Version User Scope of changes
Mar 30 2008, 10:42 PM EDT (current) jgardner422 1 word added
Mar 29 2008, 1:00 PM EDT EmilyFitz 20 words added

Changes

Key:  Additions   Deletions

THE ISSUE
There has been an increase loss of wildlife habitat including forests, meadows, and wetlands. These ecosystems are homes to many animals including the bear, wolf and moose populations. As this land get replaced by buildings and houses the remaining habitat becomes smaller and more fragmented, making survival of certain wildlife species very difficult as they try to reach breeding ponds, hibernation sites, feeding locations, or to establish nesting areas.

BRIEF HISTORY
These animals have existed in Wisconsin from the time the glaciers melted 10, 000 years ago. Many of these animals moved in after the ice melted and coexisted with other large mammal as well as the Native Americans. As Europeans began settling in Wisconsin many took advantage of the wildlife and continued to hunt these animals until they were almost non existent in the state which has continued throughout the years including the development impact that has recently affected the animals’ population.

HERE IN WISCONSIN
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, important habitat types are disappearing. For example:

  • Grasslands - Wisconsin has only .5% (13,000 acres) of its original grassland ecosystem remaining in a relatively intact condition, but much of this remnant acreage has been degraded to some degree
  • Oak Savannas - Intact examples of oak savanna vegetation are now so rare that less than 500 acres are listed in the Natural Heritage Inventory as having a plant assemblage similar to the original oak savanna. This is less than 0.01% of the original 5.5 million acres.
  • Oak and Pine Barrens - Less than 1% of the pre-settlement oak and pine barren habitat remains
  • Shorelands - Degradation of near-shore and shoreline wildlife habitat is increasing with the pace of development, particularly in northern Wisconsin where, since 1960, two thirds of the larger lakes have been developed, the number of home sites has doubled, and the annual number of permits for sea wall construction has tripled. The DNR now reviews and processes over 10,000 permits for piers, near shore ponds, and structures each year.
  • Wetlands - More than 50% of Wisconsin's original wetlands have been lost. On the lower Bay of Green Bay, more than 90% of the wetlands are gone.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW
Although the reduction of natural habitat in Wisconsin is a continuing problem but there have been significant population growths among Wisconsin’s bears wolf and moose population. Recently there has been a management plan that has been implemented for managing bear, moose and wolves populations in Wisconsin for the next 10 to 15 years. These guidelines provide a conservation strategy for maintaining a healthy viable population of these animals in the state, and contribute toward national recovery plan.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has cited a variety of ways individuals can help

Landowner Incentive Program: Helping private landowners protect rare plants and animals. The Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) is a grant program that helps private landowners to manage and restore habitat for at-risk species on their land.

Donate to the Wisconsin Endangered Resources Fund
Individuals can make a donation to the Endangered Resources Fund have now been expanded to include the ability to donate with a credit card or a check.

Endangered Resources Tax Checkoff
Individual can now make a donation the Endangered Resources Fund on their tax forms

Purchase an Endangered Resources License Plate for your Vehicle
When you purchase a special Endangered Resources License Plate your fee includes an annual $25 tax deductible donation to this Program.

Provide a Nest Egg for the Trumpeter Swan Fund
Donations to the Trumpeter Swans fund are used to cover costs of aerial surveys, health checks, other monitoring activities, and public education efforts.

Adopt an Eagle's Nest
When you adopt an eagles nest you can help ensure that Bald Eagles are back to stay in Wisconsin for all future generations to see and enjoy.

LINKS
For additional information on the Return of Bear, Wolf, and Moose:
Large Carnivores, Moose, and Humans: A Changing Paradigm