Environment
DNR to tackle nitrate pollution from manure, fertilizer
By a 5-to-1 vote, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board approved a “scope statement” — the broad outline of a rule related to decreasing nitrate pollution of groundwater in parts of the state and scheduled public hearings on the topic. Nitrates are compounds that are essential for all living things, though they can cause problems at […]
Narrower of two PFAS bills advances
One of two bills in the Legislature aimed at the growing concern about PFAS chemicals cleared an Assembly committee Wednesday, but the author of a second says his own measure is essential to providing a more comprehensive solution. AB-323, authored by State Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette), bars the use of firefighting foam containing perfluoroalkyl or […]
PFAS provisions struck from must-pass defense bill
WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats and environmental advocates suffered a stinging setback with the release of a defense policy bill this week that lacks key provisions to crack down on a widespread class of chemicals linked to serious health problems. The must-pass legislation represented the lawmakers’ best hope this year for enacting a comprehensive set of […]
Invasive gypsy moth population continues to decline
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protections’ (DATCP) most recent trapping season for gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar dispar) suggests that the invasive species’ population is continuing to decline in Wisconsin. In 2017, 108,808 moths were captured, followed by a little over 76,000 in 2018. For 2019, the numbers continued to drop to 52,396 captured […]
Nine-day deer hunting season draws to a close
Wisconsin’s nine day deer hunting season has come to an end, the state’s 168th season. Numbers for not only license purchases but also harvested deer were down this year as compared to 2018. The 2019 season also saw a lower than average number of reported hunting accidents, which the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) attributes […]
New “Forward On Climate” bills target climate adaptation
A new package of bills introduced by Representatives Greta Neubauer (D- Racine), Dianne Hesselbein (D- Middleton ), Gary Hebl (D- Sun Prairie) and Sen. Dave Hansen (D- Green Bay), is aiming to jump-start Badger State climate policy. Collectively named the Forward On Climate package, the bills focus on financially supporting climate-resistant infrastructure for schools and […]
Interactive map tracks city carbon emissions
An interactive map developed by the New York Times is giving fresh insights into city-level carbon emissions across the country. The detailed heat map provides data on increases in emissions between 1990 and 2017. It was compiled using Boston University’s Database of Road Transportation Emissions. Regarded as the most accurate estimates for local Co2 emissions, […]
Gray wolf population causing concerns
Gray wolves (Canius Lupus) are making a comeback in the Badger State, and that’s worrying residents in rural parts of Wisconsin. While some see the population rebound as a conservation success story, others are worried about the danger these large predators pose to pets and humans. The species is currently protected as a federally listed […]
A tale of two oil pipelines and their place in the presidential race
The political debate over how to regulate the fossil fuel industry in the United States is more important — and ideologically divisive — than ever before, as the 2020 election is fully underway. One of the core arguments is over the need for and the ethics of energy pipelines. With 2.4 million miles of pipeline, […]
The hunt for new hunters
If you are out hunting over this holiday week, take a look at the fellow hunters you encounter, perhaps warming up in bar, lodge or other gathering place. Are they all middle-age men? The number of hunters in Wisconsin has been declining, but one solution enthusiasts are exploring to mitigate that trend is reaching out […]
DNR releases notices and reminders for deer hunters
Deer hunting season is here, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a series of reminders and notices for hunters across the state. Wisconsin is in the middle of a nine-day deer hunting season. This represents Wisconsin’s 168th gun deer season, with over half a million hunters participating. According to the DNR, as […]
Wisconsin commits to Paris climate accords
Despite President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement, cities and states are moving to reaffirm their commitment to the accord. With the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 25 set to start Dec. 2, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes joined other city and state leaders on a call last […]