Wisconsin Phenology Calendar Now Available

The Wildlife Phenology Calendar (G3846) will be available for purchase next week. Phenology is the study of periodic plant and animal life-cycle events in nature that are influenced by climate and seasonal change, such as wildlife emerging from hibernation, birds nesting or migrating, and flowers blooming. This year's calendar focuses on plants and animals featured in Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac. You can order next week on the Learning Store. We're also featuring other publications related to phenology on the Learning Store's home page this week. 

Nov 16 Wisconsin Lake Superior Partner team Meeting in Iron River, WI

Lake Superior Partner Team

Wednesday, November 16 from 9:30am- 12noon

Iron River Community Center (map)

-DRAFT-

AGENDA (please contact me with corrections/updates/additions)

1)  Welcome and introductions

2)  Announcements- round robin

3) Update from mining workshop at Bad River Sep 12-14 (anyone available to do this?)

4) (tent.) Slow the Flow poster from John Jeraczek

5) Mining meeting in March 2012 by Lake Superior Binational Forum--Lissa Radke 

6) other

--Post meeting on Low Impact Development Workshop planning for January 12—Diane Nelson et al.

Great Lakes Project WET Educator Workshop October 29, 2011 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, Ashland WI Cost: $20.00 Contact: Amalia Baldwin (608) 264-8930 or amalia.baldwin@wi.gov Project WET is an interdisciplinary K-12 conservation and environmental education program focused on water. This workshop will offer exciting new Great Lakes-based teaching ideas for use in science, math, social studies, language arts, and environmental education classes.

Each participant in the workshop will receive the Project WET K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide with over 90 hands-on, ready-to-use activities and a packet of Great Lakes-related resource materials for use in an indoor or outdoor classroom. Participants will also learn from a National Park Service ranger about aquatic invasive species living in Lake Superior and how they can teach about invasive species in the classroom.

Join us for a fun-filled professional development opportunity and walk away with a bucket full of educational materials and a mind swimming with ideas!

Wisconsin Point Planning Open House Aug 29, 6-8pm

You are cordially invited to attend a public open house concerning the development of a management plan for Wisconsin Point and surrounding area. This event will take place from 6-8 PM on Monday, August 29th at the Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Ave in Superior. Your input will be essential to crafting a vision for Wisconsin Point and identifying a long-range management strategy for this unique resource.

Please feel free to share this with others within your organization!

Regards,
Jason

Jason K. Laumann
Senior Planner
Northwest Regional Planning Commission
1400 South River Street | Spooner, Wisconsin 54801
ph 715.635.2197 | fax 715.635.7262

Chequamegon-Nicolet Nat'l Forest Takes Lead on Climate Change For Future Planning

In July, the Lake Superior Partner Team heard from Dale Higgins, US Forest Service Hydrologist about the Forest Service's work on climate change. He is involved in assessing vulnerability of sites and prioritizing key areas in the Chequamegon National Forest in the Lake Superior watershed.

The Forest Service has selected two watersheds to study: the headwaters of the Marengo and the 20-Mile Creek. The goal is to document and improve watershed conditions. He is looking at twelve indicators eg aquatic/physical, geomorphic etc. Assessment is mainly done via GIS data. The next step will be to prioritize areas for restoration work for the next 3-5 years.

Why these watersheds?
20 Mile has a good mix of projects already approved or underway. Good partner potential. Located in the Great Lakes basin. Small enough to get a plan done by Sep 30. 11,734 acres. 43% in National Forest.

Marengo headwaters excellent mix of projects. Good opportunity for collaborations. Bigger, more complex. 33,144 acres. 63% in the National Forest.

Potential projects include: road stream crossings, instream restoration, relocation of FR378, restore chanellized section, decommission roads, riparian restoration, stabilizing streambanks.

Climate Change Response Framework in Northern Wisconsin--report now available!

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is at the forefront of research and action planning for adaption to climate change. The Climate Change Response Framework Project is a highly collaborative effort working to help land managers in northern Wisconsin understand the potential effects of climate change on forest ecosystems and integrate climate change considerations into management. Since 2009, this project has set out numerous tasks to bridge the gap between scientific research on climate change impacts and on-the-ground management activities. Land managers currently face the immense challenge of anticipating the effects of climate change on forest ecosystems and then developing and applying appropriate management strategies. Our project works to identify strategies and approaches for climate change adaptation and mitigation relevant to forest ecosystems in northern Wisconsin. A new report has been released to help land managers and others concerned about the health of our forests, plan for changes in our climate and its effects on our forests.

