Down the Drain and into our Food Web?

Research published over the past year has revealed a new threat to lake health coming from an unlikely source: face wash.  The companies that make face and body wash have been increasingly using tiny plastic “microbeads”.  The microbeads, often under one millimeter in diameter slip through most waste water treatment systems.  Their ability to stay suspended in liquids is both part of what makes plastic microbeads popular with manufacturers and part of what makes them so problematic (once floating in open water they resemble insect eggs and other food sources to fish).  The accumulations in lakes and rivers are beginning to alarm scientist who are just starting to understand the ecological implications.  The microbeads in our cleaning products threaten to introduce the bioaccumulation problem into more Midwestern food webs, potentially even impacting people who catch and eat fish from lakes. 

Recently scientists from Canada reported measurable concentrations of plastic microbeads in the river sediment of the St. Lawrence River.  Their findings indicate that plastic concentrations in river sediment are similar to the most contaminated ocean sediment samples.  No research has been done yet to look at how microbeads are impacting smaller inland lakes and rivers.  However, it is highly likely that microbeads are being carried along with treated wastewater from municipal systems that discharge into rivers or lakes.  We also know very little about how microbeads move and affect septic systems.  Since some septic waste is pumped and then treated at municipal plants, they too could be delivering plastic debris to the environment. 

What can we do:  The simplest remedy is to stop buying and using products that contain microbeads.  This includes soaps, toothpaste, and certain makeup products.  There is an app to help consumers determine if a product has microbeads.  Download the Beat the Microbead app to your smartphone.  Simply scan a product’s bar bode to learn if it contains microbeads.  You can also tell by liking for the ingredients polyethylene or polypropylene.

Microbeads from toothpaste

“Lakes Tide” Volume 39, No. 4 Fall/Winter 2014: 1-3. Print

 

Freshwater Jellyfish Sighting

Freshwater jelly fish have again made an appearance in Legend Lake.  They were recently observed by ESD staff in the Blacksmith Lake basin.  They have been previously observed in the Pywaosit basin as well.  The jelly fish scientifically named  Craspedacusta sowerbii are found throughout the world.  Their appearance in a body of water tends to be sporadic and nomadic.  It is theorized they are transported by waterfowl which is why they may show up in a body of water they have never been seen in before.  These organisms are small being around 1 inch in diameter and are translucent and can easily be overlooked when on the water. 

Freshwater jellyfish begin life as a tiny polyp, which lives in colonies attached to underwater vegetation, rocks, or tree stumps, feeding and asexually reproducing during spring and summer. Some of these offspring are the sexually reproducing medusae. Fertilized eggs develop into small ciliated larvae called planula. The planula settle to the bottom, and develop into polyps. However, the majority of jellyfish populations existing in the United States are either all male or all female, so there is no sexual reproduction in those populations. During the cold winter months, polyps contract and become resting bodies, called podocysts. It is believed that podocysts are transported by aquatic plants or animals to other bodies of water. Once conditions become favorable, they develop into polyps again.

Like other jellyfish, freshwater jellyfish sting their prey with nematocysts which inject their prey with toxins.  Due to their extremely small size, freshwater jellyfish are unable to sting humans.  So keep on the lookout next time you are out for a chance to see one of nature’s interesting little organisms.  The best time to see them is on calm days in the middle of the lake.  They will be drifting by a few inches under the surface of the water. 

Living with Black Bears

 

As the black bear population continues to grow so do an increasing number of human-bear conflicts.  In order for bears to coexist with humans, we have to understand normal bear behavior.  Black bears tend to be shy, solitary animals, but at some times of the year, particularly in the spring when bears emerge from their winter dens and food is not abundant, bears may be on the lookout for opportunistic food sources.  This might be your garbage can, or the bird feeder in your back yard.  Nearly all human-bear conflicts are a result of the animals’ search for food.  There are lots of simple things you can do to avoid conflicts with bears.With your help we can continue to live together with this great animal, enjoying their presence in the woods around us and at the same time reducing conflicts with bears around our homes and our campsites.

Reducing Bear Conflicts Near Your Home

Bears are attracted to numerous items around homes including:

• bird feeders
• compost piles
• grills
• pet food
• gardens
• garbage
• suet
• cooking grease
• anything that gives off a food aroma

Here are some simple tips to avoid bear problems.

