News from the Wisconsin Association of Lakes. Some of these things are way way out there to the left. Some is good but it is best to be informed. Read, learn, react before it's to late. This is happening in Madison, the Kremlin of the West!
Updates on legislative activity
Phosphorus lawn fertilizer bill (AB3/SB5)
This bill would prohibit the display, sale, and use of lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus, with certain reasonable exceptions. This bill is modeled after Dane County's existing and successful county ordinance.
Download fast facts about phosphorus and this bill, more resources on phosphorus and lawn fertilizer
The Senate Environment Committee has scheduled a public hearing on SB 5 for Wednesday February 11, 10:30 AM, 201 Southeast, State Capitol.
If you are planning on testifying at the hearing, please arrive a little early to fill out a hearing slip, and bring enough copies of your testimony for the five member Senate Environment Committee. Please let the WAL office know if you are planning on attending, and we'll greet you at the door!
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on AB 3 on January 28th. On February 11, an Executive Session may be held on AB 3. The committee will consider any amendments to the bill and vote to send the bill on to the full Assembly for consideration.
Slow no wake bill (SB 12)
This bill (SB 12) would establish a no wake zone within 100 feet of a lake's shoreline for motorboats. This proposal includes an opt-out provision, allowing local government to exclude lakes if the law significantly impacts recreation. Pick-up and drop zones for water skiers would also be excluded.
The Senate Environment Committee has scheduled a public hearing on SB 12 for Wednesday February 11, 10:30 AM, 201 Southeast, State Capitol.
If you are planning on testifying at the hearing, please arrive a little early to fill out a hearing slip, and bring enough copies of your testimony for the five member Senate Environment Committee. Please let the WAL office know if you are planning on attending, and we'll greet you at the door!
Join us February 25th for Conservation Lobby Day
Join us at the state Capitol on February 25, 2009 for Conservation Lobby Day, an empowering experience where hundreds of citizens from across the state gather to emphasize that bills that protect our lakes and natural resources are important to constituents. This event is free and you can register online at www.conservationvoters.org (RSVP by Feb 13th).
On Conservation Lobby Day, you will speak to both your state Representative and state Senator about key conservation issues. In addition, you will receive skill and issue trainings that you can take away and apply when advocating back home. This year's Wisconsin Conservation Priorities feature four issues that are important to the future of Wisconsin's lakes:
* Preserve groundwater
* Restore an independent DNR Secretary
* Regulate industrial waste spreading
* Take action on global warming
Preserve groundwater
Declining water levels on many Wisconsin lakes across the state have prompted increasing concern over groundwater management and high capacity well pumping. Whether these wells are located near or far away from the lake, they can dramatically influence the groundwater flow through the lake, affect lake water levels, and impact water quality and lake ecosystems.
Groundwater feeds most of our lakes, rivers and streams. Groundwater plays a major role in seepage and groundwater drainage lakes, supplying all or most of the lake's water. Other types of lakes may have other sources of water besides groundwater,—including rain and snowmelt, runoff, and streams and rivers (which may be sourced by groundwater themselves)—but groundwater affects all lakes.
But Wisconsin's current groundwater law fails to protect 99% of the state's lakes, 97% of springs, 92% of rivers and streams, and 100% of wetlands. Under current law, only those lakes designated as ORWs (there are no lakes designated as ERWs) are covered under the statute. Currently there are 97 lakes and 6 flowages designated as ORWs.
Our goal is to pass legislation revising current groundwater law that ensures the protection of Wisconsin surface waters (lakes, rivers, wetlands, and springs) while balancing competing demands (drinking water, industry, and agriculture).
Independent DNR Secretary
The Wisconsin Association of Lakes supports the return of appointment authority for the DNR Secretary to the Natural Resources Board. It is in the best interest of lakes and all the people who enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and living on lakes to have the DNR Secretary held solely accountable to the needs of the resource, the mission of the Department, and the guidance of the Natural Resource Board. Our lakes need effective leadership over time. Improving Wisconsin natural resources management means entrusting decisions to professional natural resource managers. Restoring the independence of the DNR Secretary is one needed step to ensure natural resource management decisions are made without undue political influence.
