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Citizen input is key Throughout all of these initiatives, one of the most important aspects of imple- nrB turns menting them has been citizen involve- ment at NRB meetings. The board takes State of natural citizen comments on almost all rules and decisions it considers. reSourceS Board markS The idea of public input is a key part mileStone alongSide the dnr. of the board’s history. “In 1933, the Con- servation Commission authorized public 50 hearings to gather input,” Thomas wrote Paul Holtan in her history of the board. At meetings these days, it’s not uncom- This year’s 50th anniversary of the Department of Natural mon for the board to listen to comments Resources goes hand-in-hand with another milestone: 50 years from dozens of citizens. People can regis- of the State of Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. ter to testify on any agenda item noticed for testimony at a given meeting or to testify under “citizen participation,” bringing to the In 1967, the state Legislature approved and budget proposals from department board’s attention any concerns they have the report of the Kellett Commission, staff must be approved by the board be- on state natural resources management. established by Gov. Warren Knowles to fore advancing for legislative or guberna- Current Board Chairman Terry Hilgen- study the reorganization of state govern- torial review and approval. berg says public engagement is a critical ment. A year later, the Kellett Reorgani- part of being an NRB member. “The more Coho salmon stocking, 1968, and waterfowl banding, circa 2000. zation Bill merged the departments of Important work to be done people we have engaged, the better the Conservation, which included wildlife, The decade that followed the creation of the process will be.” He adds this is especial- fisheries and forestry management, and NRB was one of significant work. Christine ly true in situations where there are many Resource Development, whose Water Re- Thomas, dean of the College of Natural divergent voices to be heard. sources Division was responsible for envi- Resources at the University of Wisconsin- “The biggest challenges are when we ronmental protection functions. Stevens Point, wrote a thorough history are dealing with controversial issues,” he of the NRB published in the spring 1991 says. On deer management, for instance, Environmental History Review. “everyone has an opinion on deer.” Each “The increased awareness of environ- year the NRB must approve deer population mental degradation resulted in a prolif- and harvest goals for the upcoming seasons. eration of state and federal environmental “More public engagement strengthens FIVE-DECADE TIMELINE TELLS TALE OF DNR DEDICATION AND ENDURANCE. regulations,” wrote Thomas, who herself our ability to balance what is in the best served on the NRB from 2004 to 2015. interest of not just an individual but the Kathryn A. Kahler and Andrea Zani Throughout that early period, the board general public,” Hilgenberg says. “I reach oversaw new rules to implement the fed- out to CDAC (County Deer Advisory eral Clean Air and Clean Water acts and Council) members to see what is going on Quite a lot can happen in 50 years, to be sure. And when that half-century involves a approved a State Endangered Species Act. (in their counties). We have to weigh the government agency with work as wide-ranging and comprehensive as the Wisconsin

