DNR public hearing on rule related to commercial harvest of chubs from Lake Michigan

The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on permanent rule FH-10-12 to revise ch. NR 25 related to commercial harvest of chubs from Lake Michigan at the time and place shown below. (Download and read the Rule Order)

Hearing Information (Download and read the public Notice of Hearing for additional details)

Date:     Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Time:     6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Location:     Lakeshore Technical College, Wells Fargo Room, 1290 North Ave, Cleveland, WI 53015

Written comments may also be submitted at the public hearings, by regular mail, fax or email to David Boyarski, Department of Natural Resources, 110 S. Neenah Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI  54235 or David.Boyarski@wisconsin.gov no later than July 31, 2015.

Angler input sought on various Upper Peninsula fisheries

The Department of Natural Resources today announced that Nawakwa Lake in Alger County and East and Muskallonge lakes in Luce County will be included in angler survey efforts this spring. The surveys are designed to help evaluate northern pike fisheries on the three water bodies.

Two options are being offered to provide input. First, survey cards are available at each location, and anglers are asked to fill out one card per person, per trip. The survey cards are self-addressed and can be mailed free of charge. The other option is to submit the information by completing the surveys online at:

• Nawakwa Lake – www.surveymonkey.com/s/nawakwalakesurvey

• East Lake – www.surveymonkey.com/s/eastlakesurvey

• Muskallonge Lake – www.surveymonkey.com/s/muskallongelakesurvey

These surveys are being conducted by the Eastern Lake Superior Management Unit of the DNR's Fisheries Division.

All three surveys are focused on northern pike fisheries in each lake with questions about the type of bait used, the number of days anglers fish for northern pike at each location, and angler preferences regarding northern pike fisheries. Participation in these survey efforts is key to proper fisheries management.

DNR to hold public hearing on Eagle Lake designation and management

A public hearing on a proposal to formally designate Eagle Lake in McLeod County for wildlife management will be hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources near Brownton on April 23.

The meeting is 7 p.m. at the Brownton Rod and Gun Clubhouse, on the south side of Lake Marion, 108th St.

Eagle Lake is a 353-acre shallow basin, 5 miles southwest of Hutchinson, with a history of excellent migratory waterfowl use. Eagle Lake is in a degraded condition typical of many shallow lakes in southern Minnesota, with poor water quality — likely caused by excessive nutrients and overabundant rough fish.

Designating Eagle Lake as a wildlife lake would give the DNR authority to conduct periodic drawdowns by way of a proposed water control structure on the lake. A drawdown can improve waterfowl, wildlife and water quality conditions by stimulating critical aquatic plant growth and promoting a rough fish die-off. The DNR partnered with the Buffalo Creek Watershed District and Ducks Unlimited for a study to help determine the effectiveness of proposed management actions.

Those unable to attend the meeting, but wanting additional information, should Joe Stangel, DNR area wildlife supervisor, 507-225-3572, or Nicole Kovar, DNR wildlife lake specialist, 507-537-6607. Comments will be accepted in writing until May 23 to the Nicollet area DNR office, 501 9^th St., Nicollet, MN 56074.

Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Lansing

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, April 10, at the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, 4125 Beaumont Road, in Lansing.
The day begins with a 9 a.m. meeting of Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee.

At 2 p.m., the Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries will receive updates from the chiefs of the Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries and Wildlife divisions.
The Committee of the Whole follows at 3 p.m. DNR Director Keith Creagh will receive reports on topics including Michigan’s upcoming wildfire season and prescribed burns; progress at Belle Isle Park; and winter stress on deer and deer habitat improvement grants. Trevor VanDyke, manager of the DNR’s Legislative and Legal Affairs Office, will provide a legislative update.

At 3:45 p.m., DNR Wildlife Chief Russ Mason will present representatives of the Toledo Zoo with a DNR Partners in Conservation Award for their help in reintroducing federally endangered Karner blue butterflies to the Petersburg State Game Area in Monroe County.
Immediately following the award presentation, the NRC will hear comments from the public. Those wishing to make public comments before the NRC should contact Cheryl Nelson, executive assistant to the NRC, at 517-284-6237 or nelson@michigan.gov to register.
Following public comments, the NRC is scheduled to consider Wildlife Conservation Order amendments regarding field dog trials at Allegan State Game Area, bear hunting license quotas and elk hunting regulations and license quotas.
Several items, including three land transactions, are scheduled for DNR director’s action.

