• Dean’s Desk

• Treehaven Tromp

• Douglas R. Stephens Endowed Chair hired

• Rogers family donates 39 acres to UW-Stevens Point

• 2014 Award recipients

• Student Research Symposium

• Student travels to Siberia

• Student highlights

• Partnership brings Chinese students to Wisconsin

• Alumni Updates

• Faculty, staff and outreach highlights

• Retirements

• Wisconsin River Water Quality Symposium

The love of a stream brought conservation into Bill Horvath’s heart at an early age. Born in 1938 on a farm with no running water or electricity in Navarino, Wisconsin, he enjoyed spending time fishing at a stream near his home. Horvath was devastated when the stream was destroyed for improved agricultural production. This defining moment put Horvath on the course to become the first University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Conservation major to be honored with induction into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame (WCHF). The Conservation major was the precursor to the College of Natural Resources.

Many would describe Horvath as the complete conservation package. His life’s work spanned education, training, research, public policy legislation and leadership with respect to wise use and management of natural resources within the state of Wisconsin and across the nation. Graduating from what is now UW-Stevens Point in 1961 with a double major in conservation and English he continued his schooling at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor completing his master’s degree and beginning a position with the Pennsylvania Soil and Water Conservation Department. He soon took a position as director of the Maryland State Soil and Water Conservation Agency before he found himself back in his home state as director of the Wisconsin Soil and Water Conservation Board. During his time on the board he initiated a project impact evaluation process resulting in soil and water public assistance programs. This resulted in a shift of emphasis from channelization back to water management on the land.

In 1972 he was hired as the first Midwest Regional Director by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). In this role, Horvath found himself coordinating conservation district work in eight Midwestern states. Early in his tenure he led the conservation districts into cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, obtaining support for dozens of watershed management demonstration projects. With Horvath at the helm the Midwest Region garnered grants totaling more than fifteen million dollars and thousands of acres were placed under good watershed management. Originally retiring in 2002, he didn’t stay away long before going back under contract directing the organization’s forestry programs office. He retired for a second time in 2005.

(continued on page 15)

First Conservation major inducted into the Hall of Fame

Bill Horvath is the first Conservation major to be inducted into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame.Photo courtesy of Bill Berry

www.uwsp.edu/cnrfacebook.com/UWSPCNR

Summer 2014Inside this issue

Editor: Stacey Allen Bannach

The Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame (WCHF) is housed in the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center. So, often there is confusion about its relationship to the College of Natural Resources. They are not us. We are not them. However we have strong ties going way back. That fact was emphasized this spring when Bill Horvath (’61) was inducted into the Hall of Fame. We were proud that a “son” of CNR would be recognized for his significant achievements in the conservation community.

Through the years there has always been significant CNR involvement in the workings of the Hall of Fame. Along with Bill Horvath, Professor Emeritus Earl Spangenberg has been a force in the founding, building and running of the Hall of Fame. Ron Zimmerman and the Schmeeckle Reserve staff have been wonderful volunteers in the running of the event and housing the exhibit. Currently Brenda Lackey, Professor Emeritus Joe Passineau and Dean Emeritus Alan Haney are involved in the governance of the organization, in partnership with representatives from conservation organizations around the state.

Over the years, I have had the honor to give induction speeches for four of the inductees. Dan Trainer was the dean who led our college to statewide prominence. Herb Behnke, while not inducted for his CNR involvement, served on our advisory board for a number of years. Wilhelmina LaBudde worked with Fred Schmeeckle to have legislation passed requiring conservation education in the schools. Their efforts led to the development of our conservation education program. Jay Reed, a much loved outdoor writer, helped me make the first Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop go. He now has a scholarship in his name here in the college. I would wager many of the inductees were involved over the years in various ways with our students, faculty and staff.

The Conservation Hall of Fame induction is something I look forward to each year. It is a good time to reflect on the conservation ethic our state is known for and for the lifetimes so many have invested in keeping this a wonderful place to live. It is always a good event to be part of. And…Congratulations Bill Horvath!

Conservation Hall of Fame Induction Always a Good Day Christine Thomas

Christine Thomas shared stories about Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame Inductee, Jay Reed at the annual WCHF induction ceremony.

Snowshoe enthusiasts didn’t let the bitter cold temperatures keep them away from the third annual Treehaven Tromp snowshoe race held on February 8 at Treehaven. Eighty-one racers strapped on their snowshoes and hit the trails.

