text:
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND DECISION ON THE NEED
FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Form 1600-1 Rev. 6-2010 Region or Bureau
Type List Designation
NOTE TO REVIEWERS: This document is a DNR environmental Contact Person:
analysis that evaluates probable environmental effects and decides on Dan Rogers
the need for an EIS. The attached analysis includes a description of the
proposal and the affected environment. The DNR has reviewed the
attachments and, upon certification, accepts responsibility for their scope Daniel.email@example.com
and content to fulfill requirements in s. NR 150.22, Wis. Adm. Code.
Your comments should address completeness, accuracy or the EIS
decision. For your comments to be considered, they must be received by
the contact person before 4:30 p.m., November 26, 2010.
Title: Landscape Architect & Property Planner
Address: 2984 Shawano Avenue
Green bay WI 54313
920 662 5139
Applicant: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Address: 2984 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay WI, 54313
Title of Proposal: Land Acquisition and Project Establishment – Menominee River State Park and Recreation Area
Location: County: Marinette City/Town/Village: Niagara and Pembine Twps.
Town of Niagara
Township Range Section(s):
Township 38 North, Range 20 East, Sections 13 and 14. Township 38 North, Range 21 East, Sections 26, 34,
35 and 36. Township 38 North, Range 22 East, Section 31. Township 37 North, Range 21 East, Sections 1 and
13. Township 37 North, Range 22 East, Sections 6, 7, 8, 17 and 18.
Town of Pembine
Township 37 North, Range 21 East, Section 24. Township 37 North, Range 22 East, Section 19.
1. Brief overview of the proposal including the DNR action (include cost and funding source if public funds involved)
The Department of Natural Resources has proposed to acquire 2,714 acres of Menominee River land known as
the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts from WE Energies, to establish the Menominee River State Park and
Recreation Area. The Department would by the same action combine the newly acquired lands with the existing
Menominee River Natural Resources Area project located in Marinette County, Wisconsin and rename the
entire project as the Menominee River State Park and Recreation Area. The size of the project resulting from
this action would be 4,833.36 acres. State purchasing authority is provided by the Recreation Areas statute
(s. 23.091) using funds from the Knowles/Nelson Stewardship program. The cost is $3,256,800 to acquire the
2,714 acres of land from WE Energies.
The Menominee River Natural Resources Area (MRNRA) includes the Wisconsin portion of 4,450 acres of
land purchased by the Richard King Mellon Foundation (Foundation) and the Conservation Fund in 1997 from
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC). This includes 2,530 acres in Michigan and 1,922 acres in
Wisconsin. The Menominee River, which forms the boundary between the states of Michigan and Wisconsin,
passes through the center of the property resulting in about 6.3 miles of publicly owned river frontage in each
state. This presents Michigan and Wisconsin with an opportunity for coordinated planning and management of
boundary water resources. Planning staffs for both states have worked together in developing similar
management strategies within the river corridor. The approved acreage goal for the original project is 2119.36
Proposed acquisition of the 2,714 acres of WE Energies land Would add 10.85 river miles to the existing 6.30
miles of the Menominee River Natural Resources Area, resulting in a total of 17.15 miles of state owned and
protected Menominee River Corridor.
The property proposed for acquisition by this action is divided into two distinct tracts, separated by about four
miles. The Piers Gorge Tract is upstream near the city of Niagara Wisconsin, while the remainder of the land is
downstream and extends south to Quiver Falls in Pembine Township. Hence this portion is known as the Quiver
Falls Tract. It should be noted that the WE Energies lands also extend to the Michigan shore of the Menominee
River and that the State of Michigan may acquire those portions within the state of Michigan for similar
purposes as the Wisconsin project.
2. Purpose and Need (include history and background as appropriate)
The Master Plan for the Menominee River Natural Resources Area (MRNRA) was approved on January 26,
2000 by the Natural Resources Board (NRB) of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and
published in March 2000.
The approved master plan recognized the fact that there were a number of additional large-block properties
owned by public utility companies and others along the entire 117-mile length of the Menominee River. Public
participation sessions and focus groups conducted during the master planning process documented a definite
desire on the part of local stakeholders for additional lands along the river to be preserved. The final
recommended master plan alternative was to only acquire the WPS lands, plus a few select private lands that
were either partially or entirely within the proposed project boundary.
The approved master plan did, however, recognize the importance of widespread preservation of the river
corridor. This project has the potential of protecting over 10.85 miles of undeveloped shoreline thereby
protecting water quality throughout the remainder of the watershed. The river in the project area is crossed only
by a single railroad bridge.
The plan provided authority to take swift action on future land acquisition along the Menominee River by
saying, in part:
“This will empower the WDNR to acquire the land more expediently if it becomes available. In the mean time,
the WDNR would act in a responsive mode only if WE determines that they wish to sell some or all of their
“The public emphasized protecting and managing as much of the Menominee River corridor as possible.
However, securing approval for new land acquisition outside an existing project is often time-consuming and
threatened by delays. “
“In the event that some or all of the WE properties would become available for addition to the MRNRA, the
interim response would be to continue the general management themes used by the former owners. The
additional land would be added to the project boundary of the MRNRA.”
Acquisition of the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts would provide opportunities for public recreation, allow
natural resource management, consolidate state ownership, and preserve the scenic, natural scenic condition of
the Menominee River. After site evaluation and a new public planning effort, portions of the area may be
proposed for limited park development. The Department will engage the public in such planning and return to
the Board for plan approval.
State purchase would be authorized under the Recreation Areas statute (s. 23.091) using funds from the
Knowles/Nelson Stewardship program. The cost would be $3,256,800.
It should be noted that there are several “inholdings” of privately owned land within, as well as adjacent to the
boundaries of the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts. These parcels may have similar resource values and be
valuable assets to the overall project goals. It would be advantageous to investigate the need for these parcels
and the feasibility of adding them to the project at some point. This could be addressed during a master planning
The DNR would conduct the necessary planning tasks required by Chapter NR 44 Wisconsin Administrative
Code to amend the MRNRA master plan to accommodate management and development of the proposed
addition. During this process the general rules and regulations governing state property provided in Chapter NR
45 Wisconsin Administrative Code would be in force. No development would be done on the new property with
the exception of posting, clean-up, repairs or maintenance of existing facilities until the master plan amendment
is approved. Any timber sales previously scheduled to take place on the property during the interim period
would be reviewed to assure that there would be no conflict with future resource management potentials.
3. Authorities and Approvals (list local, state and federal permits or approvals required)
NR 150 Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA)
NR 44 Master Planning for State Properties
DNR Natural Resources Board approval
Wisconsin Joint Committee on Finance approval to purchase
HB 2210.1 Property Planning Handbook
Recreation Areas statute (s. 23.091)
PROPOSED PHYSICAL CHANGES (more fully describe the proposal)
4. Manipulation of Terrestrial and Aquatic, Resources; Construction, Potential Emissions and Other Effects (include relevant quantities - sq. ft., cu.
This proposal is for land acquisition and project establishment only. In the future, a Master Plan Amendment
designating management, development, and operation of the project will be prepared in fulfillment of NR 44,
Wis. Administrative Code. Citizens, local government and state agency experts will all be invited to participate
in the process. During master planning details of land use, resource management, recreation, preservation and
public access will be discussed. A review of the project boundary will also be conducted to determine its
No emissions or discharges are proposed.
Acquisition of the WE Energies parcels will provide opportunities for public recreation, allow natural resource
management, consolidate state ownership, and preserve the scenic, natural condition of the Menominee River.
After site evaluation and a new public planning effort, portions of the area may be proposed for limited park
development. The Department will engage the public in such planning and return to the Board for plan
9. Identify the maps, plans and other descriptive material attached
Attachment X County map showing the general area of the project
Attachment USGS topographic map
Attachment Site development plan
Attachment Plat map
Attachment DNR county wetlands map
Attachment Zoning map
Attachment X Other - Describe: Map of DNR, WE Energies and other utility land ownership along the Menominee River; Appendix,
list and description of referenced documents used for this EA.
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT (describe existing features that may be affected by proposal)
10. Information Based On (check all that apply):
Literature/correspondence (specify major sources)
“MENOMINEE RIVE NATURAL RESOURCES AREA MASTER PLAN”, March 2000
“ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES OF WISCONSIN” HB 18051
“THE WILDERNESS SHORES SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT”
“CULTURAL RESOURCES ALONG THE MENOMINEE RIVER” Dr. Victoria Dirst, October 1998
“WISCONSIN LAND LEGACY REPORT” DNR 2004
“WISCONSIN FOREST ACCORD” Darrell Zastrow, July 1994
“UPPER GREEN BAY BASIN INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN”, February, 2001
“SOIL SURVEY OF MARINETTE COUNTY WISCONSIN”, USDA, February 1991
“MENOMINEE RIVER FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN” (1992)
“MARINETTE COUNTY LAND & WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN” 2011 - 2020
“DRAFT REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL SUMMARY REPORT”, 9/22/2010.
“CURRENT AND HISTORIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION FROM THE CURRENT OWNER”
Personal Contacts (list in item 26)
Field Analysis By: Author Other (list in item 26)
Past Experience With Site By: Dan Rogers Other (list in item 26)
11. Physical Environment (topography, soils, water, air)
The Menominee River forms part of the northeast border between Michigan and Wisconsin. Originating in
Florence County at confluence of the Brule and Michigamme Rivers it flows past the cities of Iron Mountain,
Kingsford, and Niagara. For the next 100 miles it flows generally in a southerly direction through some of the
least developed land in Wisconsin. The river’s 117-mile passage ends as it flows between the cities of
Marinette, Wisconsin and Menominee, Michigan to empties into the waters of Green Bay. Attributes of the
river are identified in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan (2005-2015) as important for species and habitats of
The Upper Menominee River Basin lies on a southern extension of the Precambrian Canadian Shield. This
crystalline dome slopes downward from the northwest to the east and southeast. The general orientation of the
Menominee Basin has an average gradient of about 7-10 feet per mile, with some extremely steep reaches. The
bedrock near many of the waterfalls and rapids consists of intrusive rocks, some of which are weakly to
moderately deformed and metamorphosed volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Although usually buried beneath
glacial deposits, Quinnesec schist a heavily metamorphosed series of eruptive greenstone flows and intrusions
of granodiorite are found exposed at falls and rapid sites along the river. Many of these sites are now hidden
beneath the flowages of the dams on the river. Unmapped bedrock communities, such as occur on this site, are
identified as having State significance in Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan (2005-2015).
