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Wisconsin inland fishing season opens May 3

MADISON – Despite lingering, winter-like conditions, spring has officially arrived and that means anglers are counting down the days until the May 3, inland fishing season opener.

Opening weekend is also the perfect time to share your angling passion with a friend or family member.

“No matter where you live in Wisconsin, there’s great fishing to be had,” says Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank. “Everyone can enjoy this traditional pastime. And by introducing a new angler to fishing, you’re helping them create memories that last a lifetime.”

Passing on the angling experience does even more than create great memories, it also helps to protect Wisconsin’s fish populations and expand fishing opportunities. Every license that anglers purchase is an investment in improving Wisconsin’s fisheries and each license sold brings an additional $10 in federal aid for fish restoration.

There are still a few weeks until opening day, so anglers have time to dive into the 2008 Wisconsin Fishing Report for fishing forecasts, tips and techniques to increase their chances of reeling in a trophy catch this season.

Season dates and regulations

The hook-and-line game fish season opens May 3 on inland waters for walleye, sauger, and northern pike statewide.

The largemouth and smallmouth bass southern zone opens May 3, while the northern bass zone opens for catch and release only from May 3 through June 20. Anglers are reminded that artificial lures and barbless hooks must be used if fishing for bass during the catch-and-release bass fishing season in the northern zone and any other waterbody that has bass catch-and-release regulations. From June 21 to March 1, 2009, there’s a minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily bag limit of five fish in total. The northern zone is the area north of highways 77, 64 and 29.

The musky season opens May 3 in the southern zone and May 24 in the northern zone, with Highway 10 the dividing line.

The seasons for rock, yellow and white bass, panfish, bullheads and rough fish, catfish, cisco and whitefish are open all year. Check the 2008-2009 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations for special regulations listed by county, for regulations on the Great Lakes and boundary waters, and for tributary streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

The complete guide is also available at DNR offices and license agents.

New VHS rules aim to stop spread of deadly fish disease

Anglers are reminded that new rules to prevent the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS are currently in effect statewide. The rules aim to prevent the movement of infected bait minnows -- the main way VHS is spread to new waters -- and the movement of contaminated water. Anglers should visit the VHS Prevention page of the DNR Web site to see how the new rules will affect them this fishing season.

Fishing licenses

Wisconsin residents and nonresidents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Residents born before Jan. 1, 1927 do not need a license, nor do people who exhibit proof they are in active service with the U.S. armed forces and are a resident on furlough or leave.

People can buy licenses: over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; at any DNR Service Center; at DNR license vendors; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).

Regional DNR fisheries forecasts

Here’s how field DNR fisheries supervisors are seeing the season opener shape up across Wisconsin:

Northeastern Wisconsin

For the Northeast Region, walleye spawning will be done by the opener. All the ice is already out from the lakes. Probably some of lakes to the north are peaking in walleye spawning right now. The fish are not going to be sitting up in the shallows in vulnerable areas but back to their normal habits and should be feeding readily. There’s an excellent walleye population in the Winnebago system with good numbers of fish and good sizes. The Marinette area is also good for walleye around the spring opener. Fish the lower Menominee River or Green Bay on the west shore. Trout streams are going to be full of water, not overflowing, but with good water flow. We have excellent streams and a lot of public frontage on them providing some great fishing opportunities. Lake Michigan has a real good season for near-shore fisheries. It tends to slow down in May before picking up again in June. The perch fishery opens later in May in Green Bay. It should just be an excellent season – the entire season. – George Boronow, regional fisheries supervisor, Green Bay

Northern Wisconsin

Last year on April 1, a number of smaller lakes in the north were already ice free. This year, anglers are still driving vehicles on these same lakes. With several feet of ice still present on most lakes, it looks to be a late ice out in the north this spring. I was ice-fishing on opening day in 1996, but that probably won't happen this year, although there is still no warm weather predicted for early April. It is very likely; however, that water temperatures will be cold on the opener. Walleye will probably still be spawning in a number of the larger lakes. Panfish will generally be gathered in the shallow bays which warm more quickly than the open portions of lakes. Bass will be sluggish and anglers need to remember that the bass season is catch and release until late June in this part of the state. There is an additional restriction of artificial lures with barbless hooks only for bass during the catch-and-release season due to a new legislative rule. In short, be prepared for slow presentations, smaller baits, and patience. And perhaps don't put away those tip-ups just yet. - Steve Avelallemant, regional fisheries supervisor, Rhinelander