• make bird feeders inaccessible to bears by hanging them at least 10ft off the ground and 5 ft away from tree trunks, or on a limb that will not support a bear
• consider taking down bird feeders at the end of winter
• during spring and summer bring feeders inside at night
• clean up spilled bird seed below feeder stations
• if you see a bear at a bird feeder during the day, take the feeder down and discontinue all feeding for at least two weeks.
• keep your garbage cans tightly closed and indoors if possible
• pick up loose or spilled garbage so it doesn't attract bears
• occasionally clean out your garbage cans with bleach to make them less attractive to bears
• when camping don't cook, eat, or store food in your tent
• store food and cooking utensils away from your campsite
• dispose of scraps in closed containers away from campsite, not in the fire
• keep you campsite clean

If You See a Black Bear

• Make noise and wave your arms-let the bear know you are there so you don't surprise it.  Bears normally leave an area once they know a human is around
• If you happen to surprise a bear at close range, back away slowly
• If you are near a vehicle or building, go inside until the bear wanders away
• Enjoy watching bears from a distance

If a Bear is Causing a Nuisance in Your Area

Contact Menominee Conservation at 715-799-6150 or the Wildlife Biologist at 715-799-5109

Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day June 12, 2014

(MADISON) – Heat can kill.  That’s why Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the National Weather Service are reminding people of the dangers associated with extreme heat and to promote community safety and health.

In 2013, Wisconsin had 11 confirmed heat related deaths. Many of those victims were socially isolated maintaining little contact with family and friends. This is why it is vitally important to check in on family, friends, and neighbors during extreme heat, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, like families with very young children, the elderly, and people who are on medications that could make them more susceptible to injury from extreme heat.

In 2012, Wisconsin had confirmed 24 heat related deaths, most occurred during five days of Excessive Heat Warnings from July 2-6. The heat index rose to 105 F degrees for 48 hours with night time lows of 75 F. It was the second hottest and third longest heat wave in Wisconsin. None of the victims had air conditioning and they did not seek shelter at one of the many cooling centers which opened around the state.

In 2011, excessive heat claimed five lives and injured more than 100 people in Wisconsin during the July 17-21 heat wave. Once again none of those victims had air conditioning. The combination of the warm temperatures and high humidity caused the heat index to rise between 100 F and 117 F degrees. 

In 1995, two major killer heat waves affected most of Wisconsin resulting in 154 heat-related deaths and over 300 heat-related illnesses.

Summer heat waves have been the biggest weather-related killers in Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornadoes, severe storms and floods combined. Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. People at higher risk of a heat-related illness include:

§  Older adults

§  Infants and young children

§  People with chronic heart or lung problems

§  People with disabilities

§  Overweight persons

§  Those who work outdoors or in hot settings

§  Users of some medications, especially those taken for mental disorders, movement disorder, allergies, depression, and heart or circulatory problems

§  People who are socially isolated and don’t know when or how to cool off – or when to call for help

 

 

  Tips to keep safe in hot weather:

1.     Never leave children, disabled persons, or pets in a parked car – even briefly.  Temperatures in a car can become life threatening within minutes. On an 80-degree day with sunshine, the temperature inside a car even with the windows cracked slightly can rise 20 to 30 degrees above the outside temperature in 10 to 20 minutes. There have been cases where the inside temperature rose 40 degrees! Additional information at:

      http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml

2.     Keep your living space cool.  If you have an air conditioner, use it. Cover windows to keep the sun from shining in.  If you don’t have an air conditioner you should consider going to a community cooling center. If you stay at home, open windows to let air circulate. At extreme high temperatures, a fan loses its ability to effectively reduce heat-related illness. When it’s hotter than 95 degrees use fans to blow hot air out of the window rather than to blow hot air on your body.  

 

3.     Slow down and limit physical activity.  Plan outings or exertion for the early morning or after dark when temperatures are cooler.

4.     Drink plenty of water and eat lightly.  Don’t wait for thirst, but instead drink plenty of water throughout the day.  Avoid alcohol or caffeine and stay away from hot, heavy meals. 

 

5.     Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.  Add a hat or umbrella to keep your head cool…and don’t forget sunscreen!

