Spring DCCL Newsletter
April 2002
LEAGUE AWARD WINNERS
At January’s annual meeting Charlie Luthin was awarded the League’s 2001 Dane County Conservationist of the Year at January’s annual meeting. If you have been paying attention to the newspaper and news media in general these past few weeks, you have heard Luthin’s name as he continues to pursue the Ashley Furniture matter that continues to be an issue for wetlands.
The DCCL also recognized Don Hammes as our Member of the Year. Don is a longtime League member who has a depth of knowledge for environmental issues and more importantly a desire to be an advocate for the environment.
This year’s Junior Member of the League is Amanda Smith, daughter of Ray and Deanna Smith. Amanda has been active in League functions with her father and brother a number of times over the past few years and has painted numerous boards during that time on our behalf.
dccl.org
Will take you to the League’s website, being managed by Jerry Sands. It has created a lot of interest and brings the League into the times. Updates to the site will continue to be made to keep it current so one can come back to it and see something new.
DCCL BANQUET UPDATE
Our April 25 fundraising banquet has been sold out since March 1. We continue to add to the banquet each year, and this year is no exception. Thanks to numerous members for their donations. For those members who have seen fly tying tables at banquets in the area, we will have one of Greg Ericson’s creations this year. Thanks again, Doug. Thanks also to Fred and B.J. Panke, Steve Borquist, Ron Skaife, and John Hass for their donations. Further thank-yous will appear in the next quarterly report. We do extend thanks to Bill Livingston and John Brooks for their assistance this year and for being there in the past, too.
MEETINGS
Our last membership meeting was in March and featured Bill Stokes. He shared trout and scenery slides from his years of fishing and read two passages from his book, Trout Friends. He shared numerous stories and recognized a number of the "old time" League members who were present and involved when he covered the beat for the Wisconsin State Journal. The attendance of approximately fifty members at each of our meetings is a strong indication we are featuring issues that are important to you. Just a note of reminder though, we have our membership meeting sabbatical until our September meeting. However, we already have speakers lined up for four of the six meetings.
CONSERVATION CONGRESS
Congratulations to Jayne Meyer for her election as one of the Dane County representatives to the state’s Conservation Congress. Also, to Jerry Paffenroth, a new member for his reelection. We are proud to have both of you as League members. Also thanks to Jim March and to those members who were able to attend and participate in the Dane County meeting.
For those of you who may not know, the Conservation Congress is an advisory group to the Natural Resources Board, which sets Wisconsin fish and game policy.
FISHING EXPO
Thanks to the many members who assisted at our booth for the Expo. Special thanks to Jack Bond for chairing the event and to Bid Schlotthauer and John Washa for their time all three days.
NESTING BOX WORK DAY –
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
The DCCL Projects Committee has made the necessary preparations to make House Building Day another success. We will begin at 8:00 on April 20 at the DCCL Farm, 2497 County J, just north of Hwy. 18, approximately 4.5 miles west of Verona. You can print a map from our website, dccl.org.
We will be building the ever-popular bluebird houses, bat houses, and wren houses. Wood duck boxes will also be available for sale to members for $25.00. That’s a bargain for a quality cedar wood duck box. Retail is normally $45+. Normal cost for materials alone for a single box is $30.
John Meier will serve as Nesting Box Chair. He always has something new to build, so you will have to show up to see what that might be.
Participants are entitled to one bluebird house for their effort, as well as the knowledge that they are really helping the prospects of Dane County’s animal kingdom. Members can also purchase additional houses, and leftovers will be offered to the general public.
This has always been a great family event, but it is also an opportunity to earn work hours for those wanting their pheasants this year. REMEMBER TO BRING A CHARGED ELECTRIC
SCREWDRIVER. Hot coffee/chocolate and pop with rolls will be waiting for you.
WHAT ARE WORK HOURS?