South Central Wisconsin

The first Saturday in May is a great time to be out fishing. Anglers looking for early action on panfish have several opportunities in South Central Wisconsin. Bluegill and black crappie populations are strong in all of the Madison lakes, but especially in lakes Monona and Waubesa. Anglers might also try for bluegill in Rock and Ripley lakes in Jefferson County. Crystal Lake, west of Lodi, continues to be a bluegill factory. Small tributaries and ditches will warm up quickly and concentrate panfish numbers.

Catfish anglers will find good opportunities for channel catfish in Yellowstone Lake, the Pecatonica River, the Wisconsin River system, and the Rock, Crawfish, Bark and Sugar rivers. Good smallmouth bass opportunities exist in the Galena, Yellowstone and Platte rivers, Blockhouse and Rattlesnake creeks and the Wisconsin River system. Since the removal of the dams on the Baraboo River, anglers report great smallmouth bass fishing once the water reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit (mid-May). The white bass spawning run on the Wisconsin River begins about the first week of May, or when the lilacs begin blooming. White bass numbers are also up on the Rock River with the best action through the month of May. Good stocked walleye fisheries exist in lakes Redstone, Swan, Yellowstone and currently Park Lake by Pardeeville. Nice walleye populations can also be found in Mendota, Kegonsa, Koshkonong, Fox and Beaver Dam lakes. In Lake Koshkonong, post spawning walleye should be returning to the lake after running up the rivers to spawn. Lake Mendota walleye will have just finished spawning due to one of the latest springs in recent history. Northern pike action is probably best on Lake Mendota, Fox Lake, Lake Koshkonong and the Rock River. Southern Wisconsin has a wealth of very nice trout streams and despite the drought followed by the August 2007 floods, it’s felt that these recent conditions won’t have a major impact for 2008, and trout anglers should find plenty of good trout fishing. – Tim Larson, fisheries supervisor, Poynette and Don Bush, fisheries supervisor, Janesville.

Southeastern Wisconsin

With record snowfalls and lasting cold weather, this has been a very unusual spring for our area. Just about every spring-spawning fish, including walleye, northern pike and even steelhead rainbow trout are spawning later than normal this year. Usually, the Lake Michigan steelhead run is well done by opening day of the general fishing season; but that will probably not be the case this year! Keep an eye on Lake Michigan tributaries for end-of-run steelhead because they can offer some great action. It is very likely that walleye will still be spawning on deeper lakes like Geneva, Pine, Big Cedar and Delavan. That means that early and late in the day, walleye will be shallower than normal and oriented toward hard bottoms of rock and gravel. Muskies will probably not have spawned by opening day; which could make for some very unusual musky action. It is likely anglers will be catching male muskies that are beat-up from fighting with each other on the spawning grounds. Some big pre-spawn females could also be taken. Bass anglers could have the hardest time. I suggest they may want to sleep in on opening day because water temperatures will be low, keeping bass lethargic. If water temperatures are in the 50s, try fishing deeper than normal. Or, try a lake with numerous channels and marshlands, especially if the channels and marshes are situated on the north end of the lake where they get maximum sun exposure. Try these areas at mid-day when the sunshine is strongest and water warmest. Slow retrieves of natural bait or natural bait imitations will work best. Fish these locations and use these tactics for bluegill and crappie too. Don’t forget about stocked trout lakes. Old favorites like Lower Genesee, Lower Nashotah, Ottawa, Fowler, Waubesee and Beulah lakes will be stocked with full quotas and should provide excellent fishing for browns and rainbows. Good luck. And, after a winter that was way, way too long, enjoy your special day on the water! - Randy Schumacher, regional fish supervisor, Milwaukee

West Central Region

With warmer weather, fishing should start picking up. Northern pike have completed spawning and will be feeding heavily by the fishing opener. Walleye anglers should also enjoy success as walleye are finished spawning and are beginning to feed. Larger females will be located on or near shallow flats, while males are generally in the deeper water. Afternoon is usually the best as water temperatures rise. Panfish anglers should look for shallow bays out of the wind. There they’ll find bluegill, crappie and perch waiting for a worm or minnow. Trout anglers could face tough conditions with extremely clear water making trout spooky. Anglers will have to use the stealth approach when stalking the wily brook and brown trout. However, a little rain and minor run-off will definitely improve anglers’ chances of catching the big one.