DNR FILES The board guided implementation of the science presentation of DNR staff and the Current members of the State of Wisconsin Safe Drinking Water Act and was behind input of CDACs, the public and legisla- Department of Natural Resources, the sheer volume of the highlights can be prodigious. Natural Resources Board are, from left: one of the most comprehensive ground- tors and come to a balanced decision.” Gary Zimmer, William Bruins, Dr. Frederick water protection acts in the nation. Despite the challenges, Hilgenberg It’s been 50 years since the DNR was “superagency” in the nation — given au- others informed the agency’s work, in- Prehn (vice-chair), Terry Hilgenberg (chair), In the 1980s, the board approved DNR says being an NRB member is extremely created through state government re- thority to regulate air and water quality, as cluding landmark legislation such as the Julie Anderson (secretary), Preston Cole air program studies that led to the first rewarding. He particularly enjoys being organization prompted by the recom- well as solid waste disposal, and directed U.S. Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and and Greg Kazmierski. rules in the nation to control acid rain and able to participate in tours of DNR proj- mendations of the Kellett Commission, to develop an integrated program to pro- Endangered Species Act, and federal laws surpassed the goal of cutting sulfur diox- ects when the board is on the road for an 18-member group appointed in 1965 tect air, land and water resources and the banning or regulating various pollutants. That action resulted in the creation ide emissions by half. In the 1990s, the NRB meetings around the state. by Gov. Warren P. Knowles and headed plants and animals dependent on them. Though certainly thorough, the time- not only of the current DNR but also its approved rules for one of the nation’s first “I have a much greater appreciation of by William Kellett. At the time, the Wis- The Natural Resources Board, also line is by no means all-inclusive. The dif- governing body, the State of Wisconsin and strongest comprehensive recycling the work department staff are doing after consin Conservation Department was new, was tasked with guiding the DNR. ficulty comes not in finding efforts, events Natural Resources Board (NRB). This was programs and also oversaw implementa- having the hands-on opportunity of see- responsible for managing the state’s The first board consisted of four mem- and accomplishments to point out, but in done by merging members of the two tion of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship ing it in the field,” he says. “It makes us fisheries, wildlife, forests and parks, and bers from the former Conservation Com- culling from the enormous list. department’s previous oversight boards Program, which has protected more than appreciate the fees and grants the depart- enforcing laws protecting fish and game, mission and three from the Resource De- What’s here, hopefully, will be consid- into a new seven-member citizen board. 500,000 acres of Wisconsin’s most beauti- ment receives to carry out its mission, be- while the Resource Development Depart- velopment Board, with Lester P. Voigt as ered interesting and enlightening, and The governor appoints NRB members ful and diverse lands and waters. cause as board members we have to em- ment was overseeing statewide water DNR’s first secretary. maybe just a little bit celebratory — fitting who serve without compensation, except Through the early part of the 21st centu- phasize that these are state resources and and air pollution control. The year-by-year timeline presented for a 50th anniversary. for their expenses. The state Senate must ry, the NRB guided a series of rules to over- we need to be using them efficiently.” The Kellett Commission’s call for the in these pages attempts to corral some The hope also is that the final year of confirm the appointments. Board mem- see management of hazardous materials merger of the two departments was heed- of the history of the past 50 years as it re- this particular timeline, 2018, is not an end bers serve six-year staggered terms. Paul Holtan works for the DNR Office of in Wisconsin and to develop a new Re- Communications, editing the DNR’s weekly ed, and on July 1, 1968, the DNR officially lates to the DNR and its mission. Some of but rather a beginning, a starting point for The NRB is the policy-setting body for mediation and Redevelopment Program. news and outdoor report packets and serving as came into existence. This newly created these notable occurrences involved state another 50 years — or more — of similar the DNR. All rule proposals, land acquisi- That has led to the cleanup of huPdreds of public affairs manager for the Bureau of Parks entity was viewed by many as the first resources and the DNR directly, while dedication, important service and success. tions, property management master plans contaminated properties across the state. and Recreation.

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WNR_FINAL_Timeline_SU18.indd 1 6/5/18 10:01 AM The Department of Natural Resources and U.S. National Environmental Policy Act is signed Natural Resources Board are created through and the federal Environmental Protection reorganization of state agencies. The St. Agency is created. First Earth Day, Croix/Namekagon River system is named founded by Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson, the first wild and scenic river in the nation. is celebrated on April 22. The 1967 Clean Coho and chinook salmon strains from Air Act is expanded to create a variety of new Air monitoring van the Pacific Northwest are stocked by DNR air quality standards. Several state in Lake to help control invasive properties are established: alewife and spur recovery of other species. Yellowstone and Buckhorn state parks; Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area; Ahnapee State Trail; and Gov. Outdoor Recreation Knowles State Forest. Act Program (ORAP) is expanded, authorizing the state Wisconsin Conservation to spend $200 million Congress receives statutory to acquire lands for recognition. Wisconsin is the outdoor recreation. first state to ban DDT pesticide. First rules regulating Ice Age National Scientific dumps take effect. Reserve is established, including First Secretary Lester P. Voigt nine units in Wisconsin. ED SCHUMANN Environmental Education Center in Poynette is named in honor of Harley MacKenzie. MacKenzie Center

1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974

Congress creates the Clean Water Act. First list of Wisconsin endangered and threatened species is developed following enactment of the state’s endangered species law. Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act becomes law. Wisconsin Supreme Court reaffirms the Public Trust Doctrine, decreeing that waterways are common highways and forever free. Two state parks (Natural Bridge and Kinnickinnic) and one state trail (Sugar River) are established. Natural Bridge State Park

Lake Michigan shoreline erosion Congress creates federal Endangered Species Act. DNR creates the state’s first Heritage Hill State Park and Inland Lake Renewal Project Bearskin and Red Cedar and expands Coastal Zone state trails are established. Management program to Red Cedar State Trail include the Great Lakes. Congress enacts Safe Drinking Water Act. State park campsite reservation program begins.

