Headed to the beach? Visitors can check current
water quality conditions at more than 100 of Wisconsin’s Great Lakes beaches
and 100 more of the state’s inland beach areas on the Wisconsin Beach Health website, www.wibeaches.us. In addition to beach advisories,
there also are maps and details on beach testing. More about
Wisconsin beaches also is available on the DNR site, dnr.wi.gov, keyword
“beaches.”
 Taking care of turtles
If you see a turtle crossing the road, the Wisconsin Turtle
Conservation Program would like to know about it to help cut down
on turtle mortalities. From May through July, female turtles cross roads
in search of suitable nesting areas, and getting run over by cars is a leading
cause of declining turtle numbers -- especially where highly traveled roads divide turtle habitat. Reports of
road-crossing hotspots are vital in safeguarding turtles. "The loss of even one adult female can have a large
effect on future population numbers," said Andrew Badje, who coordinates the turtle conservation program for DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation Bureau. That's especially true in species like the wood turtle
and Blanding's turtle, which can take up to 20 years to reach reproductive
age. Identifying turtle hotspots can help mitigate
deadly crossing areas, as noted in “Tunnel Vision,” a December story in
Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine about a project from the DNR, state DOT
and UW-Stevens Point. For more on the turtle program and
how to report sightings, check wiatri.net/inventory/witurtles.
|
 No fireworks in state parks
With Independence Day just around the corner, visitors to state parks and forests should keep in mind that
fireworks are illegal at these properties and citations may be issued. Sparklers and “snakes,” though not
considered illegal fireworks under state law, are discouraged in parks because
they are a fire hazard. For more information on
fireworks, including air quality and health issues, see dnr.wi.gov, keyword
"fireworks."
|
Parks sticker winner selected
A student at Slinger High School has submitted the winning design in the 2019 Wisconsin State Parks admission sticker contest. Rory Macha’s drawing will be printed next year on annual vehicle admission stickers, required for entry to state parks, recreation areas and some state forest and trail parking areas. Stickers cost $28 for Wisconsin residents or $38 for nonresidents. Macha's winner was chosen from more than 250 entries and works well with the park system’s new OutWiGo initiative, encouraging wellness in Wisconsin’s great outdoors. "This design is a great fit,” parks system director Ben Bergey said. In second place was Rachel Slaybaugh of Jefferson High School and in third place was Jocelyn Sveum of Mount Horeb High School. To see top entries, check dnr.wi.gov, keyword "contest."
|
|
|