Regulate industrial waste spreading
The practice of spreading industrial and municipal waste on to farm fields can lead to contaminated drinking water and pollution making its way into our lakes from groundwater or runoff. In some areas of the state, farm fields sit on top of fractured, porous rock (Karst) that act as direct conduits to send industrial waste into our drinking water supplies.
Wisconsin's regulations governing the land application of waste are among the weakest in the Midwest. Some industries are using our land as their dumping grounds and industrial waste is even being imported from other states to be spread over Wisconsin land. Existing regulations need strengthening and lands with high risk of groundwater contamination need to be mapped to avoid problems in the most sensitive areas.
Global Warming
Scientific observations indicate that global warming may already be having an observable effect on local lakes. Our lakes are freezing later and thawing earlier, more unusual and extreme events are occurring, and there's greater variability in water levels. Wisconsin does not need to be a passive victim. But it does mean we have to act now. Failure to do so may well mean acceptance of the direst consequences that will befall the future of our fish and waters in a changing climate.
One action we can take now is to reduce our state's greenhouse gas emissions, implement greater energy efficiency and conservation efforts, and do our part to help avoid the worst impacts of global warming. These efforts can translate into economic opportunity for the state as we innovate new products and lead the way in generating climate change solutions.
Join us March 18-20th for the Wisconsin Lakes Convention
Join us at the Hotel Sierra and Conference center in Green Bay for the Wisconsin Lakes Convention! See the full agenda and register online at the UW Extension website: www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes.
This year's convention will focus on aquatic invasive species (AIS). AIS—which include plants, animals, and viruses—are a serious challenge for our lakes. Lake associations, lake districts, and individual waterfront property owners are rightfully concerned about the potential impact that invasive species can have on lake ecosystems and recreation. Many groups are investing private (and state) dollars into treating waters for invasives like Eurasian watermilfoil, curly leaf pondweed, and carp. Many lake groups are participating in public education campaigns (like Clean Boats, Clean Waters) to encourage boaters to take simple to prevent the spread of AIS. Others are organizing volunteers to conduct AIS monitoring.
Invasive species are not a new phenomenon, and more invasive species are on the horizon. Wisconsin has many invasive species at different stages of colonization. Our scientific understanding of strategies for prevention, containment, and management is still evolving. Come learn the global context of AIS movement and Wisconsin's strategy of Smart prevention, containment, and control. Concurrent sessions will feature the latest Wisconsin AIS research and stories from lake groups around the state on AIS projects and success stories.
Workshops to focus on important lake topics
While AIS is an important issue, it is not the only challenge Wisconsin lakes face. Full day and half day workshops offer hands on training and discussion on many important lake topics from learning more about your lake's ecology, to interpreting and using lake data, to working with local partners for lake protection and running a more effective lake group. Some of the workshops that will be offered include:
* Lake District Commissioner training
* Running an effective lake organization
* Succession planning of family land
* Working with the media: getting them on your side and putting your best foot forward
* Groundwater: ordinance development
New IRS requirements apply to non-profits with incomes of $25K or less
The Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has some new reporting requirements for tax exempt organizations with annual revenue of $25,000 or less. This new requirement may affect lake associations that have tax exempt status as 501 (c) 3 non-profit organizations.
The IRS now requires that nonprofits with incomes of $25K or less now must file the Form 990-N (also called the "e-Postcard"). The
Pension Protection Act of 2006 mandates that the IRS revoke the
tax-exempt status of any organization that fails to file a Form 990,
990-EZ, 990-PF, or 990-N for three consecutive years. Revocations will happen automatically beginning in May 2010. A nonprofit that loses its exemption because of failure to file will have to reapply to the IRS for exemption.
