DNR Proposes New Manure Management Rules

At the end of last week, the DNR announced that they had completed writing their new manure management rules for the 15 counties in the karst region that have Silurian bedrock. These are rules that our district has been waiting on for a long time. Our shallow soils and fractured bedrock have created groundwater and surface water pollution issues that we are all too familiar with. I have often said that there is no one magical solution to our water contamination issues, and that we must tackle the problem from all different angles. After taking the time to review the new proposed rules, I am left enthused that they are a leap in the right direction and a foundation for a long-term solution.

The new rules prohibit manure spreading within 250 ft of a drinking well, prohibit any manure spreading on less than 2ft of soil, and prohibit manure spreading on frozen or snow-covered ground with less than 5ft of soil. You can click here for the full detailed rules.

I was thrilled this week to see that Clean Wisconsin shared their support for the new rules in their press release and to hear positive comments from the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association. This is an issue that affects all of us in the district. Farmers, environmentalists, and everyday citizens alike must come together to address this situation and it is gratifying to see that happening. I hope that this will be reflected in the coming public comment period. There are plans to hold a public hearing in September and I will make sure to keep my constituents in the loop as things move forward. I welcome these new rules and am eager to work together with all interested parties to move them forward.

You can read my full press release on this here.

This week it was announced that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) would be awarding a $50,000 matching grant to the Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) for their 'Grow Door County' initiative. 'Grow Door County' is a 4 year plan focused on attracting and retaining employees and residents in Door County. I applaud this DCEDC initiative and feel it is crucial to our area that we advertise settling down in Door County so our communities can grow. I cannot offer enough praise to the DCEDC for their time and efforts that they have put into this and I want to thank the WEDC for recognizing the potential of our area!

Today I had the honor of attending the 50th Anniversary celebration for Whitefish Dunes State Park.  There are five state parks in my assembly district- far more than any other district in the state.  These parks provide a huge economic benefit to our area in addition to all that they add to our quality of life.  We are all incredibly blessed to live in such a beautiful place with such an abundance of protected lands.

Happy Anniversary to Whitefish Dunes State Park!

Upcoming District Events!

What: Cherry De-Lite Festival
Where: Country Ovens 229 E. Main St. Forestville, WI
When: July 15, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Details: "If Family Fun, Food and Entertainment are your thing, then Country Oven’s 30^th Anniversary Festival is the place to be.  Join us for a day of everything cherries.  It’s a family fun-filled day featuring free samples of all our wonderful Cherry De-Lite Products."

What: Shipwrecks of Door County
Where: Potowatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, WI
When: July 15, 7:00 PM
Details: "A guest speaker from the Wisconsin Historical Society gives an exciting talk about the Maritime Preservation Program and the shipwrecks found around the Door Peninsula. Meet at the Amphitheater. Free. Park vehicle sticker required."

What: Door County Folk Festival
Where: Northern Door County
When: July 16
Details: "38th Annual Folk Festival. A fun-filled, enjoyable and educational folk dance weekend. Multiple events throughout the county all day long! "

In Closing...