Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weekly Digest Bulletin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 9, 2021
Contact: Amy Kretlow, DNR Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator 
amy.kretlow@wisconsin.gov or 920-838-2597

Invasive European Frogbit Found In Oconto County

First Discovery Of Highly Invasive Plant In Wisconsin

European frogbit, known for its petite lily pad-like leaves and elusive white flower, was recently discovered for the first time in Wisconsin in Oconto County. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that European Frogbit – a prohibited invasive plant with the potential to invade shallow or slow-moving water areas – was found for the first time in the state of Wisconsin. 

European frogbit, known for its petite lily pad-like leaves and elusive white flower, originally inhabited Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. Wisconsin's invasive species rule, Wis. Admin. Code NR 40, prohibits European frogbit across the state. Prohibited species are illegal to transfer, sell, possess, transport, or introduce into the state. 

The only other finding of European frogbit in Wisconsin was in 2018 at a nursery in southern Wisconsin. The nearest known wild population is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near Sault Ste. Marie. 

In late July 2021, a botanist conducting surveys for the Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative  (GLRI) observed European frogbit growing in an unnamed stream and throughout the adjacent drainage ditches just north of the City of Oconto. After it was reported to the DNR, staff visited the site to verify the species and collect specimens and photographs.

European frogbit is a plant that can form large colonies of dense floating mats that can dramatically affect native aquatic life and recreational activities.

“The streams, wetlands and drainages along the west shore of Green Bay are highly valued ecosystems for many fish species including Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and many forage fish along with many species of birds, amphibians, and native plants,” said Ken Dolata, Department Head for the Oconto County Land Conservation Department.

Large mats of European frogbit can become dense enough to reduce light that native plants need and prohibit movement of large fish and diving ducks.

“There are numerous ways that plants such as this get introduced,” said Amanda Smith, a DNR Invasive Species Specialist. “For this population in particular, movement by boats is likely as there is a nearby boat launch that is heavily used by boaters from throughout the Midwest who travel long distances to experience the Green Bay fishery. It is also possible that it was released from a water garden or aquarium since European frogbit was once a popular ornamental plant. Once introduced, natural dispersal is also possible given its ability to overwinter and spread rapidly.”

Initial monitoring efforts revealed European frogbit is in numerous marshes and tributaries of Green Bay that are connected by drainage ditches. Removal efforts will begin in the coming days and will continue throughout the summer and subsequent years.

Extensive monitoring of the site and nearby waterbodies will also be necessary to identify other populations given the likelihood of spread. DNR staff and partners are beginning outreach to sportsmen, local garden clubs, bait shops, and at public events. The response effort is in partnership with Oconto and Marinette Counties, Timberland Invasives Partnership, Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition, and the Forest Langlade Oconto Waterways Program.

European frogbit, also known as Common frogbit, is not to be confused with common native look alikes such as white waterlily and water-shield. It is usually floating and resembles tiny water lilies with kidney-shaped leaves 0.5-2.25” in diameter with long stems. The leaves also have a tissue containing air pockets located mostly along the midvein. The small white flower is short lived and rarely seen. This species readily reproduces by seed, turions, and plant fragments.

The public can report invasive species by following the instructions on the DNR website or email invasive.species@wisconsin.gov.

As with all aquatic invasive species, the public can help reduce the spread of this species by following these steps:

• Use native plant species whenever possible
• Bag and dispose of unwanted seeds or invasive plants in the trash, labeled “Approved for landfilling by DNR”
• Be on the lookout for invasive species
• Respond aggressively to rid your land of new invasive species
• Leave native trees and plants alone; natural landscapes offer the best defense
• When traveling on foot in natural areas, always brush boots and waders clean of seeds, mud and other debris

Paddlers, boaters, anglers, hunters, and other water users are reminded of the required Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Steps: 

• 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

Learn more about the identification, distribution, control, and resources European frogbit here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 9, 2021
Contact: Jennifer Semrau, DNR Waste Reduction and Diversion Coordinator Jennifer.Semrau@wisconsin.gov or 608-381-0960

Recycling Excellence Award Nominations Now Open

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced it is accepting nominations for the 2021 Recycling Excellence Awards now through Sept. 17.

