Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weekly Digest Bulletin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 28, 2020
Contact: Lt. Martin Stone, DNR conservation warden,
off-highway vehicle administrator
martin.stone@wisconsin.gov or 608-778-2035

Snowmobilers: Time To Complete Required

Safety Certificate Course

Fall is the ideal time to take the first step of preparing for the upcoming snowmobile season by completing the safety course. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin is the birthplace of snowmobiling and continues to offer some of the best snowmobiling opportunities you are likely to find, especially in northern Wisconsin.

More than 200,000 registered snowmobiles hit Wisconsin's 25,000 miles of groomed trails each winter, which means safety is an important part of the ride.

Fall is the ideal time to take the first step of preparing for the upcoming snowmobile season by completing the safety course. The safety course seeks to ensure snowmobilers of all ages are safe while they are having fun on the trails. The  course is required for operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1985 and who are 12 years of age or older. 

Snowmobile safety is critical. In 2019, 16 fatal snowmobiling accidents occurred, with the top contributing factors being speed and operator error.

The safety course costs $10 and includes six hours of classroom instruction with two optional hours of hands-on instruction or a simulated ride. For those age 16 and older, the course may be completed online.

To register for a classroom course or an online version, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/safetyEducation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 29, 2020
Contact:Meredith Penthorn, DNR fisheries management policy specialist,
Meredith.Penthorn@wisconsin.gov or 608-316-0080
Brad Eggold, DNR Great Lakes district supervisor
Bradley.Eggold@wisconsin.gov or 414-303-0138 
Brad Ray, DNR fisheries supervisor
Bradley.Ray@wisconsin.gov or 715-779-4036 

Lake Superior Virtual Preliminary Hearing Oct. 13

MADISON, Wis. – The Department of Natural Resources will hold a preliminary public hearing at 6 p.m. on Oct. 13 to discuss a scope statement for future emergency and permanent rules relating to fish harvest in Lake Superior. 

This hearing will be held virtually via Skype or by calling in to 1-866-715-6499 and entering passcode 7560802998#. The DNR recommends the public attend using a computer via the Skype link to best view the presentation.

To speak at the hearing, please pre-register by completing the fillable appearance slip and submit to Meredith.Penthorn@wisconsin.gov.

This preliminary public hearing will allow the public to comment on the general topics within the scope statement that the rule may encompass.

The scope statement must be approved by the Natural Resources Board prior to the development of rule proposals. As such, specific rule proposals will not be presented at the Oct. 13 preliminary hearing.

Written comments can be submitted to Meredith.Penthorn@wisconsin.gov until Oct. 18.

Information on Lake Superior fisheries management is available on the DNR’s fisheries website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 29, 2020
Contact:Tom Meronek, DNR fisheries supervisor
Thomas.Meronek@wisconisn.gov or 715-410-4222

The DNR To Hold Smallmouth Bass Virtual Meeting Oct 13

For Green Bay and Lake Michigan Fishery

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold a virtual public meeting to engage with stakeholders and discuss options for maintaining and improving the Green Bay and Lake Michigan smallmouth bass fishery.

This virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Members of the public can access the meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m. via Zoom or by calling 1-312-626-6799 and using meeting ID: 93985589492#.

The DNR previously held public meetings in 2017 and 2019 to discuss the status of the present fishery and its sustainability with stakeholders and gain perspective from guides and anglers. The Oct. 13 meeting will allow members of the public to provide input into how to best maintain and improve the Green Bay and Lake Michigan smallmouth bass fishery.

“We will continue to gather input on how to manage this special fishery,” said Scott Hansen, a DNR fisheries biologist charged with managing smallmouth bass in Door County. “Previously, we focused on Door County, but for this meeting, we are inviting participation from all of our fish management staff around Green Bay to address the entire Green Bay and Lake Michigan fishery.”

It’s important to note that during this meeting, information will be shared using a PowerPoint presentation. While the call-in number will allow attendees to listen to the discussion, to better understand the information and see the presentation, the DNR recommends the public attend using a computer via the Zoom link.

“We look forward to discussing this information with stakeholders and gathering their comments and suggestions to help us sustain the smallmouth bass fishery into the future,” said David Boyarski, DNR East District fisheries supervisor.