Summary of report

To order the a hard copy of the Climate Change Response Framework
in Northern Wisconsin report, click here.

Aug 11 Bird City Meeting in Ashland

On Thursday, August 11 at 6:30pm at Northland College's Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, Bird City Wisconsin coordinator Carl Schwartz will be scouting out potential supporters for Bird City recognition efforts in the Bayfield Peninsula. Schwartz will be making a public presentation aimed principally at Ashland, Bayfield and Washburn residents interested in seeking Bird City status for their communities.

Modeled on the “Tree City USA” program, Bird City Wisconsin developed 22 criteria across five categories, including habitat creation and protection, community forest management, limiting hazards, public education, and recognizing International Migratory Bird Day. If a community meets at least seven criteria, it becomes an official “Bird City.”

There are 182 "Tree Cities" in Wisconsin, with some recognized for more than 30 http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifyears, so the Bird City Steering Committee had anticipated that many communities would take advantage of their Tree City status to meet BCW's category 2 requirement: "Participation in Programs Promoting Effective Community Forest Management."

While Bird City also offers communities an opportunity to demonstrate some other important accomplishment in this area, Schwartz said Tree City communities not only understood the concept of a community recognition program but also appreciated the importance of habitat improvement in bird conservation.

Website: Wisconsin Bird City website

July 19 Partner Team Meeting in Iron River

Lake Superior Partner Team
Tuesday, July 19 from 9:30am- 12noon
Iron River Community Center (map)

AGENDA
1) Welcome and introductions
2) Announcements- round robin
3) Marengo River Watershed Action Plan update - Matt Hudson/Valerie Olinik
4) US Forest Service Watershed Condition Framework. The Forest Service recently selected two HUC6 sub-watersheds in the Lake Superior basin as priority watersheds and will be developing Watershed Restoration Action plans for these in the near future. – Dale Higgins
5) Basin Plan idea discussion – Ruth Oppedahl
6) Bad River Tribe's water quality standards - Naomi Tillison

Click here for past minutes and agendas.

July 17 Lake Superior Day in Superior, WI

To see other Lake Superior Day celebrations, see the Lake Superior Binational Forum's webpage.

For more information on the rain barrel sale click here.

Nina Leopold Bradley 1917- 2011

Nina Leopold Bradley
Photo credits: WIECB





Nina Leopold Bradley died on Wednesday, May 25, 2011.

Although all of Aldo and Estella Leopold's children went on to distinguished careers in science and conservation, for many of us in Wisconsin, Nina was the link to her father's work and legacy. She sat with us in the Shack and told us about how their family would sing in the evenings; how her father never required them to come with the family each weekend to work at the Shack, yet the kids pretty much always came along; how her father delighted in their observations of nature, rather than slipping into science lectures.

Nina always reminded me of my own grandmother Lucille who took me birding as a teen. They were both extremely gracious and eloquent. They both were unassuming, gentle women unbridled in their love for nature.

Nina continued to make careful observations of plant and animal life cycle events based on her father's records. Her observations of bird and wildflower appearances in the spring coming earlier and earlier were one of the first examples of how changing climate could be affecting living things.

Nina was a scientist with a naturalist's heart--a rare combination in these days of specialization. Her passing feels like we've lost that link to the generation whose love for nature was evidenced in careful observation and reflected through sharing music, writing, and spending time together outdoors.

The Aldo Leopold Foundation which Nina helped found, has some wonderful photos and links about Nina on their website. I especially love the one with Nina with her arms full carrying a shotgun under one arm, and a guitar over her shoulder.

May 13 Ashland's Shoreland Restoration Arbor Day Tree Planting and Seedling Give-away

From LoonWatch Coordinator Erica LeMoine at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute:

Ashland’s shorefront was once the hub of economic activity in the region, but much has changed since the days when timber, ore, and other resources were processed or shipped. Today, there’s a walking trail where train tracks once ran, and playgrounds where sawmills once sat. This year the shoreland will see additional changes as a partnership of the City of Ashland, Ashland County Land and Water Conservation Department, the WI Department of Natural Resources, Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area, University of Wisconsin Extension and Northland College will work together to plant white pines and other native trees and plants along two areas of Ashland’s post-industrial waterfront.