Public meeting set to begin process of updating Lower Wisconsin Riverway master plan

SPRING GREEN, Wis. - The public has an opportunity at two upcoming open house meetings to get involved with the initial phases of the process to review and update of the master plan for the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway property.

The Department of Natural Resources is beginning the process to review and update the 25-year-old master plan for the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. Tower Hill State Park will also be included in the planning effort.

Two open-house style public meetings are planned to share information about the upcoming planning process and public participation opportunities, and to hear what issues the public would like to see included in the plan review. A short presentation will be made at 6:30 p.m. at each meeting. The meetings will be held:

• Tuesday April 22, Sauk City - 4 to 7:30 p.m., Sauk City Public Library, 515 Water St.
• Wednesday, April 23, Boscobel - 4 to 7:30 p.m., Tuffley Community Center, 104 East Oak St.

In addition to at the meetings, people may submit comments to the DNR by mail or email, according to Matt Seguin, DNR riverway manager.

"The department is very interested in the public's input as to the future management of this unique property. A questionnaire will also be available to fill out at the meeting or on line," Sequin said.

The comment period for this beginning phase of planning will run until July 31, 2014.

Established by the legislature in 1989, the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway is a 92-mile river corridor stretching from Prairie du Sac to the Mississippi River. It is one of the longest remaining stretches of free-flowing river in the Midwest. The Riverway includes miles of meandering shoreline and sandbars; acres of wetlands, prairie, and forests, tall bluffs and backwater ponds.

"The area is rich in high quality habitats and rare plant and wildlife species. Recreational opportunities are diverse and include such activities as canoeing, camping on sandbars, fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife watching and mushroom picking," Sequin said.

Information on the Riverway and the planning process, including a Regional and Property Analysis and maps, and a Public Involvement Plan can be found by searching the DNR website dnr.wi.gov, for keywords "master planning," and then clicking on link for "Lower Wisconsin State Riverway." Copies of the materials are also available at the DNR's Tower Hill State Park office or by contacting Matt Seguin at 608-588-7723 or by email at Matthew.seguin@Wisconsin.gov.

DNR study looks to future of Princeton Dam

GREEN BAY - The future design of the state-owned dam on the Fox River at Princeton will be the subject of a public meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at Princeton High School.

The low-head dam -located three river miles upstream of the Village of Princeton in Green Lake County - impounds water that affects the level of Lake Puckaway, a large shallow lake on the Fox River.

The dam is operated by the Lake Puckaway Protection and Rehabilitation District under a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Natural Resources. The agreement authorizes the LPPRD to seasonally modify water levels by placing or removing flashboards above the fixed spillway.

In October 2012 a contractor hired by LPPRD fell off the dam during flashboard removals. It was a "near miss" with no injuries. As a result of the incident report, the DNR conducted a risk assessment in April 2013, finding that operation of the dam in its present state is not safe.

The DNR and LPPRD developed a new set of operating procedures and liability insurance requirements allowing the LPPRD to operate the dam on an interim basis until it can be modified for safe operation.

The DNR has committed to a dam evaluation study and a firm, MWH, will begin work on the study later this month. This public meeting will outline study objectives and give interested individuals the opportunity to gain more insight into the study and ask questions of DNR and MWH staff. The meeting format will be a brief presentation shortly after 6 p.m. followed by an open house to facilitate one on one conversations with DNR staff.

Princeton High School is located off S. Fulton Street, or State 73, on the village's southeast side.

The study will:

� Assess the condition of the existing spillway, earthen portions and gated lock channel.

� Estimate the cost for two extreme cases: complete dam reconstruction or dam removal.

� Estimate costs for three spillway modifications to meet DNR objectives of effective water level management and the safety of the public and dam operators.

