MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased to announce that Coldwater Fisheries Research Scientist, Dr. Matthew Mitro, was awarded Fisheries Biologist of the Year by the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA) at their annual meeting earlier this year.
This award is given to an individual who has shown “unparalleled initiative towards the better understanding of fishes and their conservation.” There is no better way to describe Dr. Mitro and his extensive 19 years of fisheries research with the DNR. His work focuses on inland trout species, and he has been essential to many trout projects, including:
long-term trout and stream habitat monitoring study
research on gill lice infecting brook trout
contributing to the trout and beaver management plans
protocol development for age estimation in brown trout and brook trout
modeling changes in stream temperature and trout distribution in response to climate change
A newly released State of the Birds report for the United States reveals a tale of two trends, one hopeful, one dire. Long-term trends of waterfowl show strong increases where investments in wetland conservation have improved conditions for birds and people. But data show birds in the U.S. are declining overall in every other habitat — forests, grasslands, deserts, and oceans.
Published by 33 leading science and conservation organizations and agencies, the 2022 U.S. State of the Birds report is the first comprehensive look at the nation’s birds since a landmark 2019 study showed the loss of nearly 3 billion birds in the U.S. and Canada in 50 years. Findings included in the 2022 State of the Birds report: More than half of U.S. bird species are declining. U.S. grassland birds are among the fastest declining with a 34 percent loss since 1970. Waterbirds and ducks in the U.S. have increased by 18 percent and 34 percent, respectively, during the same period.
Seventy newly identified Tipping Point species have each lost 50 percent or more of their populations in the past 50 years, and are on a track to lose another half in the next 50 years if nothing changes. These species, none of which are currently listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act, include beloved gems such as the Rufous Hummingbird, songsters such as the Golden-winged Warbler, and oceanic travelers such as the Black-footed Albatross. Hawai‘i’s ten most endangered species are collectively represented by fewer than 5,500 individual birds.
The report advises that meeting declining birds’ tremendous needs will require a strategic combination of partnerships, incentives, science-based solutions, and the will to dramatically scale up conservation efforts. In a companion document, there are three key conservation policy priorities listed to help Tipping Point species recover. “Everyone can make a difference to help turn declines around,” said Michael J. Parr, President of American Bird Conservancy (ABC). “Everyone with a window can use simple solutions to prevent collisions. Everyone can help green their neighborhood and avoid using pesticides that harm birds. Everyone who lives in a neighborhood can bring the issues and solutions to their community and use their voice to take action.”
Decisive and collaborative action is particularly needed in the case of Critically Endangered Hawaiian forest birds, of which several are at risk of going extinct within the next few years. Their biggest threat is avian malaria, carried by invasive mosquitos brought to the islands by humans. “Building upon successes in human health, there is hope and the opportunity to use naturally occurring bacteria to reduce mosquito populations, break the disease cycle, and allow the forest birds to thrive,” said Chris Farmer, Hawai‘i Program Director at ABC. “The Birds, Not Mosquitoes partnership is dedicated to developing and implementing this technique to save our remaining forest birds.”
The State of the Birds report used five sources of data, including the North American Breeding Bird Survey and Christmas Bird Count, to track the health of breeding birds in habitats across the U.S. “From grassland birds to seabirds to Hawaiian birds, we continue to see that nearly all groups of birds and types of bird habitat have declined significantly,” said Martha Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). “The one group that is seeing an increase in population size is wetland-dependent birds, including waterfowl.”
“While a majority of bird species are declining, many waterbird populations remain healthy, thanks to decades of collaborative investments from hunters, landowners, state and federal agencies, and corporations,” said Dr. Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer for Ducks Unlimited. “This is good news not only for birds, but for the thousands of other species that rely on wetlands, and the communities that benefit from groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, and flood protection.”
The report suggests that applying that winning formula in more habitats will help birds and natural resources rebound. “The North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Federal Duck Stamp Program, grants from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and regional Joint Ventures partnerships are all part of a framework that has a proven track record with restoring and protecting wetland-dependent species,” said Williams of the FWS. “Now we want to use that precedent to work with our partners to restore bird populations, conserve habitat, and build a foundation for how we respond to the loss of other bird groups.”
