Updated January 16, 2025 - 7:50 a.m.
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What's Buzzing Right Now?
#1 Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department is offering their expertise on the Natural Resource section of the Oneida County Comprehensive Plan. For access to the 2024 Plan and current DRAFT changes, please click below on the Comprehensive Plan button.
#2 The Poster and Speaking Contests are rapidly approaching. For the latest, click on the 2025 Land & Water Conservation Speaking & Poster contest tab on the left or the button below.
#3 Contractor Workshop Coming Soon - Save the Date for this Shoreline Contractor's Workshop. For details click the button below.
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Contractor Workshop Coming Soon! Save the Date for the
April 8, 2025 Shoreline Contractor's Workshop. Workshop will be held at the Arbor Vitae Town Hall in Arbor Vitae WI. Questions: Contact Quita Sheehan at [email protected] or call 715-479-3721 Save the Date!Click on the flyer to scan the code or have an agenda emailed to you.
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Big Recycling News!
Green Circle Recycling won a 2024 Recycling Excellence Award for their overall program.
In honor of America Recycles Day, the DNR is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Awards.
Wisconsin’s recycling law bans certain materials from the trash and establishes a statewide recycling program. This year, the DNR is excited to recognize 13 organizations for going beyond what is required by law.
“This year’s winners successfully implemented robust and sustainable diversion programs within their organizations and communities,” said Jennifer Semrau, DNR waste reduction and diversion coordinator. “The amount and types of waste they have saved from the landfill is truly impressive.”
In addition to landfill-banned items, which include curbside recyclables and electronics, the winners diverted many tons of food waste, furniture, plastic film and household hazardous waste for reuse or recycling.
Read more about the winners and how they are leading the way for Wisconsin in key waste areas like recycling, composting, reuse and innovation.
Wisconsin’s recycling law bans certain materials from the trash and establishes a statewide recycling program. This year, the DNR is excited to recognize 13 organizations for going beyond what is required by law.
“This year’s winners successfully implemented robust and sustainable diversion programs within their organizations and communities,” said Jennifer Semrau, DNR waste reduction and diversion coordinator. “The amount and types of waste they have saved from the landfill is truly impressive.”
In addition to landfill-banned items, which include curbside recyclables and electronics, the winners diverted many tons of food waste, furniture, plastic film and household hazardous waste for reuse or recycling.
Read more about the winners and how they are leading the way for Wisconsin in key waste areas like recycling, composting, reuse and innovation.
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Are You Interested in
Helping to Reduce Light Pollution?
Did you know that 80% of Americans cannot see the Milky Way; 35% of outdoor light is wasted, costing about 3 billion dollars to literally be lost to space; and fireflies, hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, and owls are some of the animals most affected by light pollution?
Artificial light can interrupt natural body rhythms in both humans and animals. An increased amount of light at night can lower melatonin production resulting in sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety and other problems. Studies also show that light pollution can influence animal behaviors like migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and habitat formation. Because of light pollution, sea turtles and birds guided by moonlight can become confused, lose their way and die.
Artificial light can interrupt natural body rhythms in both humans and animals. An increased amount of light at night can lower melatonin production resulting in sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety and other problems. Studies also show that light pollution can influence animal behaviors like migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and habitat formation. Because of light pollution, sea turtles and birds guided by moonlight can become confused, lose their way and die.
Insect populations, a primary source of food for birds and other animals are drawn to artificial lights and instantly killed upon contact.
Safety-related dangers that come with poor visibility at night are caused by glaring lights or bad lighting design, which allows artificial light to shine outward and upward into the sky, where it is wasted instead of focusing light downward, where it does the most good. There are simple measures we can take to make our use of nighttime lighting most effective.
To watch a presentation on this important topic, go to the INSECT DECLINE page.
Safety-related dangers that come with poor visibility at night are caused by glaring lights or bad lighting design, which allows artificial light to shine outward and upward into the sky, where it is wasted instead of focusing light downward, where it does the most good. There are simple measures we can take to make our use of nighttime lighting most effective.
