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Arbor Day – kids making a difference

By: By Genny Fannucchi, DNR forest appreciation and awareness specialist

From its humble beginnings in Nebraska 135 years ago, kids still make Arbor Day a day to remember

MADISON – On these warm spring days, do you gaze out your window dreaming of swinging your nine iron or taking a long bike ride? On Friday, April 27, hundreds of children across the state will be dreaming as well. No, they won’t be hitting the swings or screaming down the slides, they will be celebrating an important day for the environment, Arbor Day.

This year marks the 135th anniversary of Arbor Day, and kids around the state are still getting into the act. Schools throughout Wisconsin mark this day by reading poetry, designing posters, listening to speeches, and more importantly, planting trees. This year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry will provide 75,000 tree seedlings to fourth graders around the state in observation of Arbor Day.

According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, planting trees helps kids as well. Learning new skills, having opportunities to meet other positive people, and being part of something important are just a few of the ways that planting trees helps kids. Most importantly, it gives them something to do outdoors and gives them a sense of community.

To showcase the knowledge and talent of Wisconsin students, the Department of Natural Resources sponsors the 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, “Smokey Says, ‘Be Careful With all Outdoor Fires.’”

More than 900 students from 81 classrooms throughout the state wrote about Smokey Bear’s fire safety messages. The poster contest also had an overwhelming response from 2,200 students in more than 65 schools. Its theme was, “Trees are Terrific…and forests are too!” From broadleaf trees to conifers, from temperate to tropical forests, students visually shared an understanding of forests as ecosystems.

Winners of the statewide poster contest are:

• First place: Jade Lavalier, Halmstad Elementary, Chippewa Falls;
• First runner-up: Alyssa Mianecki, Converse Elementary School, Beloit;
• Second runner-up: Brooke Daven, John Edwards Middle School, Port Edwards.

Winners of the statewide writing contest are:

• First place: Caitlyn Kozik, Greenwood Elementary School, Greenwood;
• First runner-up: CynArah Cousins, Royce Elementary School, Beloit;
• Second runner-up: Jack G. Joel, Columbus Elementary School, Appleton.

The six winners will celebrate their special achievements at an Arbor Day ceremony in the State Capitol, and will receive plaques and savings bonds worth $100, $75 and $50 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) program workshop scholarship.

In all, 24 children (the top 12 posters and essays) from the contests will be able to see their artwork and thoughts on line and in print. Their labors will be featured in the 2008 Department of Natural Resources’ Arbor Day-Earth Day Calendar. All students work is now on-line at the DNR’s Web site for kids EEK! Environmental Education for Kids. Look under “Cool Stuff."

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

[EDITOR’S ADVISORY: PUBLIC TREE PLANTING CEREMONY AT STATE CAPITOL FRIDAY APRIL 27 - Schoolchildren from St. Bruno and St. Paul elementary schools will join DNR deputy secretary, Mary Schlaefer and state forester, Paul DeLong in a tree planting ceremony on the Capitol Park at the corner of Main and Carroll streets. The red oak is being donated by the Wisconsin Nursery Association and is being planted by The Bruce Company. Local musician Ken Lonnquist will lead the children in a song. This is the third Arbor Day tree donated and planted by the WNA and Bruce Company and is part of the ongoing rehabilitation of Capitol Park. Media representatives and cameras are welcome. The agenda: includes: 10:30 a.m., welcome; 10:35 a.m., reading of Arbor Day Proclamation; 10:40 a.m., words from Wisconsin Nursery Association and Bruce Company; 10:45 a.m., sing along with Ken Lonnquist & students; 10:55 a.m., planting of tree; 11 a.m., children assist in mulching the tree. For more information contact Genny Fannucchi Forest Resource Education & Awareness Specialist DNR at (608) 267-3120.]

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Fire departments are spring fire season partners

SPOONER – From the time the snow melts in the spring until it reappears in winter, wildfires remain a threat to homes and other structures in rural areas. This is particularly true this spring as many areas of Wisconsin are very dry. Current fire danger levels are available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site.

