• New DNR Secretary Named - Doyle appoints Scott Hassett to the position.

• PSC Votes To Review Arrowhead-Weston Transmission Line  - Agency to reopen case following massive cost overruns.

• The Killer Among Us - What state officials aren't telling you about chronic wasting disease, the politics and blunders behind its spread and the true dangers, as reported by Milwaukee Magazine. (This will open in a new window.)

• SOUL Releases Energy Forum Summary - September gathering collected direction for state energy policy.  And see the White Paper by clicking here plus the Original Comments.

• DNR Faces Park Funds Shortfall - $4 million deficit adds to financial woes already pinching hunting, fishing and wildlife budget, according to Green Bay Press Gazette.

• Ecological Effects Can't Be Ignored - Letter writer calls for Minnesota regulators to weigh all concerns fairly during their portion of the transmission line approval process.

• Black Announces Intent To Reintroduce DNR Independence Bill  - Assembly rep. says he is optimistic about the chances for passage.

• Radioactivity, Salt Taint Groundwater As Inland Areas Dig Ever Deeper - Water reserves sinking deeper and faster than expected, according to Mil. Journal-Sentinel.

• DNR Secretary Needs Cover From Politics - Eau Claire Leader Telegram supports independent secretary proposal of Doyle.

• Gov-elect Faces Daunting Conservation Issues - DNR, budget and working with Republican legislature offer challenges, says Tom Miller.

• DNR To See Big Changes With Doyle - New Governor also touches on Crandon acquisition and Public Intervenor in Wisconsin State Journal article.

• Transmission Line Owner Returns To PSC For Approval Of Cost Spike - Agency review of the doubling in cost for the project will further slow the line's construction timetable, according to the Spooner Advocate.

November

• For Sale:  Wisconsin's Northwoods Ownership Rapidly Changing Hands - Development and economy pressuring Wisconsin's future.

• Groups Praise State Lawsuit To Protect Rush River  - Conservation and environmental groups withdraw their own lawsuit over manure spills into key trout fishery.

• DNR Identifies Special Places Deserving Protection In 50 Year Plan - Land legacy project considers future conservation and public recreation needs. And read the Green Bay Press Gazette's story on the protection effort.

• Transmission Line A Result Of Corruption And Mismanagment - Writer charges project would never have gotten green light without money laundering scheme.

• State Files Lawsuit Over Factory Farm Pollution - Action follows suit filed by environmental and conservation groups in September who were angered by numerous farm manure spills.

• Transmission Company Trys To Explain Cost Overrun - Doubling in cost of Duluth-to-Wausau transmission line "signifcant," according to holding company official.

• Transmission Line Costs Double  - Original cost projections resemble Arthur Anderson spread sheet, says SOUL.  And read the Green Bay Press Gazette's story on this issue.

• New Citizen's Guide To Protecting State Waters From Polluted Runoff  - Toolkit informs and describes how to use the new law to safeguard your favorite haunts. [This is a big file and may take a little time to download.  You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this, click here for a free download if you need it.]

• SOUL Annual Meeting Set For Nov. 9 - Hayward event includes project updates, information sharing, speakers on hydrogen and energy policy, and more.

October

• Capitol Scandal Includes Transmission Line  - Utility contributions promoted passage of key legislation, charges SOUL.

• McCallum Sent Open Letter Questioning Decision To Not Negotiate Crandon Site Acquisition - Groups remain puzzled by lack of interest given review of appraisals.

• Human CWD Risk Uncertain  - Medical College of Wisconsin releases advice to hunters and consumers of venison.

• State Preparing To Re-Examine Shoreline Rules - DNR committee being established to update 1966 rules in the face of growing shoreland development.

• Cost overruns likely to delay power line - Much-heralded 210-mile project could draw critics' attentions again, says Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• State Appraisals Reveal Crandon Mine Worth A Fraction Of Governor's Claim - McCallum apparently never reviewed the data he asked for before dismissing acquistion proposal..

