May 14, 2021

DOUGLAS COUNTY LAND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Tuesday, May 18, 2021, 10:00 a.m. Government Center, Boardroom 201 1316 North 14th Street, Superior, Wisconsin OR JOIN BY PHONE: (US) +1 252-584-0118 PIN: 782 923 307# OR VIDEO: https://meet.google.com/ffx-amnz-oki

*Due to COVID-19 concerns, members of the committee and public may attend the meeting remotely.

Please call the Chair or County Clerk’s Office (715-395-1569) if you are unable to attend.

MEMBERS: Sue Hendrickson, Chair Mary Lou Bergman, Vice Chair Kathryn McKenzie Larry Luostari Jim Soyring, FSA Wendy Bong

AMENDED A G E N D A (Committee to maintain a two-hour meeting limit or take action to continue meeting beyond that time.)

1. Roll call. 2. Approval of minutes from the March 16, 2021, meeting (attached). 3. Presentation: Manure storage facilities – Nathan Johnstad, Stacy Dehne, Jane Anklam. 4. Action items: a. Recommend creation of committee to review Ordinance #8.15 – Douglas County Animal Manure Storage (attached); b. Support creation of agriculture enterprise area(s) in Douglas County (attached); c. Wildlife Damage and Abatement Program: 1. Report; and 2. Resolution (attached). d. Aquatic Invasive Species Strategic Plan approval (attached); e. Environmental Reserve Fund: 1. Funding requests: a. $600 for 2021 rain barrel project (attached); b. $200 for Minong Flowage drawdown, including letter of support (attached); and c. $1,002.86 for Pleasant View Road community well abandonment (attached). 2. Application revision (attached). f. Grant account creation (attached): 1. Superior Bay and Pickle Pond Yellow Iris Response – 61429; and 2. Butterfly Dock Project – 61431. g. Great Lakes Committee Grant for AIS cleaning stations approval (attached). 5. Informational items: a. Recycling agricultural plastics (attached);

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b. Land Conservation 2021 Annual Work Plan (attached); c. Grants: 1. Soil and Water Resource Management (attached); and 2. Nutrient Management Farmer Education (attached). d. 2020 Land+Water annual report (attached); e. 38th annual spring biosolids symposium scholarship report (attached); and f. Allouez Bay restoration (attached). 6. Future agenda items – St. Croix River Alliance Invasive Species Coordinator, Katie Sickmann. 7. Adjournment. cc: Ann Doucette Ashley Vande Voort Zach DeVoe Cameron Bertsch Sue Sandvick Douglas County Website County Board Supervisors Other interested parties

NOTE: Attachments to agenda are available in County Clerk’s Office for review or copying. Action may be taken on any item listed on the agenda. The County of Douglas complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you are in need of an accommodation to participate in the public meeting process, please contact the Douglas County Clerk’s Office at (715) 395- 1341 by 4:00 p.m. on the day prior to the scheduled meeting. Douglas County will attempt to accommodate any request, depending on the amount of notice we receive.

Posted: Courthouse, Government Center, Superior Telegram, Superior Public Library

5/13/21 ______Name Date

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DOUGLAS COUNTY LAND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 10:00 a.m. Government Center, Boardroom 201 1316 N. 14th Street, Superior, Wisconsin

Meeting called to order by Chair Sue Hendrickson.

ROLL CALL: Present – Sue Hendrickson, Wendy Bong, Jim Soyring (remote), Kathryn McKenzie (remote). Absent – Mary Lou Bergman, Larry Luostari. Others present – Karina Heim (remote), Erin Brukett (remote), Megan Hogfeldt (remote), Jane Anklam (remote), Shelley Nelson (remote), Zach Stewart (remote), Shelley Nelson (remote), Ashley Vande Voort, Kaci Lundgren, Committee Clerk.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Bong, second Soyring, to approve minutes from the November 17, 2020, meeting. Motion carried.

PRESENTATIONS: Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (LSNERR), Karina Heim (Coastal Training Program Coordinator, LSNERR): 29 national reserves exist across the nation to do research, provide education and encourage partnerships.

Lake Superior Collaborative, Erin Brukett (Lake Superior Outreach Specialist, UW- Madison, Extension): Based out of Ashland, Wisconsin, the Lake Superior Collaborative promotes networking and projects across a variety of agencies and organizations. Brukett is focused on improving communications, branding the collaborative, and providing training opportunities.

Smart Salting Program, Megan Hogfeldt (Water Resources Specialist, City of Superior): Outreach opportunities at neighborhood events help educate citizens on the importance of salting smart. Chloride levels rise the more salt used, which has a negative impact on the environment and way of life. The Wisconsin Saltwise Program offers free training opportunities.

ACTION ITEMS: Wildlife Damage and Abatement Program: Report: Included with agenda; reviewed. State legislation may eliminate county participation in program and will be administered by another agency.

Cooperative Service Agreement: Bear relocation contract cost for 2021 is $3,028.03; this provides service for bear removal in Douglas County.

ACTION: Motion by McKenzie, second Bong, to approve agreement as presented. Motion carried.

International Dark Skies Initiative Letter of Support: A Solon Springs citizen is seeking dark sky designation for a southern portion of Douglas County. Efforts would be taken to maintain minimum lighting to meet the requirements of the program. It may attract tourists and others who like viewing and photographing the night sky.

ACTION: Motion by Bong, second McKenzie, to approve letter of support. Motion carried.

Land Conservation Committee 3/16/21 Page 1 of 3

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Surface Water Grant for Bois Brule River Cattail and Yellow Iris Early Detection and Rapid Response Project: Grant will help make AIS a priority and control its spread; $4,000 in cash has been secured to match funding.

ACTION: Motion by Bong, second McKenzie, to approve grant application. Motion carried.

Invasive Species Project Funding: Clough Island: Buckthorn control project; funds from DNR with Bayfield County performing the tasks within the scope of work.

Purple Loosestrife: Funds from DNR with DNR employee performing the tasks.

AIS Bridge Funding: Additional funding from DNR may exist to establish a sustainable AIS program.

ACTION: Motion by Bong, second McKenzie, to approve funding projects through DNR sources as presented. Motion carried.

Creation of Full-time Position: Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist at Pay Grade J: Position needed to address AIS concerns throughout county. AIS can cause significant damage to fisheries and ecosystems, which may affect tourism, small businesses, recreation and property value. A position review by McGrath recommended classification to an AIS Specialist at pay grade J. The annual cost including support costs is $65,157. The proposed funding is $33,729 base funding from Douglas County; $31,425 outside funding for remaining costs, annually.

ACTION (REFERRAL): Motion by McKenzie, second Bong, to recommend creation of full-time AIS Specialist position at pay grade J with funding sources as presented and refer to Zoning Committee. Motion carried.

Capital Project Request: $10,000 Request for Groundwater Program: 2020 funding not yet used due to COVID-19; will be combined for a larger sampling effort. Areas of county where samples have not been collected will be target.

ACTION (REFERRAL): Motion by Bong, second McKenzie, to approve request to fund Groundwater Program out of the 2021 capital improvement fund and refer to Administrator and Administration/Executive Committees. Motion carried.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: DNR Allouez Bay Project: Project will focus on migratory birds and wild rice restoration.

Youth Poster Contest: Both posters selected from Douglas County made it to the state finals.

Nutrient Management Farmer Education Training: Through DATCP funding, a training was held for farmers to learn how to compose a Nutrient Management Plan; a second training will be held this summer.

Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Including PFAs testing in water well samples is too costly at $425.

Capital Project Funds: Request made to fund Groundwater Program.

Land Conservation Committee 3/16/21 Page 2 of 3

9-Key Element Plan: Grant did not fit overall expense of program. City interested in combining efforts; may consider contracting out program due to time constraints.

Douglas County Comprehensive Plan Draft: Draft available on county website to review.

2021 Youth Camps: Cancelled due to COVID-19.

Environmental Reserve Fund: Summary included with agenda. Monies underspent in 2020 due to cancellation of youth camps. Funds to be used for one-time projects rather than annual needs. May use funds beyond interest accrual, but suggested to not go below $300,000 balance.

ACTION: Motion by Bong, second McKenzie, to extend meeting beyond two-hour limit. Motion carried.

Staff Report: Envirothon is a virtual high school competition on environmental topics; no Douglas County schools participate. A recent permit request for manure storage piqued enforcement concerns; to consider ordinance amendments. Agricultural plastics used for silage are difficult to recycle or dispose of; local cleansweep efforts may offer opportunity.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Agricultural focused presentation.

ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Bong, second McKenzie, to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 12:13 p.m.

Submitted by,

Kaci Lundgren, Committee Clerk

Land Conservation Committee 3/16/21 Page 3 of 3 8.15 DOUGLAS COUNTY ANIMAL MANURE STORAGE ORDINANCE

THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF DOUGLAS DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION I. AUTHORITY AND APPLICABILITY

This Ordinance is adopted under authority granted by §92.16, Wisconsin Statutes and applies to the entire geographical areas of Douglas County and to all animal manure storage facilities constructed therein. The provisions of this Ordinance shall be held to be minimum requirements and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other power granted by the Wisconsin Statutes.

SECTION II. PURPOSE AND FINDINGS AND DECLARATION OF POLICY

2.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Ordinance is to regulate the location, design, construction, installation, operation, alteration and use of animal manure storage facilities, as well as abandonment and the application of manure from these facilities in order to prevent water pollution and thereby protect the health of Douglas County residents and transients; prevent the spread of disease; and promote the prosperity and general welfare of the citizens of Douglas County. It is also intended to provide for the administration and enforcement of this Ordinance and to provide penalties for its violation.

2.2 Findings and Declaration of Policy

The Douglas County Board of Supervisors finds that storage of animal manure in storage facilities not meeting the technical design and construction standards may cause pollution of the surface and ground waters of Douglas County, and may result in actual or potential harm to the health of County residents and transients; to livestock, aquatic life and other animals and plants; and to the property tax base of Douglas County. The Douglas County Board of Supervisors also finds that improper management of animal manure storage facilities, and utilization, including land application of stored animal manure, may cause pollution of the ground and surface waters of Douglas County.

The Douglas County Board of Supervisors further finds that the technical standards issued by the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service and developed with the assistance of the Interagency Standards Oversight Committee provide effective, practical, and environmentally safe methods of storing and utilizing animal manure. SECTION III. DEFINITIONS

3.1 For the purpose of this ordinance, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted or defined as follows:

(1) Abandonment. A livestock waste storage facility that is no longer being used for its intended purpose and has not received any animal wastes for a period of two consecutive years.

(2) Animal Manure. Excretion from livestock, poultry and other materials, such as bedding, rain or other water, soil, hair, feathers, and other debris normally included in animal manure handling operations.

(3) Animal Manure Storage Facility. Both fabricated and earthen facilities as herein defined.

(4) Animal Unit. A unit of measure to determine the total number of single animal types or combination of animal types, as specified in NR243, which are fed, confined, maintained, or stabled in an animal feeding operation.

(5) Applicant. Any person who applies for a permit under this Ordinance.

(6) Discontinuance of Use. A farming operation that has removed the livestock units that were principally using the animal manure storage facility must empty that animal manure storage facility within one hundred twenty (120) days or when land becomes fit based on weather conditions and at such time as the animal manure may be utilized following the nutrient management plan for that farm.

(7) Earthen Animal Manure Storage Facility. A structure above or below grade, excavated or constructed of earth beams or dikes, or utilizing pits, depressions or ponds, which may be lined with earth, nonstructural concrete, or a flexible membrane material, to contain animal manure and associated liquids for storage for a period of thirty (30) or more days or that has the capacity to store 5,000 cubic feet of more of animal manure.

(8) Fabricated Animal Manure Storage Facility. A concrete, steel, or otherwise fabricated storage of animal manure with one or more walls to contain manure and associated liquids for a period of thirty (30) or more days or that has the capacity to store 5,000 cubic feet or more of animal manure.

(9) High Ground Water Level. The higher of either the elevation to which the soil is saturated as observed as a free water surface in an unlined hole, or the elevation to which the soil has been seasonally or periodically saturated as indicated by soil redoximorphic features throughout the soil profile.

(10) LWCD: Land and Water Conservation Department of Douglas County.

(11) Nutrient Management Plan. Written plan detailing the amount, form, placement, and timing of application of plant nutrients, including animal manure.

(12) Permit. The signed, written statement issued by the Douglas County Land and Water Conservation Department under this Ordinance authorizing the applicant to construct, abandon, install, enlarge, or substantially alter an animal manure storage facility and to use or dispose of manure from the facility.

(13) Permitee. Any person to whom a permit is issued under this Ordinance.

(14) Person. Any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, agency, unincorporated association, municipal corporation, county, or State agency within Wisconsin, the Federal government, or any combination thereof.

(15) Substantially altered. A change initiated by an owner or operator that results in a relocation of a structure or facility or significant changes to the size, depth, or configuration of a structure or facility including:

(a) Replacement of a liner in a manure storage structure.

(b) An increase in the volumetric capacity or area of a structure or facility by greater than 20%.

(c) A change in a structure or facility related to a change in livestock management from one species of livestock to another such as cattle to poultry. NR 151.015(20) Wisc. Admin. Code.

(16) Technical Guide. The United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Guide, as adopted by the Douglas County Land and Water Conservation Committee and the Department of Land and Water Conservation, which provides standards incorporated in this Ordinance.

(17) Technical Standard 312. “Waste Management System” A planned system in which all necessary components are installed for managing liquid and solid waste, including runoff from concentrated waste areas, in a manner that does not degrade air, soil, or water resources.

(18) Technical Standard 313. “Waste Storage Facility” is a practice standard within the Technical Guide that covers the proper location, design, construction, installation, alteration, operation and maintenance of a manure storage facility.

(19) Technical Standard 360. “Waste Facility Closure” is a practice standard within the Technical Guide that covers decommissioning of facilities, and/or the rehabilitation of contaminated soil, in an environmentally safe manner, where agricultural waste has been handled, treated, and/or stored and is no longer used for the intended purpose.

(20) Technical Standard 590. “Nutrient Management” is a practice standard within the Technical Guide that covers managing the amount, form, placement and timing of plant nutrients associated with organic wastes (manure and organic by-products), commercial fertilizers, legume crops and crop residues.

(21) Technical Standard 634. “Manure Transfer” is a practice standard within the Technical Guide that covers the design, material types and quality, and installation of components such as conduits, pumps, valves and other structures or devices to transfer manure and waste from buildings and yards and other sources to storage, loading areas, crop fields and other destinations. The standard establishes the minimum acceptable requirements for design, construction, and operation of waste transfer system components.

(22) Temporary Manure Stack. An uncontained deposit of animal waste, placed on an earthen, concrete, or other surface necessary to facility daily or periodic land spreading.

(23) Water Pollution. Contaminating or rendering unclean or impure the ground or surface waters of the State, or making the same injurious to public health, harmful for commercial or recreational use, or deleterious to fish, bird, animal, or plant life.

SECTION IV. ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO REGULATION

4.1 General Requirement

Any person who designs, constructs, installs, reconstructs, abandons or makes changes to an animal manure storage facility resulting in its being substantially altered; or who employs another person to do the same, on land subject to this Ordinance, shall be subject to the provisions of this Ordinance.

4.2 Compliance with Permit Requirements

A person is in compliance with this Ordinance if he or she follows the procedures of this Ordinance, receives a permit from the LWCD before beginning activities subject to regulation under this Ordinance, and complies with the requirements of the permit.

SECTION V. STANDARDS

5.1 Standards for Animal Manure Waste Storage Facilities.

The standards for design and construction of animal waste storage facilities are those in Standards 312 (Waste Management System) 313 (Waste Storage Facility) 360 (Closure of Waste Impoundments) and 634 (Manure Transfer) of the USDA-NRCS Technical Guide.

5.2 Standards for Nutrient Management Plan

The standards for a nutrient management plan shall be as provided in Section IV of the Technical Guide, Standard 590, including any and all existing and future standards amended thereto.

5.3 Subsequent Modification of Standards.

The standards of the Technical Guide are adopted and by reference made a part of this Ordinance as if fully set forth. Any future amendment, revision or modification of the standards incorporated herein are made a part of this Ordinance.

5.4 Human Household Wastewater Prohibited.

Human household wastewater shall not be discharged into animal manure storage facilities unless provided for through other permitting process outside of this Ordinance.

SECTION VI. APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF PERMITS

6.1 Permit Required

Except as provided below, no person may undertake an activity subject to this Ordinance without obtaining a permit from the LWCD prior to beginning the proposed activity.

Note: DNR and other permits may be needed for construction site erosion control and stormwater management, floodplain and shoreland construction, and livestock facilities with 1,000 or more animal units.

6.2 Exception to Permit Requirements

Emergency repairs such as repairing a broken pipe or equipment, leaking dikes, or the removal of stoppages may be performed without a permit. If repairs will significantly alter the original design and construction of the facility, a report shall be made to the LWCD within two (2) work days of the emergency for a determination by the LWCD on whether a permit will be required for any additional alteration or repair to the facility. Pre-existing waste storage facilities, except where the facility is substantially altered, do not require a permit.

6.3 Abandoning an Existing Livestock Waste Storage Facility

A permit, a fee, and a nutrient management plan are not required to abandon an existing livestock waste storage facility. However, a waste storage facility must be closed in compliance with Standards 313 and 360 of the USDA Technical Guide, including any and all existing and future standard amendments thereto, if the facility is inactive for 2 years or more.

6.4 Exception to Avoid Closure

The owner or operator may avoid closure of a facility as required under paragraph (c) by demonstrating to the county that all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The facility is designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with Technical Standard 313.

(2) The facility is designed to store manure for a period of time longer than 24 months.

(3) Retention of the facility is warranted based on anticipated future use.

6.5 On-Site Investigation Required

Each application for a permit under this Section shall require an on-site inspection prior to issuance and include a summary report of on-site conditions. The site inspection shall be conducted by the LWCD staff.

6.6 Fee

There is no fee for new storage facilities or substantially altering manure storage facilities, however a permit is required.

6.7 Animal Manure Storage Facility Plan and Nutrient Management Plan Required

Each application for a permit under this Section shall include an animal manure storage facility plan and nutrient management plan. The plan shall specify:

(1) The number, kinds, and weights of animals for which storage is provided and the duration for which storage is to be provided. Storage volume computations and the storage facility volume shall be provided.

(2) A plan view of the facility and its location in relation to buildings within five hundred feet (500’) and homes within one thousand feet (1,000’) of the proposed facility. The plan view shall be drawn to scale, with a scale no smaller than one inch equals one hundred feet (1”=100’), the North arrow, scale of drawing, township, range, and quarter-quarter section of the proposed facility, and location, description and elevation of temporary bench mark.

(3) The structural details, load assumptions, design computations, dimensions, cross sections, concrete thickness, reinforcing steel to be used, and facility elevations. The construction and material specifications set forth in Section IV of the Technical Guide including any and all existing and future amendments including, but not limited to, applicable specification for earthen fill quantities and soil types, excavation quantities and soil types, timber and pipes.

(4) The location of any existing or proposed well within one thousand feet (1,000’) of the facility.

(5) The soil test pit locations and soil descriptions to a depth of at least three feet (3’) below the planned bottom of the facility. Surface elevation of soil test pits shall be provided. Soil tests shall be done by a certified soil tester and evaluated by the LWCD or the Douglas County Zoning Department.

(6) The elevation of high ground water level or bedrock if encountered in the soil profile and the date of any such determinations.

(7) Provisions for adequate drainage and control of runoff to prevent pollution of surface water and ground water. If a navigable body of water lies within five hundred feet (500’) of the facility, the location and distance to the body of water shall be shown.

(8) A time schedule for construction of the facility.

(9) A description of the method and materials proposed in transferring animal manure into and from the facility.

(10) Plans for utilization of the animal waste will follow Standard 590 Nutrient Management of the Technical Guide. Preliminary plans will include the amount of land available for the application of waste, identification of the areas where the waste will be used, soil types and any limitations on waste application due to soil limitations, type and proximity of bedrock, or water table, slope of land, and proximity to surface water.

(11) An operation and maintenance plan, operating safety provisions, and details of the manure transfer system, including, but not limited to, materials quality, shall be provided.

6.8 Review of Application

The LWCD shall receive and review all permit applications and shall determine if the proposed facility meets required standards set forth in Section V of this Ordinance. Within thirty (30) business days after receiving the completed application, the LWCD shall inform the applicant in writing whether the permit application is approved or disapproved. If additional information is required, the LWCD shall notify the permit applicant. The LWCD shall have thirty (30) business days from the receipt of the additional information in which to approve or disapprove the application. No construction may commence without the final approval by the LWCD. If after thirty (30) business days the LWCD has not responded, the application is considered approved, and the applicant may go ahead with the project. If the LWCD determines additional review of the plan is necessary by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Natural Resources, or Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and notifies the applicant of such determination within the 30 business day time period, the time period shall be extended for an additional thirty (30) business days.

6.9 Permit Conditions

All permits issued under this Ordinance shall be issued subject to the following conditions and requirements:

(1) Animal manure storage facility design and construction, management, and utilization activities shall be carried out in accordance with the animal manure facility plan and applicable standards specified in Section V of this Ordinance.

(2) The permittee shall give at least two (2) business days’ notice to the LWCD before starting any construction activity authorized by the permit.

(3) Approval in writing must be obtained from the LWCD prior to any modifications to the approved animal manure facility plan.

(4) The permittee and, if applicable, the contractor, shall certify in writing that the facility was installed as planned.

(5) The LWCD staff may conduct on-site inspections before, during and after construction.

Activities authorized by permit must be completed within two (2) years from the date of issuance after which such permit shall be void. (Permit for construction may also be subject to County Zoning Ordinance time limitations.)

6.10 Permit Revocation

The LWCD may revoke any permit issued under this Ordinance if the holder of the permit misrepresents any of the materials to be used for constructing and /or reconstructing the animal manure facility, misrepresents the plans of the animal manure facility, makes statements within the permit application which misrepresent the facts, or if the holder of the permit violates any of the conditions of the permit. The permittee shall be immediately notified of the revocation in writing giving reason(s) for the revocation.

SECTION VII. ADMINISTRATION

7.1 Delegation of Authority

Douglas County Board of Supervisors hereby designates the Douglas County LWCD to administer and enforce this Ordinance.

7.2 Administrative Duties

In the administration of this Ordinance, the LWCD shall:

(1) Keep an accurate record of all permit applications, animal manure facility plans, permits issued, inspections made, and other official actions.

(2) Review permit applications and issue permits in accordance with Section V of this Ordinance.

(3) Inspect animal manure storage facility construction to ensure the facility is being constructed according to plan specifications.

(4) Investigate complaints relating to compliance with this Ordinance.

(5) Perform other duties as specified in this Ordinance.

7.3 Design and Construction Plan Approval

Storage facility design and construction plans may be provided through the LWCD, cooperating members or County, State, or Federal government agencies, and private consultants. Private consultants shall be registered professional engineers, licensed in the State of Wisconsin. Storage facility designs, construction plans, and specifications utilizing preapproved or prequalified Natural Resources Conservation Service plans must be prepared by a registered professional engineer, licensed in the State of Wisconsin. The approval of preapproved or prequalified plans must state that plan meets the requirements of this Ordinance. Construction plans utilizing a preapproval or prequalified plan must be adapted to fit site conditions making it comply with Standard 313.

7.4 Inspection Authority

The LWCD is authorized to enter upon any lands affected by this Ordinance to inspect the land prior to or after permit issuance to determine compliance with this Ordinance. If permission cannot be received from the applicant or permittee, the permit may be denied or entry by the LWCD shall be in accordance with §92.07(14), Wis. Stats.

