2008 editions

December 2008: download this issue...

• Conservation Lobby Day is coming, priorities for 2009-2010 important to lakes
• Feds delay rules to contain invasive Great Lakes virus
• Ecologists link farm chemical to frog deformities and deaths
• Study links nutrient pollution to economic damages
• Minnesota voters pass constitutional amendment to raise funds for conservation programs
• Do you know a person or group who is doing extraordinary things for your lake?

November 2008: download this issue...

• Federal legislation to regulate ballast water appears fatally stalled
• Election Day is Tuesday November 4
• DNR's mercury reduction rule to go into effect January 1, 2009
• New standards aim to curtail stormwater runoff, but cities struggling to comply
• New tools help property owners ID wetlands before they buy or build
• 2009 Convention to focus on Aquatic Invasive Species

October 2008: download this issue...

• Great Lakes Compact approved by U.S. House
• Bottled Water loophole lingers despite passage of Great Lakes Compact
• Wisconsin Lakes Convention: Call for Posters!
• Federal Rules aim to contain VHS

September 2008: download this issue...

• Public comments on DNR Invasive Species Classification rule (NR 40) due September 5th 
• Efforts by boaters, anglers appear to have contained spread of VHS in 2008
• Great Lakes Compact passes the U.S. Senate, House poised to follow
• Federal ballast water legislation stalled, ban on ocean-going ships in the Great Lakes a possibility
• Emerald ash borer found in Wisconsin
• Free seminars on Wisconsin's open meetings and public records laws

August 2008: download this issue...

• WAL welcomes our new Executive Director Karen von Huene 
• Invasive species classification rule (NR 40) goes to public hearings
• Written comments being accepted for Aquatic Invasive Species grant rule (NR 198) revisions
• Public invited to share priorities for water quality standards Conservation Scorecard tracks legislator's votes on conservation-related bills
• Final state approves Great Lakes Compact, now Congress must act
• Studies calculate economic, ecological impact of AIS on Great Lakes health
• Increase in high capacity well permits for irrigation

July 2008: download this issue...

• Natural Resources Board approves major mercury reduction rule
• VHS kills thousands of round gobies: virus now found throughout Lake Michigan
• Great Lakes Compact moves forward in Ohio, Michigan
• Lake Planning workshop presentations now available online

June 2008: download this issue...

• Wisconsin passes Great Lakes Compact
• Budget repair bill includes provision making it illegal to transport invasive species
• Poll finds Wisconsinites concerned about water
• Register for the Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference
• Half-day workshop to focus on lake planning
• Support WAL's lake policy program and member services while winning great raffle prizes!
• June is invasive species month: aquatics the focus

May 2008: download this issue...

• Lake Districts sue over high capacity well: case could be precedent setting
• Bill approved by U.S. House would regulate Great Lakes ballast water
• Fate of the Great Lakes Compact still unclear 
• New IRS filing requirement for tax exempt (501c3) status
• Summer lake events line-up makes learning about lakes fun

April 2008: download this issue...

• Join us for the annual reunion of Wisconsin's lake family!
• Legislative updates: what happened and what didn't 
• Shoreland zoning rule (NR 115) revisions set to go to NRB 
• Public listening sessions seek comments on Stewardship Program access rule 
• Natural Resource Board approves revisions to VHS rules
• Central Wisconsin Lakes Conference to explore how local land use can effect your lake

March 2008: download this issue...

• Legislative updates 
• Wisconsin Lakes Convention: take advantage of early bird rates! 
• DNR decides it has authority to regulate ballast water 
• New multi-agency agreement aims to make Madison lakes cleaner

February 2008: download this issue...

• Contact your legislator: help important lake bills move forward
• Knocking at the Gates:an AIS workshop
• Natural Resource Board approves new fishing tournament rules
• Report questions whether nutrient management plans will result in clean water practices
• Survey shows Wisconsin citizens support strong Great Lakes Compact
• Federal inaction prompts Wisconsin investment in ballast water treatment
• Invasive species may be contributing to thousands of Great Lakes bird deaths

January 2008: download this issue...

• Let your legislator know you're coming!
• Knocking at the Gates:an AIS workshop
• Public listening sessions scheduled for proposed invasive species classification rule
• Monitors make the difference with invasives
• Monitoring to show climate impact on Minnesota's lakes
• Is Wisconsin poised to ratify the Great Lakes Compact?
• Who are the people in your neighborhood?

2007 editions

December 2007: Download this issue...

• Phosphorus free lawn fertilizer bill (SB 197) advances
• Conservation organizations petition DNR to regulate ballast water discharges from international ships
• Report warns global warming will reduce Great Lakes water supply
• Join us for Conservation Lobby Day!
• February Aquatic Invasive Species workshop features national experts
• Article explores DNR and public’s roles in preserving Wisconsin shorelines
• Stories from the Shore
• Who are the people in your neighborhood?

November 2007: Download this issue...

• Budget holds good news for lakes
• Bill to restore DNR Secretary independence moves forward
• Help make lake issues legislative issues
• February workshop to focus on Aquatic Invasive Species
• New report cites need for Wisconsin to address groundwater quantity issues
• New website offers Groundwater Planning resources

October 2007: Download this issue...