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WNR_FINAL_Timeline_SU18.indd 2 6/5/18 8:52 AM Congress enacts Resource Conservation and Recovery Act governing disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Legislature passes bill creating groundwater protection program. Federal government bans manufacture of PCBs. DNR issues first fish consumption advisory, warning people not to eat Great Lakes Anthony “Tony” Earl fish contaminated with PCBs. becomes DNR secretary. Buffalo River State Trail is Wisconsin Water established. Pollutant Discharge Illegal dumping Elimination System is developed. Power Plant Siting Bill is passed. Two new laws place nongame species and endangered plants under state Federal Energy Policy protection, and create a program protecting surface waters from nonpoint source and Conservation Act pollution. Great Lakes Commercial Fishing Boards and Wisconsin Waterways is passed, prompting Commission are created. Wisconsin becomes the first state in the nation to innovation in fuel-efficient adopt a wildlife policy by administrative rule. The Clean Air Act is amended to vehicles. Gov. Nelson bolster requirements. Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine begins publication, State Park is established. following the footsteps of the Wisconsin Conservation Bulletin.

1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981

DNR’s Office of Endangered and Nongame Species is created. Wisconsin’s Hazardous Substance Spills Law is enacted. Federal law bans chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in aerosol cans. First Trout Stamp is established at $2.50, with funds dedicated to supplementing trout stream habitat improvement. La Crosse River State Trail is established. Carroll D. “Buzz” Besadny becomes DNR secretary. Federal Superfund program is created to clean up the nation’s worst hazardous sites. DNR forms Acid Pyare Square Building Deposition Task Force. Wisconsin’s Shoreland ORAP is again expanded and Protection program is titled ORAP-2000 to recognize its enacted. Hoffman Hills long-range goal. DNR’s central State Recreation Area is office staff move from Pyare Square established. Blaze orange Building on University Avenue to clothing is required for the new General Executive Facility hunters. 2 (GEF 2) in downtown Madison. Fish and game violation Spills Law hotline — 1-800-WDNR-TIP — is Military Ridge State Trail engenders cleanup established. is established.

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WNR_FINAL_Timeline_SU18.indd 3 6/5/18 8:52 AM Legislature passes groundwater protection law. Tax check-off program to fund DNR’s Scientific Areas Preservation endangered resources program is signed Council is renamed Natural into law. Wisconsin becomes the first Areas Preservation Council, state to meet fishable and swimmable water with its 11 members advising quality standards. Abandoned landfill DNR on habitats for rare and environmental repair law is passed to species in need of protection. provide state funds when a responsible party Legislature passes Managed is not found for contaminated sites. Federal Forest Law, providing tax appeals court ruling guarantees Ojibwe tribes incentives for forest production. the right to hunt and fish off their reservations Environmental warden on ceded territory across northern Wisconsin. positions are created. First off-reservation spearing harvest is taken by Ojibwe tribes. Remediation plans for handling dirty sediments from the Glacial Drumlin State Trail harbors of Green Bay, Superior, Menominee, Sheboygan and Ojibwe tribes exercise their right Milwaukee are begun after to hunt deer for the first time off- being identified by Great Lakes reservation through negotiation with Charter. State parks begin DNR. Glacial Drumlin State Trail Wisconsin Explorer and Junior is established. State waters welcome swimmers Ranger educational programs.

1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988

Bureau of Endangered Resources is Wisconsin sues U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing formed. Great Lakes Trout and to require and to reduce ground-level ozone. Salmon Stamp is established at $3.50. DNR begins aquatic resources education program. Petroleum Environmental Cleanup Fund Award program is established to remediate contamination from product storage systems. Kettle Moraine State Forest-Lapham Peak Unit is established.

