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Black, minority Trump supporters censored by Gannett, other media at 2020 RNC Convention. Expect the same as Milwaukee hosts 2024 RNC Convention. Look back four years Wisconsin, to compare and contrast Gannett’s corrupt coverage of the 2020 Republican and Democratic National Conventions to know what to expect July 15-18 when the nation’s eyes rest on Milwaukee, home of the 2024 RNC convention.  The DNC will showcase its conventi...
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Wisconsin Walleye Management Plan For Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington And Waukesha Counties Virtual Public Meeting Feb. 16

 

walleye being caught while ice fishing

The DNR will host a virtual public meeting to discuss updating the Wisconsin Walleye Management Plan for Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties on Feb. 16. / Photo Credit: iStock/Dcwcreations

MADISON, Wis. – The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting to discuss updating the Wisconsin Walleye Management Plan for Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties.

The meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in walleye management for Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties and who would like to participate should contact Max Wolter at Max.Wolter@wisconsin.gov or 715-634-7429. Pre-registration is required.

The current walleye management plan serves as a guide for one of the most sought-after fish species in Wisconsin and outlines seven goals and strategies for walleye management. The updating process will include a review of the existing plan, an analysis of available data and trends and significant public input on angling and management preferences.

The DNR is seeking public feedback on stocking priorities, regulation acceptance and agency resource allocation. The public is invited to give input on the process through:

  • Comments on walleye management preferences and issues via this public input form
  • Detailed random mail/online surveys of fishing license holders (both resident and non-resident) to scientifically gauge angler attitudes about management options
  • Regional virtual meetings with stakeholder groups and individuals to discuss local management issues and partnership opportunities

Future walleye meetings for other counties are available on the DNR’s public meetings calendar.

 
NEWS RELEASE: Eagle-Eyed Wisconsinites Report Dozens Of New Bald Eagle Nests
 
DNR News Release Header Image

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 1, 2021
Contact: Rich Staffen, DNR Conservation Biologist
Richard.Staffen@wisconsin.gov or 920-366-0372

Brenna Marsicek, Madison Audubon Society Communications Director
bmarsicek@madisonaudubon.org or 608-255-2473

 

Eagle-Eyed Wisconsinites Report
Dozens Of New Bald Eagle Nests

 

Bald eagles nesting

Bald eagle monitoring and protection efforts identified dozens of new bald eagle nests in 2020 . / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – Eagled-eyed Wisconsinites reported dozens of new bald eagle nests in 2020, while volunteers from Madison Audubon Society monitored known nests from the ground in nine counties.

These collective volunteer efforts greatly helped the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) bald eagle monitoring and protection efforts in 2020 and are expected to do so again as bald eagles soon begin nesting in southern Wisconsin.

Documenting and surveying known bald eagle nest locations is important to track population trends. This allows DNR staff to provide current information to landowners and forest managers on nest locations so they can avoid disturbing the birds during breeding season.

“The word is out that we’re interested in learning about new nests,” said Rich Staffen, Conservation Biologist for the DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Program, who is responsible for occupied nest surveys in nine counties in south central and southwestern Wisconsin. “Since our last occupied nest surveys in spring 2019, for my region alone, I have gotten 44 new nest reports of likely bald eagles. These are from citizens or biologists and reported to me or Madison Audubon Society. Most have been verified as active bald eagle nests.”

Highlights from public reports – most of them in southern Wisconsin where bald eagles are rapidly claiming new territories [PDF] – included a second documented nest in Kenosha County and two new nests in Madison. Milwaukee County, the only county without a documented nest, nearly erased that goose egg in 2020 until a volunteer discovered a nest less than a quarter-mile outside the county line.

Several of the new reports came from landowners or outdoor enthusiasts who discovered nests. Others came from some of the 2,000 volunteers who helped the DNR and partners complete data collection in 2019 for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II, a five-year statewide effort to document the abundance and location of Wisconsin’s nesting birds.

