Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weekly Digest Bulletin

DNR Seeking Public Comment For Environmental Review Of The City Of Hurley Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the City of Hurley is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system. The project includes the replacement of lead service lines throughout the City of Hurley.

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 SDWLP federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project.

The SDWLP 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 June 15, 2021 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
Phone: 608-234-2238 or Email: Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP 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: June 1, 2021
Contact: Alaina Gerrits, DNR Assistant Upland Wildlife Ecologist and Wildlife Stamp Coordinator
Alaina.Gerrits@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-6739

DNR Now Accepting Artwork Entries For The
2022 Wild Turkey, Pheasant And Waterfowl Stamp Design Contests

The DNR is now accepting artwork entries for the 2022 Wild Turkey, Pheasant and Waterfowl Stamp design contests. Shown here is the 2021 Waterfowl Stamp winning artwork by Caleb Metrich of Lake Tomahawk. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting artwork entries for the Wild Turkey, Pheasant and Waterfowl Stamp design contests. The winning art will appear on the 2022 Wisconsin Wild Turkey Stamp.

Every year, local artists from around Wisconsin compete for the opportunity to have their artwork featured on the Wild Turkey, Pheasant and Wisconsin Waterfowl stamps.

"This is a unique opportunity for Wisconsin artists to showcase your artwork statewide, while also promoting wildlife management,” said Alaina Gerrits, DNR Assistant Upland Ecologist.

For many years, Wisconsin's wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl stamp programs have been providing opportunities for wildlife and habitat management, with efforts directed toward key species. Turkey, pheasant and waterfowl hunters are required to purchase a species-specific stamp to legally harvest these game birds in Wisconsin.

Sales of these three stamps bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for species management throughout the state, including habitat management, restoration, education and research projects.

The deadline to submit stamp designs is July 15, 2021. Judging will take place in a closed session at the Waterfowl Hunters Expo on Aug. 28 in Oshkosh.

Rules, entry information, and reproduction rights agreements are available on the DNR website.

All stamp contest applicants should review contest rules carefully to ensure the eligibility of their entries. Artwork must meet technical requirements in order to be properly processed and prepared for judging. Submissions may also be displayed at the Wisconsin State Fair.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2021
Contact: Kevin Olson, DNR Community Financial Assistance Specialist
Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov  or 608-234-2238

DNR Seeking Public Comment For Environmental Review Of The City Of Juneau Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the City of Juneau is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system. The project includes the replacement lead service lines throughout the City of Juneau.

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 SDWLP federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project.

The SDWLP 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 June 16, 2021 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
Phone: 608-234-2238 or Email: Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP 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: June 2, 2021
Contact: Jeanne Scherer, AIS Outreach Specialist
jeanne.scherer@wisc.edu or 608-266-0061

Attention Anglers And Boaters: Keep Wisconsin’s Waters Healthy And The Fish Biting By Draining Your Livewells And Fish Buckets

The DNR urges boaters and anglers to drain their livewells and fish buckets before leaving boat launches. / Photo Credit: National Safe Boating Council

MADISON, Wis. – As Wisconsinites head out to find their adventure during the upcoming Free Fun Weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging boaters and anglers to drain their livewells and fish buckets before leaving boat launches.

During Wisconsin’s annual Drain Campaign June 4-6, boat inspectors from the Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) program will visit boat landings across the state reminding those coming out of the water to drain their boats of any water to stop aquatic hitchhikers. These efforts help keep Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers healthy and the fish biting.

Draining all water helps prevent the spread of numerous invasive species that you can’t easily see, including diseases such as Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) and microscopic larvae of zebra mussels. Draining efforts help contribute to Invasive Species Action Month, which is a time to learn, identify, report and control invasive species in Wisconsin.

Additionally, draining and rinsing your engine – especially if you don’t use your boat frequently – reduces the chance of mussel’s larvae plugging your engine intake.

When it comes to moving your catch, ice will keep the fish fresher than water as you move them from the lake to the plate, too.

Taking a minute or two to remove all the plants, animals, mud and debris from your boat and trailer while draining water from the bilge and livewell can prevent a new invasive species from establishing in your favorite lake or river.

Every boater and angler has a role to play in protecting Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers. Start your day with a clean, dry boat. Later, when you leave the launch, following these prevention steps will comply with Wisconsin state law and help to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in our waters:

• Inspect boats, trailers and equipment for attached aquatic plants or animals
• Remove all attached plants or animals
• Drain all water from boats, motors, livewells and other equipment
• Never move live fish away from a waterbody
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash
• Buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer
• Only use leftover minnows when either fishing with them on the same body of water or on other waters if no lake/river water or other fish have been added to the container.

