Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weekly Digest Bulletin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 9, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov    

Host A Free Fishing Weekend Event

DNR Helps Event Hosts With Materials And Event Promotion

All Wisconsin waters are open to fish without a license on Free Fishing Weekend. / Photo Credit: iStock/James Brey

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites organizations across Wisconsin to host free fishing events for the public on Free Fishing Weekend, June 4-5. 

Fishing clubs, civic groups, churches, trade associations and municipal recreation departments are among the many types of groups the DNR encourages each year to provide free fishing events for all ages.

“Free Fishing Weekend is a great kick-off to the summer fishing season,” said Theresa Stabo, DNR Angler Outreach Coordinator. “We are excited to share the joy of fishing with people who have never fished before and reintroduce it to those who have taken a hiatus from the sport. The beautiful waters of Wisconsin in early summer are an ideal time and place to do that.”

During Free Fishing Weekend, all Wisconsin waters are open to residents and non-residents to fish without a license or trout or salmon stamp. However, organizations hosting free fishing events should note that all fishing regulations, including size and bag limits and species restrictions, will be enforced.

Organizations planning an event can borrow basic panfishing gear for their event from one of 52 tackle loaner sites around the state. Almost half of the sites are at state parks located on water, making it easy for groups to pick up loaner gear and fish in one location.

The DNR encourages organizations to consider a state park as a site for free fishing events. Contact park staff to arrange the event.

June 4-5 is also Free Fun Weekend, when state park admission fees and trail passes are waived.

Organizations are invited to register their events with the DNR for additional promotion to the public. After registering, organizations can request materials to hand out at their events, like fishing regulations, fish wildcards and posters.

The deadline to register events is May 25.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Free Fishing Weekend

WHEN: June 4-5, 2022

WHERE: Statewide

HOW TO SIGN-UP: Register your event by May 25.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 9, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Fire Danger Remains Very High
Across Most Of Wisconsin

Wind Gusts And Dry Conditions Create Increased Wildfire Risk

Upland Fire, Burnett County on May 7, 2022. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – After a busy weekend of fire activity across the state, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to again remain vigilant and avoid burning as fire danger remains very high across most of Wisconsin.

With continuing dry conditions and high winds, the DNR is anticipating possible powerline fires and other causes resulting from unintended sparks. Many counties have suspended DNR burning permits.

Areas with VERY HIGH fire danger today include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Calumet, Chippewa, Clark, Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Green Lake, Iron, Jackson, Juneau, Kewaunee, La Crosse, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Monroe, Oconto, Outagamie, Pepin, Pierce, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, St Croix, Trempealeau, Vilas, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago and Wood counties.

Areas with HIGH fire danger today include Barron, Burnett, Columbia, Dodge, Lincoln, Oneida, Ozaukee, Polk, Sauk, Taylor, Washburn and Washington counties.

Green-up is progressing nicely in the southern part of the state, but the northern part is still quite dry with lots of fuel on the ground like dead leaves and dry grasses. Although there is some rain in the forecast, it is spotty, and there are minimal chances of rain particularly in northeastern Wisconsin. This, combined with wind gusts of up to 50 mph in some areas, put many counties, especially in the north, at peak wildfire risk.

More than 70 wildfires occurred over the weekend, making it the busiest weekend of the season so far. Debris burning and equipment accounted for the majority of these wildfires.

Be fire smart. Remember – fire danger and burning restrictions change every day.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

• Avoid all outdoor burning until conditions improve. Burn permits for debris burning are currently suspended in numerous counties.
• Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawn mowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.
• Secure dragging trailer chains.
• Delay having campfires until the evening hours as fire conditions tend to improve; keep them small and contained. Make sure they are completely extinguished before leaving them unattended.
• Report fires early, dial 911.

Check daily fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website at bit.ly/WiFireDanger.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2022
Contact: Andrea Diss-Torrance, DNR Invasive Forest Insects Program Coordinator
andrea.disstorrance@wisconsin.gov or 608-516-2223

DNR Announces Spongy Moth Aerial Spraying
At Two State Properties

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the department will be spraying areas of Devil’s Lake State Park and the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit by plane to combat spongy moth* (formerly known as gypsy moth) populations between mid-May and early June.

