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DNR News

May 23, 2006

The DNR News is updated every Tuesday at noon. Click on the current issue link at left to reach the most current issue.
Previous DNR News are also available on-line.

Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail address: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us

This Week's Articles

Weekend of June 3-4 filled with outdoor activities

Free fishing the entire weekend;
Saturday is National Trails Day;
Sunday is State Parks Open House Day

MADISON – People will have a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy Wisconsin’s great outdoors on the weekend of June 3 and 4, as the state offers Free Fishing all weekend and celebrates National Trails Day on Saturday and State Parks Open House Day on Sunday.

Events are scheduled across the state at many locations during the weekend, including some overlapping events with a number of fishing clinics being held at state parks on Sunday. State Park and Forest vehicle admission fees will be waived on Sunday and visitors may also fish without having to purchase a license.

Lists of activities can be found on the Department of Natural Resources Web site .

Free Fishing Weekend

On Free Fishing Weekend, June 3 and 4, resident and nonresident anglers of all ages can fish without a fishing license. Trout stamps are also not needed during the two days; however, all other fishing regulations such as length and limits apply. Participants can also join in special fishing events including some at several state parks on Sunday. Three state fish hatcheries will also be holding special events on Saturday June 3 in conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend, along with other events later in the month.

“Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity for friends and families to reconnect with each other and the resource,” says Theresa Stabo, aquatic education specialist with the DNR Bureau of Fisheries Management. “Parents spend a lot of time shuttling their children from one organized activity to another and then observing them from the sidelines. Fishing provides a chance for everyone to take part, not just to be a spectator.”

Stabo says the goal of the annual free fishing weekend is to draw people into trying fishing so they recognize it as a healthy, low-cost stress relieving activity.

“We hope they get hooked on fishing and make it part of their lives. For most Wisconsin residents, fishable waters are a short walk or bike ride away so fishing really fits in with healthy, sustainable lifestyle choices,” she says.

People who don’t have their own fishing equipment can borrow basic equipment from one of DNR’s 42 tackle loaner sites, most of which are located at state parks, forests and recreation areas. Novice anglers, people who haven’t fished for some time, or anglers looking for a new water can view the 2006 Wisconsin Fishing Report, or click on “where to fish” to find lists of waters to try for certain fish species or fishing experiences.

Wisconsin offers some of the country’s best fishing and 48 percent of the state’s residents take advantage of the opportunity, although not necessarily every year. Nonresident anglers spend more days fishing in Wisconsin than any other state but Florida.

National Trails Day Saturday June 4: ‘Experience Your Outdoors’

The year 2006 is the 30th anniversary of National Trails Day, sponsored by the American Hiking Society. The theme for this year is “Experience Your Outdoors,” which is intended to encourage all Americans to “get outside, get active, and experience the wonders of trails in their own communities and throughout the country.”

As a national leader in trail development, Wisconsin has 42 State Trails accounting for more than 1,660 miles of trail open for public use. Many of these trails are linear “rails to trails” segments on abandoned railroad grades. Wisconsin has thousands more miles of hiking and nature trails in state and county parks and forests.

The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation has 11 events scheduled at locations across the state on National Trails Day. The Ice Age Trail (exit DNR) is one of eight national scenic trails in the United States. When completed, the Ice Age Trail will be a thousand-mile walking/hiking trail located approximately along the stopping point or terminal edge of the most recent glaciation in Wisconsin. About 600 miles of the Trail are now available for use. The trail is a cooperative effort among the foundation, the U.S. Dept. of Interior National Park Service and the Wisconsin DNR. For information on specific events contact the foundation at (608) 663-8278.

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, a statewide umbrella organization for local ‘friends” groups that support state parks and trails, is celebrating National Trails Day by joining with other participants to conduct a service project along the new Badger State Trail. The Badger State Trail when complete will be a 40-mile trail extending from Madison to the Illinois State line. Limestone surfacing of the southern 32.9-miles segment from the Illinois border to Fitchburg is scheduled to be completed this year. The 7.1 mile-segment from Fitchburg to Madison city limits is expected to be paved in 2008.

Work day participants will gather from noon to 4 p.m. in Fitchburg. The event is located on Executive Drive, west off Seminole Highway just south of McKee Road. “The master plan for this new trail has just been approved and this is a great chance for friends and volunteers to help get in on the ground floor of this exciting new trail project,” says Kate Zurlo-Cuva, State Park Friends and volunteer coordinator.

