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DNR seeks public comment on updated wolf management plan

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The Department of Natural Resources will be taking public comments on the future of the state’s wolf management plan next month.

DNR Large Carnivore Specialist Randy Johnson says that while wolves are currently under federal protection, a plan should be in place.

“As long as they are federally protected, the state has no authority to implement a wolf season one way or the other. However, again, if history is our teacher here, that status is likely to change at some point in the future.”

Johnson says it’s important to have everyone’s views before moving forward. “Wolves are controversial. A lot of folks have strong opinions. And so it’s important that folks have every opportunity to share their thoughts with us.”

You’ll have until the end of February to add your comments, and that live hearing will be on February 7th. You can find out more online at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/wolfmanagementplan

DNR tightens fish consumption advisories for Madison, Wausau, Stevens Point lakes

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There are new fish consumption advisories being posted for the Yahara chain near Madison, and some lakes in Central Wisconsin.

The Department of Natural Resources is recommending people limit the amount of fish they eat from the Yahara chain of lakes, Lake Wausau, and the Lake Du Bay chain.

DNR Toxicologist Sean Strom says new testing in those areas shows increased PFAS contamination in popular fish like bass, crappies, and walleyes. “So certainly go out continue fishing, continue to eat those fish, but just be aware of the consumption advisories that might be in place for that given body of water.”

Strom says the updates are part of the agency’s efforts to protect the public. “So in about 2017, we started to include PFAS as part of that monitoring. And as a result, the more you look, the more we have found. And so when warranted, consumption advisories are issued.”

You can find full fish advisories online at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/consumption 

Evers appoints Paul Buhr to Natural Resources Board

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Paul Buhr

Governor Tony Evers has appointed a dairy farmer from Viroqua to the state Natural Resources Board. Evers on Wednesday tapped Paul Buhr to replace William Bruins on the board, which sets policy for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Buhr, who owned and operated Rabur Holsteins for 45 years, currently serves on the Vernon County Holstein Board. Buhr will step down from his position on the Wisconsin Technical College System Board before moving onto the DNR board January 20th.

In a statement, Evers said Buhr “is a strong advocate and champion for land and water conservation, and he understands that protecting our environment and family farms is a priority for Wisconsin’s future.”

Bruins’ term on the board expired at the end of last year. Buhr’s appointment requires approval by the Wisconsin State Senate.

Ag & forestry workers report high happiness and low stress

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Workers in two of Wisconsin’s signature industries report high levels of happiness and low levels of stress. Agriculture, logging and forestry have the highest levels of self-reported happiness — and lowest levels of self-reported stress — of any major industry category, according to a Washington Post analysis of thousands of time journals from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey. A deeper dive revealed that where that work takes place – namely the great outdoors – had a lot to do with higher happiness and lower stress. Logging and farming are also among the most hazardous employment sectors, and those workers also report the highest levels of pain on the job
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Evers names Sheboygan County exec as new DNR Secretary

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Governor Tony Evers has found his next DNR Secretary. Evers named Sheboygan County Administrator Adam Payne to the position on Tuesday. He’ll be set to take over leadership as of January 3rd. In a statement, Evers says Payne has a long history of conservation and led the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association, and worked in the farmland preservation program at the state ag department.

Former secretary Preston Cole stepped down in November. It’s unclear if or when Payne will be confirmed by the Wisconsin state Senate. Numerous appointed positions in the last Evers administration were left unconfirmed by majority Republicans.

Prep your deer hunting spot this summer ahead of fall hunt, says DNR

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We’re several months out from the gun deer season, but now’s a good time to get out into your favorite hunting spot to prepare it for the falls.

Department of Natural Resources deer specialist Jeff Pritzl says that while preparing private land for a hunt is important, it’s also important to take some time if you hunt on public land. 

“But for those public land hunters, they too, want to go in early, and get familiar with the property again, in any changes.”

Pritzl says you should be checking your sight lanes and keeping them clear, and checking for ash trees that might need to be removed because of the emerald ash borer beetle.