Readily assisting Department of Natural Resource wildland firefighters have been rural and municipal volunteer fire departments.

“We are fortunate to have local fire departments that provide assistance to our fire fighters during the spring fire season” said Mike Luedeke, DNR Northern Region Forestry Program Leader. These departments are an important part of wildland fire suppression especially in the northern part of the state where the numbers of permanent and seasonal homes have greatly increased.”

Currently, there are more than 850 career, combination, and volunteer fire departments across the state. These departments offer trained and well-equipped fire fighters to protect buildings and structures threatened by wildland fires as well as assist with direct suppression of forest fires.

Local fire departments from Black River Falls, Hixton, Merrillan, Taylor Tomah and Oakdale assisted DNR crews on three wild fires on April 21 and 22. Thanks to quick action and coordinated response no structures were lost in the fires.

Typically, DNR crews concentrate on suppressing the fire, and the fire departments work to protect structures in harm’s way.

The April 21 Jean Fire consumed 159 acres about 4.5 miles south of Black River Falls while the Mission Fire (also in Black River Falls area) and Hiawatha Fires (Tomah) consumed about 20 acres each on April 22. Law enforcement support was provided by DNR Conservation Wardens, the Wisconsin State Patrol, local sheriff's departments and the Black River Falls police department.

Luedeke added that the DNR Division of Forestry “has worked closely with many of these fire departments to improve forest fire training, develop communication plans, plan incident command organizations, and refine wildland fire tactics.” In recognition of the important role of these local fire departments, two DNR grant programs have been developed to provide cost sharing each year. These programs are offered to better equip local fire departments and strengthen the DNR’s initial fire attack.

In 2006, the department awarded more than $800,000 in Forest Fire Protection Program grants and $50,000 in Volunteer Fire Association grants to local fire departments that have signed for fire suppression agreements with DNR. More information on these grant programs is available on the DNR Web site and through local DNR forestry personnel.

“We not only appreciate the help of the volunteer department but we enjoy working with these dedicated firefighters,” Luedeke said.

Many fire departments in the northern region are staffed by volunteer fire fighters. Luedeke said these individuals serve their communities in providing this emergency aide and their employers recognize this value by allowing time away from work.

“If you have a chance,” he said, “thank your local fire department member today and their employer!”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Luedeke – (715) 635-4157

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Gypsy moths to return soon: Prepare now

MADISON – As warmer weather approaches, homeowners should begin preparing for this year’s battle with the gypsy moth.

“Although the big caterpillars won’t be here until June, now is the best time to prepare for the return of this pest,” says Bill McNee, an entomologist with the Department of Natural Resources at Green Bay. “Homeowners can help to keep the numbers down with a few simple steps.”

In late April through mid-May, the caterpillars will emerge from tan-colored egg masses that were laid last summer. Egg masses can be found on trees, houses, firewood piles, old tires and other outdoor objects. Before the eggs hatch, they can be killed by scraping them into a jar and covering them with soapy water for several days. They can then be thrown away in the trash. McNee says eggs should not be scraped onto the ground, as they will still hatch.

Another option is horticultural oils made for killing eggs. These take one to two weeks to kill all the eggs in a mass, McNee says, so the time for using this product is getting short. These horticultural oils are sprayed on the egg masses and are easy and quick to apply. They are available at many garden centers, nurseries, and hardware stores, look for gypsy moth on the label.

“Treating the egg masses is a good way to help reduce the gypsy moth population, since you will have 500 to 1,000 fewer caterpillars for every egg mass you remove or treat with horticultural oil,” McNee says.

At the same time, homeowners can help to protect infested trees by creating a sticky barrier that prevents migrating caterpillars from crawling up a tree. To do this, wrap duct tape around a tree with the sticky side towards the bark. Press the tape into bark crevices and then smear a horticultural barrier material on top of the tape. These sticky barrier gels or pastes are sold at many garden centers and are safe to use on trees.

“Don’t use any automotive greases or oils on a tree; they can kill it even through the bark,” he says.

More information and directions on treating egg masses and setting up barrier bands is available on the [Gypsy Moth [exit DNR] Web site (click on Options for Backyards).