7.5 Enforcement Authority. The LWCD is authorized to post an order stopping work upon land which has had a permit revoked or on land in violation of this Ordinance. Notice is given by both posting upon the land where the violation occurs, one or more copies of a poster stating the violation, and by mailing a copy of the order by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person whose activity is in violation of this Ordinance. The order shall specify that the activity must cease immediately and be brought into compliance within five (5) working days. Any permit revocation or order stopping work shall remain in effect unless retracted by the LWCD, or until the activity is brought into compliance with this Ordinance. The LWCD is authorized to refer any violation of this Ordinance or of any order stopping work issued pursuant to this Ordinance to the Corporation Counsel for commencement of further legal proceedings.

SECTION VIII. VIOLATIONS

8.1 Any person who violates, neglects, refuses to comply with or resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be subject to a forfeiture of not less than $100.00 not more than $1,000.00 for each violation. A violation includes failure to comply with any standard of this Ordinance or with any condition or qualification attached to the permit. Each day that a violation exists shall be a separate offense. The County Conservationist may refer violations of this Ordinance to Corporation Counsel for enforcement.

8.2 Enforcement of Injunctions: As a substitute for or as an addition to forfeiture actions, Douglas County may seek enforcement by injunction order at the suit of the County or the owner or owners of the land within the district affected by the regulations of this Ordinance.

SECTION IX. APPEALS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS

9.1 Authority

The Douglas County Land and Water Conservation Committee shall hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there is error in an order, requirements, decision or determination by the Land and Water Conservation Department staff in administering this Ordinance.

9.2 Procedure

Any appeal shall be made by written request, mailed or delivered to the Douglas County Land and Water Conservation Committee, c/o Land and Water Conservation Department, Douglas County Courthouse Room 206, 1313 Belknap Street, Superior, WI 54880. The request shall state the ground or grounds upon which it is contended that the decision should be modified or reversed. The appeal shall be heard within sixty (60) days of the date the appeal is filed with the LWCD. A copy of the meeting notice shall be sent to the applicant and the appropriate Town Board. The LWCD shall transmit to the Committee all documents constituting the record from which the appeal was taken. The Committee shall issue a written decision regarding the appeal within sixty (60) days after the appeal hearing.

9.3 Statutory Administrative Review and Certiorari

The decision of the Douglas County Land and Water Conservation Committee shall be subject to judicial review if, within 30 days after the decision of the Douglas County Land and Water Conservation Committee, an action seeking the remedy available by certiorari is commenced, as authorized by §59.694, Wis. Stats.

SECTION X. FORCE AND EFFECT

Except as specifically modified and amended by this ordinance, the Douglas County Code of Ordinance shall remain in force and effect exactly as originally adopted and previously amended. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with or in contravention of the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.

SECTION XI. SEVERABILITY

If a court of competent jurisdiction adjudges any section, clause, provision, or portion of this Ordinance unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION XII. EFFECTIVE DATE This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption by the Douglas County Board of Supervisors, and publication.

Dated this 15th day of June, 2017. Petitioning for an Agricultural Enterprise Area

Wisconsin’s Farmland Preservation Program Preserve farmland. Protect the environment. Grow the economy.

What is an agricultural enterprise area (AEA)? These are community-led efforts establishing designated areas important to Wisconsin’s agricultural future. An AEA is a contiguous area of productive agriculture that has received designation from the state at the request of landowners and local governments. AEAs are a way for landowners to participate in the Farmland Preservation Program that does not require general zoning or provide additional land use restrictions to landowners. As part of the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, AEA’s strive to support local farmland protection goals, the agricultural economy, and conservation goals.

How can we start a new AEA? To create a new AEA, a petition must be crafted with landowner inputs and supported by the local governments and community stakeholders. Petitions must include the following:  A narrative of the area in and around the proposed AEA  Signature pages from each political subdivision (such as counties, cities, towns, and villages) within the AEA and a minimum of five petitioning landowners  Non-petitioning cooperator signature pages to show the support of community stakeholders  A map of the proposed AEA boundary o All lands in the proposed AEA must be planned for farmland preservation and contiguous

What are the benefits of being in an AEA?  Provides opportunity to claim the farmland preservation tax credit: o $5/acre for landowners with a farmland preservation agreement located in designated AEA. o $10/acre for landowners in farmland preservation zoning and with a signed farmland preservation agreement in an AEA. o The average Wisconsin farmland preservation tax credit claim in 2018 was $1,488.19. This value represents participants from farmland preservation zoning and farmland preservation agreements in AEAs across Wisconsin.  Creates economic incentive for best management practices  Clusters protected farms to promote community investment in agriculture  Provides opportunities for community-based grants  Establishes the option to protect and preserve agricultural lands through farmland preservation agreements

How do I start my AEA petition? To start the petition process for an AEA in your community, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/pages/programs_services/aeapetitioninfo.aspx or contact your county land and water conservation department.

Where can I find more information? For additional resources or information about Wisconsin’s Farmland Preservation Program visit http://farmlandpreservation.wi.gov. If you have questions, please call (608) 224-4611 or email [email protected].

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Division of Agricultural Resource Management | Bureau of Land and Water Resources P-DARM345 (07/2020) Agriculture is vital to Wisconsin’s economy and cultural identity. Our state is home to over 68,000 farms across 14.4 million acres of land. The Farmland Preservation Program provides land use tools to help ensure that this land Wisconsin remains available and viable for current and future generations of farmers. The Farmland program also protects soil and water because landowners must meet state Preservation conservation standards. Farmers and local governments work together to promote the local agricultural economy so that it has Program the opportunity to thrive. Working with communities to protect farmland for future generations

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection 2811 Agriculture Drive PO Box 8911 Madison, Wisconsin 53708 For more information: farmlandpreservation.wi.gov Contact us at: [email protected]

Backgound illustration ©NRCS ARM PUB 290.indd 03/18 How does the Farmland Tax Credits Program Components Preservation Program benefit you? $5/acre if your land is covered by a AEAs In exchange for farming your land and meeting farmland preservation agreement and is in Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEAs) are community conservation standards, you can receive an annual an Agricultural Enterprise Area (AEA). led efforts that establish an area as being important income tax credit. The amount of the tax credit to Wisconsin’s agricultural future. Local communities depends on whether your land is located in a $7.50/acre if you own land in a certified can voluntarily pursue an AEA designation. farmland preservation zoning district or covered by farmland preservation zoning district. Your land must be within an AEA in order to sign a a farmland preservation agreement or both. farmland preservation agreement. If it is, contact $10/acre if your land is covered by a your county land conservation department to Who can claim a tax credit? farmland preservation agreement and is submit an application. If it is not in an AEA you can In addition to having an agreement within one of in an AEA and a farmland preservation file a petition. the state’s AEAs or being in a farmland preservation zoning district: zoning district. How to petition for an AEA Farmers and local governments can work ʪʪ Rules may be different for agreements You must be the landowner. You do not need together to file a petition for AEA designation. to be the farm operator and can rent out your signed prior to July 1, 2009. We accept petitions once a year. At least 5 farm land to a producer. owners, the county, and the municipality must ʪʪ You must be a Wisconsin resident. file the petition together. More information is available on our website at farmlandpreservation. ʪʪ Your land must have produced $6,000 in gross wi.gov. farm revenue in the past year, or $18,000 in the past 3 years. Rent is not included. Farmland Preservation Agreements ʪʪ Your farm must meet state soil and water If your land is in an AEA and you sign a 15-year conservation standards. Obtain a certificate of agreement, you may claim a tax credit of $5/acre compliance from your county’s conservation per year or $10/acre per year if your land is also department. located in a farmland preservation zoning district. In exchange for the tax credit, you keep the land Contact the county conservation department in agricultural use and meet state soil and water where your farm is located for more information conservation standards. The agreement follows the on the soil and water conservation requirements, land. Subsequent landowners must follow the terms including obtaining a certificate of compliance to of the agreement unless they terminate it. show that you have met the standards. Promoting agricultural growth through zoning Zoning is a tool that can promote agriculture, restrict non-agricultural use in an agricultural area, and limit land use conflicts. If your land is in a certified farmland preservation zoning district, you may be able to claim the $7.50/acre tax credit. Contact your local zoning administrator’s office to determine if you own land within a certified farmland preservation zoning district. Wisconsin’s Runoff Rules what farmers need to know

January 2013 DNR Pub. No. WT 756 REV 1/13

arms, like all major industries, must follow F environmental requirements to control runoff from fields, pastures and livestock facilities. Otherwise this pollution can harm our lakes, streams, wetlands and groundwater. Wisconsin adopted administrative rules in 2002 (NR 151), with revisions effective in 2011 that set state­wide performance standards and prohibitions for all Wisconsin farms. All farmers must comply with these standards and prohibitions. Cost-share funding may be available to assist with compliance. Some state and local programs may require compliance whether or not cost-share funds are available. This fact sheet explains the basic information that farmers need to know about these rules and how to comply with them. It is recommended that farmers contact their county land conservation staff for further details on these rules and their impact on farm operations.

/ Agricultural Standards and Prohibitions:

ALL FARMERS MUST: m Meet tolerable soil loss (“T”) on cropped fields and pastures. m Annually develop and follow a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) designed to keep nutrients and sediment from entering lakes, streams, wetlands and groundwater. Farmers may hire a certified crop advisor or prepare their own NMP if they have received proper training. m Use the phosphorous index (PI) standard to ensure that their NMP adequately controls phosphorous runoff over the accounting period. m Avoid tilling within 5 feet of the edge of the bank of surface waters. This setback may be extended up to 20 feet to ensure bank integrity and prevent soil deposition.

/ Additional Standards:

FARMERS WITH LIVESTOCK MUST: FARMERS WHO HAVE, OR PLAN TO BUILD, FARMERS WITH LAND IN A MANURE STORAGE STRUCTURES MUST: WATER QUALITY MANAGE­ m Prevent direct runoff from MENT AREA (300 feet from m feedlots or stored manure from Maintain structures to prevent overflow streams, 1,000 feet from a lake, or and maintain contents at or below entering lakes, streams, wetlands in areas susceptible to groundwater and groundwater. the specified margin of safety. contamination) MUST: m m Limit access or otherwise Repair or upgrade any failing or m Avoid stacking manure manage livestock along lakes, leaking structures to prevent negative in unconfined piles. streams and wetlands to impacts to public health, aquatic life maintain vegetative cover and and groundwater. m Divert clean water prevent erosion. away from feedlots, m Close idle structures according to manure storage areas, m Prevent significant discharges accepted standards. and barnyards located of process wastewater (milkhouse within this area. waste, feed leachate, etc.) into m Meet technical standards for newly lakes, streams, wetlands, or constructed or significantly altered structures. groundwater. Photos: Jeffrey J. Strobel, Duane Popple and Lynda Schweikert Wisconsin’s Runoff Rules

what farmers need to know DNR Pub. No. WT 756 REV 1/13

/ Farmland Preservation Tax Credit:

A farmer must comply with applicable state standards to receive the Farmland Preservation Tax Credit, even if cost sharing is not available. Farmers may be considered in compliance by entering into a schedule of compliance. This requirement applies to farmers whose land is located in a certified farmland preservation zoning district (i.e. exclusive agriculture), or for farmers who signed a farmland preservation agreement after standards were in effect for that county. Farmers should contact their county land conservation staff for more information regarding applicable standards and compliance documentation.

/ Implementation and Financial Assistance:

Under DNR rules, a landowner is normally entitled to cost sharing if the landowner is required to implement best management practices on “existing cropland” or an “existing” livestock facility or operation in order to comply with a DNR performance standard. Cropland or livestock facilities brought into service after the effective date of the standard are considered “new” and must meet standards and prohibitions without cost-share funding. Farmers with existing cropland or livestock facilities may be eligible for state or federal cost sharing and are encouraged to contact their county land conservation staff or USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office for information about current funding sources, rates and practices eligible for cost sharing. Farmers also should work with their land conservation staff to determine how these performance standards and prohibitions may affect their participation in various federal, state and local programs, such as Farmland Preservation. You can find a directory of land conservation offices and related agencies at http://datcp.wi.gov/Environment under “Land and Water Conservation.”

/ Permits and Licensing:

Farmers may be required to meet NR 151 Standards in order to obtain local and state permits. For livestock siting and manure storage ordinance permits, for example, nutrient management plans and other requirements may be imposed on livestock operations without providing cost sharing. Contact your local officials for additional information. Farmers with 1,000 or more animal units must operate under a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit and do not qualify for state cost sharing to meet permit requirements. Contact your DNR Service Center for more information about WPDES permits.

For more information about runoff management in Wisconsin and topics found in this brochure please visit: runoffinfo.uwex.edu

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), in cooperation with: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX), County Land Conservation Departments (LCD). The cooperating agencies are EEO/Affirmative Action employers and provide equal opportunities in employment and programs including Title IX and ADA requirements. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in its Graphic design by Jeffrey J. Strobel employment programs, services and functions, under an Affirmative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal UW–Extension Environmental Resources Center Opportunity Office, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. This publication is available in alternative format (large print, PRINTED ON Braille, audiotape etc.) upon request. Please call 608/267-7494 for more information. RECYCLED PAPER CLOVERLAND CITY OF SUPERIOR

LAKESIDE

PARKLAND

MAPLE

AMNICON

VILLAGE OF POPLAR AEApolygon5-11-21 Autio Dustin_Soyring Johnstad Nykanen OAKLAND Roger_Colby VILLAGESaari OF SoyringJLLAKE HAWTHORNE NEBAGAMONTepoel BRULE Farmland Preservation Area

Draft Agriculture DISCLAIMER: This map is not Land & Water 1.5 0.75 0 1.5 Enterprise Area guaranteed to be accurate, correct, Conservation current, or complete and conclusions Miles Department drawn are the responsibility of the user. µ 1 inch = 1.9 miles (715) 395-7266 Z:\Other Projects\Farmland_Preservation\Ashley_Farmland_Preservation.mxd By: c.bertsch Date: 5/11/2021 WILDLIFE DAMAGE ABATEMENT AND CLAIMS PROGRAM Douglas County – May 2021 Update David Schultz, Wildlife Damage Specialist

4-COUNTY WDACP ADMINISTRATION AND FIELD WORK

 In 2020, I had two requests for a waiver deer shooting permits in Bayfield County, a request for goose and turkey abatement in Douglas County, three bear trapping requests in Bayfield County, one bear trapping in Iron and two bear enrollments in Ashland and Douglas County  All 4-County LCC approved 2021 WDP budgets were signed by the State DNR and returned back to my office. I then forwarded a signed copy to each County LWCD.  I have submitted for each County, the first quarter 2021 reimbursement of expenses request to the State. I expect each County to be reimbursed of their wildlife damage program expenses by late May.  Pearce Sausage Kitchen of Ashland and Hursh Meat Processing in Douglas County again participated in the 2020 Deer Donation program. Two deer were donated at Pearce’s Sausage Kitchen and nine deer were donated at Hursh Meat Processing. 477 pounds of processed venison were packaged in one-pound bags and then distributed to the local food shelves by February 4.  In 2021, the Truax no-till planter has been used at five different farms in Bayfield and Ashland County in the last month. Around 100 acres of different crops have been planted so far. In the past ten years, the planter has been used in five different northern Wisconsin counties. I train an average of five new people on how to use the planter properly each season.  In 2020 there were no ag bear removed off of any Ashland County farms. By the end of September, at least 40 bear were trapped and removed from Bayfield and Iron County fields along with at least 8 in Douglas County. I have not yet received the final 2020 bear removal count for each County.  Again in 2020, I did aerial assessments of corn fields to spot bear damage and started field assessments during the week of September 14th. I finished all the appraisals by mid-October. Field appraisals were done for one producer in Iron County, one in Ashland, and two in Bayfield County.  2021 bear removal contracts are now available for each County to sign. I obtained Bayfield and Iron County’s signatures on their contracts the last week in February, with Douglas County’s coming in late March. Ashland County will have their contract signed at their LCC meeting in late May.  By mid March, I submitted to the State, the 2020 year-end closeouts of the wildlife damage program for each of the four counties. I also closed out the 2020 deer donation program in Ashland and Douglas County along with the 2020 no-till planter program for Ashland County  I have put together and will make available for each County audit, the 2020 revenue and expense information materials for the Wildlife Damage Program  Changes may be made to the wildlife damage program at the State and County level this year or next. Legislation has been introduced but not acted on so far, we will know more later in the year.

RESOLUTION #______RESOLUTION BY SUPERVISORS ON THE LAND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

Subject: Wildlife Damage Abatement Program

WHEREAS Douglas County Land and Water Conservation Department currently administers the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)wildlife damage abatement program assistance, and

WHEREAS the WDNR contracts with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services (USDA-APHIS-WS) for nuisance animal services, and

WHEREAS the northern part of Wisconsin USDA-APHIS-WS office is located in Rhinelander with one field technician in Brule and additional seasonal employees for activities such as trapping, and

WHEREAS the WDNR wildlife damage abatement program is currently operated by staff at a county level for Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron Counties, and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Douglas Land and Water Conservation Committee supports the WDNR wildlife damage abatement program to continue to contract with USDA-APHIS-WS and be staffed at a county level for Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron Counties.

Dated this ____ day of ______, 20___.

Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Programs (WDACP)

County Administration: The basic structure of today’s WDACP was created in 1983 by the state legislature in response to concerns from the agricultural community, with input from farmers, hunters, landowners, and wildlife damage specialists. Under s. 29.889 Wis. Stats. the program is administered by each participating county. The DNR provides oversight but the DNR cannot administer the programs on behalf of a county.

29.889(3) COUNTY ADMINISTRATION. (a) County participation required. Eligibility for the wildlife damage abatement program or the wildlife damage claim program requires participation of the county in the administration of these programs as specified under sub. (4) (a) and (6) (a). The department may not administer a wildlife damage abatement program or wildlife damage claim program on behalf of or instead of a county. Currently 70 of the 72 counties in Wisconsin participate in the WDACP. Kenosha and Menominee counties do not participate. Of the 70 counties that participate, 53 counties subcontract field or “on-farm” services to the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - Wildlife Services (WS) and the remaining 17 counties have a county employee administer the program or coordinate program administration with other counties. “On farm” services include meeting with producers, recommending and supplying damage mitigation tools and materials, and conducting crop appraisals. Under either of these scenarios, whether the county contracts with WS or has a county employee provide “on farm” services, the County LCC or similar committee retains oversight of the program and is responsible for program administration including setting crop prices, reviewing damage claims, and hearing producer appeals if any. County specialists, whether a WS or county employee, will continue to report to the LCC as directed/needed. Benefits of maintaining county staff to implement “on farm” services to agricultural producers:

• Support of a County Position - In many counties that have a county employee provide “on farm” services to producers the wildlife damage program is only a portion of that employee’s job duties. In these situations, the wildlife damage program helps support a full-time position for the county. • Damage Specialist is local – the county employee would be local and familiar with local production and producers.

Benefits of contracting with WS to implement “on farm” services to agricultural producers:

• Timely implement of bear damage abatement – The DNR contracts with WS to conduct bear trapping and relocation services. The county contracting with WS will allow for producer to contact WS directly for bear trapping assistance rather than contacting a county employee who then needs to contact WS. • Integration with other conflict programs – In addition to the bear trapping program, the DNR contracts with WS to respond to public complaints about birds, wolves, and cougar. By contracting with WS there would be one contact for the public dealing with conflicts involving birds, wolves, and cougar and the species included in the wildlife damage program, deer, bear, elk, geese, turkey, and cougar. • Damage Specialist is Local – the WS employee would be stationed locally and be part of the community like a county employee would be. • Increased Funding – USDA-APHIS-WS maintains a 20% cost share with the department and brings federal funding to the wildlife damage program in each county where they provide “on farm” services. • Network of Staff and regular training – WS currently has more than 50 biologists, specialists and administrative staff stationed around the state to conduct field work, supervision, purchasing, record keeping, budgeting and invoicing for counties. This network of staff allows for consultation between specialists on abatement methods and strategies, sharing of equipment, and provides extra resources in the event a employee becomes injured or ill or assistance is needed to help with a staff members workload. WS also provides annual trainings for their staff that is specialized in wildlife damage identification and conflict mitigation tools and strategies. • Provides consistency with program administration in 53 other counties- While there are manuals that guide program implementation and DNR provides statewide oversight of program implementation, WS currently administers “on farm” services in 53 other counties and contracting with them will provide better consistency with program administration in other counties.

Training Opportunities: Any new damage program staff will receive a copy of the WDACP Technical and Field Manuals. These manuals provide written instruction on most aspects of the WDACP including wildlife damage identification, program enrollment, abatement assistance and crop appraisal techniques. In addition to written instruction the DNR Wildlife Damage Specialist will be available to meet in-person, as time allows, to with new damage program staff and provide training on program implementation. Historically WDACP staff in adjacent counties have also been available and willing to meet in-person with new staff and help them get acclimated with program implementation. The DNR also periodically sends out newsletters and holds statewide meetings to train and inform WDACP staff about any WDACP changes, new abatement techniques, and other pertinent information so damage program staff can effectively implement the program.

Aquatic Invasive Species Strategic Plan

Douglas County, Wisconsin

Approved by the Douglas County Board of Supervisors on: -insert date here- Prepared by: Zach Stewart, Douglas County AIS Coordinator

With special thanks to the Douglas County AIS Strategic Plan Committee: Ashley Vande Voort, Sue Hendrickson, Kay McKenzie, Jeri McGinley, Darienne McNamara

Cover photo credit: Jason Neuswanger, Troutnut.com

This plan was created in cooperation with the Douglas County Land Conservation Department under a 2020-2021 Aquatic Invasive Species – Education, Prevention & Planning Project grant provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

ACKNOWLEGEMENTS

Douglas County Board of Supervisors:

Mark Liebaert, Chair Mary Lou Bergman, Vice Chair Susan Sandvick, Clerk Ann Doucette, Administrator

Douglas County Aquatic Invasive Species Committee:

Sue Hendrickson, Chair Jeri McGinley, Member Kathryn McKenzie, Member Darienne McNamara, Member Ashley Vande Voort, Member

AIS Strategic Plan Workgroup Meeting Contributors:

Robert Ahrens Kelly Beaster Dan Corbin Steve Garske Jim Giffin Dustin Haines Karen Hilding Kris Larsen Tyler Mesalk Dave Olson Reed Schwarting Katie Sickmann Jacky Wiggins

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Douglas County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) has identified a growing need to address Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) concerns in the County. AIS cause significant damage to fisheries and aquatic ecosystems each year, which in turn has a direct negative impact on Douglas County tourism, small businesses, recreation opportunities, and property values. The Douglas County AIS Coordinator worked closely with the AIS Committee, the County Conservationist, professional partners, local stakeholders, and members of the public over the winter of 2020-21 to identify key priorities and develop appropriate strategies for combatting AIS in Douglas County. Input was gathered during a series of three public meetings to inform the content of this plan. This AIS Strategic Plan is intended to guide an organized AIS response in the County to prevent or reduce the negative economic and ecological impacts of AIS. The Douglas County AIS Strategic Plan (SP) was adopted by the Douglas County Board of Supervisors on -Insert Date Here- and will be updated as needed per recommendations from the Douglas County AIS Committee, Douglas County Conservationist, and Douglas County AIS Coordinator.

The 2021 Strategic Plan is organized around the central Mission and comprises four main Goals, which are supported by 15 specific Objectives. Invasive Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus). Photo by Angelique Dahlberg.

MISSION

Douglas County will prevent, contain, and control Aquatic Invasive Species. The County will sustain a long-term AIS program that will strive to reach diverse user groups equitably and rely on education, research, and professional collaboration to combat AIS using an informed and targeted approach.

GOALS

Goal 1 – Prevent, Contain, Control: Prevent the introduction of additional AIS into Douglas County, contain the spread of existing AIS, and control AIS populations where control can reduce negative impacts or reduce likelihood of further spread.

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Goal 2 – Achieve Long-term Program Efficacy: Fund and sustain permanent Douglas County AIS program, target efforts to maximize impact, and use data to evaluate outcomes and adapt methods.

Goal 3 – Research and Monitor: Conduct regular surveillance and monitoring for AIS, research emergent issues and increase understanding of AIS and prevention and control methods.