Wisconsin’s Air Toxics Rule limits emissions Gov. Tony Earl signs Wisconsin’s of 438 hazardous air pollutants. Six Acid Rain Law, the first of its peregrine falcons kind in the nation. Congress are released by enacts Emergency Wetlands DNR on UW- Resources program to protect Madison campus, and promote conservation of the marking the return nation’s wetlands and establish to Wisconsin of National Wildlife Refuges for a bird that was waterfowl. Natural nearly extinct by Resources Foundation of the 1970s because Wisconsin is established. of pesticides. Congress amends Baraboo Safe drinking and reauthorizes Safe River, “400” water Drinking Water Act. and Hillsboro Wild Goose and Great state trails are River state trails are established. established. 400 State Trail Wetlands waterfowl

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WNR_FINAL_Timeline_SU18.indd 4 6/5/18 8:52 AM Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is created, authorizing up to $250 million in state debt to acquire and develop land for recreational uses, wildlife habitat, fisheries and natural areas. North American Wetlands Conservation Act is enacted. State Trails Council is created and Gandy Dancer State Trail is established.

Federal Wetland Reserve Program is Lower Chequamegon authorized as part of an amended Farm Bay wetlands Bill. Clean Air Act is amended to control acid rain, issue stationary source operating permits and expand the hazardous air pollution program. Accessible cabin at Kohler-Andrae State Park Legislature passes law to encourage reduction, reuse and recycling of solid Green Bay-Greenleaf State Trail is established. waste, and Council on Recycling is First accessible cabin is opened at Mirror created. DNR begins urban forestry Lake State Park. Over the next two decades, program with staff of seven foresters seven more cabins with amenities are opened providing technical assistance to at Buckhorn, Harrington Beach, High Cliff, communities. Chippewa Kohler-Andrae and Potawatomi state parks, River and Old Abe state trails Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit are established. and Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Council on Recycling encourages reuse practices

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996

State laws are enacted requiring mobile air-conditioner maintenance to protect Earth’s ozone layer. Wisconsin’s Land Recycling Law takes effect, designed to address abandoned and contaminated “brownfields.”

Wisconsin Act 27 gives appointment authority of DNR secretary to governor rather than Natural Resources Board. Elk are reintroduced in northern Wisconsin. Legislature enacts George Meyer is appointed DNR spill law and lists recyclable materials secretary. Breach in treatment at banned from landfills. a Milwaukee water treatment plant leads to an outbreak of waterborne Elk reintroduction disease known as Cryptosporidia, sickening more than 400,000 people, DNR’s website goes live. Wisconsin’s Partners for Clean Air — a coalition of hospitalizing more than 4,000 and 260 businesses, community organizations, schools and government agencies — causing the death of at least 104. This is formed. Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is formed. DNR undergoes leads to new monitoring of drinking major reorganization to optimize effectiveness and better serve customers. water drawn from lakes or rivers. Congress amends and reauthorizes Safe Drinking Water Act. Wild Turkey Natural Resources Foundation Stamp is implemented to fund turkey habitat and management efforts. launches field trip program.

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WNR_FINAL_Timeline_SU18.indd 5 6/5/18 8:52 AM American bald eagle Bald eagle is DNR creates first automated removed from license issuance system, replacing the federal 100-year-old paper license endangered system. Tomorrow River species list. and Henry Aaron state trails, Karner blue Fisher Creek State butterfly habitat Recreation Area, conservation and Lakeshore State plan is signed. Park are established. Stewardship Program is reauthorized for 10 years and Wisconsin Dells State Natural Area $46 million. Dry Cleaner Environmental Response Program Recycling is created to cover eligible costs associated program is made with contamination caused by dry-cleaning permanent. solvents. New legislation requires more Parks Automated than 153 municipalities to develop plans to Reservation control runoff. National Wildlife Refuge System is initiated, Act is passed. Bald eagle is removed from allowing phone Wisconsin’s endangered/threatened species list. reservations for state parks. Wisconsin Dells Natural Area is established. Milwaukee's Lakeshore State Park

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Scott Hassett is Federal Beaches Environmental Assessment appointed DNR and Coastal Health Act is passed, setting Secretary. Office national standards for recreational water of Energy is formed testing and authorizing grants to pay for beach to coordinate utility monitoring programs at state and federal levels. project reviews with the Public Service Commission. Darrell Bazzell is appointed DNR Secretary. Invasive Species Council is created. Eight Gray wolf is removed from Wisconsin’s whooping cranes reintroduced in Wisconsin make endangered/threatened species list. New their first migratory flight to Florida. National groundwater protection law expands DNR’s dam removal program is rejuvenated, resulting in authority to consider environmental impacts the removal of the last of four dams on the Baraboo of high-capacity wells and addresses water River, restoring natural water flows and improving quantity issues in rapidly growing areas of water quality, fishing and recreation. Division the state. Green Tier law allows voluntary of Forestry is created. participation by businesses with a good environmental record to benefit beyond the regulatory process. Wisconsin’s mercury rule requires large coal-fired electric utility Chronic Wasting Disease is first detected in Wisconsin deer. plants to reduce mercury emissions. Captive Wildlife Law is enacted, committing DNR to coordinating wildlife health issues with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. International Migratory Bird Day is created. Natural Resources Board adopts rules package aimed at reducing polluted runoff from farms, urban areas, construction sites and other rural and urban sources. Gray wolves