If people who have large numbers of egg masses in their yard, now is the time to have a certified arborist come and determine if an insecticide spray would be needed to prevent defoliation of their trees. Make arrangements early as insecticides are most effective on young larvae and you want to kill them before they get large enough to do serious damage to your trees. A list of arborists certified by the International Society of Arborists is available at Wisconsin Arborist Association [exit DNR].

Gypsy moth is an invasive species native to Europe, Asia and north Africa. The pest was first introduced into Massachusetts in the 1860s. The gypsy moth was first detected in Wisconsin in the mid-1970s in the eastern part of the state. In 1989, the gypsy moth had established populations along Wisconsin's eastern shore from Milwaukee to Green Bay. Since then, moths have been found in nearly every county and the eastern half of the state is recognized as infested. The gypsy moth moves through natural spread and accidental movement by people. The insect’s favorite food is oak leaves, but it will feed on many other tree species such as aspen, birch, crabapple, tamarack and willow. When the caterpillars are abundant, they can be a great nuisance and eat all of a tree's leaves. This may kill the tree, but a healthy, well-watered tree should survive a year or two of defoliation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT DNR regional gypsy moth suppression coordinators:

DNR Northeast Region Bill McNee - (920) 662-5430
DNR West Central Region – Bria Radtke – (715) 831-3278
DNR South Central Region – Mark Guthmiller (608) 275-323

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Spring is the time to get out and destroy garlic mustard

MADISON – With spring-like weather finally arriving in Wisconsin, many people are welcoming the sight of green plants once again emerging from the brown ground. But one of the first green plants to come up in the spring is not a welcome sight to those people who value Wisconsin’s native wildflowers. Garlic mustard, a biennial invasive weed, is one of the first green plants to appear in early spring. It is one of the most aggressively invasive plants in Wisconsin forests, and is crowding out many native plants.

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is easily identifiable this time of year, according to Kelly Kearns, plant conservationist with the Department of Natural Resources.

“Garlic Mustard can be recognized at this time of year because of its lush basal leaves and early growth. Once it starts to flower it is the only plant ranging from 1 to 40 inches high in forest that produces small white flowers,” Kearns says. When crushed, the green rosettes give off the smell of garlic.

Second year plants generally produce one or more flowering stems with numerous white flowers that have four separate petals. First year seedlings will show up beneath the dead flowering stalks of last years plants and can carpet the area.

“Garlic mustard is a major threat to the survival of Wisconsin’s woodland plants and the wildlife that depend on them,” Kearns says. “ It quickly dominates the forest floor and can displace most native herbaceous species and tree seedlings within five years.”

Because of its dominating nature, she says, control of garlic mustard must be done in an equally aggressive fashion.

“The trick to eradication is start in early spring before the plants flower. This can be done by pulling, sometimes combined with spraying or burning. One of the benefits of spring control is that the plants don’t need to be removed from the forest. Once they begin to flower, garlic mustard plants that are pulled and piled on the ground can continue to develop seeds,” Kearns says.

To avoid this, flowering plants must be burned, buried or bagged and sent to the landfill. Such bags should be labeled “Invasive Plants – Approved by Wisconsin DNR for Landfilling.”

Hand pulling is the easiest and most effective way to control new or small populations. It is important to pull the entire root or new flowering stalks will emerge. Larger populations can be managed with a combination of hand-pulling, herbicide and/or fire. Prescribed fires in oak forests can kill seedlings and some rosettes, but may result in a flush of new seedlings that germinate and will need to be controlled.

This method can also be used after a rain, when the ground and leaves are moist. Herbicides such as glyphosate or 2,4-D are effective in killing basal rosettes if done in early spring, prior to native wildflowers emerging. They may also be applied in the fall, after native plants die back but on a warm day when garlic mustard is still growing.

In sites without many native wildflowers, herbicides can be used in mid-spring, however more herbicide will be needed as the plants get larger. Several weeks after spraying return to the site and pull any flowering plants that escaped the herbicide.