More information on the Lake Michigan fishery can be found on the DNR’s fisheries webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 29, 2020
Contacts: Ryan Brady, DNR conservation biologist
Ryan.Brady@wisconsin.gov or 715-685-8585
Nick Anich, DNR conservation biologist
Nicholas.Anich@wisconsin.gov or 715-685-2930

One Million And Counting: Wisconsin Reaches New Milestone In Avian Citizen Science

Kay Kavanagh often birds by bike when conditions allow. / Photo Credit: Kay Kavanagh.

MADISON, Wis. – Ranked second nationally in birdwatching participation and a longtime high flyer in bird monitoring, conservation and citizen science, Wisconsin has added another feather to its cap. The state’s bird lovers have submitted more than one million checklists to eBird, the popular online platform for reporting bird observations.

Birders can use a customized eBird platform for Wisconsin to submit checklists encompassing all the bird species they see at a given place and time, whether watching birds at their feeder or rare sightings in the field.

Only one state with a smaller population — Oregon — has reached this feat.

“Reaching the one-million checklist mark is a big accomplishment,” said Ryan Brady, avian citizen-science coordinator for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “When it comes to bird monitoring, there is strength in numbers, and the more data we get from a broader swath of individuals, the more our sightings can make a difference for birds.”

That information has become increasingly valuable in avian research and conservation and gives birders an electronic journal to track the birds they see over the years. They can also explore data from all users, revealing birding hot spots in any given area, when to expect certain species to arrive or depart and where specific target species have been sighted.

“It’s inspiring to see such a tremendous wealth of information about Wisconsin’s birds,” said Ian Davies, eBird coordinator for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Davies noted that Wisconsin surpassing one million checklists is a testament to the incredible contributions of the Wisconsin birding community.

Legendary Florence County Birder Leads The Way

Those familiar with birding in Wisconsin will not be surprised to learn that the milestone checklist was submitted by legendary birder Kay Kavanagh, a Florence County resident with over 22,000 checklists to her name — more than any other birder in Wisconsin.

Kavanagh was a significant contributor to the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II. This comprehensive five-year survey engaged more than 2,000 volunteers in surveying over 1,300 specific blocks of land to document bird species nesting in Wisconsin. She surveyed much of her home county for the atlas; an astonishing 93% of checklists from that county are hers. She also surveyed nearby counties with a few volunteers.

Pioneering Use Of eBird To Inform Bird Conservation

Wisconsin was an early leader in promoting the tool and soon became one of the first states to develop its customized portal to the eBird database, Wisconsin eBird. eBird was released in 2002 and gained popularity later that decade. After years of ranking near the top in submitted checklists, Wisconsin pioneered another novel effort by becoming the first state to use an integrated eBird platform for collecting breeding bird atlas data.

“eBird was critical as a data collection tool to the success of the Atlas and has been equally valuable in tracking the distribution, movements, phenology and annual relative abundance of Wisconsin’s birds,” Brady said.

Information received from eBird reports help the Wisconsin DNR track the locations and status of rare bird populations, state property assessments and where and when to find hundreds of bird species. Land managers and other natural resource professionals also rely on publicly available eBird data from local parks, recreation areas or habitat projects.

“eBird is as fun as it is useful,” Brady said. “It’s pretty easy to get lost in the website for hours exploring all the maps, photos and recent sightings. Having fun while contributing your sightings for science is a win-win in my book.”

Visit the DNR’s website for more information on birding, birding conservation and eBird.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 30, 2020
Contact: DNRPress@wisconsin.gov 

View Fall Foliage Via Wisconsin's Trails

Peak Fall Color Is Almost Here

Experience fall color by bicycling or hiking. / Photo Credit: TravelWisconsin.com

MADISON, Wis. – The annual display of fall colors in Wisconsin is beginning now. Enjoying Wisconsin's rich trail system is the perfect way to explore peak leaf season throughout the state while practicing social distancing.

Peak fall color usually occurs in far northern Wisconsin during the last week of September and the first week of October, with peak color generally happening during mid-October in central Wisconsin and during the latter half of October in southern Wisconsin. Now is the perfect time to start planning your fall leaf tour on Wisconsin state properties.

Wisconsin state properties offer biking, hiking and walking opportunities for beginners, families and more advanced explorers.