The race, hosted by Treehaven, is part of the Braveheart Snowshoe Racing Series and a 2013-2014 United States Snowshoe Association (USSSA) Regional Qualifying Event leading to the USSSA National Championships.

Next years race will be held on February 7, 2015. More details are available at www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/treehaven.

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CNR News

Treehaven hosts third annual snowshoe race

Eighty-one racers participated in the annual Treehaven Tromp snowshoe race hosted and held at Treehaven.

Douglas R. Stephens Endowed Chair hired

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CNR News

Rogers family protects, donates 39-acre forest to UW-Stevens Point

One of central Wisconsin’s finest examples of a managed forest was donated to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point by a family long committed to conservation.

Jeanette Rogers, who died April 22, along with her children, Jim and Jane, honored the wishes of their late husband and father, George Rogers, to permanently preserve a 39-acre managed, working forest in the town of Hull. George Rogers, a Stevens Point native, longtime writer, editor, civic leader and devoted conservationist, died last November.

The Rogers family worked with North Central Conservancy Trust (NCCT), a Stevens Point-based land trust, to place a conservation easement on the property. This was an essential first step to Rogers. He felt it could be a great learning space for forest management students and wanted the property kept in permanent green space, regardless of who owns it.

Rogers purchased the property in 1950, when it was mostly open land with a few scattered scrub oak and jack pine. He planted more than 40,000 red pine seedlings and 500 white pine seedlings, with the help of UW-Stevens Point students. Nurtured through the state’s Forest Crop (Managed Forest) Law program, the property was transformed into a productive, managed forest.

“We are grateful to the Rogers family for this generous gift, and we are honored to carry on the legacy of stewardship George started more than 60 years ago,” said CNR Dean Christine Thomas. “This forest has been extremely well managed and is exactly the type of woodland property we look for in a field teaching site.”

Rogers wrote about the managed pine planation in his book, Among the Leaves. He harvested about 1,900 cords of wood between 1972 and 2007, including logs to build three cabins at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station.

The George Rogers Living Forest will be used by as an outdoor laboratory for education, demonstration and research.

George and Jeanette Rogers donated 39 acres to UW-Stevens Point to provide a green learning space.

The UW-Stevens Point CNR wildlife center will soon advance from an idea to a reality with the recent hire of the Douglas R. Stephens Endowed Chair, Scott Hygnstrom.

Hygnstrom brings a wide breadth of experience with him, holding a B.S. in Biology/Conservation from UW-River Falls, a master’s from UW-Stevens Point, and a Ph.D., from UW-Madison. He has served as a professor and extension wildlife specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln since 1988. He also spent a year as a visiting lecturer in Otjiwarango, Namibia, with the International Cheetah Foundation. Prior to his time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln he worked with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a wildlife damage program coordinator, a staff lecturer at UW-River Falls and a research assistant with UW-Madison.

Hygnstrom will begin his duties in September.

Scott Hyngstrom is the new Douglas R. Stephens Endowed Chair.

Congratulations 2014 CNR Award Recipients

Outstanding Contributor Award

Staff Member Kevin Burns

Treehaven Ecologist

Outstanding Contributor AwardFriend of the CNR

Margaret HeinoBear Study Consultant

Environmental Leader Award Bernie Lemon

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Outstanding Alumnus AwardDavid Hoppe

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Scholarship Award Rich HauerAssociate Professorof Forestry

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CNR News

Treehaven AwardJim Miazga

Treehaven Board of Advisors

Paper Science Industry Leadership AwardRuss Wanke

Expera Specialty Solutions

Excellence in Teaching AwardHolly PetrilloAssociate Professor of Forestry

Outreach AwardPeggy Farrell

Becoming an Outdoors Woman

Outstanding Professional Service AwardRob MichitschAssistant Professor of Soil and Waste Resources

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CNR News

The 15th annual Undergraduate Student Research Symposium took place on April 5. CNR students showcased their research findings through poster and oral presentations under the watchful eye of faculty, staff and other community volunteers, who served as judges during the event. The symposium is planned and organized by a steering committee made up of students with faculty and staff members assisting as needed.