� The alternatives include a raised, fixed-crest spillway, the installation of an inflatable bladder; or replacement of the flashboard system with added physical restraints for operator safety.

� All three alternatives will include modification the downstream river channel to minimize the roller effect (a drowning hazard) created by the force of water flowing over the dam.

� All three of the spillway alternatives will include estimates for either a channel fish passage or a bypass fish ladder.

� A cost estimate for an electric fish barrier to prevent the passage of carp will be will be an option that may be added to any selected alternative.

Individuals with questions about the meeting or the study can contact Aaron Buchholz, DNR district land program manager, at 920-662-5115 or at aaron.buchholz@wisconsin.gov.

Comments sought on variance to allow for addition of accessible cabin at Harrington Beach State Park

BELGIUM, Wis. - The public has an opportunity through April 11, 2014 to comment on a proposed variance to the master plan for Harrington Beach State Park that would allow for the addition of an accessible cabin to the family campground.

Harrington Beach State Park family campground was developed in 2009 on approximately 60 acres of grassland and old field habitat west of Sauk Trail Road. The campground has 73 campsites, six walk-in tent sites and a group site that accommodates up to 30 people. The approved master plan for the park also authorized the construction of two campsites with handicap accessible yurts. However, the yurts were not constructed due to construction code requirements. In place of the two yurts, the Department of Natural Resources is proposing a variance that will allow one accessible cabin to be built.

"The state park accessible cabins open up a whole new world to people with disabilities," says Carolyn Morgen, Harrington Beach property supervisor. "There are many people that would never get an opportunity to spend time in the outdoors camping, having a camp fire, or even cooking for themselves."

The proposed cabin at Harrington Beach State Park will compliment other facilities that offer an opportunity for people with disabilities to experience the outdoors. The park has an accessible trail around Quarry Lake, an accessible fishing pier at Quarry Lake, an accessible fishing pier at Puckett's Pond and an accessible trail to the Lake Michigan beach.

The cabin will have a maximum capacity of six people, and will include wheelchair accessibility, a kitchen with low counter, stove, microwave and refrigerator, two hospital beds with lift, a full-size sofa sleeper and two cots, a Hoyer lift, a bathroom with wheel-in shower, bench and shower commode chair, several outlets and lighting, heat and electricity, a kitchen table and chairs, an attached screened-in porch and an outdoor accessible fire ring.

The cabin would replace one campsite at the northern end of the campground near other accessible features. Funding for the cabin will come from both public and private sources, including a $60,000 grant from the Knowles-Nelson Friends Stewardship Program, a $70,000 donation from the Friends of Harrington Beach State Park and in-kind labor and material donations of $45,000.

Harrington Beach State Park cabin would join seven accessible cabins that are located at Mirror Lake, Buckhorn, High Cliff, Kohler-Andrae and Potawatomi State Parks, at the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, and at the Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

Comments on the proposed variance may be sent to Carolyn Morgen, Harrington Beach State Park, 531 County Road D, Belgium WI, 53004 or by email to carolyn.morgen@wisconsin.gov. Comments should be received by April 11, 2014.

For more information search the DNR website for keywords "Harrington Beach," and click on the tab for Maps/publications and the link for Draft Master Plan Variance: Addition of an accessible cabin to the family campground [PDF].

Join fisheries biologists in Newberry and Munising this April for "Conversations & Coffee"

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Eastern Lake Superior Management Unit in Fisheries Division has announced public forums in Newberry and Munising to discuss local and statewide fisheries management activities and concerns.

The forums will be held on Tuesday, April 8 from 7-8:30 p.m. (EDT) at the Tahquamenon Area Public Library located at 700 Newberry Avenue in Newberry and on Monday, April 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. (EDT) at Sydney’s Restaurant located at 400 Cedar Street in Munising.

“Conversations & Coffee with DNR Fisheries Division” will take place in each of the eight management units that oversee Michigan’s fisheries. The purpose of these forums will be to meet managers and biologists, to discuss local issues and management activities, and to get specific questions answered.

These informal forums will also make information available on local and statewide regulations impacting anglers. Refreshments will be provided.