Driftless Area

Despite the heavy rains of August 2007, anglers should still find good numbers of trout. Most damage was restricted to the upper stream segments where the gradient is higher and velocities were greater. Post flood surveys found that good numbers of adult trout had survived the high water event. Some stream conditions actually improved from last year with the flooding. Numerous pools that had been inundated with sediment were scoured clean leaving 3 to 4 feet of water over a nice rock/rubble bottom. Although invertebrate populations were temporarily reduced because of the flooding they will repopulate quickly. Early season anglers are already having good success with nymph, small mayfly and scud patterns. If you’re a spinning angler, use baits that can be worked slowly without losing action. For the worm angler, nothing beats a single hooked nightcrawler with only enough weight to sink it. Let it drift naturally under cover and keep the line tight. Because trout dislike bright light, best fishing times are dawn, dusk and on cloudy days. On bright days, seek out shaded cover for active fish.

Mississippi River

The winter's been long and snowy and the spring fishing conditions are changing daily. Recent reports have anglers catching good numbers of walleye below Lock and Dam 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Spring can be a very productive time to catch walleye and sauger. Anglers generally take some nice fish trolling or jigging in 12 to18 feet of water along the main channel borders of the Mississippi River. Hot lures include bright colored jigs or minnow type crank baits with rattles, bounced along the bottom. Decent shore fishing for bluegill, crappie and perch is also picking up. Fishing for panfish will only improve with a dropping water level and warmer water temperatures. – Mark Endris, regional fish supervisor, Eau Claire

Wisconsin Fishing by the numbers

1.4 million licensed anglers

21 million annual fishing days

#2 ranked fishing destination

88 million fish caught a year

31 million fish harvested

11 million fingerlings and yearlings stocked a year

70 different fish species, strains and sizes stocked

$2.75 billion economic benefits

$196 million in state tax revenues

30,164 jobs

165 fish species

15,081 lakes

42,000 miles of year-round streams

10,266 miles of trout stream

4,037 miles of class 1 trout streams

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Governor’s Fishing Opener at Lake Wapogasset, Polk County

AMERY - The 43rd Governor’s Fishing Opener, officially kicking off Wisconsin’s game fishing season, will take place at Lake Wapogasset in Polk County on Saturday, May 3.

Gov. Jim Doyle is invited, and also fishing at Lake Wapogasset during event will be local legislators and officials and Wisconsin and out-of-state media, joined by Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank and state Fisheries Chief, Mike Staggs.

Former Gov. Warren Knowles started the tradition in 1965 to officially open the state's fishing season. The angling event is held at various locations in western and northern Wisconsin each year and is sponsored by the Wisconsin Indianhead Country Tourism group. This event is by invitation only to key media and state and local government officials.

Lake Wapogasset is the third largest waterbody in Polk County located a few miles west of Amery. The lake hosts good populations of walleye, northerns, bass and panfish.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Bishop, DNR Northern Region public affairs manager – - (715) 635-4242

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Arbor Day - from small seeds grow big dreams

By: Genny Fannucchi, DNR Forest Appreciation and Awareness Specialist

To plant a tree is to plant hope

MADISON - Every April, children and adults across Wisconsin celebrate two important dates for the environment: Arbor Day, which is always the last Friday in April (this year April 25) and Earth Day celebrated April 22.

This year marks the 136th anniversary of Arbor Day and the 38th anniversary of Earth Day. Schools around our state will celebrate by reading poetry, designing posters, listening to speeches and learning about our planet and our natural resources. Many students will cap their week long activities by planting trees. As students follow in the footsteps of the tree planters that have come before them, they will share the strong commitment to the Earth’s future.

