DNR Weekly News Update for February 27, 2018
Weekly NewsPublished - February 27, 2018 by the Central Office
- Record 12,970 permits awarded for 2018 black bear hunt
- Public comments sought on waterway and wetland general permit for water quality activities
- Help native wildlife this tax season with endangered resources tax checkoff
- Aerial imagery of urban forests gives bird's-eye view of a community's tree canopy
- City tree champions lauded for outstanding community service
- Incidental take notice for Racine County and Kenosha County
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Record 12,970 permits awarded for 2018 black bear hunt
MADISON - Notifications have been sent to 12,970 hunters who successfully drew a black bear permit for the 2018 hunting season.
All hunters who applied for a harvest permit can check their status online at GoWild.wi.gov [EXIT DNR]. Successful applicants should have received a postcard in the mail.
A record 12,970 permits were issued for the 2018 bear hunting season.Photo credit: Catherine Khalar
"Bear hunting has become an extremely popular outdoor activity in Wisconsin," noted Scott Walter, DNR large carnivore specialist. "For the 2018 season, we had over 124,000 individuals apply for either a harvest permit or preference point."
This year's harvest quota of 4,550 was approved by the Natural Resources Board at its January 2018 meeting. The quota was set with the intention of reducing the population in northwest Wisconsin and stabilizing the population in the rest of the state. While the 2018 quota is slightly lower than the 5,000 permits awarded in 2017, permit levels were corrected for recent trends in hunter success and thus increased compared to the number available in 2017.
The season structure for this year's bear hunt is as follows:
Zone C (dogs not permitted):
- Sept. 5 to Oct. 9 - with aid of bait and all other legal methods not using dogs.
All other zones (use of dogs permitted):
- Sept. 5-11 - with aid of bait and other legal methods not using dogs;
- Sept. 12 to Oct. 2 - with aid of bait, dogs, and all other legal methods; and
- Oct. 3-9 - with aid of dogs only (bait may be used to locate bear to hunt with the aid of dogs).
For more information, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for keyword "bear."
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Public comments sought on waterway and wetland general permit for water quality activities
MADISON -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on a proposed waterway and wetland general permit for certain agricultural water quality conservation activities.
"The proposed general permit would allow county, state, and federal agencies to implement water quality conservation practices in agricultural settings through a streamlined permitting process," said Amanda Minks, DNR waterway and wetland policy coordinator.
Several activities can be covered under the proposed general permit so long as they meet the applicable permitting standards and include grassed waterways, filter strips, lined waterways, grade stabilization structures, stream crossings, water and sediment control basins, dams, sediment basins, and constructed wetlands.
"This permit supports conservation work done by partner agencies, including county land conservation department, NRCS and others," Minks said.
DNR does not anticipate this general permit to result in a significant negative effect on the environment. To view a copy of the draft permit or to view other information about the Department of Natural Resources individual and general permitting process, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for "wetland disturbance."
An informational hearing is also scheduled for Wednesday, March 21, 2-3:30 p.m. in room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building, 101 S. Webster St., Madison. Comments can be submitted to DNRWYWRZGuidance@wisconsin.gov until close of business March 30.
For more information, call Amanda Minks at 608-264-9223 or submit written comments via U.S. mail to Amanda Minks, DNR-WT/3, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921.
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Help native wildlife this tax season with endangered resources tax checkoff
MADISON - Wisconsinites can double the difference they make for rare and native species and natural areas through a donation to the Endangered Resources Fund on their 2017 Wisconsin income tax form.
Donations made through what's known as the "tax check off" are tax-deductible and are matched dollar for dollar by the state.
"Your contribution of any size makes a difference and helps us conserve some of the best of what makes Wisconsin special," says Drew Feldkirchner, who directs the DNR Natural Heritage Conservation program. "Donors allow us to do more work to protect and restore the roughly 400 wildlife species and over 300 plant species that are threatened, endangered or declining."
Endangered resources donation
Tax checkoff contributions to the Endangered Resources Fund, along with other donations, fund 25 percent of Natural Heritage Conservation biologists' work to conserve Wisconsin's natural heritage for future generations. Competitive grants are other big funding sources for their work aimed at benefitting such "non-game" species for which there are no hunting or fishing seasons. Much of NHC biologists' habitat work also benefits some of Wisconsin's most popular game species.