Read an article on this new requirement
More information on filing a 990 on the Internal Revenue Service website
EPA gets sued: new Federal rules regulating ballast water discharge too weak to protect lakes
The Federal Clean Water Act requires that anyone discharging "biological materials" (such as aquatic invasive species and diseases) into Wisconsin waters have a discharge permit. In 2006, a Federal Court ruled that ballast water met the definition of "biological pollution", and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must begin regulating ballast water discharges from freighters under the Clean Water Act by Sept. 30, 2008.
The EPA finally complied with the court's ruling, and established permit system for water discharges from ships with accompanying administrative rules. The rules regulate 26 types of discharges including ballast water, oily bilge water and "gray water" from showers and sinks. The permit system is scheduled to take effect February 6.
But conservation groups have sued in the Federal Court of Appeals, contesting that the EPA's permit requirements are insufficient to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering the Great Lakes (and eventually inland lakes) and do not comply with the intent of the Clean Water Act.
The new rules require oceangoing ships to exchange ballast water or rinse ballast tanks if empty before entering U.S. coastal waters or the Great Lakes. Conservation groups contend that mere flushing of ballast tanks is not effective enough to prevent invasions. The plaintiffs want the EPA to require treatment systems that would kill unwanted foreign organisms.
Most recent invasive species have entered the Great Lakes ballast water discharged by ocean-going ships. The Great Lakes are currently home to 185 invasive species, with a new invasive being discovered every six months.
Study concludes more invasive species will enter Great Lakes
A recently released study by the National Center for Environmental Assessment (download full report) warns that more invasive species could spread across the Great Lakes causing significant environmental and economic damage in their wake, despite new policies designed to prevent the spread of AIS.
The report identified 30 nonnative species that pose a medium or high risk of reaching the lakes and 28 others that already have a foothold and could disperse widely. Several of the region's busiest ports—including Milwaukee and Superior—were pegged as strong potential targets for invaders.
Currently, 185 invasives inhabit the Great Lakes and most have gotten there when oceangoing ships have flushed their ballast tanks in the Great Lakes. Just 13 species have done extensive environmental and ecological harm, but the potential for existing invaders to spread and new problems to arrive remains.
The report concludes that the current policy requiring ocean going ships to exchange their fresh ballast water with salty ocean water before entering the Great Lakes is far from foolproof. Some invasive species are saltwater-tolerant and may survive ballast water exchange. And there are other potential sources for invasive species including fish farm escapees and aquarium releases.
While the report does not predict which of the 58 species it identified may get through, it does conclude that monitoring and early detection programs will be crucial to choking off invasives before they become established.
Interested in more lake news? Get The Lake Connection and special e-mail bulletins from WAL
Our monthly e-lake letter focuses on current events and is a free service we provide for anyone interested in lakes. But WAL members receive much more.
Our quarterly print publication, The Lake Connection, has in-depth articles about lake science and research that helps us better understand our lakes, analysis of legislative and agency policy proposals that may affect lakes, updates on WAL policy initiatives, success stories from local lake groups across the state, and information about WAL's upcoming events and lake education opportunities.
Special e-mail bulletins and ActionAlertsLakes help our lake organization and individual members stay connected to the action at the state Capital, and keep their own memberships informed and participating in the creation of lake policy
Wisconsin Association of Lakes members receive:
* WAL's quarterly print publication, The Lake Connection.
* WAL's special e-mail bulletins and Action Alerts
* analysis of lake policy issues, their potential effect on lakes, and talking points on various bills and administrative rules
* notification of opportunities for citizens to participate in the policy making process (public hearings, listening sessions, comment periods)
* guidance on the when, whos, and hows of contacting decision makers on specific issues
* sample letters to legislators, sample resolutions, and press releases
* tracking progress of WAL policy initiatives and lake related bills and rules as they move through the legislature
* special announcements about lake education and other events
* membership surveys, and opportunities for input on member services.
Become a WAL member today!
Link to WAL
Updates on legislative activity
Phosphorus lawn fertilizer bill (AB3/SB5)
This bill would prohibit the display, sale, and use of lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus, with certain reasonable exceptions. This bill is modeled after Dane County's existing and successful county ordinance.