Lake and river organizations can apply for annual grants to help fund their work at the launches. The Lakes Monitoring and Protection Network Surface Water Grants provide non-competitive funds to counties to hire aquatic invasive species (AIS) staff who also support the CBCW program with training and often make launch visits themselves.

To learn more about invasive species and their impacts on Wisconsin’s waters and economy, visit the DNR’s invasive species webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2021
Contact: James Pardee, DNR Environmental Analysis And Review Specialist
James.Pardee@wisconsin.gov or 608-206-7720

DNR Seeking Public Input On Strategic Analysis Of Door Peninsula

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input on the strategic analysis of existing and alternative approaches to coastal management on the Door Peninsula under high and low water conditions.

Spanning over 300 miles, the shoreline of the Door Peninsula and its surrounding islands are important to Lake Michigan and Green Bay's ecological health and the economic well-being of northeastern Wisconsin. Changing water levels and the intensity of storm events pose a significant challenge to managing this important resource.

In recent years, coastal erosion and flooding have led to a dramatic increase in applications for DNR waterway permits to place stone revetments, jetties and other structures along the Door Peninsula shoreline. Ten years ago, low water levels resulted in reduced water access, navigation and increased applications for DNR waterway permits to dredge.

The current wave of shoreland protection projects could have negative environmental and socioeconomic consequences, including the loss of vital fish habitat and the disruption of the natural processes by which beaches and other coastal features are built up and maintained over time.

The purpose of the Door Peninsula Strategic Analysis is to inform decision-makers and the public about current conditions, various approaches to coastal management on the peninsula and anticipated environmental and socioeconomic effects of those alternatives under high and low water scenarios.

The DNR will use the best available information and input from the public and stakeholders to conduct the analysis. A strategic analysis does not establish DNR policy or change existing rules.

The public is encouraged to comment on a draft outline of the topics covered in the analysis and fill out an online questionnaire about their views on coastal management on the Door Peninsula. The outline and questionnaire are available online here.  

All written comments on the draft outline should be sent by Friday, July 23, 2021, and can be sent by email to DNRDoorPeninsula@Wisconsin.gov or by U.S. mail to:

Door Peninsula Comments, DNR (EA/7)

101 South Webster Street, Madison, WI 53707

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2021
Contact: Alaina Gerrits, DNR Assistant Upland Game Bird Ecologist
Alaina.Gerrits@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-6739

DNR Releases Third Year Of Ruffed Grouse
West-Nile Virus Testing Results

Multi-State Collaboration Studying Ruffed Grouse Across
Upper Midwest Will Continue For One More Year

Blood test results from ruffed grouse collected in 2020 showed that 20% had antibodies consistent with West Nile virus exposure. The study will continue for one more year. / Photo Credit: iStock/R_Koopmans

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today released test results from the third year of the ruffed grouse West Nile virus surveillance project.

The collaborative multi-year study explores ruffed grouse West Nile virus exposure and infection in the western Great Lakes region. The study also aims to identify future research needs in Wisconsin, including a potential survival study investigating sources of mortality.

Although the DNR did not distribute new testing kits in 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin hunters with leftover kits from previous years' sampling efforts submitted 36 birds for testing.

As in humans, ruffed grouse can develop antibodies as an immune response to viruses they encounter. Blood test results from birds collected in 2020 showed that 20% had antibodies consistent with exposure to West Nile. Of these samples, 11% had confirmed exposure to the virus, and 9% had likely exposure to West Nile or a closely related virus. Only one of the 36 samples submitted also had detectable portions of the virus present in the heart.

"We are grateful to the passionate grouse hunters of Wisconsin who took the time to submit samples from their harvested birds," said Alaina Gerrits, DNR Assistant Upland Game Bird Ecologist. "Without their support, this study would not be possible."

Hunters who submitted samples and provided contact information will receive test results via email as soon as possible, regardless of whether the results were negative or positive. The ruffed grouse harvested in Wisconsin during the 2020 hunting season were sent to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study in Athens, Georgia, to be analyzed. Partners in Michigan and Minnesota decided not to participate in 2020 due to the logistical challenges of COVID-19.

