Winnebagoland 

Conservation Alliance

The February 20,2020 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

RUMMAGE SALE         204 tables have been reserved and 23 are pending.  A max. of 235 will be allowed.  Pro Motor Sports will not be present this year.  Friday, February 6 @ 1 PM will be setup.  MMS&C that the Alliance will provide $100 for the Alliance Raffle.

FOX-WOLF WATERWAYS ALLIANCE   Korin stated the Lake Management Plan is in Final Draft.  It will be presented to the Natural Resources Board in March.  Website is Winnebago Waterways.org.  Korin explained the Plan’s printed format.  DNR and NRDA grants are being applied for to study Breakwall design, importance and affect.  The Corps of Engineers will be drawing down Winnebago to 1.25 on the Oshkosh Water Gauge as a result of the watershed being saturated by past rainfall.  It is anticipated excessive runoff resulting from this, there fore the need to have greater capacity on Winnebago.  This drawdown is the lowest in many years.

Water Quality Program Volunteers are needed.

OLD BUSINESS

WINNEBAGO DEDICATED WARDEN   In the past the Alliance petitioned to have a Winnebago Warden position created similar to the Lake Michigan Marine Wardens. That request was denied.  With a new Chief Warden, the request will be made again.  Following are subjects to be cited in the request. Lake Size (138,000 acres), Boating concentration / amount, Boating Safety, Boat Safety Inspection, Layout Boat Use, JetSkies, Fishing & Hunting License Compliance, ATV / Snowmobile Use, Alien Invasive Species, Ice Pollution (garbage left on ice), Burning of Ice Shanties, Shanty ID Compliance, Vehicle Registration, Boat Registration Compliance, Over bagging, Double Tripping, Non-Point Runoff, Search & Rescue. 

OLD BUSINESS

AUDIT COMMITTEE    The Alliance finances will be audited at the Rummage Sale.

DONATIONS    MMS&C to donate $50 to the Winnebagoland Musky Club, Izaak Walton Club, Winnebago Conservation Club fundraising events.  MMS&C to donate $100 to Wings Over Wisconsin- Eden Chapter fundraising event.

MMS&C To donate $140 to the FDL Wisconsin Trappers Education Program

DNR PROGRAM FUNDING      It has been decided that the DNR Fisheries Program employees will no longer be payed overtime.  This includes full time Biologists, Limited Term Employees and Technicians.  The Winnebago Fishery Program starts with the 16-day Sturgeon Spearing Season --- 7 days a week.  Next comes fish assessment Fyke Netting during the spawning seasons.  Northern Pike, Perch, Walleye, Sauger and Sturgeon do not take Saturday and Sunday off to spawn.  Spawning seasons overlap and continue from ice out in March till mid May. Fish populations must be annually monitored to assess condition and this requires concentrated action when the fish are most available for capture.

This decision is directly tied to the Republicans in the Legislature preventing a fishing license increase for the past 14 years.  The statewide fisheries program is going broke as a result.

Hy 45 BOAT LANDING   The landing will be dredged this year.  And possibly be redesigned to prevent sedimentation in the landing.

WWF REPORT    A Shooting Range Seminar will by held in Green Bay March 28 at the DNR Office Building.  Betty Borchert read all the issues to be covered at the seminar.

CDAC   The first CDAC meeting will be March 31 at Rolling Meadows. 

Conservation Congress           The District 7 Spring meeting will Be March 3 in Winneconne.  The ANNUAL SPRING HEARING will be Monday April 13 at Theisen Jr. High School.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday March 12, 7 PM at the WFT Office, 224 Auburn St. FDL.  Sponsored by the Lighthouse Anglers.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood

Secretary

The January 16,2020 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretary and Treasurers report were read and accepted as read.

HECKRODT RESERVE   Kelsey Perry from the Reserve outlined the function and use of the Reserve and answered questions from the delegates.  The Reserve is within the jurisdiction of the City of Menasha and Village of Fox Crossing on the North shore of Lake Winnebago.  There is an initiative to increase the size of the Reserve by acquisition of approximately 15 acres of flooded forested wetland.  The Reserve has some 30,000 visitors annually and has year around activities of people of all ages.  No action was taken by the Alliance in support of the land purchase fundraising.

FOX WOLF WATERWAYS ALLIANCE    Chris Acy reported that the Lake Management Plan will be completed by the end of January for submission to the DNR.  It has 8 sections of priority content.  The Alien Invasive Species (AIS) and Water Quality committees still need volunteers.  $509,000 has been received from the Natural Resources Damage Act funds to restore Terrell Island on Lake Butte des Mortes. This includes 56 acres of Breakwall. In FDL Co. the Pipe Creek Watershed / Runoff project is underway.

FISHERIES        Kendall Kamke reported the bidding for the Northern Pike Study is stuck in the State bidding process. In 2021 the Study will commence on Springbrook Creek.  2022 on Little Lake Butte des Mortes.  Lake Winnebago 2019,  Sheephead (Drum) had a good spawn as did the Trout Perch. Crappie and White Bass were OK, Perch and Walleye were about average.  The Army Corps of Engineers (COE)held their Winter Winnebago Lake Level meeting in January. At present Lake Winnebago is managed from the Detroit Office of COE.  Reorganization will now place Winnebago in the Chicago District jurisdiction.  Public input in decision making will be in flux as a result.  The Lake Winnebago winter drawdown is at 1.4 on the Oshkosh Water Gage with a maximum of 1.2 this winter.

            The Spring 2020 fisheries rules package is now on Legislative hold. The Joint Committee on Admirative Review is moving very slowly on the process.  The DNR is considering purchasing the Bohn Property on the South side of Berlin on the East and West side of Hy. 49.  It is all wetland.  2,200 feet of the Terrel Island Breakwall will be removed.  Winnebago Co. will build a Breakwall to protect 111 acres.

RUMMAGE SALE         March 7, 2020.  155 tables now reserved.  Snowplowing should be more user friendly this year.  Rent this year is $743.  Pro Motor Sports will be present again this year.  Advertising is set to go out.  Pancake signs will be distributed and 3 additional signs built.  Donations are still being accepted for the Raffle.

OLD BUSINESS

HY. 23 REBUILD          Fewer frontage road will be built.  The State was mandating the Townships snowplow the planned roads without monetary reimbursement for the work.  The Townships objected resulting in the change in plans. More adjoining properties will be purchased to accommodate the change.  Project is now $23,000,000 over initial budget.

PRINCETON DAM        The Fishway at the Dam is under construction.  Warm weather has allowed construction to continue.  Concrete is being poured.  Weather dependent, work will continue till March1.  No work is permitted March 1 – June 1 during fish spawning activity.  The main dam work will restart in summer resulting in a fixed crest cement dam.

NEW BUSINESS

FOX RIVER NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM AUTHORITY (FRNSA)     Jim Rose, the President of the Authority passed away.  An interim President has been appointed.  A CO2 water saturation project was conducted by the US Fish & Wildlife Service last Summer. No results have been given to the public.

WISCONSIN WATERWAYS COMMISSION       The Commission is responsible for allocating some of the $13,000,000 collected from the Boating Gas Tax fund. Commission members decide which projects will receive funding based upon a complex template of rules. The Commission has 5 members representing the Mississippi River, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, the Lake Winnebago Watershed and Inland Lakes.  2 positions are vacant this year, the Mississippi and Lake Michigan positions.

LAKE WINNEBAGO WARDEN              A few years back, the Alliance proposed establishing a Lake Winnebago Warden position.  The DNR has Marine Wardens patrolling Great Lakes / Green Bay waters.  The thought was having a warden patrolling Winnebago would enhance bag limit compliance on the lake.  And even have the possibility of having warden inspections occur on the Lake.  The proposal was rejected at the Madison level.  It was related that there was sufficient warden staffing to cover Winnebago and a position concentrating solely on Winnebago would be a Burn Out positions.  With a new Chief Warden now on board it was decided to broach the subject again.

STURGEON FOR TOMORROW MAIN CHAPTER         The Main Chapter has joined the Alliance.  The SFT Annual Meeting will be Jan 25 in Milholm.  MMS&C to donate $50 for their fundraising event.

NEXT MEETING  Thursday, Feb 20, 7 PM at the Van Dyne Sportsman’s Club located ½ mile West of Van Dyne on County Line Rd.  Sponsored by Sturgeon For Tomorrow S.W. Chapter.

Respectfully submitted

Mike Arrowood

Secretary

The December 16, 2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted as read.  The Secretaries report was amended to reflect that the new Trout Management Plan did not make changes to the size and bag limits of trout.

RUMMAGE   SALE       The advertising pancake signs will be place at the FDL Gun Show this year.  All reservation forms have been mailed.  Pro Motor Sports will again be asked if they desire to utilize the East side of the building.  If not the Alliance will expand the Sale to the entire building and accept vendors to fill the additional space.

FOX WOLF WATERWAYS ALLINACE    The Habitat Management Plan has been submitted to the DNR.  The Recreation and Watershed Management Plan will be next. The Water Level and Quality Plans are next and volunteers are needed for input.

OLD BUSINESS

HOBBS WOODS          The idea of filling the washout hole below the culvert under Hickory Road was given the OK by Sam Tobias, the FDL Parks and Development Director, and Mr. Kodtke, the owner of the farm on the West side of the road.

NEW BUSINESS

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTAION LAND PURCHASE POLICY         Neil Seibel brought up the subject.   The Hy. 23 East expansion project is now underway.  The DOT policy is to not just purchase the additional land necessary to expand the right of way for the 4-lane highway but to purchase the entire privately-owned land attached to the necessary land.  For a small Right Of Way necessity, entire 40 or 80 acre tracts are purchased.

 Once purchased, DOT land is forever closed to hunting.  The original owner may hunt until death however.  This purchase practice greatly increases the cost of the project and forever takes the land off the Tax Roll.

COUNTY DEER ADVISORY COUNCIL               The Council chairs from the counties surrounding Sheboygan County will attend a meeting concerning the CWD infected doe killed North of Plymouth in 2019.  The FDL CDAC deer meetings will be in March and April to discuss the 2020 FDL deer management goal and the doe harvest on public and private lands.

NORTHERN PIKE STUDY          Adam Nickle, the Winnebago System Walleye Biologist form Oshkosh, applied for and received a $100,000 grant from the Natural Resources Damage Act to study Northern Pike and their habitat on the Winnebago System.  The Alliance and other groups contributed “seed money” for the grant application.  The initial part of the study will concentrate on Little Lake Butte des Mortes on the Fox River below the Menasha Dam.

COUNTY DEER MANAGEMENT ASSISTANNCE PROGRAM.     DMAP was initiated as a result of former Gov. Scott Walker bringing in the Deer Czar from Texas to change the way Wisconsin manages the deer population.  DMAP has several layers of assistance depending on the # of acres to be enrolled.  One aspect of the program is the DMAP enrollee receives exclusive doe deer harvest tags for the enrolled area.  These tags are in excess of the CDAC doe Public Land quotas established in a public forum process. 

Counties are also able to enroll county own property in the program. Up North, where counties own County Forests covering many thousands of acres, this program allows the Counties to receive exclusive doe kill permit over and above the CDAC approved Public Land doe quotas. The individuals receiving these permits may harvest does during the Archery Season using a rifle.  This results in a 100-day Doe Rifle Season.  Under State Statute, archery hunters must wear blaze orange during any rifle season.  The result is a 100 day blaze orange archery season.

EUREKA DAM              Walleyes For Tomorrow is removing a 36” culvert and a 72” culvert now supplying water to Barbola’s Marsh.  Barbola’s Marsh is the old Fox River natural channel formed as the result of the construction of the Eureka Dam in the 1800s.  These culverts will be replaced with a 72” and 96” culvert respectively.  The purpose of the project is to supply more upstream water flow into Barbola’s Marsh for the Spring Walleye Spawn on the Marsh.

The second phase of the project will be a 40’ wide by 175’ long Bank Cut downstream from the culvert work.  The cut will be 16” deep and allow Fox River flood water to flow into Barbola’s Marsh during Spring flooding.

HECKRODT WETLAND RESERVE         The Reserve, located inside the City of Neenah, is attempting to expand through the purchase of 15.37 privately owned wetland.  The Reserve contacted the Alliance about a donation to make the purchase.  The request was considered and it was decided to ask Kelsey Parry the Site Manager to attend an Alliance Meeting.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday,  January 16, 7 PM.  At the Lake Aire Supper Club on Hy. 45.

Sponsored by the Friendship Fishing Club.

Respectfully submitted

Mike Arrowood, Secretary

******NOTE******   Kelsey Parry from the Heckrodt Reserve will attend the January 16 meeting.

The December 16, 2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at  7 PM

The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read

FOX WOLF WATERWAYS ALLIANCE    Chris Acy reported that three of the Winnebago Waterways Management Plan sections are complete.  They are Aquatic Plant Management, Water Level and Air.  The Habitat Plan and Water Monitoring Plans are being formed. 

RUMMAGE SALE         All pertinent Sale materials will be mailed out the day after Christmas.  Donations for the Alliance Raffle are being solicited.

OLD BUSINESS

STURGEON      The harvest caps for the 2020 season will be the same as in 2019.  The use of cameras during the sturgeon spearing season was voted down at the December meeting of the Sturgeon Advisory pm a 21 yes to 10 no vote.  Use was voted down at the 2019 Conservation Congress statewide Spring hearings.  The 6 counties around Lake Winnebago all voted no at the Spring Hearings.  There will now be public meetings for some reason.  The big challenge is to define what electronic devices will be prohibited.

PUBLIC SHORE FISHING IDENTIFICATION       DNR approval of the plan to identify shoreline fishing locations around the state has not been secured as of this date.  Justine Haasz, the Fisheries Bureau Chief has not given approval of implementing the plan or including the locations on the DNR Website.

NEW BUSINESS

KINKER & CEMETERY ROADS             The 50’ x 20’ cement approaches will have to be poured Spring of 2020 or a permit extension will have to be obtained.  Hopefully the Winnebago water level will be low enough in March to make the final work possible.

SUBWAY ROAD           The Town of Friendship will widen and improve the asphalt portion of the road in 2020.  The asphalt will be placed down to within 50’ of the shoreline to allow the Alliance to pour a cement approach.

COTTAGE AVENUE      The Town of Friendship removed the old road surface this year and applied a new asphalt roadway.  The Town intends to convert the Public Access on the North and South ends of the Avenue from mowed lawn to a vehicular suitable roadway in the future.  This will give the Alliance an opportunity to install cement approaches if so desired.