In recent years, the importance of learning outside the classroom has received widespread attention. According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, learning new skills, having opportunities to meet other positive people, and being part of something important are just a few ways that planting trees helps kids. Planting trees gives children something to do outdoors and helps them develop a sense of community.

To showcase the knowledge and talent of Wisconsin students, the Department of Natural Resources sponsors a statewide Forest Appreciation Week writing contest for fourth graders and an Arbor Day poster contest for fifth graders. This year’s writing contest theme was, “My Favorite Forest Animal.”

More than 1,500 students from 112 classrooms throughout the state wrote about a forest animal that they have studied and observed. Children shared thoughts about squirrels, owls, wolves, toads, bats, bears, raccoons and all sorts of forest creatures that captured their imagination.

The poster contest also had an overwhelming response from more than 1,700 students from more than 100 schools. The contest’s science based theme was “Trees are Terrific…inside and out!” Students visually shared how a tree grows and the wonders of photosynthesis.

Winners of this year’s statewide poster contest are:

• First place: Nathan Schwartz, Home-schooled, West Bend
• First runner-up: Isabella Reichardt, Webster Elementary
• Second runner-up: Hannah Glinski, St. Monica School

Winners of the statewide writing contest are:

• First place: Micaela Jobke, St. Martin Grade School
• First runner-up: Josie A. Bacon, MHLT School
• Second runner-up: Skyler Richard Fisher, Hillsboro Elementary

The six winners will celebrate their special achievements at an Arbor Day ceremony in the State Capitol and will receive plaques and savings bonds respectively from the Wisconsin Arborist Association and the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association. In addition, the Wisconsin Nursery Association will supply a tree to each of the six student winners for planting at a local community site. The six winning teachers will receive a LEAF (Learning, Experiences & Activities in Forestry) and a Project Learning Tree workshop scholarship from the DNR.

In all, 24 children (the top 12 posters and essays) from the contests will be able to see their artwork and thoughts on the Internet and in print. Their labors will be featured in the 2009 Department of Natural Resources’ Arbor Day-Earth Day Calendar. All students’ work is the DNR’s Web site for kids called EEK! Environmental Education for Kids. Look under “Cool Stuff” then “What’s New.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Genny Fannucchi - (608) 267-3120

(EDITOR’S & NEWS DIRECTOR’S ADVISORY: Public Tree Planting Ceremony at State Capitol, Friday April 25. Schoolchildren from Weyauwega Elementary will join, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Secretary Matthew J Frank and State Forester Paul DeLong, Smokey Bear, Bucky Badger and invited guests in a BIG tree planting ceremony on Capitol Park at the corner of Mifflin and Wisconsin Avenue. The 10 year old red oak is donated by the Wisconsin Nursery Association (WNA) and the spade planting by The Bruce Company of Wisconsin, Inc. Local area musician Ken Lonnquist will lead the children in song. This is the fourth Arbor Day tree donated by the WNA and The Bruce Company and is part of the ongoing rehabilitation of Capitol Park and its restoration to landscape architect John Nolan’s 1918 design. Media representatives and cameras are welcome. The agenda includes: 10:15 a.m. pre-planting appearances by Bucky Badger and Smokey Bear; 10:30 a.m. welcome; 10:35 a.m. public reading of the Arbor Day Proclamation; 10:40 a.m. words from our donors, the WNA and The Bruce company; 10:45 a.m. sing along with Ken Lonnquist & students; 10:55 a.m. spade planting of the tree; 11 a.m. children assist with mulching the tree. For more information contact Genny Fannucchi, Forest Resource Education & Awareness Specialist DNR at (608) 267-3120)

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April 20-26 proclaimed Forest Appreciation Week in Wisconsin

MADISON - By official proclamation, Gov. Jim Doyle has designated April 20 through 26 as Forest Appreciation Week in Wisconsin for state residents to honor what the proclamation says is one of the state’s “most beautiful resources.”

“We are fortunate to have more than 15 million acres of forestlands in our state,” said Matt Frank, Department of Natural Resources Secretary. “These forests provide recreational opportunities, help sustain a strong economy, provide ecological benefits for Wisconsin’s natural landscape, while at the same time acting as a sink for greenhouse gases to help combat global warming. From the farm lots and urban forests of Southern Wisconsin to our vast northern forests, trees provide countless benefits to all citizens of the state.”