The DNR and Madison Audubon Society staff have confirmed many of the new nest reports or sent volunteers to check the nests and potentially add to the list for future monitoring.

Madison Audubon Society’s Bald Eagle Nest Watch Aids Monitoring Effort

Up to 15% of the new nests reported in southwestern Wisconsin were discovered by volunteers assigned to watch known nest sites for Madison Audubon Society’s Bald Eagle Nest Watch.

Currently in its fourth year, the Madison Audubon Society’s Bald Eagle Nest Watch program is increasingly important to monitoring and protecting Wisconsin bald eagles. The program is expanding into the Fox Valley through a partnership with Kaukauna’s 1000 Islands Environmental Center.

Audubon program coordinators work with the DNR to get the location and historical data they need to assign volunteers to survey the nests.

This year, nearly 200 Bald Eagle Nest Watch volunteers will monitor more than 60 nests in 14 Wisconsin counties, enabling the DNR to focus survey efforts along riverways and public lands, where nests can be harder to see from the ground.

Volunteers watch their assigned nest for one hour every week from early February, when eagles begin pairing up in southern Wisconsin, to June or July when young hatched during the spring are ready to leave the nest or fledge.

Volunteers also document human disturbances near nests that may impact the birds. The Bald Eagle Nest Watch has used information volunteers collected about disturbances to work with local landowners and governments to re-route trails and alter prescribed burns to reduce disturbances that can potentially cause bald eagles to abandon their nests.

“They are really filling a much larger role,” Staffen said. “They’ve been a huge help.”

How To Report A New Nest And Get Involved In Nest Monitoring

The public is encouraged to report nests that are in remote areas and appear to be new. People can report suspected new nests to the DNR through our eagle watching web page.

“You can look at the size of the nest to see if it’s a new pair,” Steffen said. “They add to the nest every year, so newer nests are smaller nests.”

The Bald Eagle Nest Watch website has additional information about the Audubon program and will provide updates on how the nests are doing throughout the season.

Once endangered, bald eagles have made a remarkable comeback in Wisconsin. DNR aerial surveys have shown numbers soaring from 108 occupied nests in the early 1970s to a record 1,695 in 2019, expanding to 71 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.

The recovery of bald eagles was made possible by the national ban on the pesticide DDT, added protections under federal and state endangered species laws, river cleanups, public donations and monitoring by the DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation program and partners. Wisconsin’s bald eagle license plate also celebrates this success and raises money to help drive the next conservation success.

Find more information about bald eagles in Wisconsin and opportunities to see them this winter in the wild and virtually, visit the DNR eagle watching web page.

 
NEWS RELEASE: Environmental Review Of The City Of Menasha Project For The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program
 
DNR News Release Header Image

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

Environmental Review Of The City Of Menasha Project For The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program

 

MADISON, Wis. – The City of Menasha is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system. The project primarily includes the replacement of lead service lines throughout the City of Menasha.

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 SDWLP is soliciting public comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this 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. PO Box 7921, Madison WI 53707 or Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov. The comment submission deadline is Feb. 16, 2021.

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' consideration of the project's impacts and reasonable alternatives.

 
NEWS RELEASE: Turn Your Property Into A Deer Destination
 
DNR News Release Header Image

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 3, 2021
Contact: Bob Nack, DNR DMAP Coordinator
RobertR.Nack@wisconsin.gov or 608-264-6137

Turn Your Property Into A Deer Destination

Attend DNR Virtual Open House Feb. 10 To Learn More About Deer Management Assistance Program

 

An image of a whitetail buck standing in the snow.

Landowners who enroll in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) receive a wealth of resources to improve habitat for deer and other wildlife on their properties. / Photo Credit: iStock/FRANKHILDEBRAND

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a virtual open house for the public to learn about the Deer Management Assistance Program. 

Join DNR staff and current Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) members at the virtual open house on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Pre-registration is not required.

