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Time to log on to the Conservation Congress Spring Hearing

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The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is taking public input between 7pm on April 11 through 7pm on April 14 (Central Time).

I just followed my own advice and completed the vote (or survey, as the DNR and Conservation Congress prefer to call it). I plowed through every question including all the ones submitted in Dane County. Some of these are important issues and Madison Audubon has provided some voting recommendations below. I hope they're helpful but please vote regardless of whether you agree with all of them.

Photo by Monica Hall

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What did that owl mean?

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What did that owl mean?

A spectacular Barred Owl flew low and slow across a town road I was driving on, giving me that best look ever at that lovely bird. Wow!

Since this odd weather has me spending too much time inside, I've been pondering the meaning of that encounter.

The first reflection is that regardless of weather, I need to spend more time outside. I don't see the owl from my basement bunker. Even with the lousy mix of snow, rain, and very cold nights, spring is here with birds leading the way.

Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

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Spring's almost here and so are the Hearings

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The official start to spring is just days away, and thank goodness for it. With the change of seasons come the glorious sounds of Sandhill Cranes, the freeing temperatures above freezing, and the promise of garden bounty around the corner.

It also signals the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Spring Hearing, a long-time traditionin Wisconsin that allows citizen across the state to weigh in on really important conservation issues. Your votes in the hearing signal to the DNR Board what the public wants, though the results are non-binding. The hearing will be virtual again this year running from April 11-14.

Photo by Mick Thompson