smith: preston cole an excellent choice as dnr …great lakes keith pamperin 920-494-3990...

Smith: Preston Cole an excellent choice as DNR SecretaryPrinted with permission from Paul A. Smith, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

For many in the Wisconsin conservation com-munity and me, the impending changing of the guard in the governor’s mansion focused atten-

tion on one cabinet position: the Secretary of the Depart-ment of Natural Resources.

As you likely heard, on Wednesday Governor-elect Tony Evers appointed Preston Cole of Milwaukee as the next leader of the agency.

We’re outside of baseball season, but since the Mil-waukee Brewers are active in the trade market, I’ll use an analogy from America’s pastime: Cole’s selection is a homerun.

I’ve been covering the DNR since 1994 for daily Wis-consin newspapers and have seen six DNR Secretaries in the role.

With all due respect to others who’ve held the post, in my view Cole is the most qualified DNR Secretary ap-pointee since George Meyer.

In contemporary government, the 56-year-old Cole presents a rare and valuable combination of talent, temperament and experience.

He grew up on a farm in Michigan and graduated with a degree in forest management from the University of Missouri.

Cole then worked for as a forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation, allowing him to see the inner workings of one of the na-tion’s leading natural resources agencies.

In 1991, he transferred to the City of Milwaukee to become forest-ry services supervisor. He’s worked in a series of advanced manage-ment positions for the last couple decades, rising to operations director in the Department of Public Works.

So he’s got supervisory experience and knowledge of how govern-ment works, a critical part of the resume for a DNR leader.

Perhaps even more importantly, he knows the DNR and most of its staff.

Since 2007, Cole has served as a member of the Natural Resources Board, the seven-member citizen body that oversees the DNR.

Cole was appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, and re-appointed by Republican Gov. Scott Walker in 2013. For two years Cole served as chairman of the board.

And then there’s Cole’s emphasis on science.“I’d like to double down on science (as) the epicenter of natural re-

source management,” Cole said at Wednesday’s press conference as re-ported by my colleague Lee Bergquist.

In his time on the NRB, Cole has also demonstrated his push for transparency.

He was a driving force to get board meetings broadcast on the Inter-net so the public can see for themselves how the board and DNR make decisions.

Finally, there’s Cole’s personality. He conducts himself in a respect-ful, even diplomatic, manner.

All of this was evidenced in cheers to his appointment. Notably, sup-port came from both sides of the political aisle.

Gov. Scott Walker said: “Preston Cole is a solid pick for Department of Natural Resources secretary. He did a good job on the board and

understands the importance of the entire state.”

Former DNR Secretary and former Re-publican state senator Cathy Stepp tweet-ed: “I applaud! A balanced, articulate, ac-complished guy who I was proud to support for the NRB. Looking forward to working with him in his new role!”

Wisconsin’s Green Fire said it was “en-couraged” by Evers’ selection of Cole.

Wisconsin’s Green Fire describes itself as an independent, nonpartisan organization of retired and active natu-ral resource professionals and supporters, whose mission is to promote the use of science in natural resource management decisions.

Meyer, the former DNR Secretary and current executive director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, said “Preston is an outstanding choice.”

Such a range of support for an appointee is rare in today’s extremely polarized political environment.

The job of DNR Secretary in 2019 is arguably more challenging than ever.

The agency’s staff and funding have been cut in recent years and its morale has suffered from a realignment and internal policies that have stifled its expertise.

Cole will be tasked with the growing problems of chronic wasting dis-ease in the state›s deer herd and nutrient runoff and groundwater contamination.

I have no doubt Governor-elect Evers will present a budget that will attempt to provide the DNR more resources in terms of funding and personnel.

What the end product holds after negotiations with the Republican-controlled Legislature is anyone’s guess.

This much I know: Preston Cole is the right person for DNR Secre-tary. If you care about the state’s natural resources, you will, as I do, wish him great success.

February 2019VOLUME 46NUMBER 2

“Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them. Now we face the question whether a still higher ‘standard of living’ is

worth its cost in things natural, wild and free.”

West Nile Virus detected in ruffed grouse

MADISON -- West Nile virus was detected in three of 16 ruffed grouse that were found sick or dead and submitted by the public to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource

for testing from October through December 2018. At this time, there is no evidence to confirm that West Nile virus or

any other factor is having population-level impacts on ruffed grouse in Wisconsin. Ruffed grouse populations are known to rise and fall over a nine- to 11-year cycle, so declines are not unexpected, though the 2017 decline occurred before the cycle would typically predict.

Of these 16 birds, 10 were negative for any viral infection, three were positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, one was positive for WNV and two were positive for both EEEV and WNV. Of the six birds that tested positive for EEEV or WNV, three showed signs of clinical disease, which may or may not have eventually resulted in death.

These results are preliminary, and 238 hunter-harvested grouse samples remain to be tested from the first year of a three-year study of WNV in ruffed grouse across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. Preliminary results for year one of this regional exposure study are tentatively anticipated to be available in mid-2019. Ultimately, the timeline for results will depend on the number of samples submitted by each state and the extent to which follow-up testing is required to differentiate between WNV or other similar viruses.

Anyone who finds a sick or dead ruffed grouse is encouraged to submit its carcass for disease sampling -- sick or dead ruffed grouse carcasses can be submitted at any time. Observations can be also reported to local DNR Wildlife Management staff.

In addition to sick or dead submitted samples, DNR staff distributed 500 self-sampling kits to grouse hunters statewide with assistance from the Ruffed Grouse Society and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress as part of a multi-year regional study [PDF] with Minnesota and Michigan.

Both WNV and EEEV are mosquito-borne viruses that can affect

humans, horses and certain species of birds. Clinical signs of WNV in birds are indistinguishable from those of EEEV and can include tremors, weakness and loss of coordination. WNV was first detected in the state in 2002 but only now has been detected in ruffed grouse. EEEV is considered a native virus and was first detected in Wisconsin’s grouse population in the late 1950s. This historical information suggests that the likelihood of EEEV having population-level impacts on grouse is low.

State wildlife officials say continued focus on habitat management for ruffed grouse is the best method to mitigate potential disease impacts on the

population. Ruffed grouse are a short-lived species with only 30 percent of the

average adult population surviving year to year. The Great Lakes region contains some of the most extensive early-successional forest habitat and healthiest ruffed grouse populations in the nation. DNR staff are currently working with partners to develop a long-term management strategy for ruffed grouse in Wisconsin.

Ruffed grousePhoto credit: Herb Lange

-Aldo Leopold

WISCONSERVATION February 20192

WISCONSIN WILDLIFE FEDERATION COMMITTEE CHAIRSAnnual Meeting Dave Verhage 715-344-3497 [email protected] Lil Pipping 920-876-4312 [email protected] Michelle Graff 608-797-1292 [email protected] Betty Borchert 920-688-3122 [email protected] OpenConservation Leadership Corps Lil Pipping 920-876-4312 [email protected] Andy Lewandowski 262-527-1988 [email protected] Paul Chandler 715-824-2161 Endangered Resources Carl Gierke 920-986-3272 [email protected] Tom Johnson 859-285-8978 [email protected] and Parks Jerry Knuth 715-340-5414 [email protected] Lakes Keith Pamperin 920-494-3990 [email protected] Fisheries Gordy Merz 262-695-0060 [email protected] Kevyn Quamme 608-209-3842Nominating Jerry Knuth 715-344-0017 [email protected] Betty Borchert 920-688-3122 [email protected] Range Bill Tollard 920-379-3429 [email protected] Mark Kakatsch 414-688-8936 [email protected] Ralph Fritsch 715-850-2456Wisconservation Jim Swanson 715-232-8266 [email protected]

OFFICE PHONE:800-897-4161 - Toll Free

WEB PAGE ADDRESS:www.wiwf.org

OFFICEADDRESS: PO Box 460

Poynette, WI 53955

WisconservationWISCONSERVATION (USPS 108-190 ISSN 0164-3649) is published monthly for $25 per year by Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, 213 North Main Street, Suite 100, PO Box 460, Poynette, WI 53955. Periodical postage paid at Poynette, WI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: WISCONSERVATION, PO Box 460, Poynette, WI 53955. All communications regarding advertising, editorial, circulation and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation matters should be sent to PO Box 460, Poynette, WI 53955. Permission to reprint articles is normally given providing proper credit is given both publication and author. Views expressed by freelance writers are their own and do not necessarily represent those of the publication or the WWF.

