Weekly News
Published - January 30, 2007
- Lower Wisconsin River bald eagle numbers up from last year
- 162,500 permits issued for 2007 spring turkey hunt
- Free turkey hunter education clinics offered statewide
- Winter sports safety reminders
- State Natural Resources Board elects officers
- Many candlelight events upcoming at state parks and forests
- $1 million federal grant to help states monitor Mississippi River water quality
- New resources will help volunteers track Wisconsin frogs and toads
- 29 Wisconsin lakes to be part of national water quality survey
- Wild turkey & pheasant stamp design contest winners announced
- Feb. 20 deadline for 2007 Arbor Day poster contest
Lower Wisconsin River bald eagle numbers up from last yearDODGEVILLE – Bald eagle numbers this winter along the Lower Wisconsin River corridor are almost double last year’s count according to an aerial survey conducted earlier this month by the Department of Natural Resources. Biologists counted 481 eagles, including 324 adults and 157 immature birds, along the 180-mile survey route running from the Petenwell Dam spanning the Wisconsin River in Adams/Juneau counties to the river’s confluence with the Mississippi River in Crawford County. “We observed the majority of eagles concentrated along the river from Sauk City through to the Mississippi River,” said Bryan Woodbury, DNR wildlife biologist at Spring Green. This year’s total is almost double the 244 eagles counted during the 2006 aerial survey, but still below the record 614 birds observed in the 2004 survey. Although, Woodbury adds, to put these numbers in perspective, the five-year average running from 2001 through 2005 was 264 eagles. Also, the number of birds counted along the river corridor may be less than the actual population in the Lower Wisconsin River watershed. “With warmer temperatures and more open water along the lower stretches of the river this year (during early January when the survey was conducted), eagles seemed to be much more spread out in the river valley, so I suspect we missed some,” noted Woodbury. Eagle watching in the Wisconsin River valley has become a very popular winter activity and the number of eagles in the area this year “should provide excellent opportunities to view eagles at many locations along the river as well as farm fields and wetlands” in the river valley, he added. Bald eagles are listed by the federal government as a “threatened” species overall in the United States but within Wisconsin, the state has listed the bald eagle as a species of “special concern.” Although the general population is doing well, there’s still concern about what has been causing unusual bald eagles deaths along the Lower Wisconsin River corridor beginning in the mid-1990s, pointed out Sean Strom, a DNR wildlife toxicologist based in Madison. “Many of the eagles collected over the years have shown clinical signs of neurological impairment (nervous system problems), but there are no specific changes in their tissues that give us clues as to what is causing the problem,” Strom said. Post mortems are conducted at the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) in Madison and consistent “abnormalities” were found in the livers of most eagles collected from the Wisconsin River corridor. After the mystery illness surfaced in 1994-95, representatives from DNR, NWHC, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the veterinary and wildlife rehabilitation communities, and the Ferry Bluff Eagle Council began sharing information to monitor southern Wisconsin’s over wintering bald eagle population, especially those birds in the Lower Wisconsin River corridor. The monitoring plan includes what to do if live, sick eagles are found during the winter; transporting birds, if needed, to a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian; arranging for dead eagles to be necropsied by NWHC; monitoring roost sites; investigating deaths; sharing information among functions and agencies; and getting the word out to the public about the situation. Strom offered the following guidelines as to what the public can do if they find a sick or dead eagle:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bryan Woodbury, Wildlife Biologist, Spring Green - (608) 588-2591; Sean Strom, Wildlife Toxicologist, Madison - (608) 264-6121; or Bill Ishmael, Wildlife Supervisor, Dodgeville - (608) 935-1918 |
162,500 permits issued for 2007 spring turkey hunt
|
Free turkey hunter education clinics offered statewide
|
Winter sports safety remindersMADISON – A recent cold spell and snow cover across much of the state has outdoors enthusiasts pulling out their sleds, ice augers, skis, skates, snowshoes, binoculars and even ice kites. Winter sports are on the roll from candlelight skiing and hiking at Wisconsin’s State Parks, to ice fishing, eagle watching, skijoring and snowmobiling. The Department of Natural Resources wants people to have a safe and enjoyable time in Wisconsin’s outdoors. This winter, the DNR safety specialists recommends that outdoor enthusiasts take time to properly prepare before heading outside and that they follow some basic safety tips to ward off the cold and prevent accidents and hypothermia. Ice safetyWhether ice fishing or ice kiting (skiing or snowboarding while pulled by kites), here is some advice to increase safety while on and around the ice: Use an ice shanty to keep the wind and blowing snow from chilling you to the bone. It’s best not