HOBBS ROAD PERCHED CULVERT     A Perched Culvert is one installed in such a manner that the outflow from the culvert produces a waterfall.  Such culverts make it difficult for fish migrating upstream to pass through the culvert.  In addition, it makes it impossible for invertebrates such as snails, crayfish, mussels and other species to pass through the culvert.  Over time the current in the culvert under Hickory Road has washed out a sizeable boil hole below the culvert resulting in it now being a Perched Culvert.  To rectify this, the Alliance is proposing to fill in the Boil Hole with Breaker Rock.  Breaker Rock is rock from the breaking of limestone used by the landscaping industry.  It is large enough to not be displaced by current and allows for the bottom current to be disturbed.  This makes it easier for fish to swim upstream through the rapid current produced by the culvert.

STATEWIDE TROUT PLAN       The Plan is now law.  Those who fish for trout need to read the new regulations contained in the Plan as size, bag and possession limits may have changed on waters where you fish.

CWD – CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE              The disease is attracting new attention.  There has now been monies allocated for additional testing of harvested deer to determine the extent of the disease in the State.  Kiosks are being placed for public information and education.  Collection dumpsters have been places  in Leroy, the BP Station in Markesan and at the DNR office in Plymouth for the collection of heads for testing of the presence of prions.

NEXT MEETING  Thursday, December 19, 7 PM at Wescott Sportsman’s Club located ½ mile North on Co. Hy I, 5 miles West of FDL on Hy. 23.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood

Secretary

NOTICE:  This months meeting will be a Scud’s Buds Tavern in Eden.  Across the street from Eden Meat Market on Main St.

The Oct. 16 2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports were read and accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE         The question was raised about firearms sales at the Rummage Sale.  Specifically, about registration and the future of transactions under mandatory registration and the proposed Red Flag Laws.  A good conversation

HORICON MARSH TRAPPING SALES   Bob Hoey reported that one zone sold for $6,000.

NEW BUSINESS

STURGEON ENDANGERED SPECIES LISTING   A group from Illinois has petitioned the US Fish and Wildlife Service to declare all U.S. sturgeon as endangered.  A great deal of discussion followed this topic. At present the subject is being addressed by numerous states and private groups.  The process will take some time to work its way through the “System” before a decision is made.  To find out more about the Wisconsin Sturgeon Management Plan  Google DNR.wi.gov/topic/sturgeon/sturgonmamagementplan.

ALLIANCE CALENDARS            Ueker- Witt Funeral Home has published the calendars for many years.  The management has changed recently and Bill Steffen will check on the fate of the calendars.

PRINCETON DAM        The Lock Gates will be rebuilt this Fall as well as the fishway started and hopefully finished by freeze up.  Next spring/summer the dam will be topped with concrete at a determined elevation and the Boil Hole below the dam will be filled.  Project should be completed by Fall 2020.

NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD           Recently appointed board member Fred Clark has resigned due to a possible conflict of interest.  Fred is a Professional Forester by education and profession.  As such he is well versed in sound conservation practices and has joined the Green Fire Group.  This group is comprised of past DNR employees, college professors, journalists, business people and others that are committed to bring sound resource science into public dialog when legislation is being proposed that will affect natural resources.  As a result of this affiliation, Fred has chosen to step down as an NRB member.

CEMETARY AND KINKER ROADS         With the high Lake Winnebago water levels, there will be no attempt to cement the lake approaches this Fall.  We will shoot for next March/April before the Lake is refilled.  This is the final year of the 3- year permit so we need to get it done or will have to ask for an extension

SUBWAY ROAD           The Town of Friendship will widen and improve the traveled portion of the road from Hy 45 down to 50’ from the lakeshore in 2020.  This will allow the Alliance to cement the remaining 50’ down to waterline in the future.

COTTAGE AVENEUE    Both ends of Cottage Ave. have a platted public right of way down to the Lake.  They have been mowed as lawn for many years resulting in` grumbling about the public using the land for lake access over “private lawn”.  The Town of Friendship is considering improving both access sites to allow the public unobstructed access.  Possibly giving the Alliance additional opportunity to have 2 more cemented access locations.  More on that at a later date.

WISCONSIN WILDLIFE FEDERATION REPORT             George Borchert reported on the following bills before the State Senate or House

Senate Bill (SB) 473 would allocated $1,000,000 for CWD research

SB 474 would provide $200,000 annually 2019-2021 for deer head collection Kiosks for CWD research.

SB 477 would provide $2,000,000 annually for dumpsters for deer carcass collection / removal. $100,000 annually for CWD public education

Assembly Bill (AB) 417 would prohibit children under 18 from being in houses without having all firearms being locked

AB 418 Sellers of firearms would be required to provide gun locks or lockable cases upon sale.

AB 415 Would require gun sellers to lock up all guns at night.

AB 431 Would prohibit all gun sales unless at a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer.

AB 419 Would require all buns lost or stolen be reported to police within 24 hours.

AB 334 Would establish a Wisconsin Red Flag Law where a Judge could order a person’s guns be confiscated with probable cause.

AB 446 Would establish a Wisconsin 5% State Tax on firearms.

A 40% solution of bleach water will destroy CWD Prions on surfaces, equipment and tools used for processing CWD contaminated meat.

A Marquette Law School Survey in 2013 found 81% of Wisconsin residents favored mandatory gun registration for all purchases.  17 % opposed & 2% no opinion.  In 2019 81% supported, 16% opposed and 3% had no opinion.

NEXT MEETING ****** A WEEK EARLY****** Thursday, November 14, 7 PM at Scud’s Buds in Eden.  Across the street from Eden Meat Market.  Wings Over Wisconsin, Eden Chapter sponsor.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The September 19, 2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

FOX-WOLF MANAGEMENT PLAN        The Plan is still being assembled for final submission.  Jim Cratchy submitted some data on water levels in the Lake.

NEW BUSINESS

ASIAN CARP     Bob Hoey reported on an article in Fur-Fish & Game magazine about the threat of Asian Carp in the Great Lakes.

HORICON MARSH TRAPPING BIDDING          Bob Hoey informed the delegates about the fur trapping bidding process in Horicon Marsh.

WWF CALENDARS       Betty Borchert had the annual calendars from the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation available.

WINNEBAGO WATER LEVELS             Bill Steffen had an information sheet documenting the water levels in the Winnebago System.  Of emphasis was the effect local rainfall amounts are having on water levels.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday October 16, 7 PM at the WFT Office, 224 Auburn St. FDL.  Sponsored by the Eagles Anglers

Respectfully submitted

Dave Schumacher, VP

The August 15, 2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

WILDLIFE REPORT       James Christopoulos sent a report stating a Swamp Devil has been used on Eldorado marsh to clear the East Boat Landing channel for 1.3 miles to the west.

The boat landing parking lot will be used for a helicopter landing pad during a cattail and phragmites spraying program. About 459 acres will be sprayed and die next year.

Lots of Fecon (forestry mowing) has been completed on Dike and Marsh roads.  This facilitates access north of the dog training area as well as allowing clearing of tree lines along Marsh Rd.

Refuge Area Changes.  No significant alterations and little public feedback at public hearings. Changes would remove some upland areas include in the SE corner of existing closed area and specifically state the closed dates ( Sept 1 – Nov 30) instead of tying it to the waterfowl season dates.  This will also eliminate the year-round closed refuge area around the Eldorado Learning Center and make the area open to hunting since school groups no longer use the Center.

CWD Sampling            FDL County does not have a DNR Office so FDL County hunters must take heads from harvested deer to Oshkosh, Horicon or Plymouth offices.  Anyone with any idea where a Sampling Kiosk location ( with data sheets/plat maps/sampling materials) can be placed for FDL Co. head drop-off and a public effort to collect heads during warm weather, Speak Up.

Fox-Wolf Waterways Alliance   A handout was distributed by Chris Acy highlighting the events / programs of the Alliance.

OLD BUSINESS

HOBBS WOODS          Over the objection of the Alliance, the FDL County Parks and Development Committee at the August meeting approved the construction of a 28-car parking lot on the South side of the Woods with an entrance off of Hickory Rd.  The adjacent landowner is also opposed to the plan.  The current parking lot will be closed and eliminated.

KINKER & CEMETARY ROADS The additional 10’ of excavation and refill at each road was completed in August.  Gary Turley, Dave Van Gorder, Larry Luedtke and Mike Arrowood spent the day on the 20’x10’ excavation.  Larry Luedtke supplied his dump truck to haul the spoils away and bring the Breaker Rock in for the subbase. Mike Arrowood brought in the screenings to fill the voids in the Breaker Rock and over fill for the cement pour.  The cement slabs will be poured in Oct – Nov.  when (or if) the Lake is drawn down.

NEW BUSINESS           

GREEN LAKE MUSKY   A 53” 45 lb. musky was caught this summer in Green Lake.  The Alliance provided $500 several years ago for the Winnebagoland Musky Club to stock the Musky in GL.

This is the fourth 50+” musky known to have been harvested from GL.

STURGEON ENDANGERED SPECIES STATUS.  A conservation group has petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to place all sturgeon populations in the U.S. on the endangered species list.  Such a listing would seriously jeopardize ongoing Sturgeon recovery efforts around the U.S.  Currently around a dozen states have active programs to reintroduce and repopulate sturgeon in areas were there were former or diminished populations.  Some of these states come to Wisconsin to obtain fertilized eggs from the healthy Wisconsin sturgeon population for use in their reintroduction programs.  The Status process will take some time to work through and require a great deal of unnecessary Fisheries Staff time to document there is no need for such an all-inclusive endangered listing.

THANK YOU LETTER    The Alliance received a Thank You from the West Shore Fishing Club for the donation to their Fundraising Event.

BASS TOURNAMENTS             Boats from the Bass Federation Tournament held on Lake Winnebago this Summer were daily leaving Winnebago and fishing on Green Lake the same day without cleaning or decontaminating their boats.  Winnebago is a VHS contaminated body of water and Green Lake is not.  Green Lake being cold and deep is absolutely perfect habitat for the VHS bacteria to survive in. VHS has a well-documented high mortality rate for bass and Green Lake currently has an extraordinarily robust population of Smallmouth Bass that would be at great risk from VHS introduction.  Bass Tournaments should not be permitted in Wisconsin until all AIS rules and regulations are MANDITORY FOR ALL CONTESTANTS TO FOLLOW, ARE ENFORCED AND CITATIONS ISSUED FOR NON-COMPLIANCE.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday, September 19, 7 PM at Steffes Tavern in St. Peter.  It will be sponsored by the Forest Sportsman’s Club.

Respectfully Submitted           Mike Arrowood, Secretary.

The July 18, 2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretary’s Report was amended to reflect that this will be the 60th annual event.  Amended report and the Treasurer’s reports accepted as read.

AIS REPORT     The Lake Winnebago Management Plan is still in the works.  The AIS portion is looking for a Focus Group to critique the Strategic Plan.  The Clean Water, Clean Boats has hired 6 inspectors.  There will be an AIS Snapshot Day in Lakeside Park, FDL, Saturday, August 17,  The Clean Water Makes Better Beer Day in Oshkosh is August 24th in Oshkosh.

OLD BUSINESS

HOBBS WOODS          NO PARKING signs have been installed on both sides of Hickory Rd. north of the Woods.

WISCONSIN ELK          The Black River herd of 32 animals in quarantine before release had one cow elk tentatively test positive for Tuberculosis. She will be euthanized to protect the remaining animals.  The herd has increased significantly due to the birth of 30 calves this Spring.

CHAPARRAL SIGNS      A NO DUMPING and AREA UNDER CAMERA SURVELANCE sign has been placed in the drive in area.  But, not before someone dumped off a large speaker enclosure.  It has now been removed.

KINKER & CEMETARY ROADS             The remaining digging at the end of the roads will take place Saturday, August 10.  This is the only day Larry Luedke is free with his dump truck.

SHORE FISHING SITE SIGN      Jones Signs in De Pere has proposed a 12” x 18” sign with simple blue lettering made from etched Aluminum.  Same size as standard State Information Signs such as NO PARKING signs.

NEW BUSINESS

FOX LOCKS      In response to the threat posed to the Winnebago System by the Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA), Walleyes For Tomorrow and Sturgeon For Tomorrow hosted a meeting in Oshkosh to discuss the situation.  Around 50 individuals attended.  The Lake Winnebago Fisheries Preservation Association was formed as a result.  The goal of the Association is to educate the public about the threat of invasive species introduction via the Fox Locks.  FRNSA is proposing reopening the Rapide Croche Lock.  This lock was closed in 1990 to prevent Sea Lamprey from having access to the Winnebago System.

SEA LAMPREY              In 1990 the US Fish & Wildlife Service estimated it would cost $10,000,000 annually to treat the Winnebago System streams capable of supporting Lamprey reproduction.  There are 400 miles of rivers & streams in the System and 100 of those are Trout Streams capable of supporting Lamprey reproduction.  To control Lamprey, a Lampricide (poison) is poured into the streams to kill juvenile Lamprey.  Problem is, it also kills invertebrates like Mayfly, Dobsonfly and Stonefly larvae that are forage for Trout.  On top of that it has the potential to kill the Redworms (Lakefly larvae) in Lake Winnebago.

SHAWANO LAKE          The Shawano Lake Protection Association is proposing drawing down Shawano Lake 4.8” each Winter and refilling the Lake May 15 – 25 each year.  To refill, the downstream flow of the Wolf River would be reduced during the 10-day refill.  Problem is, Sturgeon Larvae (Juvenile Sturgeon) are still present in the rocks below the Shawano Dam.  Any reduction in water level would result in Sturgeon Larvae being left high and dry ****  and die.   Also, any reduction in water flow will result in reduced flow in Walleye Spawning Marshes as Walleye eggs are hatching.  Reduced flow will result in Walley Fry being trapped in the marshes *** and die.

FERC    FERC is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  The Commission regulates the operation of the Shawano Dam because it produces Hydro Power.  The Commission also regulates around 100 other dams in Wisconsin.  WFT and SFT submitted Motions to Intervene with FERC in the Shawano Lake Preservation Association petition to reduce water flow from May 10 -25 on the Wolf River.  The WFT petition requested setting a refill date of June 1.  By June 1 all Walleye Fry will have exited spawning marshes and be in the Wolf River.  More to come.

NEXT MEETING Thursday, August 15, 7  PM at the Eden Sportsman Club located ½ mile West of the junction of Hy. 45 & B in Eden.  From FDL take I 41 South to Co. B.  Go East on B 4 ½ miles to Clubhouse on North side of B.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood, Secretary

From the Taylor County Electric COOP Report

By the end of 2020 Wind Power, 118 Gigawatts, will surpass Hydro Power generation for the first time. A Gigawatt is 1,000,000,000 watts or One Billion watts.