The landform varies from gently rolling to rugged in some areas. Much of the site appears to be deposits of
glacial moraine. The soil has a sandy, gravely character. Basaltic bedrock underlies the area and is exposed
most notably in the riverbed itself. The bedrock has several intrusions of harder material, mainly quartz and
granite. These more resistant bands of rock form the ledges over which the river cascades at Piers Gorge,
Sturgeon Falls, Pemene Falls and Quiver Falls. The bedrock takes on a smooth rounded appearance in some
areas due to the relentless abrasive effects of the flowing water. This effect is most evident at Piers Gorge and
Pemene Falls where the entire flow of the Menominee River is forced through a narrow opening. Several of
theses sites have been developed with hydropower plants for the generation of electricity. The WE Energies
properties under consideration now had this potential, but were never developed.
The soils in the Menominee Basin are principally derived from weathering of glacial deposits. The upper
portion of the watershed is comprised of sands. These were formed from sandy parent materials derived from
the Cambrian and Lake Superior sandstone formations. These soils are generally infertile and mostly acidic. In
the lower portion of the watershed, from the mouth of the Pike River to Green Bay, rolling pink loams are the
primary soil. These soils have good natural drainage and provide some of the best agricultural lands in the
Within the area of proposed acquisition the primary soils association is the Mancelona-Emmet-Menahga group
of deep, well-drained to excessively well-drained soils. This group can pose severe limitations for wastewater
treatment systems because of its excessive permeability. The other association present with significant
frequency is the Ishpeming-Michigamme-Rock outcrop association. Basically this group also has excessive
permeability with the added complication of bedrock outcrops at or near the surface.
Soils of the Seelyeville-Markey association are also common to the area, primarily found in the swamps and
lowlands and consist of organic muck soils derived from the decomposition of vegetative matter.
The WE Energies parcels that are in Sections 34, 35, and 36 of T.38N – R.21E, and the N ½ of Section 1 of
T.37N – R.21E, are overlapping into an area classified as Ishpeming-Michigamme-Rock Outcrop
Association: Moderately deep, gently sloping to moderately steep, somewhat excessively drained and well
drained, sandy and loamy soils, and rock outcrop, on outwash plains and moraines (Soil survey of Marinette
County, Wisconsin; USDA-1991). Water and wind erosion, bedrock outcrops, and droughtiness are the main
limitations in managing these soils as woodland, cropland, or pasture (Marinette County Land & Water
Resource Management Plan 2011-2010; Marinette County Land Information Committee – 2010).
Groundwater in Marinette County is generally of good quality. Nearly all the water is hard to moderately hard
with calcium and magnesium bicarbonate as the primary minerals. Iron is also present in many wells in the
region but is not considered a health problem. The northern part of the county where the We Energies property
is located does not have as abundant or reliable source of well water because of the nearness to the surface of
igneous and metamorphic bedrock that yields little or no water. In these areas the overlying deposits of glacial
material serve as the aquifer. Where the glacial till is thick and bedrock lies at greater depths, adequate supplies
of water may sometimes be found.
In general the water quality in this stretch of the Menominee River, between the Sturgeon Falls Dam and south
to the County Z highway bridge, is considered to be very good. Levels of dissolved oxygen are high and levels
of turbidity and contaminants are low. Improvement has also been noted in that the fish consumption advisory
due to mercury contamination has been removed. PCB contamination in bottom sediments remains and
therefore, there is a one-meal-per-month fish consumption advisory for carp, due to PCBs contained in the fatty
tissues of these fish.
Biological Environment (dominant aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal species and habitats including threatened/endangered resources;
NHI Species of Special Interest
Ten species (2 plants and 8 animals) have been documented in the NHI database for the WE Energies lands
located in Niagara and Pembine Townships along the Menominee River in Marinette County. The state
special concern variegated horsetail is associated with wet soils that is typically found long wet, sandy shores
or along roadside ditches. The state threatened marsh grass of Parnassus is found in limy soil along shores,
and meadows. It blooms from July to August.
The state threatened pygmy snaketail dragonfly breeds near flowing water. The snaketail life cycle is 2-3 years
and breeding occurs during the months of May and June. Protection and restoration of large river habitat for
pygmy snaketail and other aquatic invertebrate SGCN is specifically identified as a priority conservation action
in the Wildlife Action plan. Three state special concern land snails; Eastern flat whorl, mystery vertigo, and
honey vertigo have been documented in several wooded locations within the river corridor. The snails are
associated with moist, wooded serpentine outcrops or bedrock cliffs. The Round pigtoe and elktoe mussels
have been documented from seven locations along within the project area.
Blandings turtles and bald eagles are known to nest in within the project area along this stretch of the
Menominee River. The Blandings turtle was observed on a gravel road near the Pemebonwon River. One eagle
nest has been documented in the NHI survey but eagles are frequently seen soaring along the river corridor.
The river also provides suitable habitat for the State threatened Wood Turtle. Documentation by a WE Energies
biologist in 2010, not yet in the NHI database, confirms this (Halfmann, personal communication)
Wetland amounts, types and hydraulic value)
Approximately 154 acres of the property is wetland. About 113 acres is forested and another 41 acres is either
marsh or open water.
Overall, the property is estimated to be 94 percent forested, with 70 percent merchantable-sized timber, and 24
percent non-merchantable-sized saplings. By size class, the forested area is 26 percent saplings, 60 percent
poletimber, and 14 percent sawtimber stands. The largest forest cover type is northern hardwood poletimber,
which occupies 684 acres, or 25 percent of the total area. Various age classes of aspen saplings account for
another 633 acres (23 percent). Aspen and white birch poletimber encompass 578 acres, or 21 percent of the
total area. The remainder of the upland forest is composed of 168 acres of Oak sawtimber and poletimber, 139
acres of natural red and white pine sawtimber, 34 acres of upland fir-spruce poletimber and saplings, 92 acres of
scrub oak poletimber, and 8 acres pine saplings. The upland area also includes 45 acres of upland brush, 28
acres of upland grass, and 46 acres of road right-of-way.
The lowland forest cover consists of 113 acres of swamp conifer poletimber and 105 acres of bottomland
sawtimber and poletimber. There are 41 acres (less than 2 percent of total) of lowland nonproductive types,
including, lowland brush, open marsh, and water.
A timber inventory was not conducted; however, general volumes by forest stand are estimated in the GIS
database. Analysis of this data indicates an estimated total volume of 41,144 cords and 2,616,296 board feet for
the entire property. Across the total area of 2,714 acres, this puts overall average timber volumes at 15.2 cords
and 964 board feet per acre. It should be noted that some of this volume is in a no-cut buffer along the river, in
aesthetically sensitive areas (like Piers Gorge), or in physically inoperable areas (like Grand Island), and not
available for harvest.
The priority conservation action identified within the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan to “Imbed and maintain
smaller northern wet-mesic forest patches in a matrix of upland forest”, can be achieved within this area.
The present habitat produces a rich variety of common game and non-game wildlife species. Past management
of the area has been consistent with the management of surrounding lands. The area represents the majority
block of contiguous habitat adjoining both the existing MRNRA and extensive Marinette County Forest. The
river and riparian habitats comprise some unique opportunity areas on which to focus management attention.
Deer and bear are common in the area; turkey are present but uncommon. Furbearers include fisher, otter,
mink, bobcat, wolf, coyote, fox, raccoon, and beaver. Small game species include ruffed grouse, woodcock, red
and gray squirrel, snowshoe hare, and cottontail rabbit. The Menominee River landscape lies within Deer
Management Unit 41, Bear Management Zone B, Turkey Management Zone 5, Ruffed grouse hunting zone A,
Bobcat open to hunting area, Fisher Zone D, Beaver Zone B, Northern otter, mink, and muskrat zone, and the
Northern Migratory Bird Zone.
The area lies within the Northeast Sands Ecological Landscape for which the Wisconsin Land Legacy Plan and
Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan have identified many unique conservation opportunities for a variety of species
and habitats unique to Northeast Wisconsin.
The Natural Heritage Inventory database additionally documents Federal and State listed threatened,
endangered, and special concern species. Bald Eagle, Gray wolf, Pygmy Snaketail, Marsh Grass-of-parnassus,
Wood Turtle and Blanding’s Turtle are a few of those species.
The Menominee River forms part of the northeast border between Michigan and Wisconsin. Originating in
Florence County at confluence of the Brule and Michigamme Rivers it flows past the cities of Iron Mountain,
Kingsford, and Niagara. For the next 100 miles it flows generally in a southerly direction through some of the
least developed land in Wisconsin. The rivers 117-mile passage ends as it flows between the cities of
Marinette, Wisconsin and Menominee, Michigan to empties into the waters of Green Bay. Attributes of the
Menominee River and a number of cool water tributary streams; unnamed and the Pemebonwon, achieve
priority conservation actions and opportunities identified in the Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan.
The proposed acquisition area can be divided into the three sections.
The Middle Menominee River flows through the project area and is a part of the Pemebonwon and Middle
Menominee Watershed (GB15) in the Upper Green Bay Basin Plan. Fifty three miles of the Menominee flow
through the watershed and there are three hydropower dams in this stretch. The Menominee River is considered
a warmwater sport fishery, although it is inhabited by the coldwater musky, northern pike, and walleye as well.