Annual Student Run Research Symposium in its 15th year

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) summer food habits in Central WisconsinTessa Hasbrouck and Rebecca KelbleAdviser: Eric Anderson, wildlife ecology professor

Design and implementation of a continuous chemical addition system

Jaime Tauscher, Adam Offerdahl, Lindsey Hoffman, Jordan HansenAdviser: Karyn Biasca, paper science and engineering chair and professor

Comparison of growth and short-term survival of age-0 Muskellunge reared using two different methodsTessa Hasbrouck Adviser: Justin Van De Hey, fisheries and water resources assistant professor

Defining areas of improvement for the lake Wausau Community Matt Zangl

Adviser: Aaron Thompson, HDNR assistant professor

Environmental factors that explain Seroprevalence of Leptospira interrogans antibody in white-tailed deer from WisconsinNigel Golden

Adviser: Shelli Dubay, wildlife ecology associate professor

Next box use of southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) in relation to stem density, mid-layer density, and canopy cover in Central Wisconsin

Leah McSherry, Alex RoszkowskiAdviser: Shelli Dubay, wildlife ecology associate professor

Oral Presentations - Honorable Mentions

Oral Presentations - Highest Honors

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CNR News

Impact of waterfowl dropping density on Escherichia coli concentrations in city parks

Brittany Ruttenberg and Jennifer PaulusAdviser: Shelli Dubay, wildlife ecology associate professor

Automated fiber blending systemBrock Brandner, Kelli Hultman, Rachel Strelow, Seth NelsonAdviser: Karyn Biasca, paper science and engineering chair and professor

Seed bank analysis of Lost CreekSam Bussan and Jesse Hodel

Adviser: James Cook, professor of forestry

Upland influence on wetland restoration in Lost Creek

Claire Hillmeyer and Anastasia Wolf-FlaschAdviser: James Cook, professor of forestry

Geographic variation in antipredator behavior of Uta stansburianaSarah MankaAdviser: Peter Zani, biology department

Developing a habitat suitability model for fisher (Martes pennanti) in Central Wisconsin

Shannon McNamara, Molly O’Grady, Drake HardmanAdviser: Eric Anderson, wildlife ecology professor

Assessment of wet meadow composition of Lost Creek mitigation site Sarah RademacherAdviser: James Cook, professor of forestry

Poster Presentations - Highest Honors

Analysis of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in an urban environment using home range analysis

Andrew Voigt, Nate FrancoisAdviser: Tim Ginnett, wildlife ecology professor

Preliminary feasibility study on replacing cooking fat with sunflower oil in Rural Kenya

Losa MoehlmanAdviser: Holly Petrillo, forestry associate professor

Effects of commercial brood diets on growth and fecundity of domestic female brown trout (Salmo trutta) broodstock

Jacob UtrieAdviser: Justin Van De Hey, fisheries and water resources

assistant professor

Comparing bobcat (Lynx rufus) home-range sized and its habitat characteristics in Central Wisconsin to Northwest Wisconsin

Tessa Hasbrouck, Rebecca KelbleAdviser: Eric Anderson, wildlife ecology professor

Development of a maximal crown area equation for open-growth Burr Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Zachary Buchanan, Alissa JohnsonAdviser: Michael Demchik, forestry professor

Prevalence of Strongyloides robustus in a population of Southern flying squirrels in Central Wisconsin

Nick Jensen, Tawny Liebe, and Jeff HymaAdviser: Shelli Dubay, wildlife ecology associate professor

Poster Presentations - Honorable Mentions

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CNR News

Nigel Golden is spending his summer on the forefront of climate change research as part of The Polaris Project. The project brings students and professionals to one of the world’s most remote and vulnerable environments, the Siberian Arctic, to research climate change. Follow Golden’s journey on his blog at www.thepolarisproject.org.

Nigel’s first post (courtesy of The Polaris Project)My name’s Nigel Golden and I am a Pointer. For those who are not familiar with the name, it signifies I’m a student at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where I am double-majoring in biology and wildlife ecology: research and management. I’ve done some traveling in Germany, Poland and Iceland so this trip wouldn’t be the first rodeo I’ve been to. It will, however, be my first visit to Russia. I heard about the Polaris trip in 2012 when I was a participant in the Woods Hole Partnership Education Program and interned for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. I didn’t believe I was ready for the field experiences in the Arctic until after I climbed Rysy’s peak of the Tatra Mountains located near Zacopane in Poland the summer before I decided to apply. I am beyond excited for what the 2014 research expedition to Siberia to study climate change in the Arctic has in store for me! I can’t decide what has me fired up more: the science, the travel, the fieldwork, or the cultural exchanges. It’s probably the science.

