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- Deer poachers run amok
Deer poachers run amok
PLUS a 70-foot-long soil pit, new bike trails, water analysis tool, and elk management
Forrest Koslowski
August 22, 2024
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Mornin' to anyone that wants to buy (and save) the Butterfly Gardens, rumored to be seeking new ownership by 2025. This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.
This week’s weekly:
Why WI conservationists dug a 70-foot-long soil pit 🤔
Authorities investigate large-scale deer poaching 🦌
Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System plans addition 🚴♀️
2024-2034 elk management plan approved ✅
New tool launched to help residents analyze water quality 💧
Why WI conservationists dug a 70-foot-long soil pit—LINK
Sounds like the kind of thing Dad used to tell us to go do when we were “bored.”
At Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, a 70-foot soil pit created by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service is offering visitors a deep dive into soil health and conservation.
Tim Miland, a soil scientist, described the experience as “getting the earthworm’s view of the different soil layers,” showcasing how essential healthy soil is.
The pit, four feet deep, reveals various soil layers, including fertile topsoil and dense till, helping attendees understand soil structure and its historical significance.
“A lot of people take soil for granted," said Miland.
The event, held in Chippewa County, highlights the importance of soil conservation through hands-on learning.
As Miland noted, this experience is a perfect opportunity for people to engage directly with soil, feeling its texture and learning about its vital role in agriculture and the environment.
Authorities in eastern Wisconsin are investigating a large-scale deer poaching operation, which has left dozens of headless deer carcasses across Fond du Lac, Dodge, and Washington counties.
The investigation began in mid-July after a tip led authorities to discover multiple, freshly-severed buck heads in a residential trash can. “Hey honey, mind taking out the freshly-severed buck heads?”
Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt described the acts as “senseless, reckless, indiscriminate killing,” noting that the poachers targeted bucks, cutting off their heads and abandoning the bodies.
Unlike typical poaching, which is driven by trophy hunting, this case seems driven purely by a "thrill kill" mentality.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office are urging the public to report any suspicious activity, including hearing gunshots at night or seeing vehicles shining deer.
Authorities expect multiple charges will be filed as the investigation continues.
Good! They’re ruining the rest of law-abiding citizens’ chances at filling ‘da freezer (as well as messing with the conservation model).
Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System plans addition—LINK
Local group Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts (ICORE) is advocating for a new loop trail that would add 9 to 10 miles to The Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System along Highway J, connecting Mercer, Winman, and Manitowish Waters.
“It'd be a nice loop, great addition to our community and to our community businesses," said Gail Ondresky, an ICORE board member.
ICORE, formed 10 years ago to promote silent sports like biking, recently received a TAP grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to study the trail's feasibility.
The group is hosting a “Let’s Get Looped” event at Carow Park on August 4th to discuss the project, featuring live music, a food truck, and activities for families. The feasibility study is expected to be completed by year’s end.
2024-2034 elk management plan approved—LINK
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) has approved the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) 2024-2034 Elk Management Plan, along with its associated administrative rules.
This plan aims to maintain a healthy, sustainable elk population in Wisconsin, balancing ecological, social, economic, and cultural benefits while reducing elk-human conflicts.
Developed in collaboration with the Wisconsin Elk Advisory Committee, which includes Tribal Nations, agencies, and stakeholders, the plan reflects input from various groups, including public surveys and Tribal consultations.
Key updates include an adaptive management approach, renaming management zones with regional distinctions (Northern and Central), expanding elk management zones, and establishing elk hunting units.
Wisconsin’s elk herds, located in Northern and Central regions, are expected to surpass 500 animals after this year's calving season.
New tool launched to help residents analyze water quality—LINK
The Wisconsin Water Explorer is a new online tool designed to help residents easily analyze water quality in local lakes and streams.
Traditionally, water quality analysis requires complex software and data, but the Wisconsin Water Explorer simplifies it so anyone could use it. Even your neighbor ‘da Bears fan.
The tool provides users with graphs, maps, and reports that highlight current water conditions, trends, and pollution sources.
This platform combines multiple water quality tools, allowing Citizen Lake Monitoring Network volunteers to generate and share automated reports for their lakes.
Paul Skawinski, statewide educator for the network, praised its user-friendliness, stating, "It’s very easy to print or share reports and graphs with others."
Now forward this email to friend, and get out ‘der!
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Wiscampsin Weekly Poll
Well, 97% of you voted that regulations should be put in place regarding where wake boats can operate! Criminy cripes!
Labor Day Weekend is coming up, will you be enjoying it by recreating in Wisconsin's Great Outdoors?Select an answer below and we will share results next week! |
Wiscampsin Job Board
Outdoor Programs Coordinator Paddling - Madison School & Community Recreation (Madison, WI): $20.00/hour, 30 hours/week
Senior Water Resources Management Specialist - DNR (Superior;Hayward;Spooner): $65,520.00 to $74,880.00 salary, Full-Time
Forestry Technician - Brule River State Forest - DNR (Brule): $18.00 - $20.00/hour, Full-Time
Environmental Educator - Riveredge Nature Center (Ozaukee): $15-$18/hour 28 hours/week
Seasonal Tractor worker - R.D. Offut Farms (Menomonie) No pay info, cripes…
Pheasant Stocker - DNR (Kansasville): $12-$14/hour, temporary
Meme of the Week 😂
A review from the trail… Completely understandable
Well, how'd we do this week? |
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