The Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI) is a non-profit, avian rehabilitation facility located just outside of Antigo, WI.  REGI treats 500-700 wild birds annually, from tiny song birds to majestic Bald Eagles, with the intent to return them to the wild fully healed. REGI educators travel to hundreds of programs each year, accompanied by live, non-releasable raptors to inspire conservation attitudes.

 

Join the REGI education team for a chance to meet some of our partners in education.  See some of Wisconsin's common, but rarely encountered birds. Discover what a raptor is, hear their stories and learn what you can do to ensure they remain a significant part of the ecosystem.

 

 

Overview of the funding and programs the State uses to help manage aquatic invasive species.   Presentation will include an overview of AIS Grants available to local sponsors as well as DNR operational funding and its use of federal AIS grants.

 

Endowments for Lakes and Lake Associations

Charlie Luthin, Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

The Natural Resources Foundation manages the Wisconsin Conservation Endowment to provide individuals and organizations the opportunity to create endowed funds for the conservation issue of their choosing, including lakes or lake associations. The Foundation serves as a community foundation for conservation needs throughout Wisconsin. Some lake association members have established endowments in support of their association or lake, and many more are considering endowing their lake to provide a secure and guaranteed source of funding. You'll learn the advantages of and how to create an endowment for your lake.

 

 

Presentation:  Taking the Long (Fiscal) View:  Endowments of Lakes and Lake Associations - Luthin

Becoming Wetland Saavy: Opportunities to Improve Wetland Conservation

Kyle Magyera, Wisconsin Wetlands Association

Do you have concerns about the loss and degradation of wetlands?  Are you looking for ways to address these concerns in your ongoing and future lake stewardship, planning, protection, and restoration efforts?  This presentation will help you understand the opportunities to do so and leave you with a clear understanding about the connections between lakes and wetlands.  Topics will include: 

Participants will also be invited to share perspectives on what tools, training, and support lake leaders and local decision-makers need to better address wetland concerns in their lake-related efforts. 

 

 

Presentation:  Becoming Wetland Savvy: Opportunities to Imporve Wetland Conservation -  Magyera

Wisconsin Lakes Regional Leadership Teams Roundtable

Facilitated by Karen von Huene, Wisconsin Lakes Executive Director

Join us for this roundtable discussion to learn more about Wisconsin Lakes’ Regional Leadership Teams and share your ideas on how best to address local and statewide lake concerns.

 

Wisconsin Lakes is developing a network of people who care about lakes, called Regional Leadership Teams, to build a stronger regional voice in statewide lake issues.  Each team has representatives with a variety of experience and expertise in lake matters.  Teams advise Wisconsin Lakes on local concerns, help us prioritize issues of statewide importance, share lake-related news and updates, advocate for legislation and policies that will help our lakes, and ensure that lake interests are taken into account by our representatives.  The Regional Leadership Teams help us exchange information and build a statewide perspective on lake issues.

 

This past year, Wisconsin Lakes piloted this program in the Northeast, Northcentral, and Northwest Regions.  Wisconsin Lakes is looking for your feedback on how to strengthen this interactive network of people working for clean, safe, healthy lakes in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lakes Partnership Strategic Plan

Facilitated by Eric Olson, UW-Extension Lakes

The Wisconsin Lakes Partnership's mission is to care for the legacy of Wisconsin lakes through science, education and citizen involvement. The Partnership brings together government, higher education, and citizens to carry out this important work. The Partnership's new strategic plan focuses on two primary goals: “protecting lake health” and “inspiring and engaging people”. Our plan also has two instrumental goals to ensure that we can meet our mission: “Working Together through the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership” and “Funding Lakes Partnership Activities”. Learn more about this plan and the specific activities underway and on the near horizon for the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership.

Harmful Algal Blooms in Wisconsin Waters

Gina LaLiberte, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Emmy Wollenburg, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Please join us for a presentation regarding cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) in Wisconsin’s recreational waters. This session will feature presentations from Gina LaLiberte, from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Emmy Wollenburg, from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Ms. LaLiberte will provide information about the origins of cyanobacteria in freshwater ecosystems, ecology of various algae species, information about toxin-producing species and conditions that promote harmful algal blooms. Ms. Wollenburg will address the health hazard posed by cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. Presenters will also provide an overview of their current program to conduct surveillance of algae-related health issues. This session will give attendees an opportunity to learn more about harmful algal blooms in Wisconsin lakes.

 

Presentations: 

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