My background is in wildlife diseases. So why do I have interest in climate change you might ask? I’m interested in the Polaris Project because not only will it improve the way I critically think about and conduct scientific research, but because climate change not only affects the community I come from, but also the rest of the world. The bonus is that I get to make connections between my research in infectious diseases and the research in climate change. What are some large-scale responses of infectious diseases to climate change? Here’s one example: the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis has markedly increased in relation to milder winters and extended autumn activity in Sweden. Another example is the spread of tropical diseases into northern latitudes. Prior to 1999 West Nile Virus was not detected in the United States and Canada where it is now recognized as a disease of concern. I’m not afraid to admit that I’m not an expert when it comes to arctic science or climate change. However, the discussions I’ve had with my fellow students, the scientists at Woods Hole, and the faculty of my home institution has given me assurance I’m developing the knowledge to do some great science! A while back the students and I read an article on the vulnerability of permafrost carbon to climate change, and microbial decomposition of organic carbon is what immediately caught my eye. The continuous release of carbon into the atmosphere from ecosystems is strongly dependent on rates of decomposition by microbes. If microbial decomposition rates are high enough, then ecosystem processes may release more carbon from the soil than is captured by plants in photosynthesis. The first question I posed (well maybe not the first question) was what are ways to manage the decomposition of organic matter, and subsequent carbon release as permafrost thaws? Through my discussions – with some awesome people – I was pointed in the right direction. In order to learn how we can manage carbon flux from soil microbes, we need to understand the processes that either halt or speed up decomposition. There are many things that affect this: carbon-nitrogen ratios, nitrogen mineralization rates, soil moisture regimes, oxygen availability, and acidity. However, I’ll take the best advice that I’ve heard – which was to head to Siberia with an open mind for new research interests. I believe there is something there in the landscape that will capture my heart! I can’t wait to mobilize with my fellow colleagues in New York to head to an adventure of a lifetime.

Student spotlight - Nigel Golden

Nigel Golden, pictured here in Ireland, will spend his summer in the Siberian Arctic studying climate change.Photo courtesy of Nigel Golden

Nigel Golden lived on this barge researching climate change in the Siberian Arctic.Photo courtesy of Chris Linder, The Polaris Project

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CNR News

Partnership brings Chinese students to Wisconsin

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CNR News

Zach Beard was the recipient of the Steven Yeo Best Student Paper Award at the 43rd annual meeting of the Wisconsin chapter of the American Fisheries Society held in Green Bay, Wis. in February. The paper Beard presented was titled “Evaluation of dorsal spines and scales as nonlethal alternatives to otoliths for estimating bluegill ages.,” Dan Isermann, WICFRU acting unit leader was a coauthor.

Craig Kelling received the Best Student Poster award at the 43rd annual meeting of the Wisconsin chapter of the American Fisheries

Society held in Green Bay, Wis. in February. Kelling’s poster, titled “Use of DNR barcoding for identifying partially-digested fish in diet studies,” was coauthored with Keith Turnquist, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit (WICFRU) research specialist; Dan Isermann, WICFRU acting unit leader; and Brian Sloss, CNR associate dean.

Jacob Marty was the student award recipient at the Wisconsin chapter of The Wildlife Society annual meeting the week of March 10. Jacob is a senior majoring in wildlife ecology and will be tentatively graduating in December 2014.

Nate Francois was awarded the best undergraduate presentation at the Wisconsin chapter of The Wildlife Society annual meeting in March. Francois presented his paper,”Observer Discrepancies in Environmental Covariates: let’s agree to disagree.” His research was a product of his Doug Stephens Boone and Crockett Undergraduate Research Fellow project. Francois is currently a junior majoring in wildlife ecology and slated to graduate next May.

Student Highlights

Zach Beard was awarded the Steven Yeo Best Student Paper Award at the Wisconsin chapter of the American Fisheries Society meeting.

Sixteen students from various parts of China spent three weeks living at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station learning about the environment and potential careers.

The partnership leading to the creation of the trip came through a connection with Xiaodong Kuang, assistant professor at Edgewood College in Madison, and Jack Palmer, a retired teacher. Kuang and Palmer worked with Beijing Hope Start Children’s Cultural Development Company which facilitates overseas learning experiences for students from China.

Students attended classes at the Stevens Point Area Senior High School and Saint Peters Middle School.

