Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weekly Digest Bulletin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 27, 2021
Contact: Curtis Rollman, DNR Deer Biologist
Curtis.Rollman@wisconsin.gov or 715-450-4215

Virtual CWD Response Plan Review Committee Meeting Oct. 1

Public Encouraged To Watch Via DNR’s YouTube Channel

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the department will host the first Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Response Plan Committee meeting 9 - 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1. The committee will discuss the upcoming review process during which it will examine plan progress of goals and objectives.

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

The DNR’s 15-year CWD Response Plan, in effect through 2025, helps guide the department’s approach to addressing CWD in Wisconsin. The plan was developed to fulfill its public trust responsibility to manage wildlife and ensure the health of Wisconsin’s wildlife populations. As part of the plan’s implementation, the department will review progress toward meeting its goals and objectives every five years.

The committee is comprised of a group of stakeholders representing conservation, business and hunting organizations and tribal governments. During its meetings, the committee will develop input on the plan’s implementation and actions to consider as it completes this second five-year review.

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal, infectious nervous system disease of deer, moose, elk and reindeer/caribou. The Wisconsin DNR began monitoring the state's wild white-tailed deer population for CWD in 1999. The first positives were found in 2002.

More information on chronic wasting disease is available by visiting the DNR's CWD webpage. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 28, 2021
Contact: Paul Napierala, DNR Wildlife Biologist
Paul.Napierala@wisconsin.gov or 715-697-3642

DNR Confirms Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease In
La Crosse County Deer

Disease Can Cause Deer Fatality But Is Not A Threat To Human Health

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirms that a tissue sample collected from a deer in La Crosse County tested positive for the virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease. The disease was detected after a landowner reported eight dead deer on a 200-acre property south of La Crosse.  

The virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease can be carried by midges, which are small flies also known as biting gnats or no-see-ums. The virus does not infect humans even if a person handles infected deer, eats venison from infected deer or are bitten by infected midges.

Signs of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease In Deer 

Clinical signs of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in deer include excessive salivation or foaming around the nose and mouth, appearing weak and approachable by humans, and carcasses found in or near water sources, as infected deer will often lay in water to cool down or drink.

How To Report Sick Or Dead Deer

To report a sick or dead deer, contact your county wildlife biologist. If epizootic hemorrhagic disease is suspected, fresh samples will need to be collected within a day or two of death to be useful for detecting the virus. Those reporting suspected cases will need to provide details about the condition of the deer, its exact location and the condition of the carcass(es).

The DNR will collect or remove deer that are suspected to have died from epizootic hemorrhagic disease. Carcasses from deer that die of epizootic hemorrhagic disease are not a threat to spreading the disease to other deer, as the virus does not survive for long once an infected deer dies. The DNR advises against handling any found deer carcasses as other pathogens harmful to humans could be present.

“We’re grateful that the public is tuned in to the herd’s health and quick to report these mortalities,” said Paul Napierala, the DNR’s Wildlife Biologist for La Crosse County. “Keep reporting sick or dead deer. Your observations help us evaluate the potential geographic distribution and number of deer affected by this disease.”

About Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease is common across the southern and western United States, occasionally showing up in the Midwest. It can be fatal to deer, especially in populations that have limited previous exposure to the virus, such as in Wisconsin. The disease is typically short-lived, as the flies that transmit the disease die with the first hard frost. When deer die of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, it typically happens within seven days of infection.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease has previously been identified in Wisconsin, generally with varying localized impacts on deer. In fall 2020, there were small outbreaks of less than 50 deer each in Oconto and Buffalo counties. In fall 2019, an epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak in Crawford and six surrounding counties affected approximately 300 deer. A single case was confirmed in 2017. In 2012, an epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak was suspected of killing approximately 380 deer in Dane and Columbia counties.

Additional information about epizootic hemorrhagic disease is available on the DNR’s website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 28, 2021
Contact: Paul Napierala, DNR Wildlife Biologist
Paul.Napierala@wisconsin.gov or 715-697-3642

DNR Confirms Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease In
La Crosse County Deer

Disease Can Cause Deer Fatality But Is Not A Threat To Human Health

Editor's Note: The previous news release incorrectly stated that the DNR would collect or remove infected deer. The DNR will *not* collect or remove deer that are suspected to have died from epizootic hemorrhagic disease.

