Wisconsin's Wetlands

This morning, the Wisconsin State Senate passed a bill loosening development restrictions on wetlands. While Wisconsin conservatives maintain that this bill will help businesses and increase jobs, many others worry that Wisconsin could potentially lose thousands of acres of wetlands.

The Wisconsin Wetland Association released a press release stating the following:

 "We remind you that wetlands contribute billions in free services to Wisconsin's economy every year. They protect us from floods, support our fish and wildlife, clean our water, and preserve the outdoor heritage Wisconsin residents hold so dear. If this law is enacted, we will no longer be able to count on the state to protect our wetlands."

We'll be posting our next Featured Book this afternoon, but in the meantime, check out the following resources to learn more about Wisconsin's wetlands.

• Protecting Our Wetlands reading list from Wisconsin's Water Library
• Visit the Wisconsin Wetlands Association website
• Access the bill's text
• Looking for something specific? Ask Water to let us know!

Friday with the Phragmites

Maybe something like a dust mite comes to mind, but instead read it as a three syllable word, pronounce the second half "mighty's" and think plants. Phragmite is the scientific or botanical name for the common reed, often found in wetland areas in temperate and tropical regions of the world. They are perennial plants, meaning that they live longer than two years, and can grow to be 15 feet tall and spread up to 60 feet.

You may have heard more about these reeds lately because they are quite prolific. Sometimes referred to as an invasive species, phragmites in large numbers can be harmful to wetlands. Recently, residents of Grand Haven, MI were invited to a forum to learn more about phragmites and the potential implications for local bayous and rivers. They pose threats  to native species, wildlife habitat and shore views. Because they grow rather densely and spread far, they drink up a good deal of water and make it hard for other plants or animals to get through or share their habitat area. There is scientific debate as to whether this plant is native to North America or had European origins. Since roots grow very deep, one of the best known ways to control this plant is by burning it over two to three seasons.

Read more about phragmites from this USDA site or on this UW Sea Grant page. For general reading on invasive species, see the library's recommended reading list. We are also working on adding some new kids' books on invasive species to the collection, so check back soon for those.

Photo from wikipedia.

Upper Mississippi River Floodplain Named Wetland of International Importance

One of 30 Wetlands of International Importance, the Upper Mississippi River Floodplain was celebrated yesterday in an address by DNR Secretary Matt Frank. Hosted at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, national and international officials gathered to celebrate this official designation. "The Mississippi is one of the great rivers of the world, and we strongly support this landmark designation. The vast wetlands of the Upper Mississippi floodplain, teeming with fish and wildlife, have long been an important anchor for Wisconsin's economy, its environment and its high quality of life. Now this beautiful workhorse of a river is receiving the recognition it deserves as a globally important resource," Frank stated. He also went on to acknowledge the work of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the DNR.

For further reading on wetlands see the DNR's Wetlands Media Kit, or our recommended reading list, Protecting Our Wetlands. The WDNR release of Frank's statement is also available, here.

Photo courtesy of WDNR.

Wetlands resource from US Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency that provides information to the public on the extent and status of the Nation's wetlands. The agency has developed a series of topical maps to show wetlands and deepwater habitats. This geospatial information is used by Federal, State, and local agencies, academic institutions, and private industry for management, research, policy development, education and planning activities. Digital data can be viewed and downloaded through several methods.

Wetlands provide a multitude of ecological, economic and social benefits. They provide habitat for fish, wildlife and a variety of plants. Wetlands are nurseries for many saltwater and freshwater fishes and shellfish of commercial and recreational importance. Wetlands are also important landscape features because they hold and slowly release flood water and snow melt, recharge groundwater, act as filters to cleanse water of impurities, recycle nutrients, and provide recreation and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of people.

To view the National Wetlands Inventory, go to US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Assessing wetlands programs of the Great Lakes

The National Wildlife Federation and other partners released a report on July 7, 2009 highlighting the challenges of wetland protection in the Great Lakes region, with a focus on four Great Lakes states, including Wisconsin. This assessment may help raise awareness of wetlands need for protection, particularly regarding the President's 2010 Budget of $475 million to Great Lakes restoration.

To read the summary, go to National Wildlife Federation.