To see a full list of forums occurring throughout the state, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing. For more information on the Newberry and Munising forums, contact Cory Kovacs at kovacsc@michigan.gov or 906-293-5131.

DNR Fisheries "Conversations & Coffee" forums come to Houghton, Ironwood and Ishpeming this April

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Western Lake Superior Management Unit in Fisheries Division has announced public forums in Houghton, Ironwood and Ishpeming to discuss local and statewide fisheries management activities and concerns.

The forums will be held on Wednesday, April 9 from 7-9 p.m. (EDT) at the Ishpeming Township Hall located at 1575 U.S. 41 in Ishpeming; on Thursday, April 10 from 6-8 p.m. (CDT) at the Gogebic Community College located at E. 4946 Jackson Road in Ironwood; and on Wednesday, April 16 from 7-9 p.m. (EDT) at the Portage Lake District Library located at 58 Huron Street in Houghton.

“Conversations & Coffee with DNR Fisheries Division” will take place in each of the eight management units that oversee Michigan’s fisheries. The purpose of these forums will be to meet managers and biologists, to discuss local issues and management activities, and to get specific questions answered.

These informal forums will also make information available on local and statewide regulations impacting anglers.

To see a full list of forums occurring throughout the state, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing. For more information on the forums listed above, contact George Madison at madisong@michigan.gov or 906-353-6651.

Join the DNR Fisheries Division in Escanaba March 20 for 'Conversations and Coffee'

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Northern Lake Michigan Management Unit in Fisheries Division has announced a public forum in Escanaba to discuss local fisheries management activities and concerns.

The forum will be held Thursday, March 20, from 7-9 p.m. (EDT) at the DNR Pocket Park (U.P. State Fairgrounds), located at 2401 12th Ave. North.

“Conversations & Coffee with DNR Fisheries Division” will take place in each of the eight management units that oversee Michigan’s fisheries. The purpose of these forums is to provide residents with the opportunity to meet local staff, discuss local issues and management activities, and get specific questions answered.

These informal forums will also make information available on local and statewide regulations affecting anglers. To see a full list of forums happening throughout the state, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing. For more information on the Escanaba forum, contact Jessica Mistak at mistakj@michigan.gov or 906-786-2351.

Moving beyond PCBs: improving water quality in the Lower Fox River and Green Bay

Public has until July 26 to comment on the draft Total Maximum Daily Load

MADISON - The public has an opportunity to comment on a new report that explains efforts to improve water quality in the Lower Fox River and Lower Green Bay and tributary streams. Fourteen water bodies in this watershed do not currently meet water quality standards.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with local stakeholders, has developed what is basically a “pollution budget,” for the Lower Fox River Basin and Lower Green Bay. Known as the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), the plan establishes the total amount of phosphorus and total suspended solids that water bodies covered by the TMDL can receive and still meet water quality standards.

A public informational hearing to learn about the draft TMDL and to provide oral comments is set for July 12, 2010, in Grand Chute. People also may submit written and electronic comments through July 26, 2010, with details provided below.

“This is an important step forward in cleaning up the Lower Fox River and Green Bay,” says Bruce Baker, DNR’s top water quality official.

“In order to improve water quality, all sources of total phosphorus and total suspended solids will need to be reduced,” Baker says. “DNR will work together with stakeholders to find solutions and reduction strategies to meet the water quality goals of the TMDL in concert with the cost effective framework that is in the proposed phosphorus rules.”

The TMDL document details the amounts of phosphorus and total suspended solids each of those waters can receive and still meet water quality standards, and identifies the reductions needed from each source of those pollutants, says Nicole Clayton, DNR coordinator for the lower Fox River TMDL project.

“Once we determine the total amount of a pollutant a body of water can receive and still meet water quality standards, we can calculate needed reductions from specific sources,” she says.

Phosphorus is a naturally occurring nutrient that also is found in soils, livestock manure, commercial fertilizers and wastewater discharges. It fuels algae and plant growth, sometimes leading to excessive levels of both. Total suspended solids include small particles of materials such as soil and leaves that get washed into streams and make the water look muddy and cloudy and degrade habitat for fish and other aquatic life. These pollutants reach rivers and streams from polluted runoff from farm fields, barnyards, residential yards and wastewater treatment plant discharges.