The students had a non-stop trip consisting of school and tours of Schmeeckle Reserve, Treehaven, the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station, Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Company in Rudolph, Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca, and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association in Custer. The students also visited the paper machine and learned about careers in Paper Science and Engineering from Roland Gong, an assistant professor who is also from China.

Chinese students enjoy a day of snowshoeing at Treehaven during a trip to Wisconsin to learn about the environment and potential careers.

Nathan Francois received the best undergraduate presentation award at the Wildlife Society annual meeting.

Alumni updates

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CNR News

Dawn (Dubats) Pape (MS Environmental Education ’99) recently released her book, A Lawn Chair Gardener’s Guide to a Balanced Life and World. Her book offers a road map for the earth-conscience gardeners who don’t have a lot of time to spend in their yard, but desire to grow functional “nedibles” (native plants + edibles) the entire family can enjoy. Pape’s low-maintenance “Lawn Chair” gardens create habitat, conserve water, reduce the gardener’s carbon footprint, and eliminate the need for chemicals. Pape has a knack for explaining complex topics like organic gardening and companion planting in a very approachable way.

Since graduation, Pape has worked at a nonprofit helping schools develop nature areas on their school grounds and as an environmental education coordinator at a watershed district where she started the Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water® program. She currently runs her own “Lawn Chair Gardener” company, works part-time as a communications specialist for a soil and water conservation district, and still manages to spend several days a week at home with her two young boys, ages one and four.

Last summer Pape was recognized by her city with the Green Community Award for the best management practices she employs in her yard including Shoreview’s first residential rain garden.

John Schreiber (BS Resource Mgt. ’12) started as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Conservation Warden for Eastern Chippewa and northwest Clark County in March. After graduating from UW-Stevens Point, Schreiber worked as a seasonal law enforcement park ranger for the WDNR at Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca and was hired by the DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement Warden Service last year. He completed training at the Law Enforcement Academy at Fort McCoy and field training assignments in Hayward, Trempealeau and Green Bay.

Gregory Blick (BS Forestry Mgt./Urban ’13) was promoted to Urban Forester in the Eastern Urban Forestry Services group of the Davey Resource Group. In this position; Greg will continue developing his site management capabilities for urban forestry projects. Greg joined Davey Resource Group in May 2013 and has been a positive influence in leadership and quality of work. Prior to joining Davey, Blick held an internship with the Society of Municipal Arborists for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Greg is based out of Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Andrew Koeser (BS Urban Forestry ’05) was awarded the $9996 Jack Kimmel International Grant from the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund. The grant will support a project addressing three aspects of risk assessment as part of a larger research program to evaluate the reliability of commonly used risk assessment methods and improve tree risk prediction models.

Dawn (Dubats) Pape, author and Master Gardener, sets out to change the world one yard at a time with her new book, A Lawn Chair Gardener’s Guide to a Balanced Life and World.Photo courtesy of Dawn Pape

John Schreiber is a Conservation Warden for the WDNR.

Andrew Koeser is an assistant professor of land management at the University of Florida.

Not many people can say they have been a restaurant owner, teacher, consultant, wetland scientist, Peace Corps volunteer and a country director, but Steve Paglia (BS Wildlife/Biology ‘92) isn’t your average person. Paglia let fate and a few connections guide him down his winding career path.

His wanderlust started on his first international trip through the CNR European Environmental Studies seminar. After graduation, his newfound love of travel led him to the Peace Corps where he served as an environmental researcher and environmental education officer in Jae Sawn National Park, Thailand. After completing his assignment he returned to the states where he met his future wife, Kanitha Suwannasaran. Paglia and Suwannasaran married and owned the Bangkok Village restaurant in Naperville, Illinois, for nearly six years. During that time Paglia also worked, for John McQuestion (BS Soil Science ‘91) at Soil Solutions, as a senior wetland scientist before taking a position as a science teacher at Fenwick High School in Illinois.

In 2010 the travel bug bit again and Paglia was off to the Philippines to serve as a Mountain Ecosystem Consultant for the University of the Philippines at Los Banos were he conducted a critical analysis of the Conservation and Sustainable Development Master Plan for the Mt. Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystem. He also headed a committee which formulated programs and policies for their new Master Plan. After completing his work in the Philippines, he again headed stateside serving as a National Forest Foundation Summer Program Manager for the U.S. Forest Service and a Science Teacher at North Lawndale College Prep in Chicago before landing his current position as the Thailand Country Director with the Zoological Society of London in August of 2013. In his current role, Paglia is involved with providing leadership and vision. He is currently developing ZSL’s strategic plan for biodiversity conservation/protection in Thailand. He is actively engaged in fundraising, assisting with the media, and maintaining strong working relationships with conservation partners, governmental and intergovernmental agencies, and donors. Steve credits UW-Stevens Point for his wanderlust and giving him the applied knowledge to get things done, a perspective he has fine-tuned over the years. He currently resides in Thailand and Chicago with his wife Kanitha.

