Lake Superior Basin

Northwoods Coop Weed Management Newsletter Out

2012-02-13T10:30:00.000-06:00

The Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area is very active in the northern tier of counties along Lake Superior in Wisconsin. The Weed Coop host volunteer workdays, educates the public about invasive species and provides training for town road supervisors on controlling invasive plants--when and how. Click here for the most recent and past newsletters.

Playing Tag with Sustainable Ag

2012-02-03T14:32:00.000-06:00

"Playing Tag with Sustainable Ag" Thursday, Feb 9, 6:30pm Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (map) 29270 Cty G, Ashland, Wisconsin Join us for an update for growers, distributors and consumers of local food (all of us!) Claire Hintz and Jason Fischbach on the state of sustainable agriculture in our region. Claire Hintz is owned of Elsewhere Farm in Herbster. She will present what

Wisconsin Phenology Calendar Now Available

2011-11-22T12:53:00.001-06:00

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

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

2011-11-10T11:39:00.001-06:00

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

2011-09-22T11:59:00.000-05:00

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

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

2011-08-19T12:49:00.005-05:00

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

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

2011-08-17T10:28:00.012-05:00

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

Aug 11 Bird City Meeting in Ashland

2011-08-08T11:21:00.011-05:00

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

July 19 Partner Team Meeting in Iron River

2011-07-19T08:21:00.006-05:00

Lake Superior Partner TeamTuesday, July 19 from 9:30am- 12noonIron River Community Center (map)AGENDA1) Welcome and introductions2) Announcements- round robin3) Marengo River Watershed Action Plan update - Matt Hudson/Valerie Olinik4) US Forest Service Watershed Condition Framework. The Forest Service recently selected two HUC6 sub-watersheds in the Lake Superior basin as priority watersheds and

July 17 Lake Superior Day in Superior, WI

2011-06-30T16:11:00.005-05:00

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

2011-05-27T10:19:00.008-05:00

Nina Leopold BradleyPhoto credits: WIECBNina 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

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

2011-05-10T13:39:00.006-05:00

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

Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference June 24 in Minong, WI

2011-05-10T10:42:00.006-05:00

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

Great Lakes Research Conference May 30-June 3, 2011

2011-04-07T11:33:00.003-05:00

Photo Courtesy Visit Duluth and Seaquest ProductionsEarly-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’

Wisconsin Beach Health Conference April 27-28, 2011

2011-03-23T16:08:00.002-05:00

Wisconsin Beach Health: Research, Management and Building Awareness Lake Superior MeetingApril 27-28, 2011Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, Northland College1411 Ellis AvenueAshland, WI 54806For the agenda click here.

Sign of Spring--Eagle's Nest

2011-03-14T09:38:00.001-05:00

Streaming Video by Ustream.TV

Wisconsin Lakes Conference April 12-14 2011 Green Bay

2011-03-07T11:04:00.004-06:00

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

2011-03-03T14:00:00.005-06:00

Lake Superior Partner TeamTuesday, March 15 from 9:30am- 12noonIron River Community Center, Iron River, WI (map)Draft AGENDA 1) Welcome and introductions2) 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

Feb 24 Lake Superior Affects the Weather

2011-02-14T11:07:00.007-06:00

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

Stormwater Workshop Proceeds Online

2011-01-18T11:03:00.005-06:00

From Jesse Schomberg of Minnesota Sea GrantGreetings; 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

St. Louis River Summit Feb 7-8, 2011

2011-01-14T13:56:00.003-06:00

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

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

2011-01-07T09:20:00.007-06:00

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

Wisconsin's Waters 2011 Calendar Available

2010-12-20T14:31:00.003-06:00

This year's calendar features a small sampling of the many means of enjoying Wisconsin's waters.In the main picture, Lorenzo M. Newman, a wealthy entrepreneur from Chippewa Falls, poses in suit and tie with his catch, a sizeable muskie. Details abound in this picture. A closer look at the boat reveals a small stack of wood used for feeding the steam-powered engine, an oar and fishing pole stored

New Website--Lake Superior Basin in Wisconsin

2010-12-07T13:18:00.005-06:00

Check out the new website for the Lake Superior Basin Education Initiative. The website includes several new features:- Information on the latest natural resource educational and outreach programs UW Extension is offering in the Basin (eg. Learn About Your Land and others)- Archive for publications about research in the Basin- Source of maps and online mapping sites for the Basin- Meeting

Lake Superior Partner Team meets Dec 14, 2010

2010-11-24T16:10:00.003-06:00

The next Lake Superior Partner Team meeting is Tuesday, December 14 from 9:30am-12 noon at the Iron River Community Center. Please contact me with any agenda items. Here is what we have so far:AGENDA 1) Welcome and introductions 2) Announcements 3) Old Business • Lake Superior Forestry update – Kristen Tomaszewksi/Ruth Oppedahl • Marengo River Watershed Action Plan – Matt Hudson 4) New Business •