Sturgeon Falls to Little Quinnesec- White suckers are the most abundant fish species present with smallmouth
bass as the main game fish species. Walleye and northern pike are also present. Rock bass are the most
abundant panfish followed by yellow perch and bullhead sp. Forage fish, including several species of cyprinids
(minnows), also occur in this section of the river. Fishing pressure is light due to lack of an improved public
Chalk Hills Flowage to Sturgeon Falls Dam- This 20 miles of river is a beautiful and valuable resource. This
section is mostly undeveloped with two natural waterfalls, Quiver Falls and Pemene Falls. Numerous rock
outcrops, rapids, and deep pools make this one of the most scenic sections of the Menominee river. The
dominant fish species are similar to other sections of the river including: smallmouth bass, walleye, rock bass,
and white suckers. Since 1982, Wisconsin DNR has periodically stocked lake sturgeon into this section of the
river to restore an extirpated population. A fisheries survey over the 6 miles of river immediately below
Sturgeon Falls dam in 1986 only revealed one stocked sturgeon while a 2010 survey yielded 18 stocked
sturgeon. Sturgeon were witnessed spawning below that dam in May of 2009.
Thuemler and Schnicke. 1992. Menominee River Fisheries Plan and Michael Donofrio, personal
In 2008, Bureau of Science Services staff identified the following species in the section of the Menominee
River from Little Quinnesec to Chalk Hills: northern brook lamprey, lake sturgeon, brassy minnow, common
shiner, hornyhead chub, emerald shiner, blacknose shiner, rosyface shiner, northern redbell dace, longnose dace,
creek chub, white sucker, northern hog sucker, silver redhorse, golden redhorse, shorthead redhorse, northern
pike, burbot, mottled sculpin, rock bass, green sunfish, pumpkin seed, bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth
bass, Johnny darter, yellow perch, log perch, blackside darter, and walleye.
Randal Piette. 2009. 2008 Progress Report, Phase II: Menominee River, Fish and Habitat Conditions Post Flow
1996, Bureau of Science Services staff sampled the mussel population in these sections: Sturgeon Falls to Little
Quinnesec and Chalk Hills Flowage to Sturgeon Falls Dam. They found the following species: mucket, elktoe,
three ridge, giant floater, spike, Wabash pigtoe, plain pocketbook, heelsplitter, flute shell, fat mucket, black
sandshell, round pigtoe, and squaw foot.
Randal Piette, 2000. Response of Riverine Mussel Community to a Change in Flow Regulation: Menominee
13. Cultural Environment
a. Land use (dominant features and uses including zoning if applicable)
Forestry and Tourism
Land ownership in the vicinity of the property generally is in Marinette County Forest and state-owned
forestland (Menominee River Natural Resource Area) and large and small private interests. The prevalent land
uses are recreation and forestry. Rural residential uses occur in proximity to lakes, villages, and highways.
Agricultural uses are varied and interspersed.
The access, overall, is judged to be very good. The Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts have good town road
access. Woods roads established for timber harvesting purposes provide interior access to most parcels. Some
roads may have vehicular access restricted by concrete barriers or earthen berms. On the Piers Gorge block,
U.S. Highway 141 borders the west side of the tract for about ¼ mile, and two town roads border on the south.
Because of hilly terrain, interior access is limited.
Zoning on the majority of the property is administered by the Town of Niagara. A small acreage in the Town of
Pembine is administered by Marinette County. All of the parcels fall within the F-1 Forestry District. In The
Town of Niagara, the primary purpose of this district is “to preserve, protect, enhance, and restore significant
woodlands so that such areas continue to furnish recurring forest crops for commercial use, provide for
recreational use and wildlife habitat, and prevent water pollution.” This district is intended to complement the
F-1 Forestry District contained in the Marinette County Zoning Ordinance.
The current landowner actively manages their forest lands through timber harvesting. However they placed
certain restrictions for forest management on each tract. Timber stands on the Piers Gorge tract were removed
from the owners’ forest management schedule. No recent harvesting has occurred and no harvesting is planned
for the future. The Quiver Falls lands are separated into three management zones. The zones are defined
No Management – No active management. This includes a minimum 200-foot shoreline buffer, all lowland
forest types and certain areas with limited old growth potential.
Old Growth Management - Forest areas designated to be managed to improve old growth potential.
Management could include commercial timber harvests or non-commercial operations geared toward
encouraging old growth characteristics.
Forest Biodiversity Management - Forest areas designated to be managed with standard forestry practices.
Management focuses on encouraging age and species diversity and stand structure diversity.
Specific forest management work on the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts included aggressive harvesting in
the 1970’s, resulting in even-aged stands. Minimal forest management was done from 1987 to 2006. Then
after nearly a 20 year absence stand information updates were completed in 2005. From 2007 to 2009, 106
acres were thinned or harvested. Looking forward, planned timber sale activity includes 340 acres in 2010 and
175 acres in 2014. Lesser acreages are scheduled for 2011 and 2015.
Prior to any management work a pre-harvest review with Department of Natural Resources forest and wildlife
managers was held for recommendations and concerns. Then, when completed a post-harvest review was held
with the same managers.
WISC Land data shows that current cover type is dominated by broad leaved deciduous forest with some mixed deciduous
coniferous forest (Approximately a 95%-5% ratio respectively).
Fragmentation continues as larger parcels are sold for recreational land and/or subdivisions. There were 49,905 parcels in
1999, compared to 55,804 in 2010; fragmentation greatest in the Town of Peshtigo, and least in the northernmost towns.
130 new lots delineated for development on Peshtigo from High Falls Flowage to Crivitz.
Table 1. Land use within Pemebonwon and Middle Menominee Watershed. Available in Marinette County's Land Use
and Water Resource Plan.
Pemebonwon and Middle Menominee GB15
Land Use Acres % Cover
Barren 1,196 0.8
Forage 0 0.0
Row Crop 0 0.0
Unknown Ag. 2,618 1.8
Forest 94,937 66.8
Grassland/Shrubs 9,907 7.0
Open Water 2,870 2.0
Wetland 30,211 21.2
Urban 462 0.3
Total 142,202 100.0
State 630 0.4
County 61,253 43.1
Recreation on the Menominee and its tributaries is one of the most important uses made of the system today.
Fishing, boating, canoeing, camping, and swimming occur throughout the system at light to moderate levels. Most
boating, camping, and swimming is facilitated on or around the several hydro reservoirs while canoeists most often
float the riverine stretches. Rafting is popular in the Piers Gorge Area between Niagara, Wisconsin and Norway,
Michigan because of the whitewater rapids in that area.
The Menominee River system has a very diverse fishery and is well known for excellent smallmouth bass and
walleye fishing. Smallmouth bass over 20 inches are not uncommon and several 10-pound-plus walleyes are
harvested each year. Northern pike, crappie, bluegill, perch, musky and sturgeon are other game species found
in the Menominee River.
Marinette County abounds with wildlife including white-tailed deer, grouse, turkey, rabbit, and bear. Large
tracts of Marinette County Forest and Power Company owned lands are open to the public for hunting. The area
receives light to moderate hunting pressure from local residents and hunters from the Green Bay/Fox River
Valley area. April and May find turkey hunters throughout the property. In fall, small game and archery hunters
pursue their quarry until the traditional nine-day gun deer season in November, when hunting pressure
intensifies. Winter months bring light hunting pressure to the area with emphasis on small game hunting.
Hunters are attracted to the area not only because of the game, but also the beautiful scenery along the river
banks and several waterfalls. Sightseeing is also popular throughout the seasons, especially at Piers Gorge, Sand
Portage Rapids, Quiver and Pemene Falls.
Recreational boating on the river includes canoe and kayak travel on shallow water and slow moving sections of
the Menominee River. The unspoiled peaceful and relaxing atmosphere is well suited for canoe trips.
Rafting also is popular in the Piers Gorge whitewater and the Quiver and Pemene Falls area. Motorboat travel
generally is confined to the areas above the hydroelectric dams. The impoundments above hydropower dams
receive light to moderate boating pressure from fishermen and other recreational watercraft. The area below
Pemene Falls also receives light motorboat traffic due to a boat landing provided on the Michigan shoreline.
On public lands in Wisconsin ATV’s and snowmobiles are allowed to operate only on designated trails. ATV’s
and snowmobiles are allowed to operate on designated trails in Marinette County. Marinette Co. has 206.2
miles of funded summer ATV trails and 234.2 miles of funded winter trail. Approximately 86 miles of year-
round designated ATV trail are currently provided in the adjacent Marinette County Forest, in the townships of
Dunbar, Pembine, Goodman and Silver Cliff. Under WE Energies land management of the Piers Gorge and
Quiver Falls Tracts in Wisconsin, ATV use was also restricted to designated trails only. A designated
- 10 -
snowmobile trail does pass through the Quiver Falls Tract for a distance of several miles. Part of this trail
segment is also designated as year-round ATV trail. Currently within the Menominee River Natural Resources
Area there is a year round trail which utilizes existing town road primarily adjacent to the property. Within the
proposed acquisition area WE Energies had allowed both year-round ATV and snowmobile trail as well as
snowmobile trail only routes. These trails occur both on town road and WE Energies wood road trails. It is
estimated that there are 2.5 miles of trail in the existing property and 7 miles of trail in the proposed acquisition.
b. Social/Economic (including ethnic and cultural groups)
Population Trends and Land Use
The human population occupying the Menominee River Basin has increased substantially since the early 1800's
when only a few thousand Menominee and Chippewa Indians were the principal inhabitants. Census figures for
1980 in the five counties that cover the Basin show that probably less than 20 percent actually live outside the
Menominee River Basin, since county boundaries do not follow watershed boundaries. Italian immigrants came
to the area to work in the mining industry and a significant number of Scandinavians and Europeans arrived to
work on the farms and in the lumber camps of Wisconsin and Michigan. Land use patterns also have undergone
changes. Although the majority of the land area in the basin is still forested as it was in the 1800's, substantial
acreage has been converted to agriculture, residential, and industrial uses.
A great deal of the frontage along the river is open to the public for recreational use. The hydropower utility
owners hold about 44 percent of the frontage along the main stem of the river in Michigan and Wisconsin, from
the confluence of the Brule and Michigamme to the river’s mouth in Marinette-Menominee. An additional five
percent of the frontage is owned by the states and a smaller percentage is in county or town ownership. Most of
the agricultural land in Marinette County lies in the southern part of the county and outside the Menominee
River Basin. Conversely, most of the agricultural lands in Menominee County, Michigan lie within the
Menominee River drainage area. Menominee County characterizes itself as the dairy capital of Michigan's
Upper Peninsula with over 19,000 cattle presently in the county. Primary crops grown are corn and hay to
support the dairy industry. Pastureland also occupies a large acreage in the county. Agriculture may have had a
substantial impact upon some tributaries to the Menominee and perhaps to the river itself.