to venture out alone. But, if you choose to, let someone else know where you are going and when you are expected to return and what route you intend to take. Never venture onto rivers where currents may cause thin ice conditions that aren’t visible due to erosion of the ice from below. Treat all ice as if it is unsafe because ice is never 100 percent safe. Check ice conditions with local bait shops and resorts before going out on the ice. Remember that ice may look okay, but it’s difficult to tell for sure by appearances. Ice may be thin in spots or a thin ice cover may hide honeycomb ice or water pockets. Keep something sharp nearby (picks, large nails etc.) for digging into the ice to pull yourself to safety if you fall through. This can be a simple tool that you can make and may save your life if you fall through. Drive nails in one end of two stubby dowels, drill a hole in each of the other ends and tie a rope through the holes. Keep this around your neck so it's handy. Use it to dig into the ice and quickly claw your way out if you fall through. Once on the ice surface, head back to shore the way you came. Ice travelers may want to wear a personal floatation device (PDF) especially on waterways where the ice thickness may vary or have weak spots. Stay warm:Wisconsin state parks, trails and forests have nearly 700 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails for your enjoyment. Some are tracked for traditional skiing, some groomed for skate-style skiing, and some are wide enough to accommodate both styles. Sledding, hiking and bird watching are other popular winter woodland pursuits. While in the woods, on the hill or following the trails, stay warm by dressing in layers. Wear wool hats, mittens and waterproof boots. Don’t get lost. Try to stay on the trail. To avoid getting lost on a large lake or in the woods, be aware of daylight and weather conditions. Learn to use a map and compass to stay oriented. Carry a first-aid kit, flashlight, knife, compass, map, and waterproof matches. SnowmobilingMore than 200,000 registered snowmobiles are expected to hit Wisconsin's 25,000 miles of groomed trails this winter, making safety an important part of the ride. To be safe, take a snowmobile safety course. Slow down. Speed is a contributing factor in most fatal snowmobiling accidents. Drivers should proceed at a pace that will allow ample reaction time for any situation. Drive at moderate speeds, and drive defensively, especially after sunset. Wisconsin has a new law that sets a statewide 55 mph nighttime speed limit. Don’t drink and drive. Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness or water currents. Rapidly changing weather and moving water in streams and lake inlets also affect the thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevents thick strong ice from forming. Dress appropriately. Always wear a helmet with goggles or a face shield to prevent injuries from twigs and flying debris. Wear layers of water-repellent clothing and make sure you have no loose ends that might catch in the machine or tangle in equipment. Stay on marked trails or, where allowed, on the right portion of the road. Be alert for fences, tree stumps and stretched wire that may be concealed by snow. FOR MORE INFORMATION on winter recreation safety contact DNR Recreation Enforcement and Education Chief William Engfer at (608) 266-0859 or DNR Snowmobile and ATV Administrator Gary Eddy at (608) 267-7455 |
State Natural Resources Board elects officersMADISON – The state Natural Resources Board has elected Dr. Christine Thomas as chair for 2007. Also elected were Jonathan Ela as vice chair and John Welter as secretary. The board conducted elections at its Jan. 24 meeting in Madison. Thomas is Dean of the College of Natural Resources and professor of resource management at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the largest undergraduate program of its kind in the United States. In addition to her role as a university educator, Thomas developed a program that teaches women outdoor skills, “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman.” Thomas has received numerous awards for her educational and conservation pursuits, including Educator of the Year by Safari Club International and Woman of the Year by the American Sportfishing Association. Thomas was appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle to serve on the Board through May 1, 2009. Jonathan Ela, Board Vice-Chair, is a conservationist, retired from multiple regional and national positions with the Sierra Club. He also served on the staff of then U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, helping to establish the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and protecting the St. Croix River under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. He was appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle. John “Duke” Welter, Board Secretary, is an attorney in Eau Claire Wisconsin. Welter has served as chapter president, state council chair, and national trustee of Trout Unlimited; and as a member of the Eau Claire County delegation to the Conservation Congress. Welter has been actively involved in state conservation issues including groundwater protection. He was twice appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle and will serve on the Board through May 1, 2011. The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board sets policy for the Department of Natural