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirms that a tissue sample collected from a deer in La Crosse County tested positive for the virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease. The disease was detected after a landowner reported eight dead deer on a 200-acre property south of La Crosse.  

The virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease can be carried by midges, which are small flies also known as biting gnats or no-see-ums. The virus does not infect humans even if a person handles infected deer, eats venison from infected deer or are bitten by infected midges.

Signs of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease In Deer

Clinical signs of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in deer include excessive salivation or foaming around the nose and mouth, appearing weak and approachable by humans, and carcasses found in or near water sources, as infected deer will often lay in water to cool down or drink.

How To Report Sick Or Dead Deer

To report a sick or dead deer, contact your county wildlife biologist. If epizootic hemorrhagic disease is suspected, fresh samples will need to be collected within a day or two of death to be useful for detecting the virus. Those reporting suspected cases will need to provide details about the condition of the deer, its exact location and the condition of the carcass(es).

The DNR will not collect or remove deer that are suspected to have died from epizootic hemorrhagic disease. Carcasses from deer that die of epizootic hemorrhagic disease are not a threat to spreading the disease to other deer, as the virus does not survive for long once an infected deer dies. The DNR advises against handling any found deer carcasses as other pathogens harmful to humans could be present.

“We’re grateful that the public is tuned in to the herd’s health and quick to report these mortalities,” said Paul Napierala, the DNR’s Wildlife Biologist for La Crosse County. “Keep reporting sick or dead deer. Your observations help us evaluate the potential geographic distribution and number of deer affected by this disease.”

About Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease is common across the southern and western United States, occasionally showing up in the Midwest. It can be fatal to deer, especially in populations that have limited previous exposure to the virus, such as in Wisconsin. The disease is typically short-lived, as the flies that transmit the disease die with the first hard frost. When deer die of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, it typically happens within seven days of infection.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease has previously been identified in Wisconsin, generally with varying localized impacts on deer. In fall 2020, there were small outbreaks of less than 50 deer each in Oconto and Buffalo counties. In fall 2019, an epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak in Crawford and six surrounding counties affected approximately 300 deer. A single case was confirmed in 2017. In 2012, an epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak was suspected of killing approximately 380 deer in Dane and Columbia counties.

Additional information about epizootic hemorrhagic disease is available on the DNR’s website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 28, 2021
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Hunters Reminded To Test Deer For CWD Before Consuming Venison

The DNR and other state officials are encouraging hunters to have their harvested adult deer tested for CWD before consumption. / Photo Credit: iStock / jimkruger

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource (DNR) and other state officials are encouraging hunters who harvest adult deer in counties affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD) to have the animal tested.

As a precaution, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends the public only consume venison from deer in which CWD is not detected. In areas where CWD is known to be present, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that hunters strongly consider having those animals tested before eating the meat.

CWD is a fatal disease that affects the nervous system of deer, elk, moose and caribou. An abnormal protein called a prion causes the disease. Prions are not destroyed even when cooking meat to safe temperatures. The DNR has been testing samples from hunter-harvested deer to monitor the disease in the wild deer herd since 1999 and CWD was first detected in 2002. The testing results provide data on whether CWD was detected or not detected at the time of sampling.

To find a location in your area where you can submit samples from Wisconsin harvested deer free of charge, visit the DNR’s “Sampling For Chronic Wasting Disease” webpage. Test results are usually available from the DNR within two weeks.

Besides having their own deer tested, hunters who have their deer commercially processed should consider asking whether the processor mixes meat from untested animals into the products it returns to the customer. While processors typically return cuts like steaks and chops from the customer’s deer, other products like sausage and jerky may contain trim meat from other deer, which may or may not have been tested for CWD.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), processors may choose to process all deer with ‘CWD not detected’ lab results together using cleaned and sanitized equipment to avoid the possibility that trim meat from non-tested deer will end up being carried over in products returned to customers. By doing this, processors can assure customers that the products made from co-mingled trim are derived only from deer which have ‘CWD not detected' results.