In addition to tourism, the forest products industry and logging are significant contributors to the local
economy. Sawtimber and pulpwood volumes are marketed to numerous mills in the Upper Peninsula and
northern Wisconsin. Larger sawmills include Nicolet Hardwoods Corp. in Laona, Goodman Veneer and
Lumber Company in Goodman, and Kretz Lumber in Antigo.
Much of the area’s pulpwood is marketed to Verso Paper (Quinnesec, Michigan), NewPage (Escanaba,
Michigan and Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin), and Packaging Corporation of America (Tomahawk, Wisconsin).
Markets and prices for all types of forest products have been steady to slowly increasing through the first eight
months of 2010 due to the sluggish U.S. economy and housing market. Employment in forest industries and
logging is relatively stable and very important to the local economy.
The Menominee River takes its name from the Indian tribe that settled on its banks near its mouth, the
Menominee. The word Menominee is from the Algonquin Indian term for wild rice. Historic accounts refer to
the immense beds of wild rice found at the mouth of the river, hence the name was quite appropriate (Cram
1840). The Chippewa Indians lived in the upper portion of the basin. Their name for the river was "Me-ne-ca-ne
Sepe" or “Many Little Islands River”, also an appropriate name. Undoubtedly, Indians were using the
- 11 -
Menominee from earliest times. There was a great trail that connected large Indian villages throughout the state,
and it also ran to the White Rapids area. This trail was in existence in 1634 when Jean Nicolet met the
Wisconsin Indians along the Fox River. There was a large village of several thousand Chippewa and
Menominees located along the river at White Rapids (Amberg Granite Grange, 1974). Obviously, Native
Americans were drawn to this area because of an abundance of fish, game and wild rice.
White settlement generally coincided with the exploitation of furbearers along the Menominee River starting
around 1800. Trade with the Indians was commonplace and trading posts near the mouth of the river developed.
A sawmill was built on the Menominee River near its mouth in 1832, signaling the start of the logging boom.
Eventually, there were nine large sawmills in Marinette and eleven on the Menominee, Michigan side of the
river, in addition to many smaller operations. At the height of the logging era, tens of thousands of logs were
handled each day at these mills and eventually over ten billion feet of lumber were sawed. In 1882, the river
started to be used for something other than log transport and sawmills. A hydraulic air compressor plant was
built at Big Quinnesec Falls. This compressed air was used to power equipment at an iron mine in Iron
Mountain, Michigan. Some of the most important iron ore deposits in the country were found in the upper
reaches of the Menominee Basin. Shortly thereafter, as the need for electricity grew, more and more of the
river’s flow was harnessed for hydropower. Other industries also developed along the riverbanks by 1900,
especially in the lower river, and in the area around Iron Mountain. While the cut over forests started to
regenerate, much of the industry in the watershed centered on pulp and papermaking.
The heavy forest cover makes it difficult to assess the nature and distribution of archaeological remains within
the project area. It is entirely possible that the area contains hundreds of archaeological sites that have yet to be
discovered. Most sites are expected to lie within 300 feet of the Menominee River, on ground that is well
drained and relatively level. Site potential is particularly high near the mouths of tributaries, near rapids, or on
islands. Since the area is relatively undeveloped, archaeological deposits are expected to be fairly well
preserved. However, such deposits will generally extend no more than ten inches below the ground surface,
making them vulnerable to destruction by modern forestry practices.
State Historical Society of Wisconsin (SHSW) records identify six archaeological sites in Wisconsin near, but
not within the MRNRA property. Three of these are portions of a group of five conical mounds. Another is a
small prehistoric campsite, and two of the sites are limited to reports of isolated finds from vaguely defined
locations. None of the sites lie within the proposed project boundary of MRNRA. They are, however nearby,
suggesting care be taken in all development work. It is the policy of the WDNR to have an archaeologist review
and, if warranted, test any site where disturbance of the soil will take place.
Few historic structures have been recorded in the study area. The study area included the river corridor from
Piers Gorge to White Rapids dam. All are 20th century structures, entered into the SHSW Architecture and
History Inventory in conjunction with the Great Lakes Archaeological Research Center’s (GLARC) 1989
survey of cultural resources that might be affected by FERC relicensing of the hydroelectric dams. They
96/37 White Rapids Dam
91/103 Chalk Hill Dam (determined eligible for National Register)
91/104 Four Seasons Clubhouse
91/105 Miscauno Island bridge
91/106 Miscauno Island bridge
91/107 Miscauno Island bridge
None of these structures is directly involved with the proposed acquisition of the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls
- 12 -
Additional undocumented sites may exist where tributary streams enter the Menominee River, for instance at
the mouth of the Pemebonwon River and Mullaney Creek. Remnants of dams and cribbing left from the logging
era are visible near both Quiver Falls and Pemene Falls. Evidence of structures anchored to the bedrock on the
Michigan side of Piers Gorge hint at earlier uses during the lumber era. The high probability of finding cultural
resources in the vicinity of the river, its tributaries, waterfalls and wetlands should be noted. Before any
construction activities or mechanized logging takes place archaeological site investigations will be made.
Appropriate measures under state and federal statutes will be taken, should any cultural resources be
14. Other Special Resources (e.g., State Natural Areas, prime agricultural lands)
Scenic Piers Gorge Area
Piers Gorge is a scenic canyon carved through bedrock by the Menominee River. It is named for natural rocky
ledges or “piers" that the river tumbles over, resulting in four sets of rapids, some of which could be classified
as low falls. The biggest of the drops is about 8' high and is named Misicot Falls.
A well maintained trail on the Michigan side of the river takes visitors past the four piers. The first pier is a
short distance from the parking area and is nothing more than a turbulent section of whitewater, but the rock
outcroppings are interesting. The bedrock here has been tilted 90 degrees, and the seams of the rock are aligned
with the flow of the water.
A quarter mile upstream the trail provides a view of the much more scenic second pier. It is a small falls with a
drop of a few feet. Just beyond this is Misicot Falls, where the Menominee River spills over an 8' high ledge
and then runs through a long section of white water. There is a nice overlook high above the falls, and visitors,
using reasonable care, can also get down close to the water. The last pier is a full mile above Misicot Falls. This
one is named Sand Portage Falls. Here the river flows around two large chunks of rock, creating two islands.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES (probable adverse and beneficial impacts including indirect and secondary impacts)
15. Physical (include visual if applicable)
Preservation and protection from development of 10.85 miles of scenic river corridor and related uplands would
be a consequence of state acquisition. This protection is currently provided under the Wilderness Shores
Settlement Agreement and would continue under state ownership. No adverse impacts are anticipated.
Sustainable management of terrestrial and aquatic resources would benefit the long term availability of these
Large, contiguous acreage along a major scenic river of good water quality; public access to recreation and
forest lands would be provided.
16. Biological (including impacts to threatened/endangered resources)
The incidence of exotic invasive species is a risk that would be taken if and when human activity was to
increase on the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts. This would be an indirect effect of acquiring the land and
would be related to future actions that would provide increased access to the property.
The Menominee River currently has Eurasian Water Milfoil, Rusty Crayfish, and Zebra Mussels. Care needs to
be taken to prevent additional species from entering the Menominee and from spreading the invasives to another
- 13 -
water body. Terrestrial invasive exotic plant species are also a concern wherever human activity incrteases.
Invasive species including Leafy Spurge, Spotted Knapweed, Garlic Mustard and Phragmites are just a few that
are of concern to land managers.
Forest management impacts very likely would see little difference under Department of Natural Resources
ownership. The forest reconnaissance system, forest management and silviculture standards used by the current
owners are the same ones used by the Department. The three management zones currently in place for the Piers
Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts are almost identical to the management zones the adjacent Menominee River
Natural Resource Area (MRNRA) operates under. MRNRA zones are defined as:
Zone of Old Growth Reserves- There is no active management planned for this zone. It includes a 200 foot
wide corridor parallel to the ordinary high water mark of the Menominee River or to the visual horizon from
the river whichever is greatest. In some places it has been widened to include the full width of the current
stand at that point along the river corridor. The zone also includes lowland hardwood and conifer stands,
with lowland brush areas, and several large open and timbered rock outcrop areas.
Zone of Managed Old Growth Pine- The zone includes areas of red pine plantation and natural white pine
that have potential for old growth appearance, values and characteristics. The primary management goal is
the long-term development and maintenance of some old growth ecological attributes in the pine timber
types, while facilitating some limited active management practices and product extraction.
Zone of Mixed Age Aspen - The goal for this zone is to provide for and enhance the extensive aspen
habitats for the benefit of the many birds and animals that utilize aspen habitats of all age and size classes.
This will be done by creating a greater mix of age and size class diversity for the aspen using early and
delayed harvesting practices.
There may be some changes made to the specific locations of the current Old Growth and Forest Biodiversity
Management Zones in the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts dependant on the Departments assessment of
these zones and a comparison to overall goals for the property. Similarly the need for a no management
designation in the Piers Gorge Tract will be assessed against overall property goals.
Forest lands owned by the Department of Natural Resources are third party certified by the Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Certification is a review of on-the-ground forest
practices against standards that address environmental, social and economic issues. It provides assurance to the
public that the DNR’s forest lands are sustainably managed. If acquired the Piers Gorge and Piers Gorge and
Quiver Falls Tracts would be included in the DNR’s certification program and be periodically inspected for
adherence with the FSC and SFI standards. Any deviance from the standards would need to be corrected. In
the long run this assures better, more transparent forest management on these lands.
a. Land Use (including indirect and secondary impacts)
Acquisition of the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts by the state would, within their boundaries, stop the
constant fragmentation of large scenic parcel sizes and critical habitats that occurs when land is continually
bought, subdivided into smaller parcels and then sold for a profit.
