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Conservation lobby group releases annual ‘Scorecard’

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It was a disappointing legislative session for Wisconsin Conservation Voters. Jennifer Giegerich is Government Affairs Director for the environmental lobby group, which released its annual Conservation Scorecard this week.

“Not a single clean water bill addressing root causes of water pollution passed this session,” Giegerich said. “And there was not even a single public hearing addressing climate change, one of the top issues addressing our planet.”

The group inducted Speaker Robin Vos into its “Conservation Dishonor Roll” – the only lawmaker to earn that distinction this year. “When we looked at every bad bad bill or any bad situation that came up over the past legislative session, we kept coming back to Speaker Vos being the root cause of it.” Vos’ office did not respond to a request for comment.

Jeff Lamont of Marinette, a community where PFAs contamination remains a major concern, was on a media call this week announcing the group’s Scorecard.

“It was so frustrating . . . that we worked so hard on drafting this legislation with Senator Hansen’s office, and then bringing (Rep. John) Nygren and him together for a compromise bill, and having Vos just shut it down, not even bringing it to a vote,” Lamont said.

While great hopes were pinned on the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality at the time Vos announced it’s formation, Giegrich charges it was “a sham,” which accomplished little.

“There were 13 bills that were introduced by the water quality task force. And rather than being a substantive package that would tackle long term problems like nitrate contamination in rural areas, or addressing new issues like setting standards for PFAs, these bills were . . . very small in scope. Almost half of them would have had almost no impact on water quality. And then three of those bills would have actually set us back for protecting water quality in the state of Wisconsin.”

While the package of bills did pass the Assembly with bipartisan support in February, none of the measure were subsequently taken up by the state Senate.

Bad seeds: DATCP issues warning about unsolicited packets

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Unsolicited seed packages have been arriving in mailboxes across the country, including Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer protection says they should not be planted, or even opened.

DATCP Spokeswoman Grace Atherton said the source of the seeds is unknown, but are likely from China. “We don’t have definitive evidence that they are all from China but that’s what appears to be happening so far.”

Those seeds could introduce invasive species to areas where they’re planted, and that could damage existing crops or livestock. Atherton said planting any unknown seeds from an unknown source could have devastating effects.

If you have received a package of seeds, keep it sealed or seal it back up, don’t plant them, and contact DATCP for proper disposal.

Climate change task force seeks public input

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Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes ​

A state task force on climate change is seeking public input. The Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change will host virtual listening sessions this summer. The goal is to come up with policy recommendations ahead of the next state budget.

The sessions will include presentations on the climate crisis, and a chance for the public to share comments and recommendations. Written commentary may be submitted via the task force’s website.

Find a list of the listening sessions and more information at ClimateChange.wi.gov. The task force was formed in October 2019, with Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes ​as chair.

DNR state park campgrounds open on Wednesday

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Wisconsin state park campgrounds reopen Wednesday. But Department of Natural Resources Secretary Preston Cole advises it’s going to be a little different than pre-pandemic.

“Changes around public safety are going to be in place, only because we’re worried about folks. We’re worried about social distancing, and we have to pay attention,” Cole said. “There will be park staff at each and every site, to remind folks about social distancing.”

Campgrounds were closed in March as a COVID-19 precaution.

Restrooms will be open, however concessions will not, so you’ll need to bring your own bug spray and firewood. Also, campground hosts, who are typically older adults at greater risk for COVID-19, won’t be there to greet campers.

Reserve a site and get more information on the DNR website.

State Parks to open for camping on Wednesday, with some restrictions

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The D N R is set to reopen the state’s campgrounds on Wednesday.

DNR section chief Missy VanLanduyt says that while restrooms will be open, bubblers are turned off and no staff are on site, so trash cans have been removed.

“So just remember to bring your own water and to pack in and pack out and that there may be capacity restrictions but if you go to our web page and search Park capacity you’ll be able to plan your trip ahead of time before you get there just in case the capacity restriction is put into place.”

VanLanduyt says that you’ll still need to buy a park pass online, and do online registration and reservations. 

“And we still will have a number of the tools in place to limit overcrowding and to promote social distancing but we still wanted to keep this as an opportunity and as a tradition to really get people out and explore outdoor recreation on our state properties.”

One more thing to remember is that there will be no onsite firewood sales at parks. “So people should plan ahead and purchase firewood outside of the property prior to entering and it actually is a requirement that fire would be purchased only within 10 miles of their camping location.”

That’s part of the state’s effort to prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer and other infectious diseases.

You can register for a campsite and get your parks passes online at http://dnr.wi.gov. 

 

Wisconsin State Parks extending hours

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Effective tomorrow, Saturday May 23, nearly all Wisconsin state parks will return to regular operating hours. That is, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, and parks will no longer be closed Wednesdays.

The sole exception, Rock Island State Park will remain closed until July.

A limited number of day-use area restrooms will reopen for public use beginning Wednesday, June 3, according to the Wisconsin DNR. Park visitors are advised to bring hand sanitizer.

All group, family and indoor group campsites will remain closed, and all events and shelter reservations will be canceled, through June 7. The status of events, reservations and camping after June 7 is under review.

DNR cautions of continued high wildfire conditions

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Despite scattered rain showers this weekend, elevated fire conditions continue today through Wednesday. That’s especially true in northern Wisconsin, where the fire danger is high to very high due to low relative humidity and slower progression of green-up. Fires under these circumstances can start easily and spread quickly.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources responded to 16 wildfires over the weekend and now anticipate a slightly longer than average fire season.

Some Wisconsin state Parks and Forests will re-open on Friday

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Thirty-four Wisconsin state Parks and Forests will re-open on Friday. Governor Tony Evers has directed the DNR to re-open popular parks including Devil’s Lake, Interstate and Copper Falls.

The openings come with special conditions including attendance capacities and reduced daily hours. General campsites. restrooms, shelters and playgrounds will remain closed. And, free park admission will end on Friday as well.

Parks had been closed earlier this month due to a lack of social distancing and reports of vandalism. Prior to that, admission was free and the number of people inside parks was not being limited.

Evers asks DNR to close 40 state parks and recreation areas

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Governor Tony Evers on Thursday directed the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to close 40 state parks, forests, and recreation areas. This, in an effort “to protect the health and safety of Wisconsinites,” as many parks have experienced heavy attendance the first two weeks of April, and consequent lack of social distancing.

Affected parks, forests, and recreational areas will close at the end of the day Thursday, and will remain closed until further notice.

Public health officials determined the situation has reached a point where public safety in the parks and surrounding communities takes precedence over keeping these locations open. If the public does not follow social distancing guidelines or vandalizes property, more state parks may have to close.

 

‘Focus on Energy’ now provides content in Spanish

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Wisconsin’s statewide Focus On Energy has launched new Spanish-language web pages. This new content provides details of many of Focus on Energy’s most-popular offerings for Wisconsin residents. It includes information on the benefits of air sealing and insulation and energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning.

The site also includes links to help find Spanish-speaking contractors and offers pages that explain how to order free energy-savings home products, access Focus on Energy’s free appliance recycling service, and links to the Program’s retail discounts page and online marketplace.

Also in 2020, Focus on Energy will be offering Spanish-language applications for financial incentives related to energy efficiency projects.
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