WNR magazine NEWS & REVIEWS January 2019
#OutWiGo by candlelight
Fans of winter no doubt are hoping the weather cooperates for more than 35 candlelight events scheduled for state parks, forests and trails in the new year. The events are a great way to keep active and head #OutWiGo. "Winter candlelight events are some of the most popular activities at Wisconsin State Park System properties," said Ben Bergey, system director. Events can include skiing, snowshoeing and hiking, depending on the venue. Most begin around sunset and run until 8:30 or 9 p.m. Some offer warming shelters and concessions for sale — often as a fundraiser for Friends groups. Find a full list of events hereor check dnr.wi.gov, keyword “candlelight.” Events may be limited in capacity because of parking availability or other reasons, and changing conditions can mean cancellations. Follow the DNR on Twitter for event alerts.
State Natural Areas welcome volunteers
Winter is a great time to get outside and stay active by taking care of some of Wisconsin’s best sites: State Natural Areas. There are lots of opportunities to help. State Natural Areas volunteers encourage native plant and animal communities to thrive by cutting, treating and burning invasive brush during SNA workdays. If there’s snow on the ground, these events usually involve a fire! It’s active work so it’s easy to stay warm. Many workdays are planned for the winter months — find them and sign up for email updates in your area by going to dnr.wi.gov, keywords “SNA volunteers.” There are also opportunities for experienced individuals or groups to take on their own projects at a State Natural Area near them. To discuss in detail, contact Jared Urban at jared.urban@wisconsin.gov or 608-228-4349.
Send your nominations
for hunter ethics award
Nominations are being accepted for the annual DNR Hunter Ethics Award, recognizing hunters whose actions are symbolic of the state’s hunting heritage. The award isn’t about trophy bucks or number of pheasants bagged, but about enjoying Wisconsin’s hunting traditions responsibly, respectfully and safely by and for all. Nominees must be a licensed Wisconsin hunter (resident or non-resident) whose ethical actions took place during any season of 2018. Anyone, hunter or non-hunter, can submit a nomination, which must contain the name, address and telephone number of witness or witnesses to the behavior or know what led to the nomination. Send by Jan. 15 to: Wisconsin DNR, Attn: Chief Warden Todd Schaller LE/5, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921; or email Todd.Schaller@wisconsin.gov.
It's coming!
Free Fishing Weekend
The DNR’s statewide Free Fishing Weekend is set for Jan. 19-20. Wisconsin waters are open for fishing with no license required — usual regulations and bag limits apply. Take advantage of the chance to introduce someone you love to the pleasures of fishing, or head out to enjoy it yourself! Many related activities and events are planned around the state. Check dnr.wi.gov, keywords“free fishing weekend.”
Plan camping now
A new system for makingcampsite reservations at Wisconsin state parks and other properties is up and running. Camis USA brings improved features such as better searchability for campsites and added visual elements including individual campsite images and property videos. Customers also will save money with the new reservation fee of $7.75 dropping from $9.65. For more about the Wisconsin State Park System, see wiparks.net. For reservations, checkwisconsin.goingtocamp.com.
Keep Wildlife Wild
youth poster contest
“A young wild animal’s best chance for survival is with its mother!” With that tagline in mind, young artists are invited to design a poster for the DNR’s inaugural “Keep Wildlife Wild” contest. Students in fourth through sixth grade are eligible to submit their work. Posters must contain the words “Keep Wildlife Wild” and follow the tagline theme. Work should fit on an 8.5X11 sheet of paper and be individual work only, no teams. Entries are due by Feb. 22. For details, check dnr.wi.gov, keywords "Keep Wildlife Wild."
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