Mayor Whalen will commence Ashland’s Shoreland Restoration project by declaring Friday, May 13th as Ashland’s Arbor Day at 1:00pm at Bayview Park.

Volunteer youth from the Northland College Lake Superior Youth Symposium will be present throughout the day helping with various aspects of the project as a part of their service learning experience.

Plant your own tree seedling into a pot. A limited quantity of northern seedling species are available to public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Planting instructions and a promise to plant affidavit will be included.

There will also be a sign-up form for future volunteer opportunities to participate in shoreland restoration, and help beautify Ashland’s shoreland.

This project is made possible by a US EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Northland College.

Photo by Arbor Day Foundation

Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference June 24 in Minong, WI

The 2011 Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference will be held on Friday, June 24 in Minong at the Northwood School. This popular program will again be a great opportunity for lake enthusiasts, local government officials and others interested in protecting our water resources to take in a full day of educational presentations, exhibits and networking. Dr. Nancy Langston, Professor in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and the Gaylord Nelson Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is the conference’s keynote speaker on the topic, “Toxic Bodies: The Struggle for Healthy Watersheds.” Her current research focus is on Lake Superior.

Breakout sessions at the conference will cover a wide variety of lake-related subjects and issues, including: aquatic invasive species control strategies, using mapping tools for lake projects, lake legislative updates, using conservation easements to protect lakeshores, model shoreline zoning ordinance, lake grant programs, bringing wildlife to your shore, history of water resource protection, algae in your lake, update on the clean boats clean waters program, lake projects that work, loon status update, and frogs in your lake.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
The registration fee is $45, which includes: admission, program materials, a continental breakfast and lunch. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and conference concludes at 3:45 p.m. Brochure.

For more information or to register, contact the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at (715) 682-1223 or pkalmon@northland.edu. You can also register online at www.northland.edu/soei. For more detailed information on the conference program and speakers, contact MaryJo Gingras at (715) 561-2234 or conservation@ironcountywi.org.

Great Lakes Research Conference May 30-June 3, 2011

Photo Courtesy Visit Duluth and Seaquest Productions

Early-Bird registration for the 54th IAGLR Great Lakes Research Conference is http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifavailable until Tuesday, April 19th. After that date registration fees will increase for IAGLR members and non-members.

The Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research will be held May 31 - June 3rd in Duluth, Minnesota. This year’s theme, Big Lakes – Big World, will present over 35 sessions on the current state of Great Lakes research in science and policy. The IAGLR conference is widely recognized as the premier conference on Great Lakes research and we anticipate over 600 attendees at this four-day conference.

For more Information or to register go to: http://www.iaglr.org/conference/registration/

Wisconsin Beach Health Conference April 27-28, 2011

Wisconsin Beach Health: Research, Management and Building Awareness

Lake Superior Meeting
April 27-28, 2011
Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, Northland College
1411 Ellis Avenue
Ashland, WI 54806

For the agenda click here.

Sign of Spring--Eagle's Nest

Streaming Video by Ustream.TV

Wisconsin Lakes Conference April 12-14 2011 Green Bay

The annual lakes conference is coming up in Green Bay. Registration and schedule information is here.

I really recommend you attend the session by Eric Eckl from Water Words that Work blog. His method and focus on the words and message have helped me communicate better about water issues.

Lake Superior Partner Team Meets Mar 15

Lake Superior Partner Team
Tuesday, March 15 from 9:30am- 12noon
Iron River Community Center, Iron River, WI (map)
Draft AGENDA
1) Welcome and introductions
2) Announcements
3) Old Business
• City of Superior stormwater modeling for wetland impacts-Diane Nelson
• IAGLAR conference-John Jeraczek
• Marengo River Watershed Action Plan update—Matt Hudson/Valerie Olinik
•
4) New Business
• Lake Superior Estuary Research Reserve- Ralph Garono
• 2011 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (April 11 deadline) discussion, getting letter of support from Office of Great Lakes, other?
• History of the Partner Team's recommendations on "slow the flow" and nonpoint source—Nancy Larson
• Update on Basin plan- all

Please send any agenda items to Ruth Oppedahl ruth.oppedahl@uwex.edu
For more info on the Lake Superior Partner Team, click here.