For those new members who have joined and as a refresher for our present members, during the year, especially from now until the first of October, members have an opportunity to do a number of conservation projects that we sponsor. To those members who work 15 or more hours on these various projects, we offer a specified number of pheasants to be used as the members see fit.
Members also can set up sanctioned projects as long as the project enhances our natural resources here in Dane County. Louise Goldstein (224-3601) of Ken LePine’s staff has a number of projects that can be done in Dane County, and some of those projects can simply be supervising various youth programs the county makes available to develop various habitats. A good example is the initial work done on Deer Creek and the Sugar River Watershed. Bob Zimmerman worked with the Youth Conservation Corp to kick those projects off in the League’s name.
These are just a sample of opportunities that exist for the upcoming year:
This is a great time to prepare the area for winter wheat.
Other opportunities will be announced during the year.
During this time, we hope to see arrangements made for various conservation projects. If you have one, consider setting it up by serving as the contact for work hours for the event. What is great about this group is that we are "hands-on," and members are willing to respond to a cause.
As long as you are at an event such as a membership meeting or the banquets, why not help—you’re there already. At membership meetings one can take care of raffle sales near the door.
A number of families are registered members. One project for one or two families is the semiannual highway cleanup in May and September. Provided your children are 12 years of age or more, here is an opportunity to clean up a mile of highway that is registered in the League’s name.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact an officer or director. We put our names in this newsletter to allow you an opportunity to ask and hopefully receive answers to your questions.
BECWA OPEN HOUSE
The Black Earth Creek Watershed Association will hold an open house on Monday, April 22, at the Black Earth Grade School beginning at 6:30 PM. Guests will include:
Bob Kennedy – Citizens for a Better Environment
County Executive’s Office to talk about county
Transportation outlook
Mike Rewey from the WI DOT to discuss state
Transportation plans
Nick Lelack of 1000 Friends to address issues
Of sprawl
Speaker from a farmland owner’s perspective
LEAGUE RIVER CLEANUP PROJECT
April 27th has been set for a cleanup of a section of the Yahara River in DeForest. Tim Thompson will chair this event (846-2294.) The League will have available our Echo Brush Cutters and Stihl chainsaws.
Bring yours along with shears and saws if you have them. Waders are good, but there will be plenty of shore work, too. Day begins at 8:00 a.m. and will be an all day project. We will have lunch for those members who are still there. Help can be used anytime during that time.
A COALITION FOR CONSERVATION
mportant local resources such as the Black Earth Creek Watershed, deserve special attention. The League has been associated with Black Earth Creek since the 40’s and so we are pleased to announce that the Dane County Conservation League, together with the Natural Heritage Land Trust (formerly the Dane County Natural Heritage Foundation) Southern Wisconsin Trout Unlimited, American Farmland Trust, the Black Earth Creek Watershed Association, Black Earth Creek Conservation Organization, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Madison Audubon, Dane County Conservation League, Ice Age Park and Trail
Foundation, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, and Four Lakes Sieara Club, have formed the Black Earth Creek Watershed Coalition. Members of the coalition have signed on in dedication to "coordinated land conservation in the Black Earth Creek Watershed to protect the water quality and aquatic ecosystems of the creek and scenic value of the watershed." The Natural Heritage Land Trust will coordinate the coalition’s efforts.
The Black Earth Creek Watershed is a regionally, even nationally significant resource, spread over the rolling hills of western Dane County, and marking the beginnings of the "Driftless Area." Known for its rich farmland, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty, the watershed is 103 square miles in size, encompasses nine towns, three villages, and borders the city of Middleton. The watershed includes 27 miles of Black Earth Creek, designated by Department of Natural Resources as a Class I and II quality trout stream. It is also one of the heaviest fished streams in Wisconsin.