Spongy moth caterpillars strip trees of their leaves. Their numbers can grow to the point that they eat all the leaves off of trees, which can kill trees in some cases. Spongy moth outbreaks occur every five to 10 years, and this year’s high populations threaten tree defoliation in high-use areas of some state properties. The DNR is taking action at state parks to prevent the stress of and potential loss of valuable trees. 

Since numbers of the pest are large enough to cause extensive damage this summer if no action is taken, pilots will spray areas of Devil’s Lake State Park and the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit. Planes will fly very low, about 50 to 100 feet above the treetops. Spraying may begin at dawn and continue into the early afternoon if weather conditions allow.

Staff will use an insecticide called “Foray.” It is approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute for use in organic food farming and contains Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), a naturally occurring soil bacteria that kills spongy moth caterpillars when they ingest it. Btk is not toxic to people, bees, pets or other animals. However, some people with severe allergies may want to stay indoors during nearby applications.

This treatment will minimally impact non-target species. Btk only affects caterpillars that feed on sprayed leaves within seven to 10 days after application, and the timing of this spray is specific to spongy moths. Ultimately, the ecological advantages of saving these trees from defoliation are higher than the cost of not treating them. 

Treatment dates and times are weather-dependent. Find out when the DNR plans for treatments to take place:

• Call the toll-free Spongy Moth Information Line at 1-800-642-6684 (press Option 1) in May and June to hear where spraying is scheduled to occur the following day.
• Sign up for daily email notifications of spray activities. Subscribe or unsubscribe online at gypsymoth.wi.gov.

In addition to spraying, ground treatments have been vital in keeping spongy moth populations to a tolerable level until aerial sprays can step in to reduce numbers significantly. These tools have been critical in saving historic oaks in open, high-use areas of parks. Ground treatments and biocontrol will continue to be helpful management options moving forward. 

For more information on spongy moth programs and treatment options, visit gypsymoth.wi.gov/. 

*A new common name for Lymantria dispar, spongy moth, replaced the prior name of this insect, gypsy moth, in 2022. This change was necessary because the word “gypsy” is an ethnic slur and the former common name equated people with insects. For more information, visit the Entomological Society of America website. The DNR is making name changes in all spongy moth material, including the spongy moth portal. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 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 Omro
Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the city of Omro 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 lead service lines throughout the city of Omro.

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 May 25, 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2022
Contact: Phyllis McKenzie, DNR Natural Resources Educator
phyllis.mckenzie@wisconsin.gov or 920-451-4080

Spring Into Nature With World Migratory Bird Day
At Kohler-Andrae State Park

Celebrate Wisconsin’s Migratory Birds With
Two Days Of Family-Friendly Activities

Almost 700 World Migratory Bird Day events are hosted around the world each year. / Photo Credit: iStock/fstop123

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on May 14 with a weekend-long celebration at Kohler-Andrae State Park.

The park is hosting family-friendly programs and activities on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15, in partnership with Moraine Shores Audubon and Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory.

“Kohler-Andrae State Park’s World Migratory Bird Day events will offer a unique and fun opportunity for people of all ages to learn about and experience the magnificence of Wisconsin’s migratory birds and how we can all work to help protect them,” said Phyllis McKenzie, DNR Natural Resources Educator.

World Migratory Bird Day is a global bird conservation education campaign highlighting the importance of conserving migratory birds and protecting their habitats. Almost 700 events and programs are hosted around the world each year to help educate the public about migratory birds and ways to help them.

Wisconsin provides critical nesting and stopover habitat for a variety of migratory birds, some of which are listed as rare or endangered species globally, nationally or in the state.

The World Migratory Bird Day weekend event schedule at Kohler-Andrae includes various activities ranging from pop-up bird walks, scavenger hunts, a live birds of prey presentation, crafting workshops and more.

All participants are welcome. A 2022 Wisconsin State Parks and Forests vehicle admission sticker or day pass is required to enter the park.

Participants interested in attending the Big Sit activity with Moraine Shores Audubon on Saturday, May 14, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the roof of Sanderling Nature Center are encouraged to bring their own binoculars and lawn chairs.

The full schedule of World Migratory Bird Day weekend activities is available at the DNR Get Outdoors calendar here.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: World Migratory Bird Day Celebration

WHEN: May 14-15, 2022

WHERE: Kohler-Andrae State Park
1020 Beach Park Lane
Sheboygan, WI 53081

EVENT DETAILS: Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2022
Contact: Missy Vanlanduyt, DNR Parks and Recreation Management Section Chief
Melissa.vanlanduyt@wisconsin.gov or 608-515-6006

Elroy-Sparta State Trail Reopening May 14

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail will soon reopen after being closed for several years due to flooding. / Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – The Elroy-Sparta State Trail will officially reopen tomorrow after being closed for several years due to flooding. The DNR will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, celebrating the reopening of the recently repaired, historic trail, followed by a “first ride” and refreshments.

