Mornin' to anyone wondering about that 10-foot long snake found up nort’ recently. 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:

• WI Man Sets Record for Fastest Solo Canoe Down Wisconsin River 🛶

• Certification Requirement for Mushroom Foragers in 🍄‍🟫 

• Invasive Quagga Mussels Found in Geneva Lake 🦪

• Dead Turtles on St. Croix River Accidentally Killed by DNR 🐢 

• ‘Caring for Grandmother Earth’ Summit 🪶 

WI Man Sets Record for Fastest Solo Canoe Down Wisconsin River—LINK

In a remarkable feat of endurance, 23-year-old Kyle Parker has set a new record for the fastest solo canoe journey down the Wisconsin River.

Parker completed the 436-mile trek, navigating over 25 dams, in just 5 days, 19 hours, and 57 minutes—more than 7 hours quicker than the previous record.

Before setting out, Parker, who works as a Partner Coordinator for the American Birkebeiner, reflected on his goal, saying, “I want to push myself to my absolute limit, physically and mentally. I have done some larger trips but this will be my first trip of this magnitude and racing against the clock.”

Parker battled wind, sleep deprivation, and plenty of bugs to get this done.

Someone get this guy a beer!

New Certification Requirement for Mushroom Foragers in Wisconsin —LINK

As of January, Wisconsin foragers must obtain certification to sell mushrooms to restaurants, aligning with updated FDA standards.

Why you might ask? So some random guy doesn’t accidentally sell poisonous mushrooms to your fav restaurant and your liver turns into liquid.

Foragers have to complete a certification process, i.e. a six-hour course on Wisconsin's specific fungal environment, emphasizing public safety by preventing the sale of poisonous or misidentified mushrooms.

Tavis Lynch, vice president of the society, noted, “The main objective is obviously public safety.”

This new requirement underscores the importance of expertise in mushroom identification and aims to protect both consumers and foragers.

Invasive Quagga Mussels Found in Geneva Lake—LINK

In a troubling development, quagga mussels have been identified in Geneva Lake, marking the first discovery of this invasive species in a Wisconsin inland lake.

This revelation was made after monitoring by the Geneva Lake Environmental Agency and confirmation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Dan Butkus, president of Wisconsin Lakes, voiced the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is deeply disturbing news.” Quagga mussels, native to Europe, pose significant threats by disrupting aquatic ecosystems and clogging water pipes.

With their ability to colonize on soft bottom lakes (unlike zebra mussels, which need hard surfaces to cling to), the impact on Geneva Lake’s environment could be severe.

What can we do? Empty our boat bilges, check the underside of your boat for mussels attached (as well as your trailer), and report anything ‘fishy’ to the DNR!

Dead Turtles on St. Croix River Accidentally Killed by DNR—LINK

Recently, numerous dead turtles were discovered lined up on a sandbar along the St. Croix River, a tragic outcome of an accidental entanglement by the DNR. Isn’t that ironic?

While conducting a catfish survey, DNR crews found about 60 turtles caught in their nets.

Though most were freed and observed swimming away, around 20 did not survive.

This incident marks the first occurrence of such a large number of turtle captures in the catfish survey.

The DNR has since removed the nets and assured that no endangered species were involved. The National Park Service has since cleaned up the deceased turtles.

‘Caring for Grandmother Earth’ Summit—LINK

This September, the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program, in collaboration with the Ho-Chunk Nation, will host the “Caring for Grandmother Earth” summit.

Scheduled from September 26-28 at the Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells Convention Center, the event will feature a blend of indoor and outdoor workshops, Native artisan vendors, and volunteer opportunities.

Master Naturalist instructor Tina Brown emphasized the summit’s unique value, stating, “There’s a lot that people can learn about the Ho-Chunk and the land, and this summit is an excellent opportunity for people to come and do that, whether you’re Ho-Chunk or not.”

The gathering aims to integrate Indigenous knowledge with conservation efforts, offering a rich experience for nature enthusiasts and volunteers alike.

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

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Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Wiscampsin votes YES for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest fee increase proposal, with 93% of readers in favor.

Wiscampsin Job Board

Forestry Educator - UW-Stevens Point (Stevens Point): $56,000

Project and Operation Manager - Green Lakes Association (Green Lake): $50,000-$65,000

GIS Supervisor - DNR (Madison): $83,200 - $108,000

Forest Product Specialist - DNR (Statewide): $79,040 - $81,120

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