$25.00 of annual dues paid to Wisconsin Wildlife Federation entitles members to one year’s subscription to Wisconservation. One year’s subscription to non-members—$25.00.

Printed by Ripon Printers, 656 S. Douglas St., Ripon, WI 54971.

WISCONSERVATION EDITORJim Swanson

Phone: (715) [email protected]

ASSOCIATE EDITORRalph Fritsch

(715) 850-2456

* * * OFFICERS * * *

President Bill Tollard, 4630 Friedrich Ave., Omro, WI 54963, (920) 379-3429. Email: [email protected]

First Vice President Craig Challoner, 3880 2nd Street Road, Omro, WI 54963, (920) 379-3255 Email: [email protected]

Second Vice President Pat Quaintance, 88255 Happy Hollow Road, Bayfield, WI, 54814, (715) 209-1799. Email: [email protected]

Secretary Connie Polzin, N10961 State Hwy 17, Gleason, WI, 54435, (715) 360-3903 Email: [email protected]

Treasurer Dave Verhage, 1111 Chadwick Ct., Plover, WI 54467, (715) 344-3497. Email: [email protected]

DISTRICT 7Dave Chingway, Watertown, WI, (920) 261-0379.Kevyn Quamme, Sun Prairie, WI, (608) 209-3842.Mike Meyer, Watertown, WI, (920) 342-9439.

DISTRICT 8Greg Kronschnabel, Dousman, WI, (262) 965-3057.Don Camplin, North Prairie, WI, (262) 392-4183.Steve Brasch, Dousman, WI, (262) 392-4196.

DISTRICT 9Rick Lazarczyk, West Allis, WI, (414) 321-5750.Gordon Merz, Pewaukee, WI, (262) 695-0060.Tracy Czechan, Pewaukee, WI, (262) 442-2583.

DISTRICT 10Jeff Johnson, North Freedom, WI, (608) 434-3896.Tom Hauge, Prairie Du Sac, WI (608) 477-0537.Mark LaBarbera, Hazel Green, WI (520) 730-9252

DISTRICT 11Keith Pamperin, Green Bay, WI, (920) 494-3990.Elmer Schill, DePere, WI, (920) 336-8117.Dick Baudhuin, Sturgeon Bay, WI (920) 743-2581.

DISTRICT 12Bob Ellingson, Lakewood, WI, (715) 276-7129.Thomas Johnston, Niagara, WI, (859) 285-8978.Chuck Matyska, Cecil, WI, (715)-745-6382

N.W.F. REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVEJason Dinsmore, 199 Kristin Drive NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Office: (507) 206-3732. Cell: (517) 204-8962. Email: [email protected].

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS

Bill Tollard, Omro, WI, 920-379-3429 Andy Lewandowski, Muskego, WI, 262-679-1057Carolyn Brown, Milton, WI, 608-247-2514Matt Lallemont, Tomahawk, WI, 715-218-5628Mark Kakatsch, Oconomowoc, WI, 414-688-8936Alexis K Allworden, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 715-451-1353Maegan Loka, Tomahawk, WI, 715-612-0019Sawyer Boldt, Sheboygan Falls, WI, 920-917-0546Leah Bell, Stevens Point, WI, 262-305-6573Marco Mascitti, Plover, WIAlex Mertig, Mason, WI, 715-413-0213Hunter Nicholai, Pleasant Prairie, WI, 262-308-8214Sam Sauber, Sycamore, IL, 815-762-0766Mitt Schaeffer, Oshkosh, WI, 920-231-3142Lauren Soergel, Stevens Point, WI, 715-928-1757Quintien Tyra, Stevens Point, WI, 414-841-9962

HONORARY DIRECTORSArt JorgensonCatherine Koss, Land O’ Lakes, WIVern ManglessJim Mense, Menomonie, WIRay RheinschmidtJ. L. SchneiderBetty Schneider-Borchert, Oshkosh, WI, 608-688-3122Art Seidel, Brookfield, WI, 262-781-5469Al Kube, Cochrane, WI, 608-626-3531Joe Zanter, Sparta, WIBucky Kilishek, Menasha, WI, 920-734-8774Martha Kilishek, Menasha, WIMary Cassidy, Plainfield, WIKen Zettlemeier, Waukesha, WI, 262-547-2802Norm Moes, Green Bay, WI, 920-660-0029Dan Gries, Menasha, WI, 920-725-4092

HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTSJoseph A. Gruber, Campbellsport, WIDr. Dan Trainer, UW-Stevens PointLes Voigt

PAST PRESIDENTSGeorge Borchert, Oshkosh, WI, 920-539-7790John Wagner, Oconomowoc, WI, 262-490-7213Chuck Matyska, Cecil, WI, 715-745-6382Jack Nissen, Dousman, WI, 262-370-8154Lil Pipping, Elkhart Lake, WI, 920-876-4312Corky Meyer, Kewaskum, WI, 262-692-6054Jerry Knuth, Plover, WI, 715-340-5414James Weishan, Cambria, WI, 608-429-4610Martha Kilishek, Menasha, WIRussell Hitz, Wheeler, WI, 715-632-2143Jim Baldock, West Bend, WI, 262-335-3946Ralph Fritsch, Townsend, WI, 715-850-2456Robert Miller, Sparta, WI, 608-269-6215Doug Olson, Viroqua, WIDoug Johnson, Hartford, WIJames Wareing, Sussex, WILeo RoetheBill BuckleyDick HempBob LachmundJerry LaudonRon PiskulaHarold SpencerLes Woerpel

STATE AFFILIATESDIRECTORS/REPRESENTATIVES

American Wild Turkey Hunting Dog AssociationJon Freis, Maribel, WI, 920-776-1272

Challenge The Outdoors, Inc.Larry Laehn, Milton, WI, 920-540-9927

Izaak Walton League, Bill Cook ChapterRonald Macdonald, Stevens Point, WI, 715-344-0054

Sturgeon for Tomorrow, North ChapterWayne Hoelzel, Menasha, WI, 920-725-1206

Trout Unlimited, Green Bay ChapterPaul Kruse, Green Bay, WI, 920-494-4220

Walleyes for Tomorrow, Inc.Michael Arrowood, Oakfield, WI, 920-922-0905

WI Association of Field Trial ClubsBilly Ploucher, Appleton, WI, 920-257-4816

WI Association of Sporting Dog ClubsPat Quaintance, 715-779-5104

WI Association of Beagle ClubsPhil Secker, Germantown, WI, 262-253-3602

WI Coon Hunters AssociationDennis Roehrborn, Plymouth, WI, 920-467-3845

WI Council of Sportfishing OrganizationsJohn Durben, Cecil, WI, 715-745-2248

WI Deer Hunters Inc.Dennis Hoffman, Neshkoro, WI, 920-293-4098

WI Federation of Great Lake Sport Fishing ClubsLynn Davis, Kenosha, WI, [email protected]

WI Hunter Ed Instructor AssociationJohn Plenke, Germantown, WI, 262-305-6648

WI Muzzleloaders AssociationCarolyn Brown, Milton, WI, 608-868-2514

WI Sharp Tailed Grouse SocietyJim Evrard, Grantsburg, WI, 715-463-2446

WI Taxidermist AssociationBucky/Martha Kilishek, Menasha, WI, 920-734-8774

WI Trappers AssociationScott McAuley, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 608-354-2725

WI Woodland Owners AssociationTom Jacobs, Crivitz, WI, 715-856-6340

Wings Over WIBurt Bushke, Mayville, WI, 920-387-5198

WI Chapter American Fisheries SocietyThomas Slawski, New Berlin, WI

WI Division – Izaak Walton League of AmericaGeorge Guyant, Amherst Junction, WI, 715-824-4205

WI Trapshooting AssociationBruce Stitely, Tomahawk, WI, 715-453-5271

WI Waterfowl AssociationBruce Urben, Pulaski, WI, 920-660-2773

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DISTRICT 1Ken Lundberg, Lake Nebagamon, WI, (715) 374-3404.Pat Quaintance, Bayfield, WI, (715) 779-5104.Cody Kamrowski, Shell Lake, WI, (715) 896-5445.

