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Black, minority Trump supporters censored by Gannett, other media at 2020 RNC Convention. Expect the same as Milwaukee hosts 2024 RNC Convention. Look back four years Wisconsin, to compare and contrast Gannett’s corrupt coverage of the 2020 Republican and Democratic National Conventions to know what to expect July 15-18 when the nation’s eyes rest on Milwaukee, home of the 2024 RNC convention.  The DNC will showcase its conventi...
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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weekly Digest Bulletin

WNR magazine NEWS & REVIEWS March 2020
march masthead

News & Reviews

March 2020

Earth Day logo

Earth Day issue is on the way!

The Spring print edition of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine drops soon, with “Earth Day at 50” coverage leading the way. It celebrates the upcoming 50th anniversary of the April 22 event started by Wisconsin's own governor and U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. Expanded coverage includes a look at the 1970s environmental era that spawned Earth Day and tells how you can help today through Work*Play*Earth Day events and other activities. Plus, read a conversation with Tia Nelson, climate change activist and daughter of Earth Day's founder. Additional magazine stories include another anniversary celebration, the 100th year of Pattison State Park; a look at the benefits of prescribed burns on forested lands; and beautiful photography from Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha. The Spring issue also introduces improvements such as sleeker design, more photos, better readability and added content including a food resources column and "Your Outdoors" reader feature. Subscribe today at wnrmag.com or call 1-800-678-9472.

flooding

Property owners
urged to consider
flood insurance

As snow melts and spring rainfall begins, the DNR and Wisconsin’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance urge residents to protect their homes and businesses from financial losses due to flooding. Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed Feb. 9-15 Flood Insurance Awareness Week [video] in the state to emphasize the importance of obtaining flood insurance. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration anticipates an increased likelihood of spring flooding throughout Wisconsin this year due to melting snowpack on already saturated soil. Typical insurance policies do not cover damage from floods, and federal disaster assistance is only available to flood victims who qualify after an official declaration has been issued. Property owners can buy a flood insurance policy through a private carrier or the National Flood Insurance Program. Keep in mind that some policies, including from the NFIP, have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect. Contact a local insurance agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information, or check the DNR’s flood insurance webpage.
burn

Presentation sheds light on benefits of prescribed burns

While wildfires can cause great devastation, many plant communities need periodic fires to remain healthy. A presentation on “Two Sides of Fire” will be held at 7 p.m. March 12 at the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit to address the seeming paradox of fire. Part of “An Evening with Nature” programming, the discussion (best for ages 12 and up) will feature DNR experts sharing how they use fire as a management tool and how to prevent wildfires and the great harm they cause. Meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center, W2875 Highway 67, Campbellsport. And keep an eye out for that Spring print issue of WNR magazine, with its story on the benefits of prescribed burns.
turkey

Learn to Hunt events

With spring turkey season on the horizon (April 15-May 26), now is a good time to consider planning or attending a DNR-authorized Learn to Hunt event, with classes typically taking place in mid- to late March and early April. Participants are not required to have hunter safety certification, and the DNR may waive season dates and fees for novice participants. “We're always looking for new, motivated groups to start up a Learn to Hunt program,” said Hunter Nikolai, assistant hunter recruitment specialist with the DNR’s R3 program (recruitment, retention and reactivation). “We're here to help you get your feet on the ground.” Groups may request up to $25 for each novice participant through the Learn to Hunt Reimbursement program to help cover costs. Individuals also can check the Learn to Hunt webpage for information and dates of upcoming classes.
Kirtland's

Check the box
to help resources

Donate to the Endangered Resources Fund on your state income tax form to help the state's rare and most vulnerable wildlife and plants. Gifts are doubled by the state and help support the work of DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation program. Look for the “donations” section on your tax form (line 35a on Form 1) or your tax preparation software, or tell your tax preparer you want to donate.

* * * * *

SPRING FORWARD!