Goal 4 – Collaborate: Build collaboration with diverse partners, share data effectively, and cultivate inclusive approach to reach new audiences and address concerns of multi-modal waterway users.

The 15 specific objectives are described in detail in the Goals section of the Strategic Plan and are intended to provide structure to help County staff work towards meeting the four main goals described above. The objectives focus on the Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) watercraft inspection program, volunteer and professional AIS monitoring, early detection and rapid response AIS mitigation efforts, education, communication, legislative support, securing competitive and non-competitive funding sources, support for other biological, chemical and physical monitoring, support for AIS research, modeling and identification of best management practices, Douglas County Land & Water Conservation Committee oversight of the AIS Strategic Plan implementation and evaluation, inter-governmental and inter-departmental cooperation and assistance, and assistance and partnerships.

The Strategic Plan identifies the need for a full-time AIS coordinator at Douglas County to implement most of the activities in the plan and advocate for the AIS and water conservation related needs of the County and its local stakeholders and waterway users. The Strategic Plan communicates to citizens, local officials, and the scientific community that Douglas County wants to work together on AIS, and it provides a framework for the County to lead and assist on projects. The activities outlined in this plan will help preserve the integrity of aquatic ecosystems in the County, prevent costly damage to waterways and infrastructure, support small businesses and local communities who depend on healthy waterways to attract visitors, and provide residents and visitors with enhanced opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation in Douglas County.

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GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS

AIS Aquatic Invasive Species BMP Best Management Practice CBCW Clean Boats Clean Waters DC Douglas County EWM Eurasian Watermilfoil ERW Exceptional Resource Water GLIFWC Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission GSI Great Ships Initiative LCC Douglas County Land & Water Conservation Committee LSNERR Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve LWCD Douglas County Land & Water Conservation Department LSRI University of Wisconsin-Superior Lake Superior Research Institute MAISRC Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center ORW Outstanding Resource Water RED Project Riverine Early Detection SCRA St. Croix River Alliance SNA State Natural Area SOP Standard Operating Procedure SP Douglas County Aquatic Invasive Species Strategic Plan SWIMS Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System UWEX University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension UWS GLRI University of Wisconsin Superior, Great Lakes Research Initiative WAV Water Action Volunteer WDNR Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources WI Wisconsin NCWMA Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary………………………………………………………………………………2

Glossary of Acronyms…………………………………………………………………………..4

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………..….……5

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..…….…6 Methods for Strategic Planning……………………………………..……………..………8 Methods for Targeted Prevention and Control…………………………….……….9 AIS Pathways……………………………………………………………………………..….……12 Maritime Commerce………………………………………………………………..12 Canals, Dams, and Diversions…………………………………..……….………13 Recreational Activities…………………………………..………………….………13 Non-Recreational Fishing and Aquaculture………………….……………14 Monitoring…………………………………..………………………………….……….15 Transportation and Utility Corridors…………………………………………15 Organisms in Trade…………………………………..……………….……………..16

AIS Strategic Plan Mission, Goals, and Timeline…………………………………..17 Mission…………………………………..…………………………………………………………..17 Goals…………………………………..………………………………………………………………17 List of AIS Stakeholder Groups and Potential Partners………………………..23 List of Outreach and Education Media…………………………………..…….……..23

AIS Program Activities and Projects…………………………………..………………..24 Activities List and Budget Estimates…………………………..………..………………24 Clean Boats Clean Waters Program…………………………………..……..………….24 Citizen Lakes Monitoring Network…………………………………..…………..………26 Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol……………………………………….………………………27 Project Riverine Early Detection (RED) …………………………………..…..……….29 Storing and Sharing Douglas County Data…………………………………………….30 Early Detection Rapid Response…………………………………………………………..31 Legislation……………………………………………………………………………………...……32 AIS Education and Outreach……………….……………………………………….……….32 The Great Ships Initiative and Ballast Water…………………………………………34 AIS Focus Zones………………………………..………………………………………………….34 Funding Sources…………………………………………………………………………………..36

Literature Cited………………………………………………………….……………………..38

5 INTRODUCTION

Invasive Species are nonindigenous species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health (defined by Wisconsin Statues 23.22 (1)(C)). They commonly have a competitive advantage over native species because they do not have to contend with the natural predators, pathogens and pests that dwell in their native habitats. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) represent a severe threat to the short-term and long-term integrity of water resources in Douglas County. In fact, economic research shows that AIS cost the United States as a whole $120 billion per year (Pimentel et al., 2005) and AIS carried into the Great Lakes in ballast water cost the surrounding states $230 million per year (Rothlisberger et al., 2012). Because of the negative impact on water quality, ecosystem services, recreational opportunities, and angling, Wisconsin residents and water users consistently identify AIS as primary threat to their Eurasian Watermilfoil. Photo F. Koshere. enjoyment and use of local waterways (WI AIS Management Plan, 2018).

Possible effects of AIS infestation: • Outcompete and threaten native species Currently, AIS infestations have been verified • Change the structure of aquatic ecosystems, in 38 water bodies throughout Douglas often establishing a monoculture and County (Figure 1, Table 1), so the County has reducing species diversity a serious economic and ecological stake in understanding and combatting AIS. • Affect sport fisheries, which negatively Numerous water bodies remain free of AIS or impacts recreation and tourism have not had AIS infestations detected or • Clog waterways with dense mats of verified yet, and Douglas County also contains vegetation, which reduces recreational a high proportion of waterways classified by boating and swimming opportunities the WDNR as Areas of Special Natural • Degrade the appeal of beaches and Resource Interest (ASNRI). The remaining shorelines unaffected waterbodies and the ASNRI • Incur significant costs to taxpayers, waterbodies represent a high-quality landowners, and government entities resource held in the public trust for the • Threaten the health of water users and people of Douglas County and visitors. wildlife by spreading pathogens However, this resource is threated by the • Negatively impact waterfront property possibility of invasion by harmful AIS from values nearby infested waterways or from other AIS invasion pathways. In fact, most lakes in Douglas County are within 5 miles of a waterbody known to contain AIS. WDNR has also identified 8 Douglas County waterbodies as “priority lakes” for AIS prevention using AIS suitability data from the University of Wisconsin Center for Limnology and CBCW program (WDNR Top 300 AIS Prevention Waterbodies).

6 Distribution of AIS In Douglas County

Legend

Verified BW Points Verified BW Lines Verified BW Areas Verified CLP Points Verified CLP Lines Verified CLP Areas Verified EWM Points Verified EWM Lines Verified EWM Areas Verified Hybrid Water-Milfoil Points Verified Hybrid Water-Milfoil Lines Verified Hybrid Water-Milfoil Areas Verified JWD Points Verified JWD Lines Verified JWD Areas Verified Starry Stonewort Points Verified Starry Stonewort Areas Water Hyacinth Points Water Hyacinth Lines Verified Water Hyacinth Areas Verified Water Lettuce Points Verified Water Lettuce Lines Verified Water Lettuce Areas Verified YFH Points Verified YFH Lines Verified YFH Areas Verified Alewife Points Verified Alewife Lines Verified Alewife Areas Rainbow Smelt Point Rainbow Smelt Lines Rainbow Smelt Areas Verified Goby Points Verified Goby Areas Western Mosquito Fish Points Western Mosquito Fish Lines Western Mosquito Fish Areas Verified Asiatic Clam Points Verified Asiatic Clam Lines 13.1 0 Distance / 2 13.1Miles NotesVerified Asiatic Clam Areas 1: 415,642 Verified Banded Mystery Snail Points NAD_1983_HARN_Wisconsin_TM Verified Banded Mystery Snail Lines DISCLAIMER: The information shown on these maps has been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability and resolution. These maps are not intended to be used for navigation, nor are these maps an authoritative source of information about legal land ownership or public access. No warranty, expressed or Verified Banded Mystery Snail Areas implied, is made regarding accuracy, applicability for a particular use, completeness, or legality of the information depicted on this map. For more information, see the DNR Legal Notices web page: http://dnr.wi.gov/legal/ Verified Chinese Mystery Snail Points Verified Chinese Mystery Snail Lines Figure 1. Map of distribution of verified AIS detections in Douglas County.

7 METHODS FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING

AIS have the potential to disrupt the lives and livelihoods of Douglas County residents by negatively impacting native species, ecosystem services, recreation opportunities, and economic opportunities. Due to the presence of established AIS populations throughout the same region as water bodies of high conservation value, the existence of multiple pathways for AIS invasion, the risk of significant lasting ecological and economic harm, and the threat of climate change perturbation worsening AIS invasions in the future, combatting AIS should be a priority for swift and sustained action in the County. Douglas County faces a significant challenge to prevent, contain, and control AIS, with limited resources. However, the fight against AIS is worth fighting, especially if resources are carefully allocated to areas where they will have the greatest impact. Contemporary authors and experts widely recognize the importance of prioritization in AIS management (Mcgeoch et al., 2016; Zander Vanden and Olden, 2008). Several frameworks exist for evaluating the efficacy of various actions and planning targeted action. For example, McGeoch et al., (2016) suggest a prioritization framework that integrates consideration of species, site vulnerability, and invasion pathway to achieve an efficient management framework (Figure 2). Because invasive species require particular environmental conditions to thrive, not every waterway in Douglas County is equally vulnerable to invasion by each specific invasive species. Vander Zanden and Olden (2008) describe another useful framework which Figure 2. Integrated management prioritization framework relies on three main factors reproduced with permission (McGeoch et al., 2016). (colonization, site suitability, and adverse impact) to assess the likelihood of damaging AIS invasion and allocate management/prevention resources accordingly (Figure 3). At the County level, it may be possible to achieve better outcomes on local waterways by focusing AIS prevention work on lakes and

8 rivers with high site suitability and likelihood for colonization and adverse impact. In order to organize and direct the County’s AIS management efforts for maximum effect, the original strategic plan published in 2010 has been revised to reflect new knowledge, emerging management methods and techniques, and the evolving situation in Douglas County. The purpose of the AIS Strategic Plan is to establish clearly stated goals and objectives that support an overall vision and contribute to a long-term strategic approach for combatting AIS in Douglas County. The Strategic Plan is intended to be updated regularly to meet the evolving needs of the County. Figure 3. Prioritization framework based on colonization, site suitability, and impact. Reproduced with permission (Zander Vanden and Olden, 2008).

METHODS FOR TARGETED PREVENTION and CONTROL

Shielding vs. Containment Approach

Preventing AIS from reaching new waterways and establishing populations that could damage native species is a fundamental way to combat the proliferation of AIS. When considering where to focus efforts, it becomes clear that resources are best spent on preventing AIS from leaving infested water bodies and preventing AIS from arriving at pristine water bodies. The WDNR Surface Water Grant Program identifies these two approaches as “shielding” and “containment”. Signage at public water access points and training for Clean Boat Clean Water (CBCW) watercraft inspectors could be tailored to communicate these concerns to boaters and other water users. For example, signage at a non-infested waterway with special resource value could urge water users to give their equipment an extra check for any plants, animals, water, or mud that they may have missed before entering the waterway. Similarly, communication at known infested lakes could be targeted to remind departing visitors that there is a special risk of bringing AIS from this water body to their next destination.

Site Suitability Modelling

Prevention efforts can also be targeted by analyzing species and site suitability. Researchers at University of Wisconsin Center for Limnology developed a database for prioritizing management actions by waterbody and species known as the AIS Smart Prevention Tool 2.0 (Spear et al., 2019). The tool uses known environmental parameters and ecological information about AIS to generate maps modelling the predicted suitability of waterbodies for 6 species of concern (Zebra Mussel,

9 Rainbow Smelt, Round Goby, Rusty Crayfish, Spiny Water Flea, Eurasian Water Milfoil). For example, Figure 4 (below) shows a map of projected suitability for Rusty Crayfish in the waterbodies of Douglas County. The Rusty Crayfish model depends on pH and Calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration data to predict where populations of Rusty Crayfish may be able to survive in Douglas County. Environmental models are not infallible, but they can be a useful tool to help direct species-specific prevention efforts to waterbodies most likely to be affected.

Figure 4. Map showing modelled suitability of lakes and streams in Douglas County to invasion by Rusty Crayfish. Map generated using AIS Smart Prevention Tool 2.0 (Spear et al., 2019).

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a framework for AIS management that considers the ecosystem as a whole in order to prevent or control invasive species. IPM can be an effective framework for efforts to control, eradicate, or minimize damage from existing invasions. Using an IPM approach relies on accurate information about interactions between invasive species, native species, and their environment, and must be supported by current research and monitoring data. IPM efforts commonly employ multiple methods simultaneously (e.g. hand pulling, biocontrol, and targeted herbicide application) in a coordinated effort to achieve maximum effect.

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Waterbody Name WBIC Invasive Species Amnicon Lake 2858100 Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Purple Loosestrife Bois Brule River 2861800 Aquatic forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), Garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis), Yellow Iris Cranberry Creek 2693200 Purple Loosestrife Eurasian Water-Milfoil Cranberry Lake 2693100 Crystal Lake 2459700 Chinese Mystery Snail, Freshwater Jellyfish

Dowling Lake 2858300 Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Ornamental water lilies (non-native Nymphaea sp.) , Yellow Iris Eau Claire River 2740700 Banded Mystery Snail, Japanese Knotweed, Purple Loosestrife, Rusty Crayfish Lake Minnesuing 2866200 Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Purple Loosestrife, Rusty Crayfish, Yellow Iris Chinese Mystery Snail, Japanese Knotweed, Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), Purple Lake Nebagamon 2865000 Loosestrife, Rusty Crayfish Asiatic Clam (Corbicula), Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Faucet Snail, Quagga Mussel, Rainbow Smelt, Round Lake Superior 2751220 Goby, Ruffe, Zebra Mussel Little Bois Brule River 2863100 Garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis) Lower Eau Claire Lake 2741600 Banded Mystery Snail, Purple Loosestrife, Rusty Crayfish Minnesuing Creek 2866100 Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Purple Loosestrife, Rusty Crayfish, Yellow Iris Chinese Mystery Snail, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Purple Loosestrife, Rusty Minong Flowage 2692900 Crayfish

Mud Lake 3000116 Zebra Mussel Nebagamon Creek 2864200 Japanese Knotweed, Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) Newton Creek 2843650 Round Goby Person Lake 2488600 Chinese Mystery Snail Pokegama River 2844000 Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), Purple Loosestrife, Yellow Iris Radigan Flowage 2687500 Narrow-leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) Red Lake 2492100 Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Freshwater Jellyfish Saint Croix River 2601400 Japanese Mystery Snail, Yellow Iris Asiatic Clam (Corbicula), Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Faucet Snail, New Zealand Mudsnail, Phragmites (non- Saint Louis River 2843800 native), Purple Loosestrife, Zebra Mussel Sauntrys Pocket Lake 2495600 Chinese Mystery Snail Simms Lake 2497100 Rusty Crayfish Banded Mystery Snail, Chinese Mystery Snail, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Narrow- leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), Purple Loosestrife St Croix Flowage 2740300 Superior Bay 2751300 Eurasian Water-Milfoil

Totagatic River 2689800 Purple Loosestrife Unnamed 2748100 Rusty Crayfish Unnamed 2748200 Yellow Iris Unnamed 2846800 Asiatic Clam (Corbicula) Unnamed 2858200 Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Ornamental water lilies (non-native Nymphaea sp.) , Yellow Iris Unnamed 5000525 Asiatic Clam (Corbicula) Unnamed 5000794 Zebra Mussel Unnamed 5500350 Asiatic Clam (Corbicula) Unnamed 5582588 Round Goby Banded Mystery Snail, Chinese Mystery Snail, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Purple Loosestrife, Rusty Upper Saint Croix Lake 2747300 Crayfish, Yellow Iris Whitefish Lake 2694000 Chinese Mystery Snail, Rainbow Smelt

Table 1. List of water bodies in Douglas County with detected AIS.

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AIS PATHWAYS

Most AIS are spread as “hitchhikers” by human activities, not by migrating on their own. In order to effectively combat the spread of AIS in Douglas County, it is important to understand the main pathways through which AIS spread. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) published a revised statewide AIS Strategic Plan in 2018, using the “Pathways Approach” to organize actions according to the pathway of invasion. The seven main pathways identified by the WDNR are described in more detail below.

Maritime Commerce

Maritime Commerce represents a major pathway for AIS entry into the Great Lakes region. Since the Saint Lawrence Seaway was opened in 1959, the majority of non-indigenous species established in Great Lakes states have been introduced through maritime commerce (Kelley et al., 2009; Holeck et al., 2004). The most recent invasive species known to be introduced via the maritime commerce pathway was the bloody-red shrimp (Hemimysis anomala) which is thought to have been introduced in 2006 via ballast water release from a commercial vessel in Lake Michigan.

Douglas County is in a unique position with respect to invasion by AIS via maritime commerce, because it is one of just four Counties in Wisconsin that border Lake Superior, and is home to the largest international shipping port on Wisconsin’s Lake Superior shoreline (Figure 5). After becoming established in Lake Superior or the connected Saint Louis River estuary system, novel AIS are poised to be transported to vulnerable inland waterways via other pathways.

Regulations enforced by the United States Coast Guard and United States Environmental Protection Agency now require commercial vessels entering the Great Lakes to exchange their ballast water at a remote deep- water location prior to Figure 5. Maritime commerce through the St. Lawrence Seaway presents a pathway for nearing port. This is very biological invasion unique to Douglas County. Figure adapted from Walker, 2019. helpful in reducing the probability of introducing invasive species, because density of potentially invasive organisms and propagules is much lower in deep open ocean waters than in the harbors or estuaries where many

12 transoceanic ships originate. According to the 2018 WDNR AIS Management Plan, ballast water exchange has largely slowed, if not stopped, new invasions via this pathway. Wisconsin DNR has also created a ballast water program, which requires treatment of ballast water on oceangoing vessels as well as “lakers,” or intra- Great Lakes vessels, which can also pose a risk of spreading AIS through ballast water release. The Lake Superior Research Institute at UW-Superior heads a major ongoing research effort investigating treatment techniques for eradicating invasive species from ballast water.

Canals, Dams and Diversions

Canals and lock systems can create a pathway for AIS because they sometimes connect two or more previously isolated water bodies. In contrast, dams and culverts can provide a barrier against the spread of AIS by limiting the upstream movement of organisms through a system of waterbodies. Decisions regulating the construction, maintenance, and operation of major structures are commonly addressed at higher levels of government than the County jurisdiction. For example, most locks and canals in the Great Lakes are regulated by bi-national bodies such as the International Joint Commission, the Great Lakes Commission, and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Recreational Activities

The natural beauty and abundance of recreational opportunities draw residents and visitors to Douglas County waterways in large numbers each season. The 431 lakes and 101 streams located in the County provide ample opportunity for activities such as fishing, hunting, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, and waterskiing, which improve quality of life and create economic opportunities. However, transporting recreational equipment between waterways can be a pathway for AIS infestation. Specifically, recreational boating is known to be a very common pathway for secondary invasion of AIS (Johnson et al., 2001). Wisconsin boaters must follow the invasive species rule, NR 40, which prohibits the movement of plants, bilge water, and live well water on public roadways. In order to Recreational boat trailers with aquatic vegetation. Photo J. Amundsen. educate recreational boaters and encourage compliance with NR 40, hundreds of workers and volunteers staff Clean Boat Clean Waters

13 (CBCW) boat inspection points at public water accesses around the state. The 2018 WDNR AIS Management Plan highlights the importance of continuing to reach the mainstream recreational boating population, and also highlights two additional groups that warrant special additional outreach. First, specific segments of the recreation community (e.g. wading anglers, fur harvesters, non-motorized boaters) who use and access water bodies in unique ways may present unique pathways for AIS. Second, businesses who support recreational activities (marinas, dock service providers, outfitters, rental services) may provide a high-risk pathway for AIS, and also have the potential to influence and educate many boaters. In Douglas County, waterway groups have worked independently with support from state level AIS programs to train volunteers to inspect watercraft, monitor lakes and streams, and share information with the public. Because it is common for recreational boaters and anglers to fish on both Lake Superior and inland waterways of Douglas County CBCW Workshop. Photo by A. Eliot. using the same equipment, targeted CBCW watercraft inspections at public water accesses may be an effective technique for preventing the secondary spread of AIS from Lake Superior to inland waterways.

Non-recreational Fishing and Aquaculture In Douglas County, AIS transmission pathways associated with non-recreational fishing and aquaculture are primarily related to guided fishing operations, fishing tournaments, and rearing and distribution of bait from aquaculture facilities. The WDNR identifies two primary prevention activities pertaining to this pathway: encouraging cleaning of related equipment prior to transport and ensuring that bait or aquaculture products are free of AIS contamination. During the summer of 2020, Bait minnows. Forum News Service file photo Douglas County staff distributed literature reproduced with permission.

14 about AIS prevention to bait shops throughout the County. WDNR recommends continuing efforts to engage pertinent user groups and opinion leaders (wild bait harvesters, fishing tournament organizers, fishing guides and outfitters), and identifies development of a robust monitoring and research program as a “critical strategy” for prevention in this pathway.

Monitoring

Monitoring and research activities can be a vector for transporting AIS. The risk primarily comes from repeated deployment of equipment such as nets, seines, traps, dive equipment, boats, and trailers across multiple water bodies. Douglas County should ensure that best management practices outlined in the “WDNR Boat, Gear, and Equipment Decontamination and Disinfection Manual Code 9183.1” are employed during all monitoring or research activities.

Transportation and Utility Corridors

Roadways, ATV trails, and utility corridors can present a pathway for AIS movement between water bodies. Species such as Phragmites and Purple Loosestrife are known to colonize roadside ditches, often spreading aggressively through roadside right of ways. Construction activities can be especially high-risk, because they often involve disturbing the soil, and possibly moving soil or organic material between locations. As such, disturbed sites and construction along transportation corridors could be prioritized for monitoring and Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) efforts in Douglas County. Best management practices for contractors or professionals working on transportation and utility corridors have been developed by the Wisconsin Council on Forestry.

Utility corridor work planned through an area with possible AIS infestation identified in the City of Superior. Photo by Z. Stewart.

15 Organisms in Trade

Exotic species, some of which are considered invasive under NR 40, are commonly available for purchase from garden and aquarium suppliers, plant catalogues, pet stores, and the online marketplace. It is possible for unknowing consumers to import regulated or prohibited invasive species through this pathway, and it is likely more common for invasive species to “hitchhike” along with routine plant or animal orders. In Minnesota, Maki and Galatowitsch (2004) documented unwanted organic material such as seeds, plants, fungi, invertebrates, or fish in a whopping 93% of consumer plant orders!

Possible P. hybridus. Photo J. Markon.

In fact, a possible population of NR 40 prohibited Butterfly Dock (Petasites hybridus) which is currently being examined and verified in Douglas County may have arrived through the Organisms in Trade pathway as an order from an online or mail-in plant catalogue. In fall 2020 positive identification of this population is still in the verification process, and control methods will be investigated pending verification of the plant as P. hybridus. Wisconsin has identified the Organisms in Trade pathway as a focus area at the state level. Further investigation to understand the nature and magnitude of this pathway locally will allow Douglas County to evaluate whether it should be prioritized at the County level.

Possible P. hybridus. Photo Z. Stewart.

16 AIS STRATEGIC PLAN MISSION, GOALS AND TIMELINE

Mission

Douglas County will prevent, contain, and control Aquatic Invasive Species. The County will sustain a long-term AIS program that will strive to reach diverse user groups equitably and rely on education, research, and professional collaboration to combat AIS using an informed and targeted approach.

Volunteers monitoring for AIS. Goal 1 – Prevent, Contain, Control: Prevent the introduction of AIS into Douglas County, contain the spread of existing AIS, and control AIS populations where control can reduce negative impacts or reduce likelihood of further spread.