Garlic mustard seeds can remain viable in the soil for 7 to 10 years, so control before the plants disperse seed saves time in future efforts. Any control effort must be monitored and repeated for many years. Wooded sites without garlic mustard should be inspected for new infestations several times a year.

After hand-pulling, Kearns says, people may want to try eating garlic mustard.

“It was originally brought over from Europe as a culinary herb and its invasive status hasn’t changed the fact that it is a delicious addition to soups, salads, pastas, and some even use it in pesto,” she says.

Garlic mustard can also be rinsed, blanched briefly in boiling water, and frozen for later use.

More information on garlic mustard and other invasive plants is available on the DNR invasive plant Web page along with photos of garlic mustard in different stages.

Brochures on garlic mustard may be available at your local University of Wisconsin Extension office or DNR Service Center.

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

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Protecting spawning habitat critical to Wisconsin’s state fish

MADISON – By protecting habitat that is suitable for muskellunge spawning state fisheries biologists hope to augment successful musky management strategies that have already helped make the legendary “fish of 10,000 casts” more like the fish of 3,000 casts in Wisconsin.

To that end, the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin, University of Michigan researchers and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fish biologists this week will launch a habitat study on 20 lakes in northern Wisconsin to help identify and predict where the famed fighters spawn.

“We want to be able to protect the existing musky spawning habitat that is out there because naturally reproducing populations are those that are the most valuable,” says Paul Cunningham, a DNR fisheries policy ecologist. “You don’t have to stock those lakes, they sustain themselves.”

The habitat study will occur on lakes in Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Douglas, Sawyer, Washburn and Bayfield counties. Once darkness falls, research teams using handheld spotlights will search the entire shoreline of each lake for spawning muskies. Each time a musky is seen, the location will be marked and its position will be recorded using digital mapping software. Researchers will later return to the site to verify that spawning occurred by searching for eggs on the bottom.

The researchers will analyze the environmental conditions at spawning locations, collecting information such as groundwater flow, stream location, land and aquatic vegetation and other conditions around the lake where muskies were seen spawning.

“We will use the data to build a model that describes the spawning habitats,” says Dr. Jim Diana, an associate dean and natural resources professor at the University of Michigan. “It will give us a pretty good idea of the spawning habitat, which we can then apply to other lakes with similar conditions without having to necessarily go out and do all the identification.”

This project will provide valuable knowledge that will be useful on emerging issues such as shoreline development, aquatic plant management, land acquisition and zoning ordinances.

“It affords us an opportunity to critically evaluate impacts when we alter habitat through human activities,” says Cunningham, “whether it’s pier placement, herbicides or removal of aquatic vegetation.”

Earlier research conducted by the University of Michigan and DNR showed that lakes with self-sustaining musky populations were mostly surrounded by forest, whereas lakes that required stocking had less shoreline and more human development

Muskies are more susceptible to change in habitat than many other species, yet protecting their critical habitats hasn’t received much attention from musky clubs to date, according to Bob Haase, Executive Director of Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin and avid musky fisherman for nearly 40 years.

“We’ve concentrated so much on stocking because it’s a feel good thing,” says Haase. “The clubs will raise money and buy muskies, help the DNR raise muskies and then stock the muskies in the lake, which may take away from natural reproduction. If we can find out more about spawning habitats and characteristics, then maybe we can go back and instead of using all the money to stock muskies, we could use half on stocking and the other half on habitat improvement.”

Cunningham says the clubs’ involvement has been critical in enabling the habitat project to occur. Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin coordinated all the volunteers, collected most of the equipment and funded the majority of the project. Cabela’s in Richfield and Dutch’s Trading Post in Fond du Lac also provided equipment.

“We’re excited about working with them on a topic that’s so important and on which we have such a common ground of interest.” says Cunningham.

People interested in the project are invited to attend a presentation at 7 p.m., May 4, at the Kemp Natural Resources Station, 8031 Kemp Woods Road, Woodruff. Those who would like to attend should contact Karla Ortman to register, (715) 358-5667 or by e-mail to [kemp@calshp.cals.wisc.edu].