6.     Don’t stop taking medication unless your doctor says you should.  Take extra care to stay cool and ask your doctor or pharmacist for any special heat advice.

 

7.     Taking a cool shower or bath will cool you down.  A shower or bath will actually work faster than an air conditioner.  Applying cold wet rags to the neck, head and limbs also cools down the body quickly.

 

NOAA Emergency Radios Save Lives

May 7 is NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards Awareness Day (MADISON) – Recent tornado outbreaks in the central U.S. remind us that it is time to prepare for possible tornadoes here in Wisconsin. May 7, 2014 is NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards Awareness Day. The campaign encourages Wisconsin residents to own a NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio, a 24-hour source of weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and non-weather emergency information provided by the National Weather Service and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “NOAA All Hazards Weather Radios save lives,” says Brian Satula, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator. “The early warning of possible danger gives you and your family time to act and stay safe.” Satula adds this reminder, “Listen, Act and Live! Listen to the weather radio warnings and take action right away. You’ll have a much better chance of surviving disaster.” Many communities have outdoor warning sirens. Tornado sirens are designed to alert people who may be outdoors. If you are inside a building or sleeping you may not hear the sirens. That’s why NOAA All Hazards Weather Radios are called “smoke detectors for severe weather.” It should be your primary source to alert you and your families about severe weather and other emergencies. A NOAA Weather Radio with an alarm and battery back-up is one of the best ways to protect your family, especially at night when the alarm feature can wake you up during severe weather and give you and your family time to seek appropriate shelter. There are also weather radios available that are portable and can be used while camping, boating and other outdoor activities. ReadyWisconsin profiles people who survived tornadoes thanks to an emergency weather radio. You can see those profiles at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards network started in 1972 and is the sole government-operated radio system to provide direct warnings for all hazardous conditions that pose a threat to lives and property. There are 37 stations that broadcast weather and hazards information to the residents of Wisconsin, and over 1,000 stations nationwide. Weather radios come in many sizes, with a variety of functions and costs. They can be purchased at most electronic stores. Most weather radio receivers are either battery-operated portables or AC-powered desktop models with battery backup. Many receivers have digital technology called Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) that allows users to program their radios to alarm only for hazardous conditions that affect their county. For additional information about weather radios including real life stories of Wisconsin residents who survived a tornado thanks to the early warning from a NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio, go to http://readywisconsin.wi.gov. You’ll also find a Q & A section with the most asked questions about emergency weather radios.

Wisconsin's Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week April 21-25

Flood Precaution and Preventative Measures

This year’s winter is finally drawing to a close.  A thicker than usual snow pack has sparked concern over possible flooding as it warms up through the spring.  The national weather service has forecasted temperatures to be below normal and models indicate a gradual thaw.  This may seem less than ideal because the snow will hang around longer but it’s great news for those worried about flooding.  A slow thaw will give the rivers and streams time to ferry away the water at a lower level preventing flooding.  Although the forecast is for a gradual melt, we could still see flooding.  The worst case scenario would be for several days of heavy rain in April before the ground has fully thawed.  If this happens, flooding of level ground is certain to happen. 

There are steps for homeowners to take in flood prone areas. 

Buy flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Plan if you live in a flood plain.

• Elevate the furnace, water heater, air conditioner and other utilities that are ground level.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water back ups.
• Construct interior barriers to stop low level floodwater from entering basements.
• Read Living in the Floodplain: What You Need to Know - Who You Need to Know .  This publication is available from the WDNR.

All homeowners should also consider doing the following regardless of if they have flooded recently or not.

• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
• Remove inventory or important papers and possessions from the basement.
• Back up important computer files and store in a secure off site location.

These simple steps can prevent costly damage to homeowners and make flood recovery easier and faster.

Cleaner Wood Burning

 

Wood Smoke and Asthma: Breathe Easier

 

 

 

Wood Smoke and Asthma: Reduce Smoke

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJXj9j3g7EM

 

Wood Smoke and Asthma: Dry Firewood

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-OfbPjXPUU

 

During the wintertime, residential wood smoke is a main contributor to fine particle pollution and is responsible for poor air quality days in many areas across the United States. Particle pollution in wood smoke can affect everyone, but children, teenagers, older adults, people with lung disease, including asthma and COPD, or people with heart disease are the most vulnerable.