DISTRICT 2Laurie Groskopf, Tomahawk, WI, (715) 453-6301.Nick Schertz, Tomahawk, WI, (715) 966-6116.Connie Polzin, Gleason, WI, (715) 360-3903.

DISTRICT 3Jim Swanson, Menomonie, WI, (715) 232-8266.Dean Borofka, Rice Lake, WI, (715) 234-6303.Scott Humrickhouse, Altona, WI, (715) 833-7635.

DISTRICT 4Delbert Dietzler, Rudolph, WI, (715) 421-2591.Dave Verhage, Plover, WI, (715) 344-3497.Paul M. Chandler, Amherst, WI, (715) 824-2161.

DISTRICT 5Carl Gierke, Shiocton, WI, (920) 986-3272.Craig Challoner, Omro, WI.Jeff O’Brian, Shawano, WI, (715) 853-3392.

DISTRICT 6John Wetzel, Holmen, WI, (608) 526-4238.Michelle Graff, LaCrosse, WI, (608) 797-1292.Open

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / LEGISLATIONGeorge Meyer, 201 Randolph Dr., Madison, WI 53717, (608) 516-5545. Email: georgemeyer@ tds.net

BUSINESS MANAGERRuth Ann Lee, PO Box 460, Poynette, WI 53955, (608) 635-0600. Email: [email protected]


NEWS RELEASE Contact: 800-897-4161

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Art Contest An Art Contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is held each year to select a painting for its Annual Print Program. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation’s Art Program has been quite successful; with some prints being sold out. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation’s Board of Directors has chosen the

topic of “Elk” as the theme for the Annual Painting of 2019

The Art Committee will screen the entries and invite up to ten artists to display their works at the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation’s Annual Meeting. A vote of the delegates and the officers of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation attending the Annual Meeting at the Mead Hotel in Wisconsin Rapids, WI during the weekend of April 21, 2018 will select the winning painting.

Contest Rules 1. Anyone, amateur or professional may enter. 2. The winning artist keeps the original and 10% of the run prints. All prints are to be

signed and numbered by the artist. This will be a limited edition of 300-360 prints (TBD). 3. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation receives exclusive reproduction rights. To include

but not limited to prints, collectable plates, mugs or other appropriate merchandise. Any means of reproduction from someone other than the WWF needs approval and written permission directly from the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

4. Image size of original work must be horizontal or vertical. Artwork size must be suitable for reproduction. WWF has the right to change the final reproduction size.

5. A colored photo (snapshot size) of the original work and entry form (on reverse side) must be in the hands of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation on or before March 1st, 2019. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Art Committee has the right to reject any or all entries.

6. All photos become the property of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. 7. Contestants may enter more than one entry, but no more than three. 8. WWF will contact contestants via email to notify them if they are selected to enter the

contest and showcase their artwork on April 13, 2019 at Hotel Mead in WI Rapids.

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation ART CONTEST ENTRY FORM

By entering my original work in the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation art contest I authorize The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation to reproduce this artwork, if it is the winning entry, as the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation’s 2019 Annual Print, and in any other fashion it may deem appropriate. Title of Art_________________________________________________________

Size ______________________________________________________________

Name of Artist _____________________________________________________

Street _____________________________________________________________

City ______________________________________________________________

State __________ Zip ________________

Daytime Phone ____________________________________________________

Email _____________________________________________________________

Please send photos and form to: Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Attn: Art Committee PO Box 460 Poynette, WI 53955 For further information please contact us at: 608-635-0600 or 800-897-4161 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wiwf.org * Please duplicate this form as necessary. By signing this Entry Form, you are agreeing to all terms and contest rules listed on the previous page. Signature

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Call for Calendar Photo’s for 2020

A photo contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation will be held to select photographs for its annual conservation raffle program for the year 2020.

What can be submitted? Any color photograph of the Wiscon-sin outdoors; hunting, fishing, trapping, recreation, hunting dogs, plants, wildlife, scenery, etc. Wildlife photos are highly encouraged.

Contest Rules: 1. Anyone, amateur or professional may enter. 2. Entries must be received by April 30, 2019 to be considered for the 2019 Calendar. 3. Photos must represent WI; such as hunting, fishing, trapping, recreation, hunting dogs, plants, wildlife, scenery, etc. 4. WWF Calendar Committee has the right to reject any or all entries 5. Photos must be emailed to [email protected] a. Email must include the following information: i. Title of photograph ii. Location where photo was taken iii. Name of Photographer iv. Address, City, State, Zip b. Emails must be less than, or equal to 10 MB in size c. Only one photo per email d. Please send high quality resolution photos for best reproduction quality 6. All photo’s become property of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation 7. Individuals with photos selected will be contacted by the WWF office in June. 8. By sending in submission, you grant WWF authorization to reproduce the photograph(s).

Considerations: • Trail camera photos will not be accepted. • Photos with an individual’s face in clear view will not be accepted. • Please only submit photo’s you have taken yourself. • Please select your best one or two photos to send in. Judges try to select a variety of photographers for statewide representation.

Contact WWF for questions. 800-897-4161 or [email protected]

President’s ReportJanuary 2019

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Cur-rently, things are moving along quite well. The April 12-14th Annual Meeting is just two short months away. Be sure to send in your res-

ervations for the meeting. Also look on page 5 for the directions on how to submit resolutions at the Annual Meeting. The resolutions are very important as they guide the work of the Federation in the upcoming year. We are lining up speakers and getting the Awards Banquet organized. The Awards Banquets is held on Saturday night after the Annual Meeting. At the banquet, the well deserving winners of the awards categories listed on page 5 will be honored. If you know of a well deserving conservationist, please nominate them for an award. Electing new committee chairs and Board members is a major part of the Annual meeting. If you are planning on running for a Board or a Committee Chair position, please contact the Nominating Committee so you can get on the ballot. (see page 2 for nomi-nating committee contacts). We also have a silent auction at the Awards Banquet. Individuals and Clubs are welcome to donate items for the auc-tion.

We have been working hard on ground water issues in the Central Sands area. Our hard work payed off with the recent court ruling which overturned a rule by the DNR on ground water use. The WWF was a vital part of a coalition which won this major conservation victory.

The Shooting Range Committee is hosting a Shooting Range Sem-

inar in Eau Claire on March 23rd. If your club members would like to at-tend the Seminar contact the WWF office soon as space at the Seminar is limited.

The WWF is looking into participat-ing in an Outdoor Festival on Septem-ber 7 and 8 in Chippwea Falls. Board members received an email with lots of information on this event. We will need to recruit lots of members to help with this event. No Help, No Event. This event will be on the agenda for discussion at our February Board Meeting.