DNR developed the TMDL with help from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a private consultant, the Cadmus Group, Inc., and with feedback from science, technical and outreach teams including various stakeholders groups and the public.

The goal for Lower Green Bay is to improve water clarity to support a diverse biological community and expand the area of beneficial bottom-dwelling plants. To meet established targets, a certain percentage reduction is needed in different types of pollutants. Upon reaching these goals the local streams and Green Bay will have better dissolved oxygen levels, less turbid water, and fewer algae blooms. This is expected to improve habitat for fish and aquatic life and improve recreational opportunities, Clayton says.

The public informational meeting begins at 1 p.m. Monday, July 12, at the Grand Chute Town Hall, 1900 Grand Chute Blvd.

As part of the review and submittal process for TMDLs, a 30-day public comment period runs through July 26, 2010. People may submit written or electronic comments to Nicole Clayton at the DNR, WT/3, 101 S. Webster, Madison, WI 53703 or nicole.clayton@wisconsin.gov.

People can view the draft TMDL report and formal public notice on the DNR website.

Proposed phosphorous standards aimed at reducing algae growth in surface waters

Public hearings to be held around state in April

MADISON – Public hearings start statewide in mid-April for proposed rules aimed at reducing levels of phosphorus, a key nutrient fueling excessive algae growth on many Wisconsin lakes and other water quality problems on rivers statewide.

The proposed rules would affect industry and municipal wastewater treatment plants that release phosphorus in their discharges to Wisconsin water bodies. The proposed rules complement changes now being finalized to rules aimed at reducing phosphorus in water runoff from farms and urban areas, as well as other measures targeting phosphorus. These include the April 1 start of a statewide ban – with a few exceptions -- on selling, displaying and using phosphorus-based fertilizer for grass.

“We recognize we have phosphorus-related water quality problems across the state – it’s evident in nuisance algae blooms on lakes, cladophora] along Lake Michigan beaches, and low levels of dissolved oxygen in streams that endanger the survival of fish and other aquatic life,” says Jim Baumann, the Department of Natural Resources water quality official who led development of the proposed rules.

“There are many ways that phosphorus reaches our waters. We’re working on the biggest sources first, through these proposals that address wastewater discharges and our parallel proposals to revise runoff rules for ag and urban sources of phosphorus.”

The proposed rules would set the highest levels of phosphorus that could be expected in lakes, rivers and the Great Lakes and still support the fish and other aquatic life they were capable of supporting. Different numerical levels would be set for five categories of lakes and reservoirs, for rivers and streams, and for the Great Lakes, Baumann says.

Wisconsin’s proposed rules would also establish the procedures for setting limits on the amount of phosphorus permitted facilities could discharge.

All states are required to establish such water quality criteria, or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can set it for them. A national state-EPA task force has concluded that the amounts of phosphorus and another key nutrient, nitrogen, entering U.S. waters over the past 50 years has dramatically escalated. “Nutrients now pose significant water quality and public health concerns across the U.S…” concluded the report, “An Urgent Call to Action (exit DNR; pdf).”

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that controls the growth of plants and animals, but too much phosphorus entering lakes, rivers and other waters can spur excessive aquatic plant and algae growth. The sources of phosphorus pollution to a water body depend on the prevailing land use activities that discharge water to a particular water body.

Public hearings on the proposed rules will all begin at 1 p.m. and are set for the following dates and locations:

• April 15, Rhinelander, Quality Inn, 668 W. Kemp St.
• April 20, Green Bay, Green Bay City Hall, Green Bay City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 203, 100 N. Jefferson, St.
• April 21, Oconomowoc, Olympia Resort and Conference Center, Crown Room, 1350 Royale Mile Road.
• April 27, Eau Claire, Ramada Inn, 205 S. Barstow St.

The proposed rule revisions and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate may be viewed and downloaded and comments electronically submitted at the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site. Click on the Search tab, enter "phosphorus" in the Search field and select "Department of Natural Resources" as the agency to do a simple search that will lead to the phosphorus rule revision information.