A list of other National Trails Day events can be found on the society’s Web site at <http://www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/events.html> (exit DNR). A list of activities taking place on Wisconsin State Parks and Trails can be found on the DNR Web site.

State Park Open House Sunday, June 4

Visitors are being offered free access to any Wisconsin state park, forest, recreation area or trail on Sunday, June 4 as the state celebrates Wisconsin State Parks Open House Day.

“Open house day kicks off the summer season of fun at Wisconsin State Parks and Trails and we invite residents and visitors to spend the day at their favorite park, or perhaps visit a state park they’ve never been to before,” says Bill Morrissey, director of Wisconsin State Parks. State Park and Forest Open House Day was established to encourage Wisconsin residents to visit their local state park and enjoy the spectacular natural resources located right in their own communities.

During Wisconsin State Parks Open House Day, vehicle admission fees and state trail pass fees are waived for people who visit and enjoy the various outdoor activities available at more than 90 state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas.

In addition to a number of free fishing clinics this day, there are a number of other special events being planned across the state. Willow River State Park near Hudson is having an “Art Along The Willow” arts and crafts sale. Mill Bluff State Park near Camp Douglas is having an “Arts of Our Ancestors” show of original, hand-made works such as weaving, carving, soap, rope and tool-making examples by local artists that reflect the skills needed for survival in the early years of the nation. The Society for Creative Anachronism will demonstrate 'Life in the Middle Ages' Trades, tools, clothing, and martial arts. A new playground will be dedicated at Lake Wissota State Park near Chippewa Falls. The park will also offer canoe and kayak rides at its boat landing.

For those looking to lend a helping hand, Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is partnering with the outdoor recreation sporting good store REI to sponsor a volunteer field work Day at the Capital Springs State Recreation Area in Madison. . Participants in the volunteer work day must pre-register by calling (608) 833-6680. The work day will begin at noon at the Lussier Family Heritage Center in Firchburg and will conclude at 4 p.m.

A complete list of activities is available on the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

On Free Fishing Weekend contact Theresa Stabo - (608) 266-2272

On National Trails Day or Wisconsin State Trails – Brigit Brown - (608) 266-2183

On State Parks Open House – Wisconsin State Parks - (608) 266-2181

Campers reminded not to bring firewood
from out-of-state to Wisconsin State Parks

MADISON -- As campers get ready to kick off another great season of outdoor fun at Wisconsin State Parks, park officials and tree health experts remind visitors to leave the out-of-state firewood behind.

Operating under an emergency rule passed by the Natural Resources Board earlier this spring, DNR now prohibits the use of out-of-state firewood in state parks and other DNR-managed lands such as state forests, flowages, and wilderness areas.

“This restriction is in place wherever camping and campfires are allowed on state lands,” said Bruce Chevis, concessions program manager for Wisconsin State Parks. “It really doesn’t matter whether you’re a Wisconsin resident or an out-of-state camper, if your firewood is from some place other than Wisconsin, don’t bring it with you. Not only will leaving the firewood back home keep our parks healthy, it’ll help speed up your check-in process.”

The NRB adopted the firewood emergency rule to help DNR stave off an infestation of the emerald ash borer (EAB), which has ravaged millions of ash trees in Michigan and nearby states and provinces. The rule will also help keep out or limit the artificial spread of other potential problems.

The emerald ash borer is a tiny, green insect native to Asia. It was introduced to the U.S. in the early 1990s in the Detroit, MI area and has since spread to Ohio, Indiana and Ontario, Canada killing nearly 20 million ash trees in urban and forest settings.

“Firewood can harbor any number of harmful insects and diseases that can be transported much faster by people moving firewood than they would spread naturally,” said Jane Cummings Carlson, forest health coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “In fact, most of the new EAB infestations found outside of Detroit since 2002 have been traced back to firewood movement.”

Once EAB infests an ash tree, the future of the tree is certain: it will die. Ash trees in Wisconsin number around 717 million in forests and it’s the second most common tree species in communities round the state, accounting for as much as a third of all urban trees.

“Step outside and take a look down your street. Chances are those are ash trees,” Cummings Carlson said. “Now mentally erase those trees from the yards and boulevards. That’s the result of EAB establishing itself in a community.”

Firewood is available at a reasonable cost at almost every state park, though the hours and locations inside the park may vary. State forests and “flowage” areas where rustic camping can be found typically have firewood available locally – either for sale in nearby communities, or to be gathered on the property as down and dead wood.