Alumni updates (con’t)

Steve Paglia is the Thailand Country Director with the Zoological Society of London.Photo courtesy of the Steve Paglia

Where in the world are our Alumni?We want to highlight the great work you are doing across the nation and world. Share your story with us at www.uwsp.edu/cnr under Alumni and Giving.

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CNR News

Alumni updates (con’t)

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CNR News

Four Alumni and a handful of friends celebrated a landmark birthday with a trip to Utah. Julie Fox (BS Resource Mgt. ‘83), Beth Goeppinger (BS Resource Mgt., Forestry Recreation ‘85), Jill Miorana (BS Resource Mgt. ‘85) and Sharon Torzewski Reichert (BS Resource Mgt. ‘86) visited Sundance, Salt Lake City, and Park City hotspots.

Kyle Lynch (BS Resource Mgt. ’12) accepted a new position as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden for Juneau County. He has been employed with the WDNR for three years working for one year as a ranger at Devil’s Lake and two years stationed in Kewaunee. He and his wife Alyce and their son John enjoy fishing, hunting and camping in their free time.

Brandon Smith (BS Resource Mgt. ’05) began his duties as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources state conservation warden for western Racine and western Kenosha counties in January. He is based at the Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Brighton and will be involved with protecting natural resources and people, enforcing natural resources laws and laws governing

boating, all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile use, educating people on hunting, fishing, ATV and snowmobile safety, and talking to youth groups about careers in natural resource management. He and his wife, Audra, and two children reside in Kansasville.

Fred Viste (BS Forestry Recreation ’08) was named the Whitefish Dunes State Park manager in January. Viste was a seasonal Ranger for Potawatomi State Park and Whitefish Dunes State Parks from 2005 – 2007. He then became a full-time Ranger in 2008 at Peninsula State Park. In 2010 he became the full-time ranger and assistant park manager at Hartman Creek in Waupaca. He worked there until 2014 when he took the new position as park manager at Whitefish Dunes. Viste’s wants to see visitors enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities the park has to offer while maintaining and protecting the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council honored Todd Ernster (BS Urban Forestry ’88) with a Lifetime Achievement Award in February. The council recognized Ernster for his outstanding contributions to urban forestry in Wisconsin. Ernster began his career as an arborist with the city of Stevens Point shortly after graduating

and was hired as the city forester in 2001. As city forester he has worked on many forestry rehabilitation projects and assisted with various organizations such as the Aldo Leopold Audubon Society. Ernster continued the city’s tradition of being named a Tree City USA, now in its 33rd year. The city has also received 13 Tree City USA Growth Awards, which require higher standards.

A Wachtel Tree Science crew consisting of Ryan Rodefer (BS Urban Forestry ‘10), Nathan Schuettpelz (BS Urban Forestry/Forestry Admin. ‘10) and Cody Austin were honored in February by the Tree Care Industry Association for their actions in helping a member of the public. Rodefer, Schuettpelz and Austin assisted a truck driver who had broken his leg during a delivery. The crew members secured the driver’s truck, called emergency personnel, took care of the driver until help arrived, and assisted with getting the driver on the backboard and into the ambulance.

(from left) Ryan Rodefer, Cody Austin and Nathan Schuettpelz were honored for their efforts helping an injured truck driver.

(from left) Sharon Torzewski-Reichert, Beth Goeppinger, Julie Fox, and Jill Miorana show their Pointer Pride at Guardsman Pass in Park City, Utah.

Fred Viste is the new manager at Whitefish Dunes State Park in Door County, Wis.

Students, Alumni and chain saws converged for The Science of Tree FellingLes Werner, associate professor of forestry, partnered with the Stevens Point Country Club and seven professional arborists and loggers to give forestry students real world experience in the science of felling trees. The two and a half-day field course provided practical, hands-on training for students to develop the skill set necessary to effectively and safely fell standing trees.