In 2018, 29% of the 235 samples submitted had antibodies to West Nile either confirmed or likely, and two had evidence of the virus present in their hearts. These same two birds had also developed antibodies to the virus and the results do not directly indicate these two birds were sick at the time of harvest. In 2019, 20% of 188 samples submitted had antibodies to West Nile either confirmed or likely and none of the samples had evidence of the virus present in their hearts.

West Nile Virus was first detected in Wisconsin in 2002 and identified in the state's ruffed grouse population in 2018. Ruffed grouse were likely exposed to West Nile before 2018 since previous testing in ruffed grouse was limited.

"Continued efforts to maintain and create the quality young forest habitat that ruffed grouse rely on is our best tool to sustain our healthy grouse population in Wisconsin," said Gerrits. "Quality habitat will help ruffed grouse better handle impacts from stressors such as disease or weather."

In fall 2021, the DNR will assemble kits for the fourth and final year of sampling and work with conservation partners to distribute the kits to hunters. An additional year of data will increase the overall sample size and strengthen the results of the project. Hunters who have a kit from a previous year are encouraged to collect a sample, fill the kit and send it in to be processed; nothing in the kit expires.

Mosquitos spread the West Nile virus, and its effects on birds can vary. Signs range from no clinical disease or illness to heart lesions and inflammation of the brain's lining and spinal cord. Many factors can influence how severely the virus affects an individual bird. There is no evidence that West Nile can be spread by handling dead birds or by consuming properly cooked game.

Ruffed grouse are native to the northern United States and southern Canada. The Great Lakes region contains some of the most extensive forest habitats for grouse and the healthiest ruffed grouse populations in the nation. The Wisconsin DNR continues to work with partners to develop long-term management strategies for ruffed grouse in Wisconsin.

For more information on ruffed grouse disease sampling in Wisconsin, visit the DNR's ruffed grouse hunting webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2021
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

DNR Hosting Free Fun Weekend June 5-6

Park Stickers, Fishing Licenses And Trail Passes Waived

The DNR is hosting the 9th annual Free Fun Weekend June 5-6. Park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived for all visitors. / Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – This weekend is the perfect time to get outdoors and find your adventure in Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting the 9th annual Free Fun Weekend June 5-6. Park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived for all visitors.

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. Before heading to a state park, trail or waterbody near you, here are some helpful things to know:

STATE PARKS

• Admission stickers will not be required.
• All state parks will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Drive-up windows, playgrounds, bathrooms and observation towers are open.
• Stand-alone concession facilities are open to the public at 50% capacity.
• Office buildings, visitor centers and nature centers remain closed until further notice.
• Adaptive rental equipment at state park properties is unavailable until further notice.
• Due to high demand, some properties may reach their pre-determined capacity limits. When this happens, properties will close until existing visitors leave, and capacity is reduced. 

 TRAILS

• Trail passes will not be required for both residents and non-residents.
• All linear/rail trails will be open to the public, including ATV trails and horseback riding trails.

 FISHING

• Residents and non-residents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps.
• All 2021-2022 fishing regulations apply, including bag and length limits.
• Due to COVID-19 precautions, loaner equipment will not be available. Anglers should bring their own equipment and bait.
• Events such as fishing clinics have been canceled.
• Locate launches and shorefishing access points near you.

  BOAT LAUNCHES

• All DNR boat launches are open.
• Boats must be registered, which can be done either online or via mail.
• Minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by removing plants and animals from boats before and after launching, draining all water from compartments, and never move live fish from any waterbody.

  SAFETY

• Always wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat, kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
• Use boat lights after sunset.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during an ATV ride or while operating a boat.
• Wear a helmet and protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt while riding an ATV.
• All children under the age of 18 must have a minimum Department of Transportation standard motorcycle or ATV helmet - bicycle helmets are not legal.
• Keep your speed in mind as weather and terrain conditions vary or change.

Free Fun Weekend is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. Participants are encouraged to join the Wisconsin State Parks' OutWiGo initiative. Make sure to tag your Free Fun Weekend photos with #OutWiGo.

Planning on heading out? Visit the CDC’s website for a helpful guide on choosing safer activities. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2021
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 North Fond Du Lac Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Village of North Fond Du Lac is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system. The project includes the replacement of lead service lines throughout the Village of North Fond Du Lac.

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 SDWLP federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project.

The SDWLP 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 June 18, 2021 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
Phone: 608-234-2238 or Email: Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP 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.