Weekly News

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EDITOR’S ADVISORY: DNR NEWS LINKS TO CHANGE

[EDITOR’S ADVISORY: DNR NEWS LINKS TO CHANGE – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is making some changes to the structure of its Internet Web servers that will result in a new Internet address for news releases posted to the DNR Web site. The new base directory for news releases will be Mews Releases. This week’s DNR News packet will be available at both the old and new addresses. Beginning next week, May 20, 2008, news releases will only be available at the new Web address. The change is for the weekly news packet, as well as for Regional and Breaking news releases. News media, conservation and environmental organizations, and other government agencies that link to Wisconsin DNR News releases should alert their Internet or information technology providers of this change. Beginning next week, anyone attempting to access the outdated link will be directed to a redirect Web page that will provide the updated links for news releases. In addition, the Wisconsin DNR is now making selected news available through an RSS feed. Please see RSS Feed for more information on this service. With this service now available, the department will be discontinuing to provide the weekly DNR News in MS Rich Text and in Portable Document Format (pdf) through the DNR Web site. For comments, suggestions or concerns about these changes, please contact Brenda Hagman, DNR Internet Section Chief at Brenda.Hagman@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266-5883.]

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Now’s the time to test private well water

Annual tests recommended to assure its safety

MADISON - Now is a good time for the nearly 1 million Wisconsin households that get their drinking water from private wells to test the water’s safety, and a new video shows people how to do that to get accurate test results.

The video showing how to collect a water sample, lists of certified labs that can test the water, and information on keeping your private water supplies safe is available on the private well testing page of the Department of Natural Resources Web site.

“Most private wells provide safe drinking water, but we tend to see an increase in well contamination problems after spring thaw,” says Mark Putra, who leads the private water section for the Department of Natural Resources drinking water and groundwater program.

Private wells can become contaminated with bacteria that is not filtered out as the water soaks into the ground, moving through shallow fractured bedrock, quarries, sinkholes, inadequately grouted wells or cracks in the well casing. Insects or small rodents can also carry bacteria into wells with inadequate caps or seals.

The DNR recommends that people test their private wells at least once a year for bacterial contamination and any time they notice a change in how their water looks, tastes or smells.

Certified labs can easily test water for coliform bacteria, an indicator that a disease-causing contaminant might be present, and e-coli, a bacteria that can cause human illness. Homeowners will need to collect a water sample from a faucet near the well, following the instructions and using the sample bottle provided by the laboratory.

Too often, people get an inaccurate result because they fail to disinfect the faucet before collecting a water sample. Without proper disinfection, the sample may reflect bacteria present on the faucet and not in the water. Or they may touch the inside or the cap of the sampling bottle, potentially contaminating the sample with bacteria present on their hands.

Tests for other contaminants may be warranted

Spring is also a good time to test well water for other contaminants if you know your area has a problem with particular ones because of the surrounding land uses or the bedrock formations holding the groundwater your well taps.

Owners of existing homes with private wells can use the groundwater Web site to understand what contaminants they may want to have their water tested for for a variety of reasons.

The groundwater Web site [exit DNR] incorporates selected groundwater data from 16 federal, state and local agencies and provides maps and other information about groundwater in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties. The site was developed through a partnership of state and federal agencies and the UW-System and funded by the DNR and the University of Wisconsin system.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Putra (608) 267-7649 or your local drinking water specialist

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Buying a state trail pass supports great trails in Wisconsin

MADISON – With the approaching Memorial Day weekend signaling the unofficial start of summer, many people will be tuning up their bicycles, getting out their rollerblades and oiling their saddles in preparation for heading out to one of Wisconsin’s many state trails.

Wisconsin State Park officials are reminding people who intend to venture out to Wisconsin’s state trails this summer that another thing they should have is a 2008 State Trail Pass.

The Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required to bicycle, in-line skate, horseback ride, motorcycle or in the winter, cross-country ski on designated state trails. Pedestrians and those under the age of 16 do not need a trail pass. State trails where the pass is required have signs indicating the pass is required and are listed in the Wisconsin State Park System Visitor’s Guide.

There are self-registration stations or offices where people may purchase the $20 annual or $4 daily trail pass at trailheads. In addition, trail passes are available at all DNR service centers and state park and forest contact stations, and many local businesses such as bike stores and service stations located near trails sell the passes. Passes may also be purchased on-line Wisconsin State Park Program or via credit card order (608-266-2181).

Wisconsin is considered a pioneer and leader in the development of trails, with 42 linear State Trails totaling more than 1,700 miles, according to Brigit Brown, state trails coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources. In addition, there are hundreds of more miles of trails in Wisconsin state parks and forests.