Resources. Current members of the Board are Christine Thomas, Plover; Jonathan Ela, Madison; John Welter, Eau Claire; Gerald O’Brien, Stevens Point; Howard Poulson, Palmyra; Dave Clausen, Amery; and Jane Wiley, Wausau. Chapter 15 of the Wisconsin Statutes delineates the formal duties of the seven-member board. Board members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate. Three members each must be selected from the northern and southern portions of the state and one member serves "at large." Terms expire on May 1. The board meets monthly, except for July and November, on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Board meetings are held at the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2) in Madison except for April through October when meetings are held in different locations around the state. These locations are listed on the NR Board calendar. The meeting agendas are posted two weeks prior to each meeting and minutes are posted from previous meetings after Board approval. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurie Ross - (608) 267-7420 |
Many candlelight events upcoming at state parks and forestsMADISON – With the entire state currently enjoying snow cover, people interested in experiencing a candlelit ski or hike at their favorite park or forest will have plenty of opportunities, with a total of 19 Saturday evening events scheduled at parks and forests across Wisconsin on Feb. 3 and 10. “If seasonal temperatures continue over the next two weeks, almost all of the events should have enough snow for cross-country skiing,” says Tim Miller, acting director of the Wisconsin State Parks program. “But for those who don’t wish to ski, many properties also offer separate candlelit trails for hiking or snowshoeing.” Because of the lack of snow earlier this winter, many of the events that have already been held were limited to hiking only, but snow did arrive in time for some events in late January to offer lit ski trails. Miller says despite the lack of snow, turnouts have been good at most events. A complete list of the remaining candlelight events and whether an event will offer skiing, hiking or both, along with other activities such as bonfires and refreshments, can be found on the Department of Natural Resources Web site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Wisconsin State Parks - (608) 266-2181 |
$1 million federal grant to help states monitor Mississippi River water qualityLA CROSSE – A Department of Natural Resources monitoring crew based in La Crosse will get up to $1 million in federal money for a massive data collection effort aimed at understanding and improving the Upper Mississippi River’s water quality, its fisheries, and other aquatic life. The work, paid for by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will build on recent work to help produce an accurate yardstick to measure the current and future conditions of the 1,200-mile Upper Mississippi River, and of two other great rivers, the Ohio and the Missouri. It will also allow EPA and states to assess how well they’ve met the federal Clean Water Act’s goal of protecting and restoring all waters so they can support swimming and the kind of fish and vegetation, and other aquatic life they’re capable of supporting, according to Terry Dukerschein, the DNR field station team leader. This new grant, from EPA’s Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program for Great Rivers, will provide funding for both Wisconsin and Minnesota DNRs. Dukerschein says working with Minnesota allows both agencies to cover the Mississippi much more efficiently. “This work will enable partners to develop more accurate, consistent ways to evaluate the health of the Upper Mississippi and other great rivers and to respond more promptly to maintain or improve their condition,” she says. Right now, some of the yardsticks used to measure the health of rivers – of even the same river as it flows through different states – differ. The federal program aims to develop a standard yardstick for great rivers because they are so large and have so many variables that affect their ecosystem health. The Mississippi River, for example, in addition to supplying communities with drinking water, receiving wastewater from factories and municipal treatment facilities, and serving a broad range of recreational needs, accommodates barge traffic through a series of locks and dams built 70 years ago to regulate water levels for navigation. Managing these multiple uses in timely, cost-effective ways requires careful monitoring with the correct “yardstick” and taking prompt action, Dukerschein said the new grant offers the opportunity to analyze and evaluate new categories of information collected in 2004 through 2006 that DNR did not previously collect as part of the federally funded long term monitoring the agency has participated in on the Mississippi River since 1989. Concentrations of pesticides and heavy metals in fish, fish genetics, and information about plankton (microscopic plants and animals that live in the water), are among the new categories of information collected. Field station staff, working with U.S. Geological Survey staff, worked in 2004 and 2005 to collect 15 major types of river-related information. The new work funded by the EPA grant through 2010 involves going back to specific sites along the river to collect more detailed data for “a few potential biological indicators of riverine health that we feel are particularly inclusive, representative, understandable, and promising,” Dukerschein says. “For example, using underwater vegetation as an indicator could serve as an earlier warning system than we presently have.” FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Dukerschein (608) 781-6360 or John Sullivan (608) 785-9995 |