If you’re using an ash tree to put a deer stand in or alongside, that’s something you may want to adjust and or be familiar with. Because as those trees die, they become they can become hazards.”

Hunters should also be on the lookout for invasive species of plants and try not to spread them. “Be conscious of not incidentally moving that by cleaning your especially your shoes and the treads of boots before going into an area that, you know hasn’t been infected yet.”

Pritzl says getting work done now will ensure that deer aren’t being startled out of their usual patterns in the fall due to human activity. You can find a handy guide to spotting invasive species online at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives

 

Evers condemns SCOWIS ruling allowing Walker appointee to remain on Natural Resources Board

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The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that a conservative member of the Natural Resources Board doesn’t have to relinquish his seat, even though his term expired last year.

Fred Prehn was appointed to the board by former Republican governor Scott Walker. His term ended in May of last year. But in 4-to-3 decision, the justices upheld a Dane County judge’s ruling that Prehn, a Wausau dentist, may keep serving until a successor is confirmed by the state Senate. Attorney General Josh Kaul had sued to remove Prehn.

Republican leaders have declined to schedule a confirmation hearing for Governor Evers’ appointee. The board sets policy for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Governor Tony Evers condemned the court’s decision.

Prehn cited a 1964 state Supreme Court decision that says appointed board members can remain seated after their term expires until a replacement is confirmed by the state Senate. Walker appointees continue to hold a majority on the 7 member board.

 

 

Waukesha County Judge stays order that would prevent DNR from regulating PFAS cleanups

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A Waukesha County Judge has issued a stay on a ruling that could prevent the D N R from regulating PFAS contamination.

Judge Michael Bohren says the state and business groups need to come to a solution pending appeal. 

“It puts the plaintiffs and the business people and the people who supported the plaintiffs somewhat at risk for a period of time. But the stay also protects the overall state policy that the DNR is working on in the event this court is incorrect.”

The judge is expecting action to happen quickly in the judiciary. “I’m assuming that an appeal would be expeditious. I’m assuming that it may actually be an appeal that the supreme court accepts as a bypass based upon the based on the seriousness of the issues involved and the broad impact.”

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce argues that the state can’t regulate PFAS because they are not directly mentioned in either state law or DNR rules. The DNR says this ruling could upend the department’s ability to remediate any spills or brownfields. 

Cryptocurrency is volatile and has environmental impacts

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The cryptocurrency market is volatile, but that may not be crypto’s biggest downside. With many large investors getting out, the crypto market has shed nearly $2 trillion in value.

“I think a lot of these really big investors are saying ‘you know what, the market is too up and down, the world is too unstable right now, we’re just going to pull out of crypto for the time being,” said Madison College Professor Steve Noll.

“A lot of big investors are putting their investments into much more traditional and conservative investments.”

Noll also noted crypto’s environmental downside – reliance on energy gobbling computer servers. “Just the sheer amount of energy it takes to maintain this, it’s staggering. And crypto is one on the most environmentally unfriendly currency ideas ever.”

Crypto relies on blockchain technology, which requires enormous amounts of energy to run computer servers.

“I think the biggest threat to crypto is not the volatility of the markets. It’s the eventual realization that it may be unsustainable to run all these servers.”

Be safe around Wisconsin’s dams

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Even small dams can be dangerous to boaters. That reminder from the DNR for Dam Safety Day.

Uriah Monday with the DNR says small spillways are some of the most dangerous places.

“Either people being unaware that, you know, water becomes more swift near them, or people daring themselves, maybe inappropriately, and taking a ride down them or, or playing near them.”

Monday reminds boaters and anglers to always keep their distance from dams and spillways, to always wear their life preservers, and to keep clear of roiling or churning water near dams. 

“Right at the foot of them after water comes over the spillway area and begins to slow down. There can be a backwater or rolling action, which can pull a small craft under.”

Find out more online at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Dams