- Install useful light only
- Aim the light down
- Remember that brighter isn’t always better
- Choose LEDs wisely – color does matter
- Use motion sensing lights or timers to help reduce illumination levels and save energy
- Turn off unnecessary indoor lighting at night, particularly empty office buildings
- Outdoor light fixtures that shield the light source can minimize glare and help prevent light pollution
To watch a presentation on this important topic, go to the INSECT DECLINE page.
EPA Recognizes Air Quality
In Rhinelander;
Entire State Now Meets Latest Sulfur
Dioxide Air Quality Standard
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
[email protected]
MADISON, Wis. –
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the Rhinelander area will be formally redesignated to attainment of the most recent federal air quality standard for sulfur dioxide.
Analyses of air monitoring and modeling data show that air concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the area meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standard set to protect human health and the environment. The Rhinelander area also meets all other standards for all air pollutants regulated under the National Ambient Air Quality Standard.
“People in the Rhinelander area are breathing cleaner, healthier air due to EPA’s partnership with the state of Wisconsin,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Reducing sulfur dioxide pollution in the air is especially helpful for vulnerable populations.”
This designation officially recognizes that the air quality in the Rhinelander area is meeting this health-based air quality standard. As a result, the entire state of Wisconsin now meets the latest sulfur dioxide air quality standard.
“Meeting the 2010 sulfur dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard has been a complex process involving many areas of the DNR’s Air Management Program, EPA and facilities in Wisconsin,” said Gail Good, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Acting Environmental Management Division Administrator.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is an air pollutant regulated under both the federal Clean Air Act and Wisconsin state law. The largest source of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities. Exposure to sulfur dioxide can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult. Sulfur dioxide emissions can also damage foliage and crops, form acid rain and increase haze.
Based on monitored air quality data, a portion of Oneida County near Rhinelander was designated as nonattainment of the sulfur dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard in 2013. Following this designation, the DNR’s Air Management program worked closely with the Ahlstrom-Munksjö Rhinelander paper mill, the facility primarily responsible for sulfur dioxide emissions in the area, to identify and implement new emissions control measures. As a result of these actions, the monitored sulfur dioxide concentrations decreased by over 75%, and the area’s air quality began meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standard in 2018.
“This widespread improvement in sulfur dioxide levels across the state is an air quality success story,” Good said. “Emissions of sulfur dioxide from Wisconsin sources are approximately 90% lower than 2002 levels, with most of this decline attributable to the use of cleaner-burning fuels at power plants and industrial facilities, along with the introduction of low-sulfur diesel fuels.”
[email protected]
MADISON, Wis. –
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the Rhinelander area will be formally redesignated to attainment of the most recent federal air quality standard for sulfur dioxide.
Analyses of air monitoring and modeling data show that air concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the area meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standard set to protect human health and the environment. The Rhinelander area also meets all other standards for all air pollutants regulated under the National Ambient Air Quality Standard.
“People in the Rhinelander area are breathing cleaner, healthier air due to EPA’s partnership with the state of Wisconsin,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Reducing sulfur dioxide pollution in the air is especially helpful for vulnerable populations.”
This designation officially recognizes that the air quality in the Rhinelander area is meeting this health-based air quality standard. As a result, the entire state of Wisconsin now meets the latest sulfur dioxide air quality standard.
“Meeting the 2010 sulfur dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard has been a complex process involving many areas of the DNR’s Air Management Program, EPA and facilities in Wisconsin,” said Gail Good, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Acting Environmental Management Division Administrator.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is an air pollutant regulated under both the federal Clean Air Act and Wisconsin state law. The largest source of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities. Exposure to sulfur dioxide can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult. Sulfur dioxide emissions can also damage foliage and crops, form acid rain and increase haze.
