Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weekly Digest Bulletin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 16, 2021
Contact: Ashley Beranek, DNR Surface Water Quality Assessments Coordinator
Ashley.Beranek@wisconsin.gov or 608-267-9603

DNR Seeking Public Comment On
Updated Water Condition Lists

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that more than 80% of Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers recently assessed are healthy, continuing a trend of improved surface water quality across the state.

Every two years, Sections 303(d) and 305(b) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) require states to publish a list of all waters not meeting water quality standards and an overall report on surface water quality status of all waters in the state.

Although the majority of waterbodies are in good condition and have been placed on the Healthy Waters List, 92 new waterbodies or segments are now classified as impaired.

“Placing waters on the Impaired Waters List means they require a restoration plan to improve aquatic habitat, recreation opportunities or fish consumption. While these waters are labeled ‘impaired,’ the majority are still usable; just follow local water quality alerts and posted signs,” said Ashley Beranek, DNR Surface Water Quality Assessment Coordinator.

A total of 115 new pollutant listings are proposed; a waterbody can have multiple pollutant listings and some of the new listings are on waters already identified as impaired. The majority of new pollutant listings are for phosphorus and bacteria. This is the first assessment cycle to use the new E. coli bacteria criteria recently approved by the Wisconsin legislature.

Of the 115 new listings, 11 will be placed directly on the Restoration Waters List because they are covered by an existing restoration plan in the form of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The listings are being added to the Milwaukee River Basin TMDL, Upper Fox-Wolf Basins TMDL and Wisconsin River Basin TMDL. The department is also seeking public comment on these TMDL additions.

Simultaneously, 22 listings will be removed, half of which are for phosphorus and sediment. The 2022 draft Impaired Waters List contains 1,526 listings. The draft Restoration Waters List contains 577 listings.

The department is asking for public comments regarding the new listings and TMDL additions. Provide written comments by Oct. 1 to:

Department of Natural Resources
c/o Ashley Beranek, Water Quality
P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707
DNRWYWaterbodyAssessments@wisconsin.gov

The water condition lists are submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency every even-numbered year in accordance with the Clean Water Act. The department follows standard procedures to assess waterbodies against water quality standards.

The 2022 lists and other materials can be found on the DNR’s website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 16, 2021
Contact: Brenna Jones, DNR Conservation Biologist
Brenna.jones@wisconsin.gov or 608-267-0797

Monarch Habitat Takes Off In Wisconsin

Unprecedented Funding And Attention Adds To Gains On The Ground 

Efforts made by Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative partners have helped grow and improve habitat for monarchs and other pollinators in Wisconsin. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin monarchs looking for milkweed to lay their eggs on will now find hundreds of thousands of more acres of habitat in Wisconsin thanks to voluntary efforts by organizations and individuals statewide, including representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

The Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative formed in 2018 to voluntarily plant milkweed and wildflowers on a massive scale. The collaborative’s efforts are essential to help reverse an 80% decline over the last 20 years in the Eastern population of monarchs that breed and migrate through Wisconsin and 15 other states.

Participants in the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative include DNR representatives and other state and federal agencies, utilities, transportation groups, agriculture groups, university researchers, conservation groups and nature centers.

“Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative partners have made a solid initial down payment on our statewide goal,” said Brenna Jones, DNR Conservation Biologist and Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative Coordinator.

The group advises that adding and maintaining habitat is an important factor in reversing monarchs’ decline. The group encourages planting and maintaining native milkweed and native wildflowers. Milkweeds are the only source of food monarch caterpillars will eat and adult monarchs feed on a wide variety of native wildflowers.

Collaborative members committed to voluntarily adding 120 million new stems of milkweed, along with other native wildflowers, as Wisconsin’s contribution to a larger regional strategy.

The group’s “Key Accomplishments 2018-2020” report released earlier this year shows monarch habitat taking flight in Wisconsin, reflecting these accomplishments:

• 105,000 reported new or enhanced acres of habitat, the bulk of it on DNR State Natural Areas
• 205,268 acres enrolled in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program
• 822 monarch specific conservation projects assisted by Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologists
• Six major demonstration sites to teach and inspire, including at two rest areas along Interstate 39/90/94 west of Madison
• 85,000 copies of Wisconsin plant list for monarchs sent directly to Wisconsin homes
• 184 Wisconsin organizations and individuals have taken the pledge to help monarchs

“Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative members expect that the pace of milkweeds and nectar plants added to Wisconsin’s landscape will pick up,” Jones said. “There is an unprecedented level of attention and funding now going to monarch and other pollinator habitats both nationally and in Wisconsin. Governments, nonprofits and individuals are all focusing on the task.”

Andrew Wallendal, co-leader of the collaborative’s agricultural working group, said many farmers are growing much-needed products and providing ecosystem services of pollinator habitats. 

“These growers are unsung heroes that need to be recognized,” Wallendal said.