By the end of 2020 Solar Power, 19 Gigawatts, will be online & generating.

By the end of 2020 renewable energy sources will produce 1/5 of all electric generation.

Coal consumption fell to 687 million metric tons (a 39-year low total) in 2018.  Expected consumption in 2019 is 602 million metric tons and a 2020 expected consumption of 567 million metric tons.

Source: Comparative.com, Victoria A. Rocha, staff writer for National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association

The June 20, 2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7:30 PM

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

AIS REPORT     Chris Acy the Winnebago Alien Invasive Species Program Coordinator has been working on the Watershed Management Section of Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance’s Management.  He has been working with the DNR and Counties on Aquatic Plant, Water Level, AIS and Water Quality issues.  Public Focus Groups are welcome to participate in the Watershed Management Section of the Plan.  Proof readers of the verbiage and content of the section are welcome.

OLD BUSINESS

Rummage Sale            The County has upgraded the roadway to the Recreation Building. Dave Schumacher has been investigating parking options around the building to facilitate parking the day of the Rummage Sale.

HOBBS WOODS          Jim Kramer and Mike Arrowood attended the June Parks Board meeting.  The FDL County Sherriff attended and presented graphic documentation of Sherriff Patrols on Hickory St. and citations or investigations of incidents at the Woods.  Overall, there are few occurrences that warrant more than occasional non-confrontational surveillance,

NEW BUSSINESS

WINNEBAGO BOAT LANDINGS           Neil Seibel brought up the shortage of Boat Access sites and corresponding parking sites on Winnebago. He would like to see the State of Wisconsin be more proactive in providing for additional Boat Access sites.

WOLF RIVER.  Secretary Mike Arrowood read a letter to be sent to Governor Tony Evers, WDNR Acting DNR Secretary Preston Cole, WDNR Chief Warden Todd Schaller and Fisheries Bureau Justin Hasz.  The letter is requesting an enhanced warden presence on the Wolf River in the Spring of 2020 similar in scale to what occurs on Lake Winnebago during the Winter Sturgeon Spearing season.

TROUT MANAGEMENT PLAN  Bob Haase reported that the first ever Wisconsin Trout Management Plan is ready for public comment.  There will be Public hearings at locations around the State where the public can opinion of what is being presented.

ALLIANC DUES             Walleyes For Tomorrow, Eden Sportsmen’s Club and Riversid Hunting & Fishing Club have still not paid their 2019 dues.

OAKFIELD CORN ROAST         After 50 years, the August 10, 2019 Corn Roast will be the last one.  Lack of financial profitability is the reason for ending the annual event.

WISCONSIN WILDLIFE FEDERATION REPORT             Senate Bill (SB)231 would allow unloaded crossbows and firearms to be held by a person on a stationary ATV or UTV. SB 210 would prohibit retail food businesses from serving food & beverages in foam polystyrene packaging. AB 215 would change the standards for Conservation Congress / Natural Resources Board approved Administrative Rule changes.  The process would no longer require the Governor to sign off prior to the changes moving through the approval process.  SB 831 would take the Grey Wolf off the Endangered Species List.

ELK      The quarantine and health testing of the latest imported elk is complete.  One calf was born in quarantine and several cows are pregnant.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday, July18, 7 PM at the WFT Office.  224 Auburn St. FDL.  Sponsored by the NFDL Rod & Gun Club.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The April 11, 2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretaries and Treasurers reports were read and accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE  Net income from the 2019 Rummager Sale from rental of 207 tables and the exabit area is $4,270.  The Raffle netted $1,731 for a grand total of $6,001.  Expenses for building rental, advertising, insurance, tables & chairs, postage and misc. totaled $2,172.21 for a net Profit of $4,954.79.  FANTASTIC!!!!!

ELDORADO MARSH  As far as we know the idea of an ATV trail in the Marsh has gone nowhere.

CAMPGROUND CREEK            The Oakfield Conservation Club is still weighing their options relating to flooding of private property as a result of permitted dam construction on adjacent property.

ALLINACE AUDIT         The Audit was completed by the Audit Committee

HOBBS WOODS          In response to a suggested plan to construct a 26 car parking area and permeant toilet, a Motion was Made, Seconded and Unanimously passed the Hobbs Woods be left in it’s natural state as stated in the 1975 Deed and Rules and Regulations of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance.  The Alliance will attend the next Parks & Development Committee to express this opinion.

NEW BUSINESS

ALLIANCE ELECTIONS The following officers were elected.  Bill Steffen, President, Dave Schumacher VP, George Borchert, Treasurer, Mike Arrowood.

SPRING WALLEYE RUN VIOLATIONS   As a result of the large volume of documented violations on the Wolf River, the Alliance is going to petition the DNR to arrange for an enhanced enforcement practice similar to what takes place for Sturgeon on Lake Winnebago.  The Alliance will contact Governor Evers, DNR Secretary Preston Cole, Fisheries Bureau Chief Justine Haasz and Chief Warden Todd Schaller by letter to start a conversation on the idea.

DONATION      MMS&C to donate $50.00 to the West Shore Fishing Club for their fundraising event.

FRAMED PRINT           The Wisconsin Wildlife Print “Horicon Marsh” will be given out by a drawing at the Alliance’s May meeting.

 NEXT MEETING          Thursday, May 16, 7 PM at the West Shore Fishing Club located on White Pine Drive, 1 mile west of Wendt’s, South of County Line Rd.

Respectfully Submitted           Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The May 16, 2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

WILDLIFE REPORT       Biologist Jim Christopoulos reported around 100 acres of cattails in Eldorado Marsh will be sprayed.  The boat landing will be opened. Brush mowing will take place in the 2011 logged area. Kevin Ryan is the new Wildlife Technician for FDL Co.  A proposal for Standardized Wildlife Closed area seasons will be out for public review.  A new 10 Year Bear Management Plan is going to the Natural Resources Board for approval.  The WDNR will be going back to the State Fair this year after being not allowed for the past several years.

OLD BUSINESS

WEST SHORE FISHING CLUB   The Alliance received a Thank You for the $50 donation.

HOBBS WOODS   The Alliance attended the May meeting of the FDL Co. Parks Committee to again express opposition to more parking area construction.  It appears that monies were allocated 2 years ago to build 26 new parking spaces, the work was never done.  The Committee does not seem to understand the Alliance’s position that more is not better.  Hobbs Woods is being over used and the only way to limit use is to limit parking availability.  The FDL Co. Sheriff will be contacted about the parking on Hickory Street and enforcement of No Parking.

WOLF RIVER WALLEYE           Chief Warden Todd Schaller has expressed interest in the idea of enhanced enforcement.  He is interested in discussing the concept for further consideration.

NEW BUSINESS

Hy. 45 CHAPARRAL AREA CLEANUP   May 15, the former Chaparral Supper Club cleanup project started.  The project was made possible by participation from the Alliance, The NFDL Youth Fishing Team, the Wisconsin DNR and the Fox-Wolf Waterways Alliance.  In all, 19 individuals took part.  The Alliance rented a 20 yd. dumpster. It was filled in about an hour with mattresses, couches, chairs, shingles, plastic siding, glass, old television plastic cases, plastic chairs, old clothes and a wide assortment of miscellaneous garbage.  The area around the lagoon was picked up to remove garbage left on the shoreline by people fishing there.  May 25 Mike Arrowood and Jim Kramer hauled another truck load and two trailer loads of couches, chairs, mattresses and misc. garbage to Waste Management.

Warden Bill Hanke contacted the owner about cutting brush and trees to open up the area.  An OK was given to do that work.  The NFDL Public Works Dept. will grind trees that are cut and stacked where they are accessible.

MENASHA LOCK ELECTRIC FISH BARRIER  The Fox River Navigation System Authority is asking the WDNR for a permit to construct an electric barrier below the now closed Menasha Lock in an attempt to reopen the Lock.  The Lock has been closed for 2 years because the Round Goby has established a breeding population in Little Lake Buttes des Mortes, downstream from the Lock.  George Meyer from the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Will write a letter to Governor Evers asking that no permit be issued.  Betty Borchert moved and Jim Kramer seconded a motion that the 26 members of the Alliance go on record as opposing the Permit and being included in the letter.  Motion was a Unanimous Yes vote. Other organizations opposing are Walleyes For Tomorrow, Sturgeon For Tomorrow and the Stockbridge Fishing Club.

WINNEBAGO MANAGEMENT PLAN    The Plan being formulated by the Fox-Wolf Waterways Alliance has the sections on Alien Invasive Species and Water Level Management done.  The goal of the Plan is access funding for financing of the Plan.  Focus Groups will preview the Plan Sections.  There will be 1 meeting per topic.  The public is invited to attend. The Habitat Focus Group is seeking public involvement in the Group.

WALLEYES FOR TOMORROW WFT hatcheries released 19,500,000 walleye fry into lakes this year.  Shawano lake had 5,500,000 fry, Green Lake had 9,500,000, Red Cedar Lake in Sawyer Co. 2,500,000 and Big Eau Pleine Reservoir 2,000,000. 

FOX RIVER NAVIGATION SYSTEM AUTHORITY           The Authority was authorized under Chapter 237 of Wisconsin Statutes to rehabilitate, operate and maintain 16 of the 17 locks between Menasha and De Pere on the Lower Fox River.  The Rapide Croche Lock was to remain closed to prevent Sea Lamprey from gaining access to the Winnebago System.  In 1990 the US Fish & Wildlife Service estimated it would cost $10,000,000 annually to treat the tributaries of the Fox & Wolf Rivers to prevent lamprey from reproducing in the Watershed.  This closure was by order when the Corps of Engineers turned the ownership of the Locks to the State of Wisconsin.  The Authority was never given any authority to regulate the control of invasive species by any other means than the closed Rapide Croche Lock.  The Authority is now assuming they have the right to regulate the movement of Round Gobies at the Menasha Lock. 

THE RELIANCE OF AN ELECTRIC FISH BARRIER TO CONTROL / STOP THE INVASION OF ROUND GOBIES, SEA LAMPREYS, WHITE PERCH, EURASIAN RUFFE, SPINEY WATER FLEA OR ANY OF THE OTHER 180 INVASIVE SPECIES IN THE GREAT LAKES IS THE GREATED ECOLOGICAL THEREAT TO THE ECOSYSTEM OF THE ENTIRE FOX-WOLF WATERSHED THAT HAS EVER EXISTED.

WISCONSIN WILDLIFE FEDERATION REPORT The Bear Plan calls for splitting Zone C into 3 zones and allowing the use of dogs in Zone C.

WWF FRAMED PRINT DRAWING        The print “Horicon Marsh” was won by Jim Christopoulos.

NEXT MEETING   THURSDAY, MAY 20, 7 PM at the WFT Office, 224 Auburn St. FDL.  Sponsored by WFT.

Respectfully Submitted Mike Arrowood, Secretary.

The April 11, 2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretaries and Treasurers reports were read and accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE  Net income from the 2019 Rummager Sale from rental of 207 tables and the exabit area is $4,270.  The Raffle netted $1,731 for a grand total of $6,001.  Expenses for building rental, advertising, insurance, tables & chairs, postage and misc. totaled $2,172.21 for a net Profit of $4,954.79.  FANTASTIC!!!!!

ELDORADO MARSH  As far as we know the idea of an ATV trail in the Marsh has gone nowhere.

CAMPGROUND CREEK            The Oakfield Conservation Club is still weighing their options relating to flooding of private property as a result of permitted dam construction on adjacent property.

ALLINACE AUDIT         The Audit was completed by the Audit Committee

HOBBS WOODS          In response to a suggested plan to construct a 26 car parking area and permeant toilet, a Motion was Made, Seconded and Unanimously passed the Hobbs Woods be left in it’s natural state as stated in the 1975 Deed and Rules and Regulations of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance.  The Alliance will attend the next Parks & Development Committee to express this opinion.

NEW BUSINESS

ALLIANCE ELECTIONS The following officers were elected.  Bill Steffen, President, Dave Schumacher VP, George Borchert, Treasurer, Mike Arrowood.

SPRING WALLEYE RUN VIOLATIONS   As a result of the large volume of documented violations on the Wolf River, the Alliance is going to petition the DNR to arrange for an enhanced enforcement practice similar to what takes place for Sturgeon on Lake Winnebago.  The Alliance will contact Governor Evers, DNR Secretary Preston Cole, Fisheries Bureau Chief Justine Haasz and Chief Warden Todd Schaller by letter to start a conversation on the idea.

DONATION      MMS&C to donate $50.00 to the West Shore Fishing Club for their fundraising event.

FRAMED PRINT           The Wisconsin Wildlife Print “Horicon Marsh” will be given out by a drawing at the Alliance’s May meeting.

 NEXT MEETING          Thursday, May 16, 7 PM at the West Shore Fishing Club located on White Pine Drive, 1 mile west of Wendt’s, South of County Line Rd.

Respectfully Submitted           Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The March 21, 2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE         A total of 207 tables were sold.  4 unoccupied were donated back..  Attendance at the door was 866, down from the past average of 1200. A full report will come next meeting.

ELDORADO FISHWAY  To date donations are $2,000 – Alliance, $15,000 -  Battle On Bago, $6,000 – Otter St. Fishing Club.  Mike Arrowood talked to FDL County Parks & Development Coordinator Sam Tobias about using the County Conservation Funds for the project and he agreed. That would by around $3,600.

CROSSBOW SEASON CHANGES          The subject has been dropped.

CAMPGROUND CREEK DIVERSIONS   Dave Faubel stated there have been 8 permits since 1986.  The Oakfield Conservation Club is still weighing their options.

NEW BUSINESS

BOATING ACCESS SITES          The Wisconsin Waterways Commission is the group tasked with identifying access infrastructure needs and securing funding.  Formed in 1977 and allocated $2,400,000 per year for such work.  The monies were to come from the Wisconsin Boating Gas Tax Fund.  This Fund collects approximately $13,000,000 per year from the State Tax on boat gas.  Today the Commission gets ZERO dollars from the fund for boating access projects.  The Legislature now requires this funding come from the Stewardship Fund.  This Fund sells bonds to pay for purchases made on behalf of the citizens of Wisconsin. As a result, rather than pay CASH for projects, Wisconsin now borrows and pays interest on the borrowed money.  The Gas Tax Fund now pays our some $8,000,000 annually for Invasive Species Programs and Lake Grants.

