Last week, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed legislation related to the preservation and protection of natural resources and wildlife in Wisconsin. This sets a positive tone for conservation and sportsmanship as we begin the 2009-2010 legislative session.
Most notable among the legislation is Assembly Bill (AB) 3, which was passed unanimously 96-0. This bill will ban the sale of fertilizer containing phosphorus. I'm glad we were able to work together in a bipartisan fashion to approve this legislation that is an important step in protecting our lakes and rivers.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), more than 80 percent of the lakes in Wisconsin are affected by phosphorus runoff. Phosphorus has been proven to contribute to the growth of algae and weeds in lakes, rivers and streams. In fact, a single pound of phosphorus may cause up to 500 pounds of algae and weeds. This legislation will be a significant step towards improving the quality, health and beauty of our lakes and rivers.
Additionally, reducing phosphorus levels also will have a positive impact upon our state's recreation and tourism industry. It is estimated that phosphorus causes at least $4 billion in damages every year as the result of diminished boating and fishing activities, as well as reduced waterfront property values. Improving the quality of our state's water will provide a great boost to our state's tourism and recreation industry, which is extremely important to Wisconsin's overall economy.
It's important to note that the phosphorus ban does include some exemptions. With agriculture being such an important component of Wisconsin's economy, we wanted to be sure this legislation did not create any setbacks for the industry. Therefore the ban does not apply to agricultural production. By providing an exemption for agricultural use, this legislation finds a balance between protecting our lakes without harming our agricultural industry.
The State Assembly also passed AB 4, which makes some positive changes to musky fishing in our state. The bill repeals the requirement that the Wisconsin DNR establishes an early catch-and-release musky season. This is in response to concerns that have been raised that the early season could negatively impact spawning, and thus, population levels.
Finally, last week I signed on as a co-sponsor of legislation authored by Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, which would return the power of appointing the Wisconsin DNR Secretary to the Natural Resources Board. In 1995, that authority was taken away from the Natural Resources Board and given solely to the governor. In an effort to reduce the influence of politics in the DNR, I support restoring the appointing authority to the citizen-based Natural Resources Board.
I look forward to continuing to work legislation that will have a positive impact upon our state's environment. By continuing to practice nature conservation, we can take significant steps toward making Wisconsin's outdoors a better place for our children and grandchildren.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 11 West, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
Most notable among the legislation is Assembly Bill (AB) 3, which was passed unanimously 96-0. This bill will ban the sale of fertilizer containing phosphorus. I'm glad we were able to work together in a bipartisan fashion to approve this legislation that is an important step in protecting our lakes and rivers.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), more than 80 percent of the lakes in Wisconsin are affected by phosphorus runoff. Phosphorus has been proven to contribute to the growth of algae and weeds in lakes, rivers and streams. In fact, a single pound of phosphorus may cause up to 500 pounds of algae and weeds. This legislation will be a significant step towards improving the quality, health and beauty of our lakes and rivers.
Additionally, reducing phosphorus levels also will have a positive impact upon our state's recreation and tourism industry. It is estimated that phosphorus causes at least $4 billion in damages every year as the result of diminished boating and fishing activities, as well as reduced waterfront property values. Improving the quality of our state's water will provide a great boost to our state's tourism and recreation industry, which is extremely important to Wisconsin's overall economy.
It's important to note that the phosphorus ban does include some exemptions. With agriculture being such an important component of Wisconsin's economy, we wanted to be sure this legislation did not create any setbacks for the industry. Therefore the ban does not apply to agricultural production. By providing an exemption for agricultural use, this legislation finds a balance between protecting our lakes without harming our agricultural industry.
The State Assembly also passed AB 4, which makes some positive changes to musky fishing in our state. The bill repeals the requirement that the Wisconsin DNR establishes an early catch-and-release musky season. This is in response to concerns that have been raised that the early season could negatively impact spawning, and thus, population levels.
Finally, last week I signed on as a co-sponsor of legislation authored by Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, which would return the power of appointing the Wisconsin DNR Secretary to the Natural Resources Board. In 1995, that authority was taken away from the Natural Resources Board and given solely to the governor. In an effort to reduce the influence of politics in the DNR, I support restoring the appointing authority to the citizen-based Natural Resources Board.
I look forward to continuing to work legislation that will have a positive impact upon our state's environment. By continuing to practice nature conservation, we can take significant steps toward making Wisconsin's outdoors a better place for our children and grandchildren.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 11 West, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