Lastly, I would like to offer sympathy from myself and the entire WWF Board to the family of Ken Barbain. Ken passed away on January 10.

Bill TollardPresident

WINNEBAGOLAND CONSERVATION ALLIANCE’S

ANNUAL SPORTSMAN’S

Numerous tables featuring new and used hunting, fishing, trapping, camping equipment and more

March 2, 20198:00 am- 2:00 pm

At the recreation building at the Fond du Lac county Fairgrounds

For more information or to rent a table please contact Dave Schumacher (920) 922-2373


Deadline

March 5th

R E D C E D A R W A T E R S H E D C O N F E R E N C E

T H E R E D C E DAR

How does the economic and environmental healthof the Red Cedar watershed affect you?

Economic Development – Sustainable Farming – Water QualityRecreational Activities – Tourism – Personal Health

No matter where you live, in a rural setting, or in the city, this impacts all ofus. Join us for a day of exploring how we can all be part of the solution.

Learn more at www.RedCedarConference.TMLIA.org

T H U R S D A YMARCH 14, 2019AT UW-STOUT, MENOMONIE, WI

Hosted by the

Tainter Menomin Lake

Improvement Association (TMLIA)

T H E R E D C E DAR

University of Wisconsin-StoutProfessional Education Programs and Services221 10th Avenue E, Suite 140Menomonie, WI 54751

Planned Keynote Speakers:• LAND: “Growing A Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life”

David R. Montgomery, Professor of Geomorphology,Department of Earth & Space SciencesUniversity of Washington, Seattle, Washington

• WATER: “Fox Demo Farms: Building a Success Story inNortheast Wisconsin”

Whitney Prestby, Natural Resource Educator,UW-ExtensionBarry Bubolz, Area GLRI Coordinator,Natural Resources Conservation ServiceDan Brick, Owner and operator,Brickstead DairyDan Diederich, Owner and operator,Diederich Farm LLC

• PEOPLE: “Managing Water Now: Individual Behaviors,

Structural Barriers, and the Inevitability of Change”Paul Robbins, Director,Nelson Institute for Environmental StudiesUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin

S AV E T H E DAT ET H U R S D A Y , M A R C H 1 4 , 2 0 1 9

Thank you to our Major Contributors:

Platinum: Gold:

Silver: Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc.

Decision Prevents Rollback of Agricultural Pollution Rules

Madison, WI—A ruling today by Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge William Pocan is being heralded by clean water groups as a win for public health and transparent government. Judge Pocan sided with four envi-

ronmental groups represented by Midwest Environmental Advocates when he ruled that an agreement between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the State’s largest dairy business lobby violated state law.

The November 2017 settlement agreement, which resulted from a lawsuit brought by the Dairy Business Association against the DNR, limited DNR’s author-ity to protect water quality through the science-based application of state law in-tended to prevent pollution from Wisconsin’s largest concentrated livestock feeding operations. Four environmental advocacy groups—Clean Water Action Council of Northeast Wisconsin, Friends of the Central Sands, Milwaukee Riverkeeper and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation—challenged the settlement on the basis that the agreement, negotiated behind closed doors, changed DNR pollution permitting poli-cies and rules without going through the official rulemaking process.

“This case illustrates the importance of public scrutiny and citizen action to hold industrial livestock operations and our government agencies accountable to the law,” said Midwest Environmental Advocates Staff Attorney Sarah Geers. “We are pleased

that we were able to overturn this backroom deal between a special interest group and the state agency that is supposed to protect our health and the health of our environment.”

George Meyer of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation described today’s decision as a win for citizens who are harmed by special interest groups’ attempts to roll back environmental protections. “People in every corner of the state are increasingly con-cerned about the safety of their well water and the health of their lakes and streams. We chose to intervene in this case to prevent DNR from taking a major step back-ward in environmental law enforcement by giving in to business lobbyists.”

“This ruling is a victory for those of us working to achieve clean, swimmable and fishable waters in the Milwaukee River Basin,” added Cheryl Nenn of Milwaukee Riverkeeper. “Comprehensive state oversight of runoff and other water pollution caused by CAFOs is necessary to help us reach our goals.”

For more information on the DBA v. DNR case, visit Midwest Environmental Ad-vocates website. Midwest Environmental Advocates is a public interest organization that uses the power of the law to support communities fighting for environmental accountability.

Circuit Court Rulling a Win for Clean Water Groups

From the Award Committee

This is your last chance to nominate someone or some club/orga-nization for an award. Deadline to get nomination paperwork to the office is March 8th. There are many deserving people

who warrant recognition for their efforts in conservation. Forms are on page 5 in Wisconservation and need to be submitted with the nomination. The Award banquet is April 13th at the Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids. If you need more info contact the office or call 920-876-4312.

Looking forward to your nominations. Lil Pipping, Chair

Conservation Leadership Corp

CLC will be holding their next meeting on Feb. 15th & 16th. The CLC class will be working on their resolutions for the Annual Meeting with their advisors. This looks to be another great session with great ideas. We will

talk more after our get together. Lil Pipping, Chair

WWF District 4 West Fundraising Banquet

Seats Still Available!

Saturday, April 6, 2019American Legion; Loyal, WI

Contact: Troy R at 715-213-0276

BUNDLING ON THE LITTLE PLOVER RIVER[This is a follow-up Progress Report

to the article posted in WISCONSIERVA-TION’S December issue]

The Little Plover River Stream Bank & Wildlife Habitat Im-provement Project is underway.

The UWSP Student Body comprised of UWSP Forestry and Water Resources students have been hard at work in set-ting the stage for the first part of a multi-year project aimed at improving habitat for fish and wildlife on a stretch of DNR Land between County Road R and Ken-nedy Avenue in Portage County.

The Forestry Students are thinning and pruning an oak savannah along the north side of the property, while the Water Resources Students are working closer to the stream. We’ve now had four volunteer sessions to assist in bundling tag alders and buckthorn bundles near the stream. They will be installed at a later date. Dr. Kyle Herrman and Grad-uate Student David Palme have been coordinating the thinning and bundling effort.

Local Conservation Clubs and affili-ates of the Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited are supplying the volunteers. On December 8th, we had a dozen vol-unteers working with David Palme. Our crew came from the Bill Cook Chap-ter, Almond Rod & Gun, the local T. U. Club and from Federation ranks. The Students had been working three hour shifts in morning and afternoon cuts and were ahead of the game. Our volunteers concentrated on bundling and we got a lot done on the South side of the stream.

We then scheduled three afternoon work sessions for January 15, 17, & 19 again drawing volunteers from the Bill Cook Chapter, the local Wisconsin Wet-lands organization and the Federation as well. The mild weather cooperated and Director Scott Humrickhouse drove over to pitch in. The program had moved over to the North side of the stream and things went well as we again had a doz-en volunteers at work.

Our largest volunteer group came to-gether on January 17th. We had three District 4 Directors (Dave Verhage, Del-

bert Dietzler and Paul Chandler) and a host of members of the Wilderness Sportsmen’s Club of Rudolph along with Mike Lane of the Mosinee Sportsmen’s Alliance. Tom Mihm, a volunteer at Schmeekle joined with Gene Reineking at this session. The weather was mild and the ground frozen. David Palme and Coltar Wolosek guided the process. We got a lot done. Special mention goes to the Wilderness Club who provided 11 of the 15 Volunteers.

Saturday, the 19th, saw the tempera-ture drop and some snow move in. Dr. Kyle Herrman and David Palme were back at work joined by Tom Mihm, Gene Reineking and myself. It was cooler, but sunny and a pleasant day to be working in the woods.

