Natural Resources

In the far reaches of Northern Wisconsin, a remote stand of old growth hemlocks has been cast into the public eye.  The 400-acre Van Vliet Hemlocks are known to many as one of the few old growth stands left in Wisconsin.  Over the past century forest managers have mostly taken a hands-off approach.  But a proposal from the state Department of Natural Resources to log part of the area has community members up in arms.

A 30 year old Lake Tomahawk artist has been selected to place not one, but two of three prints placed on Wisconsin conservation wildlife stamps. This is the fifth time in the history of the three stamp design contests that the same artist has painted the winning design for both the pheasant and waterfowl stamps.

Caleb Metrich is a mostly self-taught artist with a love of the outdoors. Previously, he also won the state turkey stamp, and was named "Artist of the Year" by Ducks Unlimited. He says he's honed his craft by trial and error...

After a summer hiatus Science on Tap is resuming Wednesday, with a discussion of land use…but with a bit of a world traveler twist.

Federal and state officials are reminding campers this holiday weekend to buy firewood close to your campsite.

With the most recent discovery in Superior of the ash-tree-killing Emerald Ash Borer, the insect has moved into the north. To slow the spread of the borer, officials have put a quarantine on firewood from areas away from the campsites.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest spokesperson Megan Healy explains...

Wild rice season is set to begin in Northern Wisconsin.  Manoomin, the traditional food of the Ojibwe nations, typically ripens around Labor Day.  But harvesters may need extra patience this year.

Only three out of about 50 lakes regulated by state and tribal officials will open for ricing by this weekend. Manoomin biologist for the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Lisa David says Wisconsin’s late spring delayed ripening in some areas.

A changing climate could bring one piece of good news for walleye fishermen. 

A study out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison says increasing temperatures in Lake Superior will expand habitat for fish that thrive in slightly warmer water, like walleye, Chinook salmon and lean lake trout.  Researcher Jim Kitchell says that means populations of certain fish in Lake Superior could increase in coming years.  

Department of Natural Resources officials are weighing public input in deciding how to manage a portion of the Van Vliet Hemlocks.  

Negotiations have begun between Iron County officials and the Lac Courte Oreilles Harvest Camp.  Tribal members and supporters set up camp in May near the site of a proposed iron mine in the Penokee Hills.  

After signs that county officials planned to evict the group, the tribe asked to negotiate for a long term arrangement.  Tribal member and camp overseer Mel Gasper says he believes the conversations will be fruitful.              

The Department of Natural Resources held its first public hearing on the Penokee Mine project Thursday.  Hundreds of people showed up in Hurley.

People came from far and wide to voice strong opinions on the proposal.  There were even a few speakers from the Navajo Nation in Arizona, and an Ashland, WI contingent actually biked the 40 miles to the hearing.  Cyclist Michael McKenna says they wanted to their voices to be heard:

The public has its first chance to share opinions with the Department of Natural Resources on the Gogebic Taconite mine proposal.  The DNR is holding a hearing Thursday at Hurley High School, from 10 am until 8 pm.  DNR Hydrologist Larry Lynch says DNR officials are hoping for feeback on the specifics of GTac’s plan for bulk sampling and testing of the proposed mine site in Iron and Ashland Counties.  The public can also comment on the preapplication for mining filed by GTac - the first step in the permitting process.