AUDIT COMMITTEE          The Annual Audit Committee is Bob Hoey, Jim Kramer & Andy Seibel.

FOX WOLF WATERWAYS ALLIANCE          Korin spoke about the Lake Management Plan that will hopefully be done by the end of 2019.  The Alliance is recruiting volunteers for focus groups on Water Levels and Aquatic Invasive Species.  They are hiring an AIS Educator.  7 interns will be hired for AIS boat launch workers this year at $12 - $14 per hour.  The “Winnebago On Tap” series is holding 3 sessions.  Also, if interested in Watershed Cleanup, contact Korin.

WINNEBAGO WATER LEVELS       The FWWA is recommending a 1 ¼ inch lowering of Pool Water Levels. Also a slower and later Pool Fill by a couple weeks in Summer.  A Stakeholder Group consisting of  boaters, landowners, businesses and private individuals is being formed.  Recommendations are to be made in November.  Public meetings will be held in Jan 2020.

3 BAG WALLEYE MEETING IN OSHKOSH                  The meeting was held and nothing was said that had not been said before.  A number of citizens questions were answered on various topics.

WWF ANNUAL MEETING               The Federation Annual Meeting will be 2nd. Weekend in April at the Mead Hotel in Wisconsin Rapids.

CONSERVATION LOBBY DAY        Madison, the last Saturday in March.  All attending will have an opportunity to speak directly with their Legislators in the Capitol.

CDAC     The first CDAC meeting had ZERO public attending.  The FDL Quota was set at 3000 deer.  There will be 900 Public Land and 5,100 Private Lake Bonus permits.  1 Free Permit per license.   Public Comments on the proposed quotas will be taken April 1 – 10.  Next meeting April 16 in Courthouse Rooms F&G,

MMS&C to donate $150 for the Foot of the Lake Club Youth Fishing event.

MMS&C to donate $100 to Wings Over Wisconsin Eden Chapter fundraising event.

ALLIANCE ELECTIONS     April is election month & dues are due.

NEXT MEETING  *******************  ONE WEEK EARLY ***********************

Thursday, April 11, 7 PM at the WFT Office, 224 Auburn St. FDL.  Sponsored by Lighthouse Anglers.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood

Secretary

The February meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Allliance was called to order by Treasurer George Borchert.

The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read

FISHERIES REPORT      Adam Nickel the Winnebago Fisheries Biologist attended and informed all that there were to be 3 public meetings to discuss the proposed 3 walleye daily bag limit on Lake Winnebago.  The meetings will be held in Oshkosh, Chilton and New London.

He also talked about 2 Northern Pike spawning site projects.  One on Springbrook on Lake Buttes Des Mortes and one on the Fond du Lac River / Eldorado Marsh. 

The FDL River project will consist of Fyke netting Northerns in the FDL River and Supples Marsh. A Pith Tag will be implanted into the fish just behind the head.  These “tags” are the same that are commonly used to electronically “tag” pets.  They can be “read” using a handheld reader.  Each tag delivers a unique signal when scanned.  They can also be read by listening devices submerged in the water.

Listening devices will be placed in the FDL River to determine where Northerns travel to for spawning.  One such device will be at the Eldorado Dam to document Northern movement up to the dam. 

Adam will apply for a NRDA Grant to fund the Study.  NRDA stands for Natural Resources Damage Act.  This Act was passes for use on the Fox River in response to industrial pollution of the River.  Each listening device costs $5,000 and each “tag” costs $100.

The long range goal of this study is to justify constructing a Fish Ladder at the Eldorado Dam that will allow spawning fish of all species access to the FDL River / Eldorado Marsh to spawn there.

MMS&C for the Alliance to contribute $2,000 toward funding the project / study.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE.  195 tables have been “sold” for this years Sale.  Up from 114 last year. A maximum of 200 will be available.  The rent for the Recreation Building for this year is $743.  The Sale is Saturday, March 2.  Setup of tables will start at Noon on March 1.  The doors will open at 5:30 AM for Vendors to access and set up.

CAMPGROUND CREEK            Dave Faubel reported that the damming of the Creek was done under a valid Permit.  The damming has resulted in flooding of private property owned by the Oakfield Conservation Club and others.  The Club is considering a Civil Suite to obtain legal redress for the flooding.

CROSSBOW RULES CHANGES             The proposed rules changes are on hold for now.  Public meetings will be held to determine public opinion of the 7 proposals.

SHORE FISHING LOCATION MAPPING            Bob Haase reported that the Sporting Heritage Council will be meeting April 30 in Madison.  He anticipates more action on the project after the meeting

TROUT MANAGEMENT PLAN              A statewide Trout Management Plan is now ready to be presented for statewide conversation and discussion.  The Plan is on the DNR Website for information.

NEW BUSINESS

CONSERVAION CONGRESS SPRING HEARINGS          April 8 at Theisen Jr. High in FDL, 7 PM.  What is different this year is that public opinion will be allowed via. ONLINE SURVEY.  The process is no longer called a Vote but rather an Opinion on each resolution presented for consideration.  Go online into DNR Website / Conservation Congress to learn how to access and give an opinion online. Public opinions will be allowed 72 hours for access to the opinion gathering process.  The On Line process will start at 7 PM on April 8.

DONATIONS  MMS&C to donate $50 to Isaac Walton and Winnebagoland Musky Club for their fundraising events.

ALLIANCE DUES DUE               April is dues month.  $25 per member organization.

EXPANDNG ALLIANCE MEMBERSHIP              The subject of expanding the Alliance’s membership to additional organizations in FDL County was discussed.  No action taken, more to come on the subject.

NEXT MEETING           *****Thursday, March 21, 7 PM *****at the Riverside Hunting & Fishing Club located on Co, Rd. C ½ mile East of Co. Rd. G, ½ mile south of Saint Cloud.

Respectfully submitted

Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The January 17,2019 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by Vice President Dave Schumacher at 7 PM.

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

 Chris Acy the Winnebago Invasive Species specialist reported on the Corps of Engineers Annual Water Level Management meeting. There is a proposal to lower the Winnebago Pool summer water level by 1 1/4th inches.  The lowering will hopefully encourage greater rooted vegetation growth.  More rooted vegetation in the system will tie up dissolved phosphorus in the plant growth.  This will result in less phosphorus being available for blue-green algae growth in the summer and have a positive effect on overall water quality in the System.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE         To date 168 tables have been reserved.  2 pancake signs will pe placed outside the door at the FDL Gun Show Jan. 20-21.  There will be the usual Alliance Raffle the day of the show, March 2.  MMS&C to have the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation print framed as one of the prizes.

GROUSE POPULATION            It has been confirmed that grouse in Wisconsin have been infected by the West Nile Virus.  This virus has in the past resulted in a large drop in Bluejay and Crow populations.  Over time the surviving birds have passed on immunity to their offspring but it takes some years for the populations to rebound.

CAMPGROUND CREEK            The damming of the creek years ago was done under an issued permit in 2011.  The damming however has resulted in flooding of adjacent properties and substantial warming of downstream water.  Campground Creek had a thriving Brown Trout population prior to the dam construction.

NEW BUSINESS

NASA WORLDVIEW  WEBSITE                        NASA satellites photograph the earth on a daily basis.  The website HTTP WorldView.earthdata.nasa.gov allows viewing of these photographs pretty much real time.  Ice or open water conditions on Winnebago can be viewed on a daily basis.

WINNEBAGO FISHERY MEETING        January 23 at Horris Mann High School in NFDL.

OAKFIELD CONSERVATION CLUB FISHEREE   February 2 at Lake Allen, the club owned lake.

MMS&C to donate $ 50 for the Winnebago Conservation Club fundraising event.

CAFO vs. SMALL FARM RULEING        The Walker Administration and Legislature had formed Department of Natural Resources Rules that treated the disposal of manure differently for Confined Animal Feeding Operations and small dairy farms.  A CAFO is a farm holding more than 1000 animal units.  Each cow is considered 1 animal unity.  This ruling was challenged in court by small farm interests and the judge ruled that the disposal must be uniform for all manure spreading.  More to come.

CONSERVATION CONGRESS   The District 7 Spring Meeting will be March 5 in Winneconne.  The Annual Congress Spring Hearing at Theisen Jr. High will be April 8.  The first CDAC (County Deer Advisory Council) meeting will be March 12.   Second meeting will be April 16.  Possibly at the Courthouse but maybe not.  Stay tuned.   March 19, 10 AM, Zone 2 excess Turkey Permits on sale.

STATEWIDE 3D ARCHERY SHOOT               February 22 & 23 at the Expo Building, FDL County Fairgrounds.

NEXT MEETING ************  February 21, at Steffes Tavern in St. Peter ************  Hosted by the East Shore Sportsman’s Club of St. Peter.

NOTE.  This is the last meeting before the Rummage Sale.  Any donations for the Raffle should be in the night  of the meeting.

The December 20, 2018 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order at 7 PM by President Bill Steffen.

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE         There is still no occupant found for the open space in the Recreation Center.  The 3 table per vendor limit is still in place. Because of the difference in building size there will be some shuffling of vendors. Also, as a result in the greater number of vendors, the check in time will start at 5:30 AM.

RUFFED GROUSE SEASON CLOSURE  Seems that the decline in Grouse populations is not uniform.  Opinions are generally that the population is not all that much different than last year.

PRINCETON DAM FISHWAY    The wheels of government move very slowly at times. It now seems that the engineering is done, after some 5 years and the approval process is done after 2 years.  Last word is that the project will be let for bids this Spring.  With a 45 day for bidding, hopefully the contract to start the project will be awarded early in Summer, 2019.

ELDORADO MARSH FISHWAY             There has been no word from anyone about the idea of including a fishway with the much needed rebuild of the water control structure on the dam.

NEW BUSINESS

SPORTING HERITAGE COUNCIL.         Bob Haase is looking to have a Shore Fishing Site Identification listing on the DNR Website.  It would require a citizen effort to identify worthwhile sites on a uniform ID document to be used by DNR to populate the Identification List.  Bob will work on a prototype form to be discussed and critiqued when completed.

DNR NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD   Governor Tony Evers will have Mr. Preston Cole, a 6 year veteran of the Board be the next DNR Secretary.  Mr. Cole hales from Michigan, received a B.S. in Forest Management from the University of Missouri.  He worked as a Missouri State Forester before becoming the City Forester for the City of Milwaukee. He has held several other positions within City Government in more recent yeas.

 WISCONSIN WILDLIFE FEDERATION REPORT                        A Committee was formed to discuss changes in Bear Hunting Zones.  Zones A & D will be reconfigured.  Zone C will be split into 3 segments with differing hunting strategies in each.  Like use of dogs, dog training times and differing quotas.  Bear harvest in 2018 was as follows.  Zone A 1590 permits, 1250 quota, 1179 harvest.  Zone B 1255 permits, 800 quota, 680 harvest.  Zone C 6310 permits, 1200 quota, 661 harvest.  Zone D 2490 permits, 1300 quota, 1178 harvest.

There are 221 budgeted DNR Conservation Warden positions in Wisconsin.  At present there are 19 vacancies.  In the 2018 deer season wardens made 1,500 citizen contacts and 863 Hotline calls.  In 2017 there were a total of 6172 Hotline calls.

MMS&C to donate $50 for the Pipe Fishing Club Fundraising event.

NEXT MEETING  Thursday January 17, 7 PM at the WFT Office, 224 Auburn St. FDL.  The meeting will be hosted by the Winnebago Conservation Club

Respectfully Submitted Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The November 8, 2018 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretaries report was amended to reflect that the donated crushed limestone for the Kinker and Cemetery Road projects was donated by Greymont Corp., formerly Western Lime. Secretary and Treasurer’s reports were accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE.  The Alliance is still seeking a vendor or organization to occupy the approximately 1/3 unused portion of the Recreation Center on the day of the sale, March 2, 2018. The table reservations will increase to 180 tables for vendors.  Reservations will be mailed out early December.

PAYING FOR POSITIVES.  A letter from the Lafayette Co. Alliance supporting the Pay For Positive CWD reduction plan was read.  The Alliance will use the letter as a format for a support letter from the Alliance.

FDL LAKESIDE PARK, N. PARK AVE. EXCLUSIVE PARKING.  The idea was discussed at the FDL Traffic & Parking Committee & the Advisory Park Board.  There is little support for long term exclusive parking for boat slip renters in the FDL Harbor.  There is some support for designated  temporary loading spaces ( 20 min. parking) adjacent to docks A, B, & C.  Also, additional parking on the South side of the permanent boat houses by Harbor View Drive.

NEW BUSINESS

STURGEON ADVISORY COMMITTEE   The Committee met in November.  Harvest caps for the 2019 season will remain essentially the same as 2018.  The definition of a sturgeon spear was the primary reason for the meeting.  Such items as the allowable width of the spear head, # of tines allowed, length of spear handle and configuration of the spear head (all on one plane) were discussed.  The topics will have public input via the Conservation Congress Spring Hearing process.

FRIENDSHIP FISHING CLUB     This is a new club in the Alliance.  The Club will be plowing ice roads on the S.W. corner of the Winnebago.  Membership to support Club activities is $20.

ROUGH GROUSE POPULATION   There is a perceived reduced Grouse populating in Northern Wisconsin.  Many theories as to why will take time to prove or disprove.  As a result of the concern, the Natural Resources Board shortened the Northern Grouse Season by one month.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday December 20, 7 PM at the WFT Office, 224 Auburn St. FDL  Sponsored by the Lakeshore Bowhunters.

Respectfully submitted

Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The October 18, 2018 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretaries report was corrected to reflect that the Winnebago Management Plan is scheduled to be completed by December, 2019 and public input participation is still taking place.

The Treasurer’s  report was read and accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE         Dave Schumacher reported on the new layout at the FDL Fairgrounds Recreation Building.  The Sale will be expanded from 114 tables to 180 tables.  The front third of the building will hopefully be occupied by an outside vendor.  The 3 table per vendor limit will still be in place.  The food prep area will be different and will be investigated further.  The table rental fee will be $20.00 each.  MMS&C to raise the table fee from $18 to $20.  Andy Seibel moved and Dave Faubel seconded.  The rent for the new building will be $1,100.

PAYING FOR POSATIVES         A letter of support for the initiative from Mike Mays was read.  The Alliance will use this as a format to express the Alliance’s support of the CWD initiative.

MENASHA LOCK          Nothing new has been reported.

