled in the all-online course will have through March 20 to complete the course. Those over age 18 may continue to utilize the online course.

Students of all ages will have the following two course options available: 

• Internet Field Day:
  • This training allows you to complete some of your training online and then attend one day of training with a certified instructor. This class is a good fit for a person that has handled firearms or is going to be hunting with someone that has more experience to help them build upon their hunting skills. During this class, there are 4-6 hours of firearm handling opportunities. All age groups are welcome.
• Traditional Class:
  • This training offers a more hands-on approach to working with a certified instructor over a few days. Most students and families enjoy this option because they can do it in their community. This option provides students with opportunities to handle hunting equipment, learn about safe hunting practices, shooting and many other topics.  In-person feedback from instructors also enhances student-learning. All age groups are welcome.
• Hunter Education All Online Program (Ages 18+):
  • This training allows any person age 18 years and older to complete all hunter education online. The student spends multiple hours online studying, completing modules and passing a final exam to become certified. This option is a great fit for adults who have a connection/mentorship within the shooting sports to help establish and strengthen their skills and lessons learned virtually. 

Safety Protocols For In-Person Classes  

The DNR remains firmly committed to the health and safety of recreational safety course instructors and students. The department receives the most up-to-date information and will continue to adjust course operations if conditions change.

The DNR encourages the following safety protocols for all in-person classes:

• Social distancing of 6 feet between participants
• Class sizes may be capped to accommodate social distancing. 
• Face coverings are encouraged to use indoors and/or follow local guidelines that may be in place.    
• Availability and use of hand sanitizer to include sanitizing class equipment.
• Outdoor class instruction where possible.

Enroll in a hunter safety course now as classes will start to fill up with spring hunting seasons right around the corner.  

More than 20,000 people take hunter education courses in Wisconsin each year. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973 is required to have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license, unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law. 

Before enrolling in any course, interested students must first obtain a Wisconsin Customer ID number through Go Wild, the DNR's online license portal.

All course options, links to enroll and cost information are outlined on the DNR’s safety education webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2022
Contact: Erin Dembski-Rodriguez, DNR Point Beach State Forest Ranger Erin.Dembski@wisconsin.gov or 920-794-7480

DNR Proposes Point Beach State Forest Master Plan Variance To Designate 3.3 Miles Of Equestrian Trail

Public Comment Period Open Through March 24, 2022

TWO RIVERS, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing a variance to the Point Beach State Forest Master Plan to designate a pilot equestrian trail at the property.

The proposal would designate an existing closed service road and hiking trail as a permanent equestrian trail and expand the miles open to equestrian use.

As described in Chapter NR 44 of the Wisconsin Administrative code, a master plan variance is a change in the use or management of an area consistent with the area’s land management classification and objectives.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the proposed variance to the Point Beach State Forest Master Plan through March 24, 2022.

The Natural Resources Board approved the Point Beach State Forest Master Plan in 2012 that included a pilot equestrian use trail on the property. After several years of successful use of the pilot trail, the proposed master plan variance would designate the equestrian trail and slightly expand the equestrian trail on the property to 3.3 miles.  

Point Beach State Forest is located in Manitowoc County and features 3,000 acres of land, including 6 miles of sandy beach along the shores of Lake Michigan. The DNR is planning equestrian trails through the master plan variance process.

The public can review the draft variance and associated maps by visiting the DNR webpage here.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the proposed variance to the Point Beach State Forest Master Plan. Submit comments by March 24, 2022 to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Erin Dembski-Rodriguez
9400 County Highway O
Two Rivers, WI 54241
Email: Erin.Dembski@wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

DHS Communications
dhsmedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov

New PFAS Fish Consumption Advisory Issued For Black Earth Creek

DANE COUNTY, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced a new PFAS-based consumption advisory for Black Earth Creek to the confluence with Blue Mound Creek in Dane County following results of fish sampling conducted in 2020.

Elevated levels of PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), a type of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), were found in brown trout sampled from Black Earth Creek near Cross Plains. As a result, the DNR and DHS recommend consuming one meal per week for brown trout harvested from Black Earth Creek.

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used for decades in various products, such as non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and certain types of firefighting foams that have made their way into the environment.

Health risks may increase when fish with high levels of PFAS are consumed. These can include increased cholesterol levels, decreased immune response and decreased fertility in women, among other health effects. More information is available on the DHS website.

Following fish consumption advisories will help protect you from consuming excess PFOS, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury. A complete list of up-to-date consumption advisories can be found in the DNR’s Choose Wisely booklet.

Additional fish consumption advice and information on the effects of PFAS can be found on the DNR’s website.

A new PFAS-based consumption advisory has been issued for Black Earth Creek to the confluence with Blue Mound Creek in Dane County following results of fish sampling conducted in 2020. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

2022 Ice Shanty Removal Dates Approaching

Removal Deadlines Apply To All Boundary Waters

The deadlines to remove permanent ice shanties are coming up. / Photo Credit: David Smith

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the remaining 2022 ice shanty removal deadlines are approaching.

Permanent ice shanties, or those not removed daily, must be removed from all state waters by March 15. Here are the upcoming remaining deadlines:

• Inland waters south of Highway 64 by the first Sunday following March 1
• Lake Michigan, Green Bay, Lake Superior and inland waters north of Highway 64 by the first Sunday following March 12
• Wisconsin – Michigan boundary waters by March 15

Owners having difficulties removing their shanty should seek help from their local fishing club, vendors and other anglers.

Anglers can continue to use portable ice shanties after these dates, so long as they are removed from the ice when they are not actively in use and at the end of each day.

As these deadlines approach, it’s important to remember that no ice is ever 100% safe. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, so anglers should check with local fishing clubs and bait shops for current ice conditions.

The public should report any shanty owners not taking responsibility for removing their shanty to the DNR Violation Hotline online or by calling or texting 1-800-TIP-WNDR or 1-800-847-9367.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2022
Contact: Brian Hefty, DNR Deputy Bureau Director, PRM
brian.hefty@wisconsin.gov, 608-264-6035

DNR Now Hiring Seasonal Staff For State Parks

Open Positions Available Across The State

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now hiring seasonal staff for Wisconsin’s state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas. Wages are competitive and the experiences are priceless.

These limited-term seasonal positions are responsible for a combination of outdoor maintenance, groundskeeping work and providing customer service for property visitors. Seasonal work often starts in the spring to early summer through late summer to fall, with some flexibility depending upon the candidate's availability and the property's needs.

Permanent positions are highly competitive (such as park ranger, parks and recreation specialists and the currently open naturalist position). The experiences gained from these seasonal positions are not only invaluable to starting a long-term career in natural resources, but they also create life-long memories.

Positions are available across the state from Milwaukee to the forests of northern Wisconsin or the islands and shores of the Great Lakes. The following positions are open at various locations:

• Parks and recreation specialists
• Visitor services associates
• Natural resources educators
• Assistant naturalist guides
• Facilities repair workers
• Laborers

To apply, visit Wisc.Jobs and search "Parks."

Wisconsin is home to 49 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly 15,000 lakes and so much more. Learn more about Wisconsin’s state parks on the DNR website here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 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 Beaver Dam Safe Drinking
Water Loan Program And Clean Water
Fund Program Projects

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the City of Beaver Dam is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program and Clean Water Fund Program to address deficiencies in its public drinking and wastewater systems. These projects include the replacement of water mains and sanitary sewers throughout the City of Beaver Dam.

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 Safe Drinking Water Loan Program federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project.

The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program 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 March 18, 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
kevin.olson@wisconsin.gov or 608-234-2238

Based on the comments received, the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program 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.