OBJECTIVE ACTIVITY TIMELINE Objective 1: Coordinate or assist Activity 1: Secure one CBCW grant for Jan. 2021 – CBCW Watercraft Inspection Douglas County. Nov. 2021 program at key public water accesses throughout Douglas County. Activity 2: Expand Douglas County CBCW Jan. 2022 – program; secure two or more CBCW grants Dec. 2022 within Douglas County. Activity 3: Encourage local organizations Continuous (by with available resources to apply for grants Nov. annually) and hire seasonal CBCW workers at local launches. Activity 4: Provide training, coordination, Continuous (by and/or support for locally managed CBCW May annually) programs as needed. Offer CBCW training annually. Objective 2: Educate diverse Activity 1: Install signage or cleaning May - Nov. user groups and multi-modal stations at public water accesses to educate annually, as waterway users about AIS users about AIS and encourage cleaning of needed prevention. equipment. Activity 2: Join local interest and recreation Nov. 2021 – groups, attend or facilitate stakeholder Apr. 2022 meetings, address AIS issues as they pertain to group focus (see stakeholder/partner list below).

17 Activity 3: Facilitate and/or advertise public Continuous (by talks featuring local experts or guest Apr. annually) speakers to address emerging AIS topics. Activity 4: Use media as appropriate to Continuous communicate AIS information to the public (see outreach opportunity list below). Activity 5: Promote AIS Snapshot Day. Annually

Objective 3: Support legislation Activity 1: Communicate with local law Continuous and law enforcement efforts enforcement to promote AIS awareness and (Nov. – Apr. that contribute to AIS enforcement, support law enforcement annually) prevention. officers, provide training or resources as appropriate. Activity 2: Contribute to discussions about Continuous AIS legislation at the local, state, and federal (assess level. annually) Activity 3: Participate in discussions and Continuous research to assess AIS and ecosystem risks associated with wake boating. Make appropriate recommendations and support County initiatives. Objective 4: Strategically focus Activity 1: Develop objective ranking criteria Nov. 2021 – AIS control efforts on high to prioritize high quality water resources in Apr. 2022 quality waters and seek to the County, considering at minimum: establish “AIS Focus Zones”. ecological integrity, public access, recreational value, and official designation status (e.g. ORW, ERW, SNA). Activity 2: Work with lake organizations and Nov. 2021 – other partners to define “AIS Focus Zones” Apr. 2022 in the context of Douglas County waterbodies and identify a candidate for the first “AIS Focus Zone.” Activity 3: Apply for funding to support, Nov. 2022 – establish, and develop the first Douglas Apr. 2023 County “AIS Focus Zone.” Priority activities may include, survey, monitoring, education, outreach, prevention and/or control. Activity 4: Carry out key activities identified May 2023 – in funding request for first “AIS Focus Zone.” Oct. 2023 Objective 5: Control pioneering Activity 1: Survey and identify new and/or May – Oct. AIS populations and focus on pioneering populations of AIS requiring (annually) timely control of newly arrival rapid response. species and emergent AIS threats. Activity 2: Promptly apply for funding to Nov. – Apr. carry out Early Detection Rapid Response (annually)

18 control of new and/or pioneering populations identified during field season. Activity 3: Use species appropriate methods May – Oct. to control new and/or pioneering (annually) populations and conduct focused monitoring of nearby waterways for evidence of local spread. Activity 4: Follow emerging research, Continuous communicate with regional professionals, (assess and begin education and monitoring for new annually) AIS threats before they arrive in Douglas County Activity 5: Assist in monitoring Common Continuous Reed (Phragmites australis) and report any discoveries to GLIFWC. Objective 6: Target education Activity 1: Target water users leaving water Continuous and outreach efforts at heavily bodies with known AIS infestation for CBCW May – Oct. used access points and on inspections and education efforts. waters with known AIS infestations.

Activity 2: Install AIS cleaning stations May 2022 – and/or redesign traffic flow at priority Dec 2023 Douglas County public water access points in order to contain AIS and prevent secondary spread.

Goal 2 – Achieve Long-term Program Efficacy: Fund and sustain permanent Douglas County AIS program, target efforts to maximize impact, and use data to evaluate outcomes and adapt methods.

OBJECTIVE ACTIVITY TIMELINE Objective 1: Coordinate with Activity 1: Continue to develop meaningful Continuous partners. collaborations with partners and (assess stakeholder groups. annually) Activity 2: Share data with professional Continuous partners and agencies. (assess annually) Activity 3: Maintain active participation in Continuous NCWMA and collaborate with neighboring County AIS Coordinators and other partners. Activity 4: Encourage broader participation Continuous in AIS initiatives such as Project RED (assess (Riverine Early Detection), AIS Snapshot Day, annually) and others.

19 Objective 2: Secure program Activity 1: Apply for WDNR Surface Water By Nov. funding. Grant Program funding for AIS Coordinators annually annually. Activity 2: Apply for at least one additional By Apr. WDNR Surface Water Grant or equivalent annually and one EDRR WDNR Surface Water Grant for monitoring, survey, and/or control annually. Activity 3: Pursue recurring base funding to Nov. – Apr. be leveraged as matching funds and bring 2021, 2022 additional State and Federal resources into the County. Activity 4: Establish at least one annual Nov. 2021 – funding stream for AIS Program from Apr. 2022 sources other than State or County funding. (e.g. boat launch fee, sustaining charitable donation, fund- raiser, Environmental Reserve Fund, etc.) Activity 5: Retain full-time AIS Specialist and Continuous at least one seasonal CBCW worker. Reassess program goals and revise plan and budget as needed. Objective 3: Prioritize program Activity 1: Analyze available data and Continuous activities to allocate resources identify priority actions and priority (assess efficiently and achieve waterbodies County wide. annually) maximum impact. Activity 2: Use prioritization model Continuous framework, incorporate current data, and consult with experts to inform planning of new AIS Projects. Activity 3: Target efforts to achieve Continuous maximum return on investment for ecosystems and waterway users. Activity 4: Establish key metrics to monitor Continuous and evaluate effectiveness of program (develop and activities. assess Nov. – Apr. annually)

Goal 3 – Research and Monitor: Conduct regular surveillance and monitoring for AIS, contribute to research on emergent issues and increase understanding of AIS and prevention and control methods.

OBJECTIVE ACTIVITY TIMELINE Objective 1: Contribute to Activity 1: Stay current on emerging AIS Continuous regional AIS research efforts. research in the region through primary (Nov. –

20 literature, communicating with research Apr. partners, and attending a minimum of one annually) conference, training, or research event annually. Activity 2: Pursue research partnerships and Continuous offer assistance to partners including LSNERR, UWS GLRI, MAISRC, GLIFWC, SCRA, WDNR, and other partners as appropriate. Activity 3: Encourage and support volunteer Continuous participation in CLMN network. Objective 2: Early Detection Activity 1: Consider performing or Apr. – Oct. Rapid Response (EDRR). supporting early detection monitoring for (annually) Bloody Red Shrimp (Hemimysis anomola) in nearshore waters of Lake Superior. Activity 2: Develop Douglas County AIS Nov. 2021 monitoring standard operating procedure – Mar. (SOP) in coordination with WDNR. 2022

Activity 3: Monitor / survey at least 4 Apr. – Oct. Douglas County waterbodies each field (annually) season in accordance with Douglas County monitoring SOP and coordination with WDNR monitoring plan. Activity 4: Consider downstream transport Continuous of AIS propagules when monitoring (e.g. streams that cross the county line) Objective 3: Long-term Activity 1: Incorporate 3-5 year monitoring Continuous monitoring and continued plan into AIS project grants as appropriate. surveillance of project sites.

Activity 2: Re-visit project sites annually Continuous after control efforts are completed to (assess monitor and document results. Secure annually) additional resources for continued project maintenance where appropriate. Activity 3: Develop volunteer network with Nov. 2021 local landowners to perform annual – Apr. 2022 surveillance/monitoring of project sites located on private property. Objective 4: Seek to educate Activity 1: Include research and monitoring Nov. – Apr. and share research/monitoring updates in AIS newsletter or other (annually) information with partners and publications. the public.

Activity 2: Share results of current AIS Nov. – Apr. research at symposia, stakeholder meetings, (annually)

21 and volunteer events through public presentations or guest speakers. Activity 3: Attend lectures and AIS-related Nov. – Apr. talks as appropriate. (annually) Activity 4: Invite researchers and subject Nov. – Apr. matter experts to present findings at (annually) Douglas County events or meetings.

Goal 4 - Collaborate: Build collaboration with diverse partners, share data effectively, and cultivate inclusive approach to reach new audiences and address concerns of multi-modal waterway users.

OBJECTIVE ACTIVITY TIMELINE Objective 1: AIS Coordinator Activity 1: Attend lake group meetings as Continuous should serve as a resource for appropriate, support AIS activities with local organizations, maintain stakeholder and partner groups, and current information on Douglas facilitate networking and connection County AIS projects, and between groups. facilitate continuity of County- wide AIS work. Activity 2: Connect local groups with state Continuous and federal resources to enable effective AIS projects. Provide technical assistance as needed. Activity 3: Encourage and support local Continuous partners who pursue AIS projects in Douglas County. Objective 2: Cultivate and Activity 1: Involve partner organizations and Annually (Nov. maintain collaborations with local volunteers in project planning and – Apr.) professional partners and local grant writing. stakeholders. Activity 2: Seek to incorporate in-kind match Annually (Nov. from at least 2 non-County organizations in – Apr.) Surface Water Grant applications.

Activity 3: Encourage data sharing using Continuous SWIMS database and KoBo App. Objective 3: Participate in Activity 1: Continue to participate in Continuous statewide AIS programs and statewide outreach and education activities cooperate with partners to including Bait Shop Initiative, Drain support regional initiatives. Campaign, and Landing Blitz, and others as appropriate. Activity 2: Organize and carry out Purple Continuous Loosestrife Biocontrol program in Douglas

22 County, in cooperation with WDNR staff and neighboring County AIS Coordinators. Activity 3: Communicate with partners at Feb – Nov NCWMA to support the efficient use of (annually) trailer-mounted boat wash unit within Douglas County and neighboring Counties. Activity 4: Continue to attend Western Lake Continuous Superior Aquatic Invasive Species (WLSAIS) partnership meetings to coordinate with region wide partners.

AIS Stakeholder Groups and Potential Partners (2021) All Lake Organization groups Land and Water Conservation Association Adjacent Counties Landmark Conservancy Brule River Preservation National Park Service Brule River Sportsman’s Club Northland Paddlers Association City of Superior Northwoods Cooperative Weed Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Management Area Protection Saint Croix River Association Douglas County Board of Supervisors St. Louis River Alliance Douglas County Land Services Department The Nature Conservancy Douglas County Fish and Game League Trout Unlimited Douglas County Forestry Department United States Department of Agriculture Douglas County Towns and Villages Association United States Fish and Wildlife Service Environmental Protection Agency University of Madison Division of Extension Extension Lakes-UW-Stevens Point Western Lake Superior AIS Collaborative Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Wisconsin Coastal Management Program Lake Superior Collaborative Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Wisconsin Lakes Reserve Wisconsin Sea Grant Lake Superior Research Initiative Wisconsin Wetlands Association

Outreach and Education Media Social media Information with fishing license purchase Print mailings Local media outlets and news organizations Public talks Newsletters Educational events / lectures Signage and AIS Cleaning Stations Email outreach Stakeholder communication platforms Douglas County Website (newsletters, Constant Contact, websites)

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AIS PROGRAM ACTIVITIES and PROJECTS

Activities List and Budget

The AIS Committee has identified establishing recurring funding to support a long-term AIS Program in Douglas County as a priority action (see Goal 2 and Objective 2 above). Currently, the activities identified in the strategic plan rely entirely on grant funding, so program activities, timelines, and budgets are all dependent on the specific requirements of individual grant agreements. Over the long term, the DC AIS Strategic Plan identifies a goal of diversifying funding streams and securing recurring non-competitive base funding in order to enable continuity of AIS program activities.

Clean Boats Clean Water Program

Watercraft inspections play an important role in containing and preventing aquatic invasive species (AIS) in affected waterways and preventing the spread of invasive species to new waters. The University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program (CBCW) is a volunteer watercraft inspection program designed to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive Figure 6. Annual number of boats inspected and people contacted under the species by visually CBCW program in Douglas County since 2004. Source: WDNR. inspecting equipment and by educating boaters about AIS at boat landings. Watercraft inspection has been a central part of Wisconsin’s AIS prevention efforts since 2004, and Douglas County hopes to increase participation in the future. The Douglas County AIS Coordinator will be providing a CBCW inspector training in April of 2021, and the LWCD is hiring a seasonal CBCW worker to perform inspections at Lake Superior Accesses during summer 2021.

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Douglas County Water Access Points

Legend

Boat Access Sites (1M - 400K) CARRY-IN RAMP UNKNOWN County Boundary Municipality State Boundaries County Boundaries Major Roads Interstate Highway State Highway

US Highway County and Local Roads County HWY

Local Road Railroads Tribal Lands Rivers and Streams Intermittent Streams Open Water Great Lakes

13.0 0 Distance / 2 13.0Miles Notes 1: 410,573 NAD_1983_HARN_Wisconsin_TM DISCLAIMER: The information shown on these maps has been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability and resolution. These maps are not intended to be used for navigation, nor are these maps an authoritative source of information about legal land ownership or public access. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, applicability for a particular use, completeness, or legality of the information depicted on this map. For more information, see the DNR Legal Notices web page: http://dnr.wi.gov/legal/

Figure 7. Map showing public water accesses in Douglas County shows many potential locations to staff with CBCW watercraft inspectors. Source: WDNR.

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Citizen Lake Monitoring Network

The Citizen Lake Monitoring Network (CLMN) teaches citizen volunteers how to monitor lakes. Volunteers in this program are shown how to monitor one or more physical, chemical or biological parameters that can provide information about the health of their lake. Volunteers can choose to monitor water clarity (using a Secchi disk); collect chemistry, temperature, and dissolved oxygen data; or identify and map invasive and native plants. The information collected by the volunteers is used by WDNR biologists, lake associations and other interested individuals. UWEX staff provide volunteers with the necessary equipment and training.

CLMN teaches volunteers how to use standard protocols to identify and map aquatic invasive species across their entire lake. This program teaches how to identify and look for EWM, curly leaf pondweed, rusty crayfish, freshwater jelly fish, mystery snails, adult zebra mussels and spiny waterfleas. The program is intended to go beyond the inspections done by CBCW volunteers, who are taught to watch for AIS at landings. The CLMN program is designed for individual lake property owners who want to monitor in front of their lake homes, or for groups who want to adopt and monitor all or part of a Volunteer carrying out monitoring from a bridge. lake. UWEX staff assist with providing necessary equipment, training manuals and datasheets. Monitoring lakes for AIS is essential to detect and control new populations early, before they have had a chance to spread.

26 Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol

The Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol is a statewide program commonly implemented by County AIS Coordinators to promote the use of Galerucella (Cella) Beetles for biological control of invasive Purple Loosestrife (PL). The opportunity to reinstate this project locally came from a heightened awareness of PL in 2018 due to a high rate of bloom. Over the past few years, the term ‘purple haze’ has been used to describe how high the loosestrife bloom rate has been. Limited releases and diminishing volunteer and agency involvement in Douglas County over the five years prior to the 2019 reinstatement of the program may have contributed to the high bloom rate. Other factors such as high water levels, lack of new beetle introductions, and predation may have contributed as well. In 2019, the WDNR Lake Superior Water Resources Specialist coordinated a successful volunteer rearing and release effort based in Douglas County that resulted in the release of nearly 100,000 beetles across Douglas and Bayfield Counties, with the bulk of the beetles released along the St. Louis River. There is still a need for continued release of Cella beetles; in previous large-scale projects, multi-year releases worked to bring the beetle population to a level that shortened the height of loosestrife plants by up to three feet and reduced the bloom rate of beetle-stressed plants from 1-3 million Purple Loosestrife, photo by P. Skawinski. seeds per plant per year to no seed production at all, in some instances.

In 2021, the Douglas County AIS Coordinator will work closely with the WDNR Water Resources Specialist to carry out continued PL biocontrol under a funding agreement between Douglas County LWCD and WDNR. Looking forward to subsequent seasons, the main objectives of the Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Program are twofold: achieving long- term control of Purple Loosestrife populations and accomplishing outreach and education on AIS in Douglas County. The Douglas County AIS Coordinator will continue to carry out biocontrol efforts and beetle releases to achieve long-term control of existing Purple Loosestrife populations. The AIS Coordinator will focus on involving local organizations and partners and use the interesting process of volunteer beetle rearing as a method to engage with the public and achieve education and outreach goals identified in the DC AIS Strategic Plan. Through this cooperative work the Douglas County AIS Coordinator will boost participation from local organizations and prepare for future leadership in PL biocontrol and

27 other invasive management efforts by the Douglas County LWCD. This will build increased collaboration between WDNR, LWCD, and other local groups.

Boy Scout Landing 2019 loosestrife bloom. Photo D. Fillmore.

This regional project is beneficial not only for releasing significant numbers of beetles, but also for educating the public and local organizations about biological control and citizen science. Many volunteers will continue to gain experience raising beetles, and local individuals and organizations will learn about the science and practice of biocontrol for invasive species. The Douglas County AIS Strategic Plan calls for continued implementation and growth of this program over the coming years.

Galerucella beetle used for biocontrol of Purple Loosestrife. Photo by P. Skawinski.

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Purple Loosestrife Partnerships and efforts: • Partnership between Douglas County LWCD and WDNR • Continuing partnership with Nebagamon and Minnesuing lake associations • Continuing partnership with GLIFWC for release locations in Bayfield County • Increase local Galerucella insectaries for partners to use in future efforts for beetle collection and citizen involvement • Examining potential for mass rearing sites based on guidance from UWEX • Continuing partnership with Lake Superior NERR for wetland vegetation surveys • Outreach to Douglas County lake organizations to locate populations of purple loosestrife which would benefit from Cella beetle release. Collaborate with those lake organizations for beetle rearing and release.

Project Riverine Early Detection (RED)

Wisconsin’s rivers are also vulnerable to invasion by aquatic invasive species and, just as with lakes, the key to successfully protecting rivers is detecting invasives early when it is still possible to isolate or eradicate the infestation. Project RED was created by the River Alliance of Wisconsin in partnership with WDNR, the National Institute for Invasive Species Science, and UWEX. Through local partnerships, Project RED provides training and tools to learn how to monitor 19 species of AIS on rivers by canoe, kayak, or on foot. Trainers help volunteers choose locations and monitoring schedules that are convenient, and they provide online data management tools to help report and map findings. If AIS are found on a river, the River Alliance of Wisconsin and the WDNR can help with the next step of eradication or containment. Douglas County plans to support Project RED training and participation.

Project RED is a statewide program coordinated by the River Alliance of Wisconsin.

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Storing and Sharing Douglas County Data

AIS data collected by staff or volunteers in Douglas County will be shared with partners by entering into the WDNR Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS) database. The SWIMS database is mainly used by WDNR staff to store surface water, sediment and aquatic invasive species data for use in its management decisions, but can also be accessed and downloaded by other partners who register for an identification code and login credentials with the state.

In 2020 the AIS Coordinator and LWCD launched an initiative in collaboration with NCWMA, GLIFWC Staff, and partners in the City of Superior to organize trainings for a data collection and sharing app called KoBo Collect. GLIFWC staff will lead a 2 part training series during the spring of 2021 with the goal of training regional AIS Coordinators, local partners, and City of Superior employees to record field observations and associated AIS Data using a standardized set of forms accessible via the KoBo app. This project aims to improve long-term data sharing and transparency between the northern Wisconsin Counties and our professional partners. Data shared using the KoBo app will also be uploaded to the state SWIMS database. AIS Example of KoBo App AIS field observation form. Photo by observations logged by City Z. Stewart, captured from KoBo app. of Superior employees and other collaborators will be documented as “in-kind” funds to provide match for WDNR surface water grants, per communication between the Douglas County AIS Coordinator and WDNR staff.

The WDNR Surface Water Data Viewer Web Mapping Application is an interactive mapping tool that summarizes SWIMS database information with a variety of filter functions. The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) also maintains a website for viewing invasive species in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin (http://www.glifwc.org/). The objective of the GLIFWC website is to “provide a communications infrastructure to facilitate and enhance regional coordination of natural resource management efforts, with an emphasis on invasive species.” Data on the website is contributed by GLIFWC, Lac

30 Courte Oreilles Natural Resource Department, WDNR, Michigan DNR, Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, National Park Service, Sea Grant, The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Geological Survey.

AIS Early Detection and Response on Inland Lakes and Rivers

Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) of emergent AIS Photo by F. Koshere. threats on inland lakes and rivers is an integral part of Douglas County’s AIS Strategy. Early detection monitoring will be carried out in coordination with the regional WDNR AIS Coordinator and follow standard operating procedures outlined by the state. Early detection and swift control of emergent AIS may allow the County to control populations of invasive species before they have a chance to establish permanently and spread to other waterways. Because EDRR monitoring and control work is a central aspect of the Douglas County AIS Strategic Plan it is referenced in several subsections of the plan including Goal 1, Objective 5; Goal 2, Objective 2; and Goal 3, Objective 2. In 2020, two DNR Surface Water EDRR Grants were submitted by the AIS Coordinator and successfully funded. Work on monitoring and control of Butterfly Dock in Superior, WI, and Yellow Flag Iris in Allouez Bay of Lake Superior, respectively, will begin during field season 2021. Future additional projects that could be funded under EDRR Surface Water Grants include surveillance and control of Narrowleaf Cattail and Yellow Flag Iris on the Bois Brule River, monitoring for Bloody Red Shrimp in the nearshore waters of Lake Superior, and other opportunities.

Spiny Waterflea is an emerging threat in the area, photo by P. Skawinski.

31 Legislation

The Wisconsin Chapter NR 40 rule classifies invasive species into 2 categories: "Prohibited" and "Restricted.” With certain exceptions under each category, the transport, possession, transfer and introduction of Prohibited or Restricted species is banned. The County supports this rule and other legislation that strengthens AIS transport laws. The Douglas County AIS Strategic Plan calls for the AIS Coordinator to coordinate with local enforcement to offer information and support the local AIS related enforcement and education actions.

List of useful links for Invasive Species Information

Invasive Species https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives

Reporting https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/report.html

Prevention https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/prevention.html

Control https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/control.html

Permits and Licenses https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/NR40Permits.html

Best Management https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/bmp.html Practices

Boating and AIS https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/disinfection.html

AIS Education and Outreach

The County places a strong emphasis on AIS Education and Outreach as a primary method for prevention. The AIS Strategic Plan Committee highlighted the importance of Education and Outreach efforts across all AIS program activities, but chose to incorporate education as a component of each of the four specific plan goals. There are many partners, programs and resources available to help the County with this effort. The County will use and adapt existing materials, campaigns and venues to help educate Douglas County audiences about AIS. It will also participate in the State AIS Prevention Strategy and help provide messages to targeted groups in the County, such as the ones identified by the WDNR below.

32 Boaters, Paddlers, and Anglers INSPECT your boat, trailer, and equipment and REMOVE any attached aquatic plants or animals (before launching, after loading, and before transporting on a public highway). DRAIN all water from boats, motors and all equipment DON’T MOVE live fish away from a waterbody. DISPOSE of unwanted bait in the trash.

Seaplane Pilots INSPECT your seaplane and equipment. REMOVE any attached aquatic plants or animals before landing or taking off. DRAIN all water from seaplane or equipment.

Water Gardeners or Pond Owners Never transplant water garden plants into lakes, streams, wetlands or stormwater ponds. Never release crayfish, fish or other animals into lakes or streams. Do not purchase prohibited and restricted species and whenever possible purchase native plants and animals. Check your plant orders for unwanted and potentially invasive hitchhikers (seeds, Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers publication by WDNR. plant fragments, snails, insects, or fish). Be aware of the regulations regarding possession, transport and sale of invasive plants and animals. Properly dispose of unwanted plants and animals.

Nursery owners Do not purchase or sell invasive plants or animals that are restricted or prohibited in Wisconsin.

