The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will be setting more than 10,000 traps for spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth) in 47 counties from mid-May through early June. DATCP requests that property owners allow trappers access to place traps and not disturb the traps once in place.

“The data we gather from these traps provide an estimate of the state’s spongy moth population and is used to plan for next year’s spray treatment,” said Michael Falk, DATCP Spongy Moth Program Manager. “It also helps DATCP nursery and Christmas tree inspectors check trees for spongy moth egg masses in the fall.”

Traps are small green boxes tied to tree branches. The trap contains the scent of a female spongy moth that is undetectable to other insects and is used to attract and catch adult male spongy moths.

Trappers will monitor traps until male moths stop flying and the traps are removed in August. Trappers wear fluorescent vests and carry identification cards. Each trap is labeled with a phone number that property owners can call if they have questions or decide they want it removed.

For more information on spongy moth trapping:

• Visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/SMSurvey.aspx
• Call the hotline toll-free at (800) 642-MOTH.
• Email questions to spongymoth@wisconsin.gov.
• Follow DATCP on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Stevens Point Journal is reporting that the Stevens Point paper mill has been sold to a Miami-based private equity firm.

Pixelle Specialty Solutions and other affiliated paper mill plants have been sold to H.I.G. Capital.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The Stevens Point mill employs about 300 people. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of this year.

Swedish company, BillerudKorsnäs, officials announced the completion of its acquisition of Verso on March 31, 2022.  Their press release does not mention the future of the Wisconsin Rapids paper mill.

The acquisition of Verso reinforces BillerudKorsnäs’ strategy to drive profitable and sustainable growth and its ambition to accelerate its growth in North America. As a result of the acquisition of Verso, BillerudKorsnäs is now one of the largest providers of virgin paper and packaging materials with a cost and quality advantage.

Going forward, BillerudKorsnäs intends to simplify its company name and brand to “Billerud”, which it will operate under in all markets, including the U.S.  BillerudKorsnäs is committed to continuing to serve Verso’s customers across all segments and realising its previously announced plans to convert several of Verso’s assets into paperboard machines, while maintaining Verso’s position as a quality and cost leader in speciality and coated paper.

The first round of County Deer Advisory Council (CDAC) public meetings is starting March 21.

At each meeting, County Deer Advisory Councils (CDAC) will consider recommendations on holiday hunts, extended archery seasons and antlerless deer quotas.

Make sure you’re part of the conversation. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) website for info on your county’s meeting date, time and Zoom link:

Participate In Deer Season Planning

There are several ways to participate in deer season planning:

• Now: Review your county’s harvest and population metrics.
• March 21-31: Attend your CDAC’s planning meeting in late March. Check the DNR website for your county’s meeting time.
• April 9-15: Give your feedback during the online comment period.
• April 25 – May 5: Attend your CDAC’s meeting to review public input and finalize recommendations to the department.

CDACS Are Your Voice In Deer Management

Each county in Wisconsin has a County Deer Advisory Council to provide input and recommendations to the department on deer management within their county. Councils work with local DNR staff to schedule meetings, provide community outreach and an opportunity for public input, review population data and deer impacts on forests and agriculture, develop recommendations on county population objectives and create annual antlerless harvest quotas.

In early May, each CDAC will make recommendations to the department for the 2022 season based on deer herd metrics, county deer population goals and public feedback. This summer, the DNR will bring its recommendations for the 2022 season to the Natural Resources Board.

The public can submit questions about the process to DNRCDACWebMail@wisconsin.gov. More information is available on the DNR’s County Deer Advisory Councils webpage.

In partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has detected emerald ash borer (EAB) for the first time in Bayfield County. A resident reported this ash tree-killing beetle in the city of Bayfield on March 2 and it was confirmed to be EAB by USDA-APHIS on March 11. It appears to have been present in the reported tree for at least three years prior to detection, with the symptomatic tree showing significant woodpecker flecking, epicormic sprouts, and D-shaped exit holes.

Bayfield County is the second new county detection of 2022 and marks the 63rd county detection since EAB was first confirmed in the state in 2008. There are nine Wisconsin counties that have not had an EAB detection. There are no regulatory changes as a result of this detection. EAB was federally deregulated as of January 14, 2021, and Wisconsin instituted a statewide quarantine in 2018.

For more information about EAB and where it has been found, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/EAB.aspx.

Note: DATCP will send notifications only when EAB is found for the first time in a county.

The upcoming episode of the 17-time Emmy Award winning television show, “Into the Outdoors,” will feature forestry careers at the WDNR. Titled “Heroes of the Forest,” the episode airs March 19-20 across Wisconsin, and will be available online starting March 21. Check here for your local air times. The episode is targeted towards young people interested in natural resources, and will explore the career opportunities available with the WDNR. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is focused on advancing diversity across the department, and they believe that starts with educating youth about the importance of forestry and the wide array of opportunities available within the WDNR.

The WDNR is calling for entries from Wisconsin high school students for the 2023 Wisconsin State Park and Forest vehicle admission sticker design contest. The contest is open to all high school aged students attending public, private or parochial schools, as well as homeschooled students. Vehicle admission stickers provide access to the many state parks, forest and recreational areas across Wisconsin. Entries are being accepted through April 30, 2022. Rules, submission guidelines, and information can be found here. Good luck!