Key Accomplishments in 2006

Called for Governor Doyle to form a "Blue-Ribbon" Commission to help advance the re-authorization of the Knowles-Nelson

Stewardship Fund that is used to buy state wildlife areas, forests, and fisheries.

Prevented the WI legislature from diverting $1.35 million from waterfowl, turkey and Great Lakes stamps.

Stopped an effort to change the definition of "navigable" stream in a way that would have reduced the protection of habitat and eliminated public access on 90% of WI's streams.

Reignited Wisconsin's Teaming with Wildlife Coalition-an effort to secure funding for Wisconsin's state wildlife grant program-by hiring Susan Foote-Martin to staff that coalition.

Passed a resolution calling on Governor Doyle to take the lead in collaborating with other Governors in the Great Lake States on an initiative to mandate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Worked with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to adopt legislation in Wisconsin that would implement the Great Lakes Compact and prevent diversion of the Great Lakes water out of the basin.

Partnered with NWF to reduce mercury into our air and water by passing regulations in Wisconsin that reduce emissions for coal-fired power plants-the first regulations of this nature in the Midwest.

Worked with affiliate clubs to discuss the disease issues associated with the baiting and feeding of deer, and developed a resolution for the consideration of WWF members to ban that practice.

Led the effort of several conservation groups to thwart the delisting of the Butler's Garter Snake from Wisconsin's Threatened and Endangered Species List and participated in DNR workshops to develop ways to protect the snake that addresses the concerns of stakeholders.

Spearheaded legislation to enable 10 year-old youth to hunt with the guidance and presence of an adult mentor; the legislation failed, but laid the groundwork for future efforts.

Laid the groundwork to protect important groundwater resources by documenting all the springs in Wisconsin.

Supported US Fish & Wildlife Service's action to de-list the wolf from the endangered species in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Co-hosted the Wisconsin Waterfowlers' Conference brought together more than 160 people to learn about, discuss, and formulate action on issues of interest to waterfowlers.

Monitored bird flu research in Wisconsin as well as in North America.

Worked closely with the Wisconsin DNR to revise hunting regulations for waterfowl.

Partnered with other hunting organizations to pass legislation authorizing an early December hunt to harvest used deer tags.

Took over the operation of the MacKenzie Environmental Education Center to ensure area youth could continue to learn about environment issues in natural setting.

Circulated educational trunks to more than 50 classrooms throughout Wisconsin.

Awarded scholarships to six college students majoring in natural resource management at UW-Stevens Point.

Produced a monthly newsletter-Wisconservation-to keep WWF's membership informed about a variety of issues.