The World Resources Institute recently hosted a webinar to announce the publication of their "Water Quality Targeting Success Stories" (pdf).
"This report shows how projects in agriculturally influenced watersheds encouraged farmers to voluntarily adopt conservation practices and documented the resulting improvements in water quality. It features six successful projects. The report details how the projects achieved their results and explores how federal conservation programs can be improved to replicate this success."
A local example from the Pleasant Valley Branch describes how farmers and conservation partners worked together to develop a targeted approach to improving water quality. The implementation of numerous conservation and restoration practices generated a 55 percent decrease in phosphorus in stream during storm events.
Draft TMDL
WDNR
has finalized responses to comments on the draft TMDL and
is completing legal/regulatory review. As soon as this process is
complete, the full TMDL package will be submitted to USEPA. All comments will be included
and available for public review.
TMDL Implementation
Following submittal of the final TMDL package,
we will be scheduling the next Milwaukee River Basin TMDL Implementation
meeting. In the interim, staff are continuing to work with our basin
partners throughout the MRB TMDL basin region. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact local DNR staff or sector team leaders. Their
contact information is in the lower left section of this newsletter, under
"DNR Contacts".
La Crosse Seed is hosting a free webinar on herbicide use and how it fits in crop rotations. Scott Wohltman, Agronomist and Cover Crop Lead for La Crosse Seed, will discuss the latest information on herbicide carryover and rotational restrictions. No-tillers will learn:
- Herbicide families and how each class works within the plant
- What chemistries cause the most concern for summer and fall cover crop seeding
- Forage considerations from late summer herbicide applications
- Spring burndown takeaways — what works and which species require more management.
Scott’s presentation will be followed by a Q&A. This webinar has been approved for 1 CCA Integrated Pest Management CEU.
An action-packed classroom training for teachers and volunteers will be offered by Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom on Thursday, July 6. Teachers of all grade levels and subject areas including home school parents and volunteers are encouraged to attend. Learn more about this great opportunity!
|
Twenty-one Wisconsin organizations, local governments and projects will share a combined $85,000 contribution from the Department of Natural Resources to expand volunteer efforts to help monitor Wisconsin's natural resources.
This funding is part of the Citizen-based Monitoring Partnership Program, through which DNR has supported 261 high-priority monitoring projects since 2004. Sponsoring organizations typically contribute nearly $4 in donated time and money for every $1 the state provides toward these projects. Read more...
With the spring breeding season beginning for many Wisconsin turtle species, Department of Natural Resources conservation biologists are once again asking citizens to submit their observations of where turtles and other wildlife are found crossing roads.
"In a little over four years, more than 1,000 citizens have reported 1,021 turtle road crossings throughout Wisconsin," says Andrew Badje, a DNR conservation biologist who coordinates the Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program. "These reports have helped us identify problem areas throughout the state so we can work with road agencies to take steps to make these sites safer for motorists and less deadly for turtles."
Citizen reports help DNR staff identify problem areas throughout Wisconsin. In addition, site history data helps the department collaborate on relevant projects with road agencies across the state.
|
The city of Cedarburg voted to join the Mid-Moraine Water Quality Collective at its May 8 meeting. The Collective was formed in 2014 to provide a collaborative approach to plan water quality and stormwater solutions using shared data, best practices, research and more.
The spring issue of "Wisconsin Lakesider"
is now available. Check it out for the most current happenings in the Milwaukee Harbor/Estuary Area of Concern, including the Sturgeon Fest on Sept 30.
|
La Crosse, Friday, June 23, 8 am-3:15 pm (Breakfast & registration begins at 8 am). Lunch and transportation will be provided
Registration: $99 (includes breakfast, lunch, 5 CE/PDH, and learning materials)
Download/print event Agenda/Map and registration form
Save the Date for our next Training
Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2017
Waukesha, WI
The two day course is designed for those who perform site management duties, supervise or direct construction activities, install best management practices, and/ or inspect sites for compliance relating to erosion/sediment control and storm water management. This course will cover permit requirements, roles and responsibilities, construction site erosion control plans, and best management practices to reduce or control erosion and offsite sedimentation.
|
WDNR staf continue to field numerous questions concerning the multi-discharger variance (MDV). Answers to many of these questions have been complied into the MDV factsheet [PDF]. The MDV Implementation Guidance [PDF] provides
comprehensive details on the program. Note, for the most current information, visit the MDV website to learn more about;
|
|