• Doyle Wants To Re-Open Crandon Mine Land Acquistion Issue  - A test of our priorities and commitment to the environment, candidate says.  And McCallum fires off a critical response  to mining proposal.  Plus, read the Green Bay News Chronicle's coverage of the issue.

• BHP Has Never Paid Property Taxes On Mine Site - Writer notes special tax break given to mining companies.

• Rep. Black Says Now Is The Time To Ban Cyanide In Mining - Assembly Minority leader calls for tougher state mining laws as Crandon project is only shelved. [You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this, click here for a free download if you need it.]

• Why, Again, Is Coal The Best Choice For Power? - Wausau Daily Herald questions selection of power source for new plant given cleaner alternatives.

• Powerplant Proposal Shows Northern Transmission Line Not Needed  - SOUL says state has plenty of elecrical generating capacity.

• Legislative Scorecard Released - League of Conservation Voters tallies how your state officials voted on conservation and environmental issues in the legislature.

• Ex-chief Fears More Deer - Meyer says fewer hunters this year could mean more fawns being born, according to the Milwuakee Journal-Sentinel.

September

• DNR Provides Crandon Mine Permit Assessment - Agency evaluates permit progress following BHP's decision to sell project while continuing to seek mining permit.

• For The Sake Of The Wolf River, Don't Let Crandon Mine Resurface - Ruination of river would be deathblow, says Green Bay News Chronicle editorial.

• More Quarantines Likely As Diseased Deer Is Tracked - Game farms facing more restrictions, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• Critic Accuses DNR Of Political Agenda On CWD - Disease agent could linger for years in the soil of hot spots.  And the fatal deer disease may be spreading, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• Perrier Suspends Wisconsin Project - Opposition to water mining plan forced company to look elsewhere. And read the Appleton Post Crescent's story on the issue.

• Hansen Says He Will Still Pursue Stronger Mine Pollution Law  - State waters still need protection says state senator.

• Crandon Mine Project Put Up For Sale By Company - Read the latest twists and turns as reported in the Green Bay Press Gazette and the Appleton Post Crescent.

• Friday The 13th Unlucky For Mine Employees - Layoffs at mine project no surprise given spate of recent project setbacks.

• Crandon Mining Company Fires Employees - End to buyout negotiations apparently triggers layoffs, according to Rhinelander TV News 12.

• Governor Candidates Doyle and Young Criticize McCallum's End To Crandon Negotiations. And Potawatomi say state gave up too easily.

• Group's Rip Decision To End Crandon Buyout Negotiations - Governor dropped the ball on negotiations they charge.

• State Ends Discussion Of Minesite Acquisition - Price too steep and company unwilling to negotiate says Dep't of Administration.And Gov. McCallum's statement on the cancellation of negotiations.

• PR Firm Hired To Push Transmission Line - CUB slams effort by same company that helped promote Crandon mine.

• Marathon County Town Of Mosinee Denies Utilities Property Access - Survey work for transmission line blocked on town property, according to Ashland Daily Press.

• New List Of Crandon Mine Resources - People who can answer the tough questions about the mine and the proposed public acquisition of the mine site.

• Groups Say They Will Sue Factory Farm In St. Croix County - Dairy operation's numerous manure spills have fouled the Rush River. And, read the actual complaint.

• Conservation Alliance Releases Results of Candidate Survey on DNR Secretary and Public Intervenor Restoration - Find out where your candidates for state office stand.

• Guidelines Created To Increase Safety Of Venison - Dep't of Ag. provides info aimed at lowering risk, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• Crandon Mine Would Pollute Drinking Water - DNR assesses impact of mine on surrounding environment in letters to mine owner.

• First Appraisal Of Mine Property Completed - Details to be held confidential until negotiations for mine site acquisition are completed says Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

August

• Chronic Wasting Disease Spreads To Minnesota - Disease found in captive elk herd in state, reports Minneapolis Star Tribune.

