The Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality has officially submitted its final report and recommended a package of 13 bills for the full legislature to consider. I would like to thank the bi-partisan task force, led by Representative Todd Novak, as well as experts and members of the public who offered their feedback throughout the process. Please click the picture below to watch a video highlighting the work of the Task Force.
To view the Task Force’s final report and the 13 pieces of recommended legislation, please click here. A few of the recommendations are as follows:
LRB-4931/1: Relating to the creation of the Office of Water Policy within the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey.
LRB-4751/1: Relating to a pilot program to address nitrate contamination.
LRB-4717/1: Relating to assistance to farmers for conservation.
LRB-4489/1: Relating to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
LRB-4984/1: Relating to wetlands and floodplain restoration.
Assembly Committee on Forestry, Parks and Recreation Public Hearing
The Assembly Committee on Forestry, Parks and Recreation held a public hearing earlier this week. The committee heard testimony on the following bills:
Assembly Bill 692: Relating to funding for county snowmobile trails and areas and making an appropriation.
Assembly Bill 252: Relating to fee waivers for state park vehicle admission receipts to pupils enrolled in grade 4 and making an appropriation.
I appreciate everyone who came to the hearing to testify on these pieces of legislation. The bills are now available to be scheduled for an executive session at the discretion of the committee Chairman.
Rep. Swearingen and other members listening to testimony during the public hearing.
Oneida County ADRC Open House
Last week, I attended an Open House at the Oneida County Aging and Disability Resource Center. The event also celebrated the retirement of ADRC Director Dianne Jacobson, who will be stepping down from the position after 23 years. I would like to thank Dianne for her years of dedicated service to the community, and I wish her all the best in retirement!
Oneida County Board Supervisor Tom Kelly, Rep. Swearingen, ADRC Director Dianne Jacobson, and Oneida County Sheriff Grady Hartmann.
World Championship Snowmobile Derby
The annual Eagle River Vintage World Championship Snowmobile Derby is set to take place this weekend, followed by the World Championship Snowmobile Derby on January 16-19. To learn more about this great tradition please click here.
Travel Wisconsin Snow Report
To keep up to date with the snow conditions and trail openings around the state for snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, check out Travel Wisconsin's Snow Report.
DNR Outdoor Report
Published January 10, 2020
Please be aware of variable ice thickness if you plan to enjoy outdoor recreational activities this weekend!
Outdoor Report is your weekly snapshot for all things outdoors from across the state. Here is a brief look at what Wisconsin has in store for you this week.
In the north, snowmobile trails are in good condition on the travelwisconsin.com Snow Conditions Report. Keep an eye out for some slush spots due to the recent warmer weather. Cross-country ski conditions and snowshoeing are at a premium.
Fluctuating water levels have produced adverse ice conditions on backwaters of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. Southern Inland lakes have a variety of ice conditions, from open water to up to 5 inches. Northern ice conditions are highly variable from 3 to 12 inches, but slush is an issue.
Anglers should use extreme caution. Ice fishing has been good in some areas, with anglers reporting panfish and an occasion bass, walleye and northern pike. Early trout anglers had a good opening weekend with favorable weather and stream conditions. With the close of deer season, predator hunters are out in force having success with bobcat, fisher and otter catches all well represented.