Acquisition of the additional 2,714 acres of land from WE Energies will not change per se, the land use which is
public recreation and forestry. The current master plan for the existing MRNRA allows hunting, trapping and
- 14 -
camping. However, acquisition of the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts, the land use and management of the
property will be reviewed and designated through master planning, using an open public participation process in
accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 44. The master planning process is codified by NR 44 and
it sets standards for categories and levels of property management and development. But its most valuable
effect is the provision of ample opportunities for the public stakeholders to be a part of the planning process.
This means that regardless of what title this project receives, the public use and access to the project will be
decided using a process that relies strongly on participation by the very members of the public who would have
a stake in the project. Strictly speaking, the uses of this property to be acquired could change, but not as a direct
result of state acquisition, rather as a result of master planning.
b. Social/Economic (including ethnic and cultural groups, and zoning if applicable)
This proposed action is twofold. DNR would acquire 2,714 acres of land from WE Energies, to be combined
with the existing 2119.36 acres of the Menominee River Natural Resources Area (MRNRA); and the name of
this project would be changed to the Menominee River State Park and Recreation Area (MRSPRA). There may
be a perception by the public that the State Park part of this new name might imply restriction of public hunting
and trapping activities that under WE Energies ownership, have been permitted to take place freely. This will
not necessarily be the case, however. State Parks generally prohibit hunting and trapping; however the
Department has authority under state statute and administrative code to permit hunting on designated properties.
(Ch. 29.089 (3) Stats and Ch. 45.09(4) Admin Code)
Acquisition and designation of the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts will not have any direct or immediate
effect on the status of existing designated Marinette County Snowmobile and ATV trails that currently use these
properties. During a master plan amendment public participation process all recreation modes will be
considered and discussed. In the interim no changes are anticipated to the trail system because of a change in
Potential for increased tourism and tourism-generated income could increase as a result of public acquisition.
This would be an anticipated effect based on the possibility that at some future time the Menominee River
Corridor would be more attractive or have enhanced tourism features that would attract more visitors to the
Timber sale benefits to the local economy/industry will be similar under State ownership to what they have
been under WE Energies ownership.
State acquisition of the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts would have a potential impact on local property tax
revenues. DNR policy is to make payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) at the prevailing tax rate based upon the
purchase price of the land. Recent property taxes in the amount of $85,938 were paid on this property. Under
DNR ownership the estimated PILT, based on a purchase price of $3,256,800 would be $47, 810 a difference of
$38,128. The state would be paying about 56% of the 2009 property taxes. These figures are based on the best
information available at the time and may be subject to adjustment for accuracy
Additional economic impacts of this proposed action would be the payment made to We Energies for the
purchase of the property. Also, the seller would be relieved of the cost of annual property tax payments for the
parcels included in this transaction.
- 15 -
Expenditure of Knowles Nelson Stewardship funds to acquire this land would result in the sale of bonds to
generate cash to pay for the land. This is the intentional design of the Stewardship program. The state would
then be responsible for payment of interest on the Stewardship bonds.
Historical and archaeological resources listed in this document would not directly be affected by the proposed
action. While Historical and archaeological resources in Wisconsin are protected by statute on all properties
regardless of ownership, state ownership and management practices exist that further safeguard these resources
by requiring all potential construction sites be investigated for the presence of cultural resources prior to any
significant disturbance to the soil.
18. Other Special Resources (e.g., State Natural Areas, prime agricultural lands)
The potential for providing public access for viewing the scenic areas of Piers Gorge from the Wisconsin side of
the Menominee River would increase under public ownership
Opportunity to significantly add to the length of Menominee River corridor protected under public ownership.
The present 6.3 miles of protected river frontage in the existing Natural Resource Area would be increased by
10.85 miles making the effective length of the Menominee River State Park ands Recreation Area over 17
Conformance with other existing regional and resource management plans:
• Implements section of Menominee River Natural Resources Area Master Plan, 2000 suggesting that
additional power company-owned Menominee River frontage should be acquired when available.
• Menominee River listed as a Legacy Resource for acquisition in the recent “Wisconsin Land Legacy
• Would implement some of the objectives in the “Upper Green Bay Basin Integrated Management Plan”
• Acquisition would enable potential future implementation of Ecological Management Opportunities for
the Northeast Sands region of Wisconsin as listed in the “Ecological Landscapes of Wisconsin” HB
19. Summary of Adverse Impacts That Cannot Be Avoided (more fully discussed in 15 through 18)
The impact of lower property tax revenues paid to municipalities is unavoidable. While the difference in
revenue between regular property taxes and PILT is relatively small, it is a reduction nonetheless. A long-term
increase in tourism revenues in Marinette County may eventually offset this loss of tax revenue; however this is
speculative at this time.
The potential adverse impact of the spread of invasive exotic species, terrestrial species in particular, is for all
practical purposes unavoidable. Every master plan written under NR 44 contains a section telling how invasive
species would be dealt with on that particular property. This would also be a feature of any future master plan or
master plan amendment that is written for the Menominee River State Park and Recreation Area.
- 16 -
DNR EVALUATION OF PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE (complete each item)
20. Environmental Effects and Their Significance
a. Discuss which of the primary and secondary environmental effects listed in the environmental consequences section are long-term or short-
Most, if not all effects of the proposed actions are long-term. These are impacts related to the permanent
purchase and eventual designation of the property for public uses and sustainable management. These imply a
long-term or even permanent effect.
Examples of the long-term effects would be:
• Sustainable management of terrestrial and aquatic resources
• Forests managed sustainably in zones appropriate to their composition and site capability. Fifty years is a
short-term goal in forest management.
• Prevention of small-lot subdividing by state ownership is a long-term effect
• Land use, while eventually dictated by master plan is long-term. It is unlikely that even with DNR’s desired
15-year review rotation of master plans any drastic change in land use would occur.
• Acquisition of the land is long-term, while naming or designation can be short-term since it can be changed
by Natural Resources board action at any time.
• Economic effects on local tax revenues resulting from implementing PILT will be long-term, although it is
hoped that adequate adjustments can be made and that the losses might be somewhat offset be eventual
gains in increased tourist revenues.
• The economic effect of issuing Stewardship bonds to pay for the acquisition of land is a short-term effect
when compared to the long-term benefits of public ownership and management of the property.
• Conformance with other regional and long-range resource management plans is of itself a long-term effect
because of the long-range nature of these documents.
• The impacts of the spread of exotic invasive species can only be termed long-range to permanent. While
some species fluctuate in their population density, many reach a state of equilibrium and become a part of
the environment, altering it permanently. Examples abound, such as Eurasian Water Millfoil, Round Gobie,
Zebra Mussel, honeysuckle, etc.
b. Discuss which of the primary and secondary environmental effects listed in the environmental consequences section are effects on
geographically scarce resources (e.g. historic or cultural resources, scenic and recreational resources, prime agricultural lands, threatened or
endangered resources or ecologically sensitive areas).
The Menominee River, with its 117 miles of mostly undeveloped river frontage is a scarce resource in itself.
The large-block ownership, here represented by the Piers Gorge and Quiver Falls Tracts, is a scarce and
disappearing resource on the Wisconsin landscape, especially in the north. It would be fair to say, given the
limited scope of the proposed action, that all the impacts, both positive and negative, impact a scarce and
c. Discuss the extent to which the primary and secondary environmental effects listed in the environmental consequences section are reversible.
Many of the effects of this action are positive effects that would not ordinarily warrant reversal. The only
way to achieve reversal would be to dispose of the property and allow the marketplace to prevail. That could
eventually reverse the positive impacts, but be counterproductive.
Consequences that may be deemed negative such as the reduction in tax revenue to municipalities by PILT,
or the risk of introduction of exotic invasive species may not be truly reversible. However, means to
mitigate these negative effects are constantly being sought. Research and experimentation with ways to deal
with exotic species are ongoing with the potential for slowing or eliminating the spread of invasives.
- 17 -
21. Significance of Cumulative Effects
Discuss the significance of reasonably anticipated cumulative effects on the environment (and energy usage, if applicable). Consider cumulative
effects from repeated projects of the same type. Would the cumulative effects be more severe or substantially change the quality of the
environment? Include other activities planned or proposed in the area that would compound effects on the environment.
Repeated acquisition of scenic large block river corridor lands would have an effect of providing increased
protection for the scenic and recreational resources of the Menominee River. Contiguous large tracts of forest
would always be sustainably managed.
Continued state acquisition of lands already on the property tax rolls could cause a loss of revenue, depending
on the assessed valuation of property at the time compared to PILT. PILT would be based on purchase price,
which could be lower or higher than the assessed value of the property.
22. Significance of Risk
a. Explain the significance of any unknowns that create substantial uncertainty in predicting effects on the quality of the environment. What
additional studies or analysis would eliminate or reduce these unknowns?
An analysis of the property tax situation in the Towns of Niagara and Pembine could discover ways to mitigate
tax revenue losses.
b. Explain the environmental significance of reasonably anticipated operating problems such as malfunctions, spills, fires or other hazards
(particularly those relating to health or safety). Consider reasonable detection and emergency response, and discuss the potential for these
These tracts are located in an intensive fire protection area of Wisconsin. The DNR has primary wildfire
responsibility in the intensive areas of the State. The Pembine Ranger Station (a DNR facility) is located about
10 – 15 miles southwest of the tracts. Wildland fire fighting personnel and equipment are stationed at Pembine
and would respond to any wildfires on these tracts. Fire towers located northwest and southwest of the tracts
and aerial detection planes, along with citizen reporting provide wildfire detection service to the lands in
northern Marinette County. Under DNR ownership this would not change.
The forest land cover types on the tracts are not very fire prone. The incidence of wildfires is not great in this
part of Marinette County. Normal spring and fall fire season conditions do not create explosive, critical
conditions in the aspen/birch and northern hardwood stands of these tracts that are often seen in the larger
expanses of red and jack pine cover types located elsewhere in the county. Wildfires could still be expected to
kill and damage some of the trees and threaten nearby homes and cabins. However, they most likely would not
be very large fires nor very difficult to extinguish. Scattered rock outcroppings in the tracts could create some
difficulties for access to wildfires and for methods to extinguish the fires. Under DNR ownership there may be
more effort and cost associated with repairing and restoring lands damaged in wildfire fighting or salvaging
damaged and dead timber than under current ownership.