I received a progress report from Da-vid Palme. He indicates that we have now completed 97,500 sq. Ft. of 180,000 sq. Ft estimated for the project. The Water Resources Students have logged 129.5 hours with some 30 participants. Our Volunteers match up very well with nearly 44 participants logging 164 com-parable hours. At this point, we are roughly halfway home with plans to work a couple open afternoons and per-haps on Saturdays. David Palme has started a sign-up sheet for the Students. I’ll pass along the schedule and again ask for volunteers as we move into Feb-ruary. It amounts to three hours of fresh air and mild exercise. Hope to see you at the Little Plover.

WISCONSERVATION February 20195WISCONSERVA

Affiliate Clubs andAssociate Membership

The Federation’s Awards Committee solicits/invites your participation to nominate person(s)and organizations for the 2019 W.W.F. Conservation Achievement Awards Program!

YOUTH CONSERVATIONISTOF THE YEAR

For the outstanding conservation effort by a person whodid not attain the age of 19 during the past year – Youthgroups acting together in a conservation program arealso eligible. The winner should have demonstratedability, leadership, and accomplishment in any phase ofconservation, either individually or as a group.

CONSERVATION EDUCATOROF THE YEAR

For outstanding efforts in conservation andenvironmental education. The recipient may be anindividual or organization that has demonstratedsuccessful education techniques and accomplishmentsrelating to the use and/or conservation of naturalresources.

FOREST CONSERVATIONISTOF THE YEAR

For outstanding effort in forest conservation and man-agement. Eligible areas of effort include tree planting,timber stand improvement and other managementpractices with emphasis on the development of themultiple uses on forest lands. The recipient may be apublic or private landowner, an individual, businessor someone involved in the administration of forestryprograms.

CONSERVATION LEGISLATOROF THE YEAR

For outstanding legislative accomplishment during theircareer which has made a significant contribution to thepreservation and management of our state’s naturalresources.

WILDLIFE OR FISHERIESCONSERVATIONIST

OF THE YEARFor outstanding efforts and accomplishments in makinga significant contribution to the management and/orrestoration of wildlife resources in Wisconsin.

WARDEN OF THE YEARFor outstanding efforts relating to environmental andconservation law enforcement, community outreachand educational programs.

CONSERVATIONIST OFTHE YEAR

For the outstanding overall conservation effortsand achievements in any field of natural resourcemanagement, for a significant contribution to thecause of conservation, or for meaningful progress orachievement toward a solution of a major conservationproblem in the state during the past year. Nomineesfrom all other categories can be considered for theConservationist of the Year Award.

CONSERVATIONORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

For outstanding contributions to the conservation ofnatural resources by an organization in the state for anextended period of time.Statewide or local organizationsincluding sportsmen’s clubs or civic organizations areeligible. The recipient should have demonstrated keeninterest in projects and programs within the state whichdeal with significant natural resource or issues.

LAND AND WATERCONSERVATIONIST OF THE

YEAR(2 categories)

For outstanding contributions to the conservation ofour land or water. Recipient could be a landowner,administrator, technician or organization involvedwith such things as watershed management, soilconservation measures, wetlands or estuarineconservation, wild rivers protection and protectionof surface or groundwater water quality or quantitystandards.

CONSERVATIONCOMMUNICATOR OF THE YEARFor outstanding conservation efforts by a person,group, newspaper, magazine, radio, television station ora form of social media in the state. The recipient of thisaward may be any recognized communication mediumwithin the state that has accomplished a high degree ofpublic awareness of the importance of natural resourceconservation.

HUNTER SAFETY EDUCATOROF THE YEAR

For outstanding efforts by an individual volunteeror organization over an extended period of time inthe education of hunter safety. Also such efforts byan individual or organization that has developed aninnovative and successful method of educating novicehunters in hunter safety.

OFFICIAL CALL FOR RESOLUTIONS!For presentation at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

What is a resolution?• A formal, written motion which follows a specific format.

Why submit a resolution?• To set a course of action for the WWF Board of Directors to follow.• To set and express an opinion of the WWF.

Who can submit a resolution?• Any affiliate organization of WWF, regardless of size.• Any member of the WWF Board of Directors.• Any individual associate or sustaining member – please contact an

Associate Director or District Director to submit it on your behalf.

How should a resolution be submitted?• Typed on official organization letterhead preferred.• Signed by the author and/or officer of the submitting organization.• Mailed to the WWF office.• Postmarked no later than March 5, 2018.

What topics should resolutions deal with?• Issues pertaining to natural resources and their management or the envi-

ronment.• Issues of importance to the entire state.

Mail your resolutions to:Wisconsin Wildlife Federation

Attn: ResolutionsPO Box 460

Poynette, WI 53955-0460

Contact the office for additional information or for specific writing format guidelines.(800) 897-4161

Conservation Achievement AwardsWisconsin Wildlife Federation

PO Box 460Poynette, WI 53955-0460

www.wiwf.org

OFFICIAL NOMINATION APPLICATIONThe Wisconsin Wildlife Federation invites you to nominate a person or groupwho has shown outstanding conservation effort and achievement in any ofthe categories listed. To make a nomination, send one copy of this form anda copy of a résumé. Attach all supporting documents and send to the aboveaddress. Deadline for receiving nominations is March 5, 2018.

Name of Nominee __________________________________________ Phone _________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip_____________________________________________________________________

Award Nominated For ______________________________________________________________

(For each nomination you must use a separate form. Please specify one ofthe categories for which the nomination is made.)

Nomination Made By (Name) ________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip_____________________________________________________________________

Please Note Following Instructions:

1. Please read the general rules carefully.2. Follow the outline covering the category for which the nomination is being made.3. Attach typewritten copy of a résumé of achievements.4. Include organizational memberships, affiliations, past achievements for which nomination is based on.

Deadline

March 5th


Newly Signed Farm Bill Delivers Wins for Wildlife, Conservation Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law today, delivers significant, bipartisan wins for wildlife, farmers and ranch-ers, hunters and anglers, and the public heading into the New Year. The

legislation included strong levels of funding for wildlife and conservation programs and key policy improvements, including strengthened protections for grasslands, im-provements to the federal crop insurance program and watershed protections on forest lands.

“This bipartisan Farm Bill delivers resounding wins for wildlife, farmers, and ranchers — and provides significant investments in wildlife habitat on working lands,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federa-tion. “The Farm Bill will help make progress confronting America’s wildlife crisis going into the New Year. We look forward to working with Congress to move forward with other bipartisan solutions to invest in proactive collaborative wildlife conservation and stewardship of our natural heritage.”

The Farm Bill made a series of commonsense investments in conservation, includ-ing:

Full conservation funding: At a time when there is huge demand from farmers and ranchers to enroll in conservation programs, this bill holds the line in maintaining strong funding for conservation programs that will help farmers and ranchers protect soil, water and wildlife.

Increased wildlife funding: The bill increases the Environmental Quality Incen-tives Program (EQIP) funds dedicated to wildlife habitat practices from a minimum of 5 percent to a minimum of 10 percent of total EQIP funds. This will dramatically increase the amount of money available for farmers and ranchers to create wildlife habitat for species such as the greater sage grouse and monarch butterfly on working lands.

Clean bill: The bill is free from attacks on the Clean Water Act, Endangered Spe-cies Act and other bedrock environmental laws.

Wetland conservation provisions intact: The bill maintains the integrity of the wetland conservation compliance provisions, known as Swampbuster, that require protection of wetlands as a condition of retaining eligibility for federal subsidies and benefits.

Cover crops: This Farm Bill provides vital improvements in the federal crop in-surance program regarding the management of cover crops, providing clarity to farm-ers using cover crops to reduce risk while protecting water quality.