Don't forget to adjust for Daylight Saving Time, starting at 2 a.m. on March 8.

Final Ice Shanty Removal Deadline Sunday, March 15
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March 2, 2020

NEWS RELEASE

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Final Ice Shanty Removal Deadline Sunday, March 15

CONTACT: DNRPress@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-3143

Be aware of ice shanty removal dates so yours doesn't end up in the lake.  -  - Photo credit: DNR
Be aware of ice shanty removal dates so yours doesn't end up in the lake. - Photo credit: DNR

MADISON, Wis. - Ice anglers are reminded that the last deadline in a series of March dates to remove permanent ice shanties from state waters is Sunday, March 15. Shanties must be removed from waters north of Highway 64 and all other outlying waters by the end of that day. Earlier March deadlines cover inland and boundary waters.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging anglers not to wait until the deadlines as possible warming temperatures and early spring rains could complicate removal.

Owners experiencing problems can seek local assistance from fishing clubs, vendors and other anglers. Also, any member of the public who is aware of shanty owners not taking responsibility for their shanties should contact the DNR Violation Hotline by calling or texting 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367.

Deadlines to remove shelters help eliminate spring shoreline litter and boating dangers this spring. Abandoning the shelter or burning the shelter atop the ice does not satisfy the deadline. The debris then goes into the waterbody, impacting water quality.

After the shanty removal deadlines pass, anglers can continue to use portable ice fishing shelters if they feel the ice is safe - as long as they remove their shelters daily and when they are not actively used. Remember to consult with local fishing clubs, bait shops and outfitters who know the local ice conditions. Permanent shelters, meaning those normally not removed daily from the ice, must be removed from the ice no later than the specified removal date for that water body.

All ice fishing shelters must be removed from the ice daily and when not in use by these dates:

  • Lake Michigan, Green Bay, Lake Superior, and inland waters north of Highway 64 by the first Sunday following March 12.
  • Inland waters south of Highway 64 by the first Sunday following March 1.
  • Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters by March 15.
  • Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters by March 1.
  • The deadline for Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters was Feb. 20.

DNR Office of Communications

Sarah Hoye
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
101 S Webster, P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Media Line: (608) 266-3143 TDD: 711
Email: DNRPress@Wisconsin.gov
dnr.wi.gov   |   wisconsin.gov

You may unsubscribe from DNR News Releases here.

14 DNR Wardens Honored For Lifesaving, Valor And Meritorious Service Acts
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March 4, 2020

NEWS RELEASE

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14 DNR Wardens Honored For Lifesaving, Valor And Meritorious Service Acts

CONTACT: Joanne Haas, DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement, 608-209-8147, joanne.haas@wisconsin.gov

MADISON, Wis. - State officials on Tuesday lauded 14 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conservation wardens for heroic acts that included rescuing residents and pets from rapidly rising floodwaters, creating a chest seal to stop bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds and carrying a lost boy out of marsh for a mile at night as freezing temperatures moved in.

Family and friends joined Chief Warden Casey Krueger and the DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement for the presentation of the awards at a March 3 ceremony at Wisconsin Dells.

Warden Jon Hagen, who chairs the bureau's Lifesaving and Valor Awards Committee, told the audience none of the award winners would call themselves heroes.

"I can say with confidence that wardens consider the events we honor as just part of the daily routine... responses to emergencies that wardens do as part of their service," Hagen said. "No hesitation, just action."

Krueger said wardens are often the best-known public servants in their communities because they also live there.

"People call us for help on a wide range of issues, and our wardens respond and bring their very best," Krueger said. "As the state law enforcement service dedicated to the outdoors and the people who enjoy them, the wardens' service to the state, the people lucky to call Wisconsin home and all the visitors is important beyond words. And it is demonstrated through the actions by the wardens we honor."

