Wisconsin Conservation Congress 2024
Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance Survey Guide

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Annual Spring Hearing gives members of the public the opportunity to provide input on a variety of questions. We encourage you to take the time to fill out the survey—many of the questions impact ecosystems and wildlife both locally and throughout the state.

You can register your opinions online starting at noon on April 10 until noon on April 13 by clicking the button below. Participating online is encouraged, but there is also an in-person opportunity in each county on April 8 at 6pm.

Participate in the 2024 WCC Spring Hearing Survey

Below are questions pulled out of the statewide questionnaire that relate to bird conservation, as well as the SoWBA response. You can also read the guide from Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter and The Prairie Enthusiasts.

1. Development of an administrative pathway for faster angling regulation changes in situation of conservation need

In Wisconsin, there is an administrative rule-making pathway for prompt angling regulation changes that can be used in instances when slow growth of a particular fish species has been documented or when reverting to the default or statewide regulation. Unfortunately, this pathway cannot currently be used to address an immediate conservation need, such as a declining walleye population where natural reproduction is found to be failing. In these cases, the ability to move to a conservative harvest regulation promptly could help move the fish population onto the path to recovery. Timely management actions, including angling regulation changes, are sometimes needed to protect fisheries from further decline and/or to begin rehabilitative efforts. The current two- to three-year process for changing angling regulations in Wisconsin can hinder the efforts of fish biologists and local partners when immediate, long-term rehabilitative action is needed, leaving fish populations vulnerable to harm.

1. Do you favor the department working with the Conservation Congress to develop an administrative pathway that would allow for faster angling regulation changes in instances where an adequate amount of data show an immediate need for preservation and restoration of a population of a naturally reproducing native or naturalized fish species? YES

Native fish species are crucial to our ecosystems and sustain many species of birds and other wildlife. When there is a known need to protect or conserve native species, action should be taken sooner rather than later.

6. Lower Wisconsin River shovelnose sturgeon season closure

Currently, the shovelnose sturgeon fishery on the Lower Wisconsin River has a continuous open fishing season that utilizes a 3-fish daily bag limit and no minimum size limit (established in 2001-2002). Recent creel data, fishery concerns from DNR Law Enforcement, and population research have indicated that the current regulations may not be entirely appropriate for the long-term viability of shovelnose sturgeon in the Lower Wisconsin River. In particular, these findings indicate the need to implement more restrictive regulations to protect spawning populations of shovelnose sturgeon, such as through a shovelnose sturgeon season closure. [Abbreviated]

6. Do you favor closing the shovelnose sturgeon fishing season on the Lower Wisconsin River below the Prairie Du Sac Dam to the confluence with the Mississippi River to protect spawning fish that are vulnerable to fishing from the Monday following the first Sunday in March to the Friday preceding the first Saturday in July? YES

Native fish species are important to our ecosystems. By closing the shovelnose sturgeon season, their populations, and therefore their place in the ecosystem, will be better protected.

8. Allow some deer parts to be left in the field after harvest

Wisconsin’s current deer quartering rule requires all deer parts (minus the entrails) to be removed from the field after harvest. This rule primarily affects public land hunters, who unlike most private land hunters, don’t have access to groomed trails or motor vehicle assistance and requires the hunter to manually remove the entire deer from point of harvest to wherever their vehicle is located. Many western states have successfully adopted regulation allowing hunters to quarter or completely debone harvested game and leave “non-edible” carcass material at the site of harvest. Adopting similar language would encourage Wisconsin hunters to hunt farther from roadways/parking lots potentially reducing hunting pressure and could also potentially reduce disease spread and the number of deer carcasses that end up in public parking lots, access trails and along roadside ditches by allowing hunters to leave “non-edible” material at the site of harvest and eliminating the requirement of removing the entire harvested deer from the field. [Abbreviated]

8. Do you support allowing hunters who quarter their deer in the field to leave non-edible parts at the site of harvest? NO

Carcasses left in the fields are frequently scavenged by wildlife, including Bald Eagles and other birds of prey, exposing them to lead ammunition. Lead exposure is a serious problem for birds, ingesting even a tiny particle of lead is enough to be lethal.