Image: National Weather Service Marquette, MI Weather Forecast Office
Ice Cover on Lake Superior Feb 16, 2011

Feb 24 Lake Superior Affects the Weather

The Lake Superior Marine Museum Association (LSMMA,) in conjunction with the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, presents one of four February Evening Entertainment Series programs, “Lake Superior Affects the Weather” on Thursday, February 24 at Canal Park Lodge, 250 Canal Park Drive in Duluth. The program is from 7 pm. to 9 p.m. and admission are parking are free.

Carol Christenson, a Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Duluth, will share details of how the largest of the Great Lakes affects the Twin Ports’ weather. Her presentation will also include detailed information on how to properly react to National Weather Service warnings.

The LSMMA is a non- profit organization established in 1973 to preserve the region’s maritime history and help support the Marine Museum at the Army Corps of Engineers’ Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center. The Association sponsors maritime-related educational and promotional programs and assists in the maintenance and purchases of museum displays.

For more information, call LSMMA at (218) 727-2497 or visit www.lsmma.com.

Stormwater Workshop Proceeds Online

From Jesse Schomberg of Minnesota Sea Grant

Greetings; pdf versions of presentations from the Northland Innovative Stormwater Conference are now available online, along with the final agenda and field trip tour map:
Just click on the title of the talk you'd like to see.

I'd like to take this final chance to thank our planning committee, Sponsors and Supporters, and all of the 66 attendees and presenters.

Jesse Schomberg
Minnesota Sea Grant

Sponsors and Supporters: Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program, City of Duluth, South St. Louis SWCD, Regional Stormwater Protection Team, St. Louis River Alliance, WLSSD, Minnesota Environmental Partnership, Natural Resources Research Institute, Stark Enterprises, LLC, and Minnesota Sea Grant

Conference Planning Team:
Jesse Schomberg, MN Sea Grant
Rich Axler, Natural Resources Research Institute
Amber Westerbur, Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program
Dave Stark, Stark Enterprises, LLC
Andrew Slade, Minnesota Environmental Partnership
Kate Kubiak, South St. Louis SWCD
Julene Boe, St. Louis River Alliance
Julie O’Leary, Minnesota Environmental Partnership
--------------------------------------------------
These proceeds have valuable information on TMDLs, stormwater infrastructure design, rainwater harvesting, MIDS and other topics related to storm water.

St. Louis River Summit Feb 7-8, 2011

Please join us at the St. Louis River Estuary Summit on February 7-8, 2011 in the Grand Hall of the Yellowjacket Union on the Campus of the University of Wisconsin, Superior.

Research Scientists and Resource Managers working on the lower St. Louis River will share data, collaborate on common goals, learn about cutting edge research and monitoring, and discuss how this work can benefit the overall management of the Area of Concern.

The first day will begin at 1:00 p.m. with presentations addressing major ecological, social, and economic drivers and will conclude with a poster session and networking reception. The reception will include refreshments courtesy of the newly designated Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Day two begins with check in at 8:30 a.m. and will run through 3:30 p.m.
Lunch tickets to the Yellowjacket cafeteria will be provided for those who pre-register. The agenda for the second day includes oral presentations to summarize our current understanding of issues and opportunities as well as activities to draw out new information and identify areas for collaboration. The day will close with a discussion of follow-up opportunities for coming together and staying together.

Contact Pat Collins at patrick_collins@fws.gov for registration information. Please also feel free to share this invitation with others who may wish to attend.

Please bring your own name tag or one recycled from a previous meeting to use at the summit.

Free parking at the UWS campus will be available only in Lot 2. Parking permits will not be required during the summit. Directions to the campus and parking.

Learn About the Proposed Penokee Mine Jan 19 in Ashland--Live Radio Broadcast at 6:00pm

Wisconsin Public Radio will broadcast the first public meeting about the proposed Penokee iron ore mining project live from the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center near Ashland. The two hour broadcast will include representatives from Gogebic Taconite Company, the Wisconsin Geological Survey, and the Ashland and Iron County Development Associations. The meeting will be moderated by Northland College President Mike Miller.

This public affairs event is sponsored by Wisconsin Public Radio, the Ashland Daily Press, Northland College and the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center.

In the second hour of the broadcast, the public is invited to ask questions about this proposal.

This special broadcast begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday January 19th on 102.9 Ashland, 89.9 WHSA,, Brule and 91.3, KUWS Superior.