The awards presented were selected by the DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement's Lifesaving and Valor Award Committee, which includes sworn officers and civilian bureau staff. The awards were selected based upon these requirements:

Criteria for a Lifesaving Award

  • The employee performed an act that was intended to save a person's life.
  • It appeared at the time that the person in jeopardy would not have a chance of survival without the employee's actions or assistance.

Criteria for a Valor Award

  • Extraordinary heroism while being aware of an imminent threat to personal safety.

Criteria for a Meritorious Service Award

  • The employee exceeded expectations of those typically expected of a first responder by taking courageous action despite the high risk of a serious but survivable injury.
  • Alternatively, the employee performed a highly creditable act of achievement of service deserving merit.

The wardens honored at the ceremony are:

Lifesaving Awards (chronological order) and one Meritorious Award

  • Wardens Kirk Konichek and Steve Pyfferoen, both of Rusk County, for their efforts on May 7, 2017, when they saved two hypothermic people from 50-degree water after their canoe flipped on the Flambeau River near Ladysmith. Konichek received the lifesaving award and Pyfferoen the meritorious service award.
  • Warden Joe McMahon of St. Croix Countyfor his efforts on July 26, 2019, when he saved a man choking at a Willow River State Park campsite in the middle of a severe storm.
  • Tim Werner of Peshtigo County for his actions to help save a person who collapsed after possible ingestion of unknown controlled substances in Marinette County on Sept. 1, 2019.
  • Adam Stennett of Ashland County for his actions to savea man with a makeshift chest seal after the man had been repeatedly shot in Douglas County onSept. 2, 2019.
  • Rich Maki of Sauk County for his efforts to help save two individuals from Devil's Lake State Park on Oct. 9, 2019 minutes before one of them would have succumbed to hypothermia.
  • Austin Schumacher of Rock County for his rescue-carry ofa lost boy for a mile out of a Rock County marsh on Nov. 1, 2019.
  • Phil Brown of Ashland County for his actions to save two individuals from a swamped rowboat in cold Ruth Lakein Bayfield County on Nov. 10, 2019.

VALOR AWARDS

  • Shawna Stringham of Vernon County, Ed McCann of La Crosse County, Cody Adams and Aaron Koshatka, both of Crawford County, all were honored for their day and night actions rescuing multiple people and pets on Aug. 28, 2018, when flooding in Vernon and Crawford counties rapidly invaded Kickapoo Watershed communities,trapping dozens of fearful residents including children, the elderly and pets.
  • Wardens Jeremy Peery of Eau Claire and Dave Allen of the Marine Enforcement Team for their actions on Sept. 11, 2019, when they helped with a night search for an armed suspect in a large swamp in Clark County.

DNR Office of Communications

Sarah Hoye
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
101 S Webster, P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Media Line: (608) 266-3143 TDD: 711
Email: DNRPress@Wisconsin.gov
dnr.wi.gov   |   wisconsin.gov

You may unsubscribe from DNR News Releases here.

DNR Supports Groundwater Awareness Week With Focus On Sustainability
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March 9, 2020

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DNR Supports Groundwater Awareness Week With Focus On Sustainability

CONTACT: Bruce Rheineck, DNR Groundwater Section Chief, 608-266-2104 (desk), 608-235-0489 (cell)

Sample Caption and Alt Text -  - Photo credit: DNR
Celebrate Groundwater Awareness Week with a focus on the importance of groundwater to our everyday lives. - Photo credit: National Ground Water Association

MADISON, Wis. - With eyes focused on the future, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is stressing the importance of investing in the next generation of groundwater professionals during National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 9-13.

Held by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) since 1999, the week-long observance aims to highlight the responsible development, management and use of groundwater. It also serves as a platform to promote yearly well testing and maintenance to prevent waterborne illnesses. This year's focus is on the importance of building a foundation for the future sustainability of our groundwater.

"By focusing on the future of groundwater professionals, we ensure the sustainability of our shared groundwater resource. Professionals in this field encompass a variety of occupations within the industry, such as water well drillers, hydrogeologists, engineers, groundwater scientists and educators," said DNR Groundwater Section Chief Bruce Rheineck.