33 Aquarium Enthusiasts or Teachers Do not purchase invasive plants or animals that are restricted or prohibited in Wisconsin. Never transplant aquarium plants into lakes, streams, wetlands or stormwater ponds. Never release live crayfish, fish or other animals into lakes and streams. Properly dispose of unwanted plants and animals.

The Great Ships Initiative

The Great Ships Initiative (GSI) is an innovative collaboration of top-level officials and key stakeholder groups whose objective is to end the problem of ship-mediated invasive species in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System. The near-term objective of the GSI is to significantly accelerate research, development and implementation of effective ballast treatment systems for ships that visit the Great Lakes from overseas. The University of Wisconsin-Superior's Lake Superior Research Institute and the University of Minnesota-Duluth's Natural Resources Research Institute are among other research groups providing critical expertise and implementation services to GSI's research activities. The research facility is located in Superior, The Montreal Pier facility in Superior houses a state of Wisconsin. In 2020, UWS researchers the art ballast water testing facility. Photo by K. Prihoda. received an additional five million dollars in funding for ballast water treatment research.

AIS Focus Zones

An initial waterbody for the first AIS Focus Zone will be considered in 2021 or 2022, and will be selected based on resource value ranked using objective criteria developed in accordance with DC AIS Strategic Plan Goal 1, Objective 4. There is no proposed limit to the number of AIS Focus Zones that may be eventually designated within the County, and any waterbody may be considered. Significant AIS work will continue outside AIS Focus Zones as well; the designation is intended as a tool to organize AIS efforts and rally community support around vulnerable or valuable water resource areas. The Douglas County AIS Strategic Plan Committee identified the WDNR “Outstanding Resource Water” (ORW) and “Exceptional Resource Water” (ERW) designations as potentially important factors in identifying future County AIS Focus Zones (see map below).

34

ORWs and ERWs in Douglas County

Legend Outstanding and Exceptional Streams Exceptional Outstanding Outstanding and Exceptional Lakes Exceptional Outstanding Municipality State Boundaries County Boundaries Major Roads Interstate Highway

State Highway US Highway County and Local Roads County HWY

Local Road Railroads Tribal Lands Rivers and Streams Intermittent Streams Lakes and Open water

14.6 0 7.29 14.6 Miles Notes 1: 461,659 NAD_1983_HARN_Wisconsin_TM DISCLAIMER: The information shown on these maps has been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability and resolution. These maps are not intended to be used for navigation, nor are these maps an authoritative source of information about legal land ownership or public access. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, applicability for a particular use, completeness, or legality of the information depicted on this map. For more information, see the DNR Legal Notices web page: http://dnr.wi.gov/legal/

Figure 8. Map of ORW and ERW designated waters in Wisconsin.

35

FUNDING SOURCES

Wisconsin DNR The WDNR awards cost-sharing grants to public and private entities for 67% - 100% of costs for AIS work. Projects fall under one of the five following categories.

1. Education, Prevention and Planning Projects Eligible Projects: Educational programs including conducting workshops, training or coordinating volunteer monitors; Development of prevention and control plans for AIS; Monitoring, mapping, and assessing waterbodies for the presence of AIS or other studies that will aid in the prevention and control of AIS; Watercraft inspection and education projects following the guidelines of the Department’s Clean Boats, Clean Waters program. 2. Early Detection and Response Projects Eligible Projects: Identification and removal, by approved methods, of small pioneer populations of aquatic invasive species in the early stages of colonization, or re-colonization. 3. Established Population Control Projects Eligible projects include: DNR - approved control activities recommended in a control plan; Experimental or demonstration projects following a DNR - approved plan; Purple Loosestrife bio-control projects (no plan approval required). 4. Research and Demonstration Projects Eligible Projects: Grants awarded under this subchapter are intended as a cooperative research or demonstration activity between sponsors and the DNR. Eligible projects shall be designed to increase scientific understanding of the ecological and economic implications of aquatic invasive species and their management. Projects will assess experimental and innovative techniques for their prevention, containment and control. 5. Maintenance and Containment Projects Eligible Projects: Grants awarded under this subchapter are intended for waters that are being managed under a DNR - approved plan where management activity has achieved a desired level of aquatic invasive species control but complete eradication is not achievable. Ongoing maintenance is needed to contain these populations so they do not re-establish throughout the waterbody, spread to other waters, and impair navigation or other beneficial uses of the waterbody. 6. Lake Monitoring and Protection Network Eligible Projects: The Lake Monitoring and Protection Network is designed to provide annual recurring support to “network cooperators” (e.g. Douglas County LWCD) who carry out lake monitoring and AIS prevention work. Network activities and reporting will be outlined in an agreement with WDNR. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid/SurfaceWater.html for additional information about the WDNR grant requirements and application forms for 2021.

36

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program

The Sea Grant program works closely with the 30 state Sea Grant programs located in every coastal and Great Lakes state and Puerto Rico. These programs are a university- based network of over 300 institutions involving more than 3,000 scientists, engineers, educators, students and outreach experts. The National Sea Grant College Program sponsors a variety of research, outreach and education projects, most through the state Sea Grant Programs. Each program announces the availability of funding on an annual or biennial basis.

See: https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/our-work/focus-areas/ais/ for more information.

The United States Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Library – National Invasive Species Information Center

The USDA website contains a Manager's Tool Kit page that lists resources for general grants and funding information for invasive species. A listing of requests for proposals is available on the Request for Proposals page. Information about grants that have been awarded is also available on the Funds Awarded page.

See: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/toolkit/grants.shtml for more information.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Since 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency-led interagency Great Lakes restoration initiative has awarded $300 million annually for projects targeting the most emergent problems in the region, including invasive aquatic species, non-point source pollution, and contaminated sediment. In fiscal year 2019, 19% of GLRI funding was allocated to Invasive Species work.

See: https://www.glri.us/funding for more information.

37

LITERATURE CITED

Holeck K, Mills EL, MacIsaac HJ, Dochoda M, Colautti RI, Ricciardi A. 2004. Bridging troubled waters: understanding links between biological invasions, transoceanic shipping, and other entry vectors in the Laurentian Great Lakes. BioScience. 10: 919-929.

Horsch EJ, Lewis DJ. 2009. The effects of aquatic invasive species on property values: evidence from a quasi-experiment. Land Economics. 85(3):391-409.

Johnson LE, Ricciardi A, Carlton JT. 2001. Overland dispersal of aquatic invasive species: a risk assessment of transient recreational boating. Ecological applications. 11(6):1789-99.

Maki K, Galatowitsch S. 2004. Movement of invasive aquatic plants into Minnesota (USA) through horticultural trade. Biological Conservation. 118:389-396.

McGeoch, M. A., Genovesi, P., Bellingham, P. J., Costello, M. J., McGrannachan, C., & Sheppard, A. (2016). Prioritizing species, pathways, and sites to achieve conservation targets for biological invasion. Biological Invasions, 18, 299–314.

Pimentel D, Zuniga R, Morrison D. 2005. Update on the environmental and economic costs associated with alien-invasive species in the United States. Ecological Economics. 52(3):273-288.

Rothlisberger JD, Finnoff DC, Cooke RM, Lodge DM. 2012. Ship-borne Nonindigenous Species Diminish Great Lakes Ecosystems Services. Ecosystems. 15(3):1-15.

Spear, MJ, Dugan H, Walsh JR, Papes M, Maxted J, Shannon T, Haryanto D, and Vander Zanden MJ. (2019). Aquatic invasive species (AIS) smart prevention tool 2.0. Published as an online data visualization tool at https://uwlimnology.shinyapps.io/AISSmartPrevention2.

WDNR PUB SS-1160, 2016. Chapter NR40: The Invasive Species Rule, Wisconsin DNR, Bureau of Science Services.

Zander Vanden, J., and Olden, J. D., (2008). A Management Framework for Preventing the Secondary Spread of Invasive Species. Canadian Journal of Fish and Aquatic Sciences, 65, 1512

38

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation Department 1313 Belknap St., Room 206 Superior, WI 54880

Land Conservationist: [email protected] (715) 395-1266 Land Conservation Technician: [email protected] (715) 395-7266

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE

Date submitted______Amount Requested______

Project Title:______

Contact Person:______Organization:______

Mailing Address:______

Phone and Email:______

Project Description:

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation ● www.douglascountywi.org/305/Land-Conservation

Location:______

List of Partners Involved

List of Other Funding Sources

List of Grants Applied for

Public Benefits

Environmental Impact of Project

Projected Date of Completion:______

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. We operate in compliance with the equal opportunity policies and all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations relating to nondiscrimination in employment and service delivery.

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation ● www.douglascountywi.org/305/Land-Conservation

PROJECT BUDGET (Please provide the following: 1. short list containing, at minimum, the total project cost, available funding, sources of available funding, donations, grant(s) if any, and description of any in-kind services):

PROJECT TIME FRAME (projects with up to one year implementation period are preferable):

PLEASE NOTE: FUNDING WILL VARY DEPENDING UPON AVAILABILITY

Return to: Douglas County Land & Water Conservation 1313 Belknap St., Room 206 Superior, WI 54880 Or: [email protected]; Fax: 715-395-7643

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation ● www.douglascountywi.org/305/Land-Conservation

2021 Rain Barrel Workshop Item Source Cost Notes 2020 2021 55 gallon Barrel City of Superior WWTP Free ? Waiting for approval from Tonia

Menards: https://www.menards.com/main/doors-windows- millwork/window-door-screening-supplies/screens/pet-resistant- Pet-Resistant Window Screen $10 $12.94 for 84", need about 36" for each barrel, so this is enough for 2 barrels - purchase 8 charcoal-window-screening/fcs10899-m/p-1517815743748-c- 7666.htm?tid=-6480149791416929704&ipos=4 103.52 Top Menards: https://www.menards.com/main/tools/automotive/towing- cargo-management/straps-tie-downs/kingcord-reg-1-4-x-100-black- Bungee Cord $20 $19.99 for 100', need about 62" (~5') for each barrel so this is enough for 20 barrels polyester-bungee-cord/341111mnpdq/p-1534919275512-c- 14203.htm?tid=4106949371575425101&ipos=17 19.99

Menards: https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/valves/hose- bibbs-wall-faucets-wall-hydrants/homewerks-3-4-mip-lead-free-brass- 3/4" Spigot (measures 1" outside) $5 $6.19 purchase 16 male-garden-hose-bibb/180-3-34-34/p-1452209486258-c- Spigot 19519.htm?tid=-6158738286137088364&ipos=10 99.04 brass nut for spigot $1 purchase 16 16 rubber washer $1 purchase 16 16 Menards: https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/pumps- 1 1/2" Overflow hose and male adapter tanks/pump-well-tank-accessories/1-1-2-sump-pump-drainage- $8 $8.99 purchase 16 kit/sk2200-0000/p-1444451528633-c-8672.htm 143.84

Overflow Menards: https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/pipe- fittings/pvc-pipe-fittings/nibco-reg-pvc-female-adapter- 1 1/2" Hub x Female PVC adapter $1 $0.83 purchase 16 dwv/k02530c/plumbing/pipe-fittings/pvc-pipe-fittings/nibco-reg-pvc- female-adapter-dwv/k02450h/p-1444449189798.htm 13.28 Silicon adhesive $10 $10 purchase 16 160 Misc Teflon Tape wrap at class, or send home with teflon tape (would need 15) Hand sanitizer one or two for the class

Estimated total cost (without barrel fee): 571.67

Tools

reciprocal saw File 1 1/2" hole saw, if using bulkhead 15/16" bit, if not using a bulkhead

3" hole saw, if using bulkhead 1 3/4" or 1 7/8" hole saw, if not using bulkhead Save the Rain! Protect Lake Superior. Rain barrel construction and installation Andrea B. Crouse, MS City of Superior Water Resource Specialist Regional Stormwater Protection Team Co-Chair Why Collect Rain?

• Free, naturally soft water your garden plants will love • Prevent localized flooding • Reduces pollution in rivers and streams How much water?

1 ft2 of roof collects 0.6 gallons of rain in a 1” rainfall

Roof Length (feet) x Roof Width (feet) x 0.6 gallon x Inches of rainfall = gallons of rain collected

In a 1” rainfall on a 1000 ft2 roof will collect ~600 gallons of water.

Duluth gets an average of 30” of rainfall each year. Most roofs are between 700- 3000 ft2 . That means 12,600-54,000 gallons/year

Keep in mind that there are likely several downspouts on your roof, there may be some loss due to inefficiency. What then? Some safety considerations

1 gallon or water weighs 8.35 lbs A 55 gallon barrel full of water will weigh 460 lbs!

• A stable site for your rain barrel is critical • Screens will prevent unwanted tenants • Mosquitos • Other insects/animals that might get in • Overflow hose will protect your foundation Site Selection and Prep

• Choose a downspout • Consider potential rain harvesting off that particular section of roof • Keep it out of paths and walkways • Place it near the area that the water will be used • Build a foundation • Level • Solid • Dirt can shift and compact • Build a stand • Easy access to spigot for a watering can or hose • Height off the ground increases the effectiveness of gravity for water pressure • Cinder blocks, wooden stands, purchased plastic stands (keep weight in mind!) Connecting the Downspout to the Rain Barrel-Redirection Connecting the Downspout to the Rain Barrel-Diverters

Save the Rain DiverterPro Rain Chain Site Prep – All about the base 1 1 2

2 3 4

3 Building a Rain Barrel – Equipment and Tools

• Plastic or Wooden Barrel • Jigsaw or Reciprocating Saw • Local food distributors or bottlers • Waste Water Treatment Plant • Wood blade (Coarse saw blade) • Car Wash • Breweries/Distilleries/Vineyards • Drill • Spigot (3/4” hose bib) • Bits • #” Rubber Washer • Locknut • 2-1/4” Hole saw • Overflow Hose (sump discharge hose) • 15/16” Forstner or Spade Bit • 1-1/2” bulkhead • Threaded bulkhead • Metal Rasp or file • 2 rubber washers • Locknut • Flathead screwdriver • Male adapter for sump hose Silicon Caulk • Steel hose clamp • • Lid • Teflon Tape • Screen (Pet resistant is stronger) • 62” Bungee cord • Scissors Remove top of barrel

• A jigsaw or reciprocating saw with a coarse sawblade works well • Cut, starting inside one of the open screws caps, or drill a pilot hole large enough for the saw blade • Leave the lip on the outside of the barrel • This will be used later to hold the screen on with a bungee cord • Remove plastic burrs with round metal file/rasp • An open top will allow you to work inside the barrel

• Note: A smaller opening on the top of the barrel is safer • kids can’t fall in • Less likely for animals to fall in • Harder to clean out and construct (specifically spigot locknut)

Drill holes for Spigot and Overflow

• Spigot • Using a 15/16” forstner or spade bit, drill a hole in the side of the barrel, about 2” from the bottom.

• Overflow • Using a 2-1/4” hole saw, drill a hole in the side of the barrel, about 2” from the top, and 90˚ from the spigot • Use the pilot bit to dig to the center of your hole • Feather the hole saw on the barrel, slowly increase the speed of the blade • Ideally you know what side of the barrel you want your overflow on because you picked the site already!

Install Spigot

• Place a rubber washer on the faucet (this will be outside the barrel) • Wrap teflon tape around faucet threads (direction is important so you don’t strip the tape off when screwing the faucet into the barrel!) • Hold faucet in right hand • Hold Teflon tape in left hand • Start tape on top of faucet threads and hold in place with right pointer finger • Wrap clockwise (the same direction as the tightening action of the nut) 4-7 times • Don’t cover the last thread on the faucet • Screw the spigot into the 15/16” hole near the bottom of the barrel until flush with barrel and aligned as desired (with handle on top) • Reach (or crawl) inside the barrel and attach locknut to back of spigot • With an assistant holding the spigot in place on outside of barrel, tighten the locknut on the inside of the barrel

Install Bulkhead and Overflow adapter

• Make sure each side of the bulkhead has a rubber washer (one will be on outside of barrel and one will be inside the barrel) • Place the threaded end inside the barrel and through the 2” hole (on the side of the barrel, near the top) • Tighten the locknut on the outside of the barrel (while holding the inside piece in place) • Wrap Teflon tape around threads of 1-1/2 overflow adapter, as with spigot • Place hose clamp on adapter • Attach overflow hose to adapter and tighten in place with the hose clamp (best to do this once the barrel is in position)

Attach Screen Top

• I chose a pet-safe screen for durability and avoided metal screens due to rusting • Unroll screen on top of rain barrel • Make sure there is at least 6-8” of screen over-hanging the edge of the barrel • Cut screen to size using heavy scissors • Wrap bungee around the outside edge of barrel to hold screen tight (barrels are about 72” in circumference) Completed Rain Barrel! Congratulations! Getting the Water to the Garden Maintenance of Rain Barrels

• Empty regularly • Inspect for leaks, erosion or flooding at outflow from overflow hose • Winterize • Remove overflow hose • Empty barrel • Turn rain barrel over for storage • Re-direct downspout for winter/early spring Take it to the Next Level Take it to the Next Level Questions?

Andrea B. Crouse [email protected] 715-394-0392

www.ci.superior.wi.us

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation Department 1313 Belknap St., Room 206 Superior, WI 54880 Land Conservationist: [email protected] (715) 395-1266 Land Conservation Technician: [email protected] (715) 395-7266

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE

Date submitted______5-14-2021 Amount Requested______$1002.86 ______

Project Title:______Pleasant View Road Community Well Abandonment______Contact Person:______Organization:______Dan Corbin Town of Summit______Mailing Address:______2731 E Milchesky Road ______Phone and Email:______218-390-0748 - [email protected]______

Project Description: A community well existed for individuals that had cabins on the end of Pleasant View Road on Amnicon Lake in the Town of Summit. Many years ago it was thought that the well was shut down abandoned. The Town of Summit is currently repairing the road and decided that we should double check the well to make sure that it was abandoned properly. It was discovered that it was filled with sand and capped with concrete; it was not done correctly. So we have dug down around the casing to where we found the casing to be solid and cut off the deteriated/rusted 5" casing. We have now flushed the sand out of the pipe to a depth of approximately 31'. William Silvernale, an employee of the Townanda licensed well installer, will fill the pipe with bentonite and cover up the pipe according to State DNR specifications/

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation ● www.douglascountywi.org/305/Land-Conservation Location:______Termination/culdisac on Pleasant View Road______List of Partners Involved Town of Summit

List of Other Funding Sources N/A

List of Grants Applied for Douglas County Environmental Fund

Public Benefits

Abandonment of a well that is close to Lake Amnicon, approx 500". This will ensure that nothing could get to the aquifer.

Environmental Impact of Project Closure of an abandoned well with a casing that is rusting and open to the ground water.

Projected Date of Completion:______May 31, 2021 ______

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. We operate in compliance with the equal opportunity policies and all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations relating to nondiscrimination in employment and service delivery.

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation ● www.douglascountywi.org/305/Land-Conservation

PROJECT BUDGET (Please provide the following: 1. short list containing, at minimum, the total project cost, available funding, sources of available funding, donations, grant(s) if any, and description of any in-kind services):

The total cost of the project is $1,002.86. William Silvernale is an employee of the Town of Summit and is licensed to abandon the well. Cost to seal well with bentonite - $750.00 Cost to wash sand from well to depth of 31': - Fire Truck @ 81.10/hr * 2hr = $162.20 - Wages for employees: - 1 town employee @ 33.58/hr * 2hr = $67.16 - 1 town employee @ 11.75/hr * 2hr = $23.50

PROJECT TIME FRAME (projects with up to one year implementation period are preferable): Latest the project would be completed is May 31, 2021, most likely to be completed the week of May 17, 2021.-

PLEASE NOTE: FUNDING WILL VARY DEPENDING UPON AVAILABILITY

Return to: Douglas County Land & Water Conservation 1313 Belknap St., Room 206 Superior, WI 54880 Or: [email protected]; Fax: 715-395-7643

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation ● www.douglascountywi.org/305/Land-Conservation

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation Department 1313 Belknap St., Room 206 Superior, WI 54880 Land Conservationist: [email protected] (715) 395-1266 Land Conservation Technician: [email protected] (715) 395-7266

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE

Date submitted______Amount Requested______

Project Title:______Contact Person:______Organization:______Mailing Address:______Phone and Email:______

Project Description:

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation ● www.douglascountywi.org/305/Land-Conservation Location:______List of Partners Involved

List of Other Funding Sources

List of Grants Applied for

Public Benefits

Environmental Impact of Project

Projected Date of Completion:______

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. We operate in compliance with the equal opportunity policies and all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations relating to nondiscrimination in employment and service delivery.

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation ● www.douglascountywi.org/305/Land-Conservation

PROJECT BUDGET (Please provide the following: 1. short list containing, at minimum, the total project cost, available funding, sources of available funding, donations, grant(s) if any, and description of any in-kind services):

PROJECT TIME FRAME (projects with up to one year implementation period are preferable):

PLEASE NOTE: FUNDING WILL VARY DEPENDING UPON AVAILABILITY

Return to: Douglas County Land & Water Conservation 1313 Belknap St., Room 206 Superior, WI 54880 Or: [email protected]; Fax: 715-395-7643

Douglas County Land & Water Conservation ● www.douglascountywi.org/305/Land-Conservation

Environmental Reserve Fund Application Recommended revision for May 18, 2021 Land Conservation Committee Meeting to include minorities and underserved youth:

Add to application:

Please check if you are a minority or underserved youth lacking access to natural resource-based outdoor educational opportunities.

WI Land + Water Conservation Association Great Lakes Committee Grant Program

Background

On October 2, 1992, a core group of counties met in Calumet County to identify issues with addressing nonpoint pollution at local, county and state levels. In January 1993 this group adopted by-laws, elected officers, and officially became known as the Great Lakes Nonpoint Abatement Coalition or GLNAC. GLNAC’s mission statement was to: Develop, promote, and support nonpoint source pollution control programs for implementation at the local government level, which seek to protect water quality of the Great Lakes. For nearly 21 years GLNAC and the 34 Wisconsin counties within the Great Lakes Basin achieved many accomplishments that preserved nonpoint funding, prevented environmentally harmful legislation, created a legislative committee to quickly respond to legislative and administrative rule changes, and promoted numerous and innovative county approaches to conservation issues.

As GLNAC dissolved and merged with the Wisconsin land & Water Conservation Association, the Great Lakes Committee (GLC) formed with a new but similar mission: The Great Lakes Committee will work to support, promote and develop county land and water programming to protect, conserve and enhance natural resources in the Great Lakes Basin.

Funding

Funding for this grant program is provided in the Wisconsin Land & Water annual budget and will be sustained through voluntary dues from Great Lakes Basin counties. The annual budget is currently $2,500.00 and the Great Lakes Committee anticipates funding 3-5 projects per year.

Administration

The Great Lakes Committee will administer and maintain this grant program for projects within the Great Lakes Basin that benefit the general public and address Great Lakes natural resource issues. (Individual professional development applications will not be funded through this grant program.) Applications will be reviewed through a selection process by Great Lakes Committee members. Applications should be submitted to the GLC Chair Greg Coulthurst at [email protected] by September 1st.

Eligibility

1) Applications must be from a county within the Great Lakes Basin.

2) Applications must be “screened” and submitted by the corresponding County Conservation Department. If multiple applications are submitted, the County Conservation Department shall prioritize the applications.

3) Applications must be from the County, but can be on behalf of a public entity within the Great Lakes Basin.

4) Applications shall include a project time line, a contact person and an overall budget.

5) Applications shall clearly describe the public benefit or potential benefits, and the natural resource issue(s) impacting the Great Lakes.

Considerations

1) County status with Great Lakes Committee annual dues.

2) Matching funds acquired or needed for the project.

3) Probability for success and replication of the project within the Great Lakes Basin or within the State.