• SOUL Sponsors Citizen Energy Forum - Help build a sound energy policy on Sept. 13-14 in Wausau.

• Volunteer Monitoring Resources - Citizens are working to monitor, study and protect birds, fish, frogs, groundwater, watersheds and much much more.  And, read how citizen monitoring of a watershed works.[You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this, click here for a free download if you need it.]

• Mine Owners Want Offer --- Soon - Company wants negotiations on Crandon acquisiton to conclude, according to Green Bay Press Gazette.

• Mole Lake Delegation Takes Mine Acquistion Plan To World Summit - Tribe has meeting scheduled with owner of Crandon site at Sustainable Development gathering in South Africa.

• Manure Spill Settlement Buys Protections For Big Eau Pleine River - Buffer strips bought with lawsuit money in unique settlement.

• Global Warming Conferences Planned For Stevens Point And Eau Claire - Interfaith religious coalition sponsoring Sept. 22 and Sept. 28 events.  And check out this list of climate change resources.

• Reducing Emissions Takes A Local, Global Effort - Time to wake up and smell the coffeee before it boils over says Wausau Daily Herald.

• Mad Deer Web Site - Wisconsin hunter Jay Newman maintains comprehensive web site on Chronic Wasting Disease in deer.

• Green Menomonee Valley - Cleaning up a Milwaukee brownfield, making living wage jobs, and building neighborhoods is subject of Aug. 28 presentation.

• Groups Issue Report On Industrial Livestock Production Abuses - Meat factory violations part of factory farm system.

• Fears Of Land Sale Hit Northwoods - Paper companies looking to unload vast tracts of forest land, could reshape the look of northern Wisconsin according to Green Bay Press Gazette.

• Brule River State Forest Plan Managment Hearings Set For September - DNR wants public input on how to manage state forest.

• Clean Water Coalition Praises Leaders Who Crafted Polluted Run-off Rules - Group thanks individuals for their role in enacting landmark rules.

• Enterprise Community Is Better Than A Mine - Wausau Daily Herald says Crandon mine opponents have better plans than mining.

• Candidate Survey On DNR and Public Intervenor Underway - Brown County Conservation Alliance will share results with voters.

• The Real Cost of Hydro - A revealing look at life at the end of the transmission line proposed for northern Wisconsin.

• Expert: Captive deer may be source:  Lax tracking of farm animals may be responsible for chronic wasting disease, according to story in Eau Claire Leader Telegram.

• Governor Vetos Ashley Wetlands Exemption In Budget - Move greeted with appreciation from many but exemption sponsor Dem. Sen Rod Moen  is mad.

• Opinion:  Plan To Buy Mine Site Would Protect A Jewel - Letter writers call Wolf River a treasure in need of protection.

• Families Left To Ponder Connection After Deaths Of Three Participants - Did wild game feasts lead to fatal brain disorder, asks Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

• Groups Meet With Governor On Crandon Land Acquisition - Negotiations seek a win-win result for environment and Wisconsin's people. And a closer look at the natural resources comprising the 4800 acre site.

• Crandon Mine Buyout Worth Consideration - No question that such an acquisition would greatly benefit conservation interests says Racine Journal Times.

• Conservation And Environmental Groups Ask Governor To Veto Wetlands Exemption - Budget bill act would allow wetland development.  Click here to see the letter to the Governor.  And Rep. Mark Miller calls for a veto, too.

• New Guide For Neighbors Concerned About Factory Farms - Understanding factory farm issues and how to gather information and organize in your community are hot topics.

• State Hits Mark With Tough Stance On Runoff - Green Bay Press Gazette editorial says Wisconsin has set a high standard that's worth it.

• 50 New State Natural Areas Proposed - Additions on state property would mark 50 year anniversary of program.  Click here to see a list of the state's Natural Areas in each Wisconsin county.