23. Significance of Precedent
Would a decision on this proposal influence future decisions or foreclose options that may additionally affect the quality of the environment?
Describe any conflicts the proposal has with plans or policy of local, state or federal agencies. Explain the significance of each.
A decision on this proposal might influence decision making on future similar actions. Indeed, this action is
partially the result of a similar land acquisition and master plan recommendation for additional Menominee
River land to be acquired.
As far as can be ascertained, this proposal is in conformance and agreement with local and regional resource
24. Significance of Controversy over Environmental Effects
Discuss the effects on the quality of the environment, including socio-economic effects, that are (or are likely to be) highly controversial, and
- 18 -
summarize the controversy.
Generally, this type of action has been well received in the region of the Menominee River Corridor. Past
citizen input gathered at public meetings and through correspondence has strongly supported acquisition and
protection of the Menominee River Corridor. It is anticipated that this proposed action will be similarly
supported. Effects on local property taxes may be disputed, however the occurrence of future negative effects
must be judged individually because of fluctuating land values and levels of tax assessment.
25. Briefly describe the impacts of no action and of alternatives that would decrease or eliminate adverse environmental effects. (Refer to any
appropriate alternatives from the applicant or anyone else.)
In general the range of alternatives to this proposed action is limited to “do nothing” or “proceed as proposed”.
No alternative acquisition methods or structured timing or alternative boundaries have been discussed, however
these are solely in the realm of negotiation between the parties involved. The impact of doing nothing could
result in the property owner selling the land to other parties more interested in real estate development and
profits. Under private management it is unknown whether public access would be welcomed. One possible
scenario would be the acquisition of certain key scenic areas by a municipality or local government for the
development of public access. This would probably not provide access to the entire 2,714 acres, though.
Other impacts of the “do nothing” alternative would be the uncertain risk of degradation to other natural and
cultural resources on the property without the protection of state ownership.
In the short term there is very little difference in the way that forest lands will be managed if no action is taken
when compared with management under DNR ownership. However, if no action is taken and the Wilderness
Shores Settlement Agreement expires and the lands are sold to private landowners, then forest management is
likely to be less controlled and possibly unsustainable. This could lead to a degradation of the forest resources
and wildlife habitat. Residential development along the river will negatively impact the riparian resources.
Larger working blocks of forest land will be parceled out for individual ownership leading to more scattered
residences or recreational cabins or clusters of residences and cabins in the forest. More wildfires are likely
because humans cause 98 percent of the wildfires in Wisconsin. More homes and cabins will be threatened and
possibly destroyed by wildfire. The wildfires will be harder to fight because more effort will be put in
protecting homes and cabins and the public’s safety. The timber industry will suffer because more forest land
will be taken out of production and the supply of timber to local mills will decrease.
SUMMARY OF ISSUE IDENTIFICATION ACTIVITIES
26. List agencies, citizen groups and individuals contacted regarding the project (include DNR personnel and title) and summarize public contacts,
completed or proposed).
NOTE: Contacts occurred between September 28, 2010 and October 27, 2010.
Date Contact Comment Summary
Michael Donofrio - DNR Provided information on fisheries, water quality and river resource management
Fisheries Team Supervisor
David Halfman - DNR Provided information on Wildlife habitat and populations; and information on
Wildlife Biologist management of the MRNRA
Joseph Henry - DNR Provided information on Endangered and Threatened Resources
- 19 -
John Lubbers - DNR Pprovided information on forestry management under WE Energies and DNR
Forestry Staff Supervisor management
Tim Mella - DNR Real Provided Real Estate information and details about property for sale.
Matthew Schaeve - DNR Contributed to completion of EA document
Environmental Analysis &
Jeremiah Schiefelbein - Contributed to completion of EA document
Analysis & Review
Al Stranz - DNR Provided guidance and critical support for production of EA
Environmental Analysis &
Personal Experience with the site, Dan Rogers, 1998-2010: Performed initial planning and Environmental Assessment for Menominee
Rive Natural Resources Area, including study of entire river corridor for potential future acquisition and corridor preservation.
Additional planning and design of public recreation facilities performed on MRNRA.
- 20 -
Project Name: County: Marinette
DECISION (This decision is not final until certified by the appropriate authority)
In accordance with s. 1.11, Stats., and Ch. NR 150, Adm. Code, the Department is authorized and required to determine whether it has complied with
s.1.11, Stats., and Ch. NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code.
Complete either A or B below:
A. EIS Process Not Required
The attached analysis of the expected impacts of this proposal is of sufficient scope and detail to conclude that this is not a major action which
would significantly affect the quality of the human environment. In my opinion, therefore, an environmental impact statement is not required prior
to final action by the Department.
B. Major Action Requiring the Full EIS Process
The proposal is of such magnitude and complexity with such considerable and important impacts on the quality of the human environment that it
constitutes a major action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.
Signature of Evaluator Date Signed
Number of responses to news release or other notice:
Certified to be in compliance with WEPA
Environmental Analysis and Liaison Program Staff Date Signed
NOTICE OF APPEAL RIGHTS
If you believe that you have a right to challenge this decision, you should know that the Wisconsin statutes and administrative rules establish time
periods within which requests to review Department decisions must be filed. For judicial review of a decision pursuant to sections 227.52 and 227.53,
Wis. Stats., you have 30 days after the decision is mailed, or otherwise served by the Department, to file your petition with the appropriate circuit court
and serve the petition on the Department. Such a petition for judicial review must name the Department of Natural Resources as the respondent.
To request a contested case hearing pursuant to section 227.42, Wis. Stats., you have 30 days after the decision is mailed, or otherwise served by the
Department, to serve a petition for hearing on the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. All requests for contested case hearings must be
made in accordance with section NR 2.05(5), Wis. Adm. Code, and served on the Secretary in accordance with section NR 2.03, Wis. Adm. Code. The
filing of a request for a contested case hearing does not extend the 30 day period for filing a petition for judicial review.
- 21 -
- 22 -
Bibliography of Reference Documents and Sources
Compass Land Consulting LLC, Steigerwaldt Land Services, Inc: Draft Real Estate Appraisal Summary Report, 9/22/2010.
The Department received two draft appraisals, one from Compass, and the second from Steigerwaldt. Compass determined the market value of
the 5,018 acres currently owned by WE Energies to be $5,018,000 ($1000 per acre) while Steigerwaldt determined the same property to have a
market value of $11,040,000 (approximately $2,200 per acre). The department has negotiated a price of $1,200 per acre.
Dirst, Victoria: CULTURAL RESOURCES ALONG THE MENOMINEE RIVER, October 1998
Former Department Employee Dr. Victoria Dirst identifies a number of known archaeological sites along the Menominee River corridor. As a
result of heavy forest cover, it is difficult to assess the nature and distribution of additional archaeological sites, although it is possible that the area
could contain hundreds. Because the area is relatively undeveloped, it is thought that most of the remains would be well preserved generally no more
than 10 inches below the surface. This shallow depth makes the remains susceptible to destruction by modern forestry practices.
Marinette County Land Information Committee: Marinette County Land & Water Resource Management Plan 2011 – 2020, 2010
The Land and Water Resource Management plan was developed to guide agencies in managing resources in a manner that meets the needs of
the residents of Marinette County as well as protect and enhance the local environment. The document primarily focuses on water resources
including watersheds, lakes, streams, and groundwater and how current and historic land use as well as invasive species may impact these resources.
Thuemler, Thomas F., Schnicke, Gary: Menominee River Fisheries Management Plan, December 1992.
In a joint effort between the Michigan and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources, this plan was drafted to provide long range guidance to
the departments and other agencies on management of fish and other aquatic resources present in the system. The ultimate goal of the plan was to
manage for self sustaining stocks of desirable aquatic species and to consider the entire Menominee River Basin and realize its natural resource
potential for the citizens of Wisconsin and Michigan. The plan discusses the historical and current conditions of the area as they pertain to land use,
water quality, and the fishery to name a few. The plan closes with a series of statements that will guide management direction and future strategies.
USDA: SOIL SURVEY OF MARINETTE COUNTY WISCONSIN, February 1991.
Field work for this document was completed in 1986 and approved in 1987. The Marinette County Soil Survey provides general and detailed
soil map units along with the use and management of the soil types. Soil properties as they relate to engineering, physical and chemical properties,
soil and water features, and engineering test data are followed by detailed classification of each soil series that occurs in the county.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES OF WISCONSIN HB 18051, September 5, 2001.
The Ecological Landscapes of Wisconsin Handbook is a result of work completed by the Division of Land’s Ecosystem Management Planning
Team and other Department staff with the goal of providing assistance in analyzing alternatives in the context of ecosystem management principals.
Data on each ecological landscape, basic information about natural communities, and opportunities to manage for biological diversity by landscape
are presented. This document was not intended to provide management goals, but to provide a foundation for management opportunities.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Fish Consumption Advisories, available at: http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/consumption/. October 20, 2010. The
fisheries website contains the most up to date published information regarding consumption of fish from Wisconsin waters.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: MENOMINEE RIVER NATURAL RESOURCES AREA MASTER PLAN, March 2000
The Menominee River Natural Resources Area (MRNA) includes 1,922 acres of land purchased by the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the
Conservation Fund in 1997 from Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC). Development of the MRNA Master plan included a series of
public listening sessions and focus group meetings thereby creating a management strategy that will maintain and enhance the natural qualities of the
property while providing compatible recreational opportunities. Designation of the property as a Natural Resources Area will allow a variety of
management practices to achieve the goals of this plan which include but are not limited to: protecting the scenic natural beauty, provide low-impact
recreational opportunities, forest management to establish and maintain species and age class diversity, protect the water quality of the Menominee
River and associated tributaries and wetlands, protect historic and archaeological sites, and protect any endangered resources on the property.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources et al: UPPER GREEN BAY BASIN INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN, PUBL WT 663 2001,
This publication was developed to satisfy the requirements of the Clean Water Act, Section 208 Area wide Water Quality Planning Program to
demonstrate that field level projects funded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service are meeting intended goals. Furthermore, the document was to
translate our partnership, team priorities, and objectives for the basin into guidance for use in future work planning and project development. The
document addresses the importance of the partnership among state and federal agencies and public to meet the basin objectives. Recommendations
for the upper Green Bay Basin include the importance of inter-agency and public participation, sustaining both aquatic and terrestrial communities,
health and safety as they relate to consumption advisories, total maximum daily loads, non point source pollution, the importance of outdoor
education, and the promotion of environmentally responsible outdoor recreation.