Each of the professionals, Cary Shepherd, national training specialist at Husqvarna, Paul Ahlen (BS Forestry Management ‘00), John Wayne Farber (BS Forestry Management, Urban ‘10), Aaron Meyer (BS Forestry Management, Urban ‘96), Don

Roppolo (MS Natural Resources ‘99), Aaron Schauer (BS Forestry Management, Urban ‘03), and Michael Stanonik (BS Urban Forestry ‘00), worked with two to three students teaching current methods for felling trees and providing feedback. Students benefitted from the experience in multiple ways. “You learn I think both ways, from cutting and watching people,” said Lewandowski. “I’m learning just as much watching other people fell trees and you can stop and ask questions even if you’re not cutting.” The interactions with professionals also provide an opportunity for students to learn more about career opportunities in forestry.

In memory

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CNR News

Paul J. Peeters (BS Wildlife -Fisheries ‘75) , 61, of Sturgeon Bay, died April 25, 2014, after complications following a lung transplant and long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A celebration of his life was held on May 17, 2014 at the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club.

He was born November 3, 1952, in Neenah, the son of the late Paul M. and Mona E. (Schultz) Peeters. Following his graduation from St. Mary’s High School in 1971 he received his bachelor’s degree at UW-Stevens Point in 1975 and his Masters in Fisheries Biology from South Dakota State in 1978.

He worked for the state of Wisconsin as a fisheries biologist at various locations including Brule, Two Rivers and Sturgeon Bay before retiring in 2010.

Paul was passionate about his career, fishing, and most of all his family. He also enjoyed hunting, photography, skiing, traveling and his dogs. He spent time fishing on Lake Michigan on his boat, the Lorax. He leaves behind his wife, Marcia of Sturgeon Bay; two children, Matthew (Molly) Peeters of Appleton (and their children, Lauren and Hannah), Karen (Josh) Vanderloo of Madison (and their son, Miles); two brothers, Carl (Sharon) Peeters of Niles, Michigan, and Thomas (Dawn) Peeters of Neenah; many close cousins and other extended family. Preceding him in death were his parents and teen brother John.

Paul Peeters (right) was passionate about his career as a fisheries biologist.

UW-Stevens Point students participate in The Science of Tree Felling course with assistance from alumnus Aaron Schauer (BS Forestry Management/Urban ‘03) on the right and Les Werner, associate professor of forestry, in the center.

UW-Stevens Point students participated in The Science of Tree Felling course with assistance from Carey Shepherd (center), a national training specialist with Husqvarna.

Faculty, staff and outreach highlightsThe Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Forestry honored Michael Demchik, professor of forestry, with their Friends of Forestry award. Demchik has worked with DNR forestry programs in central Wisconsin for a number of years, conducting research on state-owned lands and bringing his silviculture students to state lands to work with DNR foresters for hands-on timber marking experience.

Dave Mechenich, Center for Watershed Science and Education (CWSE) data manager, received the Distinguished Service Award from the Wisconsin American Water Resources Association (AWRA) at their annual meeting in March. The award recognizes individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions to enhance the quality of water resources in Wisconsin. Mechenich was instrumental in creating the Wisconsin Well Water Quality Interactive viewer, an educational tool designed to help people understand Wisconsin’s groundwater resources. The viewer is available at www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/watershed.

Eric Anderson, wildlife ecology professor, was appointed to the Natural Areas Preservation

Council by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters. Anderson will join Alumna Victoria Rydberg (MS Natural Resources ‘08) and nine other members. The NAPC advises the Department of Natural Resource’s State Natural Areas Program on issues relating to the establishment, protection and management of the last and best remaining examples of Wisconsin’s native landscapes: its unplowed prairies, intact wetlands, and pristine forests. These special areas contain 81% of our most-threatened bird species and 93 percent of our most-threatened plant species.

The Aquatic Biomonitoring Lab identified Fallceon quilleri (Dodds), a small minnow mayfly, from a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources stream biomonitoring sample. The sample was collected from the Little Platte River in Grant County. It expands the number of Wisconsin’s known mayfly species to 158. The Aquatic Biomonitoring Laboratory is part of the UW-Stevens Point CNR Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit and is run by Jeff Dimick. The lab analyzes hundreds of stream biomonitoring samples from the WDNR and other governmental, tribal and nonprofit agencies each year to assess water quality.

Eric Anderson was appointed to the Natural Areas Preservation Council.