Northland Innovative Stormwater Management Conference

2010-11-11T10:18:00.004-06:00

Who: anyone dealing with or interested in water quality or stormwater issues in the Lake Superior Region, including local government officials, planners, architects, engineers, landscape professionals, and moreWhen: Wednesday, November 17th, 2010 • Sign-in opens: 7:30 a.m.• Conference: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.• Field Trip: 4:00 - 6:15 p.m.Where: Edgewater Conference Center, 2400 London Road, Duluth,

Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Designation Ceremony October 26, 2010

2010-10-22T15:09:00.006-05:00

October 26, 2010 from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.The St. Louis River freshwater estuary will be designated the 28th National Estuarine Research Reserve in the country and only the second Reserve in the Great Lakes. The reserve will be known as the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve.Where: Superior, Wisconsin– UW-Superior Yellowjacket Union, Great Room (Superior, Wis.)-- Freshwater estuaries

Bottle Gentians at the Visitor Center

2010-08-24T16:12:00.006-05:00

You might see a small bumblebee pry open the top of a bottle gentian flower and dip in to collect pollen. The bee will stay inside the flower for a minute and then back out and fly to another. Bumble bees are the primary pollinator of bottle gentians.Stop by the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center native plant gardens and see this beautiful late summer wildflower. My grandfather, an early

Slow the Flow workshop September 9 and 10

2010-08-23T11:02:00.006-05:00

Forests, Water Quality and Land Management in the Lake Superior Basin. A free one-day workshop for forestry, wildlife, fisheries, and land managers.September 9, 8:30am-4:00pm Superior (at the DOT/DNR building 1701 N 4th St) orSeptember 10, 8:30am-4:00pm Ashland (at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center)Dr. Sandy Verry--Understanding the Effects of Young Forests and Open Lands on WatershedsTony

Rain Barrel Truckload Sale August 6 in Ashland & Hurley

2010-07-21T09:04:00.014-05:00

33-gallon blue plastic recycled rain barrelsFully assembled $40/each Order FormQuantities limited! Prepay by August 1 to reserve your rain barrel.Make checks payable to: Iron County Conservation DeptMail to: UW Extension 29270 Cty GAshland, WI 54806Walk-in purchase may be available as quantities permit on August 6 at the pick-up sites:Hurley Iron County Forestry & Highway Building Friday, August

Wetland Invasive Plants Key and Field Guide

2010-07-12T10:33:00.006-05:00

An excellent book is now out on invasive plants of aquatic and wetland habitats of Michigan. The 58-page book can be viewed here. The book includes a pictorial key for identification and species accounts with several photos for each species including the plant in the landscape, flower and other defining characteristics. The field guidebook includes a chart of invasive species by communities

South Shore's Lake Superior Days July 17-18, 2010

2010-06-29T13:53:00.003-05:00

Bruce Lindgren told me about the new South Shore Association formed on Wisconsin's Lake Superior shore between Port Wing, Herbster and Cornucopia. As part of the Lake Superior Binational Forum's Lake Superior Day, they are sponsoring a weekend of events celebrating our sweet water sea. Activities include geo-caching, kayak tours of Bark Bay State Natural Area, lectures (yours truly for 10

June 5 Native Plant Sale

2010-05-25T13:26:00.005-05:00

The 8th annual native plant sale will be on Saturday June 5, 2010 from 9:00am-1:00pm at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College (map). The sale is hosted by the Northern Native Plants Project in memory of Karen Danielsen and Pam Troxell.Purchase native plants from our local nurseries: Boreal Natives, Leaning Pine Nursery, M&M Greenhouse and Wildflower Woods. Sarah Boles of

Thank you Bud (1926 - 2010)

2010-05-13T15:31:00.008-05:00

Bud Jordahl and Emily Early Photo by 1000 Friends of WisconsinBud is shown here with a good friend Emily Early, a conservation pioneer in her own right. I was lucky to know and work with Bud (and Emily too) who was a board member of the Dane County Natural Heritage Foundation when I was their Executive Director (1991-1998). Bud inspired me and hundreds of young conservationists by his work as

Star Lab and Star Gazing May 7-9, 2010

2010-05-07T13:40:00.004-05:00

School groups have been at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center today and one of their activities is going in the SkyLab--a portable (inflatable) planetarium. Mary Gruhl--key volunteer, is here to teach youth about the constellations and their Native American names. She is also hosting a star gazing session Saturday night, May 8, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. called "Astronomy The Study of

Making It Home Film Festival Sponsors--Thank You!