• Judge Supports Utility Powerline Work - Ruling clears the way for survey work, according to Wausau Daily Herald.

• Public Service Commission Must Take Responsibility - Politically appointed Commissioners have been "holding a wild party" for utilities, says CUB's Steve Hiniker.

• Candidates Right To Be Wary Of Mine Purchase - Place issue toward top of agenda, says Wausau Daily Herald.

• A Look Behind The Crandon Mine Purchase - The making of the deal.  And help the purchase happen.

• DNR Plans Statewide Deer Test - Fall hunt to help gauge disease, according to Green Bay Press Gazette.

• Model Mine Leaking Cyanide Into Trout Streams - Bankrupt company leaves state holding the bag.

• July Hearings Set For Game Farm CWD Rules - State Ag. Dep't seeking input on CWD plans for deer and elk farms.

• Ashley May Drop Plan To Expand Into Wetland - Company wants to get out of spotlight, according to Eau Claire Leader Telegram.

• SOUL Planning Citizen Energy Forum - Event will be held in Wausau on Sept. 13-14 with policy paper as goal.

• Senate Affirms New Runoff Rules - State will soon have toughest polluted runoff rules in the country.

• Crandon Mine Site May Be More Valuable Untouched - Appleton Post Crescent editorial supports land purchase.

• New Poll Shows Support For Family Health And Protecting Environment  - Voters also indicate they take personal steps.

• Feelings Run Hot On Deer Feed Ban - State to act on stemming wasting disease, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• Assessing The Crandon Land Purchase - Governor and Governor candidates, members of the legislature, Nicolet Minerals and others react to the proposal, plus media coverage.

• Crandon Mine Buyout Proposed - Groups expect support purchase of land and mineral rights by the public; end to mining proposal forseen.

• Crandon Mine Purchase Principles and an Open Letter To Wisconsin's Legislative Leaders.

• Transmission Line Opposition Remains Strong - Counties and landowners tussle with utilities.

• Sparks Fly At Forum On Energy - Challengers for Governor criticize McCallum, PSC.

• New Poll Shows Strong Support For Controlling Mercury Pollution - 73% want reductions in mercury pollution.[You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this, click here for a free download if you need it.]

• Wisconsin Utilities Rank As State's Top Mercury Polluter - EPA report documents sources and amounts.

• DNR Rejects Crandon Example Mine - Mine was said by company to meet clean mining standards set by mining moratorium law.

• Supreme Court Upholds Mole Lake Water Regulations - Court refuses to review lower court ruling in favor of standards. And read the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's story of the decision.

• DNR's Former Top Deer Biologist Outlines CWD Action Steps - Keith McCaffery has strong words for deer baiting and game farms.  And a new poll indicates many may choose not to hunt this fall.

• Vegetative Buffer Resolutuion Passes Natural Resources Board - Victory can help clean Wisconsin's waters.
• Groups Urge Veto Of Ashley Wetlands Exemption - Letter asks governor to veto provision allowing expansion into 14 acre wetland.  Click here to send your own message.

• Global Warming Threatens Cold Water Fish - New report concludes trout and other species could disappear from many American waterways unless action taken.  Click here  to see the report (this is a big file and could take a few minutes to download).

• Groups Object To Turkey Manure Handling Permit - DNR mass permit covers 55 operations in western Wisconsin owned by Jennie-O.

• Utility Sues Landowners Over Transmission Line - Company wants right to inspect for power line, according to Wausau Daily Herald.

• Dane County Charts Own CWD Course - Critical of state action, County Board passes own deer protection measures.

• Wisconsin's Blue Gold  - New Video from WSN explores the value of the state's groundwater.

• U.S. Supports Mole Lake Water Regulations - Tribe's authority to protect reservation may impact Crandon mine.

• Cyanide Truck Hijacked - Event illustrates dangers of cyanide transportation and need for state ban on use in mining.