Communities, organizations, schools and businesses are encouraged to apply for recognition of outstanding recycling or waste minimization initiatives. The DNR offers the Recycling Excellence Awards to recognize efforts and share innovative ideas with a broad audience to improve waste management practices.

NEW THIS YEAR: One of the goals identified in A Blueprint for DNR Climate Action 2021-2025 is to reduce per-capita food waste disposed of in Wisconsin landfills by half by 2030 (from 2020 levels). Please note that food waste recovery or diversion programs are eligible for Recycling Excellence Awards.

Awards are offered in four categories: Overall program, projects and initiatives, innovation and special events. Entities of any size may nominate themselves or submit an application on behalf of another program. Applicants are encouraged to submit supporting materials such as outreach samples, data/graphs and high-resolution photos.

Visit this DNR website for more information about the categories, past awards and a nomination form.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 10, 2021
Contact: Brad Eggold, DNR Great Lakes District Supervisor
Bradley.Eggold@wisconsin.gov or 414-303-0138

Lake Michigan Whitefish Virtual Meeting Aug. 31

The DNR will hold the sixth in a series of Lake Michigan whitefish meetings on Aug. 31. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be developing new regulations for the lake whitefish commercial industry. The DNR will host a virtual public meeting to hear from anyone interested in Lake Michigan whitefish and discuss the new permanent commercial whitefish rules package.

This will be the sixth of several public meetings held since August 2020 to collect feedback on the Lake Michigan whitefish fishery.

This meeting will take place virtually via Zoom at 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 31. The public can join the meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m. using the Zoom link or by dialing 312-626-6799 and using meeting ID 896 4896 6042.

Since DNR staff will share information using a PowerPoint presentation during this meeting, the department recommends joining the meeting via Zoom. Although the call-in number will allow attendees to listen to the discussion, you will be unable to view the presentation.

Find information, meeting notes and presentations from previous meetings on the DNR’s Lake Michigan Whitefish Management webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 10, 2021
Contact: Amanda Kamps, DNR Wildlife Health Conservation Specialist
Amanda.Kamps@wisconsin.gov or 608-712-5280

Help Slow The Spread Of CWD:
Adopt A Kiosk Or Carcass Disposal Dumpster
This Deer Season

Adopt-a-Kiosk volunteers set up a kiosk for hunters in LaValle, Wis. Adopt a kiosk or dumpster to help support CWD management around the state. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to help monitor and slow the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) this deer season.

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal, infectious nervous system disease found in the deer family. The DNR began monitoring the state's wild white-tailed deer population for CWD in 1999. The first positives were found in 2002.

For the past four years, individuals and organizations around the state have partnered with the DNR to place self-service kiosks and deer carcass disposal dumpsters out for hunters. This year, the Adopt-a-Kiosk and Adopt-a-Dumpster programs are looking for more volunteers to bring convenient CWD testing and proper deer carcass disposal options for hunters across Wisconsin.

“We know many Wisconsinites are looking to provide CWD services in their local areas. The original idea for Adopt-a-Dumpster came from hunters themselves. We then launched Adopt-a-Kiosk to provide even more opportunities to get involved,” said Amanda Kamps, DNR Wildlife Health Conservation Specialist. “Both programs give more hunters convenient opportunities to participate in CWD management around the state.”

Adopt-a-Dumpster partners can either donate the full cost of a dumpster or participate in the DNR’s cost-sharing program. The cost-sharing program ensures that after receiving DNR reimbursements, partners will not pay more than $500 for their share. In most counties, cost-sharing is available for up to three locations.

Find out more on our website about how you or your organization can get involved with Adopt-a-Kiosk or Adopt-a-Dumpster this year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 11, 2021
Contact: Maureen Ferry, DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Coordinator
maureen.ferry@wisconsin.gov or 608-381-2131
Shelby Adler, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension River Educator Shelby.adler@wisc.edu

Join Statewide Search For Aquatic Invasive Species Aug. 21

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites water enthusiasts to help protect Wisconsin’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands by joining the statewide search for aquatic invasive species for Snapshot Day on Aug. 21, 2021.