- 23 -
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: THE WILDERNESS SHORES SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT – February 10, 1997
The Settlement was negotiated among the Parties (Wisconsin Electric (also WE and WE Energies), Michigan Department of Natural
Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Attorney
General, Wisconsin Department of Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Michigan Hydro Licensing Coalition,
River Alliance of Wisconsin) over a two year period beginning in July, 1994, prior to undertaking FERC licensing process on several Menominee
River hydroelectric dams. The parties signed the document in February of 1997. The Settlement, in part, concerns the resolution of land management
for the FERC projects and other matters. The Settlement will expire in 2037.
Section 5.2.2 states "For the term of this Settlement, WE agrees to retain ownership of a minimum of 4,000 acres of its real estate holdings
along the Menominee River in Menominee County, Michigan; and, Marinette County, Wisconsin identified as the Quiver Falls Tract". And further in
this section "WE shall allow public access to these lands when compatible with overall land management goals".
Section 5.2.3 states "Wisconsin Electric will manage the Sand Portage/ Piers Gorge Tract (approximately 350 acres, both states) for old
growth and public use, and will not develop this parcel for the length of the Settlement as long as WE owns the parcel. If WE sells or trades this
parcel prior to the expiration of this Settlement, deed restrictions will be added requiring the subsequent owners to: (1) manage the parcel for old
growth; (2) continue to allow public access; and (3) not allow development that impacts the tract's natural scenic beauty."
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Wisconsin Land Legacy Report 2006.
As directed by the Natural Resources Board, the Department of Natural Resources was advised to identify places critical to meet Wisconsin’s
outdoor recreation and conservation needs over the next 50 years. The document was written as a comprehensive resource to use when making land
use decisions in an effort to balance conservation needs with various other land uses to not only protect our environment, but promote a strong,
vibrant economy. Sixteen ecological landscapes are identified, one of which is the Northeast Sands and includes 12 of the 229 statewide legacy
places. The Pike River, the Peme bon Won, and the Menominee River are three of the 12 legacy places identified in the Northeast Sands ecological
Zastrow, Darrell, WISCONSIN FOREST ACCORD, July 1994
Classification system that provides managers and scientists with a common language for describing forest sites, communities, and landscapes, as
well as management expectations As a result of a joint effort led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Wisconsin DNR Bureau of
Forestry, representatives of public, industrial, and private landowners and land
Other current and historic resource management information from the current owner WE Energies
- 24 -


We’re sorry. The information you have requested is temporarily unavailable.
This product has not yet been reviewed.
This part has been discontinued by Spyder . We apologize for the inconvenience.View all options for this product
- spyder auto light
- honda civic 2003 clear fog lights
- pontaic grand prix headlights
- custom ford truck light
- datsun 720 tail light covers
- 07 tundra headlights
- installing kc lights on sequoia
- led lights for honda accord 2011
- best car tuner
- rubber car mats vehicle
- rubber mat for pickup truck bed


The Waukesha Universal 2 is a CIP (Clean in Place) pump and features ECP (External Circumferential Piston), facilitating advanced sanitation technologies. Features and benefits include: Bi-directional flow, Large diameter shafts for greater strength & stiffness, Rotor/shaft connection sealed from the product zone, Extended-life outer seal, Mechanical seals standard, 316 pump body standard; 316L pump body optional, Heavy-duty bearing frame; stainless steel bearing frame optiona;, Non-galling Waukesha “88” alloy rotors for tighter running clearances and higher efficiencies. Additional options: CIP capability, free draining body and cover for side mounted applications, seal flushing, steam-in-place, aseptic version.
Food and Beverage (Soups, Stews, Tomato Paste, Vegetables, Dressings, Chocolate, Fats & Oils, Batters, Cream Fillings, Brewery, Wort, Soft/Fruit Drinks), Dairy (Cream, Milk, Cheese Curd & Whey, Cottage Cheese, Yogurt) Pharmaceutical/Cosmetics (Pill Pastes, Syrups, Extracts, Slurries, Face Creams & Lotions, Hair Styling Gels & Liquids, Dyes & Alcohols), Chemical/Industrial (Solvents, Paints, Fuels, Resins, Polymers & Sludges, Oil & Lubricants, Soaps).
8 GPM (1.8 m³/hr.) to 660 GPM (150 m³/hr.)
Std. Rotors: -40°F (-40°C) to 200°F (93°F) // Hot Clearance Rotors: 180°F (82°C) to 300°F (149°C)
500 PSI (34.5 bar)
Materials of Construction
316L SS Body and Cover, Standard Carbon-to-ceramic Mechanical seal faces, Buna-N Standard O-Rings (Optional: FKM, EPDM, Silicone, FFKM, and PTFE Encapsulated). See brochure for full list of material options.


With the recent annexation of large portions of the West Bank and the displacement of over 300,000 Palestinians, the Jewish state has become a prominent topic in today’s affairs.
Against the backdrop of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, the human rights violations against Sunni Muslims in China and the proliferation of police brutality in the United States, current discussions around Israel will naturally invoke claims of violations of international law and human rights towards Palestinians. This conversation, however, is much trickier to navigate on both sides of the political aisle for numerous reasons.
A clear distinction must always be stated between Judaism and Zionism when entering discourse on this topic.
Judaism is the Hebrew faith dating back before Christianity and is an ethnic religion pertaining to 14 million people across the world. It can be likened to or mapped onto most other major world religions, such as Christianity or Islam.
Zionism is a political movement of the early 20th century with the central belief that Jewish people should have their own nation and state, and that it must be around the ancient city of Jerusalem.
It must be made clear that not all Jewish people are Zionist. But conversely, not all Zionists are Jewish.
This is when the conversation becomes more complex. Noted white nationalist and neo-Nazi, Richard Spencer, is a fond supporter of the state of Israel, praising its “white ethnostate” and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “Nation-State” law, a law that officially defines Israel as “Jewish State”, reserving the right to self-determination for Jewish people (a move heavily criticised by Israel’s 21% Arab population and Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin). That, however, in no way diminishes Richard Spencer’s status as an unequivocal and unambiguous anti-Semite.
The term “Zionist” has often been thought of as a euphemistic slur for Jewish people, and that criticisms leveled against the state of Israel and its policies are just fronts for anti-Semitic rhetoric. On more levels, many “critics” of Israeli policy will label such politicians and lobbyists as “globalists” or any word that bring connotations to a secret elite controlling and manipulating the world order. On the other end, the government and administration of Israel and its supporters (notably the Trump administration) have frequently dismissed criticisms and labelled condemnation of it as mere antisemitism and an attack on Jewish sovereignty. Individuals will be branded “anti-Semites” or the common slur, “self-hating Jew”.
Anti-Zionism is characterised as opposition to the idea of a Jewish state, but particularly the course of action of the Israeli government and its allies towards the state of Palestine and its people. Brokers for peace are more often unsatisfactory as people opposed to anti-Zionism will primarily take issue with the original division of the British mandate following the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Anti-Zionists generally don’t hold the denial of Jewish people’s want and justifications for a Jewish run nation, but rather its implementation.
As mentioned, policy, ideas and concepts must always be open to scrutiny and criticism. And it is possible and constructive to have a sensible discussion surrounding the Israeli state, the Arab-Israeli conflict and the ideology of Zionism without dehumanising or degrading anybody.
However, remain cautious. As wherever you will come across people, boards and conferences criticising Israel in a legitimate manner and in good faith, you will find others present sneaking antisemitism into the conversation. Attend a meeting titled “Free Speech on Israel” and you will come across people openly denying the Holocaust.
What, then, is antisemitism? The working definition from the IHRA (the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) reads: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
Tackling it through the lens of simply an aversion to followers of a religion (much like its contemporary, Islamophobia) ignores a lot of the history around the topic. Many thinkers and historians after the Second World War and the Holocaust asked, “Why Jews”? Why was antisemitism so central to the essence of Nazi persecution, and why were many others not only complicit, but active participants?
Jean-Paul Sartre grappled with this question in his iconic essay, “Anti-Semite and Jew”, in which he concluded that antisemitism was a fundamentally irrational position. He writes of a classmate who failed his exams and proceeded to blame the Jewish candidates for it specifically despite admitting to have never studied for the test. Rather than blaming other candidates or himself, he believed it was the fault of Jewish candidates, having already arrived at the conclusion that Jewish people were nefarious and duplicitous.
“Far from experience producing his idea of the Jew, it was the latter which explained his experience. If the Jew did not exist, the anti-Semite would invent him”.
To further complicate matters, the anti-Semite, according to Sartre, is also not “completely unaware of the absurdity of their replies. They know that their remarks are frivolous”. They conduct this bad faith discourse “not to persuade by sound argument, but to intimidate and disconcert”.
Unfortunately, this signals that antisemitism itself is too complex of a topic that would digress too greatly for the purposes of this article.
How, then, with all this mind, do we conduct discourse around current political topics in the middle east and Israel and avoid the reasonable fear of being labelled an anti-Semite?
A pamphlet titled “The Past Didn’t Go Anywhere” by April Rosenblum gives extremely useful guidance on the matter. The main advice is to be as specific as you can about what you are criticising.
For example, the concern that Israel has an ongoing issue with human rights violations that have garnered condemnation from Amnesty International – whatever you make of that – is specific and clear. To say, “Israel is the root of all evil in the world” or centring concerns of human rights solely around Israel is more of an indication of a problem with Jewish people.
