This week, the Assembly Committee on Environment met for a public hearing on Assembly Bill 318 (AB 318) and Assembly Bill 331 (AB 331).
Assembly Bill 318, authored by Rep. Dallman (R-Green Lake) and Senator Feyen (R-Fond du Lac), relates to aquatic plant management plans and permit exemptions. The bill would make changes to the control of aquatic plants using chemicals or biological agents.
If passed, this bill would require that DNR efforts to protect native aquatic plants rely on widely-accepted methods supported by peer-reviewed science to suppress or eradicate invasive or nuisance aquatic plants. Additionally, it would require DNR plans to regulate aquatic plants to ensure invasive and nuisance aquatic plants are suppressed or eradicated to the greatest extent possible. The bill would also create exemptions from the permit requirement for the introduction of chemicals or biological agents to a private pond.
Assembly Bill 331, authored by Rep. Krug (R-Nekoosa) and Senator Testin (R-Stevens Point), relates to grants to map, control, eradicate, monitor, and minimize the spread of wild parsnip; funding for the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation; granting rulemaking authority; and making an appropriation.
This bill would require the Department of Natural Resources, under its statewide program to control invasive species, to award up to $100,000 in each fiscal year in the 2023-25 fiscal biennium in grants to local governments or American Indian tribes or bands that have declared wild parsnip to be a noxious weed for projects on public or private land to map, control, eradicate, monitor, and minimize the spread of wild parsnip.
The committee will meet for an executive session on recommending floor passage.
Darlington School Named National Blue Ribbon School
Darlington Elementary/ Middle School was named National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly nominated the school. The school was nominated for its highest performance in closing the achievement gaps between the school’s student groups and all students.
For a school to receive the award, it must be nominated by its State’s Chief School Officer. Darlington Elementary/Middle School will now own the official status of Darlington Elementary/ Middle, 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. The school will be officially recognized in November at a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C., at a final date to be determined.
Congratulations to Darlington Elementary/ Middle School, Cale Jackson (Darlington Superintendent), and Michael Flanagan (Principal).
Wisconsin Agriculture Tourism Week
This week was Wisconsin Agriculture Tourism Week! This is a week-long celebration of the state’s vibrant agricultural industry and the tourism opportunities it offers. It aims to promote and support local farmers, producers, and businesses while also encouraging visitors to explore and experience the agricultural heritage of Wisconsin. This is a chance for Wisconsin citizens to celebrate the unique blend of agriculture and tourism that makes Wisconsin a special place to visit.
During Wisconsin Agriculture Tourism Week, various events and activities are organized to showcase the diverse aspects of the state’s agriculture. These may include farm tours, farmers markets, food tastings, cooking demonstrations, workshops, and educational programs. Visitors have the chance to learn about different farming practices, interact with farm animals, pick fresh produce, and enjoy farm-to-table meals.
Wisconsin Agriculture Tourism Week is an opportunity for both residents and tourists to appreciate the beauty and bounty of the state’s agricultural landscapes.
2023-2024 Blue Books
A reminder that new Blue Books for the 2023-2024 session are here! Please contact my office (Rep.Novak@legis.wisconsin.gov) if you would like to request a State of Wisconsin Blue Book.
— Rep. Todd Novak represents Wisconsin’s 51st Assembly District. He can be reached at 608-237-9151 or email rep.novak@legis.wisconsin.gov.