 

Particle pollution exposure can lead to a variety of health effects. For example, numerous studies link particle levels to increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits—and even to early death.  Research indicates that obesity or diabetes may increase risk. New or expectant mothers may also want to take precautions to protect the health of their babies.

 

EPA’s Burn Wise program encourages communities and their citizens to implement safe burning practices by emphasizing the importance of burning the right wood, the right way, in the

right wood-burning appliance.

Take Care of Shorelines on Legend Lake

Channels and Erosion Concerns

 

Erosion of our shorelines is becoming an increasing concern for Legend Lake, especially in the relatively shallow channels.  Each channel was initially created to be around ten feet deep throughout the center of the entire length.  Over several decades, erosion has filled many of these channels so they are only 6-8 feet deep in 2013.  Sandy, unstable shoreline areas with minimal vegetation and boat wakes are leading to excess sedimentation of the navigation channels.

 

Two things need to happen to slow or stop this trend.  One, boaters need to obey slow-no-wake rules.  Too many boaters cruise through too fast, creating wakes of 6-12 inches high.  This may not seem like a lot, but it is causing a lot of undercutting of the banks along these channels.  Two, landowners along these channels need to do their best to vegetate and naturalize all shoreline areas they own that are not part of their access and viewing corridor.  Heavy vegetation along the shoreline and on all sloped areas will hold the sand/soil in place better.  The more dense, non-mowed areas of native vegetation we can promote along these channels, the better we can keep these waterways from filling in with sediments.

 

Any channel that becomes unnavigable due to sedimentation will probably require dredging.  Dredging can cost millions of dollars and permits are not always granted by the State.  Preventing the filling of our channels is the best way to avoid extremely expensive dredging in the future.  Please do your part to help combat the problem.

 

Islands in Legend Lake

 

  There are four islands within the Legend Lake chain.  The large town owned conservancy in Peshtigo Lake is mostly unused.  The two islands in Big Blacksmith Lake are owned by LLPOA and are used by boaters to a small degree.  Horseshoe Island is also a Town owned conservancy in Pyawasit Lake, and I used heavily along the southern “tips of the horseshoe”.

 

Heavy use and users ramming their boats into the shore have destabilized much of the bank in these areas.  Horseshoe Island is eroding away at a rate of several feet per year.  The island is a great gathering place to socialize, but we need to protect it for future users and for the protected cove it provides for wildlife habitat.  Several species of fish and birds breed in this inner area of the island.  Please do not litter on or around the island, and most importantly, please do not ram boats into the shore or tie to trees. Please anchor your boats in the shallow sandy areas near the island and leave the shoreline and natural vegetation to grow and help protect the banks.

 

Natural Shorelines and Vegetated Buffers

 

 I’d like to promote the benefits of natural shorelines with native species of plants such as grasses, sedges, wildflowers, shrubs and trees.  Shoreline buffers like the restoration shown below add habitat for the natural food chain and protect the shoreline from erosion.  Keeping your access point to no more than 30 feet of your frontage, with the rest being natural, will keep your lake cleaner and allow more habitat and food for the fish, birds, frogs, etc.

 

Cost Sharing Available in 2014

 

I will have cost sharing money available again for naturalizing and stabilizing shorelines.  Currently this is first come first served money for eligible projects.  Stabilizing shorelines with rip-rap, bio-logs, native vegetation or other approved methods can be cost shared from 50-70%.  That means that the property owner only pays 30-50% of eligible costs (with a possible upper limit dependent on total cost), plus tax.

 

For information on cost sharing eligibility, call Jeremy Johnson at 715-799-5710. 

Teen Driving: Facts and Statistics

TEEN DRIVING: FACTS AND STATISTICS

FATALITIES

·        Motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of death among teens in the U.S.