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail was closed in 2018 after summer flooding damaged the trail, requiring two total bridge replacements, three culvert replacements, four landslide repairs and a significant stream/ trail embankment restoration. While some initial repairs were completed by DNR staff, a donation from the Tunnel Trail Campground in Wilton allowed several sections of the trail to reopen. The remainder of the repairs were not completed until recently, including work on 27 sites across 21 miles of the trail and one site on the adjacent 400 State Trail. The $2.3 million in funding to complete the repairs came from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the State of Wisconsin.

“It’s been a long time coming, but we’re so excited to have the Elroy-Sparta State Trail open again and more resilient to future storm events. As the oldest rails to trail in the country, we needed to ensure the trail could sustain future generations of bikers, walkers, runners and snowmobilers,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Parks Director. “We appreciate everyone’s patience while the trail was closed and look forward to seeing folks back on the Elroy-Sparta this summer, supporting our rural economies and getting out to explore beautiful Wisconsin.” 

Considered the first “rail to trail” in the United States, the Elroy-Sparta Trail follows the old railroad corridor of the Chicago & North Western Railway. Established in the mid-1960s, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail is 32.5 miles of crushed limestone spanning five communities, including Elroy, Kendall, Norwalk, Wilton and Sparta. It was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1971 and today sees as many as 60,000 visitors a year. The trail is open daily from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.

___________________________________________________________________

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail

WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14

WHERE: Kendall Depot, 111 White St., Kendall, WI 54638

Please bring your bicycle and helmet. Participants are encouraged but not required to show a Wisconsin State Trail Pass for this event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications 
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

DNR Awarded $2 Million To Assess Brownfields

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the department was awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to assess potentially contaminated brownfield properties throughout the state in historically underserved areas.

“From Superior to Rhinelander to Milwaukee, these funds will play a critical role in continuing to address various contaminants, hazardous substances, and pollutants, as well as the economic, social, and environmental consequences they cause,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “I want to share my thanks to the Biden Administration for this critical investment, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Secretary Preston Cole for their leadership on this issue, as well as the local leaders who are critical partners in these cleanup efforts as we continue our work to ensure safer, cleaner communities across our state.”

Brownfields are abandoned, idle and underused properties where reuse is stalled by potential contamination. Brownfields vary in size, location, age and past use; they can be anything from a 500-acre former automobile assembly plant to a small, abandoned gas station.

The grant is from the EPA’s Brownfields Program and is supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides a historic $1.5 billion to advance environmental justice, spur economic revitalization, and create jobs by cleaning up contaminated, polluted or hazardous brownfield properties nationwide. The grant provides a variety of funding mechanisms to assess and clean up brownfields and provides environmental job training, technical assistance and research.

“This important funding will support brownfields redevelopment efforts in rural and underserved communities with environmental justice concerns that may not otherwise have the resources to assess and address potentially contaminated sites,” said DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole. “This funding is an opportunity for Wisconsin to continue the critical work of addressing brownfields. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting all Wisconsinites who should have access to safe, clean water and clean air.”

This grant encompasses three target areas throughout the State of Wisconsin – the North Central Regional Planning Commission 10-County service area, the Lake Superior Lakeshore, and the Old North Milwaukee neighborhood. Priority sites include a parcel that formerly housed an automobile repair site and dry cleaner buildings in the City of Rhinelander, a historic underutilized warehouse located on a marina in the City of Superior, and three former dry cleaner buildings in the older northern area in the City of Milwaukee. 

During the competitive grant solicitation period, states and tribes were eligible to apply for up to $2 million for community-wide assessment, which was more than three times the amount previously available due to the injection of funding through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

Late last year, the EPA announced a $5 billion nationwide investment from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up longstanding pollution at Superfund and brownfield sites and improve waste management and recycling systems.

The DNR will use a portion of the grant from the EPA to continue the Wisconsin Assessment Monies program, which provides contractor services and community-managed funding for the environmental assessment of eligible brownfield sites. 

