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Weekly News
Published - May 20, 2008
- Free Fishing Weekend June 7-8
- Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System dedication
- ‘Mammoth Walk’ a highlight National Trails Day
- Wisconsin State Parks Open House June 8
- Musky waters teeming with trophy and action potential for May 24 northern opener
- Wisconsin wolf population remains similar to last year
- Packing for your camping trip? Leave the firewood at home.
- Fieldtrips scheduled to highlight progress in biological control of purple loosestrife
- Meeting set to discuss northern pike management on Lake Superior
Free Fishing Weekend June 7-8MADISON – Anglers can grab their friends and family and head out June 7-8 to cast a line into any of Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes and 42,000 miles of rivers and streams fish without a license during Free Fishing Weekend.
The first Saturday and Sunday each June, residents and non-residents of all ages can fish without a fishing license or trout or salmon stamps as the state celebrates Free Fishing Weekend. All the waters of the state are open, including state waters of the Great Lakes and rivers bordering Wisconsin. All other regulations such as length and bag limits do apply. “Free Fishing Weekend is an invitation for all anglers, whether new or seasoned, to gather friends and family and go fishing,” says Theresa Stabo, Department of Natural Resources aquatic education specialist. “It’s a chance to take a day or two to re-experience how much fun it is to fish.” A variety of events will be taking place at state parks and other locations throughout Wisconsin, with activities for all ages, including fishing, picnic lunches, demonstrations, games and many hands-on learning opportunities for adults and children. A list of activities including fishing clinics is available on the Free Fishing Weekend page of the DNR Web site. While rods and reels are usually provided at many of these fishing events, people can also borrow fishing equipment from one of DNR’s nearly 50 tackle loaner locations.
Recently, Wisconsin teamed up with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and 29 other states in a national campaign called “Take Me Fishing,” designed to get more people out onto the water and fishing. “Take me fishing” complements Free Fishing Weekend, along with other angler education programs, fishing clinics, outdoor expos and other efforts the states and fishing clubs have long made to introduce new people to the sport. “Free fishing weekend is an ideal to time to take someone fishing,” says Stabo. “It’s the perfect atmosphere to renew the fishing passion in an angler who hasn’t been out in awhile, or hook someone new onto a pastime that creates lifelong memories.” 2008 Free Fishing Weekend eventsJune 7
June 7 and June 8
June 8
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FREE FISHING WEEKEND CONTACT: Theresa Stabo, Aquatic Resources Educator - (608) 266-2272 |
Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System dedicationEDITOR'S ADVISORY: POSTPONED - The ceremony honoring the dedication of the state trails system in Wisconsin for Aldo Leopold scheduled for Thursday June 5, 2008 at the Glacial Drumlin State Trail trailhead in Cottage Grove has been postponed due to rain. The event will be rescheduled to a date yet to be determined. MADISON – A ceremony honoring the dedication of the state trails system in Wisconsin for a renowned Wisconsin environmental leader will take place next Thursday, June 5, at the Glacial Drumlin State Trail trailhead in Cottage Grove.
Last November, Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill naming the Wisconsin state trails system the “Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System,” to help keep the legacy of Aldo Leopold alive and teach a new generation about the importance of conservation and wildlife ecology. “The Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System will help preserve the personal experience of Wisconsin’s natural landscape that was so inspiring to Leopold and his work,” says Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank. The event leads into a busy weekend of outdoor activities in Wisconsin, with National Trails Day on Saturday and State Park Open House on Sunday. There are 42 state trails covering more than 1,700 miles in all regions of the state. Get Outdoors! Wisconsin“Dedicating our trail system to Aldo Leopold provides an opportunity for us to introduce a new program, ‘Get Outdoors! Wisconsin,’ that we hope will get both youth and adults outdoors,” explains Peter Biermeier, of the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Parks and Recreation. Get Outdoors! Wisconsin is a DNR-coordinated program developed in response to the national “No Child Left Inside” movement. The program will bring together new and existing partners such as organizations like the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, hospitals, schools, museums, and zoos. It will encourage Wisconsinites to enjoy unstructured time outdoors (nature free play), a vital component to healthy and active lifestyles. Upcoming activities will include fitness programs, educational materials for youth, nature games in the outdoors, and other “hooks” that engage each person with nature in a fun and free way. Aldo Leopold is widely considered the father of wildlife