DNR Starry Stonewort Management Proposal

Communicating with our GLA Membership

Part of the mission of the GLA is to provide “issue-centered communication” to our membership. We have used the GLA Guardian newsletter for that purpose, as well as timely email blasts. In order to improve our ability to communicate, we will be using, sparingly, an improved vehicle for email communication: Constant Contact. As a GLA member or former member, we have promised not to abuse your email inbox. [Constant Contact provides a means for you to unsubscribe should you so desire.] We hope you will find the following information regarding the Wisconsin DNR’s approach to the invasive plant, Starry Stonewort , worth your time.

Expect your copy

in early May!

DNR Management Proposal on Starry Stonewort

Public comment accepted until May 4, 2020

Summary by GLA Vice President E. Lynn Grayson

In its recently proposed regulatory guidance titled Permitting Guidance Starry Stonewort , Wisconsin DNR is formalizing what appears to be a “wait and see” approach related to the management of Starry Stonewort (SSW). WDNR’s guidance confirms that SSW control measures have so far proved to be largely ineffective based on various studies across the State. As a result, WDNR is formally shifting its focus from lake-side population control to mitigating adverse impacts, particularly related to navigational impediments in high traffic areas and boat launches.

The proposed guidance imposes no regulatory requirements or mandatory obligations on parties to respond to SSW. The guidance outlines WDNR’s policy to further study SSW management issues before issuing any new permits in 2020. It appears, however, that some new permits for SSW management will be available on a limited basis if the applicants agree to undertake a collaborative research project acceptable to WDNR. This approach is intended to provide WDNR with more information as its policies on SSW management evolve.

Comments on the proposed guidance may be submitted via email to Madi Johansen at madison.johansen@wisconsin.gov by May 4 ^th . GLA intends to provide a comment on this guidance and offer to help support DNR’s work in Geneva Lake.

In addition, WDNR has recently proposed related guidance titled Integrated Pest Management Guide . The proposed guidance promotes an evaluative ecosystem-based management process focused on long term prevention and control of species of concern or their adverse impacts. Comments also may be provided on this proposed guidance through May 4 ^th to the same WDNR contact identified above.

WDNR continues to release additional research and updates on SSW in Wisconsin. GLA will continue to monitor these developments on SSW and will periodically update its website to keep its membership informed.

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