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WNR_FINAL_Timeline_SU18.indd 6 6/5/18 8:52 AM American Matt Frank is appointed DNR Bald eagle is DNR creates first automated bald eagle Great Lakes states and Canada sign an agreement to protect the Secretary. Viral hemorrhagic removed from waters of the Great Lakes. A “Northern Initiative” designed septicemia, a deadly fish virus, license issuance system, replacing the federal 100-year-old paper license to keep northern Wisconsin natural while accommodating is found in Lake Winnebago endangered development opportunities is adopted. New rules streamline waterway and emergency rules are system. Tomorrow River species list. and Henry Aaron state trails, issuance of air pollution permits, allowing DNR to shift resources implemented to control its spread. Karner blue to compliance and enforcement of larger facilities. U.S. Supreme Court decides Fisher Creek State butterfly habitat Recreation Area, greenhouse gases fall under the conservation Clean Air Act. Lakeshore State Park is dedicated, and Lakeshore State plan is signed. Legislature passes the Renewable Energy and Energy Park are established. Efficiency Bill establishing a 10 percent renewable energy becoming the first urban park in the state park system. Stewardship Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is increased Program is goal by 2015. Wisconsin becomes part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact for handling wildlife law from $60 million to $86 million per year through 2020. reauthorized Wisconsin’s 500th State Natural Area — Lake Laura for 10 years and violations. Largest land conservation purchase in Wisconsin Dells State Natural Area Hardwoods in Vilas County — is dedicated. DNR’s $46 million. state history is announced; Wild Rivers Legacy Forest conserves nearly 65,000 acres in customer call center is improved with extended hours, Dry Cleaner Environmental Response Program Recycling toll-free number, bilingual and online chat services. is created to cover eligible costs associated program is made Florence, Forest and Marinette counties. with contamination caused by dry-cleaning permanent. Out-of-state firewood is banned solvents. New legislation requires more Parks Automated in Wisconsin state parks to stem NRB approves rule to reduce mercury emissions than 153 municipalities to develop plans to Reservation emerald ash borer infestation. by 90 percent. Legislature ratifies Great Lakes control runoff. National Wildlife Refuge System is initiated, Forty-four pristine stream segments Compact, banning long-distance diversions Act is passed. Bald eagle is removed from allowing phone are added to the Outstanding and and ensuring sustainable water use in the Great Wisconsin’s endangered/threatened species list. reservations for Exceptional Resource Waters lists in Lakes basin. A $15.9 million renovation of Wisconsin Dells Natural Area is established. state parks. 16 counties across northern Wisconsin. Milwaukee's Lakeshore State Park Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery is complete. Funding for aquatic invasive species control is