More information on musky management can be found on the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Nohner – (402) 660-0282, Paul Cunningham – (608) 267-7502, Bob Haase – (920) 922-8003

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Online resources help anglers find place to wet a line

MADISON – With Wisconsin’s inland game fishing season opening Saturday, May 5, anglers looking for a great place to take the kids fishing, where to find those lunker muskies or walleyes, or a list of public launches for their boats, can find a wealth of information online.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism Web sites have a wide variety of information on fishing in Wisconsin, and on fishing destinations and accommodations. Here’s some favorite links that can be found on the DNR’s fishingwisconsin.org Web site:

• Read DNR fish managers’ predictions of fishing prospects in their area in the 2007 Fishing Report.
• Find a listing of musky waters, trout streams and scores of other lists of waters to find specific species so you’ll know where to fish.
• Making sure kids enjoy that first fishing trip is the key to getting them back out for a second and third trip. The site has a list of great places to fish with kids.
• Find more than 100 developed fishing sites and 2,000 public boat access spots through new DNR Web pages on boat and developed access.
• Find maps, information about fish species abundance and boat access on Wisconsin’s 15,081 lakes in the Wisconsin Lakes Book
• Since 1990, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program has been used to acquire property that provides public access for fishing on 270 lakes and 574 rivers in Wisconsin. Find property that the Stewardship fund help purchase using the DNR Stewardship Grant Acquisitions Interactive Web Mapping tool.
• Find a wide selection of maps and mapping tools for DNR managed lands including lake maps, and parks, forests and fish and wildlife areas on the DNR Maps Web page.

Seasonal information on which fish species are active around the state can be found in the weekly DNR Outdoor Report, which is updated each Thursday.

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism also offers a variety of online fishing resources on its TravelWisconsin.com. Click on the “Great Outdoors” button on the left and then select "fishing ” from the drop-down menu. The fishing page also has a drop down directory of guide services and charter boats. There is also a button for “Accommodations” for people looking for places to stay opening weekend.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue Acre (608) 267-7613

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Walleye bag limits revised for Ceded Territory lakes

MADISON - The daily walleye bag limits have been adjusted on 271 lakes in the Ceded Territory of Wisconsin in response to harvest declarations made by the six bands of Chippewa Indians.

Adjusted bag limits are effective May 5, 2007 through March 2, 2008.

As part of a 1983 federal Appellate Court decision affirming Chippewa off-reservation hunting, fishing, and gathering rights, the six bands of Wisconsin Chippewa set annual harvest quotas for off-reservation lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory. As part of court agreements, to assure the combined tribal and recreational angler harvest does not exceed the ability of walleye to sustain its population in any lake, the Department of Natural Resources adjusts bag limits for recreational hook and line anglers in lakes declared for harvest by the Chippewa bands. The state is entering its 22nd year of the joint tribal and recreational fishery.

There will be a three-walleye bag limit on 129 lakes, a two-walleye daily bag limit on 137 lakes, and five lakes will have a daily bag limit of one walleye.

All lakes declared by the Lac du Flambeau Band have a daily bag limit of three walleye for sport anglers. In 1997, the DNR and the Lac du Flambeau Band signed an agreement that gave the band authority to sell tribal licenses honored statewide in return for making declarations at a level that allows a three walleye per day recreational angler bag limit.

Most Chippewa tribal harvest takes places during the spring spearfishing season. An administrative rule passed by the state Natural Resources Board in 1998 allows the department to adjust initial bag limits annually to reflect actual spring spearing harvests and projected summer harvests. DNR will review tribal harvest following the spring spearfishing season and revise bag limits upwards on lakes lightly or not speared.

The adjusted walleye bag limits are available on the DNR Web site and are being published as an insert to the Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations 2007-2008. Lakes not listed are subject to the regulations printed in the regulations pamphlet. The statewide daily bag limit for walleyes on many Wisconsin lakes remains at five fish per day, but anglers should check the regulations for special size and bag limits that are in effect on specific waters.