Funds from the sale of trail passes are used by the State Parks Program for maintenance and management. A recent study of state park system enforcement policies found that a significant number of trail users required to have a trail pass did not have one when they were encountered by trail officials.

A recent study of state park system enforcement policies found that a significant number of trail users required to have a trail pass did not have one when they were encountered by trail officials.

“Basically we found that compliance with the requirement to purchase the trail pass before using the trail was not good, especially compared to activities such as fishing or hunting, where most people would never consider undertaking the activity before they purchase their license,” Brown said.

A new volunteer trail ambassador program will also be launched this year – volunteers will sell trail passes along State Trails and offer other basic assistance to trail users. The trail ambassador program is being piloted this year on the Military Ridge State Trail. The program is being coordinated through state trail friends groups. People who are interested in the program should contact their local state trail friends group through the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Web site [exit DNR].

“The revenue lost from people using the trails without purchasing a trail pass means there are fewer funds available for trail maintenance and improvement, and for developing new trails. By purchasing their trail pass, users are helping keep the Wisconsin State Trail systems one of the preeminent systems in the nation,” Brown said.

“At $20 for year around access and $4 for a daily pass to some of Wisconsin’s best trails, the state trail pass is a recreation bargain,” she notes. “It is our goal to ensure that people’s experiences on state trails are positive and high quality. In an effort to better understand and meet the needs of our users, we have implemented an on-line survey that we encourage trail pass users to fill out.” A link to the survey is posted at Wisconsin State Park Program.

Failure to purchase a pass before using the trail will result in a $5 surcharge on top of the trail pass fee if someone without a needed pass is encountered by a ranger or park manager on the trail. Deliberately avoiding a self registration station or not stopping to show trail officials a pass can result in a citation.

A trail pass is required for each person using the trail and is not transferable. So for instance, two people riding a tandem bicycle would both need a trail pass.

Saturday, June 7, 2008 is National Trails Day. No trail fee is required on National Trails Day.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brigit Brown - (608) 266-2183

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New Wisconsin State Parks director announced

MADISON - Dan Schuller, a 28-year employee of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, has been named the new director of the Wisconsin State Park Program.

Schuller has most recently served as the DNR Northern Region Land Leader in Rhinelander. He will be replacing Bill Smith, who has been acting state parks director since the resignation of Dave Borsecnik last year.

“Dan brings the leadership capabilities, field experience, enthusiasm, and vision to make our already-great state park system even greater,” said Laurie Osterndorf, administrator of the DNR Division of Lands.

Schuller has a degree in Recreational Resources Management, from University of Wisconsin - Madison and has spent his entire 28-year career with the DNR Lands program, starting as a limited term employee at Devil's Lake State Park. He subsequently worked in five other state parks prior to his moving to the Facilities & Lands program.

“I am truly humbled and honored to return to the park's program in this role as director, Schuller said in a statement. “State parks feature what's best about Wisconsin -- rare natural resources, exciting recreation, and high quality services for visitors. I look forward to working with State Park staff to move the program forward building on that solid foundation.”

Schuller will begin his new duties May 27.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurie Osterndorf - 608-267-7552

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Plover and Whiting facilities name 2008 “Registered Laboratories of the Year”

STEVENS POINT – A Neenah Paper Mill laboratory in Whiting and a McCain Foods USA laboratory in Plover have been recognized as the 2008 Registered Laboratories of the Year by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The Neenah Whiting Paper Mill – recognized in the large facility category for the quality and dependability of its data – analyzes water used by the mill, treated and discharged to the Wisconsin River.

“The most significant achievement at this lab is the consistency of the results achieved with four operators,” wrote Camille Johnson, the DNR audit chemist with the DNR Laboratory Certification & Registration Program, in the nomination.

Engineer John Kohler oversees the Neenah Paper laboratory. The four operators are Russ Garski, Jerry Kawski, Greg Stroik and Pat O’Neil.

McCain Foods USA Inc. in Plover also discharges treated wastewater into the Wisconsin River. The company’s laboratory was recognized in the small facility category. DNR officials cited strong communications skills and meticulous record keeping by lab supervisor Dale Johnson and analysts Kathy Asuquo and Barb Lodl.

“The two analysts have each dedicated 25 years to working at this lab,” Johnson wrote in the nomination. “The documentation and attention to detail at this lab are surely among the best I have ever observed.”

The awards were presented at a recent meeting of the Natural Resources Board by DNR Deputy Secretary Patrick Henderson and Environmental Science Services Section Chief David Webb. This is the thirteenth year of the awards. The quality of the data generated by these laboratories is important because it is used by the DNR to make regulatory decisions that protect the environment.