"Simply put, we could not do the work we do without our partners, volunteers and donors," Feldkirchner says. "We are grateful for your gift and your investment in the future of the nature you love."
Feldkirchner invites Wisconsin residents and visitors to sign up for email updates or text alerts or review Natural Heritage Conservation year-end reports to see how donors' investments translate into progress for Wisconsin's rare and native species and the nation's oldest system of nature preserves.
Donations to the Endangered Resources Fund over the last generation have helped restore bald eagles, osprey and trumpeter swans to the sky, for instance. Last year, such donations helped protect threatened wood turtle nests from predators; restored 900 acres of habitat for endangered Karner blue butterflies and located and protected dwarf lake iris and other rare plants. The fund also helped NHC biologists monitor bats for white-nose syndrome, track rare species like the federally endangered snuffbox mussel and the rusty-patched bumblebee, and conduct critical management activities like prescribed burns and invasive species control on many of Wisconsin's best remaining natural areas.
Look for the "donations" section and fill in an amount of any size: Form 1 - line 35; Form 1A - line 26; Form WI-Z - line 13; Form 1NPR - line 61.
Donations can also be made directly at any time online at dnr.wi.gov, by searching "donate online."
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Aerial imagery of urban forests gives bird's-eye view of a community's tree canopy
MADISON -- Land cover data from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Urban Forestry program can help communities determine the current state of their urban forest, identify priority areas for tree planting and calculate the ecosystem values of their urban trees.
Whether people see urban trees as art, infrastructure or the lungs of your community, they are important assets in Wisconsin, according to Dan Buckler, DNR urban forestry assessment specialist. Tree canopy cover data shows how much each community is covered by tree canopy versus how much is classified as non-woody vegetation, impervious surface (like concrete or rooftops), wetland or water.
Map showing City of New Berlin tree canopyPhoto credit: DNR
"Different tools are available to identify the canopy cover of every municipality and urban area around the state," Buckler said. "Urban areas are seeing the added value a healthy, diverse tree canopy provides to their residents."
A land cover table and interactive map for all municipalities, urban areas and counties can be accessed through the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, by searching for keywords "Urban Forest Inventory" Raw GIS data is also available for download at dnr.wi.gov, keyword forest management.
The land classification was performed by the UW-Madison Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology, Townsend Lab, under contract with the Department of Natural Resources. It was derived from aerial imagery captured under the National Agriculture Imagery Program in 2013. New assessments will be conducted in the future, enabling change detection in tree canopy over time.
The aim of the Urban Tree Canopy analysis is to help decision makers understand their current and future urban forest resources. The urban tree canopy is one of a variety of datasets to help assess and raise awareness across the state about the diversity, age, size, health, utility and extent of urban forests. For more information about the Wisconsin Urban Forest Assessment Program, search the DNR website for keywords "Urban Forest Inventory."
Summary datasheets featuring a map, land cover statistics and canopy information are available for each Wisconsin municipality upon request. Questions about canopy data, or requests for community datasheets, can be sent to DNRUrbanForestryAssessment@wisconsin.gov.
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City tree champions lauded for outstanding community service
MADISON -- The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council recently announced award recipients honoring those dedicated to protecting, preserving and increasing the number of trees that line city streets, fill community parks and beautify neighborhoods throughout the state.
"The awards recognize and thank individuals and organizations for their work and commitment to the trees, plantings, habitat and economic benefits they provide," said Kristin Gies, co-chair of the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council's award committee. "Each year we review the nominations and learn about the great things happening around Wisconsin that support healthy community forests."
The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council advises the Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry on the management of urban and community forest resources.
Last year's winner of the council's Innovations in Urban Forestry Award, Adam Alves, shared that "it was an honor to be recognized by the Urban Forestry Council for our efforts to engage the public about the urban forest, and create opportunities for people of all abilities to experience nature in new and unique ways. The awards program is a great way to invigorate people and promote new ideas for our state's communities."