Additional information about the firewood restriction and EAB can be found on the invasives species pages of the DNR Web site. Campers may also call the DNR’s toll-free Firewood Hotline for information before packing up for a trip. The frequently updated number is 1-877-303-WOOD (9663).

Quick Facts
  • DNR-managed parks and campgrounds represent eight percent of the total number of campsites available in Wisconsin.
  • State parks host approximately 14 million visitors annually (roughly 150,000 distinct reservations and walk-ins).
  • Most state park visitors are Wisconsin residents.
  • In 2004, Illinois residents were the second most common visitors (15.9 percent) followed by Minnesota (5.54), Iowa (1.26), Michigan (1.07), and Indiana (.61).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jane Cummings Carlson: (608) 275-3273 or Bruce Chevis: (608) 264-8994

Walleye bag limits will increase on some northern lakes

MADISON – Daily walleye bag limits will increase May 27 on 91 lakes in the Ceded Territory of northern Wisconsin to reflect spearing harvest results by Wisconsin’s bands of Chippewa Indians. Additionally, the minimum length limit for muskellunge will be reduced on two lakes in the ceded territory.

A daily bag limit of one or two will increase to three walleye per day on 43 lakes. In addition, 48 lakes will go from an initial bag limit of two or three walleyes per day to the bag limit specified in the 2006-2007 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations, which in most cases is the state daily bag limit of five, according to Patrick Schmalz, who coordinates the treaty fisheries for the Department of Natural Resources.

“This is good news for sport anglers and for local and state economies” said DNR Secretary Scott Hassett. “Increasing bag limits after the spring spearing season -- the time when Chippewa bands make most of their yearly harvest -- gives sport anglers more opportunities and more reasons to head north for a great day of fishing on Wisconsin waters while assuring that the tribes maintain their rights to set quotas and harvest the resource.”

The complete revised walleye bag limit is available on the DNR Web site and at all DNR Service Centers and authorized license sales locations.

As part of a 1983 federal Appellate Court decision affirming Chippewa off-reservation hunting, fishing, and gathering rights, the six bands of Wisconsin Chippewa set annual harvest quotas for off-reservation lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory. To assure the combined tribal and recreational angler harvest does not exceed a sustainable level, the state sets recreational bag limits in lakes declared for harvest by the Chippewa bands. In April, angler daily bag limits for walleye were set at one, two, or three fish per day for sport anglers in order to accommodate Chippewa spearing harvest goals. The bag limits on these lakes will be adjusted, starting May 27, to reflect actual Chippewa spring spearing harvest totals.

An administrative rule passed by the state Natural Resources Board in 1998 allows the department to adjust initial bag limits annually to reflect actual spring spearing harvests and projected summer harvests.

Of the 227 lakes still with reduced bag limits, 58 lakes will have a bag limit of two walleye per day and 169 lakes will have a daily bag of three. The six Chippewa tribes together declared a harvest of 42,513 for 2006 and had a preliminary harvest of 27,590 in 2006.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Schmalz - (608) 266-8170 or Steve Hewett - (608) 267-7501

Applications to sponsor a Deer Hunt
for Persons with Disabilities due June 1

MADISON -- Landowners interested in sponsoring a gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities have until June 1, 2006 to enroll their property in the Deer Hunts for Persons with Disabilities Program. This years hunt will take place Oct. 7 – 15. Sponsor applications are available at all Department of Natural Resources service centers or on the DNR Web site.

The Deer Hunts for Persons with Disabilities Program was established in 1990 to offer people with physical or visual disabilities an opportunity to hunt deer when temperatures are mild and mobility outdoors is less of a problem. Gun deer hunts for people with disabilities are usually conducted on private lands.

In 2005, approximately 85 sponsors enrolled more than 35,000 acres of land for the hunt, according to Brad Koele, assistant DNR deer and bear ecologist.

“The increase in sponsor and hunter participation over the past few years has been incredible,” Koele said. “In just three years, the amount of acreage enrolled in the program has increased from approximately 27,000 acres in 2003 to more than 35,000 acres enrolled in last years hunt. With the continued support and generosity of sponsors and landowners, we hope to make more land available to disabled hunters in 2006.”

There have been several changes for the deer hunt for people with disabilities in 2006. These changes include:

  • Hunters with a valid long-term Class B permit, which authorizes hunting from a vehicle for more than one year, may now participate in the hunt. Previously only hunters with a valid Class A or C disabled permit could participate in the hunt.
  • With permission from the landowner, hunters without disabilities may now archery or small game hunt on the property enrolled in the Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities Program. All hunters, with the exception of waterfowl hunters, must comply with the blaze orange clothing requirements.
  • Class C permit holders are now authorized to use laser sights.