By working together, the Black Earth Creek Watershed Coalition members will be able to pool resources, share knowledge and expertise, and merge interests so we can all make stronger conservation achievements, rather than overlap or duplicate each other’s efforts. By jointly focusing on the watershed level, the coalition should be better able to protect the water quality of the stream and scenic value of the watershed. This is important, because as you know, streams flow across the landscape heedless of political boundaries, connecting towns, villages, and other watersheds. Thus by protecting the Black Earth Creek Watershed, we can make an impact on the overall health of Wisconsin’s landscape and beyond.
2000-2001 Your Investment in FISH & WILDLIFE
The outside flap of this newsletter gives you a sample of what the report covers. Much more detail is furnished on each of the categories. It is a wealth of information that does a great job of describing what the DNR does with the money it receives. Copies of the report were made available at the March meeting. The publication is available in alternative format (large print, Braille, audio ape, etc) upon request. Please contact 267-7550 for more information.
CONDOLENCES
Longtime League members Charles Smiley and George Swenson passed away this year. Our sympathies to their families and friends.
CORRECTIONS ANYONE
Does the League know you have moved recently? Or worse, did we mistype your name or show you as Tom instead of John? Please return the address label with the correct address/name changes to our PO Box as shown on the second page. Thanks, and our apologies if any are owed.
OUR 4000 ACRES
Copies of the Annual Management Review of Central Wisconsin Prairie Chicken Management Project, Buena Vista Grasslands, Leola Grasslands, and Paul J. Olson Wildlife Area’s 2001 report will be available at the Farm. This is all we ask of the State of Wisconsin, besides it’s paying for the taxes on the 4,000 acres the League owns outside of Plover.
CONGRATULATIONS
To League member and new grandparents, Rod and Kathy Fornetti whose grandson, Bryce Michael, was born March 25. Proud parents are Carrie and Michael Fornetti.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Gordon Bahlet
Larry/Linda Bennett
Jack Brandabur
Jim Crowley
Greg Ericson
Steve Gordon
Susan Haswell
Regan Howard
Ken Hummel
Vernon Martin
Tom Meyer
James Paffenroth
Jerry Paffenroth
Rick Plonsky
Ron Prust
Robert Regan
Chris Risbrudt
WI River Sportsman
Tim Sweeney
Don Temby
Robert Trach
Brad Ward
Topf Wells
FROM THE HISTORIAN: Jack M. Bell
"Early Beginnings" – Dane County Court House – Circuit Courtroom – 8:00 p.m. 2-16-1939, Membership Meeting.
Meeting called to order. Mr. Moon Mullins made a motion that the Dane County Sportsman’s League go on record as being in favor of a $l.00 General Fishing License. Motion seconded and carried. He also made a motion that the League also go on record as being in favor of a $2.00 General Hunting License… $l.00 to go to general conservation and $l.00 to maintenance of public shooting grounds. Motion seconded and carried.
Mr. Oswald Neesvig made a motion that the president appoint a committee to appear in the Legislature when bills on conservation were scheduled. Motion was seconded by Mr. Elmer Culver and carried. Mr. Johnson, Chairman of the local unit of Ducks Unlimited, introduced Mr. Main, the Chief Engineer of Ducks Unlimited. Mr. Main told of the ease of getting the farmers to cooperate with them in Canada… that for $l.00 per acre they were able to leave the marsh lands in which to carry on their work. Ducks Unlimited worked on three large projects during 1938: 1) The Grass Marsh of Manitoba; 2) Many Islands – Lake Resort; and 3) Saskatchewan Marsh. Mr. Main stated that after the marshes are acquired, a small sum of about 25 cents per acre would carry out the necessary developing. The number one problem was to correct the water condition; building of dams to keep the breeding areas from drying up during the nesting season. Mr. Main said crows were very destructive in these areas in Canada. A very careful survey in some areas showed that 31% of eggs were destroyed by this bird. The skunk and magpies were also found to be destructive. The Canadian government as well as the natives are very willing to cooperate because the program of Ducks Unlimited would help in a large measure to restore the fur-bearing animals that was the greatest factor in Canada’s wealth.