Download fast facts about phosphorus and this bill, more resources on phosphorus and lawn fertilizer
The Senate Environment Committee has scheduled a public hearing on SB 5 for Wednesday February 11, 10:30 AM, 201 Southeast, State Capitol.
If you are planning on testifying at the hearing, please arrive a little early to fill out a hearing slip, and bring enough copies of your testimony for the five member Senate Environment Committee. Please let the WAL office know if you are planning on attending, and we'll greet you at the door!
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on AB 3 on January 28th. On February 11, an Executive Session may be held on AB 3. The committee will consider any amendments to the bill and vote to send the bill on to the full Assembly for consideration.
Slow no wake bill (SB 12)
This bill (SB 12) would establish a no wake zone within 100 feet of a lake's shoreline for motorboats. This proposal includes an opt-out provision, allowing local government to exclude lakes if the law significantly impacts recreation. Pick-up and drop zones for water skiers would also be excluded.
The Senate Environment Committee has scheduled a public hearing on SB 12 for Wednesday February 11, 10:30 AM, 201 Southeast, State Capitol.
If you are planning on testifying at the hearing, please arrive a little early to fill out a hearing slip, and bring enough copies of your testimony for the five member Senate Environment Committee. Please let the WAL office know if you are planning on attending, and we'll greet you at the door!
Join us February 25th for Conservation Lobby Day
Join us at the state Capitol on February 25, 2009 for Conservation Lobby Day, an empowering experience where hundreds of citizens from across the state gather to emphasize that bills that protect our lakes and natural resources are important to constituents. This event is free and you can register online at www.conservationvoters.org (RSVP by Feb 13th).
On Conservation Lobby Day, you will speak to both your state Representative and state Senator about key conservation issues. In addition, you will receive skill and issue trainings that you can take away and apply when advocating back home. This year's Wisconsin Conservation Priorities feature four issues that are important to the future of Wisconsin's lakes:
* Preserve groundwater
* Restore an independent DNR Secretary
* Regulate industrial waste spreading
* Take action on global warming
Preserve groundwater
Declining water levels on many Wisconsin lakes across the state have prompted increasing concern over groundwater management and high capacity well pumping. Whether these wells are located near or far away from the lake, they can dramatically influence the groundwater flow through the lake, affect lake water levels, and impact water quality and lake ecosystems.
Groundwater feeds most of our lakes, rivers and streams. Groundwater plays a major role in seepage and groundwater drainage lakes, supplying all or most of the lake's water. Other types of lakes may have other sources of water besides groundwater,—including rain and snowmelt, runoff, and streams and rivers (which may be sourced by groundwater themselves)—but groundwater affects all lakes.
But Wisconsin's current groundwater law fails to protect 99% of the state's lakes, 97% of springs, 92% of rivers and streams, and 100% of wetlands. Under current law, only those lakes designated as ORWs (there are no lakes designated as ERWs) are covered under the statute. Currently there are 97 lakes and 6 flowages designated as ORWs.
Our goal is to pass legislation revising current groundwater law that ensures the protection of Wisconsin surface waters (lakes, rivers, wetlands, and springs) while balancing competing demands (drinking water, industry, and agriculture).
Independent DNR Secretary
The Wisconsin Association of Lakes supports the return of appointment authority for the DNR Secretary to the Natural Resources Board. It is in the best interest of lakes and all the people who enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and living on lakes to have the DNR Secretary held solely accountable to the needs of the resource, the mission of the Department, and the guidance of the Natural Resource Board. Our lakes need effective leadership over time. Improving Wisconsin natural resources management means entrusting decisions to professional natural resource managers. Restoring the independence of the DNR Secretary is one needed step to ensure natural resource management decisions are made without undue political influence.
Regulate industrial waste spreading
The practice of spreading industrial and municipal waste on to farm fields can lead to contaminated drinking water and pollution making its way into our lakes from groundwater or runoff. In some areas of the state, farm fields sit on top of fractured, porous rock (Karst) that act as direct conduits to send industrial waste into our drinking water supplies.