For background information on Chippewa treaty rights, a description of the management and monitoring system used to ensure the viability of fisheries in the Ceded Territory, and to see data collected as part of that monitoring system, including walleye population estimates and creel survey summaries for all game fish, check out the DNR Bureau of Fisheries Management Web pages regarding the joint tribal and recreational fishery in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Hennessy (608) 267-9427 or Steve Hewett - (608) 267-7501

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Agreement to continue shared, successful management of Lake Superior fishery

DNR partnership with Bad River, Red Cliff bands of Lake Superior Chippewa dates to 1981

ASHLAND – State and tribal leaders signed a historic agreement last week to continue a cooperative effort aimed at ensuring the further recovery of native lake trout in Lake Superior.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Bad River and Red Cliff Bands of Lake Superior Chippewa signed the agreement April 19 at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute on the Northland College campus in Ashland.

“This agreement continues our successful partnership,” says DNR Secretary Scott Hassett. “We’ve built a strong foundation of cooperation, Lake Superior is a well-managed fishery, wild lake trout populations have increased significantly, and the whitefish harvest is at an all time high.”

The agreement is the fourth since 1981 to lay out a comprehensive plan for the cooperative management of the Lake Superior fishery. A committee of state, tribal and federal biologists work to develop details of fisheries management including lake trout harvest allocations among tribal, sport and commercial fishers, fish refuges and restricted use areas, commercial fishing regulations and enforcement protocols.

Under careful management, lake trout quotas have been increasing over time. The agreement signed April 19 increases the allowable harvest of lake trout for all parties – tribal, commercial and sport fishers -- to a total of 150,500, up from 126,600 under the previous agreement.

Wild fish now comprise the bulk of the lake trout population, compared to previous decades, when stocked fish made up most of the fishery. That increase reflects the success of measures implemented under earlier agreements – protective fishing regulations, fish refuges, and sea lamprey controls – to restore a native fishery that had been decimated by the 1950s by predation by sea lampreys and overfishing, according to Mike Staggs, DNR’s fisheries director.

The 1972 Gurnoe Decision of the Wisconsin Supreme Court reaffirmed the tribe’s rights in Lake Superior under the 1854 Treaty. Numerous, time-consuming court cases in Ashland and Bayfield counties regarding the permissible scope of state regulation led the parties to seek a negotiated approach to the exercise of off-reservation treaty rights. The Lake Superior Agreements – signed in 1981, 1986 and 1995 – have been the result of those negotiations.

Additional information on DNR Lake Superior fisheries management is available on the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Staggs, Wisconsin DNR - (608) 267-0796

Matthew Symbal, Red Cliff Band, Lake Superior Chippewa Indians - (715) 7793750

Ervin Soulier, Bad River Band, Lake Superior Chippewa Indians - (715) 682-7123

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Private burning of old buildings prohibited in Wisconsin

Burning old structures can release harmful amounts of asbestos

MADISON – People looking to demolish old buildings on their property should note that not only is it illegal for private individuals to burn structures in Wisconsin, it can cause significant pollution and could be very harmful to the health of people in the vicinity.

The spring construction season has arrived and with it may come the need to demolish an unwanted building to make way for something new.

“Except for fire departments, it is illegal to intentionally burn buildings in Wisconsin,” said Patrick Kirsop, with the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Air Management. “The only exception is a fire training burn, conducted by a fire department.”

Fire department burns may only be conducted on standing structures that offer some training value. Buildings cannot be burned for the sole purpose of waste reduction or by anyone other than a fire department, re-emphasized Kirsop.

Under state and federal law, fire departments planning a burn are required to have a pre-inspection of the structure for asbestos done by an inspector licensed by the state Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS). Whether or not the inspector finds asbestos, DNR and DHFS must be notified.

Fire departments conducting a fire training burn must wait 10 working days after they mail a DNR notification form before they can burn to allow DNR and DHFS to inspect the building, if it is determined to be a priority.

If asbestos is found, then all of it must be removed before the fire training burn and once the burn is over, cold ash and debris must be disposed of in a state-licensed landfill.

Why the concern over asbestos?