The facilities were chosen from more than 250 registered laboratories in Wisconsin.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Camille Johnson, DNR audit chemist, Wautoma, 920-787-4686 ext. 3019

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Natural gas pipeline project may result in incidental take of rare birds

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Wisconsin’s endangered species law (s. 29.604, Wis. Stats.) requires the Department of Natural Resources to notify the public when it proposes to authorize the incidental taking of a state endangered or threatened species.]

MADISON - The construction of a natural gas pipeline in Sheboygan County may result in the “incidental taking” of three types of birds that are listed as state threatened species, under an authorization the state Department of Natural Resources is proposing for the project. Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the overall population of the species at risk.

The Guardian II Sheboygan Lateral Pipeline Project is being constructed by Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC) in Sheboygan County. The majority of the 31-mile pipeline is within a regularly maintained transmission line right-of-way (ROW). Approximately 3.3 miles of the route passes through the Kettle Moraine State Forest and approximately 2.2 miles passes through the Silver Spring/Mill Creek Streambank Easement area.

Based on surveys completed in 2007, DNR staff have determined that Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea), and hooded warbler (Wilsoniac citrina) are present in the project area.

Pipeline construction will consist of various activities completed sequentially beginning with vegetation clearing, trench excavation, pipe-laying, backfilling the trench, stabilization, restoration, and finally, testing of the pipeline.

Vegetation clearing was completed in the pipeline ROW early in 2008 to eliminate the possibility that birds would nest in the ROW. However, human noise and other disturbance in the ROW can interfere with or prevent a bird’s ability to successfully incubate eggs, to feed young, or to defend the nest from predators in nesting territories adjacent to the ROW. Therefore, the department determined that the project may still result in the incidental taking of some birds.

A DNR review concluded that the project will minimize the impacts to the birds by adhering to conservation measures that include species surveys and long-term management of vegetation in the ROW to benefit wildlife. The project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of these birds or the whole plant-animal community of which they are a part.

The conservation measures to minimize the adverse effect on the threatened species will be incorporated into the proposed Incidental Take Authorization. Copies of the conservation measures, background information on the species, and the jeopardy assessment are available upon request from Rori Paloski, Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 101 South Webster, Madison, WI 53707, (608) 264-6040. Public comments will be taken through June 12, 2008 and should be sent to Rori Paloski at the above address.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Rori Paloski, DNR, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 608/264-6040

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Grants available for forest and wildland fire suppression

MADISON - Local fire fighting agencies have until July 1 to apply for a Department of Natural Resources Forest Fire Protection grant program for suppressing forest and wildland fires. This program provides funds on a 50-50 cash match basis.

Local fire departments and county or area fire organizations can apply for Forest Fire Protection Grants, which were established in 1997 to strengthen local fire departments’ and county or area fire organizations’ capabilities to assist the DNR forestry staff in suppression of forest fires.

The grant program provides funds for the purchase of forest fire suppression equipment and training, including: personal protective equipment; forest fire training; forest fire prevention, forest fire tools and equipment; communication equipment; rural fire mapping and numbering; and off-road all-wheel drive initial-attack vehicles.

Applications were mailed recently to Wisconsin fire organizations statewide and are also available on the DNR Web site. FFP applications must be postmarked on or before July 1, 2008.

The Forest Fire Protection (FFP) Grant Program is one of 33 grant programs administered by the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Community Financial Assistance. The DNR issues approximately 3,600 grant awards each year to local units of government, Indian Tribes, nonprofit conservation organizations, fire departments, dry cleaners, and individuals. You can learn more about these DNR grant programs on the following DNR Community Financial Assistance Grants Web page.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Eileen Trainor - (608) 267-0848; Chris Klahn - (608) 297-2214

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Turtle tagging clinic offered

BABCOCK, Wis. – People interested in the status and biology of different types of turtles in Wisconsin can sign up to assist wildlife biologists as they conduct research surveys for nesting female turtles at the Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Wildlife Area.

The turtle tagging clinic and evening outing, will be held Saturday, June 14. Participants will aid DNR wildlife biologists in collecting biological information on snapping turtles, painted turtles and Blanding's turtles. This information is used to assess population trends and the status of these species.

This evening clinic runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Participants should bring a sandwich and refreshment for supper while biologists brief participants on the evening's activities. Space is limited to 10 people, ages 12 and up. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The fee for the workshop is $15 and the registration deadline is June 6. To register send a check made out to DNR-Skills Center along with the name of each participant, and the address and daytime phone number of one person in each party 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