Dan Meyer, a Wisconsin Farm Bureau member and dairy farmer from Kiel planning his first monarch habitat, said that pollinator habitats can be a win-win for the environment and a farmer’s pocketbook.

"On our farm, we accomplish this by planting cover crops on environmentally sensitive and lower-yielding acres,” Meyer said. “This is one practice we can use to help expand diversity. Oftentimes, farmers can accomplish this in a low cost, low-risk way by utilizing current cost-share funding."

The Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative’s website contains Wisconsin-specific information on how to create habitat on farms, rights-of-ways, urban areas and protected lands.

The public can also report monarch habitat they have created in recent years to count toward Wisconsin’s tally.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 18, 2021
Contact: Caitlin Henning, DNR Wildlife Management Communications Specialist
Caitlin.Henning@wisconsin.gov or 608-228-6518

Find Your Adventure: Download Hunt Wild Mobile App

Dowlnoad the free Hunt Wild Wisconsin mobile app for a fun and safe hunting season. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that the Hunt Wild Wisconsin mobile app is loaded with everything you need in the field.

From property boundaries to shooting hours and deer carcass disposal locations, users can find new public lands to explore, brush up on the regulations or listen to podcasts all with Hunt Wild Wisconsin. With mobile mapping, up to the minute shooting hours and much more, the DNR is giving hunters all the tools to focus on what's important - enjoying time in the outdoors.

"The Hunt Wild Wisconsin app has proven itself to be a valuable resource for hunters since we launched in 2018. We’re constantly tweaking the app to keep it up-to-date for customers with more of the features they want to see,” said Eric Lobner, DNR Wildlife Management Program Director. “Back this year is the in-app CWD sampling and deer carcass disposal location lookup as well as mapping improvements. The 2021 combined hunting regulations are loaded in and ready to go to kick off the fall seasons.”

What hasn’t changed are all the features that drew hunters to Hunt Wild Wisconsin in the first place, like up-to-the-minute shooting hours, species-specific mobile mapping and price – it’s free.

Check out the following app features that will help improve your time in the field:

• Tailored mapping with hunting zones and prime habitat layers based on the species you’re pursuing so you can zero in on your next hunting spot. You build your experience based on your hunt.
• Find deer carcass disposal locations inside the app. Knowing your disposal location makes proper carcass handling more convenient so you can protect the herd and keep going with your day.
• Access your maps (including topographic maps and land boundaries) plus rules, regs and hunting hours with (or without) a cell signal.
• Tailor the map to your hunt - save your favorite hunting location or feature of interest.
• Save your trails for those early morning walk-ins.
• Shooting hours are automatically determined by your location.
• Easy-to-read summary of regulations, all in one place - everything you need to know, right in the palm of your hand (with or without a cellular connection).
• Access to your Go Wild account allows you to purchase new hunting licenses, harvest authorizations and permits.
• Use GameReg in the field to register your harvest with the Hunt Wild Wisconsin app.

For more information about the free app and to watch the app tutorial, visit the DNR website here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 18, 2021
Contact: Laura MacFarland, DNR Financial Assistance Specialist
Laura.MacFarland@wisconsin.gov or 715-499-0309

Clean Boats, Clean Waters Grants Available

New Applicants Must Contact DNR By Sept. 2

A Clean Boats, Clean Waters watercraft inspector helps to inspect under a boat for fragments of aquatic vegetation as a boater takes out at the landing. / Photo Credit: Stephanie Boismenue

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced it is accepting Clean Boats, Clean Waters grant applications for the 10th consecutive year to prevent aquatic invasive species statewide. 

To apply, new grant applicants must contact the DNR via email at DNRCBCWGrants@wisconsin.gov by Sept. 2, 2021. The deadline to submit final applications is Nov. 1, 2021.

There is $4,000 available in state grants to eligible applicants that have 200 hours of watercraft inspection completed at a boat landing or a pair of landings. An organization is eligible to receive as much as $24,000 each year. The grant term is Feb. 15 – Dec. 15, 2021.

Since 2013, more than $5.17 million in grants has been awarded to local municipalities, lake associations and other eligible entities. Grants are used to train and equip watercraft inspectors who help perform boat and trailer checks, provide informational materials and educate boaters on how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil.

For more information and eligibility requirements, visit the DNR webpage here or contact Laura MacFarland, DNR Financial Assistance Specialist, at DNRCBCWGrants@wisconsin.gov. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 18, 2021
Contact: Taylor Finger, DNR Migratory Game Biologist
Taylor.Finger@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-8841

Inaugural Waterfowl Hunters Expo Aug. 28

Wisconsin waterfowl hunters are invited to attend the inaugural Waterfowl Hunters Expo Aug. 28 at the Sunnyview Expo Center in Oshkosh. / Photo Credit: Colby Lysne

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and waterfowl conservation organizations will host the inaugural Waterfowl Hunters Expo on Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Sunnyview Expo Center in Oshkosh.