Ag data use: This bill takes some important first steps for collecting and putting USDA data to use in improving conservation practices and helping farmers make im-portant land management decisions.

Grasslands and grazing management: The bill includes numerous provisions to help provide ranchers with the tools needed to advance sustainable grazing manage-ment. And while the “Sodsaver” provision to protect native grasslands through dis-couraging conversion to cropland was unfortunately not expanded beyond the current six-state region, the bill does close a damaging loophole in current law.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program: Mandatory funding for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program is increased and administration of the program is streamlined and improved to better enable partner and landowner partici-pation.

Conservation Easements: The Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) is funded at strong levels and important provisions are added to ensure great-er flexibility in participation. Unfortunately however, the bill makes a change to no longer require conservation plans for agricultural conservation easements, potentially undermining the conservation value of this program.

Conservation Reserve Program: The bill increases the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to 27 million acres, achieved through lowering the rental rates paid to landowners while maintaining some incentive payments. Expanded use of CRP for haying and grazing is allowed, but key safeguards are added to help protect vegetation and wildlife. However, it will be critical to ensure that these changes are implemented in a way that does not reduce demand for the program or threaten the habitat value of the land.

Watershed Protection on Forest Service Land: With nearly half of the wa-tersheds on national forests classified by the Forest Service as “functioning at risk” or “impaired,” targeted watershed restoration with diverse partners will be essential to ensure clean, abundant water for fish, wildlife and people. The Farm Bill includes important measures to support such efforts: the Water Source Protection Program and the Watershed Condition Framework.

Addressing pressing wildlife threats: The bill provides funding to deal with several pressing threats to wildlife, including funding for feral swine eradication and for making research around chronic wasting disease a high priority.

2019 Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters’ ConferenceWisconsin waterfowl hunters

are encouraged to attend the 17th annual Wisconsin Wa-

terfowl Hunters’ Conference which will be held on March 9 2019 at the Mead Hotel and Conference Center in Wiscon-sin Rapids. The Conference is designed, developed and managed by a committee of independent waterfowl hunters. It is supported by individuals, conservation organizations, private businesses and government agencies. Our focus since the inception of this Conference has been Preserving and Enhancing Our Waterfowl Hunting Heritage and how waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin can be improved. Attendees can have a hand in determining the future needs of water-fowl management, research and hunt-ing opportunities. Help determine that direction! The cost of the Conference is $35.00 if you preregister and $40.00 at the door. The preregistration fee for Uni-versity/College Wildlife Ecology students and attendees 18 years old and younger is only $15.00 ($20.00 at the door).

Our Conference is open to anyone interested in waterfowl hunting; allows waterfowlers from around the state the opportunity to meet fellow hunters, management biologists and wardens and to share questions, concerns, experiences and information that affect our water-fowl hunting heritage and future hunt-ing opportunities.

Presentations are typically about 30 minutes long and speakers include pro-fessional waterfowl staff, agency repre-sentatives, a legislative update, and non professional speakers. We are striving for an active agenda that provides oppor-tunities to learn and participate in wa-terfowling and waterfowl management. The Key Note speakers are: Dr Todd Arnold, University of Minnesota, speak-ing on “Impact of Wisconsin’s Hunting Harvest on Wisconsin Mallard and Wood Duck Breeding Populations” and Tracy Hames, Wisconsin Wetland Association, speaking on “The Need for Small Scale Local Wetland Conservation, What are they and Why the Need.”

In addition, this year’s Conference will include Legislative updates, break-out sessions addressing a review of the Wisconsin 2018 migratory game bird seasons and what’s in store for 2019, seeking your thoughts for the 2020 and beyond waterfowl seasons, dog training, establishing grassland nesting cover for ducks, information about the Long Tail Duck, an update on the Wisconsin Wa-terfowl Conservation Strategy, estimat-ing Vallisneria winter bud biomass on the Mississippi River Pools, the results of a recent WDNR Waterfowl Hunting Satisfaction survey, the roll of Outdoor Media and an update of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Management Plan.

We are striving for an active agenda that provides opportunities to learn and participate in waterfowling and water-fowl management. On Friday evening, we will have a hospitality room available for you to enjoy a beverage, small snacks and talk with fellow waterfowlers.

A block of rooms have been placed on hold for those attending the Confer-ence on Saturday and need a room Fri-day evening. The Planning Committee has obtained a special Conference rate $89.00 plus tax for the 1st person in the room and $10.00 extra for a 2nd person in the room from the Mead Hotel and Con-ference Center in Wisconsin Rapids for those wishing to spend the night there. The phone number for the Mead Hotel and Conference Center: 800-843-6323 or 715-423-1500 and their Website is: www. hotelmead.com. Ask for the “Wis-consin Waterfowl Hunters’ Conference” rate. The Mead Hotel is holding a block of rooms for Conference attendees at the $89.00 plus tax rate only until Febru-ary 8. After that the rate will go up. The Mead allows pets for a small additional fee.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Reg-istration includes the Conference, a noon lunch of Saturday, and a ticket to the Waterfowl Hunters’ Conference hospital-ity room on Friday evening.

During the Conference, the recipi-ents of the two 2019 $500.00 Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters’ Conference scholar-ships will be announced. Scholarship monies were raised from generous dona-tions of past Conference attendees. They are awarded to college students who are majoring in a field that will benefit the future of waterfowl and wetlands in Wis-consin and continent wide. See you at the Mead Hotel March 9 2019 and hopefully the evening of March 8. Bring a friend!

For additional information on attend-ing the 2019 Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunt-ers’ Conference and obtaining a regis-tration form, please visit our website at www.wiswaterfowlersconf.org or contact one of the following: Jon R. Bergquist (NW WI) [email protected] 715-268-5584; Robert Lander-man (C WI) [email protected] 715-592-3651; George Braunreiter (W WI) [email protected], 507-251-0550 or Ron Gatti (S WI) [email protected] 608-358-1214.

WI Supreme Court Asked to Rule on DNR Water Pollution Permit Decision Would Have Far-Reaching Implications for All State Agencies

Madison, WI—A case involving the authority of the Department of Natural Resources to regulate water pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations may soon be headed to Wisconsin’s Supreme Court. In a decision today, Wisconsin’s District II Court of Appeals declined to issue a final ruling in the case, but instead asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to take the case directly and issue a decision.

This development marks a new phase for a case that began more than 6 years ago when neighbors of Kinnard Farms, one of the state’s largest concentrated animal feeding operations, filed a petition with the DNR requesting a review of the water pollution permit issued to Kinnard in 2012. The petitioners, represented by Midwest Environmental Advocates, filed the challenge because Kinnard’s water discharge permit did not do enough to protect water resources and public health from the impacts of the large industrial farm.

In 2014, an administrative law judge issued a decision in the water pollution permit challenge. Two of the most important parts of the decision included orders for groundwater monitoring and capping the number of animals as enforceable permit conditions. Although DNR originally agreed with the 2014 decision, the agency later did an about-face and denied that it had that authority. Former DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp reversed course based on the Department of Justice's interpretation of Act 21, which states that DNR can impose permit conditions only if they are “explicitly” authorized by statute or rule. A Dane County Circuit Court later overturned Sec. Stepp’s decision and rejected the Department of Justice's narrow interpretation of DNR’s authority.

DNR appealed the Dane County Circuit Court decision, and today the Court of Appeals asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to take this case directly along with another environmental case that also deals with Act 21. The Court of Appeals explained, “We agree with the State and Clean Wisconsin that the court’s determination regarding the scope and breadth of Act 21 will have implications far beyond the permitting process for high capacity wells and pollution discharge elimination systems and will touch every state agency within Wisconsin.”