• Buffer Rule Needs Comment - Your letters will help support most effective run-off control tool.

• Initial Utility Field Work Disturbing - Borings along transmission line right-of-way leave trail of trash, stream damage and unfilled holes.

• Clean Water Act Protections Under Attack - President and Assembly Republican actions threatening Wisconsin's rivers, streams and lakes.
  
• Ashley Furniture's Expansion Into Wetland "All Wet" - Green Bay Press Gazette says company uses campaign contributions to circumvent state law.

• Voters Back DNR Independence And Public Intervenor Restoration - Conservation Congress tallies overwhelming support for resource policy changes.

• Portage County Endorses Cyanide Ban - Board's resolution joins other counties in call for state legislation.

• Deficit Delays Deer Disease Plan - DNR's response to Chronic Wasting Disease slowed by state budget wrangling, says Madison's Capital Times.

• Three Governor Candidates Call For Cyanide Ban On Earth Day - Support comes as part of state environmental plan, according to Wausau Daily Herald.

• Counties Express Resounding No To Transmission Line At Meeting - Spooner meeting unites and reaffirms counties' opposition, according to Spooner Advocate.

• Scientists Write President Bush About Forest Health - Call for protection and restoration made by 220 scientists, including three from Wisconsin.

• Conservation Congress Supports Cyanide Ban  - Another call made for special session to pass bill banning use of cyanide at Wisconsin mine operations.

• Ashley Furniture Wetland Fill Exemption Returns - Senate includes controversial provision in budget bill.

• Marathon County Manure Spill Sparks Lawsuit  - Factory farm spread 250,000 gallons of manure on frozen ground that spilled onto neighbor's land and into Big Eau Pleine River tributaries.  Click here to see images of the manure spill.

• Doyle Calls For Action On Mining Legislation - Legislature and McCallum urged to hold special session for passage of bills.

• Senate Budget Gets "C" Grade - League of Conservation Voters assesses budget's impact.  [You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this, click here for a free download if you need it.]

• Northern Counties Meeting On Transmission Line - Officials will weigh joint stance, according to Superior Daily Telegram.

• Chronic Wasting Disease Numbers Rise - And a critic voices concern.

• Judge's Ruling Seen As Delaying Appeal Of Transmission Line's Approval - Dismissal of case will lead to another hearing in June, opponents say.

• DNR Reports 5 New Cases Of CWD In Deer - Test results still coming in from around the state.

• Mining Bills Die In Assembly - Rep. Kedzie refuses to allow vote on legislation.

• Assembly Budget Cuts Water Resources Protection Programs - Act now to preserve the water resources programs.

• County Reassessing Transmission Line - Douglas County Executive Committee goes into closed session to weigh new route proposal, according to Superior Daily Telegram.

• McCallum Asked To Push Mining Legislation - 26 groups request Governor to break Assembly stall.

• Assembly Republican Budget Cuts Hit Land And Water Conservation Programs - Cuts do nothing to solve budget crunch, groups say.

• CREP Improves Water Quality - Wisconsin counties can access federal program to reduce nutrient run-off.  Has your county signed on?

• Citizens Rally, Lobby Capitol For Mining Legislation - On-the-scene report details day's activities.  And Democrat candidates for governor sign joint letter calling for action on mining legislation.

• State Must Change Practices To Protect Herd - Appleton Post Crescent calls for changes in deer baiting and feeding practices.

• 16,000 Signatures On Cyanide Ban Petition Delivered To Legislators  - Signers support ban on cyanide use at state mine sites. [You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this, click here for a free download if need it.]

• 6000 Letters Supporting Family Farm Protection Act Delivered To Legislators - Wheelbarrow filled with handwritten letters brought to State Senate.

• Chronic Wasting Disease Found In Three Wisconsin Deer Killed During Fall Hunt In Dane And Iowa Counties - Disease is similar to Mad Cow Disease, state planning more tests on other deer.