Written comments on the proposed rules may be submitted via U. S. mail to Jim Baumann, DNR-WT/3, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921 or by e-mail to james.baumann@wisconsin.gov. Comments may be submitted until April 30, 2010. Written comments whether submitted electronically or by U. S. mail will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings. A copy of the proposed rules and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate may also be obtained from Jim Baumann, DNR-WT/3, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921, or by calling (608) 266-9277.

City of Whitewater seeks grant for land acquisition

WHITEWATER, Wis. – The City of Whitewater has applied for a 50 percent matching grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship – Acquisition and Development of Local Parks program to assist with the purchase of .79 acres of land in the City of Whitewater in Walworth County. The city will provide a 50 percent match to the grant award.

The property is being acquired to expand the community’s Clay Street Nature Park and will provide additional nature based outdoor recreation activities, including non-motorized boat launching, fishing, cross country skiing, and nature study. The property includes approximately 100 feet of frontage along Trippe Lake.

The DNR has made a preliminary determination that the proposed acquisition will not involve significant adverse environmental impacts and neither an environmental assessment nor environmental impact statement will be required for this action. Address public comments on the proposed acquisition to Vance Rayburn, Administrator, Customer and Employee Services Division, care of Dan Kaemmerer, Community Services Specialist, (414) 263-8704, daniel.kaemmerer@wisconsin.gov. Comments must be received by Monday, March 8, 2010.

State of WI Public Meeting - Slow No Wake - Winnebago County

August 6 - Pursuant to §§ 30.77(3)(2r), and 227.01(3)(a) Wis. Stats., the State of Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals will hold a Class 1 contested case public hearing n the matter of the objection of the Tri-County PowerBoat Alliance to the Slow-No-Wake Ordinance Number B 10 for the Town of Wolf River Waters Enacted by the Town of Wolf River in Winnebago County, Wisconsin at 10 a.m. in the Airport Conference Room (Located on the Main Floor) at the Wittman Regional Airport, 525 West 20th Avenue, Oshkosh. On April 27, 2009, the Town Board of the Town of Wolf River, Winnebago County enacted a slow-no-wake ordinance to regulate boating upon the waters of the Town of Wolf River. The Department of Natural Resources received a request for hearing objecting to ordinance number B 10 from Attorney Richard J. Carlson, on behalf of the Tri-County Powerboat Alliance on March 30, 2009. For more information call the Division of Hearings and Appeals(608) 266-7709.

Wind Lake Water Level Meetings

Anglers should voice their opinions or only the riparians will have their say:

August 31 – A public hearing in the matter of the application of the Racine County Drainage District to modify the order setting water levels or flows on Wind Lake, Town of Norway, Racine County will be held at 10 a.m in the conference room at the Racine County Sheriff’s Patrol Station, 14116 Washington Avenue, Sturtevant. The hearing will continue through September 4.

For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.

Need Your Help: Public Hearing Scheduled on AB 138, Natural Resources Board Appointment of DNR Secretary

Dear Conservationist:

This is it ! We all have worked hard and Assembly Bill 138 restoring the DNR Secretary appointment authority to the NRB has 68 cosponsors, including a majority of the Assembly and a majority of the Senate. The Governor is still sounding reluctant about signing the bill and that is why this public hearing is so important.

To get this critically important measure passed, we will need very strong support from the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, the full Assembly, the Senate Natural Resources Committee and the full Senate. We need to have AB 138 land on the Governor's desk with a two-thirds majority in both houses, a sufficient margin to override a potential veto.

The next key step is to have a huge turnout of citizens at the public hearing held by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. Please plan on attending:

Public Hearing on AB 138---Tuesday, July 28th at

11:00 am in Room 417 North, State Capitol

Wisconsin citizens have repeatedly shown their strong interest in restoring the appointment authority of the DNR Secretary Board to the Natural Resources Board. Please make sure that your voice is heard at this public hearing! If you personally cannot make it, please arrange for a member of an organization that you are affiliated with to be there to either speak or register in favor of AB 138.