Three Types Of Bike Trails

Wisconsin's many miles of trails and varied terrain make it an ideal place for bicycling and Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of America's best places to bike. The state offers three types of bicycle trails:

• Bicycle touring trails – Easier trails such as paved or limestone-surfaced former railroad corridors. Generally appropriate for all ability levels and bikes with skinny tires.
• Off-road bicycle trails  – Intermediate-level trails, often in the woods with various surfacing, from native soil to wood chips. Appropriate for families with more adventurous riders and hybrid or mountain bikes.
• Constructed mountain bike trails – Specially created, challenging narrow-width trails built to specific the trail standards.

A state trail pass is required for all people age 16 or older biking on certain trails. A state trail pass is not required for walking or hiking. Wisconsin state trail pass fees are the same for residents and non-residents. The annual pass is good for the calendar year and the daily pass is good for the day of purchase. To learn which trails require passes and to purchase a trail pass, visit the DNR’s website.

Plan A Fall Color Hike

Wisconsin's state properties also offer more than 2,700 miles of hiking trails. Hiking is allowed at all properties, and trail information and maps can be found on the DNR's website.

Plan a fall color hike by exploring Travel Wisconsin's 15 fall color hikes list, including easy and advanced hikes.

Share The Trail

Before trail goers make plans for fall adventures, the DNR wants to remind everyone to keep trail etiquette in mind and share the trail.

• Know what types of trail use are permitted at your destination and obey traffic (and other) laws and signs.
• Ride or walk single file. You can ride two or more side-by-side if you will not block other traffic, including those who may wish to pass you.
• All users should stay right except to pass. Always pass on the left.
• When passing, move to single file and announce yourself (verbally or with a bell) before passing. Slow down when maneuvering around other trail users.
• Downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic; slower traffic has the right of way.
• Always use safe speeds and be respectful of all users.
• Pets must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter and kept under control. Keep your pet out of the path of oncoming or passing traffic. When possible, walk with your pet on the outer edge of the trail. Not all trails are dog-friendly, so make sure to check signage before hiking with your four-legged friend.
• Pack it in, pack it out. Pick up your litter.

For information on the science of fall color, visit the DNR's website. The Department of Tourism also offers a fall color report, here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 30, 2020
Contact: Darsi Foss, DNR Environmental Management Division Administrator
Darsi.Foss@wisconsin.gov or 608-250-0919

DNR To Fund Sampling Of Hundreds Of Potable Wells For PFAS In The Town Of Peshtigo

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is conducting sampling of potable wells in an Expanded Site Investigation Area in the Town of Peshtigo due to the potential presence of groundwater contaminated with PFAS, using state funds.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the DNR is sending a packet of documents to potable well owners in the Town of Peshtigo regarding the DNR’s well sampling plans. The packets will arrive via the U.S. Postal Service. The packets will contain several items, including a Potable Well Survey, an Access Permission Agreement and a letter to the property owner.

“It is important that potable well owners in the prescribed area who want their drinking water well tested for PFAS return both the survey and the access agreement to the DNR as soon as possible. We are asking that well owners return the forms to us with a postmark date no later than Oct. 21,” said Christine Haag, DNR Remediation and Redevelopment Program Director. “Well owners are not required to have their well sampled; however, the DNR recommends that well owners participate in the sampling program and have their well sampled, so that the DNR can provide detailed information about potential PFAS in their drinking water. There is no cost to the potable well owner for the sampling.” 

Potable well owners in the Expanded Site Investigation Area with PFOA and PFOS at or above 20 ppt (parts per trillion) in their drinking water may be eligible for a temporary bottled water supply provided by the DNR or any identified responsible party. All well owners can expect to receive results via Postal Service within 30-days of the sampling event.

If the sample results from a well exceeds the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommended groundwater standard of 20 ppt individually or combined PFOA + PFOS, the well owner will be contacted via telephone by the DNR within 24-hrs of receipt of data from the laboratory. If the sample results identify PFAS compounds other than PFOA or PFOS, the results will be forwarded to DHS for review. DHS will contact well owners if additional action is warranted.    

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and certain types of firefighting foam. These contaminants have made their way into the environment through accidental spills of PFAS-containing materials, discharges of PFAS-containing wastewater to treatment plants and certain types of firefighting foams.