KINKER AND CEMETERY ROAD ACCESS WORK.         Both of the road surfaces were excavated down 24” by L&R Gyr.  12” of Breaker Rock was laid down as a base followed by 6” of limestone screenings.  The Breaker Rock was purchased from Rademann Stone for $2,600 ( 3 quad axle truckloads per road).  The screenings were donated by Western Lime in Marblehead (3 quad axle loads per road).  Excavation was down to 24” from water line.  No further excavation will take place until Winnebago  is drawn down to winter pool level.

CWD INITIATIVE SENATE HEARING    The September 26 meeting lasted 7 hours and 30 minutes in the State Capitol.  Ultimately the new rules on transport and handling of harvested deer were voted down on a 6 No and 4 YES vote.  The new rules requiring double fencing of Commercial Deer Shooting / Breeding facilities was passed with a 6 YES and 4 NO vote.

NEW BUSINESS

LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN SURVEY   Chris Acy passed out a survey for all Alliance members to fill out  It will survey opinions of the Winnebago Pool which includes Lakes Buttes des Mortes and Poygan.

CWD KIOSKS    A program to provide kiosks containing dumpsters for hunters to deposit the remains of butchered deer into was discussed.  There will be an Adopt a Kiosk program developed.  Or, as support program to provide funding for disposal serviced and upkeep.

FDL LAKESIDE PARK    Individuals that rent boat slips in the FDL Harbor have petitioned the City to have parking on the East side of Park Ave adjacent to the harbor reserved for boat slip renters only. The issue will be discussed at a FDL Traffic & Parking Committee, Advisory Park Board & City Council meeting.  More to come.

WISCONSIN STURGEON ADVISORY COMMITTEE       George Borchert is a member of the Committee.  Sturgeon fishing statewide has the recent topic of discussion, not spearing.  Mississippi Shovelnose Sturgeon provide a large recreational and commercial opportunity.

HUNT WILD WISCONSIN         This is a Phone App where rules & regulations are available.  And Much More.  Phones having the App installed have a GPS signal that can be used for location of lost hunters.  This App does allow for your location and movements to be continuously however!!!  There is also a Trout Fishing App as well.

TROUT ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF CONSERVATION CONGRESS      Bob Haase reported that the Statewide Trout Management Plan will be rolled out this Fall.  Wisconsin has never had a Statewide Plan in the past.

SHAWANO LAKE WALLEYE POPULATION       WFT has operated a Walleye Wagon Fish Hatchery on Shawano Lake for 10 years.  The DNR conducted a Comprehensive Lake Survey this Summer.

There were 4.1 walleye captured per shoreline mile using boom shocking.  This is the first year since 1998 that more than 4 walleye per mile were captured.  More significantly, the fish captured ranged from 6” to 20” indicating multiple year classes in the population.]

LAKE WINNEBAGO FISHERIES ACVISORY COMMITTEE          The Committee met Oct 17, 2018.  The Oshkosh Fisheries crew still intend to pursue a 3 bag limit for walleye on Lake Winnebago.

Forage species on Winnebago had a poor hatch this year.  For the second year Gizzard Shad had a poor hatch as did sheephead.  Trout perch were present in a low level of abundance.

Adam Nickle is interested in starting a Muskie Study Initiative on the System.

The 3 month Sheephead catch was the lowest recorded since the trawling survey started in 1986.  VHS truly decimated the Sheephead population this Spring.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday, Nov 8 *************   1 week early*************  7 PM at the Wescott Sportsman’s Club, ½ Mile North of Hy. 23 on Co Hy I, west of FDL.

Respectfully submitted

Mike Arrowood, secretary.

The September 20, 2018 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read

GUEST SPEAKERS        Tom Hauge & Mike Mays attended to speak of CWD and a proposal to reduce the populations of infected Whitetail Deer.

50% of all free roaming male deer in Sauk County have CWD.  30% of all female deer in Sauk County have CWD.

 Tom & Mike are proposing a program that will pay hunters to harvest deer in the 6 Wisconsin counties with highest number of deer affected by CWD.  $1,000 would be paid to anyone harvesting a CWD positive deer.  The landowner would also be paid for allowing hunters to harvest these animals. This would be an unprecedented method and program designed to harvest a large number of CWD positive deer.  Deer hunting is annually a $1,400,000,000 activity in Wisconsin. Last year Wisconsin spent around $1,000,000 on all CWD activities.

CWD is a 100% fatal disease caused by a malformed prion.  Prions are made up of Amino Acids and control virtually every metabolic action in all animals.  Prions are not “alive” and cannot be killed.  The Chronic Wasting Disease caused prion is simply a single kind of mis-shaped prion and causes normal neurological activities in the body to stop functioning normally.  As a result, affected animals loose normal neurological functioning and control of bodily functions.  Affected animals cease to be able to continue eating properly and die from malnutrition and starvation. Hence, the term Wasting Disease.  The animal wastes away till death.

OLD BUSINESS

MENASHA LOCK          The Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA)is investigating the use of an electric barrier downstream from the Menasha Lock to prevent Eurasian Round Goby from swimming into the Lock.  Their investigation is based upon a 2001 Study conducted in a laboratory and small stream in Michigan.  The study was promoted and encouraged by Dr. Phil Moy.  Dr. Moy at that time a member of FRNSA.  The Study was conducted by Smith-Root Inc., a company that designs and installs electric fish barriers.  As a whole, the study had few factors closely related to the conditions that exist at the Menasha Lock.

ALLIANCE STEEL          Someone again stole the I beams kept behind the WFT Office.  The FDL Police were notified and are attempting to locate the steel and those that took it.

KINKER & CEMETERY ROAD L;AKE ACCESS PROJECT            The DNR Permits for the projects have been submitted and the $310 permit fee paid for each of the projects.

NEW BUSINESS

PAY FOR POSITIVES     Betty Borchert moved and Pete Halbur seconded a motion that the Alliance support the proposal made by the Pay for Positives initiative.  Motion Carried.  The Alliance will send a letter of support and approval to be included with letters of support by other interested groups and organizations.

OAKFIELD CONSERVATION CLUB HAUNTED HOUSE The Club will host a “Haunted House” in their building the last 3 Fridays and Saturdays in October.  All are welcome.

LAKE WINNEBAGO MANAGEMENT PLAN       The Plan being formulated by Winnebago Waterway is nearing completion and ready for public review.  More to come.

CWD INITIATIVE PUBLIC HEARING     There is an initiative to require double fencing at all Commercial Deer Breeding / Shooting Facilities and new rules affecting the movement of all deer in and from CWD affected Counties.  56 of Wisconsin’s 72 Counties are now under CWD monitoring protocols. The DNR Natural Resources Board voted 7 YES, 0 NO to support the proposed rules.  The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Board voted 0 YES and 7 NO to oppose the proposed rules.

The Public Hearing is the result of the Commercial Deer Breeding / Shooting businesses being unhappy with the mandate to construct a second fence around their facilities.  And public displeasure with the more restrictive rules relating to the transport and butchering of deer harvested in CWD affected counties.

The State Senate Committee On Rules has scheduled a public hearing at the State Capitol, Tuesday, Sept 26, 10 AM in room 412 East. The Committee has ultimate authority over the fate of the proposed rules.

CONSERVATION CONGRESS UPLAND GAME COMMITTEE MEETING            The committee met Aug 18 and discussed 10 resolutions.  1 passed from the Committee & 9 failed.  The Committee was not informed about or consulted on their opinion of the proposed Early Rough Grouse season proposal.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday, October 18, 7 PM.  Meeting will be sponsored by the Fisherman’s Road Fishing Club located at their Clubhouse on Fisherman’s Road, Town of Taycheedah.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The August 16, 2018  meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

MENASHA LOCK          Mike Arrowood addressed the DNR Natural Resources Board in Green Bay August 8.  The appearance was to express the Alliances position that the Menasha Lock must be filled with dirt to provide a 100% failsafe barrier to prevent the Eurasian Round Goby from entering Lake Winnebago.

The last DNR Perch Creel Survey estimated 500,000 - 600,000 perch were caught by anglers the year of the Survey.  That represents 20,000 25 fish bag limits of perch in one year. A resource of this magnitude more than justifies the filling of the Menasha Lock.

SUPPLES MARSH PHRAGMITIES MEETING      No one was aware when or if the meeting took place as was discussed at the last Alliance meeting.  Chris Acy the Winnebago Invasive Species Coordinator was present and was not aware of or notified of such a meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

MENASH LOCK            Mike Arrowood spoke with Nicholas Donor from the Corps of Engineers in Green Bay to make him aware of the Alliances concern about and position on the future of the Menasha Lock.  The next day there was to be a meeting of FRNSA, DNR, COE and others to discuss future options.

DENEVUE CREEK MANURE SPILL        Liquid manure was spread on property owned by Mike Arrowood using semi-truck mounted water nozzles. For some reason there was a large discharge in a corner of the field and liquid manure flowed downhill into Deneuve Creek. The DNR was not notified of the spill by the spreading contractor or the owner of the manure. Mike called the DNR Hotline and Warden Bill Hanke responded. A large pool of manure and two runoff streams were documented. Bill contacted the owner of the property.  The owner of the manure was a CAFO.  This presented a different set of rules and regulations concerning the disposal of the manure.  The accumulated manure was to be removed as of this meeting.

DONATIONS    MMS&C to donate $50 to Oakfield Conservation Club and Fisherman’s Road Fishing Club for their fundraising events.

ROUND GOBY DOCUMENT Chris Acy the Invasive Species Coordinator passed out a very informative document about the Round Goby that he had published.  Extremely informative!

NEXT MEETING  Thursday, Sept. 20, 7 PM at the WFT Office.  224 Auburn St. FDL.  Hosted by the Eagles Anglers.

Respectfully Submitted Mike Arrowood, Secretary.

The July 19, 2918 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen @ 7 PM.

The Treasurer’s and Secretary’s reports were read and accepted as read.

BIOLOGOST REPORT  Fisheries Supervisor Kendall Kamke introduced Addie Dutton, the Sheboygan, Washington & Southern FDL County Fish Biologist. Addie is based at the Plymouth DNR Office.  Desk Phone  is 920-893-8549  Addie is from Michigan, received her Bachelor’s Degree there and her Master’s Degree in Montana.  She noted she is very willing to attend meetings to discuss fisheries issues.  Welcome Addie. 

Kendall reported the DNR Lake Winnebago Trawling will start the first week in August and will resume the first weeks of September and November.  The primary purpose of the trawling is to assess the Young Of the Year fish populations in Winnebago. YOY fish are those that have been spawned this past Spring and Summer.  All fish of all species captured in each net drag are counted and most are measured.  Carp, suckers sheephead, quillback and others are not measured.  The Balsam Row Dam, Wolf River Management Plan (version 68) is about completed for public review.  Wednesday, July 25 there is a Public Meeting to discuss the Lake Poygan Breakwall project.

OLD BUSINESS

$100 WALLEYE REWARD TAG PROGRAM      As of July 19 there were 49 tags returned.

HOBBS WOODS          Talked to Sam Tobias about filling in below the culvert under Hickory Rd.  It is currently a Perched Culvert, or a culvert where there is a waterfall at the outflow end.  This situation prevents fish from swimming upstream past such a culvert.  The idea is to dump a load or rock below the outflow end to create a rocky rapids that allow fish passage through the culvert at all times of the year.  Also talked with Mr. Kodtke, the landowner on the West side of Hickory Rd.  He has no opposition to the idea.  Anyone knowing of a perched culvert on a normally flowing creek or stream should let their Alliance Delegate know so the problem can be corrected.

Kendall suggested replacing the culvert to have a culvert set lower into the stream bed.  This would be a large and expensive project  BUT, it would be a good idea.

NEW BUSINESS

LITTLE LAKE BUTTES des MORTES EURASIAN ROUND GOBIES         A motion was made, seconded and carried to have the Alliance notify member and non-member organizations of the present danger to the Lake Winnebago fish populations posed by the Goby population in Little Lake Buttes des Mortes.  And the clear and present danger of having the Menasha Lock not filled with dirt to make it a 100% barrier preventing Gobies from entering Winnebago.  Lake Winnebago has 80 species of fish whose populations would be FOREVER impacted by a population of Gobies in Winnebago. The Winnebago System drains 1/5th of the State of Wisconsin and the Goby would impact the aquatic ecosystems in all the waters they populated.

TMDL   TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD          This is a measure of the maximum level of pollutants that is allowed to enter any water body.  The new TMDL levels and limits for Lake Winnebago have been in the works for YEARS.  It is reported the new regulations  will soon be released and applied to reduce the pollution of Lake Winnebago.

STURGEON ADVISORY COMMITTEE   The Committee met July 17 to discuss management of Lake Surgeon on the Winnebago System. Ryan Koenigs presented a wealth of  information on the population and harvest data.  The Quota for the 2019 Spearing Season will remain the same as for the 2018 season..  BIG ISSUES DISCUSSED were establishing a definition of a sturgeon spear ie. Length of spear head, # of tines allowed and length of spear handle.  A questioner will be designed and distributed to assess public opinion of the issues.

SUPPLES MARSH PHRAGMITIES          There will be a meeting the week of July 23 to discuss the Phragmities problem in Supples Marsh.

MENASH LOCK            The Fox Locks Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) is proposing installing an electric barrier at the Menasha Lock to allow the now closed lock to be operated.  The Lock was closed by DNR in 2016 because a population of Invasive Eurasian Round Gobies has become established in Little Lake Buttes des Mortes below the Menasha Lock.  An Electric Barrier is and never will be a 100% barrier to the movement of Gobies past the Menasha Lock.  There are electrical blackouts that occur every year.  An electrical outage would allow Gobies to pass the barrier and enter Winnebago. 

The fishery of Lake Winnebago has an economic impact of $273,000,000 on the five counties surrounding Lake Winnebago.  The last perch creel census conducted in Winnebago estimated 500,000-600,000 were caught by anglers in one year.  Gobies will absolutely destroy this fishery.  GOBIES MUST NEVER BE ALLOWED TO ENTER WINNEAGO.

It costs the taxpayers $6,000  ( out of the DNR budget) to treat the lock chamber each time the lock is opened for commercial use.  This is the only reason the lock has been opened & closed since 2016

Mike Arrowood will address the DNR Natural Resources Board on August 8 requesting that the Menasha Lock be fill with dirt to provide a 100% effective barrier.  More to come

NEXT MEETING  Thursday, August 16, 2018 at Steffes’s Tavern in St. Peter. Hosted by Forest Sportsman’s Club.

Respectfully Submitted, Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The June 21 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen At 7 PM

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

LAKE WINNEBAGO VHS FISH KILL       The fish kill on Lake Winnebago has been verifies as caused by VHS by the US Fish & Wildlife Diagnostic Laboratory in La Crosse.  Dead fish from Fond du Lac, Asylum Bay and High Cliff were collected and sampled for the disease.