Since 2001, the DNR has provided annual training on the use of a groundwater sand tank model to educators from schools or nature centers around the state. In 2020, the DNR held two workshops and trained more than 40 educators who are selected through a competitive application process. Participants receive:

  • a one-day training session;
  • a groundwater flow model and instructions;
  • classroom exercises designed to meet state academic standards; and
  • reimbursement for substitute teachers while at the training.

Since the program began, more than 1,200 educators from nearly 650 schools or nature centers have received training through this program and received a free model.

The NGWA Foundation created a fun and educational groundwater kit to inspire the next generation of groundwater professionals. The Awesome Aquifer Kit includes hands-on activities and supplies to teach students about groundwater. The kit sells for $40 and is available at awesomeaquifer.com.

The DNR continues to provide resources to better educate Wisconsinites about the importance of having clean groundwater. It also calls attention to the challenges in keeping one of the world's most valuable resources safe for human consumption and on lessening the environmental impact contaminated water has on drinking water, irrigation, livestock, manufacturing and other industries and uses.

The DNR strongly encourages private well owners to take the time to test, treat and tend to their wells yearly to protect themselves from potentially consuming contaminated water. For more information on drinking water supply testing procedures and how to read test results, visit the DNR's well water testing webpage.

With the guidance and support of Gov. Tony Evers, the DNR took actionable steps in 2019 to protect Wisconsin's water supply. That effort continues into 2020, with rulemaking being undertaken to develop new, enforceable PFAS standards for drinking, surface and groundwater to protect human health. Rulemaking through NR 151 will reduce nitrate contamination by establishing targeted performance standards for sensitive areas of the state most susceptible to groundwater contamination.

The DNR has provided a portion of the funding, along with counties, to study groundwater in Grant, Iowa and Lafayette counties, where 44% of residents draw water from private wells.

For more information about National Groundwater Awareness Week, visit www.ngwa.org. More information about groundwater in Wisconsin is available at the DNR's groundwater webpage.


DNR Office of Communications

Sarah Hoye
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
101 S Webster, P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Media Line: (608) 266-3143 TDD: 711
Email: DNRPress@Wisconsin.gov
dnr.wi.gov   |   wisconsin.gov

You may unsubscribe from DNR News Releases here.

DNR Weekly News Update for March 10, 2020

Weekly News Update

March 10, 2020

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Bonus Spring Turkey Harvest Authorizations On Sale March 16

MADISON, Wis. - Starting March 16 Spring turkey bonus harvest authorizations go on sale for each of the seven spring turkey hunting zones.



Spring turkey bonus harvest authorizations go on sale March 16. - Photo credit: Contributed


 

Passionate About Deer Hunting? The DNR Wants To Hear From You

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin's hunting heritage runs deep. If you're passionate about deer hunting and management in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources invites hunters, farmers, foresters and anyone interested in deer management in Wisconsin to the upcoming first-round of County Deer Advisory Council (CDAC) meetings across the state March 30 through April 6.



At CDAC meetings participants will review the 2019 deer season results and develop recommendations for the 2020 deer season. - Photo credit: Jerry Davis


 

Get Ready For "Earth Day At 50" With The Spring Issue Of Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine

MADISON, Wis. - As the 50th anniversary of Earth Day approaches in April, the latest issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources gets a head start on the celebration with expanded coverage of "Earth Day at 50."