This outdoor, family- and dog-friendly Expo will allow hunters to engage with the latest experts and technologies ahead of the Wisconsin migratory bird seasons. DNR migratory game bird biologist Taylor Finger will also be available to answer waterfowl questions.

The Expo will feature the 2021 Wisconsin Duck and Goose Calling Championships, a fastest-retriever contest, judging for the 2022 waterfowl stamp contest and a chance for hunters to showcase their rigs. In addition, the Expo will include hands-on exhibits and booths from industry experts, habitat managers and waterfowl scientists.

General admission is $10 and military, veteran and first-responder tickets are $8. Children under 12 and dogs on lead attend free. Check the Expo’s admissions webpage for more information on dog attendance policies.

Learn more about the Waterfowl Hunters Expo on the event website. For more information about migratory birds in Wisconsin, visit the DNR Waterfowl Hunting webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 19, 2021
Contact: Alaina Gerrits, DNR Upland Wildlife Ecologist
Alaina.Gerrits@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-6739

DNR Seeks Participants For Ruffed Grouse West Nile Virus Sampling

Fall Sampling Kits Available Ahead of Ruffed Grouse Season Opener

A male ruffed grouse stands on a drumming log. Hunters are encouraged to participate in the final year study on West Nile Virus found in ruffed grouse. / Photo Credit: iStock / R_Koopmans

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages hunters in the central and northern forests to participate in the final year of sampling for a multi-state study on West Nile virus found in ruffed grouse.

To participate, fill out a short online form to receive a free sampling kit in early September ahead of the Sept. 18 ruffed grouse season opener. The number of kits provided per individual is limited to ensure samples come from a large geographic area. The DNR will work with conservation partners to distribute 500 kits to hunters.

Additional data collection through hunter-contributed samples increases the overall sample size and strengthens study results. Hunters who have unused kits from previous years are encouraged to collect a sample and send it in to be processed as items in the kit do not expire.

Sample testing will begin after the close of ruffed grouse season with results available several months after testing. Hunters will receive test results via email.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitos and its effects on birds 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 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: Aug. 19, 2021
Contact: Jenni Birkholz, DNR Business Support Coordinator
JenniferA.Birkholz@Wisconsin.gov or 608-266-8226

Brady Corporation Joins DNR’s Green Tier Program

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) welcomes Brady Corporation’s Florist Avenue facility in Glendale into its voluntary Green Tier program. 

The DNR’s Green Tier program provides recognition to organizations committed to going above and beyond compliance to achieve continual improvement in their environmental performance and impact. Brady joins as a Tier 1 participant, establishing their commitment through implementing an environmental management system.

Brady manufactures safety, identification and compliance solutions, including signage, labels and printers, for organizations to improve their productivity and performance of meeting all safety and environmental regulations. 

“We welcome Brady Corporation to the Department’s Green Tier program,” said Greg Pils, DNR Director of Environmental Analysis and Sustainability. “We’re excited to grow our partnership with them as they focus on improving the environmental impacts at their Florist Avenue facility and to amplify the corporation’s global environmental accomplishments.”

Brady has an ISO 14001 certified environmental management system, an internationally accepted certification standard for businesses to implement a system that is designed to manage and improve their environmental performance.

Future goals at the Florist Avenue facility include reducing wastewater, air emissions, hazardous waste and energy consumption.

“Brady is committed to conducting business in a manner that protects the environment as well as the health and safety of our employees and the communities where we operate,” said Tom DeBruine, Director of North American Operations for Brady Corp. “Our goal is to apply principles and practices of sound environmental stewardship in every phase of our operations and products, safeguarding the global environment by minimizing our use of natural resources and preventing pollution."

More information about Green Tier and Brady Corporation’s participation is available on this DNR website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 20, 2021
Contact: Benjamin Callan, DNR Integration Services Section Chief
benjamin.callan@wi.gov or 608-405-0016

DNR Launches New Webpage For
Solar Installation Applications

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today launched the Solar Installations webpage dedicated to helping those planning ground-mounted solar installation projects across the state.

Solar installations are becoming more frequent as individuals, communities, companies and utilities seek renewable energy solutions. As a result, there is an increase in renewable energy proposals in Wisconsin, including a large number of solar projects.

Although there are many positive benefits to installing solar projects, there are still impacts on the environment and the community. The new webpage helps ensure that the public and developers provide the most accurate and relevant information to the DNR during the permit application process.

Are you interested in ground-mounted solar installations? Visit the Solar Installations webpage for information about long-term land use planning opportunities, permitting requirements, life cycle analysis and equity-based evaluations for developing your solar infrastructure project. 

The DNR welcomes additional input on the content of the webpage. Submit feedback to the DNR’s Sustainability and Business Support section at DNRbusinesssupport@wisconsin.gov.