Successful Applications

• Reimbursement payments will provided to successful grant recipients. • Successful recipients shall complete and submit a final report within 30 days of project completion to the GLC Chair Greg Coulthurst at [email protected]

WI LAND + WATER CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION GREAT LAKES COMMITTEE GRANT APPLICATION FORM

Items I-III of this application must be completed and submitted to the WI Land+Water Great Lakes Committee prior to September 1st annually in order to be considered for approval. Please review the attached guidelines for eligibility and background information. Attach additional sheets of paper if necessary to finish answering any questions.

I. Personal Information:

Name: First Last

County: Phone:

Title:

Address:

Organization:

Email Address:

II: Description of Proposed Project:

1. Briefly describe the project for which financial assistance is being requested.

2. Describe in detail why funding is needed and how your county and/or how other Great Lake counties will benefit from this project if funded.

3. In addition to a possible WI Land+Water Great Lakes Committee grant, what other sources of funding will be used for the proposed project? Please provide a complete budget and a timeline for the proposed project.

Please note: A written report, summarizing the completed project must be submitted to the Great Lakes Committee within 30 calendar days following completion of the project.

III. Requested Funding Amount:

Total estimated cost of the project: $

Requested Grant amount: $

I hereby certify that the information provided on this application is true and correct and any and all grant funds received will be used for the expressed purposes of the WI Land+Water Great Lakes Committee grant program. If approved, I will submit original receipts and a grant expense summary sheet to the WI Land+Water Great Lakes Committee.

Submitted by: Applicant’s Signature Date

County Conservation/ Date

Department Head Signature

IV. Reviewed for Eligibility – For official use only

Reviewed by: WI Land+Water GLC Representative Date

Eligible Ineligible

V. Approval or Denial – For official use only

The WI Land+Water Great Lakes Committee has approved/denied this application.

Signed by: WI Land+Water GLC Chair/designee or Vice Date

Chair

Free Clean Sweep Plastic Wrap Collection Event! Tuesday, June 22, 2021 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. One-time Program! Bayfield County Highway Garage 311 First Ave E , Washburn, WI

ACCEPTABLE PLASTIC WRAP: Agricultural Bale Wrap, Grain Bags, Bunker Cover, Drip Tape, Greenhouse Film, Boat Wrap

Plastics can be brought to the site in a Revolution Recapture Bag that can hold 200 lbs. Free recapture bags can be mailed to you upon registration. The material can be baled and brought to the collection site. No strings, metal, or binders allowed. Plas- tic does not need to be clean, but please shake off loose debris.

Pre-register IS REQUIRED by June 11 by completing a survey out at: https://forms.gle/vnkU3fWu2jcgPw1E7

Or by calling 715-395-1363 2021 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

Guidance

Items included in the annual work plan must be consistent with the goals and objectives described in the County’s LWRM Plan. References to the county LWRM plan, such as goal number or objective number, are not required, but can be added to Table 1 under “Category.”

The work plan template includes five tables. Table 1 is designed to allow for a more detailed and county- specific narrative summary of planned activities and performance measurements. Tables 2, 3 and 4 are designed to capture activities that are more easily quantified. If you include information in Table 2, 3 and 4, you do not have to also include this information in Table 1. Table 5 can be used to meet LWRM planning requirements for costs and hours.

To complete Table 1: • Describe all relevant planned activities for each applicable category, including those beyond what is supported directly with SWRM funds. If a category is not applicable in your county, skip that category. • Identify benchmarks for each planned activity. • Identify performance measures. In particular, performance measures related to sediment and nutrient reductions if applicable and known.

Please note, the items identified in the template are examples of activities and performance measurements. It is not expected that all counties do all of these things. Replace and/or delete each activity as needed. If there is a category that is not applicable, do not include it in your work plan.

Examples of practices for each category and examples of landscape-scale surveys and/or inventories are listed below: Cropland practices may include: • NM plan development (acres) • Grassed waterways (acres) • Cover crops (acres) • No-till (acres) • WASCOB (number) • Grade stabilization (number) • Critical area stabilization (number) • Contour strips (acres)

Livestock practices may include: • Barnyard runoff control – not roof or diversion (number) • Roof runoff systems (number) • Clean water diversion (feet) • Grazing plan (number) • Manure storage closure (number) • Trails and walkways (feet) • Livestock watering facilities (number) • Stream crossing (feet) • Livestock fencing (feet) • Feed storage runoff control (number) • Milking center waste water (number) Douglas County 2021 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

Water quality practices may include: • Streambank/shoreline protection (feet) • Well decommissioning (number) • Sinkhole treatments (number) • Riparian buffers (acres) • Critical area stabilization (number)

Forestry practices may include: • Forest management plans (number) • Trails, access roads and walkways (feet) • Stream crossings (feet)

Landscape-scale survey and/or inventories might include: • Transect survey • Use of SnapPlus to estimate soil loss • Mapping of certain geographic features • Inventories of certain types of practices or where practices are needed • Inventory of certain types of operations or structures within WQMAs • EVAAL of areas in county Douglas County 2021 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

Table 1: Planned activities and performance measures by category

CATEGORY PLANNED ACTIVITIES WITH BENCHMARKS PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS (goal and objective from LWRM plan can If applicable identify focus areas, e.g. HUC 12 (examples in italics) be added in each category) watershed code (examples of types of “planned activities” in italics) • Cropland Cropland, soil health and/or NM planning and training (2 trainings) 100 acres with an updated nutrient management plan nutrient management Farmland Preservation education (1 training) 300 acres with a new nutrient management plan 5 new farmers working toward creating a nutrient management plan 2- 3 hour trainings hosted with a focus on nutrient management planning 1 informational meeting hosted about Farmland Preservation Planning and Agriculture Enterprise Area Creation Assistance provided for creation of AEA if needed

• Livestock Livestock Practice installation (1 practice) 1- 50.76 Livestock Watering Facilities Manure storage (1 review) $6,054 cost-share dollars spent Includes: 1 drinker and heavy use protection pad Manure Storage Ordinance reviewed

• Water quality Water quality/quantity (other than Practice installation (6 practices) 2- 50.88 Shoreline Protection for a total of 100 linear feet of activities already listed in other Landscape-scale surveys and/or inventories (1) shoreline Groundwater testing (150 tests) 2- 50.69 Critical Area Stabilization for a total of 2,200 square feet categories) Planning (5 events) of shoreland 2- 50.97 Well Decommissioning $13,400 cost-share dollars spent Continue to collaborate with WI Coastal Management CoP as culvert database is created. 150 groundwater samples tested 150 groundwater samples entered into geodatabase Targeted mailing completed to encourage sampling in underrepresented areas 1 groundwater education sessions completed 10 shoreland/impervious surface plans are designed or reviewed All shoreland/impervious surface permits issued in 2019 are inspected 2 meetings with Douglas County Lakes and Rivers individuals Douglas County 2021 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

Serve on NW WI Lakes Conference Committee 1 shoreland field day held 3 hour training about shoreland BMP’s for Amnicon/Dowling Lake District 1 LCC project tour held

• Forestry Forestry Tree planting Connect individuals interested in planting trees to the proper providers.

• Invasive Invasive species Invasive Species Education (4 events) 1 Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) worker employed for Control(2 events) Loon’s Foot Landing Planning (7 grants) 1 AIS Coordinator employed for Douglas County with funds secured for year-around, full-time employment Involve one new lake in Citizen Lake Monitoring Network 1 CBCW training held 2 outreach events attended to educate about AIS 1 training provided to Amnicon/Dowling Lake District 1AIS newsletter sent out Finish AIS Strategic Plan update 1 garlic mustard removal field day coordinated with Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area (NCWMA) Collaborate with partner organizations such as NCWMA, Western Lake Superior AIS, and Lake Superior Research Institute for planning efforts Control of buckthorn performed on 1 private landowner’s property Clough Island contract successfully completed for 2021 Bridge/purple loosestrife contract successfully completed for 2021 Yellow Flag Iris contract successfully completed for 2021 Brule cattail/yellow flag iris contract successfully completed for 2021 Butterfly dock contract successfully completed for 2021 2 AIS cleaning signs (4’X4’) erected by launches Funding secured for full-time AIS Coordinator in 2022 • Wildlife Wildlife-Wetlands-Habitat (other Wildlife damage program Wildlife Damage Program fully implemented than forestry or invasive species) Wetland mitigation Continue to evaluate the feasibility for Douglas County to perform wetland mitigation • Urban Urban issues Stormwater control (2 events) 14 stormwater drains inspected, cleaned and reports submitted 1 rainbarrel workshop held with 15 rainbarrels created Douglas County 2021 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

• Watershed Watershed strategies Practice Installation (1 practice) 1-50.96 Waterway Systems for 1 culvert installation to reconnect Design Work (3 designs) hydrology TMDL Coordination (1 project) $1,230 cost share dollars spent 9-Key Element Planning (1 project) 2 Flood studies performed Design shoreland stabilization for Lake Minnesuing Island Track and report P for St. Croix River TMDL Funding secured for completion of Nemadji River 9KE Plan Serve as Great Lakes Committee Vice Chair • Other Other Non-metallic mining (17 reclamation plans) 17 non-metallic mining reclamation plans reviewed and updated Youth Education (2 events) All new non-metallic mining reclamation plans reviewed and Outreach (1 event) permits issued 2 class participates in Land+Water poster contest 2 class participates in Land+Water Invasive Species poster contest 1 public outreach events attended for promoting LWCD 2 youth education events performed during the year

Table 2: Planned activity related to permits and ordinances Permits and Ordinances Plans/application reviews Permits anticipated to be issued anticipated Feedlot permits Manure storage construction and transfer systems 1 0 Manure storage closure Livestock facility siting Nonmetallic/frac sand mining 17 17 by Zoning Dept. Stormwater and construction site erosion control Shoreland zoning 10 10 by Zoning Dept. Wetlands and waterways (Ch. 30) Other

Douglas County 2021 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

Table 3: Planned inspections Inspections Number of inspections planned Total Farm Inspections 2 For FPP 0 For NR 151 1 Animal waste ordinance 1 Livestock facility siting 0 Stormwater and construction site erosion control 0 Nonmetallic mining 17

Table 4: Planned outreach and education activities Activity Number Tours 1 Field days 2 Trainings/workshops 6 School-age programs (camps, field 2 days, classroom) Newsletters 1 Social media posts 18 News release/story 5

Table 5: Staff Hours and Expected Costs (staff can be combined or listed individually) Staff/Support Hours Costs

County Conservationist 2080 $79,222 Engineering Technician 2080 $70,700 AIS Coordinator 1,664 $46,093 CBCW Inspector 285 $4,000 Support Costs $7,827 Cost Sharing (can be combined)

Ex. Bonding N/A $21,679 Ex. SEG N/A Ex. MDV N/A

2020 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

Guidance

Items included in the annual work plan must be consistent with the goals and objectives described in the County’s LWRM Plan. References to the county LWRM plan, such as goal number or objective number, are not required, but can be added to Table 1 under “Category.”

The work plan template includes five tables. Table 1 is designed to allow for a more detailed and county- specific narrative summary of planned activities and performance measurements. Tables 2, 3 and 4 are designed to capture activities that are more easily quantified. If you include information in Table 2, 3 and 4, you do not have to also include this information in Table 1. Table 5 can be used to meet LWRM planning requirements for costs and hours.

To complete Table 1: • Describe all relevant planned activities for each applicable category, including those beyond what is supported directly with SWRM funds. If a category is not applicable in your county, skip that category. • Identify benchmarks for each planned activity. • Identify performance measures. In particular, performance measures related to sediment and nutrient reductions if applicable and known.

Please note, the items identified in the template are examples of activities and performance measurements. It is not expected that all counties do all of these things. Replace and/or delete each activity as needed. If there is a category that is not applicable, do not include it in your work plan.

Examples of practices for each category and examples of landscape-scale surveys and/or inventories are listed below: Cropland practices may include: • NM plan development (acres) • Grassed waterways (acres) • Cover crops (acres) • No-till (acres) • WASCOB (number) • Grade stabilization (number) • Critical area stabilization (number) • Contour strips (acres)

Livestock practices may include: • Barnyard runoff control – not roof or diversion (number) • Roof runoff systems (number) • Clean water diversion (feet) • Grazing plan (number) • Manure storage closure (number) • Trails and walkways (feet) • Livestock watering facilities (number) • Stream crossing (feet) • Livestock fencing (feet) • Feed storage runoff control (number) • Milking center waste water (number) Douglas County 2020 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

Water quality practices may include: • Streambank/shoreline protection (feet) • Well decommissioning (number) • Sinkhole treatments (number) • Riparian buffers (acres) • Critical area stabilization (number)

Forestry practices may include: • Forest management plans (number) • Trails, access roads and walkways (feet) • Stream crossings (feet)

Landscape-scale survey and/or inventories might include: • Transect survey • Use of SnapPlus to estimate soil loss • Mapping of certain geographic features • Inventories of certain types of practices or where practices are needed • Inventory of certain types of operations or structures within WQMAs • EVAAL of areas in county Douglas County 2020 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

Table 1: Planned activities and performance measures by category

CATEGORY PLANNED ACTIVITIES WITH BENCHMARKS PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS (goal and objective from LWRM plan can If applicable identify focus areas, e.g. HUC 12 (examples in italics) be added in each category) watershed code (examples of types of “planned activities” in italics) • Cropland Cropland, soil health and/or NM planning and training 100 acres with an updated nutrient management plans 0 acres nutrient management updated

• Livestock Livestock Practice installation 2- 50.76 Livestock Watering Facilities Grazing plans $17,385 cost-share dollars spent, $13,315 spent, remaining carried to 2021 Includes: 2 drinkers and heavy use protection plans 1 drinker installed 1 livestock well installed 1 well installed 1 livestock well pump and pressure tank replaced 1 livestock well pump replaced 2 Grazing plans created 0 grazing plans created 1 Grazing field day hosted with UW-Extension 0 grazing field days hosted • Water quality Water quality/quantity (other than Practice installation 50.88 Shoreline Protection for 75 linear feet of shoreline 70 linear activities already listed in other Landscape-scale surveys and/or inventories feet of shoreline protected Groundwater testing 50.69 Critical Area Stabilization for 900 square feet of shoreland categories) Planning (e.g. lake, source water) $3,100 cost-share dollars spent $2,848 spend, remaining carried over Begin collaborating with local units of government to work on culvert inventory following the template developed by WI Coastal Management COP. Collaborating with CoP as they build culvert database 100 groundwater samples tested 48 groundwater samples tested (COVID) 100 groundwater samples entered into geodatabase 48 groundwater samples entered into geodatabase 2 groundwater education sessions completed 1 groundwater education session complete 10 shoreland/impervious surface plans are designed or reviewed 9 plans are designed/reviewed All shoreland/impervious surface permits issued in 2019 are inspected 2 permits were inspected Douglas County 2020 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

20% of previously installed shoreland/impervious surface permits are inspected 0 were inspected 2 meetings with Douglas County Lakes and Rivers individuals to create collaboration 2 meetings were held with Douglas County Lakes and Rivers 1 shoreland field day held 0 field days held 1 2019 project tour held 0 tours held • Forestry Forestry Forestry education Attend Douglas County Logging Convention no

• Invasive Invasive species Invasive Species Education 1 Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) worker employed for Control Loon’s Foot Landing yes Planning 1 AIS Coordinator employed for Douglas County yes Involve one new lake in Citizen Lake Monitoring Network no 1 CBCW workshop held yes 2 AIS outreach events attended for tabling no 1AIS newsletter sent out 2 AIS newsletters sent out Begin AIS Strategic Plan update yes 1 garlic mustard removal field day coordinated with Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area (NCWMA) yes Collaborate with partner organizations such as NCWMA, Western Lake Superior AIS, and Lake Superior Research Institute for planning efforts yes • Wildlife Wildlife-Wetlands-Habitat (other Wildlife damage program Wildlife Damage Program fully implemented yes than forestry or invasive species) Wetland mitigation Work through agency comments and secure funding to revise prospectus no • Urban Urban issues Stormwater control 14 stormwater drains inspected, cleaned and reports submitted yes 1 stormdrain inspection field day hosted no 1 rainbarrel workshop held with 15 rainbarrels created by participants yes

• Watershed Watershed strategies TMDL coordination Track and report P for St. Croix River TMDL yes 9-Key Element Planning 3 meetings attending for Nemadji River 9KE Plan yes Create priority watershed map no Serve as Great Lakes Committee Vice Chair yes Douglas County 2020 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

• Other Other Non-metallic mining 20 non-metallic mining reclamation plans reviewed and updated Youth Education 18 reviewed and updated 3 new non-metallic mining reclamation plans reviewed and permits issued no 1 class participates in Land+Water poster contest yes 1 class participates in Land+Water Invasive Species poster contest 2 classes participated in the invasive species poster contest 3 public outreach events attended for tabling promoting LWCD no 2 scholarships awarded for youth camps no 3 youth education events performed during the year no

Table 2: Planned activity related to permits and ordinances Permits and Ordinances Plans/application reviews Permits anticipated to be issued anticipated Feedlot permits Manure storage construction and transfer systems Manure storage closure Livestock facility siting Nonmetallic/frac sand mining 20 18 20 by Zoning Dept. 20 Stormwater and construction site erosion control Shoreland zoning 10 9 10 by Zoning Dept. 10 Wetlands and waterways (Ch. 30) Other

Douglas County 2020 ANNUAL WORK PLAN LOCALLY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES

Table 3: Planned inspections Inspections Number of inspections planned Total Farm Inspections 4 0 For FPP 2 0 For NR 151 1 0 Animal waste ordinance Livestock facility siting Stormwater and construction site erosion control 15 14 Nonmetallic mining 20 18

Table 4: Planned outreach and education activities Activity Number Tours 1 0 Field days 3 0 Trainings/workshops 5 School-age programs (camps, field 3 0 days, classroom) Newsletters 1 2 Social media posts 12 16 News release/story 5 5

Table 5: Staff Hours and Expected Costs (staff can be combined or listed individually) Staff/Support Hours Costs

County Conservationist 2080 $73,430 Engineering Technician 2080 $64,437 AIS Coordinator 1,000 905 $20,258 CBCW Inspector 270 344 $3,500 Support Costs $13,049 Cost Sharing (can be combined)

Ex. Bonding N/A $20,485 16,163.84 Ex. SEG N/A Ex. MDV N/A

ARM-LR-131-APP (REV.1/21) Wisconsin Dept. Of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection AR-0035 Division of Agricultural Resource Management P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708

JOINT DATCP/DNR NONPOINT SOURCE GRANT APPLICATION FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022 1. Read the instructions before completing this application. 2. Complete all yellow-highlighted items in the combined application and Table 1. 3. Sign the completed application electronically 4. Submit the signed Excel spreadsheet to: [email protected] 5. April 15, 2021 is the deadline for submission of this grant application.

Douglas county, through its authorized representative, is applying for annual grant funds from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) awarded under Sec.92.14,Stats., and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) awarded under Secs. 281.65 and 281.66, Stats. By signing and dating a completed application, the authorized representative certifies that (i) the Land Conservation Committee or other committee designated under Sec. 92.06(1), Stat., has authorized the representative to submit this application; (ii) the county has submitted an Annual Report and Annual Work Plan, and has complied with other grant requrirements including Sec. ATCP 50.20, Wis. Admin. Code; and (iii) the information provided in this application (including Table 1) is true, complete and accurate to the best of his or her knowledge.

LCC CHAIR SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE LCC CHAIR OR OTHER TITLE DATE The authorized representative may sign this application electronically by typing his or her name in the space provided for a signature, and inserting the person's title and the date. An electronic signature has the same force and effect, pursuant to chapter 137 of the Wisconsin statutes, as a non-electronic signature. NOTICE: This application does not represent a commitment by DATCP or DNR to provide funding for any grant category at any specific level. If grant funds are awarded, the county must agree to comply with any resulting terms including those specified in a grant contract.

SECTION I. STAFFING/PLANNING GRANTS Amount Requested of DATCP Amount Requested of DNR 1 Soil and Water Resource Management (SWRM) Tier 1 A. Base Funding $75,000 is automatically entered. $ 75,000.00 2 SWRM Tier 2 A. Funding for three positions Automatically enters amounts from Table 1, column F, for first three positions Amount from Table 1, column F i. First (100%) position $80,952 $ 80,952.00 ii. Second (70%) position $73,003 $ 51,102.00 iii. Third (50%) position $62,497 $ 31,249.00 B. Funding for subsequent positions Automatically enters amount from Table 1, column G iv. Fourth & more (50%) positions $0 $ - Urban NPS & Storm Water Management - Planning Projects 3 (Complete separate application available on DNR website)

TOTAL STAFFING REQUESTS ► $ 163,303.00

SECTION II. COST-SHARING GRANTS Amount Requested of DATCP Amount Requested of DNR 1 Land and Water Resource Mgmt. (LWRM) Plan Implementation: Bond Funds $ 25,000.00 2 LWRM Plan Implementation: SEG Funds $ 5,000.00 Targeted Runoff Management Projects 3 (Complete separate application available on DNR website) 4 Urban NPS & Storm Water Management - Construction Projects (Complete separate application on DNR webstite) TOTAL COST-SHARING REQUESTS ► $ 30,000.00 ARM-LR-131-APP (REV.1/21) Wisconsin Dept. Of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection AR-0035 Division of Agricultural Resource Management P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708

SECTION III. FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATCP REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 1 Financial Report of County LCD Expenditures for 2020 A. Enter the total amount of all county LCD expenditures in 2020 from all funding sources. $ 211,485.00 B. Enter the amount of expenditures in 2020 from all non-county sources. $ 153,244.00 (Of the total expenditure listed in line 1A., enter the amount funded using non-county sources, which may include grants, shared revenue, and other funds from sources external to the county. NOTE: Line 1B. plus line IC. equals line 1A.) C. Amount of county source funding expended in 2020 $ 58,241.00 (County source funding may include county levies, fees, permits, tree sales, or other funds generated by the county. This amount is used to determine fulfillment of maintenance of effort requirements).

D. Enter the amount of salary and fringe benefits paid using county source funding. $ 47,255.00 (NOTE: LINE 1D. CANNOT EXCEED LINE 1C.) 2 Funding for 2020 Staff (FTE,LTE,IC) Enter the total number of 2020 staff funded by each of the following categories: County DATCP SWRM All Other *TOTAL 2020 Staff

0.4 1.6 1 3 *Total 2020 staff should be equal to the sum of FTE, LTE and IC staff listed in Table 1. 3 2021 Work Plan Each county must submit a current work plan that describes activities planned for 2021. Submissions must comply the requirements identified by DATCP in separate communications.

Work plans should be emailed by no later than April 15, 2021 to [email protected]. Grant applications will not be processed if work plans are not submitted, are incomplete, or fail to meet DATCP requirements. 4 2020 Annual Report

Reminder : To be eligible for 2022 funding, counties must electronically complete a 2020 Annual Report, which DATCP is requesting that counties submit by March 15, 2021. TABLE 1

DATCP 2022 STAFF APPLICATION DATA FOR Douglas COUNTY

COUNTY LCD STAFF POSITION INFORMATION FOR 2020 Column A Column B Column C ~ Column D ~ Column E ~ Column F ~ Column G ~ Status If not % Time spent Fringe (for Total eligible This is the Limited (LTE), currently on employees - staffing costs sum of the Permanent hired or conservation Position Position Salary or Fee county (C+D) x E 4th and (FTE), retained*, activities Number Title contribution (Rounded to the subsequent Independent insert (see only) nearest dollar) positions. Contractor (IC) expected fill instructions) date

1 A FTE $63,465.00 $17,487.00 100.00% $80,952.00 2 C FTE $55,839.00 $17,164.00 100.00% $73,003.00 3 C FTE $46,800.00 $15,697.00 100.00% $62,497.00 4 $0.00 $0.00 5 $0.00 6 $0.00 7 $0.00 8 $0.00 9 $0.00 10 $0.00 11 $0.00 12 $0.00 13 $0.00 14 $0.00 15 $0.00 16 $0.00 17 $0.00 18 $0.00 19 $0.00 20 $0.00 TOTAL $216,452.00

By submitting a completed table with the joint grant application, the authorized county respresentative certifies that the information in this table is true, complete and accurate.