Wetland Gems

In May 2009, in celebration of American Wetlands Month, Wisconsin Wetlands Association launched our new Wetland Gems program. This program aims to increase public awareness of and appreciation for all of the state's wetlands and to generate community pride in and commitment to stewardship of local wetland treasures that have statewide, national, and even international importance.

What are Wetland Gems? Wetland Gems are high quality habitats that represent the wetland riches - marshes, swamps, bogs, fens and more - that historically made up nearly a quarter of Wisconsin’s landscape. Critically important to Wisconsin’s biodiversity, these natural treasures also provide our communities with valuable functions and services as well as recreational and educational opportunities. They are landscapes that both preserve the past and inspire for the future.

To learn more about Wetland Gems, go to Wisconsin Wetland Association.

Society of Wetland Scientist annual conference

Society of Wetland Scientists annual conference

The North Central Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists is pleased to be hosting the Society's 30th annual meeting in Madison, WI with partners the Wisconsin Wetlands Association and the Wetland Biogeochemistry Symposium. To be held June 21-26, 2009 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, the conference will follow successful formats used previously including plenary sessions, symposia, contributed oral presentations, poster sessions, exhibitor booths, a silent auction, chapter and society business meetings, social functions and field trips.

U.S. Designates Upper Mississippi River Floodplains a Wetland of International Importance

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced approval of portions of the Upper Mississippi River, including the Midwest's largest national wildlife refuge, as a Wetland of International Importance.

In making the announcement, Secretary Salazar said, "The ecological, social, and economic values of the Upper Mississippi River make it one of the crown jewels of this nation's wetlands. This marks the 27th U.S.
wetland designated under the Convention on Wetlands. The U.S. became a party to the convention in 1987, which now includes 150 countries. It's certainly fitting that this area has now officially received international recognition."

The designation includes just over 300,000 acres of federal and state lands and waters of the Upper Mississippi River floodplain from near Wabasha, Minn. to north of Rock Island, Ill. The designation includes all of the 240,000-acre Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge headquartered in Winona, Minn. and the adjacent 6,226-acre Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin.

Other designated sites in the U.S. include such wetland icons as Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia and Florida, Everglades National Park in Florida, and Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin.

To read more, go to the USDA Water Quality Information Center news.

EPA promotes American Wetlands Month

Learn! Explore! Take Action!

Throughout the month of May, EPA and its wetland partners across the country are celebrating the vital importance of wetlands to our nation's ecological, economic, and social health. EPA and a host of other public and private partners are planning a number of events as part of this year's celebration. In particular, 2009 marks the 20th Anniversary of the National Wetlands Awards program (143 champions of wetlands conservation honored since 1989). On May 12, the Environmental Law Institute, EPA, and other federal partners will, once again, honor a diverse group of individuals for their extraordinary commitment to conserving wetlands at an award ceremony on Capitol Hill.

Other highlights include:
EPA's Science Notebook focus on wetlands that will highlight the diversity of wetlands and wetland research being undertaken by EPA across the country using assorted multi-media tools such as blogs, podcasts, interviews, and photo diaries.
A National Webcast "Wetlands-Re-connecting Youth with Nature" on May 28th" that will explore the unique role wetlands can play in connecting young people with nature.
EPA regional activities planned for the month of May include educational displays, discussions, presentations, special feature articles, wetland walks and celebrations, and an array of other outreach and communication events.
Information on national, regional, and local activities planned for May will be updated and posted throughout the month on EPA's American Wetlands Month website.

Online maps showing wetlands and potential wetlands

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently highlighted their resources to identify wetlands and the importance of this in Wisconsin, especially when buying property.

To read the latest article, visit WI DNR news.

Also visit their pages to locate wetlands and
their Wetlands Media Kit if interested.

Web Resource: Informational tools aim to protect wetlands, help landowners

The Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources (WDNR) has worked with the Wisconsin Realtors Association and the Wisconsin Wetlands Association to develop a real estate addendum that people can complete with their offer to purchase. The Addendum W – Wetlands is a legal document that allows buyers an opportunity to verify that wetlands are present on a property and to negotiate a mutual remedy with the seller, which might include the ability to rescind or modify the offer terms, if wetlands are confirmed.

Read more....
Learn how to locate wetlands....