• Fox Valley Republicans Call For Mining Vote - Three representatives send letter to Committee Chair Neal Kedzie requesting vote on bill removing mining company hazardous waste loophole.

• New Report Looks At Holes In Cyanide Regulation Laws - Record fails to support industry proposals for self-regulation.

• Sawyer County Board Re-Affirms Opposition To Transmission Line - Move follows request from SOUL.

• PSC Fumbles Mercury Rule Position - Gaffes and questionable process plague Commission's stance.

• Motor Fuel Allocation Hearing Set For Feb. 28 - Senate Bill 443 would more fairly share funds for state water protection programs.

• Environmental Scorecard For Wisconsin Released - League of Conservation Voters rates the state's Senators and Representatives.

• Smart Growth Guide Offers Planning Options - New guidebook from American Planners Association provides tools for curbing sprawl, protecting farmland and more.

• Family Farm Protection Act Introduced - Legislation would aid farmers and rural communities.

• State Ag Board Approves Landmark Conservation Rules - Rules will strengthen farm conservation practices.

• Great Lakes Resource Directory Online - Great resource for articles, group contacts, foundations, and free software.

• Update Of Motor Fuel Allocation Will Protect State Waters - Taxes from boating activities subsidizing new highways and road mainetance.

• Citizens Push For Final Passage Of Mining Legislation - February is month of focus on Assembly for hearings and action.

• Smart Growth Guide Now Available - DNR manual can help citizens protect natural resources.

• DNR Takes A Strong Stand - DNR on right track with new run-off rules, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorial.

• Citizens Score Legal Victory In Perrier Fight - Court ruling forces DNR to conduct environmental impact statement on Perrier plant.

• Family Farm Flapjack Feed - Alma event with 3rd District Congressman serves as fundraiser and forum on future of family farms.

• State Loses Millions Of Dollars By Failing To Enforce Water Laws - New report charges DNR with weak enforcement efforts.  And read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's story on the issue.

• Transmission Line Opponents Win Douglas County Victory - County committee denies utility access to county land for transmission line work.

• Images From The WSN 2002 Conference - Workshops, networking, and governor's debate draw crowd to Stevens Point.  And read a news story covering the debate in the Stevens Point Journal.

• WSN Governor's Candidate Forum Set - Five candidates to discuss the issues on Friday evening in Stevens Point.

• Potawatomi Launch Mine Media Campaign - Tribe takes to the airwaves to press case for mining legislation.

• Board Passes Tougher Water Protections - Rules aim to limit pollution from run-off, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story.  And see the editorial  in the Wisconsin State Journal about the rules package.

• WI Factory Farms Cause More Pollution - DNR records show multiple spills and violations.

• Utility Reduces Mercury Emissions - Early study shows sharp cuts at power plant, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story.

• Protecting State Conservation Programs From Budget Cuts - WI League of Conservation Voters hires lobbyist to monitor state budget process.

• WSN 2002 Annual Conference Update - More great sessions added to Sat., Jan. 26 workshop roster.

• Mining Forum In Appleton Draws Crandon Opponents - Appleton Post Crescent says mining opponents are turning up the heat on state mining legislation.

• Voluntary Mercury Pollution Controls In Minnesota Showing Little Impact - WI utilities have backed similar plan for controlling mercury poisoning of state waters.

• Crandon Mine Owner Has Spilled Cyanide At U.S. Mine Operations - 31 hazardous waste spills documented.  And view the documented record. 

• Phase In Buffer Rule Says Coalition - Approach would avoid federal funding conflicts while protecting waterways from agriculatural runoff.

• Lake Michigan At Risk - Warm winter may lower water levels even further, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story.

Cost Sharing For Farm Conservation Practices - Proposed rule would enable conservation practices without breaking farmer's pocketbook. [this may take 20 seconds to load]

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