Snapshot Day is a one-day, hands-on effort where participants monitor streams, lakes and wetlands at designated sites across the state for signs of non-native plants and animals posing risks to Wisconsin waterways and wildlife. Volunteers can register at one of more than 20 event locations hosted by local conservation groups.

Coordinated in partnership with the DNR, UW-Madison Division of Extension, UW-Stevens Point Extension Lakes, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Snapshot Day is entering its eighth successful year. Information collected will be provided to the DNR to inform and guide monitoring and response efforts. Volunteers are vital to the success of the event.

“Projects like Snapshot Day are a fun and simple way for volunteers to get engaged and for the local site leaders and DNR to collaborate,” says Maureen Ferry, DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Coordinator. “The DNR has a long list of sites with suspected but unverified aquatic invasive species that Snapshot Day monitoring targets. This increases the chances of volunteers helping us find a new species.”

Last year, more than 150 volunteers pulled on their masks and rolled up their sleeves to monitor at more than 234 sites across the state, making for a successful, safe and socially-distanced event. This year’s event will also have precautions to ensure the event is safe for everyone who would like to participate. Training for the event will be held virtually on Aug. 12, before Snapshot Day. The DNR asks that all non-vaccinated volunteers wear a face covering.

This event is free to attend and recommended for ages 8 and up; adults must accompany minors.

Event Details:

Saturday, Aug. 21

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Register online by visiting the Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day 2021 website.

Advance registration is requested to help site leaders build monitoring plans. The registration deadline is Aug. 19.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 11, 2021
Contact: Jeff Pritzl, DNR Deer Ecologist
Jeffrey.Pritzl@wisconsin.gov or 920-336-3450

2021 Bonus Antlerless Deer Harvest Authorizations Available For Purchase Aug. 16

Get more time in the field with family this deer season. Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations go on sale starting Aug. 16. / Photo Credit: iStock / ps50ace

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that bonus antlerless harvest authorizations will be available for purchase starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 16 online through the Go Wild license portal and at license sales locations.

Deer population levels vary throughout the state, and antlerless harvest opportunities vary by management zone. This allows for greater harvest where deer are abundant and a more conservative harvest where deer are fewer in number.

Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations, formerly known as tags, are available for purchase in all deer management units (DMUs) for the 2021 season.

Bonus authorizations are sold at a rate of one per person per day until sold out or until the 2021 deer hunting season ends. Bonus authorizations are $12 each for Wisconsin residents, $20 each for non-residents and $5 each for youth ages 11 and under.

A list of units with bonus antlerless harvest authorizations available for purchase is available on the DNR website here.

Each day at 9:45 a.m., an online queuing system will be put in place to manage volume. At 10 a.m., all online users waiting on the Go Wild will be randomly assigned a number and staged into a virtual queue.

There is no advantage for customers who enter the site before 9:45 a.m. Please note that customers who enter the site after the randomization at 10 a.m. will be added to the end of the virtual queue in the order in which they arrive.

When accessing Go Wild, follow the prompts until you reach your personalized dashboard. To purchase a bonus antlerless harvest authorization, click the "Buy Licenses" button from the dashboard to open the sales catalog. From there, you will find “Bonus Antlerless Harvest Authorization” at the very top of the list. If you have not had the chance to get your license in advance, you can purchase one after you select the bonus antlerless harvest authorization in Go Wild.

Hunters will need to know the deer management zone and unit in which they intend to hunt. They will also need to determine whether they will hunt on public or private land to make their purchase.

The first three days of bonus sales are management zone-specific, and the fourth day is open to all zones:

• Aug. 16, 10 a.m. - Northern and Central Forest (Zone 1);
• Aug. 17, 10 a.m. - Central Farmland (Zone 2);
• Aug. 18, 10 a.m. - Southern Farmland (Zone 2); and
• Aug. 19, 10 a.m. - Remaining bonus harvest authorizations (all zones).

As a reminder, a Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless harvest authorization is included with each deer hunting license purchase in units that offer them. Some units will offer more than one antlerless deer harvest authorization with each deer license.