2010-04-15T13:25:00.006-05:00

Hope

2010-03-13T22:00:00.007-06:00

Learn About Your Land classes for woodland owners have begun

2010-03-04T13:09:00.002-06:00

3/4/2010 The first week of classes for woodland owners started this week and will continue for six weeks. The classes are offered across the northern tier of Wisconsin Counties (Iron, Ashland/Bayfield and Douglas Counties). Topics range from learning the context of your land in the Lake Superior Basin (what trees where here pre-European settlement, what is here now, soils, water considerations

Draft Lake Superior Aquatic Invasive Species Plan

2010-01-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

Public comment is open for the new Lake Superior Aquatic Invasives Species Plan. For more information follow this link:Great Lakes Environment: Draft Lake Superior Aquatic Invasive Species PlanZebra Mussels in Lake SuperiorMap & photo by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Bad River Watershed--First Person Local Jan 16, 2-3pm

2010-01-06T15:28:00.004-06:00

This event is a great way to build community interested in a watershed. Sponsored by the Bad River Watershed Association, First Person Local is a panel of community members--many who have lived their wholes lives in the watershed, sharing stories of the history of the place and the rivers.This year's panel includes: MODERATOR: KENT GOECKERMANN SPEAKERS: KEN LINDQUIST, HIGHBRIDGE MIKE

Tundra Swans in Chequamegon Bay

2009-11-23T10:47:00.002-06:00

For the last week or so we have had about twenty tundra swans hanging out in Chequamegon Bay near the mouth of Fish Creek. The swans are on their way to Chesapeake Bay. Tundra swans are a larger-than-life reminder of the amazing migration many birds make from their arctic breeding/nesting grounds across North America to their wintering sites. Some places along the Upper Mississippi receive

Underwater Glider

2009-11-09T09:26:00.005-06:00

The Great Lakes Observing System reported on the University of Minnesota-Duluth launching an underwater glider in Lake Superior.On Sept. 26, 2009, Jay Austin, professor at the University of Minnesota - Duluth, successfully recovered his Autonomous Underwater Glider (AUG) after a nine-day data collecting mission. During its mission, it "flew" approximately 250km in the western arm of Lake Superior

Wisconsin's New Invasives Rule

2009-09-01T12:55:00.008-05:00

Gene Lemmenes, Charly Ray and Gene Brevold cut and treat Japanese Knotweed in Bayfield, Wisconsin.Invasive species classification administrative rule (NR 40) went into effect on September 1, 2009.This rule is important for Wisconsin because invasive plants and animals displace native species, disrupt ecosystems, and harm recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. They also

Whittlesey Creek Outdoor Classroom Rain Garden Revealed!

2009-07-21T11:55:00.015-05:00

Thanks to stellar National Park Volunteers Judy and David Kay, the rain garden and patio at the Whittlesey Creek NWR Outdoor Classroom is looking beautiful!The rain garden is planted with native perennial plants with small signs that talk about how rain gardens can soak up extra rain runoff so sediment doesn't flow overland into the creek. It's also very pretty! Judy spent hours and hours this

Wisconsin Lake Superior Partner Team Meeting July 13

2009-07-09T16:03:00.004-05:00

Wisconsin Lake Superior Partner Team MeetingMonday, July 13 at 4:00-5:30pmNorthern Great Lakes Visitor Center, Ashland, WIRefreshments will be provided1. Welcome and introductions2. Bad River Watershed Association updates - Matt Hudson 40 minutes a) Updates on funding and project b) Solicit feedback on strategies for project implementation3. Fish Creek Watershed Management and Restoration Plan

June 26 Conservation Observance Day Honors Cora and Mark Liebaert

2009-06-24T12:15:00.003-05:00

Join us for the 2009Wisconsin Conservation Observance DayFriday, June 26, 200910:00am – 3:00pmAt the Liebaert Family Farm, Riverview Ranch7925 E. Munnings Rd., South Range, WI (near Superior)Recipients of the 2008 Wisconsin Conservation Farmer of the YearThis free program will include: Speakers, lunch, exhibitors, and farm tours and demos Mark and Cora Liebaert jointly own and operate a 600-acre

River Volunteers Needed to Detect Invasives in Northwestern Wisconsin-- Training Offered July 18

2009-06-16T10:24:00.007-05:00

New Zealand Mud Snails have been detected in the Superior Duluth Harbor. NZMS have invaded western trout streams where they form mats on stream bed destroying habitat for fish and invertebrates.The River Alliance of Wisconsin has launched Project RED (riverine early detectors), a new citizen monitoring program that trains river enthusiasts (paddlers, fishermen, WAV monitors, etc.) to identify

