Wisconsin has teamed with Michigan and Minnesota in a new public service announcement to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
The campaign is part of regional efforts to pool resources and more efficiently protect the Great Lakes and inland waters from new invaders, according to state environmental officials.
"Stopping aquatic invasive species is all about shutting down pathways and it must be a focus for our nation, the Great Lakes region and Wisconsin," said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources water administrator Russ Rasmussen. "This is something we can all unite behind. Together, we can work smarter, more efficiently, and more effectively to achieve our common goals."
The DNR listed the following examples of recent regional collaboration:
■ Wisconsin and other states are working together to apply for federal funding to develop an interstate effort to systematically look for, and respond to, early signs of new invasive species within the Great Lakes themselves. Federal agencies like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency now have some monitoring efforts underway, but the states aim to increase the level of monitoring of the Great Lakes.
■ Late last month, Gov. Scott Walker and counterparts from other Great Lakes states signed a mutual aid agreement committing the states to share staff and equipment to respond quickly to serious threats to the basin from aquatic invasive species and to encourage more cooperative actions to combat aquatic invasive species.
■ Earlier this spring, Wisconsin and other states called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to implement immediate interim steps to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes and committed themselves to work together to reach a consensus for long-term actions.
The new regional efforts are aimed at protecting these regionally important waters from Asian carp and other new invasive species and by default, will better protect states' inland waters as well, said Bob Wakeman, DNR's aquatic invasive species coordinator.
Since the 1800s, more than 180 aquatic invasive species have been documented in the Great Lakes, and 30 of those species have been spread to Wisconsin inland waters. Wisconsin research has shown that boaters are the primary way that aquatic invasive species spread from one water to another.
Fishing: The Wisconsin Alliance of Bass Tournament Anglers will hold a fishing outing and fundraiser for Wounded Warriors in Action on June 14 on Pewaukee Lake. The event will include a fishing outing for military veterans and a fundraiser at Gina's Sports Dock in Pewaukee. The fundraiser starts at 2 p.m. and will include raffles, auctions and a live band. Visit http://www.wabta.org/and http://www.woundedwarriorsinaction.org/for more information.
■ Orvis, in partnership with Trout Unlimited, will present free fly-fishing clinics at the Milwaukee Orvis store in Bayshore Mall. The classes are designed for beginning fly anglers or those desiring a refresher. All equipment and instruction will be provided. The classes will run from 9-11:30 a.m. on the following Saturdays and Sundays: May 31; June 7, 14 and 15. Call the Orvis store (414) 963-8709 to reserve a space or for more information.
Archery: Racine Instinctive Bowmen will host Shooter's Outdoor 3-D Classic archery shoot June 7 and 8 at the club's facility, 14403 50th Road, Sturtevant. The shoot will take place on 3-D targets placed on wooded, outdoor ranges. The event will include awards in various divisions, novelty shoots, raffles and door prizes. Registration is from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Open to all shooting styles and equipment except crossbows and broadheads. For additional information, visit www.ribarchery.comor call (262) 835-4975.
■Kenosha Bowmen invites the public to an archery shoot June 21 and 22 on its outdoor range, 15211 75th St., Bristol. The club is normally open only to members. The shooting fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and under. Archery equipment is available for use. Hours of the open shoot are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information call (262) 857-9908 or email email@example.com.
Trap and archery shoot: The Milwaukee Casting Club will host a trap and archery shoot and open house Saturday and next Sunday at the club's facility, 18200 W. Cleveland Ave., New Berlin. Saturday will include a pig roast starting at 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.milwaukeecastingclub.com or call (414) 750-7971.
Conservation banquet: The South Suburban Chapter of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association will hold its ninth annual fund-raising banquet June 2 at Classic Lanes, 7501 S. Howell Ave., Oak Creek. The event includes raffles, auctions and dinner. Doors open at 5 p.m., and dinner is at 7. For more information, visit http://www.wisducks.org/or call Jimmy Olszewski at (414) 764-2441.
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- May 14, 2016 | DNR offers funds to help groups monitor state's resources
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On the Trail Blog
Journal Sentinel outdoors editor Paul A. Smith offers news, notes and perspective on the great outdoors.
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