Accent on Natural Landscaping

Donna VanBuecken

Climate Adaptation Fund Pre-proposals Due NLT 5PM April 8th

This is a very short-fuse notice regarding a funding opportunity from the Wildlife Conservation Society for projects focused on implementing priority conservation actions for climate adaptation at a landscape scale for up to two years. Projects include those based in and around urban environments as well as adaptation projects in less developed landscapes.

Applicant must be a US-based non-profit within the 50 U.S. states and six U.S. territories.

Applicants for the Climate Adaptation Fund must complete a pre-proposal form no later than 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 8th, 2016.

Details and News Release.

   Send article as PDF   

Conservation Congress – Wisconsin

On Monday, April 11th, the 2016 Conservation Congress will be held in each county of the State of Wisconsin at 7PM. Wisconsin is one of the few, if perhaps the only, state to give its citizens a voice in conservation legislation through such hearings. Although most of the items covered by these hearings relate to hunting and fishing, all pertain to biodiversity and some indirectly to natural landscaping. Key elements in this year’s questionnaire include the following questions about which I have concerns:

11   establish consistent fall season end dates for hunting

13   support Natural Resources Board again choosing WDNR Secretary

15   re-establish a 12 month timeframe for adoption of wildlife management rules

20   repeal revised regulatory framework for iron mining

21    initiate a moratorium and research on frac sand mining and processing

22   ban lead from sporting ammunition and fishing tackle

30   make natural resources education prerequisite qualifications for senior DNR managers

35   support promoting public awareness, consciousness and stewardship

37   create a Wildlife Conservation Stamp for non-consumptive (non-hunters/fishers)

39   allow hunters to use unsuccessful turkey permits from periods 1-4 during periods 5-6

If you are not able to attend the session to cast your vote personally, but you wish to comment on the proposed rule changes or WDNR Wildlife advisory questions, you can submit comments or phone (608) 267-2452 by April 11th.

Established in 1937, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress was legislatively recognized in 1972 as Statute 15.348 to ensure citizens would have a liaison between the Natural Resources Board and the Department of Natural Resources.

“The conservation congress shall be an independent organization of citizens of the state and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the natural resources board on all matters under the jurisdiction of the board. Its records, budgets, studies and surveys shall be kept and established in conjunction with the department of natural resources. Its reports shall be an independent advisory opinion of such congress (s. 15.348, Wis. Stats.).”

   Send article as PDF   

Spring is Here!

Indian corn (Dicentra canadensis) poking through the leaves of the woodland floor.
Indian corn (Dicentra canadensis) poking through the leaves of the woodland floor. Soon their little white breeches will start to show.
Often the first sign of spring in the woodland forest, young leeks (Allium tricoccum) are a favorite food of deer.
Often the first sign of spring in the forest, leeks (Allium tricoccum) are typically NOT a favorite food of deer and rabbits.

 

Wondering around my yard earlier this week, I found these signs of spring peeking through the leaves of my woodland. Hope you’re enjoying signs of spring in your own yard as well.

Leave a comment and tell us what’s coming up in your yard.

   Send article as PDF