Based on monitored air quality data, a portion of Oneida County near Rhinelander was designated as nonattainment of the sulfur dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard in 2013. Following this designation, the DNR’s Air Management program worked closely with the Ahlstrom-Munksjö Rhinelander paper mill, the facility primarily responsible for sulfur dioxide emissions in the area, to identify and implement new emissions control measures. As a result of these actions, the monitored sulfur dioxide concentrations decreased by over 75%, and the area’s air quality began meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standard in 2018.
“This widespread improvement in sulfur dioxide levels across the state is an air quality success story,” Good said. “Emissions of sulfur dioxide from Wisconsin sources are approximately 90% lower than 2002 levels, with most of this decline attributable to the use of cleaner-burning fuels at power plants and industrial facilities, along with the introduction of low-sulfur diesel fuels.”
Deer Donation Program
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Hunters Encouraged To Participate in DNR's Deer Donation Program,
"Deer Donations Help Wisconsinites in Need"
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages hunters to donate Wisconsin-harvested deer through the DNR’s Deer Donation Program. The program helps stock food pantries for the upcoming holiday season and supports residents in need throughout the state.
Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated 98,000 deer, totaling over 3.9 million pounds of venison, to help Wisconsinites in need.
Wisconsin has a network of venison donation partners, including county land and water conservation departments, food pantries, charitable organizations, USDA - Wildlife Services, and participating meat processors, who all help implement and administer the program.
“This is a great opportunity for hunters to showcase their sportsmanship and help individuals in their local communities facing food insecurity,” said DNR program administrator Grace Nugent. According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, more than 900,000 Wisconsin residents received food assistance in 2022. “There is a big demand for venison provided through the Deer Donation Program, and we are hopeful hunters will continue to donate their deer and help those in need.”
Hunters interested in donating a Wisconsin-harvested deer to the DNR’s Deer Donation Program should follow these steps:
Visit Wisconsin’s Deer Donation Program webpage to learn more about the program.
"Deer Donations Help Wisconsinites in Need"
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages hunters to donate Wisconsin-harvested deer through the DNR’s Deer Donation Program. The program helps stock food pantries for the upcoming holiday season and supports residents in need throughout the state.
Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated 98,000 deer, totaling over 3.9 million pounds of venison, to help Wisconsinites in need.
Wisconsin has a network of venison donation partners, including county land and water conservation departments, food pantries, charitable organizations, USDA - Wildlife Services, and participating meat processors, who all help implement and administer the program.
“This is a great opportunity for hunters to showcase their sportsmanship and help individuals in their local communities facing food insecurity,” said DNR program administrator Grace Nugent. According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, more than 900,000 Wisconsin residents received food assistance in 2022. “There is a big demand for venison provided through the Deer Donation Program, and we are hopeful hunters will continue to donate their deer and help those in need.”
Hunters interested in donating a Wisconsin-harvested deer to the DNR’s Deer Donation Program should follow these steps:
- Field dress the deer.
- Register the deer through GameReg. Please note the registration confirmation number and keep it on hand when dropping off the deer.
- Test the deer for CWD before taking the deer to a processor if harvested from a CWD-affected county. A list of CWD sampling locations is available on the DNR’s Sampling For Chronic Wasting Disease webpage.
- Call ahead. Contact a participating processor before dropping off the deer to make sure they have space to accept it. More processors may be added later in the season, so check back if you don’t see one currently in your area.
- Bring the deer to the processor. If donating a deer being tested for CWD, inform the processor and provide the CWD barcode number. The processor will not distribute the deer until the results are known.
Visit Wisconsin’s Deer Donation Program webpage to learn more about the program.
"The Perfect Pollinator Garden is
Perfect for Birds Too!"
Workshop aired Saturday, June 26, 2021 - 6:00 p.m.
Make Your Habitat Count: Add To
Wisconsin's Tally
Monarch caterpillars eat only milkweed. Swamp milkweed, butterfly milkweed and common milkweed are Wisconsin milkweed species known to be used by monarchs and easy to establish. Photo Credit: Becky Roth
Once you've planted milkweed and other native plants benefitting pollinators, help make that habitat count.