Data show that the biggest population declines are among shorebirds, down by 33 percent since 1970, and grassland birds, down by 34 percent. Conservation must be stepped up to reverse these losses. Everyone can play a role in saving these species by making their voices heard in support of bird-saving legislation. “Urgent action and funds are needed to halt biodiversity loss in the U.S.,” said Jennifer Cipolletti, Director of Conservation Advocacy at ABC. “Federal funding sources such as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act can help fill the massive gap in funding for conservation programs managed by states, territories, and tribes. Migratory Bird Joint Ventures can play a vital role as the nexus among these organizations, bringing partners together to facilitate effective delivery of these funds for the greatest conservation success.”
Recognizing the need to work at bigger, faster scales, 200 organizations from across seven sectors in Mexico, Canada, the U.S., and Indigenous Nations are also collaborating on a Central Grasslands Roadmap to conserve one of North America’s largest and most vital ecosystems — grasslands, which span hundreds of million acres. “People have changed our grassland landscape and people are key to its future,” said Tammy VerCauteren, Executive Director of the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and a representative of the Central Grasslands Roadmap partnership. “Collectively, we are working to make a movement to save our grasslands and the people and wildlife that depend upon them. Together we can ensure Tribal sovereignty, private property rights, food security, resilient landscapes, and thriving wildlife populations.”
Given widespread declines in bird populations, the report emphasizes the need for proactive conservation across habitats and species. “Despite best hopes and efforts, 70 Tipping Point bird species have a half life of just 50 years — meaning they will lose half their already dwindling populations in the next 50 years unless we take action,” said Dr. Peter Marra, Director of The Earth Commons — Georgetown University’s Institute for Environment & Sustainability. “What we’ve outlined in this State of the Birds is a recipe for how conservation biologists can work with communities and use surgical precision to solve environmental problems — blending new technology and data to pinpoint the cause of losses and to reverse declines while we still have the best chance — now, before more birds plummet to Endangered.” The 2022 U.S. State of the Birds report was produced by a consortium of government agencies, private organizations, and bird initiatives led by NABCI (North American Bird Conservation Initiative). Read the report at StateoftheBirds.org. ###
Contact: Dane Huinker: DHuinker@WildlifeForever.org, October 6, 2022
White Bear Lake, MN – Wildlife Forever is proud to certify Fergus Falls, MN as the first Prairie City USA community in the country. Friday, September 30th, marked the occasion with a dedication ceremony at Spies Riverfront Park in downtown Fergus Falls. Mayor Ben Schierer received the recognition on behalf of the community’s efforts to convert and restore 30 acres of prairie habitat within city limits.
Prairie City USA works to engage and certify communities for their model conservation program; restoring ecological function to the landscape and beautifying urban and rural cities. As a certified Prairie City, municipalities adopt and implement best practices to enhance pollinator habitat, carbon sequestration, erosion control, and water quality. Working to integrate native prairie and local ecotype landscapes, Prairie City certification starts with civic leadership and a commitment to conservation.
“I am thrilled that Fergus Falls is an official Prairie City USA community. Making the commitment to enhance our natural areas and investing in nature-based infrastructure will help our community thrive, creating a more sustainable place to live and work,” said Mayor Ben Schierer.
Through a 5-step application, communities can initiate the process toward certification which varies, based on an acreage commitment to convert green space to prairie and pollinator habitat. A long-term management plan is provided upon certification to aid in sustaining the quality of the restoration sites over time.
“Congratulations to the people of Fergus Falls and to the numerous partners that made this designation possible. Through civic leadership and restoration funds from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, Fergus Falls has created urban wildlife corridors and new opportunities for the community to expand prairie conservation,” said Pat Conzemius, President and CEO of Wildlife Forever.
About Prairie City USA: The mission is to build stronger communities through integrated prairie habitats, conservation best practices, and civic leadership. Developed in partnership with the United Prairie Foundation, Prairie City USA engages local governments to adopt and integrate prairie restorations on underutilized green spaces and community areas that encourage public awareness and education.