At last years public hearing on a similar bill, there were 142 conservationists in support of the measure. We will need the same large turnout in order to send the message to legislators and the Governor that this is the year this bill must become law.

It is important that every area of the state be represented so that committee members from throughout the state know that this is important to the voters in their legislative districts.

If you have any questions, please contact me by email: georgemeyer@tds.net or phone-- 608-516-5545.

See you on July 28th !

George Meyer
Executive Director
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation

DNR seeks comments on lake and stream management plans in International Falls area

(Minnesota) The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking comments on individual fisheries lake and stream management plans for 11 lakes and one designated trout stream in northern St. Louis and Koochiching counties. Fisheries managers use the plans to describe the past, present, and future conditions of the lake. The plans identify goals and objectives for the fish community and identify specific management activities planned for the lake in the next 10 years. The lake management plans available for review at this time are for Bartlett, Fat, Mukooda, Kjostad, Myrtle, Moose (near Orr), Gannon, Blackduck, Quarterline, Little Loon, and Franklin The stream management plan available for review is for Lost River (near Orr). Copies of the plans are available at the DNR Area Fisheries Office, 392 Highway 11 East, International Falls, Minnesota 56649. Call 218-286-5220 or email jeannine.nelson@dnr.state.mn.us to request a copy. Comments will be accepted until April 7, 2008.

DNR Spring Hearings on Proposed Wildlife and Fisheries Rules & Annual Conservation Congress County Meeting

The 2009 Annual DNR Spring Fish and Wildlife Hearings and Conservation Congress County Meetings will take place on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 7 p.m., in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties (hearing notice including rule proposals and hearing locations). Attendees will have a chance to elect county delegates to represent their views on natural resource issues, record their preference for DNR rule proposals and weigh in on a variety of Natural Resources Board and Conservation Congress advisory questions. There is also an opportunity at the end of the hearing to introduce resolutions pertaining to the management of natural resources in Wisconsin. Last year over 6,400 people attended the hearings.

Click Here for 2009 Spring Hearing Questionnaire

Fish Cleaning Station Planned for Holland State Park Boating Access Site

Michigan - The Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division is partnering with the Big Red Foundation to construct a fish cleaning station at the Lake Macatawa boating access site in Holland State Park. The fish cleaning station will be a 20-foot-square building with a cleaning table located in the center of the building. The building will be ADA accessible and open to the public. Funding for this project is being provided by the Big Red Foundation with a matching grant from the Great Lakes Fishery Trust.

Interested persons desiring additional information about the project are invited to a public meeting, Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. at the Holland Fish and Game Club, located at 10840 Chicago Drive in Zeeland. For more information about this project, contact Joe Strach at (517) 641-4903, ext. 227.

Individuals attending the meeting are requested to refrain from using heavily scented personal care products in order to enhance accessibility for everyone. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for the meeting should contact Strach at number listed above.

DNR plans structure adjacent to field station/shop on White River Marsh

Warden and 3 wildlife staff will work from this location in Green Lake County

WAUTOMA - The Department of Natural Resources proposes construction of an office and storage facility on the White River Marsh Wildlife Area in Green Lake County.

The proposed building will be adjacent to the current department field shop on South Road in the Town of Seneca. Construction of the 2,400 square foot facility will begin as early as summer of 2009.

This facility will be used as a field station and office for four permanent department staff, including 3 wildlife personnel and the Green Lake County Conservation Warden. In addition, the building will be used for storage and repair of department-owned vehicles and equipment.

The proposed department action is not expected to result in significant adverse environmental effects. The department has made a preliminary determination that an environmental impact statement will not be required for this action. Copies of the environmental assessment that led to this preliminary determination can be obtained from Jim Holzwart, Wildlife Biologist/Property Manager, Wildlife Management, PO Box 343, 120 North Pearl St, Berlin, WI 54923. Phone number: 920-361-3149, e-mail: James.Holzwart@wi.gov.

Public comments, either written or oral, on the environmental assessment are welcome and must be submitted to Jim Holzwart no later than 4:30 p.m. April 3, 2009.