Enter it into the HabiTally application, now available for smart phones using Android and iOS operating systems. Download it from Google Play* or the Apple* App store.
The Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative, of which DNR is a partner, encourages people to add their habitat to HabiTally, so it counts towards the 20-year goal of 120 million new stems of milkweed in a mix of wildflowers.
That goal is Wisconsin's contribution to restoring Midwestern breeding habitat for the eastern population of monarch butterflies that overwinters in Mexico.
Enter it into the HabiTally application, now available for smart phones using Android and iOS operating systems. Download it from Google Play* or the Apple* App store.
The Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative, of which DNR is a partner, encourages people to add their habitat to HabiTally, so it counts towards the 20-year goal of 120 million new stems of milkweed in a mix of wildflowers.
That goal is Wisconsin's contribution to restoring Midwestern breeding habitat for the eastern population of monarch butterflies that overwinters in Mexico.
*Use of brand names is for educational purposes and does not promote the endorsement of one brand over any other.
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UMISC PRESENTATION IS AVAILABLE NOW! Click on the title below "BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PRESENTATION" 
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Got Buckthorn?
Get rid of it!
Click the button below to find out how.
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Neonictonoids: Toxic Effects On Pollinators
In 1962, Rachel Carson published The Silent Spring which was a warning of the dangers of a revolutionary new pesticide DDT. She had noticed that in the 1950's and 1960's it was responsible for, among other things, the crashing of bird populations. DDT was banned in the United States in 1972 but it appears that history is repeating itself and we are fast approaching a time when it might be said, "The summer afternoons are strangely silent when they were once filled with the gentle buzzing of bees." A film documentary called 'Rachel Carson' produced by American Experience may be seen on Amazon Prime.
The culprit this time is another revolutionary group of pesticides called neonicotinoids ('neonics' for short). They were first introduced in the 1990's and are currently the world's most widely used insecticide. Over 140 different crops including soy, corn wheat, cotton, legumes, potatoes, sugar beets, sunflowers, rapeseed and flax are treated with neonics.
A Potent Neurotoxin
Neonics are neurotoxins designed to attack an insect's central nervous system causing paralysis and eventually death. There were designed specifically to target agricultural pests such as vine weevils, aphids, whiteflies, Colorado potato beetles and termites. The damage they have caused over the last two decades to other insects, including bees, has been devastating.
Chronic Effects On Bees
Scientific evidence collected over the last decade or so proves that neonics produce numerous chronic symptoms in bees such as:
☆ Interfering with their navigation systems
☆ Disrupting their foraging behavior
☆ Disrupting their ability to communicate
☆ Impairing their immune systems
☆ Reducing reproductive success
☆ Residues in nests of solitary bees may be linked to fewer egg cells.
Read More
The culprit this time is another revolutionary group of pesticides called neonicotinoids ('neonics' for short). They were first introduced in the 1990's and are currently the world's most widely used insecticide. Over 140 different crops including soy, corn wheat, cotton, legumes, potatoes, sugar beets, sunflowers, rapeseed and flax are treated with neonics.
A Potent Neurotoxin
Neonics are neurotoxins designed to attack an insect's central nervous system causing paralysis and eventually death. There were designed specifically to target agricultural pests such as vine weevils, aphids, whiteflies, Colorado potato beetles and termites. The damage they have caused over the last two decades to other insects, including bees, has been devastating.
Chronic Effects On Bees
Scientific evidence collected over the last decade or so proves that neonics produce numerous chronic symptoms in bees such as:
☆ Interfering with their navigation systems
☆ Disrupting their foraging behavior
☆ Disrupting their ability to communicate
☆ Impairing their immune systems
☆ Reducing reproductive success
☆ Residues in nests of solitary bees may be linked to fewer egg cells.
Read More
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