Wisconsin’s forests provide raw material for the more than 1,850 wood using companies in the state. These companies, making furniture, paper, homes, medicines, paints and more, produce nearly $20 billion dollars worth of goods. From the logger to paper maker more than 300,000 Wisconsin jobs rely on the forest products industry.

“And we can’t forget urban forests,” said Paul DeLong, chief state forester for the Department of Natural Resources, “which many people see and walk among on a daily basis.”

Urban forests include the trees, landscape plantings, and gardens of cities and urban areas. These municipal areas make up about 4.7 per-cent of the total land in the state.

About 56 percent the state’s forests are privately owned. The federal government owns 10 percent and the state owns 5 percent. Counties, towns and municipalities own 15 percent, followed by the forest industry, private corporations, and tribal lands.

Wisconsin’s forests provide habitat plant and animals species

“We are blessed with a biologically diverse forest system that includes the eastern deciduous forest, northern boreal forest and central hardwoods,” DeLong said. “Anyone who has hiked the trails of the rugged unglaciated areas in southwestern Wisconsin or in the big forests on the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest in the north central part of the state can appreciate the richness of our biological communities,” he said. From the hiker to the hunter, forest-based recreation contributes nearly $5.5 billion to our economy, he noted.

During Forest Appreciation Week, DeLong encourages state citizens to get out and enjoy and learn about the natural, social, and economic values quietly produced by our forest lands each year. A good place to start, he said, is the forestry pages of the DNR Web site or by stopping in at any Department of Natural Resources office.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Division of Forestry – (608) 267-7494

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April 20-26 is Wildfire Prevention Week in Wisconsin

MADISON – Warm weather and melted or rapidly melting snow will encourage many state residents to start seasonal outdoor clean up chores around their homes, disposing of debris in burn piles or burn barrels. April 20-26 is Wildfire Prevention week and forestry officials would like to remind citizens that escaped debris fires are the number one cause of wildfires in Wisconsin.

“Despite historic snowfalls in several parts of the state, fire control staff and equipment are at the ready for what is Wisconsin’s traditional spring wildfire season,” said Catherine Regan DNR wildfire prevention specialist.

Prior to spring green up Wisconsin generally experiences lower relative humidity, higher winds and warmer temperatures, all of which contribute to increased fire risk say officials. Fire danger is dependent on fuel moistures which can rise and fall quickly with a traditional mix of spring weather ranging from rainy and cool to warm and windy.

“This is the time of year we ask folks to be extremely careful with fire,” adds Regan. “If possible, delaying burning until the woods and fields green up is the best course of action and the most protective of our forests and grasslands.”

Many areas of the state require an outdoor burning permit anytime the ground is not snowcovered. The DNR has launched a new outdoor burning permit system http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Fire/burning-rp.htm that is easy to use, requires only one trip yearly to a DNR office or emergency fire warden for a permit and is free. Permit holders are only required to check a toll free phone line or go on the internet each day they are considering burning to learn if burning is permitted on that day or if there are restrictions such as time of day when they can burn. The new system allows DNR fire managers to respond quickly to changing conditions and fire hazard. Local ordinances may be more restrictive than state law.

“Burning should be your last alternative,” says Regan, “recycling and composting are less risky and environmentally good alternatives.”

Persons allowing a fire to escape and start a wildfire are liable for any suppression costs as well as any damages the fire causes

Up-to-date fire danger assessment and permit restrictions are available on the foresty pages of the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Regan, Wildfire Prevention Specialist office 608-266-2359 or cell 608-219-9075

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Early spring is garlic mustard control season

MADISON – In those parts of the Wisconsin where the snow has finally melted and the sun is reaching the forest floor, garlic mustard plants are awaking from their winter dormancy and soon will grow quickly. In some areas in the southern counties the first flush of seeds of this persistent weed has germinated, forming a carpet of tiny seedlings.