Since 2009, the DNR's Wisconsin Assessment Monies program has provided more than $2.9 million to 71 communities across Wisconsin, partnering to help address and redevelop run-down or underused properties that detract from a community's vitality. Applications for assistance may be submitted to the DNR at any time.

A new initiative to assess the risks of vapor intrusion from historical dry cleaning operations will be made possible because of the EPA grant. Long before there were rules to manage disposal of contaminated waste, liquid and solids wastes caused soil, groundwater and sewer contamination at historical dry cleaning operations. The odorless chemical vapors from the contamination can enter buildings and accumulate in indoor air decades after the dry cleaning operation is gone. This movement of contaminant vapors is called vapor intrusion and can present acute and long-term health risks to building occupants.

Following the Department of Health Services’ (DHS’) Through the Cracks guidance, the DNR will prioritize sites with higher risk of vapor intrusion for additional work, including testing for dry cleaning chemicals in indoor air.

The DNR has a wide range of financial and liability tools available to help local governments, businesses, lenders, and others clean up and redevelop brownfields in Wisconsin, including Ready for Reuse financial awards, which may be used for environmental cleanup. DNR staff around the state are available to meet with community leaders, bankers, developers and private individuals to discuss brownfield projects through Green Team meetings.

More information about the DNR’s brownfields cleanup programs and services is available on the DNR’s brownfields webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 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 Village Of Oregon Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the village of Oregon 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 lead service lines throughout the village of Oregon.

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 May 27, 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications 
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

DNR Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
In Wild Red Foxes

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received confirmation last week that three wild red fox kits tested positive for a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that is currently affecting domestic and wild bird populations in North America. These cases represent the first detections of HPAI in wild Wisconsin mammals. Similar cases have been confirmed in foxes from Minnesota, Michigan, Ontario, Canada and Europe.

“We don’t have any evidence that foxes are a significant source of transmission for the virus,” said Lindsey Long, DNR Wildlife Health Veterinarian. “The three foxes in these cases most likely contracted the H5N1 strain of HPAI after eating infected wild birds.”

The three fox kits were from three different counties and showed advanced neurological symptoms after being brought to Dane County Humane Society’s (DCHS) Wildlife Center. Testing by the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory confirmed that HPAI was present in all three animals.

People should avoid approaching any wild mammal that appears sick or injured. Do not approach a wild mammal that is behaving abnormally; examples may include neurological symptoms such as pacing or walking in circles, unbalanced posture or displaying head and body tremors.  

Neurologic symptoms in mammals can signify many different conditions, including exposure to environmental contaminants, parasitic infections and diseases such as canine distemper and rabies.

No cases of the H5N1 avian influenza strain have been identified in domestic dogs or cats. If you or a domestic animal has contact with a mammal showing neurological symptoms, consult your local health department or health care provider (or your veterinarian for your pet).

“We know that certain species of wild birds, such as waterfowl and some of our raptor species are most likely to be affected by this HPAI virus,” Long said. “We ask the public to consult the DNR’s wildlife diseases page and follow guidelines for sharing reports of possible HPAI cases.”

Avian influenza is caused by a virus that is common in wild birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds. There are many different strains of avian influenza, and waterfowl often carry avian influenza viruses naturally without causing disease. There have been rare strains, including the current H5N1 strain, that can cause disease in some wild birds and other animals. Whether a strain is classified as low or highly pathogenic depends on how lethal it is to domestic poultry.

More information on avian influenza viruses and the ongoing response to this HPAI strain can is available on the DNR's wildlife diseases webpage. The DNR will continue to update the website with any future HPAI findings in wild Wisconsin birds.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications 
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Wisconsin NRB Meeting May 25

Deadline For Remote Appearance Requests
And Written Comments 11 a.m. May 18

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board will meet in-person for the May board meeting to consider several proposed rules, hearings, land items and donations.

The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, originating from Public Meeting Room G09, at the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin. The Board will act on items 1-4 and 7-8 as listed on the Agenda.

The public is encouraged to watch the May board meeting on the DNR’s YouTube channel.

The deadline to register for remote public appearance requests and to submit written comments is 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. There will be no in-person public appearances.