Wisconsin's regulations governing the land application of waste are among the weakest in the Midwest. Some industries are using our land as their dumping grounds and industrial waste is even being imported from other states to be spread over Wisconsin land. Existing regulations need strengthening and lands with high risk of groundwater contamination need to be mapped to avoid problems in the most sensitive areas.
Global Warming
Scientific observations indicate that global warming may already be having an observable effect on local lakes. Our lakes are freezing later and thawing earlier, more unusual and extreme events are occurring, and there's greater variability in water levels. Wisconsin does not need to be a passive victim. But it does mean we have to act now. Failure to do so may well mean acceptance of the direst consequences that will befall the future of our fish and waters in a changing climate.
One action we can take now is to reduce our state's greenhouse gas emissions, implement greater energy efficiency and conservation efforts, and do our part to help avoid the worst impacts of global warming. These efforts can translate into economic opportunity for the state as we innovate new products and lead the way in generating climate change solutions.
Join us March 18-20th for the Wisconsin Lakes Convention
Join us at the Hotel Sierra and Conference center in Green Bay for the Wisconsin Lakes Convention! See the full agenda and register online at the UW Extension website: www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes.
This year's convention will focus on aquatic invasive species (AIS). AIS—which include plants, animals, and viruses—are a serious challenge for our lakes. Lake associations, lake districts, and individual waterfront property owners are rightfully concerned about the potential impact that invasive species can have on lake ecosystems and recreation. Many groups are investing private (and state) dollars into treating waters for invasives like Eurasian watermilfoil, curly leaf pondweed, and carp. Many lake groups are participating in public education campaigns (like Clean Boats, Clean Waters) to encourage boaters to take simple to prevent the spread of AIS. Others are organizing volunteers to conduct AIS monitoring.
Invasive species are not a new phenomenon, and more invasive species are on the horizon. Wisconsin has many invasive species at different stages of colonization. Our scientific understanding of strategies for prevention, containment, and management is still evolving. Come learn the global context of AIS movement and Wisconsin's strategy of Smart prevention, containment, and control. Concurrent sessions will feature the latest Wisconsin AIS research and stories from lake groups around the state on AIS projects and success stories.
Workshops to focus on important lake topics
While AIS is an important issue, it is not the only challenge Wisconsin lakes face. Full day and half day workshops offer hands on training and discussion on many important lake topics from learning more about your lake's ecology, to interpreting and using lake data, to working with local partners for lake protection and running a more effective lake group. Some of the workshops that will be offered include:
* Lake District Commissioner training
* Running an effective lake organization
* Succession planning of family land
* Working with the media: getting them on your side and putting your best foot forward
* Groundwater: ordinance development
New IRS requirements apply to non-profits with incomes of $25K or less
The Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has some new reporting requirements for tax exempt organizations with annual revenue of $25,000 or less. This new requirement may affect lake associations that have tax exempt status as 501 (c) 3 non-profit organizations.
The IRS now requires that nonprofits with incomes of $25K or less now must file the Form 990-N (also called the "e-Postcard"). The
Pension Protection Act of 2006 mandates that the IRS revoke the
tax-exempt status of any organization that fails to file a Form 990,
990-EZ, 990-PF, or 990-N for three consecutive years. Revocations will happen automatically beginning in May 2010. A nonprofit that loses its exemption because of failure to file will have to reapply to the IRS for exemption.
Read an article on this new requirement
More information on filing a 990 on the Internal Revenue Service website
EPA gets sued: new Federal rules regulating ballast water discharge too weak to protect lakes
The Federal Clean Water Act requires that anyone discharging "biological materials" (such as aquatic invasive species and diseases) into Wisconsin waters have a discharge permit. In 2006, a Federal Court ruled that ballast water met the definition of "biological pollution", and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must begin regulating ballast water discharges from freighters under the Clean Water Act by Sept. 30, 2008.