“Before the spring wildflowers emerge is the ideal time to search out and contain this highly invasive plant. In most woodlots it will be one of the only green plants on the forest floor this early, so it is easy to spot,” says Kelly Kearns, plant conservationist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Kearns says that because just about all forests in Wisconsin are vulnerable to being invaded by this Eurasian transplant, every woodland owner should learn to identify it and search their woods carefully, marking and removing all plants before they go to seed in May and June.

“If only a few plants are allowed to go to seed,” she notes “an infestation can rapidly get out of hand and require extensive work for many years to come.”

What is at risk from a garlic mustard invasion?

Kearns says that the garlic scented plants can carpet a forest floor, crowding out native wildflowers. Tree and shrub seedlings can also be displaced, preventing long term regeneration of canopy trees and native shrubs. Recent research has shown that chemicals in the roots of garlic mustard can inhibit the mycorrhizal fungi that certain tree roots use to draw nutrients from the soil. It appears that these 2- to 3-foot tall plants have the ability to stunt the growth of trees that tower over them.

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a biennial herb that ranges from 2 to 40 inches in height as an adult flowering plant. Seeds germinate in spring and will show up as a carpet of small seedlings beneath the dead flowering stalks from last year. In their first year of growth the plants form a basal rosette of rounded leaves with toothed edges. They over-winter as green rosettes, giving them a boost over native plants in the spring. Second-year plants start growing as soon as the weather warms and develop flowering stems with numerous white flowers that each have four petals. In most areas of southern Wisconsin, the flower stalks are just developing and the first flowers are opening in late April to early May. By mid-June the flowers will develop seed pods with hundreds of seeds per plant. Seeds are often spread on animal fur and by human foot traffic.

There are many approaches to controlling garlic mustard, depending on the age and size of the population.

“The key to keeping garlic mustard, and most other invaders, from taking over your land is to never let them go to seed,” Kearns says.

For smaller populations and new plants that pop up away from a major infestation, hand-pulling of the second year plants is the easiest and most effective control. People can save a lot of work if they start early, as soon as the plants start to bolt, or develop a flower stalk.

“It is important to pull up the entire root or new flowering stalks will emerge. Once flowers have begun to open, it is important to remove the plants from the woods; otherwise, the uprooted plants can still develop seeds,” she says.

Most people carry heavy plastic bags, trashcans or wheelbarrows into the woods to haul out the flowering plants.

Pulled plants can be dried and burned or buried. Composting may not always kill the seed, so any finished compost should be used carefully. Generally garden waste is not allowed in landfills, but there is a temporary exception for garlic mustard and other invasive plants with seeds. Just label the bags “Invasive Plant Approved by WDNR for Disposal in Landfills.”

Larger populations can be managed with a combination of hand-pulling, herbicide and/or fire. Prescribed fires in oak forests can kill rosettes and seedlings, but may result in a flush of new seedlings that develop and will need to be controlled.

Kearns says landowners should not burn without proper training, equipment and permits. Use of fire with a high BTU propane torch with a long wand applicator is also effective, but should be done only if there is no chance of the fire spreading (ideally after a rain or when the ground and leaves are moist). Herbicides such as glyphosate or 2,4-D are effective in killing basal rosettes and seedlings if done in early spring, prior to native wildflowers emerging, or in the fall when rosettes are still active. Waiting to spray until the garlic mustard is flowering will result in more herbicide being used and more risk to native plants. Plants that have started to form seeds may continue to produce seeds even after the plants have been sprayed, so start early!

More information on garlic mustard, including photos, is available on the DNR Web site. Brochures on garlic mustard may be available at local University of Wisconsin Extension offices.

Information on other invasive plants and animals, is available on the invasive species pages of the DNR Web site and on the Invasive Plants Association of Wisconsin Web site [exit DNR].

People interested in learning more about what they can do about invasive species are encouraged to attend an event in June during Invasive Species Awareness Month. A schedule of events can be found at: Invasive Species Awareness Month [exit DNR].

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly Kearns (608) 267-5066.

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Federal dollars will help collect unused drugs, electronics

MADISON - Unused prescriptions and discarded electronics will be steered clear of public waters and landfills in some Wisconsin communities this Earth Week thanks to a federal grant targeted for the Great Lakes region.