Asbestos is regulated because it is a known carcinogen (cancer causing) and exposure to asbestos fibers can produce serious health problems.

Most forms of asbestos burn at 2,732 degrees F (1,500 degrees C), much hotter that a training fire, meaning asbestos fibers will not be consumed in a typical training burn.

“The majority of materials that contain asbestos will combust and release the unburned fibers into the air,” Kirsop said.

Some of the asbestos will remain in the ash, to be released into the air when the ash is disturbed, he added.

Asbestos is found on and in boilers, heaters, piping, electrical equipment, flooring and water heaters. It is also found in range hoods, roofing, siding and many other building materials.

Releasing asbestos fibers into the air creates a public health hazard (see accompanying article), one that can easily be avoided by using deconstruction alternatives such as recycling and reuse as part of the demolition.

Those who choose to ignore asbestos regulations are taking great risks because they can be held liable for the health of workers and the public. The attendant health risks and liability associated with asbestos in the air outweigh inspection and removal costs.

Asbestos inspections can cost as little as $350 per inspection with samples running about $15 to $25. The responsibility of inspection and, of asbestos is found, removal costs ultimately falls on the property owner.

“The Department is trying to educate and spread the word about asbestos regulations. Education is the preferred approach because penalties for violating air pollution regulations can range up to $25,000 per day, per day of violation,” Kirsop said.

DNR wardens can also issue a citation carrying a maximum $1,500 forfeiture for either failing to pre-inspect or notify DNR of the demolition, fire training burn or renovation, he added.

Other materials commonly found in buildings may pose environmental or health problems if burned or improperly disposed. These include lead in paint, pipes, batteries, mercury in thermostats or switches, PCBs in capacitors or specialty paints and CFCs in refrigerators or air conditioners.

More asbestos information can be found on the DNR Web site or by contacting Kirsop at (608) 266-2060. Information on recycling materials from old building is available from Cynthia Moore in the DNR recycling program at (608) 267-7550. A guide for fire departments titled Training Burns: A guide in the Process of Fire Training is available on the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Pat Kirsop, DNR Air Management - (608) 266-2060 or Cynthia Moore, DNR Recycling - (608) 267-7550

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Potential health impacts of asbestos

MADISON – Protecting human health is one of the many reasons why Wisconsin requires that state agencies be notified about commercial renovation and demolition projects. That’s because renovating or tearing down a building that harbors asbestos can release fine particulates into the air, placing at risk the health of workers and the public.

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen (cancer causing) material and exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems. Medical studies of asbestos-related diseases suggest that there is no safe level of exposure (a threshold) below which there would be no chance of disease. The following diseases can result from inhaling airborne asbestos fibers:

Asbestosis – A noncancerous respiratory disease that causes scarring of lung tissues. Advanced asbestosis may produce heart failure and death.

Lung cancer – Inhaled asbestos particles can produce lung cancer independent of asbestosis. Lung cancer is often fatal.

Mesothelioma – A rare cancer of the thin membrane lining the chest and abdomen. Most cases of mesothelioma have been traced directly to a history of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is always fatal.

Other cancers – Some medical studies suggest that asbestos exposure is responsible for several cancers of internal organs, including esophagus, larynx, oral cavity, stomach, colon and kidney. It’s believed that inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed into the blood stream and carried to other parts of the body.

A fact sheet with more information about asbestos (PDF, 83KB) is available on the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirsop - (608) 266-2060

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Horicon Marsh International Education Center to be built

HORICON – Construction will begin later this year on the $4.8 million Horicon Marsh International Education Center near here following approval by the State Building Commission last week.

When completed, the Education Center will focus on wetland and wildlife topics to help visitors understand the delicate natural relationships that exist at the 32,000 acre ‘Wetland of International Importance’ in Dodge County.

The approximately 24,000 square foot building, designed by the Mayo Corporation, Madison, and located off Highway 28 between Horicon and Mayville, will feature exhibits, displays, an auditorium and audio/visual center, classrooms and lab space, the latter so visitors, especially school children, can have hands-on experience with live and preserved specimens. It will also offer a spectacular view of Horicon Marsh.