ecology and management. He was a prolific writer in ecology and philosophy, and is most famous for publishing A Sand County Almanac. “Aldo Leopold wrote ‘There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot,’” notes, Kathe Crowley Conn, president of the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. “Wisconsin’s natural lands are sources of untold pleasure for those who cannot live without wild things, and the state trail system provides unparalleled opportunities for others to discover them." The dedication ceremony scheduled to take place June 5 at the Glacial Drumlin State Trail trailhead in Cottage Grove, located at on Highway N at Main Street had to be postponed due to rain. It will be rescheduled for a date yet to be determined. Governor Doyle, DNR Secretary Frank, legislators and local officials will be invited to the event, which is being co-sponsored by the Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Monona. Questions and RSVPs can be directed to DNR Bureau of Parks & Recreation (Madison): 608-266-2181, DNRWIstatetrails@wisconsin.gov. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Biermeier - (608) 264-6136 or Kate Zurlo-Cuva - (608) 266-7617 |
‘Mammoth Walk’ a highlight National Trails DayMADISON - A variety of trail activities are planned to take place across Wisconsin on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 7, but perhaps the most ambitious is an effort by the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation to have people across the state hike the entire length of the Ice Age Trail in one day. The organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and on National Trails Day it is working with its member chapters and the public to collectively hike each mile of the trail in a one-day “Mammoth Walk.”  Through dense forests and open prairies, the Ice Age Trail takes hikers past some of Wisconsin's most diverse scenery. National Trails Day, celebrated the first Saturday in June each year, evolved from a President's Commission on Americans Outdoors report in 1987 that recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within 15 minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. “While the feat of covering the whole trail in a day is a primary focus, on equal footing is the goal to introduce the Ice Age Trail to as many new people as possible,” says Andrew Hanson, Ice Age Trail specialist with the DNR and the foundation. “Given that the Trail is more than a thousand miles long, we have a lot of ground to cover in a day!” The Ice Age National Scenic Trail [exit DNR] -- one of only eight National Scenic Trails -- is located entirely within Wisconsin. From Interstate State Park on the Minnesota border to Potawatomi State Park on Lake Michigan, the Ice Age Trail winds for more than 1,000 miles, following the edge of the last continental glacier in Wisconsin. While the Ice Age Trail is designated as a National Scenic Trail it is also designated a State Scenic Trail. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service and the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, work together cooperatively to develop and maintain the trail. Additionally many volunteers, county and local governments and private land owners assist the in developing and managing sections of the trail. People who are interested in participating in the Mammoth Walk can contact the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation by e-mail at [info@iceagetrail.org] or by phone at 800-227-0046. More information on what‘s taking place along the trail is also available in the online events calendar on the foundation Web site at www.iceagetrail.org [exit DNR]. Other National Trails Day hikes and trail projectsThe following are some additional events that will be taking place on National Trails Day:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Hanson - (608) 264-8915 or IAPTF – 608- 663-8278 |
Wisconsin State Parks Open House June 8
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Musky waters teeming with trophy and action potential for May 24 northern openerMADISON – Whether you’re hoping for a trophy musky or just some musky action, anglers anticipating the May 24 northern zone musky season opener have plenty of waters to choose from.
“Wisconsin has 711 lakes and more than 1,600 river miles that support musky,” says Tim Simonson, the Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist who chairs the agency’s musky team. “And about 90 percent of those waters are in the northern region.” On top of that, nearly 50 percent of the northern waters are Class A or premier musky waters which can provide some of the best trophy or action musky fishing in the nation. Trophy or Class A1 waters are best known for their ability to produce musky 48 inches and longer. “The waters that are known trophy producers will often have lower musky populations, resulting in less angling action, but in return, they also have a higher potential to put out that big fish,” says Simonson. “Your best bet is to look for the larger and deeper, clear-water lakes or large flowages.” Action or Class A2 waters are best known for providing the most consistent angling. “Action waters will provide faster fishing, but the chances of reeling in a big fish are lower, although it does happen,” says Simonson. “Action waters are normally smaller, shallower lakes with abundant vegetation.”