• Put natural resource interests first: support an independent DNR Secretary
• No budget, big consequences
• Wisconsin Legislature idle as threat to Wisconsin water supply looms
• 2008 Wisconsin Lakes Convention call for presenters
• 2008 Wisconsin Lake Stewardship Awards: recognize someone for a season of accomplishments

September 2007: Download this issue...

• Comments on Wisconsin's shoreland zoning rules (NR 115) due September 7th
• Public hearing held on bill (SB 197) to ban phosphorus in lawn fertilizer
• Unnecessary phosphorus in lawn fertilizers helping fuel algae blooms
• Oconomowoc bans phosphorus in lawn fertilizer to aid lakes
• Wisconsin's silent springs: demand is reducing water levels
• Drought drops water tables, lakes dry up
• Wisconsin to protect undeveloped Bayfield County lake
• 2008 Wisconsin Lakes Convention call for presenters
• 2008 Wisconsin Lake Stewardship Awards: recognize someone for a season of accomplishments

August 2007: Download this issue...

• Lakes Workshop: Reflections of the Landscape
• Participate in shoreland zoning (NR 115) hearings or send written comments
• Manure leaks causing chronic lake problems, possible human health risks
• Regulations aim to reduce mercury in Wisconsin lakes

July 2007: Download this issue...

• Public hearings set on Shoreland Zoning rules (NR 115)
• Lakes Workshop: Reflections of the Landscape
• Big Muskego Lake land purchase to protect shore
• New Lake Management Planning Resources on the Web

June 2007: Download this issue...

• Inspiration! Information! Education! Come to the Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference
• Invasive virus threatens fish
• A few steps closer to polluted runoff funding
• Expo showcased property owners efforts to reduce polluted runoff
• Invasive plants should go to the landfill

May 2007: Download this issue...

• Join us at the Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference!
• Yahara Lakes Conference
• Protecting spawning habitat critical to Wisconsin's state fish
• Time to ban ocean vessels in Great lakes?
• Capturing storm water in gardens is good for the lakes
• Door County Aquatic Invasive Species summer internship opportunity

April 2007: Download this issue...

• Are you an Agent of Change?
• Manure Runoff Rules (NR 243) for state’s largest farms adopted
• Stand up and be counted at the Conservation Congress Spring Hearings
• Conservation Congress to consider two lead shot questions
• Your observations can become valuable data to help loons
• Working with you for clean, safe, healthy lakes

March 2007: Download this issue...

• Are you an agent of change? Join us for the 2007 Wisconsin Lakes Convention!
• Recognize youth and business leaders making a difference to our lakes
• Proposed $12 million for reducing polluted runoff will benefit lakes
• Learning about Portage County lakes leads to changes in behavior
• Useful fact sheets for lake enthusiasts

February 2007: Download this issue...

• Join Us in Pewaukee for this lakes workshop!
• Join us for Conservation Lobby Day!
• Groundwater Advisory Committee issues its report
• Minnesota DNR asked to toughen shoreline rules by water groups
• Showcase your group's success stories at the Wisconsin Lakes Convention
• Recognition for those working for the lakes

January 2007: Download this issue...

• From Plan into Practice: Solutions for our Changing Lakes
• Conservation Lobby Day coming to the Capitol
• Lake Beulah dispute echoes larger battle: are water wars in Wisconsin’s future?
• Excessive nitrates found in Rock County wells
• Reward those teaching lake stewardship

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2006 editions

December 2006: Download this issue...

• Door County Board urges statewide phase out of phosphorus in lawn fertilizers
• Survey mistakes may cost lake front property owners money
• Comments sought on proposed Groundwater Rule (NR 820)
• Water levels may be at 50-year-lows in some lakes
• Lake, stream shorelines off limits to motorized vehicles
• Do you know a group doing good things for lakes?

November 2006: Download this issue...

• Low water levels got you down? Come to our November 4th workshop
• Conservation Scorecard provides voters with Legislator’s voting record
• Towns collaborate to develop stormwater management plan
• Storm water carries more than water: simple things homeowners can do to prevent polluted runoff
• Fishing tournament rules (NR 20) go to public hearings
• Who are the people in your neighborhood?

October 2006: Download this issue...

• What are the most important conservation issues to you?
• Low water levels in Central Wisconsin lakes topic of workshop
• Public hearings to be held on fishing tournament rules
• 1,100 miles of Outstanding and Exceptional waters protected
• Politics, not science, may determine species’ fate
• Ask candidates to be your voice for conservation if they are elected in November
• Court rules EPA must control ships' discharged water by 2008
• Mercury moves beyond water: contamination found in wide variety of nation’s wildlife, study finds
• Share your experience with fellow lake leaders

September 2006: Download this issue...

