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DNR steps up efforts against invasive species

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The Department of Natural Resources has been working for years to warn the public about the dangers of transporting invasive species. Now, Chief Conservation Warden Randy Stark says they’re moving from education to enforcement when it comes to those breaking the law.

Stark says wardens will no longer just warn boaters who fail to remove invasive plants and animals from boats or trailers. They’ll also be issuing tickets, which can carry a price tag of nearly 400-dollars for the first offense. [Read more…]

Public asked to help DNR count deer

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PHOTO - DNR

PHOTO - DNR

The Department of Natural Resources is asking for help from the public in estimating the size of Wisconsin’s deer herd.

Starting August First, the DNR is launching a new web tool that will allow the public to report daytime deer sightings across the state. Agency spokesman Bob Manwell says they’re looking for all live deer sightings of bucks, doe, and fawns. [Read more…]

Northern lakes quite accessible to anglers (AUDIO)

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What’s in a word? Well, if the word is “inaccessible” and it’s used in media reports about Wisconsin lakes just before Memorial Day weekend, quite a lot. Dave Neuswanger, DNR Fisheries Supervisor for a six county area in northwestern Wisconsin, says the popular Chippewa Flowage is down about a foot and a half. “Not as low as it has been at times past. It was lower than that last August . . . when it was still quite usable,” said Neuswanger. “The Turtle Flambeau Flowage is down a little bit more than that, but again still quite accessible. We’ve always advised people to be careful on those lakes, and we’re advising that they be particularly careful now with the water down. But anybody who has fished these lakes midsummer the past couple of years has fished them at even lower levels than they’re at currently.” [Read more…]

Cougars make a comeback

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A cougar spotted in Juneau County earlier this month is a sign the animal is starting to make a comeback in Wisconsin, says a UW-Stevens Point wildlife ecology professor who has studied the animal. Eric Anderson is working with the DNR to put together an advisory group that will help state wildlife officials figure out how to manage the animal as its population increases.

[Read more…]

Cougar attack

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The Department of Natural Resources investigates cougar attack on a cow. DNR wildlife biologist Adrian Wydevan says the cougar which attacked a cow in Juneau County probably traveled a long distance. “If it’s a wild animal, and that’s what we’re assuming at this point, it most likely originated from the Dakotas or western Nebraska,” Wydevan says, adding that it’s that there is a breeding population of cougars in Wisconsin at this time. [Read more…]

DNR looking for texted tips

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The DNR is asking the public to text in tips about possible illegal activity. The agency is launching a new tip line for text messages, where the public can report those who are breaking state hunting, fishing, and environmental laws, among many others.

Chief Conservation Warden Randy Stark says it could prove to be a valuable tool because the public plays such a critical role in catching those who are harming the environment. [Read more…]

Dry weather prompts fire concerns

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Warnings of wildfires for parts of Wisconsin.

Dry conditions in northern and central Wisconsin have prompted the DNR to suspend burning permits in 18 counties. The agency’s Jim Bishop says there also urging people to use caution with cooking or camping fires, and when using machinery around vegetation. He says windy and dry weather can quickly spread those sparks, causing wildfires that could grow out of control. [Read more…]

Assembly to attempt override of Doyle veto

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Legislative leaders in the state Assembly say they still see a need for legislation that would strip the governor of his authority to appoint the Department of Natural Resources Secretary.

Lawmakers approved legislation last fall that would have put the decision in the hands of the Natural Resources Board, rather than the governor’s office. Governor Jim Doyle vetoed the measure, saying the current system puts the power of his office behind the DNR, allowing it to accomplish more effective changes in environmental policy. [Read more…]