·        The fatality rate for drivers age 16 to 19 is four times that of drivers age 25 to 69 years

·        The crash fatality rate (crash fatalities/100,000 population) is highest for 16- to 17-year-olds within the first six months after getting their license — and remains high through age 24

·        The top three predictors for fatality are non-use of seat belts, teen drivers and roads with speed limits of 45 mph or higher

·        Approximately two-thirds of teen passenger deaths (ages 13 to 19) occur when other teenagers are driving

 

CRASHES

·        In their first year on the road, teens are almost 10 times more likely to be in a crash

·        20 percent of 11th graders report being in a crash as a driver in the past year

·        25 percent of 9th graders report being in a crash as a passenger in their lifetimes

·        Crash risk increases incrementally with each mile per hour over the speed limit

·        Current data on crashes involving 16-year-old drivers shows that having multiple teenage passengers in the vehicle is twice as likely to cause a fatal crash as alcohol-impaired driving

·        Crashes are more common among young drivers than any other age group. In the United States, 1 in 4 crash fatalities involve someone 16 to 24 years old, nearly twice as high as other age groups

 

PARENTAL INFLUENCE

·        66 percent of teens say they care about their parents’ opinion on cell phone use while driving

·        56 percent of teens rely on their parents to learn how to drive

 

DISTRACTION

·        90 percent of teens see passenger behavior that distracts the driver

SPEEDING

·        Nearly half of teens report seeing passengers encouraging drivers to speed at least sometimes

·        Half of teen drivers report driving 10 miles per hour over the speed limit at least sometimes

CELL PHONE USE

·        Nine out of 10 teens reported it was common to see teens driving while talking on a cell phone

SEAT BELT USE

·        Teens have the lowest seat belt use rates of any age group, leading to deadly consequences

·        Only 65 percent of teens consistently wear their seat belts as both a driver and passenger

·        Six out of 10 drivers ages 16 to 20 who were killed in crashes were unrestrained

·        Almost two out of three teens killed as occupants of motor vehicles are unrestrained

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

·        Teens are actually less likely than adults to get behind the wheel after drinking, but when they do, their risk of crashing is far greater

·        53 percent of teens saw substance use behind the wheel at least sometimes

 

EPA Regional Administrator Visits the Memoninee Reservation

September 13th was a big day for the Menominee Tribe as the Environmental Protection Agencies Region 5 Administrator Susan Hedman came to Menominee.  The purpose of the visit was to meet with the Tribe and tour the reservation and see some of the projects being funded by Clean Water Act Section 106 funding the Tribe receives.  After a lunch which included the Tribal Chairman Craig Corn welcoming the EPA staff the Environmental Services Dept. led a tour which had stops at Legend Lake, Keshena Falls and Upper Bass Lake.  The EPA enjoyed the tour and the Environmental Services staff had the oppportunity to demonstrate the successes of the work done in preventing pollution as well as relay any upcoming concerns.  The picture below is courtesy of Susan Hedman's Twitter feed. Twitter Link



Be Aware of West Nile Virus

PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING:

BIRD TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS


(Keshena, WI)

- The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department reports a dead crow found in the Village of Keshena, Menominee County on July 30, 2013 has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first bird that has tested positive for West Nile virus in Menominee County since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began on May 1st. While less than 1% of people infected with West Nile virus will become severely ill, children, older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at increased risk of severe disease from the virus. "Due to the positive bird, residents of Menominee County are urged to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites," said Becky Hovarter, Health Director, Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department.

The West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. Handling of dead birds does not increase risk of contracting the virus due to the primary method of transmission through bites acquired by infected mosquitoes.

Approximately 80% of people infected with the virus do not become sick; the remaining 20% may experience mild symptoms of fever, headache, rash, muscle ache, and fatigue. Less than 1% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma. Older adults (age 50+) and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing central nervous system illness that can be fatal. Symptoms usually occur within 3-14 days after a West Nile virus infected mosquito bites a human. Individuals are urged to contact their physician if they think they have contracted West Nile virus.

Menominee residents should be aware of West Nile virus and take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites. The best way to avoid the disease is to reduce exposure to and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department recommends the following for all residents:

 Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

 Apply insect repellant to clothing as well as exposed skin since mosquitoes may bite through clothing.

 Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.

 Properly dispose of items that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or discarded tires.

 Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.

 Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.


Public Health Warning August 7, 2013

Page
2 of 2

　

 Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days.

 Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.

 Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.

 Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.

The Department of Health Services has monitored the spread of West Nile virus since 2001 among wild birds, horses, mosquitoes, and people. During 2002, the state documented its first human infections and 52 cases were reported that year. During 2012, 57 cases of West Nile virus infection were reported among Wisconsin residents, the highest annual number of cases reported since surveillance began in Wisconsin. West Nile virus infections in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most reported becoming ill with West Nile virus in August and September.