Classified musky waters aren’t set in stone and you still could find yourself with a trophy fish in action waters. A list of Wisconsin’s musky waters and their classification is available on the DNR Web site. Anglers who do plan on heading out for the northern musky opener might want to heed the advice of DNR Regional Supervisor, Steve Avelallemant, and head for warmer water. “Water temperatures in most of the lakes are in the low 50s which is fairly cool for this time of the year,” says Avelallemant. “Some muskies are still finishing up spawning in the largest and deepest lakes. The best action will likely be seen using smaller baits fished fairly slowly. Concentrate on shallower areas such as bays and flats where the water is a little warmer.” The northern zone musky fishing season is open from May 24 to Nov. 30 and includes inland waters north of Highway 10. Current regulations for most waters are a daily bag limit of one and a minimum length limit of 34 inches. DNR fisheries supervisors predict that the following statewide waters may hold some of the best trophy and action potential for 2008: Top five waters with trophy potential
Top five waters for musky action
Musky Fast Facts
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Simonson - (608) 266-5222 |
Wisconsin wolf population remains similar to last yearMADISON – Wisconsin’s gray wolf population over the winter of 2007-2008 remained very similar, or declined slightly, from the previous winter, according to the state’s most recent wolf population survey. Department of Natural Resources biologists estimate there are between 537 and 564 wolves in Wisconsin, about the same number as a year ago. The annual winter wolf count relies on aerial tracking of radio-collared wolves and snow track surveys by DNR and volunteer trackers. Also included are wolf sightings by members of the public. The agency has conducted these counts since the winter of 1979-1980 when there were 25 wolves in the state. 
Photo of gray wolf in Iowa County, a few miles north of Yellowstone Lake. Adrian Wydeven, a DNR conservation biologist and wolf specialist, said the once-rapid growth in wolf numbers appears to be slowing or leveling off as the wolf population approaches the maximum size that the heavily forested parts of the state can comfortably support. In 2007 wolves caused depredation to livestock on 30 farms, a new record. In 2006 wolves killed livestock on 25 farms. Following a long process in which state officials had few options for taking action against problem wolves, state and federal officials were able to more aggressively respond this past year, because on March 12, 2007, wolves in Wisconsin and other portions of the western Great Lakes were removed from the list of federally endangered and threatened species. This meant state and tribal wildlife mangers could trap and euthanize wolves that prey on livestock. Wildlife Services staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted trapping on most Wisconsin farms hit by wolf depredation in 2007 capturing and killing 37 wolves and one wolf dog hybrid. The DNR issued shooting permits to 25 landowners with recent wolf problems in 2007, but no wolves were shot on these permits. Three landowners did shoot wolves in the act of attacking pets or livestock on their property without permits after wolves were removed from federal protection. Landowners or renters of land are allowed to shoot wolves in the act of attacking pets or livestock. They are required to contact their local conservation warden within 24 hours. Wydeven said farmers in areas of depredation were pleased to see government trappers on the job and were also pleased with the issuance of landowner shooting permits. “Tolerance of wolves is improving in these areas now that more management tools are available,” Wydeven said. Wydeven said the wolf remains both a popular symbol of the wilderness in Wisconsin and an important component of the ecosystem. As large predators, wolves help reduce the impact of intense browsing and grazing, allowing more species of plant to take hold and to form a more diverse forest habitat. The recent count of 537 or more wolves in Wisconsin is very similar to the count in 2007 when 540 to 577 wolves occurred in the state, Wydeven said. The slight decline is likely due to various factors, Wydeven said. During summer 2007, pup production in packs across northern Wisconsin seemed down from previous years based on summer howl surveys. Additionally, a new form of mange, Demodectic, was detected in a Wisconsin wolf this past fall. Only Sarcoptic mange had previously been detected in Wisconsin wolves. Mange is a skin disease, caused by a burrowing mite, can lead to death by exposure during the depths of winter. Several radio-collared wolves died from severe mange over winter, suggesting the disease may have become more widespread in the wolf population. A total of 143 wolf packs were detected in Wisconsin consisting of at least 2 adult wolves each. Biologists found 21 packs distributed across central Wisconsin and 122 packs in northern Wisconsin. The largest packs in the state were the Beaver Dam Lake and Shanagolden packs in Ashland County, with 7-8 and 7-9 wolves respectively, and the Wintergreen Pack in Price County with 8 wolves. At least 33 packs had 5 or more wolves in them. The 1999 Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan can be reviewed on the DNR Web site. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrian Wydeven - (715) 762-1363 |
