Christmas Message

I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

To view my Christmas video message, please click on this link or the picture above.

Hydrologic Restoration

I am proud to have signed on as a co-author of a bill that looks to improve hydrologic restoration efforts in our state and reestablish our landscape's natural capacity to effectively manage water.

Over the past several years, our state has experienced numerous heavy rainfall events that have disrupted commerce and caused tens of millions of dollars in damage to both residential homes and public infrastructure. In addition, almost 20 percent of Wisconsin's waterways are considered impaired with one or more pollutants.    

 Those degraded hydrologic conditions increase the severity and extent of our flooding problems and considerably diminish the effectiveness of most flood risk reduction and water quality improvement projects.

The bill I co-authored would encourage further hydrologic rehabilitation in Wisconsin by requiring the Department of Natural Resources to distribute permits that authorize wetland, stream and floodplain restoration. The permits would also allow for management activities that improve hydrologic connections and functions.

Projects that are issued these permits must be designed to return hydrology to a natural and self-regulating condition with the goal of improving water quality, slowing the flow of runoff, restoring surface and groundwater interactions and reducing flood peaks. They must also increase soil and flood resilience, upper watershed storage and groundwater infiltration.

The legislation, which was drafted with input from the DNR and is supported by the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, also creates a Hydrologic Restoration and Management Advisory Council. The membership of that group will consist of local governments, state and federal agencies, tribal communities and private sector partners. They will be responsible for reporting to the DNR on the effectiveness of the permits. The council will also be tasked with providing the DNR with information on policies and programs related to hydrologic restoration.

I believe this bill is important because, if we can more thoroughly prepare for flooding events right now, we have a better chance of preventing them in the future. Plus, the legislation is also designed to improve water quality and protect our environment. It really is a win-win situation for the entire state. 

State Park Passes 

I want to make sure everyone is aware that the 2020 Wisconsin State Park System passes are now available for purchase.

The passes, which come in the form of vehicle stickers, provide access to more than 60 state parks, forests and recreational areas throughout Wisconsin. State trail passes are also required for biking, in-line skating, horseback riding, cross-county skiing and off-highway motorcycling on specific state trails. However, you do not need a state trail pass if you are walking or hiking. 

If you would like to buy a 2020 state park sticker, please click on this link. Passes can also be purchased by calling the Department of Natural Resources at 1-888-936-7463 or by stopping at any state park or DNR service center. They sure make great Christmas gifts.

The designs for the vehicle admission stickers are chosen annually through a statewide contest that involves high school students. Those who are interested in submitting a design for the 2021 state park pass should click on this link to learn more about the contest. The deadline to enter is April 10, 2020.

Please consider purchasing a 2020 pass so we can continue to strengthen our Wisconsin State Park System, which is a vital economic engine for our state. Our state parks showcase Wisconsin’s natural beauty and offer a great opportunity to get outdoors with family and friends. You won't want to miss out. 

Upcoming District Events

What: Ski for Free
Where: Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay
When: Saturday, Dec. 21, and Sunday, Dec. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Details: "Crossroads and Door County Silent Sports lend, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment in sizes to fit age 3 through large adult. When trail conditions permit, go to the Crossroads Maintenance Building where volunteers will fit the equipment. Check crossroadsatbigcreek.org for current trail conditions and/or closings."

What: Barn Dance
Where: Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor
When: Saturday, Dec. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Details: "The Door County Folk Alliance callers will call this month's dance. No partner or experience needed. Children may dance if they can follow directions well enough to dance on their own or dance with a parent. Free, but donations appreciated."

What: Christmas Concert
Where: Prince of Peace Church, 1756 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay
When: Sunday, Dec. 22, starting at 6 p.m.
Details: "Parks, Phillips and Co. will be perform traditional carols and songs. Free admission; a freewill offering will be taken. This is the last concert for Parks, Phillips and Co."