Known as the “Great Lakes 2008 Earth Day Challenge,” Wisconsin residents will be able to deliver prescription drugs and electronics to collection sites statewide for recycling and proper disposal.

In addition to one- or two-day collection events, a six-month “Wisconsin Old Medicines Mail Back Pilot” program will be tested in Winnebago and Waukesha counties. The mail-back program begins on Earth Day and will run for six months. Participating pharmacists will inform customers about a toll free number to call for a pre-paid shipping label and packing materials to return leftover drugs. Capital Returns, a designated reverse distributor for pharmaceuticals in Milwaukee, will catalog all received materials and arrange for proper disposal.

The program is a collaborative effort between the University of Wisconsin-Extension, the Department of Natural Resources and other state and county partners, and local pharmacies. The program will receive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “Great Lakes 2008 Earth Day Challenge” funding, as well as grants from the DNR’s Great Lakes Protection Fund and the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant program.

Additional information about Earth Week collections and locations can be found on EPA’s “Great Lakes 2008 Earth Day Challenge” Web site [exit DNR].

A complete listing of pharmaceutical collection events planned throughout the year can be found on the UW-Extension Web site [exit DNR], on the “Medicine Collection Days” database. General information regarding household hazardous waste collection, including links to local resources, can be found on the DNR Waste and Materials Management Program’s Web pages.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Bangert, 608-266-0014 or Joanie Burns, 608-267-0545

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Comments accepted through Friday on proposed Stewardship access rule

MADISON - The public has until Friday, April 18 to submit written comments on a proposed new rule requiring that lands purchased under the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program be open to five nature-based outdoor activities: hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking and cross-country skiing.

The state Natural Resources Board and Department of Natural Resources held three public listening sessions on the proposed rule around the state earlier this month, at which the public was able to submit suggestion on the rule, but those unable to attend are invited to submit suggestion in writing.

Information on the new rule and related materials, as well as an on-line public input form, are available on the Stewardship public access administrative rule page of the DNR Web site. In addition, written input can be sent to Laurie Ross, Natural Resources Board Liaison, PO Box 7921, Madison WI 53707-7921 telephone (608) 267-7420, email: Laurie.Ross@Wisconsin.gov. The deadline for all written suggestions is Friday, April 18, 2008.

When the legislature reauthorized the Stewardship fund last fall, it required that all newly purchased lands be open to the five nature-based activities. The vast majority of Stewardship lands are open for full public use. However, the rule would provide for limited exceptions to this access if the Natural Resources Board determines it is necessary to limit one or more of the activities to protect public safety, to protect a unique animal or plant community, or to accommodate other user patterns.

The Natural Resources Board and the DNR will assemble a citizens group to advise the department on developing the proposed rules. The advisory group will include representatives of various recreational constituencies, local units of government and land trusts. All suggestions received at the listening sessions and in writing will be presented to the advisory group.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Miller, Bureau Director Facilities & Lands, 608-266-5782

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‘Calling All Frogs!’ workshop offered at Sandhill

BABCOCK – People interested in learning more about Wisconsin’s marshland frogs and toads and their ecology can join a herpetologist – or specialist in amphibians and reptiles – for a night-time “frogging” adventure at Sandhill Wildlife Area on Saturday evening, May 17.

Participants will learn about the status of Wisconsin frogs and toads from herpetologist Dan Nedrelo, and then search for and identify the croakers in their marshland boudoirs. Hip boots are required for this swampy soiree and are available upon request. Participants should bring a meal and refreshments if desired.

Registration is limited to 25 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Register by mailing in a registration fee of $20 per person by May 9. Participants may stay overnight in the Sandhill dorm following the event for a donation of $15 per person per night.

Checks should be made out to DNR-Skills Center. Include the name of each participant, and the address and daytime phone number of one person in each party. Send your registration fee to: Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center, PO Box 156, Babcock, WI 54413. Inquiries on the status of registrations may be sent via e-mail to: Richard.Thiel@wisconsin.gov.

The Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center is located 20 miles west of Wisconsin Rapids on County Highway X, 1 mile north of Highway 80 near Babcock, Wisconsin on the 9,000 acre Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Wildlife Area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandhill Skills Center at: (715) 884-6333 or (715) 884-2437