Hunters with a Class A, long-term Class B, or Class C disabled hunting permits who are interested in participating in this hunt may request a list of 2006 hunts including location and the name of the hunt sponsor from a DNR service center. Lists will be available after July 1. Since sponsors must provide the DNR with a list of hunters including the hunter's disabled permit number by Sept. 1, hunters are encouraged to make their arrangements as soon as possible. Disabled hunters have until Sept. 1 to contact sponsors for the Oct. 7 - 15 hunt.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brad Koele (608) 261-7589

State seeks applicants for conservation warden training program

MADISON – Men and women who are passionate about the outdoors and the environment have an opportunity to help protect Wisconsin’s natural resources by applying for a position as a conservation warden during a recruitment period that will run from May 22 through June 16.

The Department of Natural Resources is planning to hire 10 new conservation wardens in the effort to fill existing and anticipated vacancies in the state’s warden force.

“Many of our veteran wardens are at or nearing retirement,” says Darrel Waldera, training director for the DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement. “By the end of 2007 there will be approximately 31 warden vacancies throughout the state. Within the next two years we’ll be working hard to fill as many of those vacancies as possible.”

With the department’s budget finalized for this year, Chief DNR Warden Randy Stark says he is “pleased we’ll be able to continue filling our vacant warden positions.”

“It’s important to start the hiring process now so we have new wardens ready to place in communities around the state at the end of 2007 when the recruits complete their first year of training,” Stark says.

“We have a lot of important work to do in the next couple of years recruiting, hiring and training quality candidates. They’ll be the next generation of wardens charged with providing public safety and protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources.”

What does it take to join the ranks of the Wisconsin Conservation Warden service?

“We need dedicated, caring and intelligent men and women,” according to DNR regional warden Barbara Wolf.

But those aren’t the only criteria necessary to become a state conservation warden. Well qualified candidates must meet high DNR and state standards, pass physical and psychological testing and undergo a thorough background investigation.

At a minimum, applicants must have an Associates degree or at least 60 academic credits and be at least 21 years old by their date of hire, which will be January 2, 2007 for this new recruit warden class.

Besides the educational requirements, an interest in protecting people and natural resources, and clearing a background check, candidates must also have personal and communication skills needed to work with a wide variety of people from various cultures who use natural resources in a changing society.

“Much of a warden’s day-to-day work puts him or her in contact with people,” says Wolf. “Whether checking people to see if they have the proper permits for certain outdoor activities, following up on a complaint or conducting a boating or ATV accident investigation, wardens must be skilled at putting people at ease, maintaining control of the situation and getting the job done professionally.”

The DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement’s mission statement calls for protecting, enhancing and promoting the safe and wise use of natural resources through enforcement, education and community-based wardening that guarantees fair and equal treatment.

“We need people who are forward-thinking, who can resolve conflict, solve problems and build community relationships to carry out this mission,” according to Wolf.

More information about the Wisconsin Conservation Warden service can be found on the DNR law enforcement Web pages.

Application and examination materials will be available online from May 22 through June 16, 2006 on the DNR employment Web page. People without computer access may visit local public libraries or Job Service offices to access the examination through computers. The examination must be completed by June 16, 2006.

Individuals with questions about the hiring process should contact Marilyn Howell at the DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement by email at <marilyn.howell@dnr.state.wi.us> or call (608)266-2174.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE POSITIONS, CONTACT: Darrel Waldera, (608) 266-2425

Small engine maintenance keeps the air clean

MADISON -- Maintaining the small engines of lawnmowers, motorcycles, chain saws, boats and other gasoline powered outdoor equipment can help consumers reduce air pollution while saving money.

May is designated as Clean Air Month, and it often marks the beginning of the summer weather in Wisconsin that sends state residents into a flurry of lawn care, boating and other outdoor activity. Much outdoor equipment is powered by small engines that contribute to air pollution—a problem that’s made worse by the hot sunny days of summer.

According to Larry Bruss, Regional Pollutant and Mobile Source Section Chief for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, “Well-maintained engines emit fewer ozone-producing pollutants like nitrous oxides and volatile organic compounds that react with each other in strong sunlight to form ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone can aggravate conditions like asthma, bronchitis, heart disease and emphysema, and trigger health problems like chest pain, coughing and even lung damage, and it’s harmful to the environment as well.”