SHAWANO LAKE FISH ASSESSMENT    The DNR found that approximately 60% of the walleye captured were the fin clipped fish stocked by DNR as part of the Walleye Stocking Initiative.

There have been around 70,000 6-9 inch walleye stocked since 2012.  The 10,000 stocked in 2012 are all now sexually mature.  The problem is that of the 312 fish captured for egg removal to stock the Walleyes For Tomorrow hatchery in Ciecel, only 3 mature males were in the spawning population. This brings up the question of whether pond raised hatchery walleyes stocked in Wisconsin lakes will add to the walleye population as spawning adults.

$100 WALLEYE TAGGING PROGRAM.  As of 6-21-2018 there have been 39 tags returned from the 100 male and 100 female walleyes tagged in the Spring of 2018. This program, funded by Walleyes For Tomorrow, is intended to get a better estimate of walleye exploitation on the Winnebago System. Making the assumption that 100% of the Reward Tags will be returned will provide a more reliable and accurate estimate of exploitation for more reliable management decisions.

NEW BUSINESS

FOX-WOLF WATERWAYS ALLIANCE   The Alliance will be having an intern at boat access sties this summer to inform anglers about invasive species awareness, the need to clean vegetation from boat trailers and the importance of draining all water from boats.

EAGLES ANGLERS THANK YOU           The Anglers sent the Alliance a Thank You for the donation to support the Youth Fishing  Outing.

DNR INTERVIEW         The DNR has a process where citizens are invited to be part of the hiring interviews for DNR positions. Mike Arrowood was invited to be part of the interview process for the DNR Fisheries Rules and Regulations Specialist.  The others on the interview panel were Justine Hasz, the Fisheries Bureau Chief, David Giethbrook, the DNR Fisheries Propagation Program Superisor and Scott Loomis, a DNR liaison to DNR Secretary Dan Meyer. 7 individuals were interviewed over two days in Madison.  This program has been in place for a number of years.  Conservation Congress delegates from around the state are often asked to be part of the interviews pertaining to the Congress Study Committees that they are members of.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday, July 19, 7 PM at the Isaak Walton League Clubhouse located East of Fond du Lac ,approximately ½ mile South of Hy 23 on the East side of Co. Hy. K, The Driveway is North of the creek running under Hy. K.

Respectfully submitted

Mike Arrowood, Secretary.

Meeting Note.  The Fox River Navigation System Authority is proposing an electric fish barrier at the Menasha Lock to allow the now closed Lock to be reopened for boat traffic.  This will be discussed.

The Thursday, May 17, 2018 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

BIOLOGIST REPORT    Ellen Barth reported that the Wildlife Biologist position is Eastern FDL Co. is vacant.  Also the Biologist and Wildlife Technician positions are vacant..

FISHERIES REPORT      Kendall Kamke reported on the VHS fish kill on Lake Winnebago.  Dead or dying fish were collected at Fond du Lac, Asylum Bay and High Cliff Harbor.  The fish were sent to the US Fish & Wildlife Laboratory in La Crosse for sampling.  All tested positive for the VHS virus.  The VHS virus is a cold water virus and becomes inactive at temperatures above 65 degrees.  The kill primarily affected Sheephead (Drum).  It does not affect warm blooded animals in any way.  The spread by birds is very minimal and the virus does not survive passing through a bird’s digestive tract.  There are 2 forms of the virus.  The acute form has a 7 -10 day incubation period at below 30 degrees and up to 40 days at 65 degrees.

$100 Tag Return Program.  17 tags returned as of the meeting day.  Exploitation appears to be high from this rate of return.

Asylum Bay, DNR Fish Camp has never had a navigation beacon.  Installation of a solar powered beacon would cost $5,000 to $9,000 .

Hobbs Woods Trout Stocking.  FDL County supplied a Gator so the stocked trout could be released through the entire woods with the help of Trout Unlimited volunteers.

OLD BUSINESS

ALLIANCE RUMMAGE SALE     The advertising signs will have to be modified to reflect the change in venue to the Recreation Building from the Cow Palace.  MMS&C for the Alliance to purchase a $1,000,000 annual insurance policy from West Bend insurance at the cost of $351.

NEW BUSINESS

COAST GUARD BOAT INSPECTIONS   The inspections will take place June 2 and July 7 in FDL.

POYNETTE YOUTH EXPO.       The Expo held at the Poynette Game Farm property was a huge success again this year.  It is expanding in scope and attendance each year.

DNR 10 YEAR STATEWIDE TROUT MANAGEMENT PLAN       Wisconsin has never had a comprehensive management plan for trout.  A plan has been formulated and there will be listening sessions for public comment scheduled for this Fall.

SHAWANO LAKE DNR WALLEYE STOCKING   The WFT portable hatchery crew handled 320 walleye to gather approximately 6,000,000 eggs to fill the hatchery.  Of those 320 walleye only 3 fin clipped walleye from the DNR Walleye Stocking Initiative were in the spawning population.

The DNR has been stocking extended growth walleye fingerlings every other year since 2010.  All DNR stocked fish are fin clipped for future identification. Male walleye are normally sexually mature between 3 & 4 years of age.  Females at 5 & 6 years of age.  The absence of these stocked fish in the spawning stock is a clear indication that stocked walleye do not contribute to an increased walleye population by becoming part of the spawning population.

LAKE WINNEBAGO WATERSHED RUNOFF      The intense rainfall in May resulted in a huge amount of topsoil and agricultural nutrients being washed into the Lake.  Both of these are major factors that affect Blue-Green Algae growth in the Lake. There needs to be significant changes in agricultural land management / use practices in the Winnebago Watershed to reduce the algae growth in the Lake.

WISCONSIN WILDLIFE FEDERATION.  The Federation Annual Meeting was April 21.  13 Resolutions were passed for possible legislative action.  These resolutions are posted online for any interested.

CONSERVATION CONGRESS   At the Annual Convention in Green Bay, online voting on the Annual Spring Hearing questions was approved.  There is a concern that the annual 5,000 – 6,000 people that personally attend the Hearings do not provide an adequate reflection of public opinion of the questions presented for consideration at the Hearing.  More to come as the aspect of online voting are finalized.

EAGLE’S ANGLERS YOUTH FISHING EVENT    MMS&C to donate $150 to support the event.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday, June 21, 7 PM at Steffes’s Tavern in St. Peter.  Hosted by Pipe Fishing Club

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The March 15, 2018 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

WARDEN REPORT.  Warden Bill Hanke introduced Juan Gomez, the Warden Supervisor for Sheboygan and Fond du Lac Counties.  Juan is based in Plymouth.  Juan has been a Conservation Warden for 10 years and was previously the warden in Walworth County ( Lake Geneva area).  Juan reported that there have been 38 new wardens hired since 2017.  12 have been permanently stationed.  17 are in the Training Class of 2017 and will be assigned when training completed.  A new classification of Reactional Safety Warden will hire 6 and the Outdoor Skills Trainer program will hire 5.  In 2017 there were 177,000 Warden – Citizen contacts.  6172 were via the DNR Hotline. Since last September there have been 4,400 requests for service.  There have been 33 positions transferred from State Parks Rangers to the Conservation Warden program.  There will be an Elk Hunt in Fall, 2018 with 10 tags for bull elk.  5 will go to the Chippewa Clam Lake Tribe, 4 for a public drawing and 1 for a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Drawing.  To apply for a drawing entry will cost $10 and a kill permit will cost $49.00.   CWD has been found in deer in Milwaukee and Washington Counties. The Washington County buck died on a Game Farm.  Because deer were transferred from Washington County to Bayfield County, all 3 counties now have a ban on deer baiting.  Ozaukee and Sheboygan Counties may also have a ban because of the location of the Game Farm.  Conservation Wardens only have jurisdiction over Game Farm fences.  The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has jurisdiction over the raising and transporting of captive deer.  As a result of DNR Reorganization, Conservation Wardens will now be assigned Park Ranger Duties.  This will result in a slower response to Hotline calls because of the workload assigned to Conservation Wardens to patrol State Parks.  There is still a mileage cap on travel by Conservation Wardens, 1,400 miles / month.  Each Warden Team has a separate budget and mileage is the biggest draw on the budgets.  The Parks Fund does provide some operations money to cover Park Patrols.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE         There were 1198 people attending the Sale. The Alliance Raffle made $935 vs. $690 in 2017.  The Raffle winners were: Rifle, Neil Seibel,$100, Gilbert Lube, $50, Dave Mace, $50, Arno Spange, $50, Sue Mutzberg, $50 Andy Seibel.

HOBBS WOODS          There was a meeting at the Courthouse to discuss issues.  The Alliance’s position is that there should be NO DOGS in Hobbs Unique Nature Woods.  This is a social issue that is not going away soon.  A decision was made to post large signs indicating only leashed dogs are allowed in the Woods.  A toilet on the South side of the Woods / Creek was discussed.  A new driveway and parking area would be required to accommodate a toilet.

LAKE DE NEVUE VHS FISH KILL           The DNR investigated the kill.  Crappies and Largemouth Bass were killed.  DATCP was notified of the kill.  NOTHING ELSE WAS DONE. No public notice, no cause or source of introduction was investigated.  Mike Arrowood attended a DNR Natural Resources Board meeting in Madison to inform the Board of the kill.  The Board informed Todd Kalish the Assistant Fisheries Bureau Chief to report back within a week on the status of the kill.

FRIENDSHIP FISHING CLUB.  The Club has joined the Alliance.  This makes 26 organizations that are now represented by the Alliance.

WINNEBAGO LAKE ACCESS SITES.      The Town of Friendship has finalized the Permission Document for the project.  Will meet with the Town Chairman to obtain the document before  the next Alliance meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

WEST SHORE FISHING CLUB   The Club Raffle will be April 22 at Wendt’s

WINNEBAGO WALLEYE MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE.  There will be 3 public meetings to roll out the new management plan that includes a proposal for a 3 fish bag and 6 fish possession limit on Winnebago walleyes.  Meetings will be Oshkosh March 19, Chilton March 21 and New London March 28.

DONATIONS    MMS&C to donate $50 to the Muskie Club & West Shore Fishing Club and $150 to Wings Over Wisconsin – Eden Chapter for their fundraising events.

EL DORADO MARSH FISHWAY            The idea of having a fishway to allow northern, perch, walleye, whitebass, suckers and other fish access to the spawning habitat in the Marsh is still being discussed.  The current dam was built in 1963 and a huge mistake was made in not allowing for spawning fish access to the Marsh.  More to come.

WARDEN ED McCANN                        Former FDL County Warden Ed Mc Cann will receive the Haskell Noise Warden of the Year Award in La Crosse on April 14.  Ed is currently the Warden in La Crosse.     

WISCONSIN WILDLIFE FEDERATION   George Meyer the Federation Executive Secretary was inducted into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame.  The Federation Annual Meeting is the 3rd. weekend in April in Wisconsin Rapids.  They are always looking for nominations for outstanding individuals and organizations to be recognized with an award at their Annual Meeting.

CDAC   Tentatively there will be 1 free doe tag with each license in FDL Co.  There will be 9550 bonus tags available; 7,450 for private land and 1,500 for public land.

CONSERVATION CONGRESS   This is the year for the DNR to have Fisheries Advisory Questions at the Hearing.  The big one locally is the proposed 3 fish daily walleye bag limit on the Winnebago System.  The hearing will be April 9, 7 PM at Theisen Jr. High in FDL.

NEXT MEETING Thursday, May 19, 7 PM at the Outpost Restaurant located ½ mile North of Eden on Hy. 45.

Respectfully Submitted   Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The February 15, 2018 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

WILDLIFE REPORT.  The County Deer Advisory Council, CDAC, for Fond du Lac County will meet March 12 at the Courthouse for public comments on the proposed 2018 deer permit quotas.  The April 16 meeting will set the final quatas.

RUMMAGE SALE         The sale is ready to go.  Setup will be at 3 PM, Friday, March 2.  The insurance and rent have been paid. Will need 6 individuals for both shifts at the front door. There is the possibility that the Recreation building will be available next year.  Depending on need, the Alliance may only rent ½ of the building for the Sale. 

The Sale Raffle received donations from Oakfield Conservation Club, Wings Over Wisconsin – Eden Chapter, Lighthouse Anglers, Fisherman’s Road Fishing Club and Wescott Sportsman’s Club.

OLD BUSINESS

HOBBS WOODS  Discussed the idea of having a toilet in the Woods. Will attend a meeting in the future to discuss the idea further.

LAKE DE NEVUE FISH KILL       Bob Langar the biologist connected with the walleye stocking will be invited to the next Alliance meeting by Dave Faubel.  Not much information has been gathered to date about the kill.

NEW BUSINESS

FRIENDSHIP FISHING CLUB     Jim Cratchy from the Club expressed an interest in their joining the Alliance.  They would like a representative of the Alliance attend their Board meeting to discuss the Alliance with the board members.  The club is sponsored by Blank’s, TJ’s, Lakeshore Mart and The Cabin.  Their March meeting will be March 2 at The Cabin.

ALLIANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE            The Committee will be Chuck Shaub, Bob Hoey and Bob Haase.

ALLIANCE MEMBERSHIP DUES           The $25 annual dues are due at the March meeting.

FUNDRAISING DONATIONS     MMS&C to donate $50 to the Oakfield Conservation Club.

FOOT OF THE LAKE FISHING CLUB YOUTH FISHING EVENT   MMS&C to donate $150.

WISCONSIN WILDLIFE FEDERATION   Betty Borchert read a letter from the Federation concerning the placing of wolves on the Endangered Species List by a Federal Court.  The Federation requests all contact their Congress delegates to overturn this decision.   The Wisconsin Legislature is considering a bill that would remove protection from isolated wetlands in Wisconsin.  This is 1,000,000 acres of wetlands that can potentially be filled in by agriculture, developers, property owners and businesses.  They represent 20% of all remaining wetlands in Wisconsin.

CONSERVATION CONGRESS REPORT.

SPRING HEARINGS.  APRIL 9, at Theisen Jr. High School.  7 PM

TROUT             March 3, in Stevens Point, there will be a meeting to work on a new 10 year management plan.

DEER   CWD has now been confirmed in the Milwaukee County deer herd.

NEXT MEETING   Thursday, March 15 at the Van Dyne Sportsman’ Club located ½ mile west of Van Dyne on County Line Road.

Respectfully Submitted

Betty Borchert.