The EPA finally complied with the court's ruling, and established permit system for water discharges from ships with accompanying administrative rules. The rules regulate 26 types of discharges including ballast water, oily bilge water and "gray water" from showers and sinks. The permit system is scheduled to take effect February 6.
But conservation groups have sued in the Federal Court of Appeals, contesting that the EPA's permit requirements are insufficient to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering the Great Lakes (and eventually inland lakes) and do not comply with the intent of the Clean Water Act.
The new rules require oceangoing ships to exchange ballast water or rinse ballast tanks if empty before entering U.S. coastal waters or the Great Lakes. Conservation groups contend that mere flushing of ballast tanks is not effective enough to prevent invasions. The plaintiffs want the EPA to require treatment systems that would kill unwanted foreign organisms.
Most recent invasive species have entered the Great Lakes ballast water discharged by ocean-going ships. The Great Lakes are currently home to 185 invasive species, with a new invasive being discovered every six months.
Study concludes more invasive species will enter Great Lakes
A recently released study by the National Center for Environmental Assessment (download full report) warns that more invasive species could spread across the Great Lakes causing significant environmental and economic damage in their wake, despite new policies designed to prevent the spread of AIS.
The report identified 30 nonnative species that pose a medium or high risk of reaching the lakes and 28 others that already have a foothold and could disperse widely. Several of the region's busiest ports—including Milwaukee and Superior—were pegged as strong potential targets for invaders.
Currently, 185 invasives inhabit the Great Lakes and most have gotten there when oceangoing ships have flushed their ballast tanks in the Great Lakes. Just 13 species have done extensive environmental and ecological harm, but the potential for existing invaders to spread and new problems to arrive remains.
The report concludes that the current policy requiring ocean going ships to exchange their fresh ballast water with salty ocean water before entering the Great Lakes is far from foolproof. Some invasive species are saltwater-tolerant and may survive ballast water exchange. And there are other potential sources for invasive species including fish farm escapees and aquarium releases.
While the report does not predict which of the 58 species it identified may get through, it does conclude that monitoring and early detection programs will be crucial to choking off invasives before they become established.
Interested in more lake news? Get The Lake Connection and special e-mail bulletins from WAL
Our monthly e-lake letter focuses on current events and is a free service we provide for anyone interested in lakes. But WAL members receive much more.
Our quarterly print publication, The Lake Connection, has in-depth articles about lake science and research that helps us better understand our lakes, analysis of legislative and agency policy proposals that may affect lakes, updates on WAL policy initiatives, success stories from local lake groups across the state, and information about WAL's upcoming events and lake education opportunities.
Special e-mail bulletins and ActionAlertsLakes help our lake organization and individual members stay connected to the action at the state Capital, and keep their own memberships informed and participating in the creation of lake policy
Wisconsin Association of Lakes members receive:
* WAL's quarterly print publication, The Lake Connection.
* WAL's special e-mail bulletins and Action Alerts
* analysis of lake policy issues, their potential effect on lakes, and talking points on various bills and administrative rules
* notification of opportunities for citizens to participate in the policy making process (public hearings, listening sessions, comment periods)
* guidance on the when, whos, and hows of contacting decision makers on specific issues
* sample letters to legislators, sample resolutions, and press releases
* tracking progress of WAL policy initiatives and lake related bills and rules as they move through the legislature
* special announcements about lake education and other events
* membership surveys, and opportunities for input on member services.
Become a WAL member today!
Link to WAL
1 comment:
The time has come, to demand protection from the Federal government, by the American people, to prevent foreign sea captains and terrorist from being able to use ballast system to slowly destroy our environment either intentionally or unintentionally. New legislation is now started in congress. Please let your lawmakers know you want this protection equal for all water in America and not to consider this a states rights issue as they have in the past. Invasive s and virus in polluted water do not understand the lines drawn on maps by man, nor will terrorist. The Coast Guard is the only real line of defense we have. Sincerely Don Mitchel
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