Speaker's Task Force on Water Quality Public Hearing
Earlier this week, I attended a public hearing of the Speaker's Task Force on Water Quality in Tomahawk. The bipartisan task force was created to gather information and make policy recommendations to improve surface water and ground water quality throughout Wisconsin. The task force’s mission encompasses the following five objectives:
1. Identifying best practices for testing and data collection, measuring water quality in different parts of the state, and types of soil
2. Determining the sources and causes of contaminants impacting water quality
3. Consulting with stakeholders to assess current practices to manage runoff as well as suggestions to improve these efforts
4. Investigating remedies that will protect a healthy and stable supply of water for residents and industry
5. Studying best practices for designing and constructing wells and septic systems to safeguard a healthy water supply
The task force has held public hearings throughout the state, and it was great to see such a large turnout in Tomahawk. I look forward to seeing the task force’s final policy recommendations to the legislature in the coming months. To learn more about the Water Quality Task Force, please click here.
As an area legislator, I was able to join the other legislative members of the task force for the public hearing in Tomahawk.
The task force received a lot of informative testimony from the public regarding what the state can do to ensure safe, clean and sustainable water sources.
County Fairs Set to Begin
County Fairs are set to begin with August just around the corner! Our Northwoods county fairs always prove to be a fun time for the whole family with live music, carnival rides, games, food, agricultural exhibitions and more. Please click the links below for more information about the county fairs taking place throughout the 34th Assembly District.
It was great to welcome a group from Camp Ramah to the State Capitol this week. Camp Ramah is a summer camp for Jewish youth located in Conover. I hope everyone enjoyed their time down in Madison!
Some severe storms moved through the state last weekend with strong winds knocking down hundreds of trees and with it the power in many areas. The central part of the state was hardest hit, including Hartman Creek State Park, where the campground had to be evacuated and closed. Fortunately, there were no reports of severe injuries. Crews have been busy working on removing the downed trees, and the park is hoping to reopen the campground before this weekend. Anyone who has a camping reservation at the park should contact the park on Friday to confirm if the campground will reopen.
Other properties with damage include Straight Lake State Park, where the day-use area and campgrounds are closed until further notice, and the Tuscobia and Cattail state trails in Sawyer and Burnette counties, where many trees are blocking access.
Heavy rain again caused some rivers to swell, especially in the northeast. Water levels also remain high on many central Wisconsin lakes, and some municipalities continue to have slow-no-wake ordinance in place.
The rain and storms kept angling pressure down this week. Walleye and perch fishing on the west shore of Green Bay was slower than last week after the storms. Anglers targeting walleye on the Fox River were the bringing in on average three fish. Smallmouth bass fishing is still going strong on the Green Bay side of Door County. With the start of a salmon tournament this past weekend the fishing pressure was high at all the ports in northern Door. On average four fish were caught per boat, with chinook leading the way while a few rainbows were caught as well.
On Lake Michigan anglers fishing out of Sheboygan were having success with most boats averaging around four to five fish. The most targeted fish were kings. Most the fish caught were steelheads and lake trout, but there were a handful of kings seen as well. Fishing activity remained constant in Racine and Kenosha as anglers were trying to catch more fish to enter in the Salmon-a-Rama tournament before it ended on Sunday. A few steelhead were brought in along with coho and a few chinook and some brown trout as well.
Antler growth on whitetail bucks has been significant over the last couple of weeks. A doe with triplet fawns was seen crossing a road in Waushara County. Turkeys are working roadsides looking for bugs with their broods of all sizes, and yearling bears can be spotted darting across the road as they disperse from mom during the breeding season.
Berry pickers have been out in force the last few weeks. Raspberries and black-capped raspberries have been fantastic, and blackberries are just starting the turn. Blueberries are ripening in the Northwoods.
Monarchs and admiral butterflies are numerous among the blooming milkweeds. St John's wort, black-eyed Susan's, trefoil, fireweed, and queen Anne's lace are in bloom. There are plenty of mosquitos, deer flies and horseflies for the songbirds that are feeding their families.
This weekend offers excellent opportunities to learn more about an experience Wisconsin history and Native American culture. There will be a French Voyageur Encampment all weekend at Pike Lake and Ho-Chunk Nation dancers will perform Friday at Devil's Lake.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Most of the State Forest escaped the devastating storms of the past week. Hikers and forest users may come across a few downed trees and branches. Please use caution when out and about. Water levels remain high, but inviting for a swim! Blueberries are starting to ripen, if one knows where to look! Monarchs and admiral butterflies are numerous among the blooming milkweeds. Spotted knapweed is full of bumble bees. St John's wort, black eyed Susan's, trefoil, fireweed, queen Anne's lace and cow parsnip add to the beauty of the summer bloom. Turkeys are working the roadsides looking for bugs with their broods of all sizes, and yearling bears can be spotted darting across the road as they disperse from mom during the breeding season. There are plenty of mosquitos, deer flies and horseflies for the songbirds that are feeding their families. - Rosalie Richter, visitor services associate
Community Events
Please click the following links for upcoming community events!