26. Designating the monarch butterfly as Wisconsin’s state butterfly (450123)

Requires legislation. The population of the monarch butterfly has continued to decline in Wisconsin. If the monarch butterfly becomes our state butterfly, more citizens may take action to support raising monarchs, either at home, their businesses, schools, nature centers or at public parks.

26. Would you support the Conservation Congress working with the state legislature to designate the monarch buterfly as the Wisconsin state butterfly? YES

The eastern migratory population of monarch butterflies has seen significant declines in Wisconsin and beyond. Efforts to raise the visibility of this issue and protect these pollinators, crucial to many native plants, should be supported.

28. Include educational material on lead in all hunter education and fishing / hunting literature produced by the WI DNR (130623)

Lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle have been shown to pose environmental risks to wildlife and public health, and non-lead alternatives are increasingly available and effective.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a duty to provide hunters with information on best practices for hunting and conservation. This resolution would require material produced by the Wisconsin DNR related to hunting and fishing to include information on non-lead alternatives and the impact that lead ammunition and fishing tackle have on our ecosystems and public health. Currently this information is only available online and is not included when purchasing a hunting or fishing license.

This information should include a description of the environmental and health risks posed by lead ammunition and fishing tackle. It would incorporate information provided by hunter education initiatives such as Sporting Lead-Free that offer information on alternatives to lead.

By providing this information and promoting non-lead alternatives, the Wisconsin DNR can help ensure that hunters and anglers in Wisconsin are informed and equipped to make responsible choices that promote conservation and protect our natural resources.

29. Do you support DNR including information on lead alternatives and the impact that lead ammunition and fishing tackle have on our ecosystems and public health in hunter education courses and hunting and fishing regulation materials? YES

Lead exposure is a serious problem for birds, and ingesting even a tiny particle of lead is enough to be lethal. Some of Wisconsin’s most beloved birds, including Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Trumpeter and Tundra Swans all face heightened risk for lead poisoning when they unintentionally ingest lead tackle or ammunition while foraging for food.

29. Phase out lead in hunting with firearms by 2030 (130723)

Lead is superior for many things. Lead is also toxic for animals, some more than others. When used for pursuing game, at harvest the lead can end up in entrails and be scavenged by sensitive animals like eagles. It can also be fragmented into the meat, and possibly even find its way into food pantries through donations.

The use of lead shot is already restricted from use in waterfowl hunting and for all game on some properties, and some people already choose not to use lead for reasons including safety in consumption.

Other options are available, but they're more expensive especially because they're considered specialty items. Providing a timeline would allow supply chains and retailers to adapt and compete as demand normalizes.

29. Would you support eliminating lead, statewide, from firearm ammunition used for hunting by 2030? YES

Unintentional consumption of lead ammunition fragments is dangerous and a known cause of lead toxicity (and death) in raptors species, including the Bald Eagle. Phasing out the use of lead ammunition is the best way to eliminate this unnecessary risk.

30. The Eastern Bluebird and other grassland birds are declining at an unprecedented rate in Wisconsin (131223)

The Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW), established by the Wisconsin Department Natural Resources (DNR) in 1986 to reestablish the population of the Eastern Bluebird and other cavity nesting birds (grassland species) in the State that showed significant decline since the mid 1960’s. With the field work of hundreds of nesting monitors (Monitors are people who check on nesting boxes every 7-10 days during the nesting season which can last from April into September, but more commonly through July), statewide, BRAW end of season reports show a steady increase of fledged bluebirds to a total of 35,500+ in 2012. Since this time, there has been a significant drop in numbers fledged. The totals in 2022 was 13,683 fledged, almost a third less.

Though this significant decline can be attributed to more than one issues, most can be resolved with a concentrated effort across the state with an emphasis on education. Using the resources of the DNR publications and statewide network, posters at libraries, participation of the appropriate departments within our state university sites, seminars through 4-H and the Farm services, a continued effort to alert people of these issue (avoiding just a one-shot deal) may impact and help slow or correct the avian decline in our state, especially grassland birds. [Abbreviated]

30. Do you support DNR using their resources and working with the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin to expand nesting box monitors and to help educate the public about the impact of pesticides on grassland bird populations? YES

Because of habitat loss and pesticide use, grassland bird species have seen some of the biggest declines across the country. Increasing awareness of this issue through public education is crucial to protecting birds like the Bobolink and Henslow’s Sparrow, “tipping point” species that nest in Wisconsin and are in dire need of protection.