New resources will help volunteers track Wisconsin frogs and toadsMADISON – Volunteers helping track the status and health of frogs and toads in Wisconsin have some new easy-to-access Internet-based tools to help them keep track of these amphibious creatures. But wildlife officials say the materials are likely to be of interest to anyone who loves the nighttime chirping and croaking of frogs and toads. Approximately 100 volunteers from throughout the state currently participate in the Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey, according to Rori Paloski, a conservation biologist with the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Endangered Resources. “Each volunteer conducts frog calling surveys three times per year along an assigned routes covering the range of local frog breeding habitats such as ephemeral ponds, lakes, wet meadows, marshes, and wooded swamps,” Paloski says. “The survey was initiated in 1981 and is now one of the longest running amphibian monitoring projects in North America.” The primary purpose of the survey is to determine the status, distribution, and long-term population trends of Wisconsin’s 13 frog species. To help volunteers accomplish these goals, the Bureau of Endangered Resources recently updated an existing Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey Web site [exit DNR] and volunteer survey manual [exit DNR PDF]. The new Web site includes updated species information, range maps, volunteer information, methodology, survey results, and links to related publications. The new survey manual was created to combine all previous volunteer materials and includes updates to existing information. The Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey is a citizen-based monitoring program coordinated by the DNR bureaus of Endangered Resources and Science Services in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP). While the new Web site is intended to be a resource for survey volunteers, Paloski notes it is also a great resource on identification of Wisconsin frogs and their calls for anyone interested in amphibians. Funding for this project was provided by the Citizen-based Monitoring Network of Wisconsin [exit DNR]. The updated survey manual can be viewed and downloaded from the Web site. Current survey volunteers will receive their new survey manuals in March when yearly materials are distributed. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Rori Paloski - (608) 264-6040 |
29 Wisconsin lakes to be part of national water quality surveyMADISON - Twenty-nine Wisconsin lakes will be part of a nationwide survey this summer to examine and report on the ecological health, water quality and recreational value of the nation’s lakes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is funding the survey, and in Wisconsin, Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Geological Survey staff will conduct the water quality sampling, habitat assessments and other data collection. Their efforts will include assessing whether phosphorus and other nutrients delivered by runoff pollution, non-native species, lakeshore development, and/or pathogens are stressing lakes, and to what degree, according to Tim Asplund, DNR limnologist. “The ultimate goal of this effort is to generate information that can support good decision making at all levels to manage the nation’s lakes and the watersheds that drain into them,” Asplund says. “We’re pleased in Wisconsin that this partnership will allow us to stretch our limited monitoring dollars to learn more about factors that affect lakes and useful indicators to monitor lake health over time.” A total of 909 lakes – representing five size classes and distributed relatively evenly across the lower 48 states – are included in the survey. The lakes were selected randomly from a sample that includes natural and man-made freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs that are at least 3.28 feet deep and over 10 acres, excluding the Great Lakes. The sample includes a subset of lakes from EPA’s national 1972 study of water quality in lakes so the scientists can look for trends over time. The Wisconsin lakes included in the survey range from 11-acre Buckskin Lake in Florence County to 133,404-acre Lake Winnebago. Two of the lakes, Blueberry Lake in Sawyer County and Haskell Lake in Vilas County, are located next to tribal lands and so many be sampled by the tribes. Several lakes already have ongoing monitoring through citizen monitoring or other efforts, and that information will be used to supplement the national lakes survey data and provide background data for interpretation, Asplund says. DNR and USGS teams will collect water and other samples from the lakes during mid-summer. DNR staff have been actively involved in designing the sampling protocols and other survey logistics. Results of the national survey of lakes are expected by analyzed and compiled by EPA and partnering agencies during 2008, with a final report issued in 2009. More information on the survey of the nation’s lakes is available on the EPA Web site [exit DNR]. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Asplund (608) 267-7602 or Carroll Schaal (608) 261-6423 |