The Wisconsin Division of Public Health will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season. To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay, or raven, please call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.

For more general information and prevention steps relating to West Nile virus, please visit
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/ArboviralDiseases/WestNileVirus/Index.htm or for other questions, please contact Gary Schuettpelz, R.S., Menominee Tribal Clinic at (715)799-3361 or Shawano-Menominee County Health Department at (715)526-4808. For questions regarding personal illness and symptoms, please contact your physician.

Red Cross First Aid APP

It pays to be safe, get the Red Cross First Aid App for your phone here

Invasive Species Planning and Control Continues through Partnership Efforts

Invasive Species Planning and Control Continues through Partnership Efforts

Field Season 2012 and Planning 2013

Article submitted by MITW Environmental Services Department, representing the Invasive Species Workgroup

This article is intended to be an annual update on the progress made toward management of invasive species that are threatening the environment on the Menominee Reservation.  A workgroup, which includes representatives from the Tribe, Menominee County, UW Extension and the Wisconsin DNR, has developed an Invasive Species Management Plan (ISMP) that has been approved by Menominee County and Menominee Tribal Legislature.  MITW Resolution 09-30 led to the formation of this workgroup to draft an Invasive Species Management Plan.  The plan outlines strategies for work to be done, issues that need attention, and summarizes work conducted during the past year.  This effort is also consistent with the MITW strategic plan.  To this point Menominee Tribal Enterprise (MTE) has chosen not to participate as a partner to the ISMP.  MTE has informed the workgroup that they will be reporting on work accomplished and planning activities in a separate article. 

Outlined below are the 2012/13 results of the workgroup and the management approach to develop the collaborative working relationship that is identified within the ISMP.  The workgroup is now using the plan as the tool for the work being conducted by the entities named above.  In addition the plan has provided excellent outreach and training opportunities for the public as well as personnel currently working within the Menomonee Reservation.  Additional information can be found on the MITW website at http://mitw-environmentalservicesdepartment.blogspot.com/

For questions related to the ISMP, please feel free to contact the MITW Environmental Services Department or any of the other resources contacts listed in the sections below.

2012 Field Season Accomplishments

Aquatic Invasive Species

Eurasian water milfoil

In May of 2012 123.1acres of EWM were treated on Legend Lake and 6.5 acres were treated on Moshawquit Lake.  Mapping was done again in October 2012 with 60 acres being mapped in Legend Lake and 9.25 acres in Moshawquit Lake. Treatment and survey results have been completed by Cason and Associates, expenses covered by the LLPOA.  Hand pulling will also take place in those areas shallow enough to do so.

Purple loosestrife

LCD identified several flowing plants around the shores of Southeast Bass Lake in summer.  Time constraints and inadequate access to the shoreline with purple loosestrife didn’t allow this to occur.  Will try to accomplish in 2013.  River float surveys and mapping were conducted by summer interns on the Wolf River covering the river from the north line to Keshena.

Zebra mussels

LCD received a report that zebra mussels have moved into Skice Lake.  Zebra mussels are now found throughout the Legend Lake chain as of 2012.  ESD sampled for veligers in LaMotte, SE Bass, Upper Bass lakes and the Neopit Mill pond and we are still waiting to hear from DNR on the results.

Curly-leaf pondweed

CLP treatment took place on both Legend and Moshawquit Lakes in 2012.  In May of 2012 19.3 acres of CLP were treated in Legend Lake and 7.6 acres were treated in Moshawquit Lake. Both lakes were surveyed again in October with 27.9 acres being found in Legend and 3 acres being found in Moshawquit.  Hand pulling will also take place in those areas that shallow enough to do so.

Common Reed

LCD, ESD, and DoTR completed herbicide treatments with Rodeo at four of five known locations of exotic Phragmites within the county/reservation.  The one location not treated is along Highway 55 at the former Vigue Trout Ponds.  This site is within the Wolf River Corridor and could not be treated under current restrictions.  Foliar treatments were very effective along Highways 47, M, and VV.  The treatment appeared to be less effective along Rainbow Falls Road.  All sites will be monitored in 2013 and retreated as necessary.  Three additional sites were found:  one along CTH M, one at Rushes Lake, and along Minnow Creek Road.  These three sites were determined to be native reed and not the exotic reed. In cooperation with MITW-Environmental Services and Menominee Co.,

Terrestrial Invasive Plants

Japanese barberry Extent

LCD found several (around 10) scattered barberry plants throughout the lakes area in 2012 and cut and stump treated any that were on public land.  MITW planning is underway to treat the areas within the village of Keshena. Additional plants were located behind the basketball course on top of the hill in Keshena.  About 5-7 plants were identified during wildfire suppression.  