The January 18, 2018 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen.

The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted as read.

The Secretaries report was read and amended to reflect that the cattail plugs in Eldorado Marsh are above the dam, not in the FDL River below the dam.  Minutes accepted as read

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE         The Sale scheduled for Saturday March 3 if full with 10 applicants on the waiting list.  There is the possibility that the Agriculture Building may be available for the Alliance to use for the Sale in 2019. This will depend on the ending of the Reporter Rummage Sale in the Main Expo.  The hall rental would be $700 vs. $370 for the Cow Palace.  It is suggested that there is significantly more room in the Ag. Building.  This will be discussed further for a final decision.  Insurance for the Sale is $375.  The Pancake and Yard Signs will be distributed soon as the date is changed.

HOBBS WOODS          There was a meeting at the Courthouse in Jan.  Well attended, some 25 individuals present. Much discussion about what is good, bad and needs to be done at the Woods.  Main topic was the desire to have a toilet.  Second was trail design, maintenance and upkeep.  Third was the East Branch of Campground Creek and the decline in water quality there.  There will be a second meeting some time in Feb.

FOX WOLF WATERWAYS ALLIANCE    The Habitat Committee met to discuss past and future projects to protect the nearshore environment on the Upriver Lakes.  This was a 9 AM – 3 PM meeting so the discussion encompassed short term and long-term issues and ideas.  There will be a vegetation survey of the System Lakes starting this summer.

LAKE DE NEVUE VHS FISH KILL           There was a largemouth bass fish kill from VHS in Spring of 2017.  It is reported some 500 9”-12” bass died.  What is know is the De Nevue Lake Association asked for and received a permit to stock Walleye and Fathead Minnows in De Nevue. The Oshkosh DNR Office was contacted.  The DNR does not normally manage or survey the fish population in Lake De Nevue because there is no public boat access to the lake.  A biologist from DNR was sent to investigate.  Dead fish were sent for analyses and were confirmed to have died from VHS.  All public information about the fish kill stopped there.

HY 45 LAKE ACCESS    Kinker and Cemetery Roads will be completed in 2018. Jered Sidel the Water Regs. DNR person in Oshkosh has been contacted about permitting.  Because there will be less than 25 cu. yd. of lakebed material removed the permit will be a General Permit.  Less expensive and less complicated than an Individual Permit.

NEW BUSINESS

CDAC   There will be meetings in March and April at the FDL Courthouse.  The Council is still short of full membership.

ELDORADO MARSH DAM SPILLWAY  There has been discussion started to replace the spillway (built in 1963) and install a fishway.  What is know is the spillway clement structure is deteriorating and the water control structure is failing.  Also known is the Dam / Spillway has stopped Northern Pike, Walleye, Suckers, White Bass and panfish from spawning in the Marsh since 1963.  The Spillway needs to be replaced and a fishway installed to better regulate the water level in the marsh and allow for free fish passage to spawn above the dam.

There is a Pollution Remediation Fund (NRDA) that may be available for funding the project.

DONATIONS    MMS&C to donated $50 for the fundraising events of the Lakeshore Bow Hunters, Lighthouse Anglers and Winnebago Conservation Club.

ALLIANCE WEBSITE     Dave Faubel and   Bob Haase updated the Website.  Take a look!!!

FDL YOUTH ARCHERY IN SCHOOLS    When Tuffy’s went out of business, the youth archery program lost a place to have indoor shoots.  Does anyone know where there is a building with enough open space to have an indoor archery range??????? 

DE NEVUE CREEK POLLUTION                        Rademann Stone on Co. Hy. B is pumping quarry sediment into the headwaters of the east branch of De Nevue Creek.  This was first reported to the DNR in Green Bay 10 years ago.  Doug Bilgo the Conservation Warden from Campbellsport investigated. At that time Rademann did not have a discharge permit.  The DNR was again notified of the problem in April 2017.  Again, in December 2017. The DNR response is that they are working with Rademann’s Consultant.  10 years have passed and the quarry sediment is still flowing down De Nevue Creek and into Lake Winnebago after every large rain storm. This has completely changed the ecosystem of the creek as the entire waterway is coated with a layer of the slime / silt.

NEXT MEETING   THURSDAY, February 15 7 PM at the Oakfield Conservation Club --- located on Highbridge Road.  Take Co.Hy. D south from FDL toward Oakfield.  Where Co. Hy. B. turns east (left), turn west (right) on Highbridge Road.  West on Highbridge 1 mile.  Club house is no north (right) side of the road.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood, secretary

The Nov. 9, 2017 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

WILDLIFE REPORT       The Poynette Game Farm does not have sufficient budget to raise all chicks hatched.  The hen chicks are either sold to the public, euthanized or fed to the animals at the Poynette Animal Exhibit.  The new FDL Co. (west side) biologist attended.  He previously worked out of Madison on waterfowl and has had experience in FDL Co. working on Upland Game habitat.  His office is in Horicon. The Plymouth biologist position is open (east side of county). The Mullet Marsh water control structure is currently under development.   DU is currently partnering with the project.

FISHERIES REPORT      All Fall stocking projects are complete.  The DNR has been ordered to divest itself of heavy equipment that is not often used.  Work projects will now require the leasing of equipment for habitat and other projects.  The annual cost of leasing vs. owning wil be 3 -4 times the cost of owning the equipment.  Kendall was not sure where in government the directive for this came from.  Adam Nickle is looking at possible trout habitat projects.  Gobies --- nothing new to report.  None have been found in Winnebago as of now.    They are isolated below the Menasha Lock and Dam.  The Fox River Navigational System Authority is looking at the possibility of an electric battier in the lock to allow for boat traffic to resume.  It would be a bottom only barrier which is not the best system to exclude juvenile fish.

OLD BUSINESS

Hy. 45 LAKE ACCESS SITES      Still no action.  Sam Tobias has made the Town of Friendship aware of the Wis. DOT surveys that agree with the 1926 original plats of the west shore of Lake Winnebago.  They both show a platted 66’ right of way from Hy. 45 to the lakeshore.

HOBBS WOODS          The bridge by the parking lot has been rebuilt and the bridge on the SE corner of the woods will also be rebuilt.

PRINCETON DAM        Nothing new.  Project on hold till the State Building Committee makes a ruling to release the $1.75 million passed in the budget for the project.

RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES PUBLIC MEETING      Mike Arrowood, Jim Kramer and Dave Van Gorder attended the meeting in Appleton.  Specifically to express opposition to construction of an ATV trail in Eldorado Marsh.  There is nothing being discussed for another 2 years.

STURGEON HERPES    Sue Marquenski, the retired DNR Aquatic Veterinarian, took tissue samples to identify the virus on the fish. The presence of the virus could affect the hatchery rearing program of sturgeon at the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery. Keeping the herpes virus out of state fish hatcheries is a priority. The White Sturgeon in the Pacific NW states have been found to be infected with this virus.

NEW BUSINESS

NEW ALLIANCE MEMBER       The Fox Wolf Waterways Alliance has joined the Alliance.  This brings the Alliance membership to 24 organizations.

BASS – WALLEYE INTERACTION         The Bond Lake Association (Washburn Co.) has been stocking fin clipped extended growth walleye.  Largemouth Bass have been caught with the fin clipped walleye in their stomachs.

LAKE DE NEVUE FISH KILL       The Largemouth Bass die off of around 500 8 -10 in bass was the result of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS).  VHS is a disease that cause tissue to hemorrhage (“leak”) blood till the fish dies. VHS was found, and is still present, in Lake Winnebago some years ago.  QUESTION IS ???????? how did it get in De Nevue?  There is a dam on the outflow stream with an 8’ vertical drop that prevents any fish from swimming upstream from Winnebago.  

PUBLIC LAKE ACCESS  Wisconsin Law mandates a public access every ½ mile on all lakes with platted shorelines.  Often these are town roads but are not necessarily so.  The practice of Adverse Possession does not apply with legally platted public lake access.  Individuals that have “developed” these platted accesses have no legal right to possession or exclusion of the public from using these lake access sites.  The Wisconsin Supreme Court has affirmed this opinion in 5 cases in the past.

FREE FISHING WEEKEND         Korin from FWWA asked if any organization had an event scheduled for the Jan 20 -21 weekend.  The Isaac Walton League will have one in FDL.

HUNTING AGE ELEMINATION BILL     The Wisconsin Legislature has passed and Governor Walker signed legislation that eliminated all age restrictions for hunting in Wisconsin.  The 1 gun – 2 hunters for mentored hunts was changed to 2 guns as well.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday, Dec 21. 7 PM at Wescott Sportsman Club located ½ mile north of Hy. 23 on Co. Hy. I , west of FDL.  Sponsored by Wescott.

Respectfully submitted  

Mike Arrowood, secretary.         

Note:  Sam Tobias, the FDL Parks Director will attend to talk about natural resources grants and Hobbs Woods.       

The October 19, 2017 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen At 7 PM.

The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

MEETING GUESTS       Korin Doering and Chris Acy from the Fox Wolf Waterways Alliance attended the meeting.  Korin is the person facilitating the formation and planning of the Alliance. She facilitates the different committees established by the Alliance.  Chris is the Alien Invasive Species specialist for the Winnebago System.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE  Bill Schmitz has stepped down as one of the organizers of the Sale.  Bill has been very instrumental in the success of the Sale and his dedication to the effort will be missed.  His multiple duties will have to be filled by other delegates.  Any volunteers?

CDAC   The FDL County CDAC committee does not have a full complement of members necessary to conduct a meeting.  Organizing rules dictated 9 members from various selected disciplines such as Forestry, Agriculture, Government, Business, Conservation, Conservation Congress, Tourism etc.  These were selected by DNR Bureau level individuals when the CDAC process was designed / formed.  At present there are not enough members on the FDL CDAC committee to have a voting quorum.

Hy. 45 WINNEBAGO LAKE ACCESS     Still no action by FDL County on the lake access improvement project proposed by the Alliance. The project would provide a 22’ x 60’ cement access at Kinker, Cemetery and Subway Roads at no cost to the taxpayer.  The Alliance would pay all costs of the project that would improve lake access for the public.

HOBBS WOODS          No new news about the recently discussed Master Plan for the Woods.  A one year closure of the Woods to allow it to heal from excessive and abusive use has apparently gained no traction.

CALUMETVILLE LAKE ACCESS There is currently a 6” thick cement slab at water line.  It extends into the lake approximately 5 feet.  More discussion of the need for a work project there before the Alliance will budget or plan to do anything.

PRINCETON DAM        The DNR budgeted amount of $1.750,000 was left in the budget.  Where the project stands now is a bit of an unknown.  The project is in the hands of the Bureau of Parks and Lands in the DNR.

NEW BUSINESS

CDAC / FDL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT            Rachel Brookins from the Oshkosh DNR office will no longer be the Biologist for the western half of FDL Co. The new biologist will be from the Columbus DNR office.  Rachel plans to introduce him to the Alliance at a future meeting.

POYNETTE GAME FARM         The butchering of hen pheasants at the Poynette Game Farm was discussed.  No one knew much about the specifics of the action.  Questions were raised as to why the hens were not released for harvest / reproduction.

RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES ANALYSIS       The DNR will hold 4 meetings around the state to get public input into existing outdoor-based recreational opportunities and future recreational needs on public property.  Closest meeting is in Appleton, Wed, Nov. 1 at Fox Valley Tech.  The Alliance will attend to express opposition to putting an ATV trail in Eldorado Marsh Wildlife Area.

WISCONSIN WILDLIFE FEDERATION REPORT             The Natural Resources Board is discussing changing the Elk Hunting Rules established when the Elk reintroduction program was started. A minimum herd number had been set before hunting would take place Then proposal would reduce that number to allow bull elk in the herd to be harvested.

A judge has overturned the opinion of Attorney General that the DNR had no regulatory jurisdiction of the permitting of High Capacity Wells.  The opinion was based on a 7 – 0 Wisconsin Supreme Court opinion that Saukville could not sink a well that would affect the water in Lake Bulah.

Assembly Bill 490 would reduce the cost of deer licenses by 1/3 for veterans over 70.

AB 528 would establish a $4.50 license for youth 15, 16 &17 years old.

WINNEBAGO STURGEON        The sturgeon in the Winnebago System have been found to have a Herpes Virus infection.  White sturgeon on the Pacific Coast have a similar infection.  The condition will be monitored.

WINNEBAGO SAUGER             As part of the WFT Fox River Sauger Project, a tissue sample from the males and females used for eggs and sperm was sent to UW Stevens Point.  A DNA analysis was done on each of the 89 samples.  These samples were compared with the DNA from the Wisconsin River Sauger.  The two populations are NOT genetically related.  Raises the question of where the Winnebago Sauger population came from or if they have been here forever.

STURGEON WATCH    Because of the lack of wardens ( 10 warden vacancies in the N.E. region) there will be a reduced warden presence for the sturgeon spawning season.  The 3 local wardens will still be on duty.  There will not be additional warden presence as in the past.

NEXT MEETING *****************  ONE WEEK EARLY******************** Thursday, Nov.9, 7 PM at TJ’s Restaurant on Hy. 45.  S of Wendt’s on Evergreen Ave.  Sturgeon For Tomorrow, SW Chapter will sponsor.

Respectfully Submitted  Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The September 21, 2017 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM.

The Treasurer’s and Secretaries reports were read and accepted as read.                                     

OLD BUSINESS

ALLIANCE DUES  All organizations have now paid their 2017 dues.

ALLIANCE RUMMAGE SALE RAFFLE.  MMS&C to have the Alliance Raffle at the 2018 Rummage Sale.

Hy. 45 LAKE WINNEBAGO LAKE ACCESSES     The County Surveyor has located Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation surveys from the last Hy. 45 improvement project. They show the same 66’ right of way on Subway, Kinker and Cemetery roads that are shown in the original Lake Winnebago shoreline survey of 1926.  No action by the County or Town of Frienship.

CALUMETVILLE LAKE ACCESS                There is a small building 10 – 12 feet from the edge of the road.

ASSEMBLY BILL 411  George Borchert listened to Chief Warden Todd Schaller’s comments at a Wisconsin Wildlife Federation meeting.  Todd pleaded his opinion to the group about the issue.

CDAC  The next meeting will be Oct. 13 to discuss the decision to maintain the deer population in FDL County at the present level for the next 3 years.

LAKESIDE PARK FISHING PLATFORMS.  Dave Fuabel heard a positive response from a Mayville resident with disabilities who has used the Alliance constructed fishing platforms.