About Wildlife Forever: Our mission is to conserve America’s outdoor heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and management of fish and wildlife. Wildlife Forever is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to investing resources on the ground. Recent audits reveal that 96 percent of every dollar supports our award-winning conservation programs. Become a member and learn more about the Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest™ and Songbird Art Contest™, Clean Drain Dry Initiative™ and Prairie City USA® at www.WildlifeForever.org.
Building Stronger Communities Through Nature Based Solutions™
Ravaged by the deadly white-nose syndrome, the northern long-eared bat now requires heightened federal protection as an endangered species, the Fish and Wildlife Service said today.
The move acknowledges a deterioration in the condition of the bat, which was designated a threatened species under federal law in 2015. A lawsuit filed by environmentalists subsequently compelled the federal agency to reconsider the status of the species (Greenwire, April 1, 2015).
“White-nose syndrome is devastating northern long-eared bats at unprecedented rates, as indicated by this science-based finding,” Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director Charlie Wooley said in a statement.
Wind energy projects, climate change and habitat loss also pose threats.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2022 Contact: Lt. Robert Stroess, DNR Administrative Warden robert.stroess@wisconsin.gov or 920-901-1361
Joanne Haas, DNR Division of Public Safety and Resource Protection joanne.haas@wisconsin.gov or 608-209-8147
Public Tip Started DNR Warden Investigation In 2018
Invasive carp can destroy habitats of native state fish. / Photo Credit: iStock.com / wrangel
MADISON, Wis. – A wholesale fish dealer from Platteville was convicted of illegally selling invasive carp, Wisconsin’s most prominent and highly destructive invasive species. The case is the first-ever in Wisconsin involving the illegal sale of Asian carp.
Ping Li, co-owner and sole operator of Li Fish Farm, LLC in rural Platteville, was convicted in Grant and Dane county circuit courts of two misdemeanor crimes and 17 forfeiture violations under a plea deal. Li was ordered to pay more than $13,000 in penalties.
The 19 convictions were for violations, including Violation of Wholesale Fish Dealer Vehicle ID Requirements when Transporting Fish, Possession of Illegal Fish with a Value Over $300, Improper Transport of Asian Carp and Failure to Keep Wholesale Fish Dealer Records.
A complaint from a member of the public sparked an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 2018, which focused primarily on activities during 2018 and 2019. However, the illegal fish activities had been ongoing for several years before.
The types of carp involved in this case – bighead, silver and grass – are different from the carp commonly known as German carp or common carp, which have lived in Wisconsin since the mid-1800s. Bighead, silver and grass carp are highly invasive fish that can destroy habitats of native state fish.
“The species is top on the Least Wanted Aquatic Invasive Species List from the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers,” said Lt. Robert Stroess, DNR warden administrator for Commercial Fishing and Aquatic Species in Trade Enforcement.
Specifically, threats from each type of carp include:
The bighead carp is a feeder of plankton, which is a primary food for many native fish including walleye, yellow perch, lake whitefish and all juvenile fish. This specific carp is a major threat to the Great Lakes $7 billion fishing industry.
The silver carp is another feeder on fish habitats attacked by the bighead. This species also is known to leap out of the water, which is a threat to boaters and the region’s $16 billion boating industry.
The grass carp eats aquatic habitats and is known to help cause algae blooms and damage to wetlands and waterfowl habitats.
In Wisconsin, by law, invasive carp must be either eviscerated (gutted) or have the entire gill covering severed. This requirement exists because these invasive carp can survive out of water for up to a day or longer. Gutting them or severing the gill covering ensures the fish cannot be revived. Many other states have similar laws.
“The laws around the Great Lakes states are in place to minimize the threat of these species finding their way into new waterways at the hands of humans,” said Stroess. “The laws serve as important protections for our native Wisconsin fish.”
Nearly all the invasive carp Li sold and transported were completely intact and therefore illegal in Wisconsin. In 2018 alone, more than 9,000 pounds of Li’s overall invasive carp sales were transported or sold illegally in the state.
Li also violated the law when he used an unmarked refrigerated van to transport and deliver most of the illegal carp, making it difficult to identify it as a wholesale fish dealer vehicle.