Retirements

Randy Champeau, Associate Dean for Outreach and Extension, retired in April.

Bob Govett, professor of human dimensions of natural resource management, retired in July 2014.

Michael Hansen, professor of fisheries and water resources, retired in July, 2013.

Paul DeLong (BS Forestry Administration ‘85) and Darrell Zastrow (BS Forestry Management ‘82) presented Michael Demchik with the Friends of Forestry Award.

Fallceon quilleri (Dodds), a small mayfly, was identified by the Aquatic Biomonitoring Lab.

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CNR News

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CNR News

Love for the Wisconsin River was in the air during the fourth Wisconsin River Water Quality Improvement Symposium, “Progress Through Partnerships,” hosted at UW-Stevens Point on February 14. The event provided an opportunity for citizens, educators, legislators and representatives from municipalities, industry, stewardship groups and agencies to learn about the Wisconsin River, the monitoring effort currently underway, and the water quality improvement project.

Attendees received updates on water quality conditions and the process for finding the total maximum daily load (the maximum amount of pollutant a body of water can receive while still meeting water quality standards) for the Wisconsin River, its tributaries and reservoirs. They also discussed case studies on the formation and successes of water quality partnerships, obtained topic-specific advice from “Ask an Expert” sessions and participated in networking opportunities.

The symposium is part of the Wisconsin River Water Quality Improvement Project, a collaborative effort between UW-Stevens Point and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to address blue-green algae commonly occurring in many of its flowages. Blue green algae produce toxins harmful to the health of humans, pets, livestock and wildlife. The water quality study aims to identify areas within the basin where phosphorus reductions are necessary to improve conditions in the river and its tributaries by focusing actions to reduce algae blooms and pollution.

Fourth Wisconsin River Water Quality Symposium

(continued from cover) Active locally as well as nationally, Horvath was elected to the Stevens Point City Council in 1975, serving ten years, including a term as City Council President. He also worked tirelessly coordinating organizations such as the National Wildlife Federation, Wildlife Foundation, National Rifle Association and others to work together securing the cooperation of private landowners to open their land for public recreation. Recognizing the biggest obstacles to landowner cooperation were concerns about trespass and liability, he organized a study of the problems producing a model act sent to all states for study and potential passage. During his brief time with the Wisconsin State Assembly, he sponsored legislation using ideas based on his model act to modify trespass and liability considerations. It was the first such legislation in the country. He also participated in a variety of university, state and local organizations including a term as chair of the CNR Advisory Board.

As multiple streams flowing into a river make it stronger, Bill’s work in various channels strengthened his conservation efforts as a whole. His broad, deep knowledge of local conservation issues and problems along with information gained from frequent contact with county-based conservation leaders allowed him to make innovative suggestions regarding the design and conduct of programs carried out by state and national resource agencies.

Horvath’s tireless efforts were commended, with his fellow inductees, Clifford Germaine and Jay Reed, at the WCHF ceremony on May 2. The Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame is housed at Schmeeckle Reserve. Learn more at www.wchf.org. The material for this article was provided by Milo Harpstead, Donald Last and the WCHF.

At the age of six Bill Horvath lost a prized fishing stream spawning his life long commitment to conservation.

Scott Provost (BS Water Resource Mgt. ‘91) answers questions about volunteer water monitoring during the “Ask an Expert” sessions at the fourth Wisconsin River Water Quality Symposium.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointCollege of Natural Resources800 Reserve StreetStevens Point, WI 54481-3897

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The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.This newsletter is printed on environmentally responsible paper.

Alumni ImpactThere are two significant ways you can help us continue to be one of the nation’s leading undergraduate natural resources program.

Make a gift. With decreasing levels of state support, your financial gift can provide the college with the support it needs to continue to produce the excellent graduates for which we are known. You can give online at www.uwsp.edu/givenow. If you would like to mail in a donation, please make checks payable to the “UWSP Foundation - CNR” and send to: UW-Stevens Point Foundation, 2100 Main Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481. If you have questions about giving, please contact Steve Menzel at 715-346-2032 or Steve.Menzel@uwsp.edu.

Share your story. We love to hear from our alumni! Hearing what you have been up to since graduation builds pride among our faculty, staff and students; helps us obtain grants and gifts from other sources; and makes a fun addition to our newsletter. Send your story to cnr@uwsp.edu.

Would you like to receive an electronic newsletter? Contact us at cnr@uwsp.edu