DMAP is a cooperative effort between the DNR, landowners, and hunters to provide habitat and deer herd management assistance to those interested in managing their property for wildlife. Simply put, DMAP is a partnership for healthy deer and healthy habitat.

Wildlife and forestry professionals assist landowners with management practices that consider the ecological and social impacts white-tailed deer have on the landscape. In return, DMAP cooperators can choose to share habitat information, collect biological data and participate in DMAP workshops. This one-on-one relationship, encouraging communication and cooperation, makes DMAP a flexible and effective deer management program for private and public lands alike.

Since 2014, DMAP has helped Wisconsin landowners manage habitat for deer and other wildlife. If you enroll 160 acres or more in DMAP by March 1, 2021 you will be eligible for a site visit by a DNR wildlife biologist and forester as well as a customized management plan tailored to your property goals.

Landowners of any size may enroll in DMAP at any time. Those with less than 160 acres may combine acreage with neighboring landowners to reach the 160-acre requirement and enroll as a DMAP cooperative.

More information regarding DMAP and how to apply is available here.

To receive DMAP email updates and other information, sign up here. Follow the prompts and select the "Deer Management Assistance Program" option, found under Wildlife Management.

 
NEWS RELEASE: DNR Publishes 2021 Sturgeon Spearing Season Forecast
 
DNR News Release Header Image

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 3, 2021
Contact: Ryan Koenigs, DNR Winnebago System Sturgeon Biologist
Ryan.Koenigs@wisconsin.gov or 920-420-7444


DNR Publishes 2021
Sturgeon Spearing Season Forecast

Season Opens Feb. 13

 

A speared sturgeon.

DNR staff predict clear waters for the upcoming sturgeon spearing season, which opens on Feb. 13. / Photo Credit: Muche Family

OSHKOSH, Wis. – Wisconsin’s annual sturgeon spearing season begins Feb. 13 and runs for 16 days, or until any of the pre-determined harvest caps are met. This year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) predicts that harvest caps will be met prior to the 16-day season limit.

System-wide harvest caps for the 2021 Winnebago system sturgeon spearing season are 430 juvenile females, 950 adult females and 1,200 males.

Sturgeon spearing in Wisconsin is a sport rich in tradition and culture. Photos are a great way to preserve highlights of the season. The DNR encourages spearers to share their stories using this photo submission form. Photos of spearers with their catch, cutting in, shanty life, scenic views observed during the season or any other captivating spearing traditions are encouraged. Please include a brief description for use in future outreach efforts.

Clear Waters Will Likely Result In High Harvests

This year, with more snow cover and less runoff leading up to the season kickoff, the DNR anticipates better water clarity than seen in recent years. Since water clarity is crucial in spearing success, the DNR expects higher harvests from Lake Winnebago in 2021 and for harvest caps to be met before the 16-day season cutoff.

Spearers who have already scouted for the best areas for fish activity have reported clearer water, which was confirmed by DNR staff during a preliminary clarity check showing between 10 to 16 feet of clear water. Historical harvest data shows that an average lake-wide clarity of 12 feet or greater typically results in a shortened season with harvest caps being met more quickly. As the season approaches, the DNR will monitor water clarity since conditions can change rapidly.

Additional season forecasts and daily season harvest reports will be available throughout the season on the Winnebago system sturgeon spearing webpage.

Important Season Changes

Spearers should review the 2021 sturgeon spearing regulations for essential changes to the registration process, including new spear size and tine arrangement restrictions.

For the 2021 season, all DNR registration stations will be contactless. Spearers should place harvested sturgeon on tailgates or in an easily accessible location before entering the registration area and then remain in their vehicles throughout the registration process. The 2021 season will also be the first year that spear size and tine arrangement will be restricted. The maximum spear head width is now limited to 18 inches and tines can only be arranged in a single plane.