Midwest Environmental Advocates Staff Attorney Sarah Geers said, “The Wisconsin Supreme Court must now decide whether it will accept or deny the Court of Appeals’ request. We look forward to arguing the merits of this case and reaching a resolution for Kewaunee County residents who want to protect the water they drink and the value of land that has been in their families for generations .”

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Shooting Range Seminar

March 23, 2019 • 8:30am – 4pm

DNR Regional Service Center1300 W. Clairemont • Eau Claire WI 54701

$15 fee (covers lunch and refreshments) (Speaker fees, room rental and course materials are free)

Signup Deadline is March 9, 2018

Signup by emailing Ruth Ann Lee, WWF Business Manager at [email protected] or calling 608-635-0600

Topics Covered Include:

Presenters: Jeff Nass, Nass Consulting, LLC Keith Warnke, Wisconsin DNR

How to Prevent Challenges to Range OperationThe best way to stay open.Range SafetyRange ProtectionFunding Sources

Standard Operating Procedures and SignageTarget Placement Security and safetySoundLead and Other Environmental FactorsClub Finances


Bald Eagle Nests Soar To A New Record And Walworth County Gets Its First

Documented Nest

MADISON - Wisconsin’s bald eagle population continues to reach new heights as 2018

nest surveys revealed a record number of nests statewide and Walworth County confirmed its first documented nest in at least a half century, according to results released in the 2018 Wisconsin Bald Ea-gle Nest Survey.

“2018 was another great year for the bald eagles’ remarkable comeback in Wisconsin,” says Laura Jaskiewicz, the Department of Natural Resources research scientist who coordinates the statewide aerial survey effort. “The num-ber of nests is still increasing throughout the state and we now have them docu-

mented in 71 of 72 counties.”The 2018 surveys found a total of

1,695 bald eagle nests occupied by breed-ing adults, an increase of 105 nests from 2017. That’s a 6.6 percent increase and more than 16 times as many nests found in the first detailed surveys in 1974, when bald eagles were listed as state and federally endangered species and only 108 nests were documented.

As in past years, Vilas County with 172 nests and Oneida County with 154 nests had the highest totals. Bald eagles prefer to nest in tall trees along water, and these two counties have some of the highest concentrations of freshwater lakes in the world.

“It doesn’t seem like we’ve hit any ceiling yet,” Jaskiewicz says. “Eagles are still finding places to nest, some continu-ing in the same nests for many years and some new ones popping up here and there.”

Eagle-eyed citizen reports Wal-worth County nest

While the aerial nest surveys were conducted in March and April by DNR conservation biologists and DNR pilots, the nest documented in Walworth Coun-ty was reported by a private citizen. Sharon Fandel, a DNR district ecologist with the Natural Heritage Conservation program, went to the site and confirmed the nest.

Fandel put out a call last year for resi-dents to report potential bald eagle nests in southeastern Wisconsin.

“Citizen reports were a big help this past year. There were a handful of re-ports that helped confirm new nests while other reports identified nests that we didn’t know about previously,” Fandel says.

“It’s great that so many people are interested in eagles and their continued success and population expansion in the state. It would not surprise me if we learn of other new nests in southeastern Wisconsin in 2019.”

Confirming the Walworth County nest means that Milwaukee County re-mains the lone county in the state with-out a known active eagle nest. Fandel said the heavily developed nature of Mil-waukee County means there is relatively little bald eagle nesting habitat available

(when compared to surrounding coun-ties) and that it is less likely a nest will be documented there.

“That being said, it’s certainly not impossible. In areas like the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota, bald eagles are doing quite well and the Minnesota DNR has documented dozens of active nesting territories,” says Fandel.

It’s a testament, at least in part, to the species’ adaptability, she says. De-pending on the individual bird(s), some appear to be more accustomed or toler-ant to human activity.

“Time will tell if eagles stake their claim in Milwaukee County, but if Min-nesota’s “urban” eagle population is any

indication, there’s certainly a precedence to suggest it could be on the horizon for Milwaukee, Fandel says.

People who have seen new, small nests can report them by searching the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for bald eagle watching and click on the link on the right hand navigation column for “Re-port a plant or nongame animal.”

The record number of nests docu-mented this year results from protections under the state and federal endangered species laws, declining levels of DDT in the environment, and DNR and partner efforts to help monitor and aid recovery. Bald eagles flew off the state endangered species list in 1997 and the federal list in 2007; eagles and their nests are still federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Mi-gratory Bird Treaty Act.

How the survey information helps protect bald eagles and other survey results

The 2018 Wisconsin Bald Eagle Sur-vey also contains results from the 2018 winter eagle survey conducted by DNR staff and many volunteers, and the re-port details a new effort in Dane County using volunteers to help monitor nests from the ground to see if the eagle nests produced young and if they fledged. The Madison Audubon Society is leading that pilot program.

All of the eagle survey information al-lows DNR and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to monitor eagle populations and enables DNR to provide up-to-date infor-mation to land owners, companies, and communities that have an active nest on their property, so they can avoid disturb-ing the nests and eagles during breeding season.

Endangered Resources eagle li-cense plate helps fund the next comeback success

Bald eagles’ comeback in Wisconsin is celebrated in the new Endangered Resources bald eagle license plate. The plate raises money for DNR’s work to protect and restore native and endan-gered wildlife, plants and State Natural Areas. The plate costs an extra $25 an-nually on top of regular registration.

A record number of bald eagle nests were found statewide in 2018.Photo credit: DNR

EPA Nominee Must Answer for Unprecedented Rollback of Public

Health Protections

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate must press Acting Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler on how he will restore the agency to its core mission of protecting Americans’ health and the en-

vironment following his nomination today to lead the critical agency. National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Collin O’Mara said Wheeler’s actions as acting admin-istrator have been deeply disconcerting, including his moves to undo standards aimed at protecting Americans from mercury pollution and to reduce the scope of streams and wetlands protected by the Clean Water Act.

“For the past two years, the Trump Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency has fundamentally failed to uphold its mission to protect public health and the environment,” O’Mara said. “Acting Administrator Wheeler must answer for his role in the unprecedented rollback of common-sense health standards governing toxic chemicals, water pollution, mercury emissions, methane, and carbon. The nomination should be rejected unless Mr. Wheeler fully commits to uphold our nation’s bedrock en-vironmental laws, respect sound science, and support the agency’s 14,000 hardwork-ing public servants.”

The National Wildlife Federation called on the previous EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, to resign in April of last year — only the third time in the organization’s 82-year history it had called on a Cabinet-level official to step down.

135,202 Harvest Authorizations Issued For 2019 Spring Turkey Hunt

Bonus spring turkey harvest authorizations go on sale March 18

MADISON - There were 135,202 successful applicants who received 2019 spring wild turkey harvest authorizations following completion of the application drawing.

A total of 244,968 authorizations were available for the spring 2019 turkey season. Bonus harvest authorizations that were not issued in the drawing will be available for purchase beginning March 18.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has mailed postcard notifica-tions to successful applicants. Hunters can also monitor their harvest authoriza-tion status in their online account at GoWild.WI.gov.

Along with a spring turkey harvest authorization, a valid 2019 spring turkey li-cense and Wild Turkey Stamp are required to hunt turkeys in Wisconsin. Licenses and stamp privileges may be purchased online at GoWild.WI.gov or at any license agent beginning in March at the start of the license year. Collector turkey stamps may only be purchased at DNR service centers.

Spring turkey periods run for seven daysThe regular spring turkey season begins on the third Wednesday in April. In

2019, the season will run from April 17 through May 28, with six seven-day peri-ods running Wednesday through the following Tuesday.

Hunters are reminded that the state park hunting zones have been eliminated following a 2014 rule change. Instead, state parks are included in the current turkey management zones and will remain open for spring turkey hunting during select periods. For more information, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “hunt-ing state parks.”

