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

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 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.

Tornado Awareness

Wisconsin’s Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week

April 15-19, 2013

Listen, Act and Live!

(MADISON) –  Listen, Act and Live! Those words could protect you and your family during severe storm season. Listening to warnings and seeking shelter immediately will save lives. That’s why Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), ReadyWisconsin and the National Weather Service (NWS) have teamed up for Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week April 15-19, 2013.
Did you know that…

• Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually.
• Last year, only 4 tornadoes were reported in Wisconsin by the NWS. The strongest tornado in 2012 hit near Patch Grove in Grant County on September 4. No fatalities or injuries were reported.
• In 2011, 38 tornadoes in Wisconsin were confirmed by the NWS, the fourth highest number on record. On August 19, a man was killed when a tornado with winds of 105 mph struck Marinette County.
• The peak tornado season in Wisconsin is April to August, but tornadoes can occur any time of year, like the January 7, 2008 storms near Kenosha.

On Thursday, April 18, 2013, a statewide tornado drill is planned. At 1:00pm, the National Weather Service will issue a statewide mock tornado watch and at 1:45pm a statewide mock tornado warning. Many radio and TV stations will participate in the drill. In addition, NOAA weather radios (also known as emergency weather radios) will issue alert messaging. This is an ideal opportunity for schools, businesses and families to practice safe procedures for severe weather.
Important: The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is cloudy, dark and/or rainy. If actual severe storms are expected in the state on Thursday April 18, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday, April 19 with the same times. If severe storms are possible Friday the drill will be cancelled.

See this Tornado Awareness Drill for more information.

Truck Removed From Sand Lake-Beware of Hole

 The truck that went through the ice in December has been removed from Sand Lake.  Please proceed with caution on the ice due to the large hole left from removing the vehicle.  The hole is surrounded by wooden posts and flagging.

Be Prepared for Winter

See the link for more information on winter preparedness.
Be Prepared for Winter