2021 Ice Safety Measures  

Although recent cold weather has strengthened ice conditions throughout the Winnebago system, the DNR reminds spearers that no ice is ever 100% safe. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, so spearers should check with local fishing clubs and conservation groups near the area they plan to spear. These groups monitor conditions and maintain access points and ice roads around the lake system.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, the DNR urges spearers and spectators to practice social distancing, wash their hands, use hand sanitizer and wear masks. Visit the DNR’s website for more information on the DNR’s response to COVID-19.

 
NEWS RELEASE: DNR Accepting Submissions For 2022 Stamp Design Contests
 
DNR News Release Header Image

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

DNR Now Accepting Submissions For
2022 Stamp Design Contests

 

An illustration of two turkeys.

Winning artwork for the 2021 wild turkey stamp, by Caleb Metrich of Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – Have your artwork featured on a piece of history and contribute to environmental restoration efforts by entering the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) 2022 Wisconsin wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl stamp design contests. Artists must submit their entries by July 15, 2021 for the 2022 contests.

"The contests offer a unique opportunity for Wisconsin artists to showcase their artwork statewide while also promoting wildlife management,” said Alaina Gerrits, DNR Assistant Upland Wildlife Ecologist.

Turkey, pheasant and waterfowl hunters are required to purchase a species-specific stamp to legally harvest game birds in Wisconsin. The DNR’s wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl stamp programs provide opportunities for wildlife and habitat management, with efforts directed toward key species.

Funds derived from the stamps’ sale support species management throughout the state, including habitat management, restoration, education and research projects.

Wisconsin residents 18 years of age or older who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents are encouraged to enter the 2022 contests. Artwork must meet technical requirements to be eligible, and applicants should review contest rules carefully to ensure their entries' eligibility. Read full contest rules and reproduction rights agreements on the DNR’s website.

To receive text or email updates about the wildlife stamp design contest, subscribe to Wisconsin DNR GovDelivery updates by following the prompts to enroll in the "waterfowl, wild turkey and pheasant stamp design contests" list.

 
NEWS RELEASE: Environmental Review Of The City Of Shawano Project For The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program
 
DNR News Release Header Image

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 4, 2021
Contact: Kevin Olson, DNR Community Financial Assistance Specialist
Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov or 608-234-2238

Environmental Review Of The City Of Shawano Project For The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program

 

MADISON, Wis. – The City of Shawano is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to address deficiencies in its public drinking water system. The project primarily includes the replacement of lead service lines throughout the City of Shawano.

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 SDWLP is soliciting public comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this 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. PO Box 7921, Madison WI 53707 or Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov. The comment submission deadline is Feb. 18, 2021.

Based on the comments received, the SDWLP may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' consideration of the project's impacts and reasonable alternatives.

 
NEWS RELEASE: Save The Date: Wisconsin Water Week March 8-12
 
DNR News Release Header Image

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 4, 2021
Contact: DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Save The Date: Wisconsin Water Week March 8-12

Join The Discussion Online

 

Wisconsin Water Week logo

Photo Credit: Wisconsin Lakes & Rivers Convention

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to participate in Wisconsin Water Week, a digital experience from March 8-12, 2021. This year’s virtual interactive event spotlights protecting and enhancing Wisconsin’s water.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts, grass-roots organizers and passionate water advocates. Participants can engage in discussion sessions and interactive workshops, plus enhance their network of water-focused professionals.

For more than 30 years, the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention has been an annual gathering of water lovers of all stripes, including lake and river stewards, lake leaders, lake and river professionals and members of the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership.

Wisconsin Water Week brings together the array of people who care for our water and features content-rich presentations and discussion panels. Speakers include climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson and Dr. Marissa Jablonski, Executive Director of the new Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin at UW-Milwaukee.

Nearly 200 different presenters, including 40 DNR staff, will join the event live to share their knowledge of water, ecology, advocacy and management. You can view the full conference schedule here.

Registration for Wisconsin Water Week is open

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