Packing for your camping trip? Leave the firewood at home.MADISON - Memorial Day weekend is coming and as campers get out enjoying the great outdoors, state officials from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are reminding campers and others that firewood can transport dangerous pests. To help prevent the spread of forest pests, people should avoid moving firewood from more than 50 miles or from out-of-state.  “Many invasive, destructive pests and diseases can travel on firewood,” says Andrea Diss-Torrance, DNR forest health specialist. “Unsuspecting campers can introduce these pests to the places and trees they enjoy.” To help protect state parks and natural areas, as well as neighborhood trees, state rules prohibit moving firewood from outside of Wisconsin and from more than 50 miles away into all DNR managed properties including state parks and forests. The rule means that people who camp on state-managed land will need to buy firewood at the campground or from nearby Wisconsin firewood dealers who sell wood cut from less than 50 miles from the campground and within Wisconsin. All other firewood will be confiscated upon entry to the park and destroyed. “Campers are most likely to obtain safe firewood from within the park, where 60 percent of the concessionaires are park friends groups and most of the wood is obtained from the park itself,” says Peter Biermeier of Wisconsin State Parks and Recreation. “State parks have made great improvements in the quality of their firewood and have kept prices reasonable,” he says. By purchasing within the park, campers help protect the parks from invasive pests and diseases, and make another contribution. All of the profits made by the friends groups are used to enhance park programs, shelter buildings, and other services. To find out about firewood availability at your destination, contact the Wisconsin park or state forest directly.. Campers should know that many county and private campgrounds are also restricting firewood on their properties to protect the resource. It’s a good idea to contact these destinations before you leave home too. “Spring is the season when many forest pests such as gypsy moth hatch and begin feeding on our trees,” says Diss-Torrance. “More importantly, it is the time when pests and diseases such as the emerald ash borer and oak wilt hitch a ride on firewood and are introduced to new areas.” Once this happens, the effects can be devastating to the area’s forests and urban trees. “The general rule to remember is that once you are within one hour’s drive of your park destination you can start looking for firewood dealers to supply your campfire fuel,” says Biermeier. 20,000 people who have already reserved a campsite on DNR property for 2008, and 46,000 walk-in campers from 2007 have been mailed a post card reminding them of the firewood rule. Firewood information is also provided twice during the reservation process. “The idea is to get the word out in as many ways as possible before people plan and pack for their camping trip,” says Diss-Torrance. Due to the devastation caused in other states by emerald ash borer, federal quarantines have been placed on firewood from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Anyone moving firewood out of these states is subject to federal fines of up to $1,000. People who reserved a campsite on DNR property for 2008, should watch for a post card in the mail reminding them of this firewood rule and plan ahead. To learn more about Emerald Ash Borer, what’s being done, and what you can do to help, visit Emerald Ash Borer [exit DNR]. More about Wisconsin’s firewood rule is available on the DNR Web site or call the firewood hotline at 1-877-303-WOOD (9663). FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Andrea Diss-Torrance (608) 264-9247; Peter Biermeier - (608) 264-6136 |
Fieldtrips scheduled to highlight progress in biological control of purple loosestrifeMADISON – See for yourself during a free guided tour the tremendous progress that biological control beetles are making in freeing Wisconsin wetlands from the scourge of purple loosestrife, an invasive plant from Europe.
These field trips to several loosestrife-infested wetlands around the state where beetles have been released are offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and University of Wisconsin-Extension to encourage everyone to get to know their threatened wetlands as well as see this remarkable natural control process in action. Participants will learn about native plants, understand how purple loosestrife damages wetlands, and see biocontrol beetles at work. They may even be able to help collect beetles for use in other wetlands! Wear clothing and boots suitable for spring weather in wet habitats. Any trip may be canceled or postponed due to severe weather, so participants should call ahead if in doubt. Participants may come anytime in posted hours except on the June 2 trip. Call (608) 221-6349 or e-mail brock.woods@wisconsin.gov for more details. Dates, locations and directions to reach trip sites are listed below.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brock Woods (608) 221-6349 |
Meeting set to discuss northern pike management on Lake SuperiorBAYFIELD - A public meeting to discuss the status of northern pike in Lake Superior and potential changes in fishing regulations for the lake will be held in Ashland on June 11. Fisheries biologists from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will provide survey information on Lake Superior northern pike and allow anglers to voice their opinions on pike regulations. “We were approached by a group of concerned anglers about changing the northern pike fishing regulations on Lake Superior,” said Mike Seider, DNR fisheries biologist. “They believe that there are fewer large northern pike than in the past and would like to see more conservative regulations.” Seider added that some potential management options suggested include setting a minimum size limit of 32 or 40 inches with a daily bag limit of one. Any proposed regulations changes would go through a public hearing process and have to be approved by the state Natural Resources Board. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, located at 29270 County Highway G, 2 miles west of Ashland at the intersection of Highways 2 and G. Anyone unable to attend the June 11 meeting may provide written comments by June 20, 2008, via letter, email, or phone or for more information contact: Mike Seider, PO Box 589, 141 South Third Street, Bayfield, WI 54814 715-682-3205 Ext 11 at: Michael.seider@wisconsin.gov. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Seider - 715-682-3205 ext 11 |