Mr. Comerlie, in charge of the Ducks Unlimited programs in the U.S., gave views as to how and why our Sportman’s League should be assisting in the great work they were conducting in Canada. He pointed out that the duck problem was at the breeding grounds and that was where it could be corrected. Ducks Unlimited carried on this work through donations from hunters, the minimum donation being $2.00.
Movies were shown on the Ducks Unlimited work in Canada. Elmer Culver stated that the wild rice planted in Lake Waubesa is doing well.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Fred Panke (04) –424-3495
Ron Skaife (04) – 437-6053
Jack Bond (04) –831-2348
Ed Fuss (03) – 238-8775
Jerry Sands (05) – 249-7153
Robb Thole (03) – 274-2866
Ed Brost (04) 221-1396
Dwaine Rundle (04) 276-9427
Gene Roark – Emeritus – 238-5349
Bob Zimmerman – Emeritus – 274-1599
DCCL OFFICERS
Tim Thompson (05) President – 846-2294
Don Sprang (05) Vice President – 831-6486
Dave Wilken (05) Treasurer – 767-3830
Dave Pulda (03) Secretary – 845-9892
HELLO FELLOW LEAGUE MEMBERS
By: Tim Thompson
This month brings along with it many opportunities to do something for our environment.
The Spring Hearings were recently held with many important issues being addressed by our fellow sportsmen and women.
Ed Fuss and his crew cleaned up our section of Highway 18-151 for the spring. Thanks to Ed for helping to keep this project going.
An upcoming project is our annual nest-building project at the Farm on April 20th. Thanks to John Meier for getting this project going. Bring the kids along for this, as a good time is sure to be had by all.
Also this year we are going to get involved with the Village of DeForest as they continue to clean up the Yahara River which runs through the Village. This is about the 4th year they have done this and it will be a good thing for the League to become involved with. Much manpower is needed, as there is an awful lot of deadfall to be taken out of the water. The project is set for April 27th, with a rain day of May 11th. It’s an all day affair with lunch provided. If you can make it, let me know and I will provide details.
Our annual fund-raising banquet is in the final planning stages and is sure to be a success again this year.
We have a major project being started up at the Farm. A Conservation Corps Crew is set to come out to tear away the old netting on pens 1 and 2 and to get as much back up in the two weeks they will be there. There is sure to be plenty of work to be done throughout the summer on this project.
The birds are set to arrive in late May and early June. Ron Brinkmann and his crew will once again be taking care of the chicks when they arrive. Come out to the Farm any Saturday to help out and get in some hours. There are always plenty of things that need to be done.
We had an interesting set of speakers over the fall and winter at our membership meetings. We have a few good programs already set for the fall. The September meeting will include the local Conservation Wardens and other DNR personnel. October is slated to member Mary Jenkins, who will talk about the history of and raising Bison. We are hoping to get some state officials to speak about Chronic Wasting Disease prior to the deer hunting season. They will likely know much
more about this threat than they do now and hopefully be able to share that information with us.
On the Legislative side of things, it looks like once again, the Ashley Furniture Exemption has once again been stuck into the Budget Bill, with a promise from Gov. McCallum to sign it. Check out our website for the latest on this issue. Also, the Assembly voted to slash funds to the Stewardship Fund, which helps to buy and preserve land for future generations to enjoy.
As you can see, we have a lot of work to do to keep our environment clean and everyone needs to do what he or she can.
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The DCCL Newsletter is published quarterly; winter, spring, summer, and fall. The Dane County Conservation League is a non-profit volunteer organization. Our purpose is to enhance the education and habitat conservation of its membership and to enhance the natural resources in Dane County and the State of Wisconsin. The DCCL was established in 1933.
Manuscripts and photographs are welcome and may be forwarded to the address below.
Dane County Conservation League
PO Box 44039
Madison WI 53744
Please notify us of ANY address or name change, or, "god forbid," typos, additions or deletions by sending to the address listed above. Submit articles for the DCCL Newsletter by the first week of the month.