The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) creates maps of America’s renewable energy resources. Broken down into the major forms — solar, wind, biomass and geothermal — they are an indispensable guide for regions trying to figure out their energy mix, and a fascinating lens through which to view our natural resources. Also see their GIS based Read more about United States Maps of Energy Resources[…]
Drought leaving some freshwater mussels stranded; Concern reflects growing awareness of animal’s importance. DNR News Release. Now, mussels’ role in ecosystems is starting to shine as scientists learn more about these animals, Kitchel says. “Mussels are our freshwater filters,” she says. A single mussel can filter a gallon or more of water a day, removing Read more about Mussels stranded by drought[…]
Regulating our natural resources provides economic benefits to the state and its people, as well as our resources. Per the River Alliance of Wisconsin,”The estimated benefit to Wisconsin residents of implementing shoreland zoning rules is about $14M. The shoreland zoning rules analysis predicted the value of improved water clarity and increased enjoyment of clearer water Read more about Economic Impact Analysis of NR115[…]
Power plant water dependence threatens the availability and quality of our water. The Energy/Water Collision describes characteristic ways in which energy-water collisions occur in each region of the country. Power and Water at Risk shows how this plays out across the country. Renewable resources could alleviate some of these conflicts. Awareness of these conflicts could help us with Read more about Power and Water at Risk[…]
A canoeing family gets into trouble paddling in the Mukwonago River. Mukwonago Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Andy Wegner advises people avoid recreating the Mukwonago River between Marsh Road and Highway I due to extremely low water levels.
WDNR mussel expert Lisie Kitchel reports that Asian clams have been seen in the Mukwonago River. The River Alliance has an Asian clam factsheet (http://www.wisconsinrivers.org/conservation-projects/ais-fact-sheets) and has conducted a literature review (http://www.wisconsinrivers.org/images/stories/pdf/lwrb_ais/appendix_d.pdf) that can be found in the Lower Wisconsin River Basin Strategic Plan. Laura McFarland, Invasive Species Project Coordinator, River Alliance of Wisconsin states,” It Read more about Asian clams discovered in the Mukwonago River[…]
Here is some information on drought effect from Kim D. Coder at the Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia. It may not be relevant to your situation but very interesting. From Mark Guthmiller, DNR Forest Health Specialist-Southern Region Oaks: I am anticipating an increase in dieback and mortality to all species of oaks due to increase in two-lined Read more about Drought effect on trees[…]
Volunteers stalking invasives in an eight county area. Several members of the Friends are doing this roadside spotting and mapping of four invasive plants for the Southeast Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium for the second year. The four plants this year are teasel, japanese knotweed, phragmites, and new this year, wild parsnip. Learn them, watch out for their deleterious Read more about Roadside Invasive Plant Mapping[…]
The beauty of polllination. Louie Schwartzberg is an award-winning cinematographer, director and producer who captures breathtaking images that celebrate life — revealing connections, universal rhythms, patterns and beauty. “Pollination: it’s vital to life on Earth, but largely unseen by the human eye. Filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg shows us the intricate world of pollen and pollinators with gorgeous Read more about Amazingly beautiful TED talk[…]
There are invasives that you can help mitigate if you find them on your property. Here are three: Common teasel found on County Highway E, along many state highways and county and town roads. Japanese knotweed very bad if found in waterways. Many homeowners struggle with this plant which becomes hedgelike. Wild parsnip found in the watershed. Very Read more about Invasives in the Mukwonago River watershed[…]
This invader has been found in the Watershed. Emerald Ash Borer identification.
SE Fox River Commission provides canoe routes, some in the Mukwonago River watershed. Try some of these and discover exciting new environs in SE Wisconsin.