Garlic mustard

Treatments by LCD included herbicide treatment with glyphosate along the same 13 spots on highway 55, the area near Silver Canoe Road by Legend Lake, and the small area in Zoar.  Two new locations were found in 2012, the first being along Old South Branch Road near Bent Tree Path, and the second being along Lawe Avenue in Neopit.  The site along Old South Branch Road was herbicide treated and the site in Neopit (along with the Shotgun Eddy site) was hand pulled and all plants were burned at the MTE mill in Neopit.  Approximately 1/3 of the Shotgun Eddy site was also herbicide treated to keep the plants away from the driveway and parking areas to avoid spread by campers and rafters. 

Spotted knapweed

LCD treated 30 spots totaling approximately 12 acres around Legend and Southeast Bass Lakes.  Areas treated ranged in size from small patches with 50 plants to 5 acres around the Legend Lake Dam #3.  LCD used glyphosate for all treatments of knapweed.  Many mature plants in later summer were hand pulled, bagged and disposed of properly. 

Leafy spurge

A few plants were again found again in 2012 along Old South Branch Road and treated with glyphosate.  A new patch about 10 feet by 80 feet was located along Rushes Lake Road.  This site was also herbicide treated with glyphosate in 2012.  Both sites will be revisited in 2013.

Cypress spurge

The spurge along STH 55 was herbicide treated in 2012 and monitoring in 2013 will determine if follow up treatments are required.

Wild parsnip

The wild parsnip along CTH M was herbicide treated early in 2012 to address the plants before they grew large.  By fall, no plants were detected in this area and monitoring will in continue in 2013 for additional treatment.  A new site of wild parsnip was identified by the county highway department along St. Joseph Church Road.  This site is along the eastern ditch and extends for 100 feet or so.

Exotic honeysuckles

LCD took GPS coordinates of all remaining honeysuckle found within the lakes area in fall 2012.  No treatments were completed by LCD in 2012.  MITW ESD located and acquired GPS location of a very large stand near the Middle Village area within sustained yield forest. 

Reed canary grass

No active management in 2012.

Buckthorns

LCD cut and stump treated about 12 saplings and trees as they were encountered on taxable lands in 2012.  A new stand of buckthorn was located in Tribal Office Loop Road.

Norway maple

No controls done to date.  All agencies need to keep watch for potential areas on routine survey activities.  Forest infestations of Norway maple will most likely occur nearby homes and yards.

Tansy

Several areas have been found within the sustained yield forest lands since 2010.  Two of the sites were treated by MTIW Community Development, but it has not resulted in control of the invasive due to the mechanical method used and this will also require further monitoring to detect additional spread that may have resulted due to inadequate treatment methods.  Other sites should be treated in the upcoming 2012 field season, but limited resources may be an issue.  The sites continue to be monitored but no treatment was completed in 2012.

Japanese knotweed

The knotweed at the LLPOA yard waste site did not receive herbicide treatment in 2012.  All mature plants were scraped and dug out mechanically and all debris placed on the burn pile to be burned in early 2013.  Follow up monitoring in 2013 will provide information on what treatment will be needed in 2013.

Forest Insects

Gypsy moth

Numbers of egg masses have increased slightly.  No treatments will be required in Menominee in 2013.  Egg mass surveys in fall 2012 indicate a low probability for defoliation in spring 2013, as well

Invasive basswood thrips

MTE observed that early spring damage to new leaves by this small insect were very minor during general forest health surveys

Emerald ash borer

MTE deployed purple prism traps and visually searched for signs and symptoms of the wood boring beetle.  Results were negative for adults, larvae, or damage in 2012.

Forest Pathogens

Oak wilt

30 prevention permits written out by LCD to landowners needing to cut oaks for construction or hazardous circumstances.