DNR Outdoor Report For 8-7-2018

August 7, 2018

More than 99 percent of Wisconsin’s public water systems met safe drinking water standards in 2017

MADISON — More than 99 percent of the state’s public water systems provided water that met safe drinking water standards, according to the 2017 Annual Drinking Water Report published by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources this month.

 

Pick your favorite park for recreation activities in the 2018 Gold Seal Contest

MADISON – The 2018 Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Gold Seal Award contest is going to be a tough vote for people on many of the questions this year: with so many beautiful waterfalls how can you pick just one? Best rock formation with Wisconsin’s geological wealth? Best rail trail out of statewide system that has so many gems? Come on! Best beach in a state with 10 parks or forests on the Great Lakes and numerous beaches on some of Wisconsin’s 15,000 inland lakes?

 

Snapshot Wisconsin opens statewide August 9 – learn how to get involved today

MADISON — Snapshot Wisconsin, a 26-county network of wildlife-monitoring trail cameras, is seeking volunteers in all 72 counties as the popular program goes statewide on August 9.

 

DNR to host public hearing on draft Wisconsin River Basin water quality improvement study

MADISON — Work to improve the water quality of the Wisconsin River Basin will soon take another step forward when the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources begins accepting public comments on a draft study.

 

Regional West Nile virus monitoring effort for ruffed grouse to begin this fall

MADISON — In collaboration with the Minnesota and Michigan Departments of Natural Resources, Ruffed Grouse Society, and Wisconsin Conservation Congress, the Wisconsin Department of Natural resources will begin a multi-year monitoring program this fall looking at West Nile virus (WNV) in ruffed grouse. The DNR is asking ruffed grouse hunters for their participation in this monitoring effort. Similar to past disease monitoring efforts, the department is asking that hunters submit samples from their harvested ruffed grouse using self-sampling kits. This effort will focus on the core ruffed grouse range in the central and northern forests.

 

Wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl stamp design contest winners announced

MADISON – Eighteen talented wildlife artists submitted a total of 24 pieces of artwork for the 2019 Wisconsin wild turkey, pheasant, and waterfowl stamp design contest. Judging was held on July 20 at the Natural Resources Building in Madison. The judges for the 2019 Wisconsin Wildlife Stamp Art Contest were John Motoviloff from National Wild Turkey Federation, Burt Bushke from Wings Over Wisconsin, Bruce Urben from Wisconsin Waterfowl Association and Alex Weber from Pheasants Forever.

 

Son follows in father’s footsteps and wins for his trout stamp designs

MADISON – Ryan Rickaby dreamed of one day following in his father’s footsteps and having his artwork grace one of the state’s trout stamps. Now the avid angler has achieved that honor twice over in one year and given his father a run for his money.

 

Wisconsin DNR seeking comments on Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan

MADISON –The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking comments on a draft version of an updated statewide aquatic invasive species management plan, which is used to set management priorities within the state. The plan, originally written and approved in 2003, guides aspects of the surface water grants program and makes Wisconsin eligible for federal funding.

 

Apply by Sept. 15 for Shooting Range Grant Program

MADISON – Applications for cost-sharing grants for the construction, renovation and maintenance of both private and publicly owned shooting ranges that provide opportunities to the public at least 100 days per year are now available through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Shooting Range Grant Program.

 

DNR Conservation Wardens’ Message to ATV and UTV riders: “Wear it, Wisconsin!”

MADISON — A crash involving a utility-terrain vehicle on August 4 in Oneida County resulted in the death of a person, bringing to 14 the total number of fatalities for all-terrain and utility-terrain vehicles in Wisconsin this year and prompting wardens to remind all riders of safety steps.