REMINGTON 700 RIFLE SAFETY ISSUE  Pete Halbur researched the issue and discussed it with the delegates.

RIVERSIDE HUNTING & FISHING CLUB LEGAL DISPUTE  The legal case brought against the club over shooting noise has been settled out of court.

NEW BUSINESS

HOBBS WOODS  Bob Hoey met a person with a picture of a 17” Brown Trout that was caught in Hobbs Woods (Parson’s Creek).  FDL County is looking to form a Master Plan for the Woods to submit for future budgeting.

LITIGATION DISCUSSION  There was discussion about legislation that would let the mentor and novice hunter possess a firearm during the hunt.  At present only the mentored hunter may possess a fiream.

DONATIONS   MMS&C to donat $50 to Dotyville and Oakfield for their fundraising events.

CONSERVATION CONGRESS  Otto Bowe stated the Upland Game Committee has forwarded a resolution to the Executive Committee that would extend the pheasant season.

NEXT MEETING  THURSDAY, October 19, 7 PM at the WFT Office, 224 Auburn St. FDL.  Sponsored by Trout Unlimited

GUEST ATTENDEE  Corin Doering from the Fox-Wolf Waterways Alliance.  And possibly Chris Acy the new Alien Invasive Species person for Winnebago.

Respectfully Submitted

Dave Schumacher, V.P.

The August 17, 2017  meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order at 7 PM at the Riverside Hunting & Fishing Club.

The Secretary and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

ALLIANC DUES             The West Shore Fishing Club and SFT SW Chapter have not paid their 2017 dues.

Fox-Wolf Waterways Alliance                        Mike Arrowood attended the Technical Team meeting of the Habitat Committee.  Essentially, the group is attempting ways to justify applying for grants to remediate perceived or actual habitat issues. Most of the conversation centered around loss of lakeshore habitat on Lakes Poygan and Butte des Morts. There are other committees that need a greater mix of participants.  Anyone interested ????????????.

MULLET MARSH WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE       No further info.

Hy 45 LAKE ACCESS SURVEYS             Wisconsin DOT surveys from the last time Hy. 45 was rebuilt have been located by FDL County.  The road access from Hy. 45  to Subway, Kinker and Cometary Roads are 66’ writes of way down to the Lake.  Kinker and Cometary are clean.  Subway has a privately-owned structure partially built over the boundary.  Survey maps of each of the roads were passed out for reference.  The County will take the maps to the Friendship Town Board and Town Attorney for opinions.

CALUMETVILLE LAKE ACCESS The access has been discussed before for possible upgrading.  No one from the Alliance has taken a look at the matter.  The original plat at the Courthouse will be previewed as was done on the West shore to find what the survey platted for boundaries. 

PRINCETON DAM        Until the State Budget stalemate in the Legislature is cleared up no action will take place as the monies for the project are part of the DNR Budget that must be approved.

NEW BUSINESS

ASSEMBLY BILL 411    The bill if approved would prohibit Conservation Wardens from entering any private land without probable cause.  This is in direct contradiction to settled law from court cased across the Country.  Natural resources, (fish, game, land, water, air, timber and plants) are considered a Public Trust that are owned by the state and not the individual owners of the land they exist on.  Where statutes specifically protect them, Conservation Wardens have the obligation to protect them as provided by statute.  This bill would restrict that ability to protect.        Todd Schaller, Wisconsin Chief Warden attended the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Meeting in August to talk about 411.

COUNTY DEER ADVISORY COUNCIL (CDAC)   The next CDAC meeting will be Aug 22, 7 PM. To discuss whether to continue increasing the FDL County deer population, hold steady or decrease the population. The next meeting will be the deciding meeting to finalize the decision.

A PROBLEM EXISTS.  Excluding the Conservation Congress Chairman of the Council, only 2 individuals volunteered to remain on the Council for another 3 year term. 7 positions are available for membership. That means no action can take place by the Council because a quorum of the mandated members of the Council does not exist. A Council with no legal ability to make a decision !!!!!!!!.  A great way to manage a deer population.

CONSERVATION CONGRESS   The Land and Water Committee will discuss 2 resolutions.  #1, Restrict snowmobiles from crossing ski trails.  #2. Change all state stickers to expire at the same time (date)

REMINGTON 700 RECALL       If you have a 700 be careful, they may fire on safe.  Extreme cold seems to be the culprit.  A new trigger mechanism seems to have the same problem.  Consult a Remington vendor for more information.

NEXT MEETING  THURSDAY, SEPT 21, 7 PM at the Dotyville Sportsman’s Club located on Co. Hy. B.  North side of highway on the West edge of Eden.  Take I 41 South to B, go East on B to Clubhouse.

Respectfully submitted

Mike Arrowood, Secretary

The July 20, 2017 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM at the WFT Office.

The Secretaries and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE REPORT     Kendall Kamke gave the report and provided a written copy of his report.  See attached.  Thanks Kendall, way better than my cryptic notes.

OLD BUSINESS

YOUTH ARCHERY ARTICLE     The Action Advertiser has not printed the photo and article which was turned in to them by Chuck Shob.

ALLIANCE DUES           The following organizations have still not turned in their dues: West Shore, Sturgeon For Tomorrow SW Chapter and Pipe Fishing Club.

PRINCETON DAM / FISHWAY  Nothing will happen or be known about the fate of DNR funding till the Governor and Legislature get a budget done.

FOX WOLF WATERSHED ALLIANCE    The Alliance is still looking for individuals interested in the aquatic plant study committee and the facilities and outreach committee.  There needs to be some individual person / club representation on these committees.  Otherwise the are populated by special interest and governmental workers that do not have the proper skill sets to really represent the publics best interests.

EVERGREEN AVE. LAKE ACCESS          The Alliance gave the OK to transfer the property to TJ’s Restaurant with the provision that the lake access be 22’ wide.  The letters of intent by TJ’s had stated a 12’ access.  As a result of the Alliance’s provision, the legal papers had to be rewritten to reflect the 22’wide access.  Caused some heartburn.  Oh well.

NEW BUSINESS           

MULLET MARSH          The dam / spillway has been removed and there are plans to rebuild it.  Total cost is estimated to be $250,000.00.  There is already around $180,000.00 in State and Federal funds.  This dam backs up around 250 acres of surface water in the marsh.  The additional money will have to be raised from other sources.

FISHING GUIDE DOUBLE BAGGING    Fishing guides on the Winnebago System and Green Bay are double tripping / double bagging on a daily basis.  Clients in the morning take the guides 5 fish home and the afternoon clients do the same.  There is some discussion of making a case against this process.

ROOT RIVER, WAUKESHA CO.                        There is a survey of aquatic life being conducted prior to Waukesha taking up the 8,500,000 gallons of water from Lake Michigan and pumping the wastewater treatment water into the Root River for return to Lake Michigan.  It does not appear that there is any thought or concern about of all the antibiotics, artificial  estrogen and testosterone, antidepressants and dozens of other chemicals humans take every day that will now be present in the Root River.  And how these will affect the plants and animals living in the Root River.

NEXT MEETING                       Thursday, August 17, 7 PM at the Riverside Hunting & Fishing Club located 15 miles East of FDL.  Go East to Co. G, turn North, 3 miles to Co. C.  Turn East (right) & go ½ miles.  Clubhouse on left.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood, secretary

The June 15, 2017 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by President Bill Steffen at 7 PM

The Secretary and Treasurer’s reports were read and accepted as read.

OLD BUSINESS

YOUTH ARCHERY PICTURE     The picture was taken at Tuffy’s and an article will appear in the Action Advertiser to highlight the Alliance’s donation of $1,000 to support the program.

PRINCETON DAM FISHWAY    The State Legislature is dithering about the State Budget so no one knows if the appropriation to cap the dam with cement and build a fishway will stay in the budget or not.  The Princeton Dam is the last dam downstream from Pardeeville/ Swan Lake that does not have a fishway. 

LSP FISHING PIERS       The last four piers will be built this summer.

NEW BUSINESS

MONARCH BUTTERFLIES        There is a Federal NRCS program to fund butterfly habitat creation at the rate of $2,300 per acre created.  More at the next meeting.

LAKE WINNEBAGO ACCESS     The certified title surveys will not take place.  The County Surveyor has located historic road surveys however that indicate a 66’ right of way to Winnebago at Kinker, Subway and Cemetery roads.  He will survey the rights of way by the end of July.

COUNTY DEER ADVISORY COUNCIL   All the positions on the Council have ended their terms.  Applications for the positions can be found on DNR Website.  Search Keyword is CDAC.  Andy Seibel and Dave Schumacher will reapply.  And maybe Wally Seibel.

LICENSE FEE INCREASES         There have been a number of license fee increases proposed to offset he DNR budget shortfall.  There has not been a general license fee increase in 12 YEARS. No increase in Fishing Licenses has been proposed.  The Wisconsin Tourism Industry opposes this increase and the Governor and Legislature will never upset or oppose them.

NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION ANNUAL MEETING          George and Betty Borchert attended the meeting in Washington State. Lil Pipping from Elkhart Lake was selected as National Affiliate Volunteer of the Year. The NWF supports the shutdown of the very old Embridge Oil Pipeline running across Northern Wisconsin.  The pipeline crosses Indian Reservations and they have chosen to not renew Right of Way contracts for the pipeline.  In early May there was a National CWD meeting.  The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is donating $10,000 toward CWD research.

CONSERVATION CONGRESS   Bob Haase has been elected to the Executive Committee of the Congress. There are two from each of the Congresses districts statewide.

FDL COUNTY / TOWNSHIP RIGHT OF WAY MOWING            Both groups wait until the Wild Parsnip seed pods are fully formed and mature before roadside mowing.  This has resulted in Wild Parsnip being widespread throughout the County. The mowing schedules should be changed to mow the Parsnip just after the yellow seed head appears to prevent the seeds from maturing and disseminated by hitching a ride on the mowing equipment. Wild Parsnip sap will cause severe blistering of the skin when people come in contact with the plant.  Parsnip is non-native, invasive and is a danger to the public.  The Alliance will raise the subject with the FDL County Board in an effort in influence a change in mowing scheduling.

FOX WOLF WATERWAYS ALLIANCE    There is a new initiative to make the Winnebago System better.  More to come.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday July 20, 7 PM at the Walleye’s For Tomorrow Office, 224 Auburn St. FDL.  Sponsored by WFT.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood, secretary

The February 16, 2017 meeting of the Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance was called to order by Vice President Dave Schumacher at 7 PM>

The Secretary and Treasurer reports were read and accepted as read.

WILDLIFE REPORT       Rachel Brookins reported that there will be 2 wildlife habitat project in El Dorado Marsh.  One of 1.8 acres and one 11 acre parcel.  The Rush Lake north boat landing will be done by end of June.  This is a small craft (canoe, kayak) type of landing.  There was a Feb. 2 CDAC Workshop with Winnebago, FDL and Dodge Counties attending.  A Lake Winnebago wetlands project assessment will occur to determine success of projects dating back to 1990.  There will be a CDAC meeting in FDL to review deer populations, harvest numbers from 2016 and 2017 harvest quotas.

FISHRIES REPORT        Adam Nickle gave a fisheries population assessment review from the 2016 trawling program.  Over all the assessment numbers were very good.  The walleye recruitment was 7TH best since assessment started in 1986.  Young of the Year (YOY) fingerlings averaged 6.9” in length. Crappie had the best hatch ever recorded.  White bass YOY numbers were the best since 2012 but still below the 30 yr. average.  Yellow perch were only slightly above the 30 yr. average as well.  The forage population numbers were the best since 2010. Trout Perch, Gizzard Shad and Drum (Sheephead) make up the majority of the forage base.

OLD BUSINESS

RUMMAGE SALE         Setup will be 3 PM Friday, March 3.  MMS&C for the Alliance to give $100 for the Alliance Raffle.  There was a discussion about the Youth Archery Program doing a presentation at the Sale.  No action on the subject.

CDAC-CWD     There were 5 Objectives outlined at the Jan. meeting with Action Items for each. The Statewide opinions of the objectives are being compiled.  60 public comments were collected.  Many questions about DATCP (Department of Agriculture,  Trade & Consumer  Protection) were raised.

LICENSE FEE INCREASE           There is a formal request from many sporting organizations around the state to raise license fees.  A Legislative Audit of DNR funding found a $4,000,000 shortfall in income vs. spending.  There has been no license fee increases in Wisconsin in the past 12 years.

STURGEON HOLE LATHE.  The Alliance is out of lathe.  Will have to find a low cost provider.  Normally there are around 20 bundles passed out each year so 100 bundles would be a good # to purchase.

NEW BUSINESS

WATER DREDGING PERMITS  Mike Arrowood attended a meeting In Madison concerning a DNR proposal to issue General Permits for dredging up to 25 cu. yds. of material from lake shorelines by riparian landowners.  General Permits provide for no public input of dredging of lakebed material. Individual Permits are a more involved process that allows for public comments.  All lakebeds in Wisconsin are Public Property.  This proposal had a Senate Natural Resources Committee hearing in 2016.  7 hours of public comments with 200 individuals testifying.  1 testified in favor and the matter was dropped. The Wisconsin Lakes Association (10,000) members is opposed as are Lake Associations.  The DNR employees would not say who is responsible for bringing the General Permit issue up for discussion again.

DATCP AND CAFOs     There is a proposal in the Legislature to take the oversight of CAFO (Confined Area Feeding Operations) manure spreading away from DNR and give it to DATCP. DATCP has done a damn poor job of managing CWD since the Legislature took the oversight of Deer Farms away from DNR.  There is no reason to assume they would do an adequate job of protecting the environment if given control of manure spreading.

FOOT OF THE LAKE FISHING OUTING (YOUTH)         MMS&C to donate $150 for purchase of fishing equipment.

DONATION      MMS&C to donate $50 to the Winnebago Conservation Club fundraising event.

WWF REPORT             All future elk releases in Wisconsin will go to the Clam Lake herd.  The Black River Falls herd appears able to be self- supporting for now.  Bear harvest permits are up 11.5 % for 2017.  There will be a Shooting Range Seminar March 17.  AB 61 would prohibit feeding and baiting deer in CWD affected counties with a 36 and 24 month sunset clause for the ban.

CONSERVATION CONGRESS   There are 88 queations for the Spring Hearing on April 10, 2017. Bob Haase and Dave La Pine are up for reelection.

NEXT MEETING           Thursday, March 16, 7 PM at the Van Dyne Sportsman’s Club.  ½ mile west of Co. RP on County Line/ Lone Elm Rd.

Respectfully Submitted

Mike Arrowood, secretary.