Wild turkey & pheasant stamp design contest winners announcedMADISON - An acrylic painting of a rooster and hen by Jon Rickaby of Green Bay is the winning entry in the 2007 Wisconsin Pheasant Stamp design contest, while a colored pencil drawing of a tom turkey with a hunter in the background by John Nemec, Jr. of Peshtigo is the winning entry of the 2008 Wisconsin Wild Turkey Stamp contest. 2007 pheasant stamp winnerJudging for the 2007 Pheasant Stamp design contest took place in Madison on Nov. 9, 2006. A total of 14 entries were received from around the state. The winner, Jon Rickaby, has been entering the stamp contests for a number of years, this is the first time Jon has won. First runner-up was Richard Maki of Iron River. Second runner-up was Kurt Carloni of Oconomowoc, and third runner-up was William Millonig of Campbellsport. The 2007 Wisconsin pheasant stamp can be viewed on the DNR Web site along with previous pheasant stamp winners. Sales of the $10 pheasant stamp annually bring in more than $370,000 for developing, managing, conserving, and maintaining the wild pheasant population in the state and contributes to the stocking of put-and-take pheasants on Wisconsin’s public hunting grounds. A pheasant stamp is required to hunt pheasants in the state of Wisconsin. 2008 Wisconsin Wild TurkeyJudging for the 2008 Wild Turkey Stamp design contest took place in Middleton on Jan. 12, 2007 during the statewide convention of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. A total of 15 artists submitted artwork for the 2008 Wild Turkey Stamp design contest. The winner, John Nemec, Jr., has been submitting entries for quite a number of years. This is the first time John has won the state Wild Turkey Stamp design contest. John won the state Pheasant Stamp contest in 2006, and also won the Great Lakes Trout Stamp contest in 2007. First runner-up for the 2008 Wild Turkey Stamp contest was Craig Fairbert of Tony. Second runner-up was Virgil Beck of Stevens Point, and the third runner-up was Vernon Javes of Appleton. Sales of the wild turkey stamps help provide for future opportunities for turkey management and hunting in Wisconsin. All turkey hunters are required to purchase the $5.25 turkey stamp to legally hunt turkeys in Wisconsin. Sales of the turkey stamp brings in over $500,000 annually for habitat management and restoration projects, education, research, equipment, and for managing the turkey program in our state. The 2008 Wisconsin turkey stamp can be viewed on the DNR Web site along with previous turkey stamp winners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Mezera - (608) 261-8458 |
Feb. 20 deadline for 2007 Arbor Day poster contestMADISON – The Feb. 20 deadline is fast approaching for Wisconsin fifth graders to enter their original artwork in the contest to select the 2007 Wisconsin Arbor Day Poster. The theme for this year’s contest is “Trees Are Terrific … and Forests Are Too!” The goal of the contest theme is to increase understanding of forests as ecosystems, according to Dick Rideout, state urban forestry coordinator with the Department of Natural Resources. The DNR Forestry Division and the National Arbor Day Foundation jointly sponsor the contest. “While different types of forests exist throughout the world, there are commonalities they all share,” Rideout says. “Forests provide us with many benefits including removing atmospheric carbon dioxide -- the major greenhouse gas -- reducing stormwater runoff, and filtering and reducing surface and groundwater pollution. Increasing student understanding is the first step toward appreciation of forests as diverse ecosystems.” Fifth grade students enrolled in public and private schools, as well as youngsters who are home-schooled, are invited to participate in the contest, Rideout said. Contest requirements include:
An array of prizes will be awarded to both the student artists and their teachers. The artists who produce the top three posters will receive plaques and savings bonds ($100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place) at an awards ceremony at the State Capitol in Madison in April. They will also receive a tree to be planted at their school or in their community. The top 12 student posters in Wisconsin will be featured in the 2008 Arbor Day/Earth Day calendar that will be published and distributed by the DNR. And the winning students’ teachers will be invited to participate in a Learning, Experience, & Activities in Forestry (LEAF) workshop. The first-place Wisconsin poster will be entered into the national competition sponsored by The National Arbor Day Foundation. Detailed information on the prizes that will be awarded to the first-, second-, and third-place winners and their teachers is available at: [http://www.arborday.org/kids/postercontest/ [exit DNR]]. Taylor Bowser, a student at Barneveld Elementary School, took top honors in the 2006 state contest. Her winning poster can be viewed on the DNR Web site. Wisconsin, which has observed Arbor Day since 1883, is one of 26 states to celebrate the historic holiday the last Friday in April. Poster entries should be sent to: Bev Kaas, Wisconsin DNR - FR/4, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921. Additional information about the contest and about Arbor Day can be found on the DNR Web site. FOR MORE INFORMATON CONTACT: Bev Kaas - (608) 267-7494 |