Classroom-style instruction will be available for youth and adults and will take place both inside the Education Center and out in the marsh. Curriculum will include workshops on resource management, hunter education and environmental and outdoor education for teachers.

The educational programs and exhibits will integrate themes about Ice Age geology, human history, the ecology and land management of the marsh, and the wildlife that thrive there.

“This facility will serve both as a destination and gateway for the visitors to Horicon Marsh as well as provide for year-round education opportunities,” said Bill Volkert natural resources educator with the Department of Natural Resources at Horicon Marsh.

Horicon Marsh is a State Wildlife Area, a National Wildlife Refuge (exit DNR), and a Unit of the Ice Age National Scientific Area (exit DNR). It received the prestigious title of ‘A Wetland of International Importance’ in 1991.

Measuring nearly 14 miles long and five miles wide, this wetland is the largest cattail marsh in the United States. Horicon Marsh hosts the largest migratory flock of Canada geese in the world. It was originally established for the management of ducks and provides significant habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Over the years, 296 species of birds have been recorded here.

The State Building Commission’s approval marks the end of a 16-year long effort begun in July, 1991, when DNR set aside $250,000 in Stewardship borrowing to develop what was then named the Horicon Marsh Interpretive Center. The project was then included in the 1991-93 Budget Bill by the State Legislature.

A Friends of the Horicon Marsh International Education Center was formed in 1994 and over the past 13 years has worked tirelessly in raising $1.9 million towards the buildings’ project budget.

Volkert, the Friends Group and retired DNR budget planner Greg Samp, who now lives in Payson, Arizona, spearheaded the fund raising effort.

Many members of the Friends Group board have been involved in this project from its inception, including Robert Weiss, Edward Knop, Keith Gritt, Scott Hurlbert and Marc Zuelsdorf. Frederick Schwettfeger and Gerald Voy are the Capital Campaign co-Chairmen. The Ted and Grace Bachhuber Foundation was the anchor and primary contributor.

More than 500,000 people annually visit the marsh to observe wildlife in a natural setting, creating a huge demand for interpretive services. Volkert and other DNR staff conduct about 175 to 200 interpretive programs in the marsh each year, reaching nearly 10,000 people. Yet, this is only a small proportion of the total marsh visitors. It is expected that the Education Center will provide “something for everyone,” noted the DNR educator.

The project will be put out for bids in June 2007, with construction starting in late summer and work completed in about a year.

“The Education Center will provide a world-class educational facility at one of the most renowned and recognized wetlands in Wisconsin, the United States and the world,” Volkert said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Volkert, Natural Resources Educator, Horicon: 920-387-7887

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Public has opportunity to give input on fish and wildlife priorities

Survey will help guide management over next six years

MADISON –People who care about fish and wildlife in Wisconsin are reminded there is still time to fill out an online survey on what the state’s management priorities should be over the next six years. Completed surveys will be accepted until May 11, 2007 and will be compiled and presented to the Natural Resources Board.

“Those who buy hunting and fishing licenses in Wisconsin, and everyone who cares about how our fish and wildlife are managed, can help guide how priorities are set for the next few years,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett.

Each year, the DNR receives about $15 million in federal grants to help manage sport fish and wildlife populations. To receive the federal grants, the department is required to prepare a “Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Management Plan” to show how those funds will be spent over the next six years.

DNR staff has begun to identify challenges and priorities for the next six years. These include land use patterns and habitat loss, conflicts among outdoor recreation users, conserving declining species and threatened habitats, non-native invasive species and wildlife diseases.

“These are some of the challenges and priorities from our perspective, but we need to hear from the public and what you think is important. You can rank your interest and concerns about these and other issues, as well as write in your own,” Hassett noted.

To complete the survey, go to online survey through the DNR Web site or print a questionnaire off the Web site and mail it to the department. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete.

“We need your help to safeguard and improve outdoor opportunities for the future,” Hassett said. “Help us develop Wisconsin’s game plan to assure that our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the same great fish and wildlife resources we now enjoy.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Barb Zellmer at - (608) 266-8724