To say that AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee – a lobbying US group that fund government policies to support Israel with military aid) incentivises US politicians to send military personnel to Israel and that that may cause conflicts of interest in ethics and pragmatism is valid and clear. To say, “Zionists are controlling the government!” may garner labels of antisemitism.
Speaking out against Trump’s recognition of the Israeli Golan Heights Law of 1981 as potentially destabilising for the landlocked region may attract criticisms of antisemitism, but specifying that this was a law deemed “null and void” by the UN will save you.
So where does this leave us? Evidently, left-wing parties struggle with this issue as demonstrated by the many accusations and reports of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of the UK Labour Party. Former US Vice-President and Democratic nominee Joe Biden has called on the condemnation of criticism of Israel that drifted towards antisemitism.
It has been an issue on the left, with activists and politicians being anti-Semitic beyond mere mistakes or infiltrators. However, what has always been noted is that when it comes to antisemitism, the right are a lot more deadly about it.
Although political polarisation and partisanship is inevitable on this issue, fractures can mend in the political landscape and bigotry that does not go unchecked will prevent exacerbation's of current tensions. By being more careful with the words we use, issues and action arising from miscommunications and willful ignorance can be mitigated one day at a time.


text:
Articulate, abrasive, political, compassionate, misunderstood, misprinted and outrageous -- never complacent. Garry Trudeau is America's premier social and political satirist.
Rose is Rose presents the extraordinary, everyday life of the Gumbo family: Rose, Jimbo and Pasquale. Readers relish the romance in the Gumbo marriage, the appearance of surprising alter egos and the antics of the family kitten, Peekaboo.
Rose is Rose
Don Wimmer and Pat Brady
Bill Amend’s brilliant understanding of sibling rivalry and generational struggles comes to life in a blend of attitude, wit and a big dose of reality. Readers of all ages will love this glimpse into family life with the FoxTrot gang.
"Dear Tiny..." So begins each episode of Tiny Sepuku, the world’s number one advice cartoon. Begun in 1997 as a parody of Hello Kitty, by 1999 it had evolved into a full-fledged alt-paper syndicated feature. Creator Ken Cursoe credits the strip’s enthusiastic fans with its success - it is their letters seeking advice and counsel, often on matters of the heart, that inspire his sometimes-whimsical, sometimes-cynical, always surprising strips. Ask a lovelorn question, get a heartfelt, hilarious answer.
Frazz, by Jef Mallett, follows an unexpected role model: an elementary-school janitor. He's a trusted authority figure, but also a Renaissance man and every kid's buddy.
La Cucaracha is a unique strip that provides a view of the world through the lens of its Latino characters and the mind of acclaimed creator Lalo Alcaraz, whose experiences growing up on the U.S./Mexico border inform the satirical wit of the strip.
Available daily and Sunday and appearing in 650 newspapers nationwide, Get Fuzzy is a wry portrait of single life, with pets. Rob Wilco is a mild-mannered ad executive; Satchel is his sweet, slightly dim dog; Bucky is their sociopath feline roommate.
F Minus is short on life lessons, precious moments, and pearls of wisdom. Instead, this absurdist single panel comic tackles life's serious issues, pins them to the ground and steals their lunch money. Then it feels a little bit guilty and gives some of it back.
Ripley's Believe It or Not has been presenting the incredible and the unusual in illustrated form since Robert Ripley's first "Champs and Chumps" comic published on Dec. 19, 1918. Currently, B.I.O.N. is illustrated by John Graziano, who has been working as an artist and illustrator since 1983, when he received a certificate in illustration from the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts. He has designed trading card sets and a portrait series based on the 1960s cult TV show "Dark Shadows." John has also created comic strips for "Scream Queens" magazine, designed t-shirts graphics and created storyboards and concept drawings for Hollywood films. Researcher Sabrina Sieck works as the voice behind the cartoon, reviewing potential stories, filtering through the hundreds of weekly submissions and putting together the stories for John to bring to life. New submissions are always welcome. Just click here.
Ripley's Believe It or Not

domain: artistic


text:
Saint Barts Dalton Boyfriend Button Down Shirt
Easy like Sunday morning. Our Dalton Boyfriend Button Down gets a solid look and we're here for it. Reminiscent to your boyfriend's, this button down features a classic collar, long sleeves, and a full set of functional front buttons. Pair it with a white tank underneath and leave it unbuttoned or leave the last few buttons undone and add a little tie knot to style. Wear it with the Saint Barts Linen Shorts for a breezy look. Shop the matching Saint Barts Shorts here.
- Functional button front
- Boyfriend fit
- Drop shoulder
Size + Fit
- Model is 5'9" and wearing size XS
- Measurements taken from size S
- Chest: 49"
- Length: 29 3/4"
Care-Hand wash only

domain: design


text:
Price Gouging Spreading as far as the Coronavirus
Would you pay $70 for hand sanitizers? How about $125 per face mask? Although prices inevitably go up as demand rises, some growth may be artificial as panic sets in. States across the country have declared a state of national emergency and made price gouging illegal as a result.
Already several states have issued warnings for price gouging. The Michigan Attorney General issued a cease and desist letter to Menards Home Improvement Store over price gouging allegations. Tennessee has reprimanded two siblings for attempting to hoard and sell hand sanitizers for $70 on Amazon and eBay, which the online retailers have halted. Eight San Diego County residents were arrested and charged with price gouging after undercover sheriff agents were charged exorbitant prices for toilet paper and hand sanitizers.
What is Price Gouging?
The exact legal definition of price gouging varies across states. For instance, in Michigan price gouging includes:
- Charging the consumer a price that is grossly in excess of the price at which similar property or services are sold.
- Causing coercion and duress as the result of the time and nature of a sales presentation.
The California Department of Justice defines price gouging as: sellers trying to take unfair advantage of consumers during an emergency or disaster by greatly increasing prices for essential consumer goods and services.
Although exact definitions may differ, most states agree that “doubling” prices during an emergency or disaster qualifies as price gouging. The emergency or disaster requirement is why Martin Shkreli was not prosecuted for price gouging even though he raised fees on critical AIDS drug up by 5770%.
Since the World Health Organization has declared the Coronavirus a global pandemic and the White House has declared a national emergency, there is no doubt that the “emergency” requirement behind price gouging is official.
Why is Price Gouging Illegal?
Price gouging encourages hoarding by creating an artificial decrease in supply. This is in turn makes it more difficult for medical personnel, law enforcement, and other essential personnel from obtaining them for public consumption. It is especially bad when dealing with a pandemic like the Coronavirus because the best means of overcoming it is ensuring that every person in the United States can be tested and treated. Preventative measures such as hand sanitizers and face masks are not sufficient if they are not available to everyone. Having such items gate kept by a few individuals looking to make a quick profit would only hinder medical and government efforts to stop the virus.
The real issue is how much price raising would be considered price gouging. It’s clear that a 50% markup would be too much. But what about 40%? 10%? .05%? What if the price of toilet paper slowly goes up by $15 over the course of months as the pandemic lingers?
Price gouging is an issue because it creates artificial supply problems. However, as the pandemic continues there may be real supply issues as truck drivers and manufacturers are forced to stay at home. Meanwhile, consumers demand things like toilet paper in extraordinary amounts that businesses are unprepared to meet. Prices must naturally go up in such conditions, but the law may frown on otherwise legal practices.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Price Gouging?
One problem with price gouging is that the consumer may not even be aware that their rights have been violated. By the time they discover a violation, it may be too late to file a legal claim. If you suspect price gouging, you should contact your state attorney general’s office right away.
If you are accused of price gouging, then a criminal defense attorney can help you resolve any issues with the state and defend you from accusations of price gouging.

domain: law


Can tablets use 3G?
Today’s Android-powered tablets are more compact than laptops while offering a robust operating system and many of the same features. When there are no wireless networks present, you can connect to a 3G network to transmit data.
How can I fix my 3G SIM to 4G?
How to Fix 4G Problems on Android Phones (8 solutions)
- Check if mobile data is turned on.
- Restart your device.
- Re-insert your SIM card.
- Turn Airplane mode on and off.
- Enable the right network mode.
- Check whether you enabled a mobile data limit.
- Reset your APNs.
- Set APN Protocol to IPv4/IPv6.
Will 4G work on 3G SIM?
3G will work on 4G phones, but 4G won’t work on 3G phones.
How do I fix my 3G network?
Next, turn airplane mode on and off.
- Open your Settings app “Wireless and Networks” or “Connections” tap Airplane Mode. Depending on your device, these options may be different.
- Turn airplane mode on.
- Wait for 10 seconds.
- Turn airplane mode off.
- Check to see if the connection problems have been solved.
What happens to your phone when 3G goes away?
We no longer activate phones that don’t support HD Voice since they won’t be compatible to work on our network when 3G shuts down. Talk and data services won’t work for wireless phones and devices that don’t support at least 4G LTE and HD Voice. See the FIX AN ISSUE section If you see your phone on the list, it’ll still work after February 2022.
What to do if your Android phone wont connect to the Internet?
General troubleshooting tips for Android devices. Restart your device. It might sound simple, but sometimes that’s all it takes to fix a bad connection. If restarting doesn’t work, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data: Open your Settings app ” Wireless & networks” or “Connections”.
Why is my Samsung SIM card not working?
Although Samsung devices are completely water resistant these days, the SIM Card trey has a very thin layer of protection so, it can possibly get damaged by water. So, if you are facing such situation; just visit the nearest office of your network provider. They will replace your SIM Card.
Is there a data connection problem in Android?
Worse still is the fact that the data connection problem in Android frequently occurs to users. If you are experiencing some connectivity issues with your Android mobile, you should not panic since in this article we are going to provide you with workable solutions to fix the data connection problem. Part 1.


As one of, if not the most disruptive trends to sweep across the automotive industry, the development of autonomous driving technology has prompted many OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to invest in and acquire innovative companies. One of the main benefits to this trend is the expansion of a talented workforce….
Register your email and we'll keep you informed about our latest articles, publications, webinars and conferences. Unsubscribe anytime.
August 20, 2018