Blog Articles

Researchers from Columbia University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison along with members of the CDC Regional Centers for Excellence in Vector-Borne diseases are conducting a tick exposure behavioral study. As part of the study they have recently released the Tick App. The website also contains information on tick ID and tick safety.  From the Tick App website: What is the study about? In two words, Lyme disease.

One-Year Extension Available to Holders of Many Expiring Contracts through Continuous Signup WASHINGTON, June 1, 2018 – As part of a 33-year effort to protect sensitive lands and improve water quality and wildlife habitat on private lands, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will resume accepting applications for the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Eligible farmers, ranchers, and private landowners can sign up at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office between June 4 and Aug. 17, 2018.

With fire season still lingering in the north, the DNR has reported 53 structures destroyed by wildfires so far this year. The good news is, 439 were also threatened yet saved with firefighter assistance. To find out if your home or cabin is a high wildfire risk area, ask yourself these questions: Is your place surrounded by oak or pine trees? Are your rain gutters full of pine needles?

MADISON – Black bears have begun to emerge from their dens throughout Wisconsin and homeowners are encouraged to take precautions to avoid potential conflicts. Black bears normally avoid contact with people, but when food sources are available bears can quickly learn to associate humans with food. “Bear are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of available food sources,” said Brad Koele, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife damage specialist.

Richard “Dick” Hall, Sheboygan Falls – passed away May 8, 2018.  WWOA has lost one of our most active Past Presidents, life member Richard “Dick” Hall.  Dick served on the WWOA Board of Directors from 1983-1990.  He served as President elect from 1984-1985, President from 1985-1986 and Secretary from 1988-1990.  He also served on the Publications and Science Committees.  He was also known for his woodland columns in The Country Today.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in…

Norma Belliveau, Laughlin, NV & Tomahawk – passed away May 3, 2018.  Norma “Fozzy” Bellievue passed away in Nevada where they spent the winters. Norma served on the WWOA Board from 1990-1998.  She served as Secretary from 1990-1991, President from 1991-1993, and President Elect from 1995-1996.  She also served on the Awards and Government Affairs Committees.

Wisconsin bats continue to be hit hard by white-nose syndrome (WNS).  All 60 survey sites visited by conservation biologists in winter 2018 showed signs of infection.  A 99 percent decrease from historic averages at the first documented infection site; a 92 percent drop at sites in their fourth year of infection, and an 85 percent drop at sites in their third year of infection were documented.

The Wisconsin First Detector Network (WIFDN) is a citizen science network that empowers people to take action against invasive species through invasive species monitoring, management, and outreach. WIFDN provides training and resources through a combination of webinars, instructional videos, and hands-on workshops, in addition to providing volunteer opportunities to citizen scientists. Click here to get to their website.

MADISON – Farmers and land managers planting conservation seed mixes should be on the lookout for an aggressively invasive weed called Palmer amaranth, state plant protection officials say. In addition, anyone packing and labeling such seeds must take steps to avoid contaminating the mixes with Palmer amaranth.

Doris Queckboerner, Waupaca – passed away on April 27, 2018.  Cemetery service will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018.  Memorial contributions can be made to Epilepsy  Foundation, 8301 Professional Place, Suite 200, Landover, MD 20785.