~ Complete Columns A to E (highlighted in yellow) according to the instructions including provisions related to eligibility for claiming a person as position number 1, and the treatment of new or vacant positions. * Must attach evidence showing that the county has taken action (e.g. posting of position), consistent with an intent to rehire or fill a new position. When filling vacant positions, salary cannot exceed rates paid for equivalent classification and benefits must be based on standard percentage used in county. Fees must be based on past payments made to contractors. Explanation regarding projected salaries and benefits for positions hired during the year

POSITION TITLES (Insert the letter A-E in column A that best describes position title of employee)

A = Department Head: County Conservationsist; Director; Administrator; Supervisor; Manager; Conservation Coordinator B = Administrative Support (Not eligible for first position) : Clerk; Secretary; Admin. Assistant; GIS Specialist; Computer Programmer; Office Manager; Typist C = Technician: Project Manager/Coordinator; Specialist; Engineering Technician; Agronomist; Planner; Conservationist; Forester D = Engineer: Environmental; Project; Civil; Conservation E = Information & Education (Not eligible for first position) : Education Coordinator; PR Representative 2022 SEG INNOVATION GRANT APPLICATION 2022 SEG Innovation Grant Application (Optional) GENERAL INFORMATION Grant Applicant(s) Lead Contact Name E-Mail Phone Number

Mailing Address for Entity to be Paid City State Zip

Application Type COUNTY MULTI-PARTY Proposal Title Grant Amount Request $ Budget Attached? (highlight choice) YES NO If no, date it will be submitted Workplan/Timeline Attached? (highlight choice) YES NO If no, date it will be submitted Has Proposal Been Discussed with DATCP Staff? YES Name NO NOT APPLICABLE

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION Please describe your proposed project or support services. Maximum of 250 words.

ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES Please provide any expected project outcomes, including nutrient load reductions, new partnerships or working agreements, goals for number of farmers or number of acres impacted, outcome of any support services provided, etc.

OUTREACH and EDUCATION Please describe how you plan to promote the project to landowners, if applicable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Please provide any additional details about your proposal that will help reviewers assess the need and merit. This could include, but is not limited to: · Additional descriptions or detail to support your proposal, including a description of partnerships with other agencies, agricultural or environmental groups or agricultural professionals to strengthen and leverage your efforts (ex. Implement dealers, crop consultants, UW-Extension agents, etc.) (Maximum 1 additional page) · Letters of support for the project are welcome (no more than 2 as attachments to email)

4 2022 SEG INNOVATION GRANT APPLICATION

Budget Form Project Expenditures Number (if Budgeted amount Practices (if applicable) (Required) applicable) (required)

Incentive Payments

Supplies and Materials

Equipment Rental

Public Information

Support/Training Services

Other (please list)

Other (please list)

Other (please list)

Other (please list)

Total 0 $ -

Continue to Page 3, Workplan / Timeline

5 2022 SEG INNOVATION GRANT APPLICATION

Workplan / Timeline Year 1 Activity Deliverables Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Example: Cost-Share NM Plans 1000 acres / 4 farmers Contract award / planning Signed Contract X

Year 2 Activity Deliverables Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

6 2022 SEG INNOVATION GRANT APPLICATION

7 2022 SEG INNOVATION GRANT APPLICATION

8 arm-lwr-520.doc (rev 01/21)

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Division of Agricultural Resource Management PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-891 Phone: (608) 224-5012

2022 NMFE Program Grant Application (s. 92.14, Wis. Stats.) Any personally identifiable information, as defined under s. 19.62(5), Stats., requested on this form may be used for purposes other than that for which it is originally being collected (s. 15.04 (1) (m), Wis. Stats.). Confidentiality of this information will be maintained to the extent authorized by law.

SUBMITTED BY: EMAIL PHONE Douglas County LWCD- Ashley Vande Voort [email protected] (715) 395 - 1266

Project Title (Twelve words or less): Nutrient Management Education in Douglas County

Are you seeking Tier 1 or Tier 2 funding? Tier 1 Tier 2

Are you seeking continued funding for a prior funded Nutrient Management Farmer Education project? Yes, this project will continue an ongoing effort. No, this will be a new project.

What best describes the geographic focus of your project? Statewide, County, Group of counties, Watershed or Other (name)

Douglas County

Start date of project: 1/1/2022 End date of project: 12/31/2022 Grant request: $ 1,220

Electronic signature(s) of project manager and/or fiscal manager. By signing this application, I certify that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances and agree to comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that false statements or misrepresentations may subject me to legal action by DATCP. PROJECT MANAGER NAME TITLE Ashley Vande Voort Land and Water Conservationist STREET ADDRRESS CITY STATE ZIP 1313 Belknap St, Room 206 Superior WI 54880 BUSINESS PHONE: BUSINESS FAX: E-MAIL (715) 395 - 1266 ( ) - [email protected]

SIGNATURE [TYPE NAME]: Ashley Vande Voort

FINANCIAL MANAGER NAME TITLE Candace Holm-Anderson Financial Director STREET ADDRRESS CITY STATE ZIP 1313 Belknap St Superior WI 54880 BUSINESS PHONE: BUSINESS FAX: E-MAIL (715) 395 - 1405 ( ) - [email protected]

SIGNATURE [TYPE NAME]: Candace Holm Anderson

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Section A. PROJECT SCOPE Question 1: How many farmers new to nutrient management planning do you intend New Farmers: New Acres: to involve in your project and (estimate) how many acres this will involve? 1 100 Question 2: How many farmers who are currently doing nutrient management Farmers currently Acres currently planning do you intend to work with during your project and (estimate) how many following a plan: under a plan: acres this will involve? 2 400 Question 3: Describe your project starting with your project goals. Please indicate which activities will be completed in a group setting and which activities will be completed as a farm visit, or in a one-on-one setting. One 6 hour field day will be hosted as a group for farmers. The field day will have a focus on pasture and forage management and incorporate soil health and nutrient management. Snap Plus soil maps will be made available to farmers at the field day or upon request following the field day. Any farmers interested in creating a nutrient management plan will receive one-on-one assistance with creating a plan in Snap Plus. Soil testing and nutrient management plans may be compensated with SEG funds. Question 4: What is your strategy to target specific groups or types of farmers for participation (ex. Livestock farms, FPP participants, watershed project areas, farms within SWQMAs or other sensitive areas, farms within AEAs, farms within impaired watersheds, etc.)? What outreach methods will you use to solicit participation? The majority of livestock agriculture is for the production of beef in Douglas County. Both dairy and beef farmers will be targeted for attendance at the field day. Direct outreach to farmers will occur at a Farmer’s Union meeting. A list of about 100 farmers will be mailed to be notified of the field day. Mailing was an effective method for outreach for the spring NMFE training in 2020 seeing as emails often were unanswered or email addresses are unknown. Outreach can also be done with social media and the newspaper. All farmers, regardless of location, will be encouraged to attend the training. Farmers who are located in outstanding or exceptional resource waters and are known to have a need for improved nutrient management, may receive direct contact to encourage participation.

Section B. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT BACKGROUND: Describe the nutrient management efforts you have performed in the past and how this educational program fits in or supplements other past or ongoing nutrient management efforts. In 2020 Douglas County receive our first NMFE grant. This was a Tier 1 grant with goals of hosting 2 trainings followed by an effort to work one-on-one with farmers to create nutrient management plans. Farmers will be offered stimulus for completing a nutrient management plan. Efforts to create nutrient management plans for the 2022 field season will carry into early 2022. To continue the program, I plan to host a 2022 field day to educate on pasture and forage management and incorporate soil health and nutrient management. I do not plan to provide a stimulus with this grant to farmers who decide to create a nutrient management plan. Instead I plan to offer SEG funds to any farmers seeking financial assistance. I do not anticipate a large demand to write new nutrient management plans as a result of this training because most farmers will have the opportunity to do this under the 2021 grant funds.

Page 2 of 6 Section C. TIMETABLE/WORKPLAN: List chronologically (with approximate dates) the specific steps, actions or activities that will occur during your project. Please provide some description for each step, action or activity. May 2022- send out mailing inviting farmers to nutrient management field day. This mailing will be sent to the roughly 100 farmers on our farm mailing list. Promotion will also be done through Facebook and a press release. June 2022- Host 6 hour nutrient management field day. This event will include a supper for participants and be timed during the afternoon/evening to be accessible to dairy farmers before they milk and beef farmers after day jobs. Training will have a focus on pasture and forage management. Training will include elements from the UW- Division of Extension Nutrient Management Farmer Education Program Curriculum. Printing of Snap Maps could be offered at the event or as a follow-up to the event as requested. September - November 2022- Assist farmers with writing new nutrient management plans using Snap Plus as requested September 2022 - April 2023- Assist farmers with updating already composed nutrient management plans

Section D. QUALIFICATIONS: Provide names and relevant work experience for up to 3 key project staff. (Note: DATCP staff can assist with NM training but should not be listed as Key Staff below since they have statewide responsibilities) Project Staff #1 Name: Ashley Vande Voort

Project Responsibilities: Coordinator- organize outreach events, assist famers in creating nutrient management plans

Relevant Work Experience and/or credentials/certification (ex. Certified Crop Advisor): County Conservationist, participated in SnapPlus training

Project Staff #2 Name: Jane Anklam

Project Responsibilities: Support- provide education at outreach events, provide technical assistance to farmers collecting soil samples and interpreting results Relevant Work Experience and/or credentials/certification (ex. Certified Crop Advisor): University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension Agriculture & Horticulture Educator

Project Staff #3 Name:

Project Responsibilities:

Relevant Work Experience and/or credentials/certification (ex. Certified Crop Advisor):

Section E. PLAN PREPARATION: (Tier 1 Only - Tier 2 Applicants may skip). Describe how nutrient management plans will be prepared. Handwritten or computer based? Be specific. Who will be involved in plan preparation and review? What resources (ex. Maps, computer programs) will be used to assist in NM planning? Will plans be prepared in a workshop setting or will they be done individually with each participant? Nutrient management plans will be created using a computer with the SnapPlus program. The Douglas County Land Conservationist will assist in writing and reviewing nutrient management plans and teaching farmers to use the SnapPlus program. The UW-Madison, Division of Extension Agriculture & Horticulture Educator will also provide assistance regarding proper nutrient application and soil test result analysis. SnapPlus and associated GIS mapping will be used to create maps. Plans will be introduced in a workshop setting, but plan writing will likely occur in a one-on-one setting unless a large number of farmers request assistance

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Section F. IMPLEMENTATION: (Tier 1 Only - Tier 2 Applicants may skip). Describe how you intend to assist participants in the implementation of their plan. Who will verify the nutrient management checklists for accuracy and completion? Recommendations for fertilizer application rates and other technical assistance will be provided by the Douglas County Land and Water Conservationist and the UW-Madison, Division of Extension Agriculture & Horticulture Educator. Nutrient management checklists and field verification will be completed by the Land and Water Conservationist.

Section G. FOLLOW UP: (Tier 1 Only - Tier 2 Applicants may skip). How will you determine that plans are being implemented (ex. Plan update classes, farm visits, one-on-one follow-up, etc.)? How are you tracking farmer participation to ensure that each farmer plan writer is being re-certified every 4 years?

Section H. EVALUATION: How will you evaluate the success of your program (ex. Participant surveys, plan implementation assessment, etc.)? Tell us if you plan to provide any future nutrient management assistance with the farmers who attend your program. I will invite farmers into my office or go out to their farm annually for a plan update. Farmers who can update their plans on SnapPlus independently will receive a site visit at least once every four years and have their nutrient management checklist reviewed annually. Nutrient management planning is currently tracked in an excel spreadsheet. As involvement in the program grows, a GIS database may be created to track the plans.

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Section I. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Please provide any additional details about your project that will help the reviewers assess its need and merit. This could include, but is not limited to: • Additional strategies for increasing farmer participation • Focusing on underserved groups or hard to reach groups • Partnerships with other agencies, agricultural groups or agricultural professionals to bolster your training content Douglas County is working to improve nutrient management with area producers. Efforts have been made to promote nutrient management planning to the farming community, however participation has been very limited. Mailing efforts in 2021 were effective at connecting farmers to the LWCD, and mailing will be used again in 2022 to continue outreach. Collaboration between Douglas County LWCD, UW-Madison, Division of Extension, NRCS, and Farmer’s Union is expected to occur to increase the success of the program.

Section J. BUDGET NARRATIVE Please provide any additional information to better describe the use of funds listed in the attached Budget Request. Specifically, please describe how payments for support costs will be used. Mileage: trips to training sessions and farmers' properties (assuming 6 trips at 60 miles/trip) Facility rentals and meal expense: cover expense of one field day with food and beverages and canopy rental Information and Education: cost of two mailings to 100 people, printing, memory sticks and hotspot for training and one-on-one Snap Plus assistance. In-kind staff time will be contributed to this project from the Douglas County LWCD and UW-Madison, Division of Extension.

Page 5 of 7 2022 NMFE Program Grant - Budget Request (s. 92.14, Wis. Stats.)

PROJECT TITLE (Twelve words or less) Nutrient Management Education in Douglas County

Training Participant Payment—Soil Testing (Tier 1 projects only) Grant In-Kind Annual Description: Each participant may be reimbursed for soil testing costs for land covered Request or Direct Award Support (DATCP by a nutrient management plan, but not to exceed $750/participant. Complete lines 1. completes) and 2. to determine overall payments. 1. (# of new participants) x (payment per participant) = 2. (# of participants with plans) x (payment per participant) = Total Training Participant Payment—Manure Analysis (Tier 1 projects only) Grant In-Kind Annual Description: Each participant may be reimbursed for manure analysis costs for their Request or Direct Award Support (DATCP nutrient management plan. Multiple source analyses are allowed, but not to exceed a completes) total of $100/participant. Complete lines 1. and 2. to determine overall payments. 1. (# of new participants) x (payment per participant) = Total

Training Participant Payment—Stipend, Voucher or Instructional or Incentive Grant In-Kind Annual Payment (Tier 1 projects only) Request or Direct Award Support (DATCP Description: Each participant can be provided a payment of no more than completes) $500/participant. Complete lines 1. and 2. to determine overall payment. If these payments are requested, grants cannot pay for staff of educational institutions who provide training, such as technical college instructors. 1. (# of new participants) x (payment per participant) = 2. (# of participants with plans) x (payment per participant) = Total

Payments for Persons Performing Administrative or Training Activities (Tier 1 and Grant In-Kind Annual tier 2 project) Request or Direct Award Support (DATCP Description: The maximum allowable payment in this category is $4,000 for Tier 1 completes) projects and $750 for Tier 2 projects. It is limited to: subcontractor fees, and employee salary and fringe benefits for persons who administer or provide training required under this grant. Funds provided to counties must be used for planning, delivery and evaluation of nutrient management training as defined under the terms of this grant, and not for the support of local land conservation personnel to fund any activities under s. 92.14 (3) (a) through (f), or to pay for staff of educational institutions if tuition vouchers or instructional payments are requested above. Complete line 1. to determine total. 1. (# of hours) x $38.00 (salary/benefits or other rate) = $2,280.00 60 Total $2,280.00

Payments for Support Costs (Tier 1 and tier 2 project) Grant In-Kind Annual Description: The maximum allowable payment in this category for Tier 1 projects is 10 Request or Direct Award (DATCP percent of the grant request and for Tier 2 projects there is no limit. Support costs must Support completes) be directly related to holding workshops or other training session. Complete lines 1-4 for each of the eligible costs you are requesting: 1. Mileage per allowable state rates $170.00 2. Facility rentals, meals and expenses $350.00 3. Equipment leased or purchased to carry out nutrient management training such as soil probes and hand held GPS

4. Information and education materials, training supplies, computer supplies including memory sticks, maps and plats, $700.00 printing and postage. photocopying, Total $1,220.00

PROJECT TOTALS $1,220.00 $2,280.00 Page 6 of 6

2022 NMFE Program Grant - Budget Request For Laptops (s. 92.14, Wis. Stats.)

Laptop Purchase for Training (Tier 1 projects – counties only) Grant In-Kind Annual Description: As a separate line item from the $20,000 threshold for Tier I projects, Request or Direct Award Support (DATCP Counties can purchase laptop computers, MS Office Software, and accessories such as completes) a mouse for each computer for a maximum reimbursable payment of $2,000. Complete lines 1. and 2. to determine overall payments.

2. (# of laptops) x (cost per laptop) =

3. (# of laptops) x (cost of MS Office per laptop) =

Computer accessories: mice, protective cases, 4. Total

PROJECT TOTAL INCLUDING LAPTOPS $1,220.00 $2,280.00

Page 7 of 7 Annual Report 2020

Locally Led Conservation

1 Contents

3 Welcome 8 Accomplishments

4 Lands, Waters, and People 11 Committee Highlights

6 Supporting Locally Led Conservation 12 Our Community

Protecting our land and water resources

2 Welcome

Just days after WI Land+Water concluded its 67th Annual Conference on March 6, 2020, the coronavirus pandemic forced immediate worldwide closures and quarantines, affecting every WI Land+Water county member, staff member, partner organization or agency, and more, in ways we are continuing to understand. We did not know at the time that it would be the first of several momentous events in our country that would make 2020 a difficult year, and one we are not likely to forget anytime soon. The combination of the pandemic, nationwide social unrest and calls for racial justice, and a bruising presidential campaign, left us unsettled as a country. All of this on top of the existing crises that the we continue to face around climate change and economic uncertainty in farm country. Few among us can recall a time our nation has faced greater questions about what the path forward looks like.

So as we look back and take stock of our successes in an unprecedented year like 2020, alongside the usual metrics and statistics displayed in the following pages, we should also note the leadership, perseverance, and adaptation demonstrated by WI Land+Water members, and staff, that was necessary to get through such a year.

Our member county land and water conservation departments and committees adapted their programs and services to continue to meet the needs of their communities, whether this meant conducting business masked in the parking lot, or through new physical locations or potentially challenging technologies that allowed for “virtual” meetings. In doing so, county LCCs and LCDs demonstrated how locally led conservation has always operated— adapting to best meet the needs of their communities.

Our WI Land+Water staff pivoted to working remotely, away from the tight physical confines of our office. “Pivoting” was no small feat—it entailed completely re-thinking and overhauling well-established and successful planning approaches to trainings, events, and even meetings. We successfully engaged more people than ever through our “virtual” trainings and webinars, and even engaged members who we don’t typically see at our meetings. Additionally, we successfully hosted virtual county conservation meetings, one of which featured Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, and found that despite the physical distance between remote attendees, we were able to continue to provide a way for our members to meaningfully connect with each other, and with our conservation partners.

Despite its challenges, 2020 still had some bright spots. Notably, it was the first year ever that our Association enjoyed 100% membership from all Wisconsin counties. We are humbled by and grateful for this support. The strength of our organization has always resided in our membership, and by this metric, we are stronger than ever as we head into 2021.

Matt Krueger Executive Director

3 Lands, Waters, and People WI Land+Water uniquely serves Wisconsin—its lands, waters, and people—through our membership, public programs, leadership, and resources. We work at the center of Wisconsin’s conservation network, supporting the Land Conservation Committees and Departments in advancing our mission and vision for all communities.

Our Organization Our Members

We have seven staff members in our Madison Our membership is comprised of all 450 office, but the entire organization includes the members serving on county Land Conservation Board of Directors, eight committees & Area Committees and 370 county staff members Associations, as well as the broader network of the Land Conservation Departments across of public, private, non-profit partners, and Wisconsin. volunteers across Wisconsin.

Land Conservation Departments Land Conservation Committees

All county governments in Wisconsin have Comprised of publicly elected and appointed a Land Conservation Department (LCD) county board members, Land Conservation responsible for carrying out programs and Committees (LCCs) take a lead role in local projects that locally conserve Wisconsin’s land land and water resource protection. They set and water resources. Through their leadership the course for conservation in their counties and and expertise, LCD staff provide educational, work closely with their respective LCDs to put technical, and conservation planning assistance planning into action. in their communities as the boots-on-the-ground drivers of action.

4 Our Mission We work to protect, conserve, and enhance Wisconsin’s natural resources by advocating for and supporting county conservation efforts for current and future generations. Our Vision We envision a future where our natural resources are valued and protected by informed, empowered communities advancing conservation at the local level.

Board of Directors & The Executive Standing Committees Committee There are seven additional committees that help WI Land+Water’s Board of Directors oversees oversee different programs and components of WI our organization. The Board is comprised of Land+Water, made up of LCC and LCD members, eight LCC members and eight LCD staff members, WI Land+Water staff, and agency partners. representing each of the Area Associations. See page 11 for committee highlights. The Executive Committee fulfills the obligations and conducts the business of the Board between board meetings. The Executive Committee is also Area Associations comprised of equal parts LCC and LCD members. Eight area associations streamline the common interests of county conservation efforts for the Advisers regions, facilitate information exchange, sponsor educational and training events, elect area We work with federal and state agencies to representatives to the WI Land+Water Board of collaborate on conservation programs and Directors, and draft area resolutions for consideration projects. at the WI Land+Water annual conference.

5 Supporting Locally Led Conservation

We advocate for State Land & Water Conservation locally led conservation Board and champion policies to We elect three members to the state Land and Water Conservation Board that help “ promote county-based to connect local and state governments on conservation work conservation and farmland preservation in Wisconsin. issues. Area Associations Policy and Advocacy Legislative/Administrative Eight area associations are organized Committee to further the common interests of county Advocacy efforts are informed by our conservation programs in their areas, Legislative/Administrative Committee. The facilitate information exchange, sponsor committee promotes the values of local educational and training events, elect control and flexibility in implementing area representatives to the Board of conservation programs, including Directors, and provide area resolutions for regulatory and voluntary approaches. consideration at the annual meeting.

We help shape urban and practices across the state. agricultural standards Teams mixed with both public and private by utilizing the diverse expertise sector participants use available research, and experiences of our partners technology, and field experience to create “ and update technical standards. This and team members. interdisciplinary, collaborative forum helps provide uniform planning, design, and Technical Standards Standards Oversight Council installation criteria. The Standards Oversight Council is an The SOC process encourages broad interagency collaboration to assist partner public input to improve the quality and agencies in the development of uniform implementation of conservation standards. technical standards that protect Wisconsin’s SOC also supports outreach to build natural resources. These standards are used awareness and participation in the SOC by NRCS, DATCP, DNR, and counties in process and helps coordinate training implementing urban and rural conservation efforts at the completion of standards.

needs through a coordinated and efficient We build teams of approach for building a statewide team of well-trained conservation well-trained conservation professionals to professionals that teach cutting provide soil and water conservation. “edge best management practices Annual Conference for soil and water conservation. Each March, we hold an annual conference to provide networking opportunities and Conservation Training forums for discussing programs, practices, SITCOM and new ideas. Breakout sessions also allow attendees to build technical The State Interagency Training Committee knowledge and become inspired by others’ (SITCOM) is comprised of staff from WI passion for conservation across the state. Land+Water, DATCP, UW-Madison, Our Professional Improvement Committee Extension, Land Conservation Departments, provides leadership in developing the DNR, NRCS, and the private sector. conference agenda with support from the SITCOM identifies individual training Technical Committee and SITCOM.

6 We teach and inspire Poster & Speaking Contest Wisconsin’s youth to be Students compete in county and area competitions with the winners moving on the next generation of to compete at the state competition at our environmental stewardsthrough Annual Conference. The first-place posters “ from the state competition represent Wis- engaging educational programs. consin in the National Association of Con- servation Districts’ national competition. Envirothon Youth Education Wisconsin Envirothon is our state’s ultimate Conservation Camps middle and high school environmental Our conservation camps provide positive science challenge. Teams of four or five educational outdoor experiences, foster students participate in hands-on, outdoor an appreciation for nature, and introduce field challenges designed by natural a variety of careers in natural resources. resource professionals and educators. Professionals from various agencies The winning high school team moves on present programs on topics like wildlife, to represent Wisconsin at the National habitat water quality, fisheries, forestry, Conservation Foundation Envirothon. orienteering and canoeing.