Taking proper care of small engines can pay off in several ways, says Bruss. “Proper maintenance can not only help keep the air clean, but it can also lead to better equipment performance, better fuel economy and reduced costs for repairs, which, in turn, will help people save money.”

Over the past few years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been phasing in rules that require manufacturers to build emission-reduction technology into small engines they produce. Manufacturers are responding to the rules by making design changes so engines burn less fuel and emit fewer pollutants, prime examples being the new four-stroke and high efficiency two-stroke outboard boat motors. For information from EPA on small engines and off-road equipment, visit the following web site: <http://www.epa.gov/OMSWWW/equip-ld.htm> (exit DNR).

Even with engines produced several years ago, there are a number of things that outdoor equipment owners can do to keep small engines running cleanly. A professional servicing for your equipment’s engine before the summer season starts is a good beginning, and you should follow these tips:

  • Change spark plugs regularly (check manufacturer’s recommendations);
  • Change the oil in four-cycle engines regularly—every 25 hours of operation for lawnmowers, and more often for equipment like garden tillers used in very dirty conditions;
  • Measure and mix the proper gas-to-oil ratio in two-cycle engines, such as those in string-trimmers and chain saws (check manufacturer’s recommendations);
  • Keep air filters clean—replace paper ones when they get dirty and clean foam ones by washing them in warm soapy water;
  • Keep other parts in good working condition (sharpen mower blades and replace worn belts, for example) so equipment runs more efficiently and burns less fuel;
  • Handle gasoline carefully.

Careful gas handling is one of the most important contributions you can make toward keeping the air clean. Even a little gas spilled on the driveway while refilling your lawnmower engine evaporates and adds pollutants to the air. Millions of gallons of gas are spilled each year, and every small spill contributes.

Another way to cut down on fuel evaporation pollution is to only use gas cans that have safety caps that virtually eliminate evaporation. Finally, buy gas in small quantities, because it deteriorates quickly and then burns less efficiently. Thirty days is a good estimated gasoline shelf life. You can add a stabilizing additive to you fuel tank to keep gas fresh during low-use periods, or can have a professional empty the tank before or after a dormant period.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Bruss, (608) 267-7543

Youth deer hunt scheduled at Buckhorn State Park

NECEDAH, Wis. – Youngsters will have a chance at a special youth hunt this year at Buckhorn State Park, according to Park Supt. Joe Stecker-Kochanski. He said this Nov. 4 and 5 the park will offer a two-day event to help youngsters learn deer hunting techniques. Youth must be age 12 but not older than 17 by Nov. 5, 2006. The hunt is for youngsters who have not previously harvested a deer with a gun at the time of application.

A youngster who takes a deer in the 2006 T-Zone hunting or in a CWD hunt after submitting an application will remain eligible to participate in the youth hunt.

“We’re trying to give youngsters a quality experience where they can have a chance at actually harvesting an animal and learn to do it safely,” Stecker-Kochanski said. The hunt will be with shotguns for either antlerless or antlered deer.

The event is limited to 56 youngsters this year. They will be allowed to hunt on approximately 2,000 acres of Buckhorn State Park and Buckhorn Wildlife Area south of Necedah in Juneau County. Each youth must be accompanied by a qualified chaperone. Applicants can select a qualified family member or friend as the chaperone or authorize the park to assign a chaperone. The chaperone is not allowed to hunt or carry a firearm, must be at least 21 years old, and have at least five years hunting experience.

Applications are available from: Youth Deer Hunt, Buckhorn State Park, W8450 Buckhorn Park Ave., Necedah WI 54646-7338. Information and application is also available on the park Web site.

Applicants for the event will be selected by a drawing. Each youngster selected to participate must have completed a Department of Natural Resources-certified hunter education program and must attend a Learn to Hunt Deer Workshop on either August 26 or 27 at the LaValle Sportsmans Club. A $20 fee for that workshop and hunt will be collected by Friends of Buckhorn State Park.

Applicants for the event must apply by July 15. A drawing will be held on July 16, and all successful applicants will be notified by July 24.

Stecker-Kochanski said hunting licenses are not required for this special youth event. Anyone interested in the hunt can call Buckhorn State Park for an application at (608) 565-2789. The application forms are also available at DNR service centers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Buckhorn State Park - (608) 565-2789
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Last Revised: Tuesday May 23 2006