PFAS contamination has been detected in the Marinette and Peshtigo area in soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, private drinking water wells and biosolids. Under the oversight of the DNR, JCI and Tyco Fire Products have been identified as responsible parties and have been directed by the DNR to conduct investigations into areas impacted by PFAS contamination in the Marinette and Peshtigo area due to their companies' operations. The DNR is sampling potable wells in the Expanded Site Investigation Area due to JCI/Tyco declining to perform the sampling within the area as required by Wisconsin law.

The DNR continues close coordination on these matters with JCI/Tyco and is monitoring their progress to investigate and address PFAS contamination in the Marinette area.

Well owners and area residents with questions about the DNR’s potable well sampling may submit them to DNRJCIPFAS@Wisconsin.gov or calling 1-888-626-3244.

Because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not have a federal drinking water standard for these contaminants, like other states, Wisconsin is working to address this critical issue. The rule-making process started with the state department of health services recommending a cumulative groundwater enforcement standard of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS.

The recommended standards will be enforceable once the rules are finalized. More information on the status of this rules process is available on the DNR's NR 140 Groundwater Quality Standards web page.

More information regarding PFAS contamination in the Marinette and Peshtigo area is available on the DNR's Marinette and Peshtigo PFAS web page.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 1, 2020 
Contact: Kevin Olson, DNR program specialist
Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-9955

Environmental Review For City Of Amery Project 

SDWLP Soliciting Public Comments

MADISON, Wis. – The City of Amery is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to address deficiencies in their public drinking water system. The project includes replacing aging water mains and all related appurtenances and laterals in the right-of-way on South Street.

Activities related to this project are minor actions under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, for which no environmental analysis is required. However, in accordance with 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 SDWLP is soliciting public comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of the project. Written or verbal comments are encouraged. Provide comments to Kevin Olson, community financial assistance, Department of Natural Resources: CF/2 101 S. Webster St., P.O. Box 7921, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, or 608-266-9955 by Oct. 15, 2020.

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 impacts of the project and reasonable alternatives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 1, 2020
Contact: Brian Dhuey, DNR harvest assessment and wildlife survey specialist
Brian.Dhuey@wisconsin.gov or 608-219-8496
Mark Rappe, DNR information technology section chief
Mark.Rappe@wisconsin.gov or 608-261-6441

Hunters Are Reminded To Register Their Deer — It's Required

The DNR urges hunters to register their harvested deer by 5 p.m. the day after the deer is recovered. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. — The Department of Natural Resources would like to remind all hunters that harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5 p.m. the day after the deer is recovered.

The 2020 fall forecast is packed with information about this year’s deer seasons. With extended archery and crossbow seasons in 26 counties and the nine-day gun season still ahead, hunters have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the hunt. Licenses are on sale now online at gowild.wi.gov and at approved license agents around the state. DNR service centers remain closed.

When registering, hunters are encouraged to use GameReg, a registration system that collects harvest information from the hunter and provides a confirmation number for the hunter’s records. The system is simple, fast and convenient for hunters.

Hunters have three options to register their deer:

• Online at GameReg.WI.Gov (the fastest and easiest option)
• By phone at 1-844-426-3734 (1-844-GAME-REG)
• Electronically at a participating in-person registration station

Before you register, have the deer harvest authorization number handy. Each harvest authorization has a unique number, so use the harvest authorization number from the specific harvest authorization you wish to fill. You can find the harvest authorization number on either the paper copy or PDF file of the harvest authorization.

You may also access your harvest authorization number and register online through the My GameReg section of your Go Wild account at GoWild.WI.Gov. Just locate the harvest authorization you wish to fill and click on the link to begin the registration process.

The registration system will prompt hunters to answer a series of questions such as the deer management unit in which the deer was harvested, the age (adult or fawn), sex (buck or doe) of the deer and weapon type used to harvest the animal.

You will receive a 10-character confirmation number for your records once your deer has been successfully registered.

For more information regarding electronic registration, visit the DNR webpage here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 2, 2020
Contact: Joe Vande Hey, DNR reforestation team leader
Joseph.VandeHey@wisconsin.gov or 608-574-4904

Annual Tree Seedling Sales To Begin Oct. 5

A small oak seedling. / Photo Credit: iStock/Jurgal

MADISON, Wis. – Starting Oct. 5, 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Reforestation Program will be accepting seedling orders from Wisconsin forest landowners for trees and shrubs to be planted in spring of 2021.