We create strong local Health & Conservation Partnership partnerships tasked with We facilitate a collaboration between ensuring communities have county health departments and county access to clean groundwater conservation departments, which are “ recognizing their complementary roles and safe drinking water in ensuring safe drinking water for their throughout Wisconsin. communities. This exciting partnership between members of WI Land+Water and Source Water Protection Nitrate Initiative the Wisconsin Association for Local Health The nitrate initiative is a statewide effort Department and Boards (WALHDAB) is to incorporate source water protection enabling counties and residents to make into county planning by identifying nitrate well-informed decisions, based on shared trends and creating local partnerships data and resources. with the shared goal of reducing nitrate in community drinking water through cost- effective methods.

We share conservation from passionate private landowners and successes, innovative groups to improve our lands and waters. solutions, and the hard work Conservation News “of local leaders to underscore Sent out biweekly, our conservation the impact of locally led news is a public resource organizing all conservation across Wisconsin conservation-related articles in one place. Subscribing on our website is free, easy, and Communications encouraged. Success Stories Success stories are in-depth articles that Outreach Committee feature the projects and programs of The Outreach Committee works with the our county conservation department staff and Communications & Media Coordinator to supervisors. These stories highlight the develop the internal communication within relationship-building that is often required the association and helps shape external to successfully implement conservation on messaging as well. the landscape, as well as the engagement

7 Policy and Advocacy Legislative Successes: • Worked to build bipartisan support for county conservation funding bill AB 790, which unanimously passed the Assembly 97-0. As the Senate did not reconvene to pass companion bill SB 723 (or any bill), the bill unfortunately died. Above: Matt Krueger, Dann Zerr, and Lt. Gov Mandela Barnes at the virtual County Conservation meeting in July. • Announced a partnership around clean water with Dairy Below: Chris Clayton (DNR) discusses the Nitrate Targeted Perfomance Standard. Business Association, Clean Wisconsin, and the Nature Conservancy. These conservation and agricultural groups agreed to come together in support of clean water and resilient farms, and will be working toward joint action in these areas in the months ahead. • Created opportunities for members to engage on issues of importance with agency staff at the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, and the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

Youth Education Our Youth Education program continues to grow, with a record number of students participating in all three of our programs. Conservation Poster & The Wisconsin Envirothon is made possible by the Speaking Contests, Wisconsin Envirothon, and our Youth Conservation Camps. generous support from our sponsors: After our successful Conservation Poster & Speaking Contest the country Outdoor Heritage Education Center shut down due to COVID-19. We were in the final planning stages of the WI • The Robert W. and Susan T. Brown Envirothon and with schools moving to online to finish out the year we had to Family Foundation • Cellcom • unfortunately cancel the Wisconsin Envirothon. Our supporters and sponsors Conserve School • Smithfield Foods, asked us to hang on to their donations and apply it to the 2021 program. Inc. • Wisconsin County Forests Our students, advisors and sponsors were so understanding and we couldn’t Assoc, Inc. • Advanced Disposal • WI Farm Bureau have done it without their support. Ultimately, the NCF-Envirothon ended up Foundation • Petenwell & Castle Rock Stewards • cancelling their national event. Pheasants Forever, Inc. - Outagame Chapter• Lands’ End • Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association • We were hopeful our Conservation Camps would be held mid-summer, but with Southern Land & Water Area Association the state and country still shut down we also had to cancel our conservation camps. We were fortunate we were able to hold our annual conference in March and students were able to participate in the Conservation Poster & To keep up with our programs, follow us on Speaking Contest. Facebook and visit our program’s website.

Teams across the state signed up to participate in the WI Envirothon before its cancellation 3,058 posters were submitted in the Conservation Awareness Poster Contest 13 students presented speeches at the resource professionals and State Conservation educators were signed up to Awareness Speaking 850 volunteer for Enivronthon Contest Technical Standards

The Standards Oversight Council supported its partner These standards are expected to be out for broad review custodian agencies—Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and then published in 2021. and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Conservation Service— • The DNR 1010 Proprietary Storm Water Filtration Devices in developing work teams, soliciting public comments, and standard was published in 2020 with multiple training spreading the word about publication of revised technical events to assist with implementation. This standard defines standards. the criteria for predicting the reduction in total suspended solids and phosphorus, if appropriate, that are achieved by • The DATCP 01 Verification of Depth to Bedrock standard proprietary filtration devices. was released for both expert and broad public review in 2020 and the SOC teamwork completed. This standard • The broad review was completed for DNR 1061 is expected to be published in 2021. This standard will Dewatering Practices for Sediment Control. The updated be used in verifying and documenting depth to bedrock standard was published in 2020 and SOC supported to dispute existing bedrock map information in support of webinar training events led by DNR. implementation of s. NR 151.075, Wisc. Adm. Code. • Throughout 2020, a SOC stakeholder team worked • Throughout 2020, a team of experts met regularly to toward developing criteria for a new standard, DNR review and update four NRCS conservation practice 1072 Horizontal Directional Drilling. This team began by standards (CPSs) concurrently: CPS 395 Stream Habitat reviewed existing research and contractor and engineering Improvement and Management, CPS 580 Streambank procedures and plans to minimize and respond to and Shoreline Protection, CPS 582 Open Channel, inadvertent releases. This standard is expected to be out for and CPS 584 Channel Bed Stabilization. The standard broad review and subsequently published in 2021. revisions will identify procedures for stream assessments For a full report on SOC accomplishments, view the SOC annual and establish the hydraulic criteria for proportioning a report at www.socwisconsin.org. stable stream channel, floodplain, and planform system. 300+ 32 2 revised technical 397comments total participants different employers standards published in SOC-supported represented on active from 53reviewers trainings SOC work teams

Source Water Protection As 2019 was declared “the Year of Clean Drinking Water” by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, there was much public attention and legislative action directed towards the issues around local groundwater management. WI Land+Water Source Water Protection program and our Land and Water Conservation Departments have been active in this effort to improve drinking water across the state. We see success when our counties are empowered to lead their communities in improving drinking water through increased sampling, comprehensive resource planning, and targeted implementation.

• Our public health partners were shifted to support COVID measures in their counties and the Health & Conservation Workgroup was put on hiatus. • We continued to work with UWSP groundwater expert, Kevin Masarik’s to share new research and tools developed • Counties across the state increased their efforts to integrate by UWSP, including the Leachable N Calculator and the groundwater into their local programs. They invested time Nitrate in Wisconsin’s Public Water Systems mapping tool. and county funds, they connected with local and statewide partners, and they helped homeowners and farmers chart • Though groundwater protection legislation was stalled due down a path to clean, safe drinking water. The first 9KE plan to COVID, the NR151 technical standard for susceptible with integrated groundwater component was approved in soils continued on. Pepin, Walworth, and Rock counties Adams County, and a draft was initiated in Rock County. represented county interests through the revision process. 9 Conservation Training A Year of Learning WI Land+Water is committed to providing their members with high quality, relevant trainings to develop and maintain highly trained conservation staff and supervisors. This program is comprised of consistent learning programs that enhance skill development Kevin & Caroline Parr of Harmony Hills Farm Annually WI Land+Water, along with members of (second and third from left) the State Interagency Training Committee, identifies educational needs and collaborate to provide trainings. 2020 Conservation Award Winners SITCOM is comprised of staff from WI Land+Water, DATCP, DNR, NRCS, UW-Madison Division of Extension, Kevin & Carolyn Parr of Harmony Hills Farm UW-Madison College of Ag and Life Sciences, Conservation Farm Family of the Year Area Interagency Training Committees, Professional Improvement Committee, Technical Committee, and Seth Ebel, member at large-professional engineering practitioner. Outstanding Conservation Employee, Engineer SITCOM went through a year-long assessment, and developed new operational guidance and processes. Eric Fehlhaber, They conducted a statewide training needs survey for the Outstanding Conservation Employee, County Conservationist first time in many years. More information about SITCOM can be found on our website. Representative Katrina Shankland Friend of Conservation During the coronavirus WI Land+Water converted their trainings to virtual which substantially increased attendance and the number of trainings offered. When Zach Wilson, Iron County they meet the qualifications, our trainings offer Continuing Brad Matson Youth Education Award Education Units (CEUs) and Professional Development Hours (PDHs). WI Land+Water continues to offer a robust training program as shown in the following deliverables:

people attended 36 live webinars hosted by 2,286 WI Land+Water. Webinar recordings are posted on our media website.

people attended 3 in-person trainings offered 541 by WI Land+Water

Zach Wilson (second from left) received the training sessions were offered at the 67th first Brad Matson Youth Education Award 40 Annual coference with over 400 attendees Membership Services members attended our County Conservationists 162 meetings WI Land+Water maintains an up-to-date statewide directory of county Revenue staff, conservation committee supervisors, and committee advisors on In addition, we developed a prerecorded webinar series our website. The directory includes links to state and federal agencies, providing basic information about WI Land+Water and boards, and associations. agency programs. These videos are less than ten minutes 12% in length and can be found on our media site. WI Land+Water also maintains a variety of listservs which enable 18% electronic information sharing with the following groups and WI Land+Water distributes a SITCOM Training committees: Membership Dues E-newsletter twice a month to over 1,400 people. This e-newsletter offers a wide variety of training opportunities. • Conservation department staff Events • Conservation committee supervisors and members 19 % Training opportunities and the most recent SITCOM • County conservationists State Grants Training E-newsletters are posted on the WI Land+Water • WI Land+Water Board of Directors Federal Grants website. To find out more, contact WI Land+Water • All WI Land+Water committees 51 % Conservation Training & Membership Services Manager Penny Pohle at [email protected] The Service Recognition Program recognizes county conservation staff for their years of services at certain milestones. The combined 10 experience of conservation staff is around 4,970 years! 2020 Committee Highlights

Great Lakes Committee Public Outreach Committee The Great Lakes Committee (GLC) works to support, promote, and The Public Outreach Committee assists counties with promoting develop county land and water programming to protect, conserve, programs and services, as well as helping develop a unified voice and enhance natural resources in the Great Lakes basin. for the Association. • Adopted the Guiding Principles. • Further developed the Conservation Across Wisconsin • Held elections in June confirming Chair and Vice Chair (Greg mapping tool Coulthurst / Ashley Vande Voort) • Sponsored a webinar on Prioritizing Contaminants in Natural Technical Committee Waters: Microplastics, PAHs, Flame Retardants and Other Organic Compounds The Technical Committee manages technical issues and provides • The annual tour postponed/canceled due to the pandemic. guidence for technical projects across Wisconsin. The Committee • Mini-grants approved for Douglas, Oconto, Shawano, and welcomed Tina Barone (Dunn Co.) and Ken Porzorski (Marathon Sheboygan counties Co.). There were also some departures from this Committee, and we would like to thank Paul Sebo (Washington Co.—10 years!) and Adam Groshek (Wood Co.) for their service. Legislative/Administrative Committee • Followed progress related to technical standards: DATCP The Legislative/Administrative Committee reviews and takes Verification of Depth to Bedrock, DNR Proprietary Storm action deemed necessary on proposed legislation, policies, or Water Filtration Devices, and the NRCS grouping of 4 stream procedures that may impact our conservation programs. protection and restoration-related standards • Identified challenges with existing resolution process; • Continued to work on the development of the “Significant proposed new process for vetting WI Land+Water resolutions, Discharge” Guidance Document for process wastewater incorporating oversight and input on particular resolution • Coordinated technical sessions for the 2021 WI Land+Water proposals from committees of relevance and better integration Conference into advocacy efforts • Provided State NRCS Technical Subcommittee updates • Identified challenges and opportunities related to nutrient • Promoted the revitalization of the AutoCAD Users Group management, informed by reps from land and water • Provided quarterly SOC updates (presented by the SOC conservation departments, UW-Madison Division of Program Manager) Extension, Dept. of Natural Resources, and Dept. of • Promoted the WI Land+Water Technical Photo Gallery Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Youth Education Committee Professional Improvement Committee The Youth Education Committee coordinates all the youth The Professional Improvement Committee coordinates the annual programs - Poster & Speaking Contest, Conservation Camps, and conference, which provides high quality training and educational Envirothon. sessions for our membership and the public. • Awarded the first Brad Matson youth education award to • Helped organize breakout sessions and provided support for Zach Wilson, Iron County sessions at the annual conference • Increased county participation in annual conservation poster • Provided support for the silent auction contest by over 800 posters submitted • Managed the member training scholarship program • Expanded the number of donations and support for our Youth • Promoted and judged conservation awards Education programs through our Silent Auction • Continued support from counties through WI Envirothon dues

Budget Summary

RevenueRevenue ExpendituresExpenditures

9%Administrative 4% 12% 4% 18% 20% 10% Policy Advocacy36% Membership Dues 11 % Source Water Protection Events 7% Technical Expertise 36% 19 % State Grants 15% Training 12% 19% Federal Grants 51 % Youth Education

17% NRCS Contribution Agreement 11 Our Community

WI Land+Water Staff Board of Directors Committees Executive Matt Krueger Lake Michigan Bob Micheel, Monroe County, President Executive Director Ken Dolata, Oconto County Chuck Wagner, Kewaunee County Great Lakes Christina Anderson Greg Coulthurst, Door County, Chair Source Water Protection Program Lake Winnebago Manager Brian Haase, Waupaca County Legislative/Administrative Mike Hofberger, Calumet County Kurt Calkins, Columbia County, Chair Kate Brunner Standards Oversight Council Program Manager Southeastern Mississippi River Basin Rod Webb, Pierce County, Chair Kristin Teston Alan Barrows, Waukesha County, Treasurer Communications Manager Monte Osterman, Racine County, Chair/ Public Outreach Vice-President Paul Backhaus, Washington County, Chair Penny Pohle Conservation Training & Membership Services Southern Professional Improvement Manager Amy Piaget, Dane County Tony Reali, Calumet County, Chair Melissa Luck, Richland County, Exec. Comm. Chris Schlutt Technical Training and Events Manager Western Matt Hanewall, LaCrosse County, Chair Kim Warkentin Bob Micheel, Monroe County, President/Vice- Youth Education Operations Manager & Youth Education Director Chair Tracy Arnold, Wood County, Chair Kathy Zeglin, Trempealeau County Area Associations West Central Advisers Chase Cummings, Dunn County Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Lake Michigan Area Coordinator Russell Rindsig, Barron County Consumer Protection (DATCP) Ken Dolata, Oconto County Northwestern Wisconsin Department of Natural Lake Winnebago Area Coordinator Ben Dufford, Bayfield County Resources (DNR) Chad Casper and Mary Koch, Winnebago Craig Conroy, Burnett County County Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Southeastern Area Coordinator North Central UW-Madison Divison of Extension Carolyn Scholl, Vilas County, Secratary Gary Korb, Southeastern Wisconsin Wisconsin Counties Association Regional Planning Commission Bob Mott, Oneida County, Exec. Comm. Stephanie Egner, Washington County Southern Area Coordinator Lynda Schweikert, Grant County Western Area Coordinator Gaylord Olson II, Jackson County West Central Area Coordinator Rod Webb, Pierce County Northwestern Area Coordinator Heather Palmquist, Iron County North Central Area Coordinator Steve Kircher, Forest County

Photo Credits The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wisconsinlandwater.org The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & 131 W. Wilson St. #601 Consumer Protection Madison, WI 53703 CC Attribution 3.0 Unported License Dave Hoefler (pp. 4-5) (608)441-2677 F: (608)441-2676 38th Annual Spring Biosolids Symposium—March 9, and 10 2021 virtual Report submitted by Kathryn McKenzie, Douglas County LCC

Lyle Lutz of the Village of Plover coordinated the introductions of Tues.’s speakers. 1. Elizabeth Resek, [email protected] lead and Tess Richman of the USEPA office of water made comments about the Clean Water Act, PFOA’s and PFOS’s. They spoke of biosolids risk assessment, problem formulation, a modeling approach, and a prioritization approach for chemicals that fail the screening process. Most important is a Biosolids Screening Tool: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/epas-pfas-action-plan. Part 503 contains pollutant limits; its estimated completion is 2022; now in its first stage of risk assessment. The Biosolids 2018-19 report has just been released. It contains a list of all chemicals found. https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemicallists/BIOSOLIDS https://www.epa.gov/biosolids and https://www.epa.gov/biosolids/epa-national-biosolids-meeting- summary-december-8-10-2020 biosolids/soils includes destruction and disposal of PFAS and PFAS containing materials including resource recovery. With the dept. of defense 40 different PFAS are being looked at including wastewater treatment and emerging contaminants. Grants have been awarded for rural and land application and national priorities RFA closed Jan/5, 2020. This includes 4 researchers an increase from previously. Tess Richman spoke of biosolids (sewage sludge) research. 2. Overview and Consultant’s Perspective Jeff Ramey- chemist for Michigan Manufacturer’s Association. Pfas-Per–and Polyfluoralkyl Substances are found in such objects as Gore-tex, Teflon, Scotchguard, Stainmaster in carpets and firefighting foams AFFF. Persistent in the environment they are found in 9,200 chemicals. Invented in 1938, phased out in 2002. There was a lawsuit Jack W. Leach vs. DuPont in 2016 about a health advisory. Safe levels are unknown for most PFAS. Site sources include: fire stations, military facilities, refineries, biosolids land application,rail yards, chemical facilities, landfills, wastewater treatment plants. The processes in which they are transported include: atmospheric, diffusion, infiltration, transformation, abiotic/biotic. Studies of PFOS and PFOA link them to carcinogenic effects. When used on a field the uptake depends upon the crop being grown. There are 70 standards available including drinking water. The crops tested include: bread, lettuce, milk and fish. PFAS sampling has banned materials in tyvek, insect repellant, sharpies, plastic clipboards, sunscreen, cosmetics, water resistant clothing, waterproof-notebooks. Ramey gave as ineffective measures to remove as: air stripping (aqueous methods), bioremediation, and ozonolysis and as destructive technology incineration he said was found not to work. 3. WiDNR permit section chief in wastewater systems Wayde Strickland proposed a strategy for how the DNR will handle biosolids with >4,000 PFAS compounds. They remain in the environment for a very long time and contain strong carbon and fluorine bonds. Biosolids in WI are regulated under 503 and chps 283, Wi Stats, NR 204 and Wi admin code. 85% of Wi biosolids are reused and the remainder from wastewater treatment plants are landfilled. There is a draft interim strategy approach: “Source Reduction”. Currently Wi is working with Michigan to set standards at all facilities with >1M gal/day and they are awaiting the setting of EPA standards. 4. Martin Griffin Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District spoke of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances long and short chain. MacDonald’s is set for phase-out by 2025. Bodily effects of these chemicals are: increase in cholesterol, thyroid function, and a decrease in reproductive capacity. Treatment for PFAS is very expensive including: granular activated carbon, anion and granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, high temperature incineration. Sources are ID’d with probable sources directly, including: source remediation, minimization, maintaining reductions, review of material safety data sheets MSDS. Past campaigns with mercury, salt, phosphorus, pharmaceuticals, flushables have reached some success. Now water softeners use of salt is set to be reduced as opposed to the high cost of reverse osmosis especially in drinking water. The state is looking at ownership of materials when land spread. 100 WI wastewater systems are being analyzed. WIDNR is looking at state funding for these assessments. The state lab of hygiene is the only one certified in WI to do this analysis; there are 5 country - wide. When the economic impact goes out the data will be shared. Legacy (historical) - use and land records was mentioned. 5. Chris Lefebvre of Portage County/Stevens Point discussed the decision to change their operation because of land application issues: land availability, competition, groundwater protection, vegetation crops; unreliability hauling because of weather and contractor availability. Their goals for the new system were: operator safety, proper biosolids reuse, energy efficiency, building reuse, ease of operation, low operating and maintenance cost, increased capacity, and reliable biosolids removal. 6. Mitch Venz took up Biosolids drying case studies in Lake Delton/serving WI Dells. Tourism makes the amount of waste stream variable based on time of year. With a minimum of staff they operate remotely from 15% to 80-95% reduction in volume as they dry their product. Operation is variable from 8-24 hrs/day. Odor scrubbers help mitigate the neighbor’s complaints. Heat dissipation at 300 degrees F for removal of PFOS is too hot for their system’s safety. 7. Pat McNamara of Marquette University spoke of pharmaceuticals, micropollutants, and antibiotic removal in biosolids. Some of the chemicals he mentioned are: steroids, detergent, metabolites, triclosan, triclocarban, estradiol, estrogenic substances including plastics and personal care products. The collapse of the fish population has been tied to the influence of wastewater on gender. Antibiotic resistance could be released to the environment with biosolids. Biomass as wood, switchgrass at ~500degrees C and pyrolysis can remove micropollutants from biosolids. Unfortunately his mic wasn’t working well and I was unable to hear some of his presentation and I have been unable to obtain the pdf files (yet). 8. Rick Mealy retired WDNR spoke of Standard Methods for Sewage Sludge or what has changed in WI rules for coliform and salmonella. He pointed out a discrepancy between state and federal rules. Biosolids and vector attraction reduction i.e. flies, birds, rats, must be considered. The logo on his coffee mug pictured reads: “ Please don’t confuse your google search with my law degree”. 9. Day 2- Fred Hegeman WDNR spoke of urgent need for remote Operator Certification because of Covid-19. Currently there are no on-line tests. The possibility of 3rd party exams must be put into state admin codes. Electronic reporting of land application monitoring and permitting must progress to meet the need. 10. Chris Miller NRCS Soil Survey and Monitoring gave a spirited presentation of the many options for SSURGO data. Web soil survey is constantly changing. The political (i.e. county boundaries) and soil data are being rectified to correlate maps. Shape files of township, state, county, lat and long addresses can be used to suit the need. BLM, National Park, Department of Defense and geological maps are available. Soil legend, soil data explorer can be used for suitability and limitation ratings of use including depth of water table. 11. Kim Meyer discussed Snap Plus WI’s nutrient management software to calculate phosphorus. A free download is available. WI St. Louis River Estuary ~ Allouez Bay Breeding Marsh Bird Restoration

Purpose: Restore and enhance coastal wetlands in the St. Louis River estuary to improve habitat for Great Lakes breeding marsh birds. (Audubon priority location)

Goals & Deliverables: ➢ Scope/Design 120 acre hemi-marsh restoration to improve habitat structure diversity for marsh breeding birds in Allouez Bay. ➢ Complete avian baseline surveys in WI to inform development of LCD estuary wide bird plan/objectives and additional habitat protection/restoration projects. Request: $450,000 Timeline: March 2021 – December 2022 (Phase 1) Key Partners: Great Lakes Audubon, UMD-NRRI, Allouez Bay Project Team will be formed with local partners Coastal Systems Team WI FA4 FY21 Audubon’s Priority Colonies for FA4 Criteria SLR Estuary Allouez Bay Breeding Marsh Bird Restoration Great Lakes Waterbirds GLRI Action Plan III • 4.1.1 - 120 acres of coastal wetland restored (Phase 2) Accomplishments • 4.2.1 – Marsh breeding birds benefited (target)

Area of Uncertainty • Fill WI avian data gap to inform estuary wide LCD bird Addressed planning (Knowledge • Evaluate marsh bird use of wild rice planted Gained/Innovation interspersion Transferred) • Potential for beneficial use of dredge material

Resilient Design Elements • Elements determined during project scope/design. • Considerations: water level fluctuations, restoration techniques – cattail cutting/mat removal, restoration with dredge material, wild rice seeding

Leverage Other Funding • Audubon GL Waterbirds Initiative • USFWS LCD for SLR estuary (MN Land Trust leading) • WDNR Drone Imagery, Analysis, Species Experts

GLRI AP III Priorities • Breeding marsh birds, coastal wetlands, • Potential wild rice, shorebirds, walleye