During the May meeting, several items the Board will be considering include:

• Statement of Scope for Board Order WA-13-21, for proposed rules affecting chapters NR 500, 502, 542, and 544 related to statewide materials recycling and effective recycling programs
• Statement of Scope for Board Order DG-02-22, for proposed rules creating chapter NR 854 related to statewide water supply service area planning for municipalities serving populations greater than 10,000 people
• Statement of Scope for Board Order DG-03-22, for proposed rules creating chapter NR 851 for the management of diversions (transfers of water from the Great Lakes basin to outside of the Great Lakes basin) and intrabasin transfers including the application and review process and other related criteria
• Statement of Scope for Board Order WM-09-21 and conditionally approve the public hearing notice and notice of submittal of proposed rules to the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse, for proposed rules affecting chapters NR 8, 10, 11, 12,17, 18, 19, and 27 related to the 2021 Bureau of Wildlife Management housekeeping rule
• Statement of Scope for Board Order DG-04-22 and conditionally approve the public hearing notice and notice of submittal of proposed rules to the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse, for proposed rules affecting chapter NR 140 related to setting numerical standards to minimize the concentration of polluting substances in groundwater (Cycle 10 Bacteria)
• Approval of the 2022 elk season quotas

The complete May NRB meeting agenda is available on the DNR website here.

In addition to being encouraged to watch the upcoming meeting, there are opportunities for the public to testify and to submit written comments about issues that come before the NRB. More information regarding public participation at Board meetings is available here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications 
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Near Critical Fire Danger Across Northwest Wisconsin

The state is on alert due to near critical fire danger in the northeast. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to avoid burning due to near critical fire danger across northwest Wisconsin.

Areas with VERY HIGH fire danger today include Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Lincoln, Marathon, Monroe, Oneida, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vilas, Washburn and Wood counties.

Areas with HIGH fire danger include Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago counties.

DNR issued annual and special burning permits for debris piles, burn barrels and prescribed burns may be suspended today in the counties where the DNR has burning permit authority. 

The DNR has responded to 411 wildfires burning more than 606 acres so far this year. Most of these were related to debris burning, which is the No. 1 cause of wildfires. 

Any fire could quickly start and spread in these conditions. To help us keep Wisconsinites safe, the DNR is asking the public to avoid outdoor burning, including limiting the use of campfires, until conditions improve.

Outdoor enthusiasts should also use caution with off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark and start a fire. Keep in mind that weather conditions can change frequently and quickly become dangerous. 

Be fire smart. Remember – fire danger and burning restrictions change every day.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

• Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. Burn permits for debris burning are currently suspended in numerous counties.
• Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawn mowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.
• Secure trailer chains to keep them from dragging.
• Delay having campfires until the evening hours as fire conditions tend to improve; keep them small and contained. Make sure they are completely extinguished before leaving them unattended.
• Report fires early, dial 911.

Check daily fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website at bit.ly/WiFireDanger.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications 
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Near Critical Fire Danger Across Northwest Wisconsin

The state is on alert due to near critical fire danger in the northwest. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Editor's Note: The previous news release had the incorrect region in the caption. Near critical fire danger is across the northwest. 

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to avoid burning due to near critical fire danger across northwest Wisconsin.

Areas with VERY HIGH fire danger today include Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Lincoln, Marathon, Monroe, Oneida, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vilas, Washburn and Wood counties.

Areas with HIGH fire danger include Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago counties.

DNR issued annual and special burning permits for debris piles, burn barrels and prescribed burns may be suspended today in the counties where the DNR has burning permit authority. 

The DNR has responded to 411 wildfires burning more than 606 acres so far this year. Most of these were related to debris burning, which is the No. 1 cause of wildfires. 

Any fire could quickly start and spread in these conditions. To help us keep Wisconsinites safe, the DNR is asking the public to avoid outdoor burning, including limiting the use of campfires, until conditions improve.

Outdoor enthusiasts should also use caution with off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark and start a fire. Keep in mind that weather conditions can change frequently and quickly become dangerous. 

Be fire smart. Remember – fire danger and burning restrictions change every day.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

• Avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. Burn permits for debris burning are currently suspended in numerous counties.
• Operate equipment (chainsaws, off-road vehicles, lawn mowers, etc.) early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sparks at peak burn hours.
• Secure trailer chains to keep them from dragging.
• Delay having campfires until the evening hours as fire conditions tend to improve; keep them small and contained. Make sure they are completely extinguished before leaving them unattended.
• Report fires early, dial 911.

Check daily fire danger, wildfire reports and burning restrictions on the DNR website at bit.ly/WiFireDanger.