This year's recipients were announced recently at the 2018 Wisconsin Arborist Association/DNR urban forestry conference in Green Bay.
- Project Partnership: The Green Bay Area Arbor Day Seedling Distribution Project was celebrated for 50 years of a successful partnership between Green Bay Public Schools, the City of Green Bay and the Village of Allouez to distribute seedlings to the elementary schoolchildren of Green Bay. More than 100,000 trees representing 27 species have been planted by area schoolchildren. Many of these trees thrive today and are often mentioned as a source of pride. The benefits these Arbor Day trees provide help enrich the lives of all people in the community and keep the green in Green Bay.
- Innovations in Urban Forestry: This category includes two winners. The Hudson Tree Treks Project started to enhance a Hudson elementary school project involving a student-run arboretum. This initial installation sparked interest for additional treks and brought in new partners. It has grown to include three separate Tree Trek trails involving multiple teachers and schoolchildren, citizens, city government, chamber of commerce, state Tourism Department, local Tree Board and city business owners. This increased attention to the city's trees has brought new awareness and support for diversifying the tree canopy on public and private property and additional venues for sharing information about tree care and homeowner options.
The second Innovations in Urban Forestry Award went to Kenosha County Parks and Recreation Department's Emerald Ash Borer Mechanized Tree Removal and Utilization Project. The removal costs to deal with the tens of thousands of local trees affected by emerald ash borer add up quickly - often to the tune of several million dollars. Through careful planning, municipal and industry professionals can find more affordable solutions - ones beneficial to the forests, the bottom line and the local economy. To keep costs down, Kenosha County successfully contracted with a company to remove trees in public parks and golf courses for a low cost per tree. Forest products from this project were recovered and marketed to several Wisconsin forest products firms. This innovative approach can serve as a model for other communities with similar situations. - Lifetime Achievement: Cindy Casey received this award to honor her leadership and dedication promoting and improving urban forestry that has had a lasting impact in Wisconsin. She was recognized for outstanding contributions to urban forestry demonstrated throughout a lifetime career. Cindy served the DNR Urban Forestry team for close to 30 years and was instrumental in bringing the Community Tree Management Institute to Wisconsin. During her time with DNR, she impacted dozens of communities through tireless advocacy, building personal relationships and responding to the unique needs of each situation.
To learn more, see previous winners and nominate your community tree champion, visit dnr.wi.gov, keyword, "Urban Forestry Council." The deadline for 2019 nominees is October 31, 2018. However, you can nominate your community tree champions any time.
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Incidental take notice for Racine County and Kenosha County
MADISON - A project to reconstruct the I-94 and State Highway 11 Interchange may result in the "incidental taking" of two rare plants under an authorization the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources proposes to issue for the project. Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the overall population of the species at risk.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is planning on reconstructing mainline I-94 in Kenosha and Racine Counties from the north end of the State Highway 142 interchange (Kenosha County) to the south end of the State Highway 20 interchange (Racine County), a distance of approximately 6.5 miles. The project includes reconstructing the State Highway 11 interchange mainline and ramps (Project I.D. 1030-24-72) and the State Highway 20 Crossroad (Project I.D. 1030-24-71). The area to be disturbed under Project I.D. 1030-24-72 is 29 acres and under Project I.D. 1030-24-71 is 9 acres for a total area to be disturbed of 38 acres.
The presence of the state threatened prairie milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii) and state endangered purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) have been confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff determined that the proposed project may result in the incidental taking of some plants.
Department staff concluded that the proposed project will minimize the impacts to the species by adhering to conservation measures; is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of the species or the whole plant-animal community of which they are a part; and has benefit to the public health, safety or welfare that justifies the action.
The conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the endangered and threatened species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Authorization. Copies of the jeopardy assessment and background information on the prairie milkweed and purple milkweed are available by searching the DNR website for incidental take public notice or upon request from Stacy Rowe (608-266-7012 or stacy.rowe@wi.gov. The department is requesting comments from the public through March 29, 2018 regarding project-related impacts to the prairie milkweed and purple milkweed. Public comments should be sent to Stacy Rowe, Wisconsin DNR, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921 or stacy.rowe@wi.gov.