The Fort McCoy spring turkey hunting season is managed separately from the Wisconsin spring turkey hunt. Hunters may apply for a 2019 spring turkey har-vest authorization at Fort McCoy only if they have not received one through the regular spring turkey drawing. Applications can be obtained from Fort McCoy by calling 608-388-3337 or visiting www.mccoy.army.mil [exit DNR].

Spring turkey hunting regulations can be found within the 2018 Small Game Hunting Regulations, 2018 Fall Turkey Regulations and 2019 Spring Turkey Reg-ulations [PDF].

Bonus spring turkey harvest authorizations go on sale March 18All harvest authorizations remaining after the drawing will be sold as bonus

harvest authorizations starting at 10 a.m. Monday, March 18. Bonus harvest au-thorizations will be first issued for sale by zone, one zone per day. Bonus harvest authorizations may be purchased at a rate of one per day until the zone and time-period sells out or the season closes.

Hunters are encouraged to check the turkey management zone map [PDF] and the bonus harvest authorization availability page to see if harvest authorizations are available for the period and zone in which they wish to hunt.

The scheduled sales dates for the 2019 spring turkey harvest authori-zations are:

Zone 1 - Monday, March 18;Zone 2 - Tuesday, March 19;Zone 3 - Wednesday, March 20;Zone 4 - Thursday, March 21;Zones 5, 6 and 7 - Friday, March

22; andAll remaining bonus authori-

zations for all zones - Saturday, March 23.

Bonus turkey harvest authoriza-tions cost $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Residents and non-residents will have equal op-portunity to purchase bonus harvest authorizations. Purchasing a bonus harvest authorization will not affect preference point status for future turkey drawings. Hunters may pur-chase bonus harvest authorizations online at GoWild.WI.gov or in person at any license agent.

Youth turkey hunt set for April 13-14Youth hunters under the age of 16 may hunt during the youth turkey hunt on

April 13-14. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. During the youth hunt weekend, hunters under the age of 12 and youth hunters who have not completed a hunter education course may hunt under the Mentored Hunting Program. Special rules and regulations apply.

Each youth hunter must have a valid spring 2019 turkey harvest authoriza-tion, license and Wild Turkey Stamp. A current, valid harvest authorization is-sued for any time period may be used during the youth hunt, but the youth hunter must hunt within the turkey management zone indicated on their harvest autho-rization. Youth hunters may harvest only one male or bearded turkey during the two-day hunt.

Youth who do not successfully harvest a turkey during the youth hunt may use their unfilled harvest authorization for the time-period and zone for which their authorization was issued. All other spring turkey hunting regulations apply.


2019 WWF BANQUET DATESDISTRICT CONTACT DATE LOCATIONDistrict 3 North Brian Hobbs March 9, 2019 Crickets Bar & Grill(Osceola) 715-417-0940 Amery, WI [email protected] 4 East Gary Fitzgerald Sept. 5, 2019 Shooter’s(Plover) 715-824-6310 Plover, WI [email protected] 4 West Randy Teresinski April 6, 2019 American Legion(West Neillsville) 715-897-8832 Loyal, WIDistrict 5 Jerry Lingnofski April 11, 2018 Darboy Club(Fox Valley) 920-841-8427 Darboy, WI [email protected] 5 Bill Tollard TBD La Sure’s Banquet Hall(Oshkosh) 920-379-3429 Oshkosh, WI*new 2018 [email protected] 6 Michelle Graff February 2, 2019 Fox Hollow Banquet(LaCrosse) 608-797-1292 Facility [email protected] 6 Ed Rollins March 2, 2019 Castle Hill Supper Club(Black River Falls) 715-964-1263 Merrillan, WI [email protected] 8 Greg Kronschnabel March 22, 2019 Ingleside Hotel(Oconomowoc/ 262-719-4530 (aka: Country Springs)Pewaukee) [email protected] Pewaukee, WIDistrict 9 Tracey Czechan April 5, 2019 Hilton Garden Inn(Milwaukee) 262-442-2583 Milwaukee, WI [email protected] Wayne Thayer January 26, 2019 Ho Chunk Casino(WI Dells) 608-754-4965 Wisconsin Dells, WI [email protected]

January 2019CalendarWinners

W.W.F.Business Membership

SilverSteve’s Southside Citgo, WatertownPaul R. Sommers, DDS, SC, WatertownWatertown Trade and Auctions, WatertownAdvanced Building Corporation, VeronaManitowoc Co Fish & Game Protective Assoc., Manitowoc

Support Businesses That Support Conservation

BronzeBest Sound Service, WatertownKeck Furniture, WatertownDave’s Turf and Marine, WatertownTheder Home Services and Construction, WatertownCastle Rock Marine Inc., New LisbonJ & L Tire, Johnson CreekJ & H Game Farm, ShioctonCity Limits, ManitowocGeneral Beer-NE Division, Stevens PointShooters, PloverWild Wings, CampbellsportCarbos, Amherst Junction

WWF “Kitchen News”2019 Calendar DonorsPlatinumJon’s Sport Shop Oshkosh, WIEcklund Motorsports Oshkosh, WIFallin Fowl Outfitters Fredonia, WIDave Verhage Plover, WI

GoldBecoming An Outdoor Woman Stevens Point, WI Nicky Boy Charter Fishing Services Port Washington, WI Mathews Bow Sparta, WIJeff O’Brien, CNH Outdoors Shawano, WILake Superior Bluetick kennel Bayfield, WI

Bronze Tri-County Sportswomen Sheboygan Falls, WI Lil Pipping Elkhart Lake, WI Sheboygan County Convervation Assoc. Sheboygan Falls, WIJim Swanson Menomonie, WI Hotel Mead Wisconsin Rapids, WIKeith & Judy Pamerpin Green Bay, WIBill Tollard Omro, WI

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Chili Cheese DipIngredients1 pound American Cheese1 15 oz can chili without beans1 can chopped green chilies

DirectionsCombine all ingredients in sauce pan or fondue pot. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently until cheese melts. Serve with tortilla chips.

Super NachosIngredients 1 bag nacho chips1 lb. ground beef1 packet taco seasoning1 large green pepper coarsely chopped1 large onion coarsely chopped1 large tomato coarsely chopped

1 ½ cups shredded Colby-jack or pepper jack cheese 1 can refried beansSalsaGuacamole Sour cream Hot sauce

DirectionsSpread nacho chips on large cookie sheet. Cook ground beef and burger as per instructions on seasoning packet. Spread taco meat, green pepper, onion and tomatoes on top of chips. Cover with cheese and bake in 300° oven for 10 minutes. While nachos are cooking, warm refried beans on stove top. Serve nachos with refried beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and hot sauce.

Brie Stuffed MushroomsIngredients 1 package white button mushrooms,4 cloves garlic, minced (if you are not a garlic aficionado, one clove is good)

1/4 cup parsley, chopped4-5 whole green onions, slicedWhite wine (A shot glass full is about right)1 wedge of brie cheese

DirectionsWash the mushrooms and remove the stems. To remove the stems, grasp the mushroom cap in one hand and wiggle and then twist the stem with the other. The stem should pop out and leave a nice cavity for the filling.Next mince the garlic, chop the parsley and slice the onions. Then, melt butter in a skillet and lightly sauté the mushrooms for about a minute.Remove the mushrooms and add the garlic, parsley, onions and wine. Cook for about a minute. Remove from pan.Now remove rind from the brie, cut cheese into small chunks and press into cavity in the mushrooms. Since I used a cast iron skillet for the sautéing, the mushrooms were placed back into the skillet for baking.After the brie is in the mushrooms, place the garlic, parsley and onion mixture on top of the mushrooms and bake in a 350° oven for 15 minutes.

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