Hunters have several options to have their deer sampled for CWD. In addition to a network of 24/7 self-service sampling kiosks around the state, additionally some meat processors and taxidermists offer in-person sampling assistance. Hunters should contact staffed sampling stations in advance to verify hours of operation. Some sampling locations also have DNR Wildlife Management staff available to take samples and answer hunters' questions.

Hunters interested in collecting their own CWD sample can request an at-home sampling kit from their local DNR wildlife management staff and return their samples to the DNR for testing. Whether hunters visit a kiosk, meat processor, taxidermist or sample their own deer at home, the online CWD form found in each customer’s Go Wild harvest history is a convenient way to submit all of the information required for a CWD sample.

For hunters who process their own deer, instructions on safe processing are available on the DNR website and on the DATCP website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 29, 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 City Of Schofield 

Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the City of Schofield 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 Schofield.

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 Oct. 13, 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: Sept. 29, 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 City Of St. Francis 

Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the City of St. Francis 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 St. Francis.

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 Oct. 13, 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: Oct. 1, 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 City Of Augusta Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the City of Augusta 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 construction of Well #11, a pumphouse and a connecting watermain in the City of Augusta.

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 Oct. 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: Oct. 1, 2021
Contact: Brenda Von Rueden, DNR Shooting Range Program Manager 
brenda.vonrueden@wisconsin.gov or 608-228-4549

Waushara County Shooting Range Reopens

New Facility Improvements; Adds Accessible Walkways

Waushara County Shooting Rang reopens to the public with new facility improvments and accessible walkways. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

WAUTOMA, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Waushara County shooting range on Bicentennial Road in Wautoma has reopened to the public following facility improvements and the addition of accessible walkways.

Following a Sept. 6 closure for improvements, Coloma Local 139 Operator Engineers donated labor and equipment to complete maintenance updates that allowed the popular shooting range to reopen within days of its initial closure.

The Coloma Local 139 Operator Engineers represent over 10,000 heavy equipment operators in the construction industry throughout Wisconsin. Their members originally built the range in 2012. After years of use, the engineers returned to provide maintenance at no charge to the DNR. The Waushara County shooting range is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Range users should follow all posted safety rules and clean up after use. Donations are accepted at the Wautoma range and are used to fund projects at state-owned ranges. More information on public shooting range locations, design and rules is available on the DNR website here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 1, 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 Kendall

Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Village of Kendall 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 substantial facility upgrades at Well #2 and Well #4 and related work in the Village of Kendall.

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 Oct. 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: Oct. 1, 2021
Contact: Ryan Haffele, DNR Wildlife Management Area Supervisor
Ryan.Haffele@wisconsin.gov or 715-928-0470

Change Of Venue For Sandhill Wildlife Area Wildlife Management Changes Informational Meeting Oct. 6

DNR Discontinuing Game Farm License 

The DNR will now host the Oct. 6 Sandhill Wildlife Area informational meeting at the Pittsville School District Auditorium to discuss the discontinuation of its game farm license. / Photo Credit: Shane Rucker

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced a new venue for the informational meeting on the wildlife management changes at Sandhill Wildlife Area.

The meeting will now take place at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at the Pittsville School District Auditorium located at 5459 Elementary Ave., Pittsville, Wis. The meeting is to discuss and answer questions about upcoming management changes on the property, including the removal of the perimeter deer fence.

The public is encouraged to attend and ask DNR’s Sandhill Wildlife Area staff questions of Sandhill in person or via Zoom.

The department announced on Sept. 23 the planned discontinuation of its game farm license at Sandhill Wildlife Area. Since purchasing the property in 1962, the DNR has managed Sandhill to provide unique wildlife viewing, hunting and research opportunities to the public while maintaining the property as a deer farm.

The meeting was previously scheduled to be held at Sandhill Wildlife Area. The department has changed venues to allow for greater attendance while social distancing and to accommodate a virtual option for those who wish to attend via Zoom.

The department has held a game farm license for Sandhill Wildlife Area since 2003. Following the terms of this license, the DNR has maintained a perimeter fence around the property’s 9,150 acres.