A variety of field trips from the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin are highlighted in the Spring issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. - Photo credit: DNR


 

DNR Office of Communications

Sarah Hoye
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
101 S Webster, P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Media Line: 608-267-2773 TDD: 711
Email: DNRPress@Wisconsin.gov
dnr.wi.gov | wisconsin.gov


 

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Public Meetings Set For Delisting Lower Menominee River Area Of Concern
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March 11, 2020

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Public Meetings Set For Delisting Lower Menominee River Area Of Concern

DNR Accepting Public Comments For Final Delisting Report March 9-April 24

CONTACT: Stephen Galarneau, DNR Office of Great Waters Director, 608-266-1956, Stephen.Galarneau@wisconsin.gov

MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy are hosting public informational meetings on April 8 and 9,about the proposal to delist the Lower Menominee River Area of Concern. The agencies also invite public review and comments on the Lower Menominee River Area of Concern Draft Final Delisting Report from March 9 through April 24. The report is available online at this link. Paper copies are also available by request.

The April 8 meeting is scheduled from 5-7 PM CST at the University of Wisconsin-Marinette Campus in the main building cafeteria, located at 750 West Bay Shore Street, Marinette, WI 54143. The April 9 meeting is scheduled from 6-8 PM CST at Murray's Irish Pub and Grill located at 715 1st Street, Menominee, MI 49858.

Both meetings will give people more information about the pollution cleanup and habitat restoration work that was accomplished in the Lower Menominee River AOC and what the delisting process entails, as well as opportunities for people to ask questions and provide feedback to the agencies.

Additionally, the Lower Menominee River Area of Concern Citizens Advisory Committee is hosting a public program on March 12 to share more about the community's role in the pollution cleanup and habitat restoration, the history of the AOC and to explore ideas for what is next to continue stewardship of these waters. The event will be held at the Ironworks, located at 1333 Main St. Marinette, WI 54143, from 5-7:30 PM CST.

The delisting proposal is made by the Wisconsin DNR Office of Great Waters, Michigan EGLE and supported by the Lower Menominee River AOC Technical and Citizens Advisory Committees. Both Wisconsin and Michigan provided the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes National Program Office with a preliminary report earlier this year that summarized the reasons for delisting.

The U.S. EPA then took the next step in the delisting process to seek input on the proposal from tribal representatives and the International Joint Commission, which is an agency created by a U.S. and Canadian treaty to resolve disputes over waters along our shared border. These comments were then incorporated into the draft delisting report that is now available for public review and comments.

The international Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the U.S. and Canada was amended in 1987 to create an "Areas of Concern" program to clean up Great Lakes rivers and harbors most severely affected by pollution and habitat loss.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula and northeastern Wisconsin meet at the Menominee River, which flows into Lake Michigan's Green Bay. Environmental harm by historical pollution from coal tar, paint sludge and arsenic earned the lower three miles of the river plus the Green Bay shoreline-three miles north and south of the river mouth-an AOC designation.

The Lower Menominee River was listed as having six problems, called "Beneficial Use Impairments" in the AOC Program. All six of these impairments have been addressed, so now the agencies aim to "delist" or remove the "Area of Concern" designation from the Lower Menominee River. This will be Wisconsin's first of five AOCs to be delisted.

Significant funding for the pollution cleanup and restoration work was provided by the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative administered by the U.S. EPA. Wisconsin and Michigan share responsibility for the river's rehabilitation, and the states have worked closely with each other and with local citizens to address the pollution and habitat loss. Many local and federal agencies have been important partners as well.

The agencies welcome public comments on the delisting report. Questions and comments may be directed to:

Brianna Kupsky, Wisconsin's Lower Menominee River AOC Coordinator
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Office of Great Waters
2984 Shawano Ave. Green Bay, Wisconsin 54313
920-662-5465 or brianna.kupsky@wisconsin.gov

Stephanie Swart, Michigan's Lower Menominee River AOC Coordinator
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
P.O. Box 30473. Lansing, Michigan 48909
517-284-5046 or SwartS@michigan.gov


DNR Office of Communications

Sarah Hoye
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
101 S Webster, P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Media Line: (608) 266-3143 TDD: 711
Email: DNRPress@Wisconsin.gov
dnr.wi.gov   |   wisconsin.gov

You may unsubscribe from DNR News Releases here.

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