In partnership with

Mornin' to anyone interested in the new kayak launch on the Wisconsin River... 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:

• Summer monarch butterfly numbers appear to be down in 2024 🦋 

• Toxic blue-green algae shuts down summer swimming spots 🦠 

• WI State Park use is strong, but warning signs question funding 💰

• Early fall colors reveal tree stress 🍂 

• Opposition mounts for Apostle Lakeshore National Park designation ❌

Summer monarch butterfly numbers appear to be down in 2024—LINK

Hmm.. Not good?

Wisconsin volunteers noticed fewer monarchs this summer, with July counts revealing a decline compared to previous years.

This dip in numbers was observed by the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project, which tracks monarchs across the state.

Wendy Caldwell, executive director of the Monarch Joint Venture, emphasized that these regional counts don't provide the full picture: “What’s happening in Wisconsin might not be happening in other parts of the range.”

Factors like weather and a smaller starting population could explain the decrease.

Caldwell suggests that planting milkweed and wildflowers can support monarchs, helping their numbers recover. The true state of the monarch population will be clearer after their migration to Mexico this winter. Awfully far way to fly!

Toxic blue-green algae shuts down summer swimming spots—LINK

Late-summer swimmers at Lake Geneva were surprised by the sudden closure of public beaches due to a toxic blue-green algae bloom.

Blue-green algae appear as scum on the water, often resembling pea soup or a paint-like sheen. Ah, “pea soup of the lake…”

The Walworth County Health Department, along with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Geneva Lake Environmental Agency, found that the algae contains a harmful strain of Cyanobacteria. These microscopic organisms can produce toxins dangerous to humans, pets, and wildlife, potentially affecting neurological systems.

The beach at Big Foot Beach State Park was also closed, and there’s no set date for reopening either location.

WI State Park use is strong, but warning signs question funding—LINK

Wisconsin state parks continue to see high attendance post-pandemic, with 2023 annual admission sticker sales nearly 50% higher than in 2019. However, a new Wisconsin Policy Forum report highlights concerns about future conservation funding.

While park revenues are up, the decline in hunting and fishing participation—key sources of ecological management funding—poses a threat.

Since taxpayer funding for parks was cut in 2015, the state has relied on user fees to be self-sustaining. However, since 2022, the State Parks have had an annual deficit of about $1.4 million (and there’s about $1 billion in deferred maintenance costs that need to be tackled).

The report urges state leaders to explore stable funding solutions to sustain Wisconsin's outdoor traditions as park usage grows but hunting and fishing decline.

"Regardless of the choice," the report said, "state leaders may wish to consider a new course forward before the need for additional sources of conservation funding becomes truly dire."

Early fall colors reveal tree stress—LINK

If you’re noticing early fall colors in trees this August, it’s not a little lovely sneak peek at Fall Colors, it’s likely a sign of stress.

Why are some trees already starting to turn?

While last year's drought was the main culprit, other factors like root injury or past damage could be at play, even if trees appear healthy now.

Stress symptoms, such as leaf discoloration, often emerge months or years after the initial problem, especially when roots have been compromised.

Trees near streets or buildings may turn color early due to soil compaction, heat, or de-icing salts.

Though little can be done for mature trees showing early color, minimizing additional stress and pruning dead wood can help. If structural issues are suspected, consulting a trained arborist is recommended.

Opposition mounts for Apostle Lakeshore National Park designation —LINK

Oh boy, here we go again…

Support and opposition are mounting over the proposal to redesignate the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore as Wisconsin’s first national park.

Local governments and the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa oppose the bill, citing concerns about environmental impacts, infrastructure strain, and lack of transparency.

Bayfield Mayor Ted Dougherty emphasized, “We’re having difficulty finding staff. Staff are having difficulty finding housing.”

In contrast, supporters, including U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (read his side of the story here) and several economic leaders argue that the redesignation would boost tourism and local economies, without stepping on treaties with local tribes.

Hayward Mayor Gary Gillis noted, “Redesignation to a national park will expand the reach of our tourism and marketing efforts.”

However, opponents stress the need for further study, highlighting potential risks to the environment and local communities.

Now forward this email to friend, and get out ‘der!

Please support Wiscampsin and give our sponsors a click!

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

• We scour 100+ sources daily

• Read by CEOs, scientists, business owners and more

• 3.5 million subscribers

Sign up today!

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

To the 14% of you that said you won’t be recreating in the Great Wisconsin Outdoors this Labor Day Weekend, we surely hope you have a good excuse!

Wiscampsin Job Board

Communications Specialist - DNR (Madison, WI): $26.87/hour

Nature Net Intern - Nature Net (Remote/Monona, WI): $15/hour, 10 hours per week

Coastal Management Specialist - CSS (Duluth, Minnesota; Madison, Wisconsin; Ann Arbor, Michigan): No comp info

Wildlife Technician - DNR (Poynette, WI): $16-$17/hour

Associate Forestry Planner - DNR (Statewide): $22-$24/hour

Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the trail… Thanks for the support!