Wisconsin Mixed Bag: Aug. 4 La Crosse press conference called with eye on Mississippi River’s management

La Crosse, Wis. — A group called Sustain Our River will host a press conference at 11:45 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4 at the Black River Beach House to draw awareness on the value of the Mississippi River and the federal and state agencies that work on the river. The beach house is at 1433 Rose Street, La Crosse.

Organizers expect to talk about funding for invasive species, sediment, and erosion, and improve water quality, nutrient reduction and habitat restoration, but also want to hear stories from river enthusiasts who visit the unique natural resource.

Brule State Fish Hatchery Hosting Family Fun Day Aug. 16

Brule, Wis. — The Wisconsin DNR, along with the Douglas County Fish and Game League, Brule River Sportsmen’s Club, the Wild Rivers Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Western Lake Superior Trollers Association, will host their annual family fun day at the Brule State Fish Hatchery in Brule on Saturday, Aug. 16 beginning at 10 a.m.

This free event will feature a variety of activities. DNR crews will show how they use electrofishing gear on streams to survey trout and other fish species. Attendees can take hatchery tours, participate in fly-tying and youth archery lessons, T-shirt painting, and catch-and-release fishing.

The Brule State Fish Hatchery raises Seeforellen brown trout for stocking in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Although the hatchery is located within the Brule River State Forest, vehicle admission stickers are not required on the day of the event. A valid Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older to fish. The hatchery is located at 13847 Hatchery Road in Brule.

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Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities Sign-Up Deadline is Sept. 15

Madison — Eligible hunters wanting to participate in the gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities must contact and confirm a location with a landowner sponsor before Sept. 15. Thousands of acres are available for this year’s hunt, which will take place Oct. 4-12. Hunters should contact sponsors directly to participate.

Some properties can accommodate more hunters than others, so hunters are advised to contact sponsors as early as possible to determine availability.

“This special hunt offers hunters with disabilities the opportunity to deer hunt during a time and in a place that is more accessible for them,” said Brooke VanHandel, DNR assistant deer and elk specialist. “We are so thankful for our landowner sponsors who are willing to partner with hunters and open their properties to allow more individuals to participate in Wisconsin’s deer hunting tradition.”

To sign up for a hunt, hunters or assistants should provide their name, contact information and DNR customer number. To be eligible, hunters must possess a valid Class A, C or D disabled permit or qualifying Class B permit. Hunters may sign up for one sponsored property per year and must possess a gun deer license.

Central Lake Michigan Coastal Region Master Plan Comment Period Closes Sept. 12

Madison — The public comment on future management of DNR properties in the Central Lake Michigan Coastal Region is open now through Sept. 12.

The Central Lake Michigan Coastal Region includes portions of 13 counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, and Winnebago. DNR properties in the region include fishery areas, natural areas, parks, wildlife areas and other types of properties. This plan includes properties such as Collins Marsh Wildlife Area, Harrington Beach State Park, Kohler-Andrae State Park, Navarino Wildlife Area, and Point Beach State Forest.

Anyone interested in learning more about the process and plan contents may attend a meeting at the DNR Green Bay office at 2984 Shawano Avenue Wednesday, Aug. 13, from 5-7 p.m. DNR staff will give a presentation at 5:30 p.m.

The public may submit comments and questions via the DNR’s online input form, downloadable hard-copy input forms (region-wide and property-specific) or by U.S. mail, email or phone. Submit comments by Sept. 12 to: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, C/O Natalie Avallone, DNR Property Planner, 1027 West St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233, or by email at Natalie.Avallone@wisconsin.gov.

Citizens also may drop off comments at the Kohler-Andrae State Park office on Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Navarino Wildlife Area nature center on Wednesday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at W5646 Lindsten Road, Shiocton.