For more information regarding deer hunting in Wisconsin, visit the DNR webpage here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 12, 2021
Contact: Ashley Van Egtern, DNR Hunter Education And R3 Program Specialist Ashley.VanEgtern@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-9625

DNR Urges Hunters To Use Treestand
Harnesses This Fall

Follow Treestand Safety Tips For A Safe Season

Hunters should always use a full-body harness, also known as a fall-arrest system, when hunting from a treestand. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds those participating in the upcoming deer hunting season to use treestands safely.

According to surveys, one-quarter of bowhunters have experienced a fall or near fall from an elevated stand. However, less than half of Wisconsin deer hunters use a safety harness every time they climb.

Hunters should include harnesses in their routine if they plan to hunt above the ground regardless of hunting with a ladder stand, a tower stand or a hang-on stand. Published research indicates risky climbing behavior can catch up with hunters the longer they hunt.

Hunters should always use a full-body harness, also known as a fall-arrest system. Hunters should also follow the basic rules of treestand safety:

• Connect your harness to your tether line and keep your tether line short.
• Always have three points of contact while climbing into and out of the treestand: Two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand at all times.
• Always use a haul line to raise and lower your unloaded firearm or bow into and out of the stand. You can also use a separate haul line for other things, like a heavy backpack.
• Use a lifeline when climbing up and down. The lifeline keeps you connected from the time you leave the ground to when you get back down.
• Be sure to let someone know where you'll be hunting and when you expect to return.
• Carry a cell phone to call for help if you are injured after a fall.

Hunters should use situational awareness in addition to following the basic rules of treestand safety. Always select a tree that is substantial enough to support your weight. Check your equipment before use, making certain lines are intact, your harness fits and is absent of snags and tears that could jeopardize the functionality. Also, be sure to inspect your stand to ensure it does not have any missing components or broken features.

Ahead of the fall season, hunters are also encouraged to participate in the Treestand Manufacturers Association Safety Course, a free interactive course that takes 15 minutes to complete.

To learn more about treestand safety, visit the DNR Treestand Safety webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 13, 2021
Contact: Maureen Ferry, DNR Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Coordinator
Maureen.Ferry@wisconsin.gov or 608-381-3231

Collaborative Aquatic Invasive Species Detection Reveals New Discoveries

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and partners monitored more than 1,000 locations and documented over 150 new populations of aquatic invasive species in 2020.

The DNR recognizes the invaluable contributions of its monitoring partners around the state, particularly the assistance from volunteers, who were simultaneously adhering to the COVID-19 protocols in place.

“The overall importance of citizen detectors has become especially apparent during the pandemic,” said Maureen Ferry, DNR Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Coordinator. “Monitoring Wisconsin’s natural resources is an all-hands effort. The support of volunteers statewide is key to our success in controlling invasive species.”

Less than 15% of all monitoring efforts uncover a new aquatic invasive species population. Less than 1% of efforts reveal a prohibited species under Wis. Admin Code 40 (NR40) that is not already established in the state. Fortunately, most discoveries in 2020 were of commonly managed species like curly leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and yellow iris (Iris psuedocorus).

Monitoring efforts did uncover eight new instances of NR40-prohibited species – all of which were confined to private ponds and small localized areas. These discoveries included floating marsh pennywort, Japanese stiltgrass, starry stonewort, butterfly dock, common reed grass, water lettuce and graceful cattail. Visit the DNR website for a comprehensive list of the 2020 discoveries.

Every new invasive species discovery triggers the DNR’s Invasive Species Response Framework to ensure consistent evaluation and recording steps are followed. When small, isolated AIS populations are discovered, they can be easily contained and possibly eradicated or controlled before they have a chance to spread to public waters. Likely sources of these new NR40-prohibited species are from contaminated watercraft or water garden stock – purchasing from local nurseries is one way to reduce the risk of the water garden pathway.

Check out the UW Extension and River Alliance of Wisconsin’s programs like aquatic invasive species Snapshot Day, Citizen Lake Monitoring Network and Water Action Volunteers to join the volunteer monitoring efforts.  

Members of the public who wish to control invasive species on their properties must receive a permit from the DNR’s Aquatic Plant Management Program to manage these species with herbicides. No permit is required for manual removal.

Contact a local lakes biologist to learn more about the removal of invasive species.