Ruffed Grouse, Tumpeter Swans and Lake Superior Fisheries updates

Wisconsin ruffed grouse survey results indicate an increase in breeding grouse

Contact(s): Mark Witecha, DNR upland wildlife ecologist, 608-267-7861

MADISON – Roadside ruffed grouse surveys completed this spring show statewide drumming activity increased 41% between 2018 and 2019. This increase aligns with the generally predictable grouse population cycle. The large increase in 2019 has made up for much of the unanticipated decline seen in 2018 drumming surveys and appears to put Wisconsin back on track for approaching the next cyclical high in the ruffed grouse population. For complete survey results, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “reports.”

“Grouse are an important resource to Wisconsin’s outdoor enthusiasts and economy,” said Mark Witecha, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources upland wildlife ecologist. “As we enter the brood rearing season, weather conditions over the coming weeks will be critical in determining what grouse enthusiasts see in the grouse woods this fall, but increased drumming activity is a good sign that there were more breeding grouse on the landscape this year.”

Roadside surveys to monitor the number of breeding grouse have been conducted by staff from the department, U.S. Forest Service, tribal employees and numerous grouse enthusiasts and volunteers since 1964.

The survey results showed a 41% increase statewide over 2018 levels. The central part of the state showed an increase of 35% in drumming activity, and the northern forest showed an increase of 48% in drumming activity. These two areas comprise the primary grouse range in Wisconsin. Decreases in drumming activity detected by the roadside survey occurred in the southwest part of the state (-17%) as well as the southeast (-50%), but these areas are not within the primary range for grouse. The drumming activity in southwestern and southeastern Wisconsin are at or near historic lows and likely would not significantly add to grouse abundance in the state.

“Ruffed grouse rely on dense, young forest cover resulting from disturbances such as fire and logging,” said Witecha. “Beyond actively managing state-owned lands, Wisconsin DNR is working to provide suitable grouse habitat through collaborative efforts such as the Wisconsin Young Forest Partnership [exit DNR] and jointly-funded Forest Wildlife Specialist positions with Ruffed Grouse Society and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. These partnerships provide technical and financial assistance for delivering young forest management on private lands, benefitting ruffed grouse and other wildlife species by helping maintain healthy and diverse forest communities.”

The department is currently working with partners to develop a ruffed grouse management plan. The draft plan will be released for public review later this summer, with associated public meetings to be held during the public comment period.

For more information regarding grouse hunting in Wisconsin, search keywords “ruffed grouse hunting.”

To learn more about managing habitat for ruffed grouse and other wildlife species, search keywords “young forest.”

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WNR magazine tells comeback tale for trumpeter swans

Contact(s): Andrea Zani, managing editor, 608-267-9517

MADISON – Once extirpated from Wisconsin, trumpeter swans are now back and no longer endangered in the state thanks to a recovery program that began 30 years ago with careful egg collection in remote Alaska. The latest issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine has in-depth details of that inspiring recovery straight from the DNR biologists who were involved in the groundbreaking efforts.

Another 30^th anniversary is celebrated in the magazine – it’s been three decades since the formal recognition of the dedicated Friends Groups that support and enhance properties in the Wisconsin State Park System. A special section looks at the history of Friends Groups and how this ever-growing band of tireless volunteers helps state parks, forests, trails and other properties today.

Also in the Summer issue, read about how educational programming can connect kids with the outdoors. A recent OutWiGo Girls outing is one great example, and the magazine has a photo page from that event held in May at the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit. As a bonus, a removable card includes instructions for an OutWiGo “Bench Workout” to do at any park!

Stories on forestry and fishing are featured as well and readers can get an inside look at DNR work in those areas. Learn about the Forest Habitat Type Classification System, an important tool for foresters, and the Fish On…Wisconsin! initiative, a new offering from the fisheries program.

More fishing coverage takes readers to the Bois Brule River in Douglas County, a renowned spot for trout anglers, with four friends sharing their recollections of this beautiful river. And the historic Brule is highlighted in the magazine’s “Back in the day” feature, with excerpts from a 1950 Wisconsin Conservation Bulletin.

Dragonflies and damselflies are ready for their close-up in this issue, as pages of stunning photography capture these odonates in detail. A tale of a special turkey hunt that yielded a trophy bird rounds out the Summer issue’s inside pages. On the back cover, head “Outside in Wisconsin” to the Van Vliet Hemlocks State Natural Area in Vilas County.

Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine is available for $8.97 per year. Subscribe at 1-800-678-9472 or online at wnrmag.com.

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Lake Superior fisheries management update

Contact(s): Brad Ray, Lake Superior Fisheries Team Supervisor, 715-779-4036

ASHLAND- The public is invited to learn about how the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages the fisheries resources of Lake Superior, get updates about recent Lake Superior initiatives and provide thoughts and concerns about current management strategies at a public meeting in Ashland. The meeting will take place on June 25, 2019 at 6 p.m. at WITC-Ashland campus, 2100 Beaser Ave, Ashland, Wisconsin.

During this public meeting, the department will share information on how we manage this unique resource, get public input and ideas on how to most effectively engage stakeholders in current and ongoing management issues, and introduce the public to the new staff working on these issues.

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world. Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior, its embayments, and tributaries offer diverse sport, charter and commercial fishing opportunities. The department strives to provide a healthy, sustainable environment to protect and enhance the Lake Superior fisheries for all users.

“Lake Superior supports year-round fishing opportunities that significantly contribute to the economic viability of the area,” said Brad Ray, DNR Lake Superior fisheries supervisor.

Due to the significant, community-wide impacts of the Lake Superior fishery, the department actively engages diverse stakeholders to develop, implement, and evaluate management goals and activities. In July 2017, the department began work to update the Lake Superior Fisheries Management Plan and intends to release the first draft for public comment by the end of this summer.

“The goals and objectives established in the plan will guide practical management of Wisconsin’s Lake Superior fisheries to benefit the state’s citizens within the productive capacity of the resources. The public participated extensively in the making of the plan, so it will reflect the type of management desired for Lake Superior and its tributaries,” Ray said.

In December 2018 the department signed a new Lake Superior Fishing Agreement with the Red Cliff and Bad River Bands of Lake Superior Chippewa. Originally signed in 1986, this agreement has guided harvest and designated refuges, restrictive use areas, and open fishing zones. Lake trout quotas, seasons, tagging, enforcement, home-use fishing, and information exchange are also described in the agreement.

“In addition, there have been some recent personnel changes in the staff tasked with managing this unique resource and we would like to take the opportunity to introduce the public to the new staff and provide an overview of both new and core aspects of the Lake Superior management program,” Ray said.

For more information regarding Lake Superior management, contact Brad Ray at 715-779-4036 or via email at Bradley.Ray@Wisconsin.gov. To learn more about Lake Superior fishery management, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “Lake Superior fisheries management.”