Seedlings grown at the state nurseries are used for reforestation and conservation plantings on private, industrial and state/county forest lands. A minimum order consists of a packet of 300 trees or shrubs of the landowner’s choosing in increments of 100 of each species, or 500 shrubs or 1,000 tree seedlings. Seedlings can also be purchased by youth groups and educational organizations for their reforestation and conservation planting projects.

For more than 100 years, the Wisconsin nurseries have provided high-quality seedlings of native species, appropriate for planting throughout Wisconsin.

“The DNR Division of Forestry grows 3-5 million seedlings annually,” said Joseph Vande Hey, DNR reforestation team leader at the Wilson State Nursery in Boscobel.

“Planting trees or shrubs is a great way to improve wildlife habitat, increase land value, reduce soil erosion, produce future wood products and improve the overall aesthetics of your property,” Vande Hey said.

Additionally, tree planting can also be an educational activity. “Planting trees is a great activity that involves all ages of family members," Vande Hey confirmed. "It provides an educational experience and an opportunity to become more invested in the stewardship of the environment."

While the state nurseries have strong inventories of many different conifer, hardwood and shrub seedlings, Vande Hey suggests ordering as early as possible. “Some species sell out quickly, especially now that those affected by the previous year’s tornadoes and windstorms are completing their cleanup efforts. These landowners are now looking to replace their lost forests.”

Forest landowners may create an order using the online form found on the DNR website or by printing the order form and mailing it to the Griffith Nursery: 473 Griffith Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54494. Customers may also contact the reforestation staff or their local DNR forester for personal assistance. Printed copies of the order form are also available; call a local forester or nursery for details.

Regardless of how a customer orders, all orders are batched on Oct. 5 and entered into the system at random, ensuring that everyone has the same opportunity to procure the seedlings they need.

Along with the online form, customers can also find the following items on the reforestation section of the DNR website:

• Current tree and shrub inventory.
• An FAQ page with payment details and more. 
• Tree planting tips. 
• A list of private nurseries in case the state’s inventory of a desired species is depleted.

In addition to growing seedlings for use in Wisconsin, the reforestation program participates in research efforts, including tree improvement, nursery soils, nursery insect and disease and reforestation monitoring efforts. DNR nurseries also purchases tree seeds collected by state residents.

For more information, contact the Griffith State Nursery at 715-424-3700.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 2, 2020
Contact: Mark Rasmussen, DNR Buffalo County wildlife biologist
MarkA.Rasmussen@wisconsin.gov or 608-418-0259

DNR Confirms EHD In Buffalo County Deer

EHD Can Be Fatal To Deer But Is Not A Threat To Human Health

LA CROSSE, Wis. – State wildlife officials have confirmed that a tissue sample collected from a deer in Buffalo County has tested positive for the virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD. This occurrence of the disease was identified after several landowners in Buffalo County contacted the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with recent observations totaling 30-35 dead deer north of Fountain City. Earlier this month, EHD was detected in a deer from Oconto County.

The virus that causes EHD can be carried by midges, which are small flies also known as biting gnats or no-see-ums. The EHD virus does not infect humans. People are not at risk of developing disease from this virus even if they handle infected deer, eat venison from infected deer or are bitten by infected midges.

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 EHD, they typically expire within seven days of infection.

The EHD virus has previously been identified in Wisconsin, generally with varying localized impacts on deer. In the fall of 2019, an EHD outbreak in Crawford and six surrounding counties affected approximately 300 deer. A single case was confirmed in 2017. In 2012, an EHD outbreak was suspected of killing approximately 380 deer in Dane and Columbia counties. Earlier this month, EHD was detected in a deer from Oconto County.

“We are fortunate that the public is keeping a close eye on the herd’s health and quickly reported these mortalities,” said Kris Johansen, the DNR’s wildlife management supervisor for its west-central district. “We ask that the public continue reporting observations of sick or dead deer. These observations will help us evaluate the geographic distribution and number of deer affected by this disease.”

Clinical signs of EHD 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.

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

To report a first-hand observation of sick or dead deer, contact your county wildlife biologist. If EHD is suspected, fresh samples will need to be collected within a day or two of death to be useful for detecting the virus. Please be prepared to provide details about the condition of the deer, the exact location where the deer was observed and the condition of the carcass(es). To learn more about EHD click here.