Following state regulations, game farms affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD) must implement a biosecurity plan to prevent the spread of the disease. While CWD has not yet been found in any Sandhill deer, it has been found in Wood County.

If the disease were to be found on the property, the public would have restricted access to the property and interfere with habitat management due to the required biosecurity plan.

The DNR will relinquish its game farm license to safeguard the public’s continued enjoyment of Sandhill Wildlife Area. As part of this process, the department will follow all state regulations for decommissioning a game farm, including depopulating the deer herd within the existing fence and then removing the fence itself. A timeline has not been established for the decommissioning process.

While the property will no longer operate as a game farm, all other aspects of the property will remain in place at Sandhill Wildlife Area. Operations continuing on the property include the Outdoor Skills Center, dormitory, Trumpeter Trail, hiking trails and the wildlife refuge and operation as a Wildlife Demonstration Area.

The 9,150-acre State Wildlife Area was named for a series of gently rolling sandy ridges crisscrossing the property. Sandhill Wildlife Area lies within the bed of ancient Glacial Lake Wisconsin - an expansive region of flat, marshy land interspersed with forests covering parts of seven counties in central Wisconsin.

The property features low, sandy uplands of oak, aspen and jack pine forests, large marshes and many flowages. A small herd of American bison, ruffed grouse, Canada geese, ducks, loons, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, shorebirds, songbirds, hawks, owls and furbearers find a great home at Sandhill. 

Event Details

What: Wildlife Management Changes At Sandhill Wildlife Area Information Meeting
When: 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6
Where: Pittsville School District Auditorium, 5459 Elementary Ave., Pittsville, Wis.

Alternate Ways To Participate: 

Join this meeting by Zoom.

Join by phone: 929-205-6099; Meeting ID: 815 0309 0854

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 1, 2021
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

DNR To Host ‘Protecting The People – Safe Drinking Water For All’ Webinar Oct. 12

Third Webinar In Series Of Panel Discussions About Safe Water For All

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host the last of three educational webinars, Protecting The People - Safe Drinking Water For All, from 12-1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

The webinar series is part of the Safe Water For All Campaign announced in July that is dedicated to educating the public on the leading drinking water contaminants, including PFAS, nitrates, lead and their impact on your health.  

Wisconsin has a long history of protecting the state's waters, and even led the nation in drinking water protection with the passage of the 1983 groundwater law. Approximately two-thirds of people living in Wisconsin get their drinking water from groundwater. Adequate supplies of uncontaminated groundwater are crucial not only for our health, but also for our breweries, agricultural operations and cutting-edge industries in Wisconsin. Hear how Wisconsin is working to protect your health and what you can do to get involved.

Speakers include Steve Elmore, DNR Drinking Water and Groundwater Program Director, Jennifer Hauxwell, Associate Director at the University of Wisconsin Aquatics Sciences Center and Jon Meiman, Chief Medical Officer at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Bruce Rheineck, DNR Groundwater Section Chief, will moderate the session.

Gov. Tony Evers declared 2019 the Year of Clean Drinking Water to address the fact that not all Wisconsinites have access to safe, clean drinking water. Gov. Evers directed the DNR and DHS, the agencies entrusted with protecting Wisconsin’s health and water resources, to strengthen water quality standards for nitrate, PFAS and lead. 

Safe Water For All Panel Series

Protecting The People - Safe Drinking Water For All
12 p.m. Oct. 12
Wisconsin has a long history of protecting the state's waters and even led the nation in drinking water protection with the passage of the 1983 groundwater law. Approximately two-thirds of people living in Wisconsin get their drinking water from groundwater. Adequate supplies of uncontaminated groundwater are crucial not only for our health but also for our breweries, agricultural operations and cutting-edge industries in Wisconsin. Hear how Wisconsin is working to protect your health and what you can do to get involved.

Speakers:
Steve Elmore, Drinking Water & Groundwater Program Director, DNR
Jennifer Hauxwell, Associate Director, UW-Madison Aquatic Sciences Center
Jon Meiman, Chief Medical Officer and State Occupational and Environmental Disease Epidemiologist, Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services

Watch via the DNR’s YouTube Channel here.