31. “Keep Cats Indoors” education (180223)

Since the 1960’s North America’s wild birds have declined by one-third, or nearly 3 billion individuals. One of the greatest causes of unnatural mortality in wild birds is house cats thoughtlessly allowed to roam free outdoors. Cats let out-of-doors by people kill an estimated billion birds a year in the United States. A single house cat turned loose outside – even if declawed or belled – can kill several dozen wild birds in a year. A current practice called TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) involves releasing trapped cats back into the wild after neutering them. The practice, while reducing cats’ ability to breed does nothing to reduce the significant predatory pressure on birds. Education about the impact of free-roaming cats could change the behaviors of pet owners and reduce bird mortality.

31. Do you support the DNR and other conservation groups creating an awareness campaign focused on the adverse impact outdoor cats have on Wisconsin's wild bird populations? YES

Feral and free-roaming domestic cats kill an estimated 2.4 billion wild birds each year (in addition to billions more wild mammals and reptiles). All efforts to raise awareness of this issue and encourage people to keep cats indoors should be pursued to protect Wisconsin’s native wildlife.

32. Wake boat ballast systems violate current Wisconsin regulations (640523)

(Requires legislation). It has been known since the 1980’s that ballast water containing aquatic invasive species was discharged into the St. Lawrence Seaway from European ships. From there the invasives made their way into our Great Lakes and now into Wisconsin’s inland lakes. Current regulations state that all boat ballast systems must be completely emptied prior to being removed from the boat landing. Wake boat ballast systems are not designed to be completely emptied. Many of the boat ballast systems are inaccessible and totally enclosed. This makes the systems impossible to inspect and unable to dry because they are enclosed.

Wake boat ballast systems cannot be completely emptied. Therefore, they can transfer aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels, spiny water fleas and fish diseases from one lake to another. Wake boats could be used on lakes and rivers for activities such as water skiing, tubing and pleasure cruising but use of the ballast system feature should be prohibited. [Abbreviated]

32. Would you support the WCC and legislature creating a new statute that prohibits the use of wake boat ballast systems on Wisconsin's lakes and rivers? YES

Invasive species can outcompete native species, impacting the ecosystems of numerous kinds of birds that make their homes around lakes, rivers, and streams.

33. Protective limitations on PFAS compounds (660223)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 4,000 "forever chemicals." PFAS substances continually accumulate in the human body in never decreasing amounts. 98% of Americans have measurable levels of PFAS in their blood.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), certain PFAS pose risks to human health, including developmental problems in fetuses and infants, certain types of cancer, reduced antibody response, decreased immune response to vaccinations, and kidney disease. People accumulate PFAs from a wide variety of consumer products, water repellants, non-stick pans, stain resistant materials, cosmetics, fire-fighting foams, fast food wrappers and paper production and biosolids or wastewater sludge applied to farm fields as a substitute for fertilizer.

Eating fish and game can also be a major contributor to PFAS accumulation in our bodies. PFAS contaminate fish across the U.S., with higher levels in the Great Lakes. In fact, A group of scientists, the Environmental Working Group, found the median amounts of PFAS in freshwater fish were an astounding 280 times greater than PFAS detected in some commercially caught and sold fish. In Michigan, smelt consumption from Lake Superior has been restricted to a suggested 8 oz portion per month for adults.

33. Should the Legislature, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health develop and enact protective limitations on PFAS compounds for acute and chronic toxicity in surface water, wildlife health, groundwater, fish consumption, and human health? YES

The health of our human and wildlife communities are both harmed by the presence of PFAS in our drinking water and environment.

34. Prohibit the Use of the aquatic herbicide 2,4D in all aquatic Ecosystems in the state of Wisconsin

2,4D has been used in an unsuccessful attempt to eliminate nonnative aquatic plants in Wisconsin aquatic ecosystems for decades. This has been an expensive and in general unsuccessful endeavor. A recently completed seven-year study in Ellwood Lake, Florence County Wisconsin has documented the detrimental effect on the plant and animal communities of the lake. Extensive research has documented shifts in adult reproductive capabilities, egg quality degradation, larval mortality and reduced egg hatching percentages of many fish species at various concentrations and formulations of 2,4-D. Complete elimination of crappie and pumpkinseed populations were recorded in Ellwood Lake. Significant decrease in total zooplankton populations and zooplankton community changes have been documented. Zooplankton, being the primary food source for larval and prolarval fish of many species are of utmost importance for successful fish communities. [Abbreviated]

34. Do you support the elimination of the use of herbicide, 2,4D in aquatic ecosystems in the state of Wisconsin? YES

This herbicide is not working to eliminate nonnative aquatic plants, and has been shown to be harmful to native plant species and fish populations.