Woodland owners to tour pellet plant June 20 in Hayward, WI

2009-06-15T10:41:00.003-05:00

HAYWARD -- Not since the energy crisis of the late 1970s has pelletized wood fuel become so popular. Don Kaiser, Executive Director of the Pellet Fuel Institute, estimates new or expanded facilities number over 40 coming on line in the last couple of years. Here in the heart of the Northwoods forest products industry, Great Lakes Renewable Energy (GLRE) broke ground for the construction of a $7

Northwest Lake Conference June 19 at Cable

2009-06-05T13:52:00.004-05:00

Join us June 19th for the Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference at the Telemark Resort and Conference Center in Cable Wisconsin. Event details Online registration (registration deadline June 13th)We are pleased to welcome Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank who will give a luncheon address. Secretary Frank has seen significant conservation milestones achieved in his tenure as

View from the Lake--Boat Tours of Lake Superior

2009-05-20T15:19:00.006-05:00

The L.L. Smith, Jr. research vessel is back for another season of three-hour educational boat tours along the Lake Superior coastline! Did you know that a drop of water spends an average of 191 years in Lake Superior? Join us to discover why facts like these make monitoring so critical to keeping Lake Superior and its streams clean and healthy. Participate in sampling Lake Superior’s water and

Rain Harvesting Video

2009-05-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

City of Superior Rain Barrels $40

2009-05-01T13:59:00.002-05:00

Rain Barrels: An Old Idea That’s New Again. The PEIR Program (Public Education, Involvement & Relations) is selling rain barrels! Residential property owners of the city can purchase a rain barrel at the reduced cost of $40.00. Additional rain barrels can be purchased at the full cost of $70.00. All rain barrels must be pre-ordered by May 1, 2009. Download the application form, fill out and send

Chequamegon Bird & Nature Festival

2009-04-16T12:54:00.000-05:00

The 2009 festival will be May 15-17 at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. The festival has over 120 activities ranging from birding field trips,kayaking, rain gardens, children's activities with David Stokes and a lot more. This is the peak weekend for neo-tropical bird migration. You can register online and join us for a wonderful weekend.

Lake Superior Partners Meet April 16 in Iron River

2009-04-08T15:45:00.000-05:00

The Lake Superior Basin Team is meeting on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00pm at the Community Hall in Iron River. Please join us to hear presentations on two new initiatives in the watershed. First we'll hear from Carmen Wagner and Kristen Tomaszewski from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources about a forest watershed project that looks at how forest canopy cover affects water runoff into

Hooded Mergansers at the Center

2009-04-03T12:47:00.001-05:00

A pair of Hooded Mergansers are hanging out at the pond behind the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. They are pretty shy and nest in hollow trees. They pair up in winter and may be headed further north. Our pond was tested for dissolved oxygen this winter, and did not have enough to support most fish. So I wonder what the mergansers are eating?Photo courtesy of USFWS.var gaJsHost = (("

Wisconsin: Making it Home

2009-03-27T13:06:00.000-05:00

A partnership of community groups and agencies are interested in bringing the Wisconsin Humanities Council’s Wisconsin: Making it Home film festival to the Chequamegon Bay area in 2010. The purpose of the festival is to promote dialog in communities about humans and nature. The Making it Home touring festivals include films from the 2009 Tales from Planet Earth Environmental Film Festival. The

Working Lands Workshop March 10

2009-03-03T22:54:00.000-06:00

About four years ago I traveled to Madison with Bill Ferraro and Rick Dale, two fruit growers from Bayfield, to make a presentation about our farmland preservation program. Rick and Bill met with Rod Nilsestuen, the Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture to explain the benefits of purchasing development rights (PDR)on Bayfield orchards to preserve farmland.We also presented a slide show about our

Brunsweiler Wild River Proposal

2009-02-11T08:59:00.000-06:00

In January 2009, Senator Bob Jauch announced his goal of adding the Brunsweiler River in Ashland County to the Wild Rivers list, and naming it “The Martin Hanson Wild River” in honor of Wisconsin’s long-time conservationist.The State Wild River legislation was passed over 40 years ago, the intent of the program is to “preserve some rivers in a free flowing condition and to protect them from

Lake Superior Youth Symposium

2009-02-09T09:08:00.000-06:00

Please share this information with high school youth who love Lake Superior and want to meet others who are taking action to protect the big lake.Lake Superior Youth Symposium May 14-17, 2009 in Duluth, MN.

Renewable Energy for America grantwriting workshop Feb 10

2009-02-05T11:11:00.000-06:00

USDA Training Webinar with Live Location and Satellite Host SitesAttend this workshop to understand the requirements of USDA funding in order to help your customers finance renewable energy projects. This 75%/25% cost-share program can fund installations to save energy on agricultural operations or other small, rural businesses.The Renewable Energy for America Program provides grants and loan

Lake Superior Tributary Models for Erosion and Sedimentation

2009-01-28T13:41:00.000-06:00