We All Play A Part In Reducing Food Waste
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Household food waste is taking up more space in our landfills than ever before. This isn’t good, because it not only unnecessarily takes up space, it also contributes heavily to the production of methane, one of the main contributors to global warming. The summer issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine gives you an in-depth look into food waste in Wisconsin.
But don’t despair – there are simple actions you take, starting today, to help combat this. We’ve outlined six here for you. Besides shopping smartly to reduce food waste from the start, composting food scraps is also a big help in the food waste fight. Get started here – whether you live in a house, a condo or an apartment.
Individuals And Groups Honored For Work To Control Invasive Species
Winners of the 2022 Invasive Species Council Invader Crusader Awards were announced earlier this week.
The Invader Crusader award winners are selected by the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council as part of Invasive Species Action Month in June. The governor-appointed council advises the DNR and the state legislature on invasive species issues. Each year, the council honors Invader Crusaders: Individuals, groups or organizations who have made significant contributions to prevent, monitor or control invasive species that can harm Wisconsin’s ecosystems, economy and in some cases, public health.
Nominations come from residents and organizations, and awards are given in several categories. The list of 2022 Invader Crusader Award winners and the organizations they volunteer or work for are now available on the Wisconsin DNR website.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR |
Reminder: Life Jackets Required For Standup Paddleboarders
As you head out on the water this summer, please remember that standup paddleboarders in Wisconsin are required to have wearable life jackets of the appropriate sizes for each on board. Those age 12 and younger must wear their life jackets while paddling on federally managed waters.
Wearing a life jacket makes smart safety sense for all paddlers regardless of age or the law of the water.
Federal, State Life Jacket Regulations
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations require each paddler age 12 and younger to wear their correct-size life jacket when on federally controlled waters. In Wisconsin, federal waters include Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Green Bay, Mississippi River and the St. Croix River.
While state law only requires the appropriate-size, wearable life jacket be on board with each paddler, the easiest way to carry the life-saving device is to wear it. DNR conservation wardens will check paddlers for the required lifejackets.
An accident can happen without a warning. The majority of people who drown know how to swim but become incapacitated in the water. Learn more finding the right life jacket on the DNR website.
Paddler Safety Tips
- Stay sober.
- Take a standup paddleboarding safety course through the American Canoe Association.
- Paddle with a pal and let a third party know when and where you’re heading.
- Check the weather and know the wind direction.
- Match your outing with your skills. Steer clear of waterbodies with lots of traffic as waves will make for a bumpy, possible dangerous outing for you.
- Get a dry bag for energy bars, sunscreen, first aid items, waterproof flashlight and a waterproof holder for a cell phone.
- Wear a whistle.
- Wear an ankle leash in the event you fall off.
Photo Credit:iStock/FOTOGRAFIA INC. |
Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing Application Deadline – Aug. 1
The deadline to apply for an Upriver Lakes sturgeon spearing tag is Aug. 1.
Due to a higher success rate on the Upriver Lakes, only 500 license holders will be selected to spear a sturgeon from lakes Poygan, Winneconne or Butte des Morts during the 2023 sturgeon spearing season.
License holders must apply for a license or purchase a preference point to harvest a sturgeon from the Upriver Lakes. Spearing licenses are then issued through a drawing where priority is granted to applications with the most preference points. Those not selected earn a preference point for future drawings.
Applicants will be notified of whether they received the authorization to purchase an Upriver Lakes sturgeon spearing license by Oct. 1, 2022.
An unlimited number of sturgeon spearing licenses are available for the Lake Winnebago spear fishery and can be purchased until Oct. 31, 2022. Applicants authorized for an Upriver Lakes license cannot purchase a license for Lake Winnebago.
Resident and nonresident licenses are available for purchase online through the DNR’s Go Wild license portal or at any license sales location. All license holders must be a minimum of 12-years-old or turning 12-years-old between Nov. 1, 2022, and the last day of the season.
The 2023 Winnebago System sturgeon spearing season will begin on Feb. 11, 2023, on Lake Winnebago, Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts. The season will run for a maximum of 16 days or until any of the annual biologically based harvest caps are reached.
Visit the DNR’s sturgeon spearing webpage to learn more about the sturgeon spearing season and the Winnebago System and Upriver Lakes fisheries. |
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