39. Urging powerline companies not to mow low native vegetation in summer (050423, 110423, 120323, 131323, 220423, 410623, 460323, 630323)

Cooperatives and companies that operate electric powerlines throughout Wisconsin are mowing low ground vegetation under powerlines during nesting season destroying valuable wildlife habitat. Power companies need to eliminate tall trees growing under powerlines so that the trees do not impact the electrical transmission lines. Some power companies use large mowers to completely mow all ground vegetation, including milkweed, hazel, dogwood, and native prairie species. Milkweed is the one basic plant that is required by monarch butterflies, which is considered “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that the monarch is “a candidate for listing.” Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed plants, which are the only foods that the Monarch caterpillars eat once the egg hatches”. Mowing in mid-summer not only destroys the plant but any eggs that are left on the leaves by adult monarchs. In addition, this vegetation is often native vegetation, that nobody planted under the powerlines, shrubs provide nesting habitat for late nesting songbirds, wild turkeys, and shade for amphibians. In Wisconsin powerlines traverse the entire state. Dairyland Power Coop says it has 3,200 miles of powerlines, ground that can be disturbed, and monarch habitat mowed down in prime breeding season.

39. Would you support that the Wisconsin Conservation Congress advising the Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Conservation Bureau to request powerline companies refrain from mowing during the summer months and encourage powerline companies to work with private landowners to manage powerline vegetation that provides habitat for insects and wildlife? YES

Allowing native vegetation to flourish in these areas provides crucial habitat for the monarch butterfly, nesting birds, and other native wildlife.

42. Ballast system inspection requirement (130223)

Ballast systems are used in some boats to artificially enhance wakes. These systems can contain hundreds of gallons of lake water. NR 19.055(1) requires all ballast systems to be emptied of water immediately upon leaving the waterbody. The failure to totally empty water from ballast systems risks the spread of invasive species to other waterbodies as for most ballasted boats, it is impossible to fully empty the water after removal of the boats from the waterbody, leaving an average of 8 gallons of water and as much as 20 gallons of water that cannot be purged. There is currently no reasonable way to inspect ballast systems on many boats upon removal of the boat from the waterbody. WDNR personnel have stated that it is impossible to enforce the regulation regarding emptying ballast systems upon leaving the body of water because of an inability to inspect water ballast tanks. The boat owner should follow manufacturers' instructions to make the system visible and permit any WDNR employee, municipal official, and any State authorized Clean Boats / Clean Waters person monitoring boat landings to inspect the ballast system and forbid any person from launching or removing a boat that contains water in a ballast system. Any ballast system that has no practical means for inspecting shall be presumed to contain residual water and shall be forbidden to launch.

42. Would you support regulations by DNR to require that all ballast systems used in boats shall have a reasonable practical means of inspecting the system to confirm that no water is retained in the system (tanks, piping, valves, etc.)? YES

Invasive species can outcompete native species, which impact the ecosystem of numerous kinds of birds that make their homes around lakes, rivers, and streams. This measure is intended to prevent invasive species from entering these ecosystems.

Citizen resolutions (By county)

Numerous citizen resolutions have been submitted across the state and are voted on by county. If your county of residence includes any of the following resolutions, please consider:

Restricting or eliminating the use of lead in ammunition and tackle: Lead poisoning, caused by accidental ingestion of hunting and fishing supplies, is a major death sentence for numerous birds in Wisconsin, including Bald Eagles, Common Loons, and more.
Providing funds for Wisconsin farmers for non-lethal predator prevention programs: Crop depredation can often be prevented through non-lethal means, while killing may have opposite the intended effect.
Reducing contamination in drinking water: Safe water is crucial for our communities.
Avoiding new fossil fuel infrastructure: Reducing dependency on fossil fuels is an important move for our communities, climate, and environment.