• Manure management discharge rules (NR 243): hearing results
• Ask candidates to be your voice for conservation if they are elected in November
• Citizen based monitoring conference
• Share your experience with fellow lake leaders!
• Help “Get the Lead Out!” with new lake association kits
• Lake's rusty crayfish decline thanks to trapping, boosting fish numbers
• County Board of Supervisors protects Lake Nancy: denies zoning committee recommendation
• Houses go up, aquifer goes down

August 2006: Download this issue...

• August 3rd: public hearing on manure management rules
• Conservation Scorecard released
• New Aquatic Invasive Species guide available
• Lake Winnebago System anglers create economic impact and jobs

July 2006: Download this issue...

• Public hearing on Manure management expected soon
• Supreme Court ruling affirms public’s rights on waters
• Natural Resource Board votes to protect Outstanding and Exceptional waters
• Invasive species threatens Wisconsin’s ash trees
• Dane County to sell municipal bonds for clean lake fund

June 2006: Download this issue...

• Join us for the Northwestern Wisconsin Lakes Conference!
• Governor’s veto protects everyone’s rights
• Manure Management Rules unanimously approved by Natural Resource Board
• June is Invasive Species Awareness Month
• Why does the turtle cross the road?

May 2006: Download this issue...

• Governor’s veto protects shorelines
• More uncertainty surrounds piers
• Natural Resource Board to consider needed manure management rule changes
• Cranberry Grower’s phosphorus discharge ruled a public nuisance
• Action by anglers & boaters critical to stop invasive species

April 2006: Download this issue...

• Bill before Governor would weaken shoreland protections
• Rule revisions necessary to keep lakes manure free
• Certainty on piers still in limbo
• Conservation Congress will vote on Slow No Wake
• Minnesota study finds lost lead tackle leads to larger lake problems
• Big Cedar Lake conservation easement preserves lake’s look & increases property’s value
• Largest land conservation purchase in Wisconsin History to preserve rivers, lakes
• The Social Side of Watershed Restoration

March 2006: Download this issue...

• Green Lawns, Green Lakes: the phosphorus connection
• Concern raised over Western Wisconsin aquatic plant management solicitation
• Wisconsin Buffer Initiative publishes recommendations
• The Clean Water Act Owner’s Manual available
• Storm Water Enforcement Tool Kit available
• Lake Leaders Institute nominations due
• Join us for the Wisconsin Lakes Convention!

February 2006: Download this issue...

• Public hearing on pier rules needs local lake perspective
• Proposed bills would take away property owners, tax payers, and consumer rights
• Added protection for tribal waters will help our lakes
• Citizens identify Wisconsin’s special places in new Land Legacy report
• Wildlife watching tourists flock to northern Wisconsin
• Website helps citizens locate Wisconsin wetlands

January 2006: Download this issue...

• Special Committee on DNR Regulatory Reform seeks bias not balance
• Pier bill would bypass public process for private agenda
• Local ordinance aims to limit pier density, preserve lake character
• Courts uphold County’s phosphorus ban: ruling called a win for city's lakes
• Make your voice heard in the Capitol
• Join us for our February 18th Southern Lakes Workshop

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2005 editions

December 2005: Download this issue...

• Assembly Bill (AB-299) would weaken shoreland protections
• Assembly Bill (AB-850) would undermine pier rules, rule process
• Let your legislators know you love your lakes at Conservation Lobby Day 2006
• Wisconsin behind in water conservation
• Is “Up North” vanishing?
• Problematic blue green algae health risks difficult to predict

November 2005: Download this issue...

• AB-71: Determination of the ordinary high water mark (OHWM)
• AB-734: limiting rules regarding the placement of rip-rap
• AB 299: Weakening of Shoreland Protections
• Pier rules move forward
• Northern forest land is for sale
• Keeping the North the North
• First citation issued for weeds on boat trailer
• Clean Boats, Clean Waters: What we have learned at the boat landings
• New invasive species resource available online
• Help lakes by managing leaves
• New tax guide for wetland landowners

September 2005: Download this issue...

• Fire plays role in aquatic ecosystems
• Special report on Great Lakes: an endangered legacy
• Governor announces conservation agenda
• Strategy for wildlife of greatest conservation need complete

August 2005: Download this issue...

• Shoreland zoning rules: a good investment for property owners and the public
• Near shore fish and wildlife disappear as development booms (Minnesota)
• Anderson's lake protection work featured in Duluth News-Tribune
• Governor's budget vetos help protect lakes
• Zebra mussels found in Rock Lake (Jefferson County)

July 2005: Download this issue...

• Protecting your waterfront investment: 10 simple shoreland stewardship practices
• Proposed revisions to shoreland zoning rules go to public hearing
• Key lake issues in the 2005 budget bill
• Fishes of Wisconsin photo identification database
• DNR's Forest Legacy program

June 2005: Download this issue...

• Legislative budget panel wants Stewardship fund money to be used to buy land state already owns
• June is invasive species awareness month

May 2005: Download this issue...

• WAL defends Wisconsin's lakes in the courts: the Hilton case
• WAL opposes bull to weaken Public Nuisance suits

April 2005: Download this issue...

• DNR Secretary asks outdoor community for support
• DNR Spring Rules Hearing and annual Conservation Congress County meetings

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