increased by $1.8 million in biennial budget. PHOTO CREDIT 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Scott Hassett is Legislature passes Mentored Hunting Bill, Federal Beaches Environmental Assessment appointed DNR making hunting legal for 10-year-olds and Coastal Health Act is passed, setting Secretary. Office and older accompanied by an adult. national standards for recreational water of Energy is formed Trumpeter swan is removed from Wisconsin’s Cathy Stepp is appointed DNR testing and authorizing grants to pay for beach to coordinate utility endangered species list. DNR begins ballast Trumpeter swan Secretary. DNR launches monitoring programs at state and federal levels. project reviews with water regulation of Great Lakes ships to stem Facebook, Twitter and YouTube the Public Service flow of invasive species. Shoreland and redesigns website to provide Commission. development rules are updated to better protect better customer service. CWD Darrell Bazzell is appointed DNR Secretary. Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers. Electronic is detected in Washburn County Invasive Species Council is created. Eight Gray wolf is removed from Wisconsin’s recycling bill is signed into law. DNR launches and the state hires an independent whooping cranes reintroduced in Wisconsin make endangered/threatened species list. New federally funded Clean Diesel Grant Program. deer trustee to review Wisconsin their first migratory flight to Florida. National groundwater protection law expands DNR’s deer management. Voluntary Public Access dam removal program is rejuvenated, resulting in authority to consider environmental impacts Program is enacted to encourage landowners to the removal of the last of four dams on the Baraboo of high-capacity wells and addresses water Great Lakes Restoration Initiative allow public use. Participation in Green Tier River, restoring natural water flows and improving quantity issues in rapidly growing areas of is funded by federal government. programs grows from 46 businesses in 2009 to 86 in water quality, fishing and recreation. Division the state. Green Tier law allows voluntary DNR begins public review of 2010. DNR introduces streamlined water quality of Forestry is created. participation by businesses with a good Lower Fox River and Green Bay permit process for large-scale dairy operations. environmental record to benefit beyond the Total Maximum Daily Load plan. regulatory process. Wisconsin’s mercury Air quality notification system rule requires large coal-fired electric utility is improved to include notices on county level. Fifteen-year Chronic Wasting Disease is first detected in Wisconsin deer. plants to reduce mercury emissions. plan to control CWD is approved Captive Wildlife Law is enacted, committing DNR to coordinating After removal of wolf from federal endangered species list, by NRB. Comprehensive wildlife health issues with the Department of Agriculture, Trade Wisconsin begins management program, including trapping clean water rules are approved and Consumer Protection. International Migratory Bird Day is and hunting season. Ninety-nine waterbodies are added by NRB. Anonymous “tip411” created. Natural Resources Board adopts rules package aimed at to impaired waters list for exceeding the state’s new numeric text messaging is created to reducing polluted runoff from farms, urban areas, construction sites phosphorus standards. New online system streamlines report violations. and other rural and urban sources. CWD testing water permitting process. Gray wolves

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WNR_FINAL_Timeline_SU18.indd 6 6/5/18 8:52 AM WNR_FINAL_Timeline_SU18.indd 7 6/5/18 8:52 AM Wisconsin Legislature passes Act 55, which changes counties’ authority to develop shoreland zoning ordinances more restrictive than state law. Newton Blackmour State Trail Hunting regulation changes allow is established as the 37th state rail trail in Wisconsin. use of rifles statewide and hunting in DNR rolls out Snapshot Wisconsin, a citizen science effort to most state parks. Guidelines for capture photos of wildlife for population studies. DNR Wetland Compensatory Mitigation adds 209 waterways to the Impaired Waters List to facilitate in Wisconsin are finalized. increased management efforts toward improvements. Wisconsin Walleye Initiative begins, with stocking of large fingerling walleyes in Wisconsin lakes. White-nose syndrome is first detected in Wisconsin bats in Grant County. Deer Management Assistance Program begins, offering help to landowners to promote healthy deer and other wildlife. First crossbow season for deer is established and deer management units are changed to coincide with county lines. Elk reintroduction project is expanded to Jackson County. Wisconsin Wetland Conservation Trust is created for restoration projects. NRB approves rules to implement Deer Trustee Report for 2014 season, involving a number of deer management issues. Federal court decision relists gray wolf as endangered species, ending wolf trapping and hunting.

LINDA FRESHWATERS ARNDT

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

DNR makes $11.8 million in federal funding available to disadvantaged communities to replace old lead drinking water service lines. GoWild, a new online licensing system, is instituted. Peninsula State Park’s iconic Eagle Tower is removed due to safety Daniel L. Meyer is appointed concerns. DNR DNR Secretary. Legislature begins master planning passes bill removing minimum process for six northern state age for hunting. DNR forests covering 451,000 embarks on Recreation acres. Adopt-a-Wildlife Opportunities Analysis study Area program is launched. to examine existing and future Five-year study shows rate recreation needs in eight of spread of aquatic invasive regions throughout the state. species has stabilized.

Kohler-Andrae State Park boardwalk The DNR and Natural Resources Board mark Except where noted, all photos were taken by DNR 50 years of caring for Wisconsin’s beautiful, photographers and staff including Staber Reese, Dean Tvedt, expansive and vital natural resources. Robert Queen, Jim Escalante, Thomas Meyer and Ben Pierson.

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